Blackstone Code-Chapter 464: A Chance Encounter

Lynch’s loan from Mr. Herbes and his associates was essentially a gamble—some believed they could win, which is why they rushed in.
But in this world, there’s no such thing as a guaranteed win. No matter how likely success seems, there’s always a chance of failure, even if it’s as small as a decimal point far to the right.
After a brief discussion, Mr. Herbes left to negotiate with his peers and friends. In their line of work, it was common to separate personal relationships from business; privately they might be cordial, but once money was involved, they became fierce rivals.
This is typical in financial industries—those who can’t separate emotions from business risk serious trouble. A prime example is insurance and finance salespeople, who often drag their own relatives into deals under the guise of
just business,
showing no remorse. Those who feel guilty tend to leave the industry or sink to the bottom.
Herbes left not long before Lynch gathered himself and took a bus to the port, where he was expecting several investors.
Lynch never believed he could develop the area alone; it required many people’s efforts. That’s why he sent Lime to attend high-end gatherings, acting like a
clown
to promote their cause.
Getting more people involved was Lynch’s goal, and the simplest way to make them cooperative was to have them buy shares in his company.
The Nagaryll Magulana Provincial Railway Construction Company—a mouthful, and now the area had a name—was just one of Lynch’s many companies.
Some companies, like Blackstone Security, Blackstone Investment, and Blackstone Capital, handled straightforward operations. Others existed for specific purposes, like the railway company, which wasn’t actually Lynch’s. Its major shares were held by an obscure private fund that might have some connection to Lynch but was not primarily his.
Lime had a small stake, and the investors Lynch was about to meet were shareholders in that company.
Lime had raised over two million in investments, partly under Lynch’s name, with some additional funds coming after Lynch left.
Daily s about Nagaryll were sent to the Federation, which never ceased monitoring the region. As large-scale construction began and recruitment spread across cities, the influx of workers brought a bustling energy to Nagaryll unlike anything before.
It was like a young woman radiating vitality, drawing everyone near.
Those previously hesitant had approached Lime again and agreed to explore cooperation, coming now for on-site inspections.
Lynch had taught Lime a valuable tactic: to persuade, you must offer tangible proof, not just words. A person who can casually produce a million is far more convincing than one with clean hands but empty pockets.
Bringing investors to see the actual value was better than any speech.
In just a few days, the port had become cleaner and more vibrant—Nagaryll was transforming daily.
Lynch suddenly thought of the posters he had seen before—
Something new, every day
—and considered bringing them to Nagaryll. The hopeful messages fit perfectly with the changes underway.
With more foreigners arriving, bringing investment, development, and consumption, local city officials, including the mayor, were actively improving the environment.
A grand cruise ship slowly docked again, unloading guests from the Federation and around the world. Like the Amellia region, Nagaryll was seen as one of the fastest-growing economic hubs for at least the next six years.
Many had come seeking opportunity—at least there was no war here.
Soon Lynch spotted his expected guests—investors from the Federation—and, unexpectedly, a young starlet named Penny.
“I didn’t expect you’d come to pick me up. Did you see the news? Or have you been following me?” The girl was delighted, throwing herself at Lynch without ceremony.
Not long ago, she had nearly faced inappropriate advances from a top male star in the Federation. While such things happen, no one wants to be preyed upon by an older man.
Fortunately, Lynch helped her discreetly, and she witnessed the power behind his name.
From Sloan to directors to investors, her treatment changed dramatically. Even with uncertainty about her connection to Lynch, people showed her respect—a feeling she’d never experienced before.
It was like those who had looked down on her suddenly recognized her efforts, bringing shock and gratitude.
Her agency and manager’s attitudes improved markedly—such is the influence of wealth.
The couple who had been talking to Lynch stepped back with amused smiles, their expressions curious and understanding.
Lynch apologized briefly, glanced at the girl nuzzling against him while murmuring “You smell good,” and gently pinched her arm. She winced and stepped back.
“I didn’t know you’d come, but you should notice I’m hosting guests.” His gaze grew serious. Compared to the couple’s millions in cash, the girl was less endearing right then.
The husband from the earlier couple was understanding. “It’s fine, Mr. Lynch. We understand—this won’t bother us.”
After thanking them, Lynch told the girl to wait aside. Once he finished with the guests, he waved her over.
Like a playful animal, she bounced over, though still cautious after the pinch on her arm, keeping some distance.
Watching the investors board their bus, Lynch turned back to the girl.
“Sorry for pinching you earlier, but I don’t want to be interrupted while talking to others. I’m willing to be a gentleman if you can be a lady. What do you say?”
The girl wasn’t exactly tuned into his seriousness; she cared more about
next time.
She nodded obediently and poked his arm.
“So now, you won’t pinch me, right?”
“If you don’t bother me, I won’t.”
She immediately snuggled close again, linking her arm through his.
“What a coincidence running into you! I thought you came because you saw the news.”
“News?” Lynch asked casually, though he already knew—the nearby film crew boarding their bus made it clear she was filming.
She nodded. “Yeah, these stories are popular lately. They gave me a script that actually involves you…”
The girl’s recent
involvement
with Lynch was exposed by ers—an accident, really. Sloan had intended to stir up rumors about them to boost the film’s hype by appearing close.
He arranged for some journalist friends to
sneak photos
by the pool, but instead of capturing intimate moments between the two, they only caught seemingly close gestures between Lynch and the girl.
The girl quickly came forward to deny any romance, insisting they were just ordinary friends. Soon after, Fox Studios invited her to audition for the lead female role in the sequel to The Lynch Adventures.
The first film was an unprecedented success, rumored to be in contention for awards like Best Picture, Best Adaptation, Best Screenplay, Best Actor and Actress, and Best Director.
Part of its success was pioneering a fresh style, but much credit also went to the Fox family’s heavy backing.
Fox Studios, eager to capitalize on the momentum, pushed forward the sequel’s production. Naturally, Lynch’s rumored girlfriend Penny was among the invited actresses, and thanks to her strong acting skills, she secured the lead female role.
This time, they were here for on-location filming.