Otaku Translation: Blackstone Code Chapter 96

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Child labor posed a grave concern within the Baylor Federation. In response, the federation implemented child protection laws, prohibiting the engagement of individuals under fourteen in labor. Moreover, specific physically demanding roles, particularly those involving hazardous materials, were off-limits for individuals below the age of eighteen.

Those newsboys appeared to be around twelve to fourteen years old, essentially falling into the category of illegal child labor.

To bypass the protection laws, their previous form of employment was to be sent from the orphanage to stay at News Head's place as boarders, not child workers. In return, News Heads would provide some financial compensation to the orphanages.

Many were aware of these practices, but few were willing to expose these societal issues, and as long as these issues remained hidden, both the users of child labor and the orphanages could continue benefiting from their mutual connections.

Despite the hardships that defined the children's lives, they were laying the foundation for their future. Given that they would depart the orphanage around the age of sixteen, it became crucial to immerse them in society early and impart practical life skills.

However, once these issues were exposed, the entire illegal child labor industry would come to a halt. The first to collapse would be the major orphanages. If their finances crumbled due to the exposure, a large number of children would be left unattended and uncared for, and eventually, the local municipal government would have to clean up the mess.

Sometimes, society turning a blind eye to certain issues was not due to inaction but because the current approach was deemed the best option.

But Lynch and News Heads were different. People could tolerate News Heads using child labor, but they wouldn't tolerate a "big capitalist" doing the same. This was probably because, in the eyes of the majority, News Heads weren't doing as well as an ordinary person, while a capitalist's life was considered superior.

People would instinctively sympathise with groups weaker than themselves and, at the same time, harbored resentment toward more powerful groups. While they previously had limited ways to advocate for themselves, now they could at least voice their version of justice through the media.

From this emerged two issues. The first issue was Lynch's illegal use of child labor. As long as no one reported him, he wouldn't face any problems. However, if someone did report the illegal use of child labor, he might encounter complex legal troubles. Such lawsuits would not only take a considerable amount of time but also generate significant negative repercussions in society.

Undoubtedly, as he expanded at an accelerating pace, more and more forces would turn their attention toward him and scrutinize him. Some would be from spontaneous actions by civilians, such as zealous journalists driven by a sense of justice. Some would come from competitors, as in this world, there was no one who wished for their demise more than their competitors. Some scrutiny would also come from various federal government departments as Lynch was now a public figure, and there would be attempts to find faults in him.

The second issue arose from the fact that those children lacked the necessary qualifications for employment; paradoxically, they still managed to contribute to actual profits. In such a scenario, how should Lynch handle their salaries? Giving them wages could solidify the accusation of illegal child labor, yet withholding payment would also raise suspicions even if it was meticulously documented in the books.

Because the foundation of this employment relationship itself was flawed and problematic, no amount of concealment could change the nature of the matter. However, adopting these children would make a difference. Lynch could pay taxes for them and then distribute the money to the children in the form of pocket money. Even if accused of exploiting child labor, he wouldn't be afraid.

He only permitted fourteen-year-old children to undertake tasks like distributing flyers or gathering information, which were considered acceptable types of jobs. Younger individuals could either return to school for education or participate in behind-the-scenes tasks. As long as they avoided drawing attention, there shouldn't be any problems.

Considering various factors, he also needed a team of his own. Adopting these children seemed to be a strategic move. In three to five years, they could become his most crucial support.

When Lynch came out of the VIP room, he unexpectedly glanced at Wood sitting in the distance. He had a good impression of Wood, a young man with good luck; the individuals he brought frequently bid at the auction today, providing him with a significant advantage.

If not for the two hundred seats assigned to the newsboys clearly outnumbering those of Richard and Wood, Wood would've undoubtedly been the winner today, with Richard in second.

Lynch had a good impression of Wood—a young man who could endure unfair treatment. Such a trait wasn't unusual in middle-aged or elderly individuals, as they had moved beyond the impetuousness of youth. However, it was exceptionally rare in younger people.

At an age when many would question authority and prioritise self-worth, Wood managed to remain composed. Lynch believed that, as long as he stayed on course, Wood would undoubtedly become a significant figure in the future.

Seeing Wood sitting alone without much involvement, Lynch thought he might be too green. As his boss, he felt obligated to make his employee happy whenever possible. So, he picked up the microphone, pointed at Wood, and waved a stack of bills.

The sound of the bills swaying in the air attracted many people. Lynch, with a half-smile, said, "Whoever can make him happy, the money in my hand is theirs!"

The eyes of the girls without male companions around them suddenly lit up. In Lynch's hands were bills, all in denominations of twenty bucks, at least a few hundred or even over a thousand in total. This was much more than the commission their company provided them for their work, and it was an "extra" personal income.

Immediately, some girls enthusiastically rushed over. Lynch sat on a chair at the edge of the stage, smiling as he watched Wood deal with the girls, a mix of awkwardness, helplessness, and resignation evident in his expressions.

In less than a minute, with a tearing sound, his sleeve was torn apart. After a brief pause, the girls no longer held back; soon, Lynch was laughing as he watched Wood cry out for help. Eventually, his cries gradually faded away, completely blending into the atmosphere.

When it was time to work hard, one should give it their all; when it was time to relax, one should do so wholeheartedly. Only by fully enjoying oneself could one refocus all their energy into their work.

An hour later, whether it was Lynch's subordinates or the girls sent by the talent agency, everyone was sprawled out, exhausted.

Money, alcohol, and joy – these most stimulating elements for humans were supplied limitlessly tonight. Except for Lynch, everyone else was drained.

He had the front desk call the talent agency, and soon enough, personnel from the talent agency appeared on the scene. After Lynch settled the payment, the agency staff, like handling corpses, placed those girls on a cart and sequentially escorted them outside.

Such talent agencies were widespread in the federation, offering not escort services but performance services. What happened during the performance was considered personal conduct, unrelated to the company.

Federal laws sometimes seemed absurd, prohibiting solicitation on one hand while allowing people to exploit legal loopholes.

Observing the scattered young men on the floor, Lynch left the small conference hall. The staff would wake them up at nine the next morning.

Standing outside the door, he took one last look at the chaotic scene inside before reaching to close the door. As the door slowly closed, the light gradually vanished through the narrowing gap, plunging the room into complete darkness.

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