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Chapter 163: The Value In Every Opportunity, No Matter How Small It Is.
Lynch had barely settled in for half an hour when an aide of the mayor of Kurland arrived outside his door. After changing into fresh clothes, Lynch had a meeting with him, though "meeting" was perhaps too formal of a term.
"Hello, Mr. Lynch, we welcome you to Kurland. I'm Noah." the aide introduced himself. Noah appeared to be in his mid-thirties, energetic, and quite handsome, exuding a presence that was hard to ignore.
People often said talent and appearance were unrelated, but throughout the federal government, none of the public figures were unattractive. Even the least attractive among them were merely ordinary, far from being deemed "ugly."
From Lynch's perspective, Noah already possessed the demeanor required to potentially succeed as the next leader. At least in terms of presence, Ferrall couldn't quite match with him.
Of course, it was also possible that the local mayor and Noah had already reached an understanding. Whether he was promoted or transferred, Noah might be nominated to succeed the mayor.
While such nominations held little substantive value, as mayors were ultimately elected by citizens, the endorsement of a former mayor could significantly boost a nominee's chances if the current mayor was popular.
This was the best path for people like Noah and Ferrall, without a doubt.
Noah's aura might have stemmed from the certainty of his future, allowing him to display such charisma and authority.
Lynch shook his hand and invited him into the room.
He was staying in one of the best suites at the hotel. Although labeled as a "business suite," there was no real distinction from a presidential suite except perhaps in price and additional amenities like larger meeting rooms, more independent studies, extra bedrooms, or even the services of a butler and secretary, depending on selected options.
What Lynch had was one of the finest rooms in the hotel. While he himself often cared little for such choices, others placed significant importance on them.
Once seated, and after the hotel's staff inquired, a maid brought coffee for both of them.
Noah enthusiastically discussed Kurland's anticipation of the upcoming second-hand goods auction since Lynch's official promotion. "Since you started your official promotion, there's been quite a buzz among our citizens. We're eagerly looking forward to it. If you don't arrive soon, I don't know how I'll calm those folks who are itching to head to Sabin City."
It was clearly a playful remark, but not entirely untrue.
In times of financial difficulty, deeply discounted goods held an irresistible appeal for many families. Some had calculated that even after traveling to Sabin City from Kurland for the auction, purchasing goods, and shipping them back, they could still save money.
The "miracle" of the second-hand goods auction, driven by Sabin City's mayor, had already spread throughout the state and even half the federation. Everyone hoped for such a boon in their own city.
Many within the Progressive Party were also eyeing this policy closely. If proven effective in meeting citizens' needs without adding to their financial burden, similar auctions could spread across the federation.
Of course, these auctions had little to do with Lynch himself, but Sabin City's mayor would continue to reap the political benefits of being the "initiator."
It was even possible that this event would be recorded in history, given its impact on both the era and politics.
Lynch might also be mentioned in passing in lengthy texts as "with the assistance of businessman Lynch..."
Lynch expressed gratitude for the local government's support. Without their backing, securing the venue alone would have been difficult.
In this somewhat naive era, certain sentiments existed, such as the sanctity of a gymnasium. Many people would never visit a gymnasium in their lifetime, let alone participate in sports there, yet they still respected its sanctity.
For many singers, performing in prestigious gymnasiums was a dream come true.
Similar sentiments applied in many other situations. Hence, when the Interstellar Trading Company proposed renting a gymnasium, they were promptly denied to preserve its sacredness, until the local government intervened.
Noah chuckled. "I didn't do much, just made a phone call..." He paused briefly, giving Lynch ample time to interpret the implication behind his words.
It wasn't someone else who had arranged this; it was Noah himself. He subtly took credit by downplaying his role.
After a moment, Noah continued, "May I inquire if there will be any special items at your auction this time? I'm just curious."
His curiosity wasn't about unique items but whether it would create another sensation, particularly the concept of "one-buck apartments in the city center."
Even the Trading Report had devoted a small section to it, highlighting the shock it brought to the world in this era.
If Kurland’s auction had similar items, this auction would definitely be a success.
Lynch nodded. "We've prepared two apartments and two new cars for the auction's second and third phases."
Noah smiled with satisfaction and delved deeper. "I heard from some sources that you plan to split the event into separate businesses: 'trading' and 'auctioning'?"
Lynch glanced at him. Few knew about this plan, but he wasn't concerned.
If two people knew something, one of them would inevitably leak it—either intentionally or unintentionally. Moreover, it wasn't a matter that required secrecy.
He nodded directly. "I intend to split the auction into two separate businesses. The auctioning process will remain unchanged, but the trading process will undergo some changes..."
Noah listened attentively, showing no skepticism toward Lynch's ideas despite his youth.
"I've noticed that every city actually has scattered second-hand trading spots over the years, mostly on sidewalks. Many people wouldn't know where to go if they weren't coincidentally passing by."
He avoided discussing the more detailed aspects, such as how many of these sidewalk vendors were actually selling stolen goods.
Thieves often lacked proper channels to sell their stolen goods, as antique shops would undervalue and potentially threaten them.
True pawnshops weren't interested in such items either, focusing instead on luxury or high-end second-hand goods.
This created an unstable market for second-hand goods, sometimes even leading to legal issues.
"I have an idea to establish a dedicated distribution center for second-hand goods trading," Lynch continued. "It would make management more convenient and centralized. Anyone with a demand for goods but under financial pressure could easily find suitable items at our trading center."
"As providers of space and related services, we would charge a management fee only to those who come to sell their stuff. Meanwhile, we would also engage in buying and selling certain goods, including some recycling efforts."
Noah remained serious throughout Lynch's explanation, nodding in understanding. "So, constructing such a facility would require quite a large area, right?"
Lynch nodded again. "It depends on the demand for second-hand goods in a given area, but generally, it would require tens of thousands of square meters."
"Tens of thousands of square meters" was a broad concept. In reality, dividing it into multiple floors would make it less conspicuous.
Noah was interested in other matters. As Lynch had guessed, he would likely be nominated by the local mayor, who happened to be his uncle. In fact, Noah had been exercising some of the mayor's powers locally for several years and was already known as the "deputy mayor" in many people's eyes. However, he was capable, and people had a positive attitude toward him.
Apart from advancing the policy initiated by Sabin City's mayor, Noah was interested in the practical value of the second-hand goods trading market and the job opportunities that would arise from these properties.
It wasn't just Sabin City; unemployment was a pressing issue nationwide, causing headaches for federal politicians.
Even a "open-air" market covering several tens of thousands of square meters, providing dozens or even hundreds of jobs, would be seen positively by the citizens as a result of the ruler's efforts.
As long as he tried his best, even if the results were not ideal, no one would blame him.
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