Blackstone Code

Chapter 184:

When it came to shamelessness and cunning, no one could match a nation.

Once the President and his advisory team decided to sacrifice the interests of ordinary people, nothing could change that decision. It was a hasty one, revealing the imperfections of the Baylor Federation.

The economic and financial development of this country had long been distorted. It wasn't an indestructible skyscraper but one precariously balanced on a dangerous tightrope, ready to collapse at the slightest mishap.

Many middle-class citizens were trapped by their heavy investments in bonds. Despite the government's attempts to scapegoat a few individuals, no substantial solutions were found, escalating the tensions further.

On October 9th, an article titled "We Are Isolated and Helpless" emerged, criticizing the administration's erroneous decisions, particularly the isolationist policy—the most disastrous in history. The article unveiled all hidden conflicts within the Federation and used the unredeemed bonds as a starting point to describe the country's dire situation in the international community.

As the title suggested, the Baylor Federation was isolated internationally. The seemingly strong government had no means to counter obvious rogue behavior, resorting only to sacrificing its citizens.

According to the article, the Baylor Federation was on the brink of collapse, with intensifying class conflicts, social discord, capitalist and political frictions, and issues in education and healthcare. It was like a leaky ship about to sink.

The day after the article was published, the Federal Industrial Index experienced its first major plunge in seven years, dropping over 5% within a morning.

The report revealed the harsh reality people had tried to hide. It exacerbated the outflow of foreign capital. International speculative funds realized the federation's golden age had ended, and staying meant sinking with it.

These unaligned international funds left without hesitation, causing unusual fluctuations in the stock market. On October 11th, the Federal Industrial Index rebounded, and most media outlets provided optimistic summaries.

They claimed the October 9th plunge was merely a technical adjustment, a step back to climb higher. Some experts even used a spring to explain why the drop would lead to greater gains.

For a few days, the stock market seemed stable, just as experts predicted, but brokers and financial companies quietly withdrew. The unusually high trading volume was mistaken for a new market surge, masking a looming crisis.

Even in reality, changes were visible. Housing prices in major cities began to drop, long-term installment payments were supported, and banks tightened mortgage loans.

Everything seemed to improve, but as confusion grew, the end of October brought another historic single-day drop of 9% in the Federal Industrial Index.

This time, no one called it a "technical adjustment."

On the last Saturday of October, Lynch woke up and read the newspaper at the dining table. The usually colorful paper looked like a relic from a century ago, printed in black and white. The headline of "Trading Report" read only one word: "Disaster."

In one day, billions of bucks evaporated from the market. Stock exchanges were overcrowded, and even the bond rights groups couldn't muster attention anymore.

People discussed stocks, as two crashes within a month were unprecedented, especially the last one, which wiped out a third or even half the value of some stocks.

This kind of crash was no longer just a technical adjustment; it was not about adjusting parameters or prices—it was about human lives.

An unstoppable panic quickly spread. Almost all financial newspapers adopted a black-and-white theme, as if mourning.

Reporting such grim news didn't help the market; it burst the bubble.

Once panic selling started, it was hard to stop without state intervention. But the government lacked the resources to bail out the market.

Even if they could, they wouldn't do it. If the Conservative Party caused the federal government to go bankrupt, they would surely become a laughingstock in history—the first party and their president to bankrupt the federal government.

Just the thought of it would send shivers down one's spine. So rather than becoming a joke, they chose indifference.

Looking at this news, Lynch appeared very calm and composed. He hadn't been exposed to these things for a while, but he was still well aware that they were destined to collapse. External forces were just one part of the reason; there were also many internal issues within the Federation itself.

Of course, the most fatal issue was the isolation policy promoted by the Conservative government, which directly blocked international trade. History showed that major powers, including the Baylor Federation, rose during the Age of Exploration, which didn't embrace isolationism.

Any country that practiced isolationism only grew weaker, while those that actively engaged with the international community and continuously expanded and plundered became increasingly stronger.

Little did anyone expect that over a hundred years later, under the leadership of the Conservative Party, a group of war-fearing softies would actually turn back the clock on history. It was truly ironic, a colossal irony—the descendants of adventurous sailors now afraid to engage with the outside world.

However, that couldn't be entirely considered a bad thing. At least that disaster woke up the Baylor Federation, making certain things easier to handle afterward.

While Lynch was enjoying his breakfast, Ferrall arrived hastily. As Lynch expected, he had come to discuss financial market matters, recognizing Lynch's expertise and expecting mature insights—exactly the impression Lynch typically left on people.

"Please get Mr. Ferrall some breakfast as well..." After Ferrall explained his purpose, Lynch instructed the maid to prepare another breakfast while he folded the newspaper and set it aside. "These things don't actually concern us much."

His first words set the tone. "Sabin City has only two listed companies. One has delisted, and the other would soon collapse even without the stock crash."

"The real impact will be on those heavily invested in the stock market, who will lose everything. If they used credit loans, it would be worse. But these people are a minority."

Ferrall, worried, said, "If most residents go bankrupt, even with government aid, we won't be able to meet the city's needs."

Lynch smiled. "You're overcomplicating it. When people are desperate enough, their only need is survival."

"Whether they lived in mansions or drove luxury cars, after bankruptcy, they'll line up for food aid like everyone else. You'll only need to issue more food stamps and add some more flour to relief food."

He paused briefly before continuing, "In fact, I believe that when you find it difficult to afford, transforming solid foods into liquid forms can meet more food demands without increasing cost."

"And besides, hunger will contribute to the relative stability of the lower classes."

When people were too hungry to have the energy to do bad things, public order would naturally stabilizes. So, in that sense, it was not entirely wrong.

Ferrall chuckled wryly and shook his head. He didn't know what to say. Sometimes Lynch's calm and rational words didn't seem like something a young person should say, but at the same time, he couldn't deny that Lynch was right.

When external conditions didn't allow, people's demands would reduce to just "surviving" — as simple as that.

As the maid brought a sumptuous breakfast, Ferrall thanked her and started eating. After a few bites, Lynch suddenly asked, "That ‘We Are Isolated and Helpless' article came from within the Progressive Party, didn't it?"

Ferrall's dining abruptly paused, then he chuckled, saying, "Of course not, we wouldn't do such a foolish thing. It wouldn't be good for anyone."

Lynch smiled, meeting Ferrall's eyes. Ferrall gradually felt uneasy under Lynch's steady and confident gaze, losing his appetite.Please vote for this novel at /series/blackstone-code/There are advance chapters available nowAccess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link

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