Chapter 85:
"Your auction event cannot be held as scheduled..." When Lin Qi heard this sentence, he couldn't help but recall some TV dramas from his previous life. In those shows, the concluding line of the episode that aired the day before never aligned with the content in the recap of the next day's episode. It felt awkward, akin to a cow with a horse's facea severe lack of coordination. His TV series shouldn't be like this; it wasn't part of the script.
Of course, he didn't erupt in anger. Instead, he calmly looked at the person across the office desk, maintaining his work-oriented attitude with a smile. "Mr. Ferrall, can you tell me why my auction cannot proceed as planned?"
He repeated, "Why can't my auction event be held on time? Perhaps we can find a solution."
Ferrall looked at Lin Qi with a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. He had expected Lin Qi to get angry, curse at him, or even come at him with clenched fists. He was prepared for all that. However, Lin Qi did none of that. He sat behind his desk, calmly discussing solutions, presenting an aura of reliability. Even if one didn't like him, one wouldn't dislike him too much.
Ferrall nodded, "That's why I'm here. According to the laws of this state and city regulations, organizing gatherings of fifty or more people in public places requires advance application to the Social Services Bureau, Mr. Lin Qi. It seems you have forgotten..." He sighed and put on a regretful expression, his mouth downturned.
Although it should have been an expression of displeasure, everyone, especially Lin Qi, could feel that he was actually smiling. This was his inner expression, revealing the strange nature of humans.
Seeing the "smile" on Ferrall's face, Lin Qi knew that the situation was not so troublesome. "I indeed was not aware of such regulations. I thought only parades and demonstrations required prior application."
"Gatherings too." Ferrall added, then raised his wrist and glanced at his watch. "The Social Services Bureau closes in less than an hour, but this kind of application requires at least a week in advance. Your auction event is scheduled for tomorrow. It's too late."
Lin Qi pursed his lips, pondered for a moment. He suddenly asked an unrelated question, "Mr. Ferrall, as you can see, my company, including myself, lacks sufficient understanding of some common-sense matters..."
Ferrall nodded; although this might not be considered common sense, it wasn't obscure knowledge either.
The mores of the Baylor Federation were relatively free, at least according to the federal government. Everyone had the right to organize gatherings, and many people had indeed organized such activities. However, some remained unclear about these matters.
Laws and regulations varied from region to region. For example, in some places, one couldn't make a splashing sound when urinating, or one couldn't sing while bathing, and if someone reported it, they could be arrested.
In some places, one had to whistle while urinating outside to remind others that someone was excreting to avoid misunderstandings. If one didn't whistle while urinating, they could be arrested...
Different regions with different laws and regulations were enough to make most federal citizens dizzy. What was acceptable in one place might lead to arrest in another place.
At times, individuals became aware of the uncertainty surrounding these matters. Some would turn to the Social Services Bureau for guidance, but its service was less satisfactory. Consequently, more people opted to consult lawyers.
Earning money with "common sense" referred to some low-end law firms. They often didn't need to appear in court but helped employers solve daily problems.
Lin Qi smiled slightly, "Thank you for reminding me, Mr. Ferrall. This saved me from a lot of trouble. But I have a proposal, I don't know if you're interested."
Ferrall showed some curiosity. Honestly, from the moment he entered the room until now, the initiative had been firmly in the hands of this young man.
In Ferrall's predictions before coming, regardless of Lin Qi's reactionwhether anger, or any other responsethe initiative would be transferred instantly, allowing him to firmly grasp control of the conversation's direction and rhythm.
The plan was perfect, just like Lin Qi's plan, but there was a slight unexpected twist. Lin Qi didn't get angry, nor did he erupt. He calmly acted not like a party involved. Simultaneously, he retained control and attempted to dominate the conversation.
Ferrall's attitude towards Lin Qi had also undergone some changes. He could look down on a young man without much sophistication because he could easily manipulate such individuals. However, he couldn't look down on an efficient and intelligent person with execution capabilities. Who knew when the other party would place a stone in their hands and hit him with it?
"Please go on..." Ferrall not only corrected his attitude but also adjusted his sitting posture to show respect for Lin Qi.
Lin Qi smiled again, "Your arrival made me realize that I need an consultantsomeone who can help me at work, find mistakes and omissions I haven't noticed, and assist me in handling details."
He opened his hands, "As you may know, my career has just begun, and I don't know many people in Sabin City yet. However, God is kind..."
Ferrall frowned; he had already realized what Lin Qi was about to say. Lin Qi then voiced the thought Ferrall had guessed, "If you don't mind, Mr. Ferrall, I hope to occupy some of your spare time, hire you as my consultant. Of course, I will offer a reasonable salary for this."
Lin Qi took out a checkbook, grabbed a fine pen, and wrote down a figure on the checkbook. He then tore the check off and pushed it forward with his index finger. "This is your salary for this month," he added, "after taxes. I'll have the accountant take care of the tax for you."
Ordinary people, even if they wanted to refuse at this point, would still pick up the check to see how much was written. It was not because they were greedy, but they were curious.
They were curious about how much they were worth in the eyes of others. It was a reference to their specific value in society. In the future, when bragging, this could also be a topic of conversation: "So-and-so once offered to pay me xxx amount of money, but I still didn't help him." This could be highly effective in boosting their own value.
After reading, they would put the check down to show that they were not the person the other imagined.
Ferrall casually picked up the check and glanced at it, his brows furrowed tightly. Five thousand bucks a month, it was not a small sum.
As the mayor's entourage in the city hall, apart from the documented monthly salary of five hundred bucks, the total amount he received every month was just over a thousand bucks.
He placed the check back on the table, sounding a bit troubled, "What do you mean by this?"
Lin Qi shrugged, "I think I've made it very clear just now. I lack understanding in some legal matters and procedures related to the government. As far as I know, being an entourage is not an official position in Sabin City Hall. Our transaction is not an unethical one, and I don't need your assistance in anything illegal."Please vote for this novel at /series/blackstone-code/
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