Empire of Shadows

”Do you have time...” Lance handed over the signed forms.

Patricia glanced at his signature and murmured softly, ”I’m not sure... this seems so fast. We’ve only just met, and now you’re asking me out...”

Lance chuckled lightly. ”I was referring to wanting to learn more about the registration process.”

Patricia immediately looked embarrassed. In matters of romance, the one who reveals their feelings first is often at a disadvantage. Just as she was floundering for words, Lance saved her from her awkwardness with a deft remark, looking directly into her eyes. ”But I’d also like to take this chance to get to know you better.”

Patricia blushed, covering her face with her hands, her feelings for this young man growing stronger. ”Saturday morning...”

After setting the time and place, Lance left the Commercial Services Bureau.

By now, the building was even more crowded, with people spilling out onto the steps. Lance lit a cigarette at the entrance, his head tilted upward as he exhaled a mixture of good and bad emotions with the smoke, gazing at the sky.

The ship of dreams had set sail; the future was here.

What Lance didn’t know was that a journalist happened to capture this exact moment. The journalist planned to feature the photo in the next day’s business section of Jingang Daily, under the headline: The Young Entrepreneur and the City’s Future. The piece would juxtapose personal ambition with the city’s vitality, showcasing Jingang City’s youthful energy as part of the mayor’s push to attract attention to the city.Perhaps sensing the camera or acting on a hunch, Lance turned to look in the direction of the photographer, who immediately felt self-conscious. The man approached him with his camera in hand.

”Hello, sir. I’m a reporter for Jingang Daily. That shot... it was incredibly striking. I’d like to use it in tomorrow’s paper.”

”If you’re okay with it, I can offer you... two dollars?”

Lance waved it off. ”No charge, friend. In fact, I’d be grateful if you used it.”

He paused before adding, ”Do you have any other interviews lined up? Perhaps we could chat.”

The reporter’s eyes lit up. Nothing made for better material than interviewing the subject of a compelling photo. He quickly pulled out a notepad and pen.

”You’re here to register a business today?”

”That’s right.”

”What made you choose Jingang City for your business?”

Lance thought carefully before replying. ”Jingang isn’t the only city in the Federation with excellent business potential. But here, we have a group of efficient and upright government officials. They’ve installed a high-powered engine in our economy, enabling us to race along the fast track of development.” 𝖗àΝ𝘰ΒÊŝ

”Under the guidance of these managers—and with everyone’s collective effort—I believe Jingang can not only lead the Federation but also the world. I can’t allow myself to miss such an opportunity. It might be the most important one of my life.”

The interview concluded quickly. As the reporter reviewed his notes brimming with material, he couldn’t contain his excitement. Shaking Lance’s hand enthusiastically, he exclaimed, ”Brilliantly said, Lance! This needs no editing; it could go straight into print. Which university did you graduate from?”

He assumed someone capable of such eloquence must have a strong academic background.

Lance smiled. ”I didn’t go to university.”

The reporter was incredulous. ”I can’t believe that. But no matter what, Lance, your words will make for an exceptional article.”

Sensing the man’s enthusiasm, Lance made a suggestion. ”In that case, how about buying me a coffee? And while we’re at it, we should introduce ourselves properly. Lance White.”

The reporter hurriedly capped his pen and shook Lance’s outstretched hand. ”George Smith, Jingang Daily.”

They sat down at a nearby café, where George ordered two cups of coffee at thirty-nine cents each, along with a small tray of pastries—altogether less than a dollar fifty. Despite being the café’s more upscale items, most patrons only opted for the ten or twenty-cent coffees, avoiding pastries entirely.

”Are you from Jingang originally?” George asked after taking a sip of coffee. ”I hear a trace of something in your accent...”

Lance nodded. ”Yes, but there’s a story behind that.”

”As a child, I was sold to another state after an accident. I was just a few years old when they put me to work.”

”Later, when I grew older, they locked me in a small workshop alongside people from all over the world. You know, as long as someone’s willing to pay, there’s always labor to exploit.”

”That’s why my accent is so muddled—it’s something many people notice.”

George nodded sympathetically. ”What a nightmare. And after that?”

”Not long ago, my adoptive father—at least, that’s what they called him—passed away. I left, wandered in search of my real family, and eventually found a match.”

”I met... well, I still find it hard to call them that, but I met Mr. and Mrs. White. We really do look alike.”

”I’ve come home.”

George was astonished. ”Unbelievable. No wonder you speak with such depth. Life has been your greatest teacher!”

”Lance, it’s an honor to know you. Can I include your story in the article? It’s so inspiring. Plus, it fits perfectly with what certain politicians want to see—it might make your path ahead smoother.”

George, fully taken in by Lance’s demeanor and story, wanted to build a more compelling profile of him.

Lance saw no reason to refuse. The Federation was a giant stage for fame and fortune, and both were critical.

”I’d prefer not to dwell on the past, but I’ll admit my adoptive father didn’t leave me disabled or dead. Still, I don’t want those days to haunt me or my family.”

George nodded fervently. ”I understand. I’ll use pseudonyms and alter details about locations and times. Don’t worry—I’m an experienced journalist; I can handle this.”

After providing George with additional material, the two exchanged contact information. George assured Lance to keep an eye on tomorrow’s paper—he would ensure the article stood out.

For Lance, meeting George was an unexpected boon. In an era when information technology was still underdeveloped, newspapers were a primary means for people to learn about the world.

Magazines were too expensive for the working class, and while television offered broader content, most laborers only caught glimpses of shows through shop windows. Radios, though widely used, had time and equipment constraints. But newspapers, costing only five cents, could be read on commutes, buses, subways—or even in the restroom.

By cultivating media relationships, Lance took a crucial step forward, faster than he anticipated. Reporters, the most significant information channel of the time, were far more accessible than one might think.

The next morning, the director of the City Commercial Services Bureau arrived at his office with a box of donuts, only to be interrupted by a call as he sat down.

”Mayor? I haven’t read today’s paper yet...”

”Alright, I’ll check it immediately.”

Puzzled, he asked his assistant to bring in a copy of Jingang Daily.

Opening to the business section, the director found a photo of the bureau’s front entrance, packed with people engaged in quiet chatter. But amidst the bustling crowd, one figure stood out—a young man, holding a cigarette, gazing skyward.

The image exuded an unexplainable charm, as if reminding viewers to occasionally lift their heads and dream.

The article began with statistics detailing Jingang City’s economic growth over the past quarter, year, and decade—tax revenues, business registrations, and economic expansions. These numbers painted a compelling picture of prosperity.

Then came the interview, where the young man repeatedly emphasized teamwork in the city’s success. Yet, to the director’s discerning eye, every statement subtly placed bureaucrats at the forefront of the effort. It was a deft blend of humility and clarity.

After reading, the director felt a surge of pride, as if he could hear the city’s powerful heartbeat. He called in his deputy.

Pointing at Lance’s photo, he asked, ”Is this our guy, or something we arranged?”

The deputy shook his head, clearly unfamiliar. ”This wasn’t arranged by us—it must’ve been spontaneous.”

The director pursed his lips. ”The mayor believes this article perfectly aligns with Jingang City’s image and shifts focus away from recent incidents.”

”Since this wasn’t our doing, fine. But get his application reviewed immediately.”

As the deputy left, the director studied Lance’s youthful face. Somehow, he felt certain their paths would cross again.