I bought a prison in the United States.

Ringo finally understood why Hammond's gaze made him uncomfortable.

The key word above the judge's head was clearly visible; even without his abilities, he could see it clearly: [greed].

Hammond is still saying:

"McLean County Court handles about 200 criminal cases each month, and at least 30% of them result in imprisonment."

"Those who could have been given probation, community service, or fined..."

"If the judge is willing to write a few more words in the judgment, they will become your employees, and you may not even need to pay them a salary."

His voice was calm, as if he didn't find these things immoral at all, and he continued:

"In addition, there are some prisoners who have served their full sentences but whose parole applications have been rejected."

"I know people on the parole and commutation committee. They can refuse some prisoners' parole requests and extend their time in prison."

"For every prisoner like this you have, you get one more bed. With just a maximum of two transport trips, I can guarantee that your prison bed occupancy rate will reach over 90%."

Lin Ge's fingers tightened slightly under the table, recalling Roger's words:

"Hamond has a nephew who killed someone in a drunk driving accident. He should have been sentenced to ten years, but Hammond only got three years and was then sent to McLean County."

"Crawford arranged the most comfortable cell, the lightest job for him, and even granted him parole six months early."

This person not only takes money to release people, but also takes money to detain them.

"So, what do I need to give in return?" Lin Ge asked.

Hammond smiled calmly, and his next words came naturally:

"20% of the annual profits from that prison under your name will go to me, but of course, this money won't go directly into my pocket."

Hammond continued:

"You need to register a new correctional company before the end of the month and transfer the ownership and operation of the prison to the company."

"Then this company pays the annual consulting fee to another management consulting firm."

"I am the actual controller of that consulting firm."

He stubbed out the cigar on the table. There was no ashtray, and the cigar head left a small, charred dot on the table.

"This is a legitimate business arrangement; you can save on taxes, and I can receive reasonable business compensation."

"No one will break the law, and no one will leave any evidence against them."

"Of course, I won't keep all of this money."

"A portion will be allocated to people in the county finance department, a portion to certain friends in the state corrections department, and a portion will be used to maintain our relationships in the county council."

"This is an entire ecosystem, Mr. Chen. This is the sincerity you must show if you want to get involved."

After Hammond finished speaking, he looked at him with the eyes of a jackal, as if he was certain that the young Chinese man opposite him would accept the terms.

Anyone who has lived in America for a long time should understand one thing: don't go against capital.

If you want to join them and become part of their capital, then you will inevitably have to pay a price.

If this relationship is to be maintained in the long term, then it will require paying a price in the long term.

Ringo's silence this time was not just about considering whether or not to agree to Hammond's conditions.

He recalled some things he had heard about in his previous life.

The private prison industry peaked in the 1990s, driven not only by the war on drugs and the crackdown on illegal immigration, but also by deeper factors.

Judges take a cut from every judgment they issue.

Correctional institutions profit from every bed they use.

Politicians receive donations from every election.

This is a complete closed loop, with each link operating within the same system and interdependent.

And now, this system is reaching out to McLean in the 1980s.

If he accepted the 20% condition, Lingo did a rough calculation.

Assuming the prison's annual revenue is $250 million, after deducting operating costs and taxes of $170 million, the net profit is $80.

20% is $16.

This money was just pocket change for Hammond, but for Ringo, it was equivalent to one-fifth of his annual profit.

More importantly, this was not a one-off bribe.

This is a permanent shackle.

Once he agrees to these conditions, Hammond will become a de facto shareholder of the prison, giving him a real say in its operation.

For every dollar Lin Ge earns, he has to give two cents to this perpetually insatiable appetite.

Moreover, who knows if there will be a second Hammond or a third Hammond tomorrow?

In his past life, he went bankrupt because his supply chain was cut off.

If he handed over his prison to someone else in this world, the outcome would be the same.

"Judge Hammond."

Lin Ge already had the answer in his heart, and spoke calmly:

"I appreciate your suggestion."

Hammond's eyes narrowed slightly.

But I must refuse.

The air in the reception room suddenly became very quiet.

The sunlight shone on the faded state flag, making even the sunlight seem heavier.

Hammond's expression changed from calm to somber, and his tone became more distant:

"Mr. Chen, you can refuse, but the audit report will truthfully reflect the problems of this prison."

"The facilities are outdated, security is inadequate, and medical resources are insufficient."

"All of this will be written into the report; bed subsidies will be cut, and special funds will be frozen."

He picked up the folder on the table, flipped through it, and then put it down.

"Furthermore, I highly doubt whether those prisoners who could have been sent to you will continue to be sent here."

"After all, judges have discretion in sentencing; they can choose to send prisoners to state prisons rather than small jails."

"If they see a negative audit report, their confidence in the prison will likely be greatly diminished."

His voice was calm, but every word carried real pressure.

"Mr. Chen, think about it carefully, this is a business opportunity."

"In business, no one can make money alone; you need friends."

After he finished speaking, he walked to the door, his hand already on the doorknob, and then turned back.

"I'll give you another week to consider it. The first draft of the audit report will be completed by next Monday. Before that, you can change your mind."

The door closed gently behind him.

Lin Ge sat in the chair, looking at the charred spot from the cigar on the table, his eyes slightly cold.

The audit team left at 2 p.m.

As the county finance bureau chief left, he patted Lin Ge on the shoulder, a hint of helplessness in his expression.

He seemed to already know what had happened, but he neither reminded the other party nor offered any advice; it was not his responsibility.

The young auditor carefully carried a large stack of documents down the stairs.

The man in the dark blue suit and the short, stout man got into the car one after the other and closed the door.

Judge Hammond was the last to leave.

He got into the passenger seat of the dark green Buick, and the door slammed shut with a loud, crisp sound, as if to indicate his displeasure.

The engine started, and the tires rolled over the concrete surface of the parking lot, kicking up a small cloud of dust.