Stephen nodded in agreement. They then approved James’s request for a development zone and allocated a large sum of money for it.With the money in hand, James wasted no time and headed straight for the villages.“This land is being turned into a development zone, so you’ll have to relocate. Don’t worry, we won’t move you for nothing. You’ll be compensated.”The price he offered, however, was insultingly low. Houses were priced at 6,000 per square meter, and farmland was 30 thousand per acre. The villages were not having, but James had a solution. Since he was working for the South Regent, that night, a group of thugs entered the village and beat up those who resisted.Frightened, many villagers who initially refused were forced to agree. Still, some reached out to the reporters, hoping to expose the situation, but James had thought ahead.He took action first and arrested a few thugs behind the trouble, claiming they were just drifters looking to cause chaos. As for compensatin
Following the rapid increase in housing prices, some major issues started emerging without Stephen and George noticing. Rent had started becoming more expensive. What used to be 2000 dollars per month increased to 5000 dollars within a few days, with signs of further increase. Many people who had plans to buy houses also noticed that the gap between housing prices and their savings was growing. It was a massive blow, especially to the non-locals who worked there. Half a month later, the housing prices at Celestial City peaked. James immediately sold off the properties he owned for eight million dollars each, raking in five billion dollars. Construction on the food hall had been going smoothly, and work on the development zone was also in full swing.James had started selling booths in the food hall. There were only 2000 booths, so it was quite limited. Due to scarcity, those booths were extremely expensive. Even spots with lower foot traffic cost two million dollars a year, whi
Simon then asked how exactly they managed to boost Celestial City's economy, to which Stephen explained their plan of integrating the food hall with the nearby tourist attractions.After listening, Simon nodded in approval and praised, "Well done. Aqua City's tourism is done for, so developing Celestial City's tourism is a great plan."Building a food hall is also a clever idea. If you have time, check whether Riveria has any traditional delicacies. That could help build your brand identity, boost recognition, and make you big money."It'd be even better if the food could be tied to the legend surrounding Crystal Lake." Stephen immediately took note of Simon's suggestions. Looking into traditional specialties was something he had not thought of. "I got it. I'll look into it later." Simon said with a smile, "Alright then, I’ll leave you to it." After the call, Simon was in a good mood. The issues arising in several cities in Riveria over the past few months had left him quite
"Not bad." Stephen even showed George the story, and George also nodded in approval. With that, the two immediately started promoting the risotto restaurant as a traditional specialty of Celestial City.The restaurant quickly partnered with influencers and online promoters to recommend their risotto online. As people learned about the risotto's backstory, they were deeply moved. "They met and regained their memories because of risotto. I'm in tears! I must try it out!" "It's not far from my place, so I'll check them out first!" "This story is so touching! But that old priest is so wicked for erasing their memories."The risotto restaurant became an overnight sensation. Many people came, attracted by the news, all eager to taste the risotto that was said to have been shared by the priest and the troll. Seeing the demand, the restaurant kept raising the risotto's price until they were fifty dollars a plate, with each plate barely containing any protein. Moreover, the taste
James understood now was the best time for the food hall to generate revenue. Every day, they were raking in millions. If they were to lower the prices or shut down a few stalls, it would upset other businesses and lower their revenue. Everyone knew the vendors were using top-quality ingredients, so most people were willing to put up with the higher prices. After all, James said it himself. Stephen and George had personally checked everything. If those two had signed off, it had to be legitimate. Moreover, Stephen was involved. Who was he? He was the Grand Marshal's mentee and the legend who brought peace to Riveria. Since the businesses could pass through his inspections, there was no doubt everything was above board. Stephen and George watched as the food hall’s profit grew, grinning ear to ear. George said, "This is just the beginning. Once the other businesses get going, we'll earn even more." Stephen nodded. He really wanted to show Ethan how much progress Celestial Cit
"You should get Michael to ask the other villagers about it, and I'll call James over," Stephen said to George.Stephen could not help but feel relieved. Having a partner to work with made things a whole lot easier. If it had just been him, he would have not thought of such a clever solution. While Ethan might have been able to outsmart him before, he had George working with him now. Even if Ethan were to step in, he would have to leave in defeat! Soon, James arrived.Stephen asked sternly, "I just received complaints from the villagers saying that the compensation you gave them was too low, only 6,000 dollars per square meter of housing and 30 thousand dollars per 666 square meters of land. Is that true? James immediately refuted, "Who said that? Such accusations! I gave them 10 thousand dollars per square meter of property and 50 thousand dollars per 666 square meters of land." Stephen narrowed his eyes as he asked, "Is that so?""I swear it’s true!" James answered.Steph
"You're lying! The mayor clearly gave us 6 grand, and we were never a criminal organization," one of the villagers protested."Our children sacrificed their lives to protect Riveria!" another added. "Those weapons were meant to fight our enemies."Having already given his warning, Michael did not want to deal with these people anymore. He spat dismissively, "Just leave. Everyone's busy. Don't act entitled after getting what you were given."Lucas was thunderstruck, unable to believe the outcome. The mayor had taken their village away, and now Stephen Quinn refused to meet them. With this, it meant that they no longer had a place to live.Warm tears rolled down old Lucas’s cheeks. He never imagined that after all the sacrifices their entire village, including his own family, had made for Riveria and Celestial City, this would be their fate."Children, everyone, I've failed you!" Lucas cried out. Then, in full view of everyone, he slammed his head against the wall.Bang!Blood i
Michael panicked. As someone close to George Lowe, he knew very well whether these stories were true or false.If the lies were exposed, it would be a massive blow to the tourism industry around Azure Cloud Mountain and Crystal Lake! It might even affect the food court.He hurriedly called for security to disperse the crowd, then rushed off to find Stephen Quinn and George Lowe."We have a problem!" Michael burst into the office.Stephen and George frowned. For over a month, they had been receiving streams of good news. Celestial City's GDP had recovered to 2 trillion dollars, which was not far from its peak of 2.5 trillion.Hearing "we have a problem" now seemed like bad luck."What's all the fuss about?" Stephen said coldly. "Calm down and explain."Michael was nearly out of breath. "The village chief of those villagers who came seeking justice... He just slammed his head against the wall outside!"Stephen's heart skipped a beat, but then he thought about how these villages u