The awards ceremony ended smoothly.In the evening, the villagers gradually moved into the community.Everyone’s noses tingled when they looked at the luxurious and beautiful neighborhood. They never thought that they would one day live in such a place.The families returned to their homes, preparing to celebrate by whipping up a feast.Stephen and George watched from outside.The photographer broadcasted the event live, and the audience in the stream was full of admiration.“They’ve worked hard for all their lives and can finally enjoy some peace.”“Although I’m a bit envious that they can live in such big houses, I know they’ve earned it.”“The community is so lively. It feels like a New Year celebration.”“It really is lively, but has anyone else noticed that no one is inviting George and Stephen in?”“Yeah, even Dr. Rodman was invited in, but why not George and Stephen?”“I can understand George not being invited, but isn’t Stephen the Grand Marshal’s mentee? He’s done s
Stephen and George frowned.The audience was stunned.“It’s such a large truck, but all that’s inside is a paper box?”“Could there be a bomb inside?”“Is someone trying to get revenge on the villagers?”Everyone grew anxious.Stephen shouted, “Everyone, step back! I have a bad feeling about that box.”However, the village chief noticed the truck’s license plate.It was the same one used by his late wife’s food delivery team that many villages including his children had joined!His body began to tremble, and a thought surfaced in his mind.It was a gift.It was a gift from Ethan!Ethan was still alive!In fact, he had been watching over them all this time!The village chief immediately said, “Everyone, don’t be afraid. The box isn’t dangerous. Take it out.”Stephen was displeased. “Are you playing around with the villagers’ safety?”The village chief retorted, “You falsely accused us first, but now you care about our safety?”Stephen was instantly speechless.The vill
The village chief choked up. “He’s been here.”He looked around, trying to find Ethan.Then, he saw a familiar figure standing under a dim streetlight across the road.At that moment, the village chief froze. Tears began streaming down his face uncontrollably.Ethan really was still alive. Furthermore, he had come today!Stephen noticed the village chief’s gaze and followed it. When he saw the figure under the streetlight, his body trembled. He had interacted so many times with Ethan lately that even if Ethan turned to ashes, he would still recognize him.The person under the streetlight was none other than Ethan!He actually appeared here and even brought a gift for the villagers!The village chief wanted to run over, but at that moment, a bus drove by on the road...When the bus passed, the area under the streetlight was already empty.Thud.The village chief suddenly knelt on the ground.“Thank you.”The villagers, George, and the online viewers did not know what happen
The vendor overheard that someone had ordered too much and went over to serve them.“Boss, give us a discount. My boyfriend here is a big shot!”Those words caused the boyfriend to blush.The vendor also laughed.Only Stephen felt as if a knife had been twisted into his heart.“Boss, give us a small discount. My boyfriend is in charge of the whole of Riveria and is a future member of the cabinet!”Snow’s voice seemed to echo in his ears again.Stephen suddenly felt that the food in his hands had lost all flavor.The woman who always believed in him and took pride in him would never be found again.The last time he met her, he did not trust her and even scolded her. In the end, she had still chosen death for his sake.Stephen put down his food and did not wait for the rest of his order to arrive. He stood up, looked up at the night sky, and took a deep breath. “Bill, please.”The vendor was shocked. “Your order isn’t ready yet, sir.”“I don’t want it anymore.”He then walke
Stephen stood frozen in place after hearing everything.No matter how many plans he made, he still failed.Crystal Lake’s pollution was not due to poor rules that he made up or his being deceived. It was because everyone had been left with no choice!Faced with high rent and fewer customers, the businesses had no choice but to cut corners and reduce pollution management.As they cut corners and caused environmental pollution, it drove customers away, leading to fewer and fewer people until no one was left.It was a vicious cycle!Who caused all of this?At its core, it was him!If he had not set the rent so high and used fabricated stories to lure tourists, the food hall would not have ended up in this situation.The food hall was completely ruined! It took less than a month from its opening to the point of having no customers. Billions of dollars went up in smoke just like that.If people were to find out, what would they think of him?How incompetent of him!Thud, thud, t
George thought about it and said, “I think we do. As for how much, we can negotiate with them.”Stephen pondered and felt that George’s idea made sense. “We need to handle the relocation plan ourselves.”He remembered Danny from North Hill City.Back then, a similar situation had happened. He had asked Danny to select the relocation area, only for Danny to embezzle the money and run away. As a result, North Hill City was completely ruined.Stephen asked for a map of Celestial City and studied it with George before finally choosing a location on the outskirts of the city.“Here. Although it’s a bit far from the city center, it’s near the highway and relatively flat.”After careful consideration, Stephen felt that this spot could work and George had no objections.Having chosen the location, they discussed what benefits they could offer the businesses that agreed to stay.Lower taxes? Easier product exportation? Reduced rent?They discussed it for a long time and finally settled
Stephen deeply regretted his decision now.If only he had not abolished the rules Ethan set in place.If only he had not allowed the property prices to soar unchecked.Stephen gulped and asked, “Can we choose another location?”“If it’s not in the city center, then there’s no point talking.”“Are you really the Grand Marshal’s mentee who brought peace to Riveria three years ago? Hmph, it seems you’re not that great at all.”“Just pay us the money.”They did not want to listen to Stephen’s excuses anymore. They did not care about Celestial City or its future. All they cared about was whether they could make money.Celestial City’s economy was now in decline, and many migrant workers were leaving. It would be impossible to attract employees if they were not in the city center.With no reason to stay, the group stood up and left.Even if they could not get back all their money, they still decisively chose to leave without hesitation.Only Stephen and George remained in the meet
At those words, Stephen instantly felt as if his heart had been pierced by a bullet. Whenever he encountered problems, his first instinct was indeed to seek help.George, Ethan, Simon...He always thought that as long as he asked for help, the problems would be easily solved.However, Ethan’s words struck his core like a large bell, waking him up. He could no longer run away from his responsibilities!Stephen paled. His body trembled as he stared at Ethan, his mouth opening and closing several times.In the end, all his words turned into a sigh.“Alas...” He said to George, “Let’s go.”Stephen felt ashamed. He did not have the dignity to stay any longer.He and Ethan were about the same age. However, Ethan was able to manage all of Riveria and control everything.What about him?North Hill City, Seaside City, and Aqua City were ruined in quick succession. Now, Celestial City was also on the brink of collapse.Riveria’s GDP had been 15 trillion dollars and was on track to rea