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Chapter 71
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The Guardian's Return Chapter 72
Still, Stephen stayed cautious. He took Danny out to eat and asked him to order, hoping to observe his dining habits. Would Danny go for the expensive cuts or something else? Danny asked, “What would you like to eat, sir?” “Just order what you like.” Stephen grinned, not noticing Danny’s trembling hands while the latter looked at the menu. Moments later, Danny ordered the food. “We’ll have the salad and…” Danny glanced at Stephen before gritting his teeth. “And salmon, please.” An appetizer and a main course for each of them should be enough. Danny put down the menu and asked, “Is that enough for you, sir?” Stephen smiled happily, “Yes, it is. You have the qualities to be the next mayor of North Hill City.” Dumbstruck, Danny asked in surprise, “Are you serious?” Stephen nodded. “Yes, I’m dead serious.” The salad and salmon were one of the cheapest on the menu, and Danny’s thrifty lifestyle impressed Stephen.After the meal, Stephen took Danny to run through the p
The Guardian's Return Chapter 73
Though North Hill City had seen better days financially, the city funds had not run out completely. Danny had many ways to make bank. Once Stephen got home, he left the follow-up of the nature reserve in Danny’s care. He could have handed the file to Danny in North Hill City, but Danny would have been all over him. Hence, he waited until he was back before assigning the project over. Danny would have to resort to calling for any issues, and Stephen had a choice of hanging up on him. All worries left Stephen the moment he issued the document to Danny as he could finally say goodbye to North Hill City. He even gave Simon a call. “I can guarantee no issue with the guy I picked. He’s honest and kind. I personally tested him, and he’s an all-around great. I’m pleased with him.” While listening to Stephen’s comments on Danny, Simon read Danny’s file. “Okay.” He nodded. “You made the right call on him. The guy doesn’t look smart, but we don’t need wise guys in North Hill City.
The Guardian's Return Chapter 74
Danny took a page out of Brandon’s playbook in making money, even taking things one step further. He could profit from factories expanding to North Hill City by inflating the numbers for the relocation of factories. For example, he could claim a relocation grant of 10 million dollars and pocket the remaining nine million after moving one factory.He could also make money smuggling people in. Since business owners favored foreign workers due to their ultra-low wages, the locals would find fewer job opportunities. Then, considering many wished to leave North Hill City to find opportunities elsewhere, Danny could help them get out of the country for a fee. His plan allowed him to reap financial rewards from four separate sources, and his money pot would only grow. Alongside the money from selling properties, he earned two billion dollars in just a few days. The downside would be the growing influx of foreign workers and a drop in the local population. Due to the foreign worker’s
The Guardian's Return Chapter 75
Stephen observed Ethan, noticing the latter’s improved complexion. In fact, Ethan looked like he was doing better than when he was in prison. How did that happen? Stephen was baffled. Ethan was trapped in the mountain with no one to talk to. Despite having internet access, the residence’s settings had been configured to block all forms of communication. Stephen would not want to be in Ethan’s situation, yet Ethan was having the time of his life. Unbeknownst to Stephen, Ethan was pretty much alone when managing Riveria too. Communication only happened when he assigned work. Now that Ethan lived in a remote villa, work was the least of his problems, and that was a huge weight off his shoulders. He now had time to write his novel. Stephen asked, “Don’t you feel bored living here alone?” Ethan smiled, his book still in hand. “Living here is no different than my life in the city.” Riveria faced a turbulent time under the leadership of Stephen, and Ethan had his ways to keep hi
The Guardian's Return Chapter 76
On his way home, Stephen was struck by a thought. Ethan talked about raising North Hill City’s GDP to a trillion dollars in six months. However, he did not mention the GDP before the increase. What if it was 999 billion dollars? Back at home, Stephen shared his doubts with George. “What was North Hill City’s GDP when Ethan took over? I have no idea. Look into it.” Stephen tasked his team to dig up records. He was curious about Ethan’s contribution to the city’s GDP. The information soon came along, and Stephen opened the file, stunned. “What was the GDP?” Curious, George looked over and also found himself taken aback. They both froze in a shell-shocked position for three whole minutes. It was 30 million dollars. North Hill City’s GDP was worth 30 million dollars when Ethan started running Riveria. The number filled Stephen with dread. If Ethan raised North Hill City’s GDP from 30 million dollars to one trillion dollars in just six months, it meant North Hill City prog
The Guardian's Return Chapter 77
Unable to keep to his feet, Stephen fell back on the sofa with a thud, his face pale. George, standing nearby, was also stunned. The loss of 300 billion dollars was a massive hit to North Hill City’s GDP. The GDP started at a trillion dollars, fell to 500 billion dollars, and was reduced to a further 200 billion dollars. The brain drain of locals, the increase of foreign workers, and the eviction of legitimate businesses could only lead to one thing: the city was done for. This time, North Hill City was utterly wrecked. While North Hill City struggled before, six years could have given it new life, but nothing could help North Hill City now. Otherwise, Riveria or the others would have to pour investment into the city to take the foreign workers out, attract businesses and factories, enhance security, keep tabs on inflation, and ensure the well-being of the people. North Hill City would need at least a decade or more to bounce back. Stephen was at a loss, and George found the
The Guardian's Return Chapter 78
Once the meeting was over, Simon gave Stephen a call. “Don’t worry about North Hill City anymore. The state is giving up on North Hill City.” Stephen said nothing. That was the second time they had said that now—No, it was the third time. North Hill City had faced three crises since its heyday, and Stephen was there when each issue occurred. He had the chance to stop it, yet he had no idea. In fact, he was either the direct or indirect cause of those problems. North Hill City’s downfall today was all closely linked to him. Stephen could write an apology letter, play innocent in front of the people, and lie to everybody. However, there was one person he could not fool, and it was himself. North Hill City was destroyed at his hands. “Would he have a way?” Ethan came to mind since the man raised North Hill City’s GDP from 30 million dollars to one trillion dollars in just six months. Even if the record may very well be fake, Stephen was still curious. “I doubt he can do
The Guardian's Return Chapter 79
Lounging in his villa overlooking Seaside City, Howard Green read an article on Ethan. According to the news, Ethan was free and had acquired a house as a gift. However, Howard had not been able to get in touch with Ethan despite multiple attempts. Howard was worried about Ethan’s safety. After all, he would not be where he was today if it were not for Ethan. … Three years ago, Seaside City was a hotbed of conflict as various entities and organizations vied for power. Howard was the leader of one of the entities, and his organization was one of the best in Seaside City, potentially giving Crestwood a run for its money. However, a traitor in the ranks and Crestwood’s aggressive approach of usurping other organizations led to Howard’s defeat against Crestwood. Howard could never forget the day of his downfall. It was raining that day, and he met Ethan for the first time. At the time, the mayor of Crestwood and his people were hunting Howard down. Howard, having sustained
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