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Chapter 72
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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
The Guardian's Return Chapter 80
“That’s right.” “I can’t let you do that.” Dennis said, “You can take anyone away but not him. He and his men are obstacles to the development of Crestwood. He hurt and killed many of our people. How can I face my people if I let him go?” “Tell them that I want to take him,” Ethan replied.Dennis fell silent. Then, he hissed through clenched teeth, “I still can’t let you, but I can give you a chance. You might be strong enough to be my rival. If you beat me, I’ll let you take him away.” In the middle of the pouring rain, Ethan stood calm and collected, his expression never wavering as he said, “You’re not qualified to be my nemesis.” Dennis clenched his fists at the statement. Unqualified? Ethan sure was cocky. Dennis had a reputation to uphold as a mayor to thousands of town residents. Ethan continued, “But I can give you three pieces of advice in return for taking him.”Dennis was confused. He had no use for advice. “Here’s the first piece of advice,” Ethan spoke.
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The Guardian's Return Chapter 802
That step was called "forging the heart." The logic was simple: if they could kill someone they loved, what else would they hesitate to do?Yet, even with such brutal training, those assassins failed, and their organizations were eventually destroyed root and branch."If it were me," the South Regent said, "I would ask him: 'Everyone around you, in every city you've been to, has met with misfortune. You had solutions to all these problems, so why did you just stand by and watch it happen?'"He turned to Ethan with a grin. "What do you think of my question, Lord Rivers?""Don't ask such foolish questions during dinner," Ethan replied coolly. "If you want to break him, just have Hugo ask him when he plans to die."The South Regent froze, stunned by the vast difference between his approach and Ethan's. Ethan's question was not just more concise; it was lethal.Hugo was Stephen's greatest weakness. If Hugo were to ask Stephen about his death, the results would be devastating. A blow
The Guardian's Return Chapter 801
Perhaps he would end up coughing up blood and being hospitalized again. Then, all their previous efforts to comfort him would be instantly ruined. On top of it all, those questions would reveal many truths they had desperately tried to conceal.Simon quickly had someone escort the lucky audience member away while ordering others to forge Stephen's spending records. After that, he hurried up on stage himself."I’m sorry. There was a small interruption just now. I know all of you have many questions, so let me explain everything. Stephen is indeed the Grand Marshal's only successor. As for what that person said about the spending records, those were baseless lies. I've gotten someone to retrieve the spending records, which will be published online later.”Simon spoke with conviction. "That person earlier was deliberately trying to sabotage the event."Due to our excellent security measures, they found no way to disrupt the event. And so, they got desperate and started making up lies
The Guardian's Return Chapter 800
The number of viewers in the livestream skyrocketed.Everyone wanted to know if Stephen’s skills really came from the Grand Marshal. Would the Grand Marshal really have trained a student like him?All eyes were on Stephen.Now, it was Stephen’s turn to be silent. He had not expected this question, and he instinctively wanted to lie.However, just as he was about to speak, Ethan’s words from today flashed through his mind.“You don’t even dare to tell the truth. What right do you have to apologize?”Maintaining a lie often meant weaving an even bigger one, over and over, until the truth was inevitably exposed.Should he admit the truth?Stephen hesitated. If he revealed the truth here, everything would end. He would not have to be so exhausted anymore.“What are you waiting for?” Suddenly, Simon’s voice rang in his earpiece, “Hurry up and answer. You are the Grand Marshal’s student. The gala is our only hope. Nothing can go wrong!”Stephen’s heart instantly sank. He wanted to
The Guardian's Return Chapter 799
The celebrity host took the stage, delivered a welcome speech, and introduced the theme of the gala. The host was quite well-known and starred in several hit dramas. The audience below the stage cheered her name.Three minutes later, Simon stepped onto the stage and gave his New Year’s greetings to everyone following the prepared script.Then, the opening performance began!Five major celebrities participated in the first act, combining singing, dancing, and a dazzling light show with fireworks, leaving the audience in awe.Each of the five celebrities took turns singing a few lines one after another, mesmerizing everyone. When they came together for the chorus, the crowd could not help but applaud.As the song neared its end, even more stars and singers joined hand in hand on stage, singing together and igniting the crowd’s atmosphere.The audience stood up in excitement, some even moved to tears.Meanwhile, the viewers in the livestream took screenshots, recorded videos, and s
The Guardian's Return Chapter 798
Avery said faintly, “If you’re done apologizing, you can leave now. We’re about to have lunch. After lunch, we have things to do. We’re not idle like you. We’re very busy.”Those words hit a nerve. Stephen did not want to be idle either.Now, he had no friends left. Everyone kept their distance from him. It was New Year’s, but the only person he could think of who he could talk to was just Ethan.However, Ethan was not like him. He had a happy family, and there were countless things to do as a couple such as going for walks or visiting family and friends...Stephen let out a heavy sigh.“I see.” His voice was soft. “Sorry for disturbing you.”Then, he turned and left. When he walked out of the villa, the cold mountain breeze cleared his mind a little.Stephen let out another sigh, then took out a bouquet from his car and slowly walked to the summit. He wanted to go to the place where Lily died to give her a bouquet of roses and tell her that he missed her.Not long after he lef
The Guardian's Return Chapter 797
The next day at noon, Stephen gathered enough courage to go back up the mountain.He was scared now.He was scared of seeing Ethan with a happy family while he himself was a lonely, pitiful man. The comparison would make him feel so miserable that he would not even be able to lift his head.At the same time, he was also afraid of missing this perfect opportunity to apologize to Ethan on New Year’s Day.Stephen arrived at the villa again. Holding a gift in hand, he took a deep breath and slowly walked in. He saw Ethan in the living room and quickly greeted, “Ethan, Happy New Year. I brought you a gift. Please accept it.”Ethan looked at him calmly. “There’s still a gala in Breeze City tonight, and you’re an important guest. Do you have time to run around like this?”Stephen smiled wryly and gently placed the gift on the table. “I’m not interested in that gala.”He knew what the purpose of the gala was. It was just to stimulate Breeze City’s economy. However, that was not a long-t
The Guardian's Return Chapter 796
Stephen immediately opened his eyes, but there was no one beside him.“Stephen, I wish you an early happy birthday too!” Lily’s voice rang out from his other side.Stephen turned his head and saw Lily lying beside him, smiling sweetly.Then, he looked toward where Snow’s voice had come from. Snow was also lying beside him, looking at him with gentle eyes.Stephen knew in his heart that it was just an illusion.“Aren’t you making a wish?”“What’s your wish?”Stephen closed his eyes again. At that moment, a thousand thoughts rushed through his mind.Who was he?He was the heir of the Quinns. From the moment he was born, he held a position that countless people envied.However, out of a million possible paths, not one was truly his own.He could not be with his loved ones. He could not achieve success overnight. He was not admired by all or surrounded by family and friends.Stephen thought that at least one of those fates belonged to him and her.However, their final meeting
The Guardian's Return Chapter 795
Stephen would be lighting the first segment, and Simon would light the final one.As the celebrities arrived, the riverside became even more lively. People called out their favorite celebrity’s names or nicknames.Seeing this, Stephen felt emotional. If he had not made mistakes, perhaps these people would be calling his name too.When it was nearly midnight, Simon approached Stephen and said, “It’s about time. Get ready to light the fireworks.”He pulled Stephen over to the spot where the fireworks he was responsible for were, and a staff member handed him a torch.“When the countdown ends, use the torch to ignite the fuse, then run and pass the torch to the next person, who will continue lighting the fireworks.“Good luck,” Simon encouraged him. “You can do it!”Stephen took the torch and sighed inwardly. He felt like this whole thing was meaningless. However, when the countdown began, he started to feel a little nervous.“Ten! Nine!”Stephen instinctively tightened his grip
The Guardian's Return Chapter 794
After Simon’s livestream, everyone felt slightly more reassured about Breeze City’s situation.“If he dares to guarantee this, he must have prepared thoroughly.”“It should be safe to attend the gala, right?”“My favorite celebrity will be there, and right now, Breeze City has 40% off train fares, 20% off flight tickets, and 50% off tour packages. It’s so tempting.”Simon placed all his hopes on this gala. He was willing to pour money into it to ensure its success.The event venue was fully set up three days before the new year. The tickets were completely sold out, and the city’s visitor count was now dozens of times higher than before!Breeze City’s declining economy finally showed signs of rising!Simon’s eyes nearly welled up when he saw the financial reports.Two days before the gala, the celebrities attending the event started arriving and followed Simon’s instructions to interact with fans so that more tourists would be attracted to come and spend.Even some celebrities
