Chapter 113
The mayor led Stephen to the car and headed to the first shelter.
In the car, the mayor asked quietly, “How much money and supplies did you bring this time?”
Stephen smiled. “10 million, and some canned food, tents, and so on.”
The mayor instantly fell silent.
Only 10 million and stuff like canned food and tents? If those supplies were from someone else, the people would be grateful and appreciative. However, they were from Stephen! Whose was responsible for the downfall of Seaside City? It was Stephen! Seaside City would not be in this situation if he had not arrested Howard. His reckless move had caused Seaside City’s GDP to plummet by 1.2 trillion.
With the city crippled, stabilizing it and restoring its infrastructure would cost billions, but he only brought 10 billion. It was the same as injuring someone and only handing over a dollar when the treatment could cost tens of thousands. What was worse was that Stephen’s family was rich, and Stephen himself held a high position.
The mayor had a lot he wanted to say, but in the end, he swallowed his words and reduced them to a sigh. He was struggling to hold it together.
He had witnessed the chaotic past of Seaside City and watched how Ethan and Howard made the city a thriving place. Now, it was all destroyed because of Stephen, yet he held no accountability or faced any punishment.
Stephen frowned when he heard the sigh. “Do you have something to say?”
“Yes. Thank you for your support. The things you brought are exactly what we need right now. Thank you so much,” he said with his head lowered and his face expressionless.
He had made up his mind to resign as soon as he returned. Whoever wanted to take over the hot mess that was Seaside City could do so. He was exhausted.
At that moment, he began to empathize with Ethan. Managing just Seaside City alone was exhausting, much less the whole of Riveria. Yet, what awaited him in the end was not awards but prison.
The mayor finally understood why so many people had left recently. With Riveria falling into Stephen’s hands, it was doomed!
It did not take long before the car stopped, and they arrived at the first shelfer. As the mayor led Stephen out of the car, Stephen noticed everyone standing, seemingly welcoming him.
25 BONUS
Chapter 113
In fact, It was all part of Simon’s orders for everyone to welcome Stephen when he arrived. Everything also had to be spotless–no one could be in beds and the bins had to be empty.
Stephen walked up to the podium, which the mayor had prepared in advance, and cleared his throat at the microphone, making his voice echo throughout the hall. Everyone lifted their heads up weakly to look at him.
At that moment, resentment was bubbling under the surface. The situation at Seaside City had been unstable lately, and they had been living in fear, with little food and rest to go by.
Their homes had been damaged, leaving them with nowhere to stay, crammed together in the shelter with everyone else. Yet, exhausted, they had to welcome Stephen and remain standing until he finished his speech.
The reporters gradually pooled and recorded the entire scene below the podium.
Seeing everyone standing, the viewers were shocked.
“It seems everyone’s doing alright.”
“Yeah, the situation doesn’t seem as bad as I thought. That’s reassuring.”
“It’s clear that everyone is welcoming Stephen.”
“Stephen has really done a good job this time, bringing them money and supplies. How could they not welcome him?”
The people online began to praise Stephen.
At that moment, Stephen began to speak, “Hello, everyone. I’m Stephen Quinn.
He recited the speech Simon prepared for him. It was very well written, and his heartfelt delivery moved the audience in the livestream.
Chapler 114
