Chapter 164
Stephen stared at Oliver in surprise. He did not expect such a response from Oliver.
In all their previous interactions, Oliver had always spoken politely. Why was he taking up such a tone with him now?
Oliver’s plan was already complete. He had gotten rid of Snow, legitimately opened factories, and even profited from the sports complex. He no longer needed to pretend to flatter Stephen.
If anything, the only people he should ingratiate himself with now would be those who were as successful as Ethan Rivers; not failures like Stephen who had ruined two cities and doubted the words of his own woman.
“I’ll have someone investigate it right away,” Stephen hurriedly responded.
Stephen had people conduct tests, and the results came back quickly. The factories‘ pollutant emissions were only slightly above the standard permitted.
These levels of emissions would not cause a large number of fish deaths in the river.
Oliver looked at the test results and remarked, “Well, you’ve seen the results yourself. We’re only slightly over the limit. If you want to fine us, I’ll accept it, but don’t accuse us of being severely over the limit.”
When Oliver saw the dead fish in the river, he had anticipated Stephen’s visit, so he had reduced the emissions in advance. However, because they had previously discharged too much, it still resulted in a slight excess.
Nevertheless, being only slightly over was still within Oliver’s plan.
Stephen was confused.
If the pollutants were only slightly over the limit, what could have caused the appearance of this many dead fish?
The river had even turned black!
The mayor standing nearby said, “It must be because there are too many factories. When they all discharge pollutants together, it adds up and affects the water quality.”
Stephen sensed a light bulb go off above him. “So, that’s how it is!”
He suddenly felt a headache coming on.
Originally, he had only wanted to introduce a large number of factories to diversify Aqua City’s economic structure.
Never in his wildest dreams would he have expected said factories to adversely affect Aqua
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Chapter 164
City’s original profitable industries to such an extent.
He took a deep breath and said to Oliver, “Please lower your pollutant emissions a bit more.
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Oliver replied, “We can lower it to the standard value, but any lower would be unreasonable, wouldn’t it? We’re running factories to make money, not for charity. If we have to limit our production every day, will you compensate us for the money we lose?”
Stephen could not believe what he was hearing. Was this really Oliver talking to him?
“You!”
“Let’s not play games anymore,” Oliver cut him off. “If you want us to lower emissions, fine, but you must make up for the money we’ll lose.
“Don’t forget, right now, Aqua City needs a large number of external businesses. If you try to drive us away now, don’t blame us for taking others with us.
“Besides, we know about your relationship with Snow.”
Stephen stumbled back several steps in horror.
From that last sentence, the realization that he had been tricked hit Stephen like a wrecking ball!
Everything Snow said was true. Oliver had been deceiving him and using him, but in the end, he had believed Oliver and scolded Snow instead.
“You’ve been lying to me all along!”
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Stephen’s breathing became rapid. He had trusted someone who wanted to harm him and hurt someone who was trying to save him!
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At this moment, he wanted nothing more than to go back and apologize to Snow.
“It’s not exactly lying,” Oliver said. “You know I’m a businessman. All I want is to maximize my profits.”
Stephen said coldly, “So, you’ve been pretending all along, only showing your true colors today.”
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Oliver sighed and said, “If it were Ethan Rivers, he would have seen through us long ago.” Stephen gritted his teeth.
Ethan Rivers again!
Could he really see through everything?
Stephen thought he was no worse than Ethan now.
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However, Stephen felt the current situation could still be turned around.
“Alright, I’ll strike a deal with you,” Stephen spat out. “I need you to reduce your pollutant emissions for a specified period of time. And during this period, I’ll compensate you for the money you lose.”
Right then, Oliver and the other business owners had a special status. They were both the first batch of new enterprises to settle in Aqua City and created a signal for others to join as well.
If this group were to suddenly face all sorts of restrictions and start to lose money, other businesses would definitely shy away from Aqua City.
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