Chapter 243
Chapter 243
Stephen said, “It’ll take too long. Celestial City is a financial hub. If these businesses leave, it’ll lose at least a third of its GDP.”
Celestial City originally had a GDP of 2.5 trillion, but they gave 350 billion dollars to the South Regent as ransom. Then, a few companies left, and they lost another 150 billion. Now, only 2 trillion dollars remained.
If more companies left, and the GDP dropped by another third, it would bring it down to 1.4 trillion, nearly half of what it started with. Once the ball started rolling, even more companies could lose confidence and follow suit. The chain reaction would destroy Celestial City’s economy.
“The loss in GDP is the least of my concerns, but what happens to me is the real issue.” Stephen’s voice trembled.
The more he thought about it on the way there, the more frightened he became.
The Grand Marshal had fought and sacrificed so much, and being his mentee meant shouldering a huge burden. However, here was the kicker–Stephen was not his real mentee and had not learned anything from the Grand Marshal!
Not only did Stephen not benefit from the mentorship, but he was now stuck with all the responsibility as well. It was a terrible deal. He was losing out big time. Meanwhile, Ethan was probably laughing himself to sleep every night!
George looked puzzled. “What are you on about? You’re a Quinn. Who could mess with you?”
Stephen shot a glare at George. Becoming the Grand Marshal’s mentee was George’s terrible idea. Now, he was furious at George.
“Yes, I’m a Quinn, but I’m also the mentee of the Grand Marshal now.”
George said, “Isn’t that a good thing?”
“Good?” Stephen said coldly, “Didn’t you hear what General Kenning said during the live interview? After the Grand Marshal passed away, his mentee would bring order to chaos inside and outside Riveria.
“Now, as the Grand Marshal’s mentee, what happens if I fail to keep Celestial City stable? If people start linking this to the failures in North Hill City, Seaside City, and Aqua City, what do you think will happen to me?”
George gasped, finally understanding how serious the situation was.
As the Grand Marshal’s mentee, Stephen could not afford to fail. After all, he was the man who had once singlehandedly faced off against all the enemies and never lost. How could
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Chapter 243
he fail to manage a small city like Celestial City?
Cold sweat broke out on George’s forehead.
“Did I get you into trouble?”
“What do you think?” Stephen gritted his teeth. “You could’ve picked anyone, but why me?”
George said awkwardly, “You were the first person that came to mind. I figured naming you the Grand Marshal’s mentee would get you off the public spotlight and also throw Ethan under the bus. It was killing two birds with one stone.”
Stephen looked up at the sky and sighed.
“It backfired. Now, I’m under even more scrutiny, while Ethan living stress–free. You ruined me and gave him a break, so I guess that counts as killing two birds with one stone.”
Ashamed, George asked. “What should we do now? The companies are determined to leave. I can’t stop them.”
Stephen asked, “What about Richard? Is he leaving too?”
George nodded. He tried to persuade Richard, but the guy insisted he was too shaken and had to go.
“I’ll talk to him.”
Stephen was not about to let Richard slip away. After all, he had paid 350 billion to save him! If Richard left just like that, all the money would go down the drain.
Stephen soon found Richard and asked, “Are you really leaving?”
Richard nodded. Since coming back, he had dismissed all his girlfriends and kept his bodyguards with him at all times.
“Then sign the contract before you go,” Stephen said bluntly. “We paid 350 billion to save you!”
Richard replied, “That was your own choice. Besides, it was your poor security that led to my kidnapping in the first place. You’re the one at fault!”
