Chapter 253
George said, “Celestial City’s economy is still declining. If a little pollution can help the economy to recover, I don’t think it’s a big issue.”
Those words tempted Stephen. After all, the most pressing concern right now was indeed the economy!
Despite that, he still decided to consult a professional and asked if building a food hall at the base of the mountain would cause any pollution. If it would, would it affect the mountain?
“There won’t be any pollution,” the professional assured. “Food halls are completely safe. They won’t cause any pollution to the environment.”
Only then did Stephen relax completely. He tipped the man handsomely and sent him on his way.
Outside, the man got into a car.
“How did it go?” James asked from beside him.
“I told him exactly what you wanted. He’s convinced that building the food hall won’t cause any pollution.”
“Excellent.” James smiled in satisfaction.
In fact, he knew very well that the food hall would cause pollution. Things like cooking fumes and wastewater would certainly harm the environment. However, once the food hall was built, each unit could be sold for millions, if not tens of millions! Then, earning billion: would be no problem.
Still, that was not his final goal. He planned to use the food hall to attract businesses into establishing a development zone around Azure Cloud Mountain. That way, he would earn another fortune!
If they built the development zone over the nearby villages, the villagers would need to be compensated for the relocation, and he could take a cut from a portion of the funds. It would be an endless stream of money!
By the time the people’s livelihoods were affected, the environmental pollution out of control, and the development zone collapsed, he would be long gone with tens of billions in his pockets!
Stephen held a meeting to ask for everyone’s opinion on building the food hall.
James stood up and declared, “We must build this food court! There won’t be any
pollution, and it’ll attract tourists and boost the economy. More importantly, it’ll serve as way to bring in new investment!
Chapter 25*
“With so many well known restaurants across the country, if they set up shop in the food hall, the profits would be tremendous. The arrival of successful businesses will easily make up for the loss of those who left. Not to mention, it’ll attract even more companies to invest.
“By then, Celestial City’s GDP will not only recover but might even reach new heights!”
Those words moved Stephen.
The economy was his top priority now. As long as Celestial City’s economy recovered, Riveria’s economy would rise along with it. The day he kicked Ethan down and joined the cabinet was getting closer!
Since no one else had any objections, Stephen waved his hand and approved the construction of the food hall. James had chosen a location, so once receiving the green light, construction began.
News that Celestial City was building a food hall spread quickly online.
“Why are they building a food hall out of the blue?”
“It seems it’s being built near a scenic spot. That place looks pretty.”
“Isn’t the story of Crystal Lake beautiful?”
People’s attention quickly shifted to Azure Cloud Mountain, Crystal Lake, and the food hall Soon enough, Azure Cloud Mountain and Crystal Lake were gaining traction online, especially Crystal Lake.
James had called in an expert to craft a compelling story.
The story went like that: A long time ago, a sage saved a snake, which later transformed into a woman to repay the favor. However, the sage’s mentor found out and tried to separate them, even summoning a great flood to force them apart. In the end, the couple jumped into Crystal Lake together and transformed into a pair of lovebirds to stop the flood and flew away to live happily ever after.
“That story is so touching.”
“The sage’s mentor is so evil! He caused a massive flood just to break them up. How many innocent people did that flood kill?”
“My girlfriend read the story and is now begging me to take her to Crystal Lake.”
