Chapter 256
+25 BONUS
Following the rapid increase in housing prices, some major issues started emerging without Stephen and George noticing. Rent had started becoming more expensive. What used to be 2000 dollars per month increased to 5000 dollars within a few days, with signs of further increase.
Many people who had plans to buy houses also noticed that the gap between housing prices and their savings was growing. It was a massive blow, especially to the non–locals who worked there.
Half a month later, the housing prices at Celestial City peaked. James immediately sold off the properties he owned for eight million dollars each, raking in five billion dollars.
Construction on the food hall had been going smoothly, and work on the development zone was also in full swing.
James had started selling booths in the food hall. There were only 2000 booths, so it was quite limited. Due to scarcity, those booths were extremely expensive. Even spots with lower foot traffic cost two million dollars a year, while the best spots went as high as 30 million dollars a year!
Various food and beverage businesses started taking action, each taking at least three to four booths. Over half of the 2000 booths were sold within a few days.
James collected over 20 billion dollars from that and kept 3 billion dollars for himself while handing the rest to Stephen.
Seeing the funds rise, Stephen and Simon were thrilled.
“The food hall hasn’t opened, and we’ve earned almost 20 billion dollars. Plus, that’s just the annual rent. It doesn’t include the profits from operations.”
Stephen and George meticulously calculated the numbers.
Once the food hall opened, it would bring Celestial City at least an annual GDP of 300 billion! Moreover, tourist spots like Azure Cloud Mountain and Crystal Lake could also bring in an annual GDP of about 100 billion.
“The development zones around the tourist spots are still in construction. By the time large corporations move in and the houses are built and sold, we’ll be able to earn several hundred billion annually.”
After calculating the figures, the two glanced at each other and could not help but take a deep breath. Things added up to about one trillion, which meant Celestial City’s GDP would grow by at least one trillion a year!
Stephen was thrilled. “One trillion! In only three to four years, it’ll be enough to cover the losses from the other cities.
Chapter 250
+25 BONUS
“If we put some effort into the other cities too, Riveria achieving a GDP of 20 billion will be within grasp!”
George nodded. “Yes, we’ve finally made it through the tough times. A GDP of one billion- this has been the best news I’ve heard in a while.
“If Ethan were to know of this, he’d surely be shocked and disappointed.”
H
Stephen laughed. “He overestimated himself and underestimated us. It turns out that we can do better than he could. He’ll just have to spend his entire life on the mountains in guilt.”
He then took out his phone to give Simon a call.
“Dad, good news!”
Simon had instinctively frowned at the sight of Stephen’s call, so he was surprised to hear what Stephen said. Was there actually good news?
“What good news?” Simon asked.
“Celestial City’s GDP has risen,” Stephen replied. “I’ll send the financial report to you later.
11
“Sure!” Simon’s furrowed brows finally relaxed
The GDP rising had been the best news he heard in a while.
“That’s not the only thing.” Stephen continued, “George and I did some calculations. Celestial City’s GDP is estimated to grow by around one trillion!”
“What?” Simon exclaimed delightedly, “To think it could actually reach one trillion! This is great news.”
Stephen said with a smile, “Yes. This GDP growth comes even with many business vacancies in Celestial City.”
Many large corporations suddenly leaving had caused Celestial City’s GDP to fall significantly. However, once the businesses in the city return to the previous scale, the GDP could at least increase by another one trillion.
“If things go well, Celestial City’s GDP could exceed 3.5 billion next year.”
Simon exclaimed, “It’ll be great if it breaks through 3 billion! Not many cities within the nation can break through a GDP of 3 billion.
“If you succeed, it will be a major achievement. Even if you can’t enter the cabinet, you’ll have a good chance of taking over Riveria again.”
