Chapter 264
Many who had eaten at the risotto restaurant immediately went to the hospital for check- ups, fearing they might have fallen ill.
“Compensation!”
“Refund!”
“Execute them!”
The entire internet was enraged. Everyone had been deceived, moved to tears by a recently fabricated story, and even swindled out of a significant amount of money.
Tourist numbers in Celestial City dropped by 30% in just one day. The decline did not continue only because all plane and high–speed rail tickets for that day were sold out. Many people could not leave immediately.
Numerous food businesses approached Stephen, saying, “What a massive scam. You’ve played us all for fools.”
“A Celestial City like this isn’t worth staying in!”
They all wanted to pull out of Celestial City!
Companies that had reserved office space in the business district demanded refunds. However, since the mayor had transferred all the money out, where would they find the funds to issue refunds?
The food court’s customer traffic also decreased dramatically, dropping by 80% in one day.
People were already dissatisfied with the overpriced and unpalatable food, and now that they knew they had been scammed, they no longer wanted to come.
Businesses could hardly make any money, yet they were still restricted on pricing and excessive pollution. Even by cutting corners, it was difficult to break even.
As a result, they decided that enough was enough, and they stopped reducing their pollution levels!
Due to the proximity of the food court to Crystal Lake, the pollutants immediately affected the lake!
Before long, fish carcasses began to appear on the surface of Crystal Lake.
Meanwhile, interviews and investigations in Celestial City continued. Reporters conducted in–depth investigations into the previous situations of several villages.
“The villages‘ land was acquired at 6 grand per square meter. Those who initially refused to sell were inexplicably beaten.
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“According to our investigation, the beaten villagers received no compensation and are still hospitalized while the assailants have already been released from prison!
“Years ago, these villagers made great sacrifices to protect Celestial City, especially the village chief who hit his head on the wall. His wife was captured by enemies while delivering food to the Grand Marshal’s troops, and she died a terrible death. His three children also perished in battle against the enemy a year later.
“Deplorably, Stephen Quinn and George Lowe have falsely accused them of being a criminal organization, driving the old village chief to attempt suicide. He’s currently in the ICU with no sign of regaining consciousness.”
As soon as this news was exposed, not only was the entire internet shocked, but Stephen and George were also stunned. They truly had no idea these villagers had sacrificed so much for Celestial City in the past, especially the village chief. His wife and children were all gone!
“It’s over!” Stephen’s face turned ashen. “If this village chief dies too, we’re finished even if we don’t die ourselves!”
The village chief was the sole survivor of his family. He did not die at the hands of enemies but might die in peacetime because of them? How could they explain this?
Even if the federal government were to listen, would the public believe them?
“What should we do?” Stephen hurriedly looked to George, only to see his face was equally pale. His eyes were hollow, frozen like a wooden chicken’s.
As numerous businesses prepared to leave, many tourists departed, the food court economy started to fail, and the tourist areas became deserted.
On top of that, there were false accusations against the heroic villagers and an old hero driven to suicide. The combined effect of all these issues made many people, who had come here hoping to profit from real estate, realize that if they did not sell their properties now, they would be stuck with them.
In the blink of an eye, properties were put up for sale en masse.
The result? None of the properties managed to be sold!
The housing prices were too high. Properties near the suburbs cost three to five million dollars each while those close to the city center were astronomically priced–a hundred square meters could cost seven to eight million dollars!
Unless they lowered the prices!
Moreover, many people had only recently entered the market, and their property values had barely increased. If they lowered prices now, they would lose money!
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Due to this, housing prices absolutely could not
Although the houses could not be sold, the own properties remained unsold, and because of the migrant workers quietly left Celestial City.
Chapter 264
Due to this, housing prices absolutely could not
Although the houses could not be sold, the owne properties remained unsold, and because of the migrant workers quietly left Celestial City.
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Chapter 264
Due to this, housing prices absolutely could not drop.
Although the houses could not be sold, the owners refused to lower their prices. As a result, properties remained unsold, and because of the high housing prices and rents, many migrant workers quietly left Celestial City.