Chapter 266
If this got online, Stephen would become the public enemy every netizen despised.
“The village chief, Lucas, is still in the ICU, unconscious.”
Simon prayed hard for Lucas’s well–being.
If Lucas survived, he could help’speak up. If he died, then there would be no way to explain himself.
“It’s not just that.” Someone else said, “The legend of Crystal Lake was identified as a hoax. This impacted the tourism in the city. The food that was labeled a cultural heritage was also revoked.”
Celestial City’s tourism was not fully developed in the first place.
Not many people knew about Azure Cloud Mountain, let alone Crystal Lake. Most of the people only noticed Azure Cloud Mountain and Crystal Lake because of the beautiful story. Unfortunately, it was not some ancient tale but a made–up story forged recently.
The people felt cheated.
On top of the pricey food and underwhelming taste, people stopped going to Celestial City.
“Celestial City’s deceptive move leaves a bitter taste in everyone’s tongue. Other cities might mimic what they do.”
Simon’s expression darkened.
The legend was made up?
He really believed Crystal Lake had a beautiful tale from ancient times.
“I’ll call Stephen to verify it.
He pulled his phone out, hoping to call Stephen but before he could dial the number, he received a call from his son.
He answered it right away.
“Dad, something went down.”
Simon’s heart sank.
It was real. What they said in the meeting room was real.
Celestial City was in deep trouble. Slandering the hero and cheating the tourists–both were serious issues.
“What have you done?! Slandering the hero, cheating the tourists, are you trying to ruin
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Chapter 266
the city?!”
Stephen was shaking in fear. “It’s not just that. The food court is empty and companies are leaving.”
“What?!” Simon’s eyes widened.
The news was so shocking that his mind went blank.
The food court was affected due to the tourists leaving. The companies left because of the deteriorating reputation of the city, plus the decrease in traffic.
Celestial City’s newly developed pillar of support has crumbled before it could even stand.
“What the hell did you do?” Simon shouted. “Tell me everything! Maybe there’s still a way around this!”
Stephen pondered seriously. “Nothing. I just made up the story and acquired several villages at a lower price. I did nothing else!”
Simon was deeply shaken.
Stephen had not done anything else, but the two matters alone were serious issues.
“I’ll deal with you later!” Simon hung up the phone. He needed to discuss a solution with
the others.
Stephen almost broke down in tears. He never thought such trivial issues would leave such an impact on the city.
“Bring me the mayor! He should bear half the responsibility for what’s happening to the city now!” Stephen bellowed.
Right after his assistant walked out of the door, he got up.
“Wait, I’ll go find him myself!” He wanted to give the mayor a slap to pour out his grievance.
Stephen and George headed to the mayor’s residence. They arrived at the gate soon after
and saw a few of Stephen’s men.
“Is he inside?” Stephen asked.
“Yes, sir.”
Knock!
Stephen knocked on the door but did not get any response.
Bang! Bang!
He slammed on the door harder but still did not hear any reply.
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“Where is he?!”
He dialed the mayor’s number and the call got through right away. “Where are you? Open the door!”
The mayor chuckled. “I’m not at home.”
