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George thought about it and said, “I think we do. As for how much, we can negotiate with them.”
Stephen pondered and felt that George’s idea made sense. “We need to handle the relocation plan ourselves.”
He remembered Danny from North Hill City.
Back then, a similar situation had happened. He had asked Danny to select the relocation area, only for Danny to embezzle the money and run away. As a result, North Hill City was completely ruined.
Stephen asked for a map of Celestial City and studied it with George before finally choosing a location on the outskirts of the city.
“Here. Although it’s a bit far from the city center, it’s near the highway and relatively flat.”
After careful consideration, Stephen felt that this spot could work and George had no objections.
Having chosen the location, they discussed what benefits they could offer the businesses that agreed to stay.
Lower taxes? Easier product exportation? Reduced rent?
They discussed it for a long time and finally settled on their plan.
“Everything is ready. Let’s contact the businesses.”
At 3 p.m., Stephen, George, and the businesses that demanded refunds gathered in the meeting room.
“Everyone, I know that everyone is concerned now that there are some issues in Celestial City.” Stephen said, “However, I ask that you hear me out today. The problems Celestial City is facing now are mostly caused by the previous mayor who worked for the South Regent. Thus, the current situation is all due to the South Regent.
“As for the development zone, I deeply apologize to you all. However, I hope that you’ll give us another chance. Celestial City needs all of you. I ask that you stand with us through these tough times.”
After those touching words, Stephen presented two solutions.
One, they could relocate to the new site and enjoy some additional benefits.
Two, those who wanted to leave could leave but would not get a full refund.
One owner asked, “Where’s this new location you’ve selected for us?”
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George produced a map.
Upon seeing it, disappointment was written over all their faces.
The new location was situated outside the city and far from the highway. The surrounding land was neither very flat nor fertile. This meant that sales, transportation, and production would all be troublesome.
As for the benefits that Stephen and George offered, the business owners found them ludicrous.
With such a poor location, they were not even sure if they could make money. What use
alive! were such benefits? They would only be able to enjoy benefits if they were
The business owners exchanged glances, their decision clear.
“We’ll leave.”
Stephen and George were stunned. They were all leaving?
“Why? Are the benefits not attractive enough?”
“The location is terrible. We won’t make any money there at all, so what use are benefits?”
Stephen became anxious. He could not afford to lose these people. If they all left, Celestial City’s economy would plummet.
“If you don’t like the location, we can pick a new one.
Stephen said, “Everything is negotiable. Where would you like to move to?”
The owners responded in unison, “The city center, of course.”
Stephen instantly fell silent whereas George also lowered his head.
The city center?
Every inch of land there was worth a fortune now!
A single square meter could sell for 80 grand!
If they allocated that land for these businesses offices, they would have to pay the extra out of their own pockets!
However, they could not let the businesses pay the difference. The businesses were already unhappy about being deceived. Asking them to pay more would be no different than chasing them away!
At that moment, Stephen felt like he had dug his own grave.
Who allowed the real estate prices to soar?
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It was him.
Who let the prices skyrocket unchecked?
It was also him.
Now, the city center’s real estate prices were astronomical. How could he afford it?
If he followed the businesses‘ requests and gave them land in the city center, it still would not be enough even if he returned all the money he had earned from them. He would still have to fork out additional money!
At this point, it was better to just refund their rent!
