Chapter 294
“Although the Crystal Lake and Azure Cloud Mountain tourism projects failed, there are a few hero villages in Celestial City that could be developed as tourist attractions.
“We can restore Crystal Lake and lower the entrance fees to Azure Cloud Mountain, or even offer free admission to certain eligible individuals. By focusing on the hero villages as the key attraction, we can also bring more visitors to Celestial City.”
Stephen nodded, satisfied with all the ideas.
He even came up with one himself. “I’ve decided to increase the incentives for new companies to settle in Celestial City. We’ll get them to establish their roots here first and gradually address the housing price issue once the city stabilizes.”
Simon felt that the plan was faultless. However, it might take a very long time. He asked, ” That might take a long time. Are you sure about using these methods?”
Stephen thought about it. “It’s just three to five years. I can wait.”
He did not want to fail again!
At those words, the room erupted into applause. Everyone felt that Stephen had become much steadier.
In the past, he was fixated on raising Riveria’s GDP to 20 trillion dollars within a year. Now, he was willing to wait three to five years. His chances of achieving his goal of raising Riveria’s GDP to 20 trillion had significantly increased!
Stephen saw everyone’s approval of him and could not help but feel happy.
He felt that Ethan was right. He could no longer run away. They were of a similar age. Ethan was the mentee of the Grand Marshal, while he was the young master of the Quinns. If Ethan could do it, so could he.
After the meeting, Stephen and George hurried back to Celestial City.
First, they appointed a new mayor. They carefully vetted the candidate to ensure that he would not betray the city.
Then, they began to implement the plans discussed at the meeting.
They were determined to stabilize the situation in Celestial City even if it meant taking some financial hits in the short term!
Meanwhile, outside the border, the South Regent learned of Stephen and George’s plan.
“Heh. They’re willing to take a loss just to stabilize Celestial City?” He sneered. “Let’s see if he can really hold on to Celestial City.”
Chapter 294
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He would not let Stephen off the hook.
In the first place, he had been coveting Riveria for a long time. His father had also died trying to take it. He lost countless men in that land. He could not touch Riveria while Ethan was around, but now that Ethan was gone, Riveria was up for grabs!
Furthermore, Stephen dared to publicly show the photos of him being forced to kneel with a gun pointed at his head. It was a public humiliation.
The South Regent was determined to avenge his honor.
Lastly, Stephen claimed to be the Grand Marshal’s mentee, so he had to defeat Stephen one way or another.
He knew that Stephen was not actually the Grand Marshal’s mentee, but the public did not. As long as he defeated Stephen, it would prove to everyone that the South Regent was not inferior to the Grand Marshal’s mentee!
He had fled in fear three years ago, but it was time for revenge now!
The South Regent immediately began making his move.
Since Stephen was trying to stabilize Celestial City, he would do the opposite and create more chaos.
He found the people who kidnapped Richard before as well as the two thugs that toyed with Stephen to send them back into Celestial City.
In Celestial City, Stephen met most of the business owners and offered them benefits in exchange for raising wages for their employees. “Celestial City is in a critical situation right now. I hope you can all help.”
The others saw how serious Stephen was, and they had been in Celestial City for several years, so they did not want to leave either. Thus, they accepted Stephen’s plea.
That night, one of the owners returned home to find his house in complete darkness. He- called out, but there was no response from his wife or child.
Feeling something off, he flicked the light switch.
Click.
The lights came on!
The sight he saw made his eyes widen. His wife and child were bound, their mouths taped shut, and several men with guns sat beside them.
He had seen the two men before. They were the ones who had attacked Stephen previously! “What do you want?” The man’s face paled.
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Chapter 294
One of the thugs smiled. “Don’t worry. We’re just here to talk. Your wife and child aren’t in danger yet. However, if your answer doesn’t please us, then that’s another story.”
The man quickly said, “Do you want money? I’ll give you however much you want!”
“We don’t want money. We want you to make a decision.” The thug said, “Refuse Stephen Quinn’s request.‘
The man instantly understood that their real target was Stephen! He gritted his teeth. “I understand. I’ll do it.”
Which was more important, Stephen or his family? He knew the answer very well.
