Chapter 71
“It’s a workable solution. Just go ahead and do it your way.” Simon said, “There’s one more thing I need to tell you.
“North Hill City is beyond redemption, so you don’t need to waste your time and energy on the city. Just make sure the economy doesn’t drop more than it already has.
“From now on, pay attention to other cities and focus on their growth. So long as North Hill City keeps to where it is now and the other cities expand, Riveria will soon hit 15 and 20 trillion dollars in GDP.”
Stephen nodded. “Got it.”
He was upset to learn it was too late to save North Hill City and Riveria’s drop in GDP. He did not think he would nearly ruin North Hill City. Even Riveria’s GDP struggled to make the 15–trillion–dollar line.
After the call, Stephen sighed. “Can I join the cabinet if I raise the GDP to 20 trillion dollars in two years?”
He did not care about the well–being of the people of North Hill City. His only concern was the time it would take him to get a seat in the cabinet.
Following that, Stephen requested for the authorities of North Hill City to provide him with a list of mayoral candidates. With Shawn on the run, North Hill City needed a new mayor.
At the same time, he also dispatched his team to gather information about other cities to select those with the most potential to develop.
The next day, the files on North Hill City’s mayoral candidates reached Stephen’s desk.
Stephen pulled the files for a look, his brows furrowing when he saw that the number of candidates had reduced to more than half, from nearly two dozen in the last election to less than ten this time.
“I guess no one wants to run for mayor now that the city’s economy has tanked.” Stephen sneered, “What a bunch of vain cowards.”
He started studying the candidates‘ personal details. Having been burned by Shawn, Stephen became cautious in his selection.
A kind–looking middle–aged man caught his attention. The file indicated that Danny Brooks, aged forty–two, was an honest and helpful man whom people spoke highly of.
“An honest man!”
Stephen was overjoyed. North Hill City did not need a wise mayor, just one who would take the fall. Hence, he took a same–day flight to North Hill City and met Danny.
1/2
+25 BONUS
The first stop was Danny’s home so Stephen could observe his domestic circumstances. Despite living with a family of five, Danny’s home was relatively small, measuring only 860 square feet. His home furnishing looked quaint and old.
“He doesn’t seem greedy. He lives modestly.”
Stephen nodded happily, not knowing that Danny had swapped out his furniture during the city riot.
Then, Stephen proceeded to Danny’s workplace for observation. He asked Danny’s colleagues about their opinion of him, and everybody thought highly of Danny.
“Danny took the blame when a new staff member made an error.”
“It was one of the staff’s birthday days ago. Danny is known to be frugal, but he forked out cash to throw a birthday party.”
Stephen was pleased to learn of everybody’s favorable opinions.
“He’s all about teamwork and give and take.”
Stephen grinned from ear to ear. The willingness to take the blame, especially for North Hill City, mattered more than anything else.
Lastly, Stephen went to Danny. He assessed Danny discreetly, finding him consistent with the photo but slightly awkward in person. The man was also dressed in loose, plain, worn-
out clothes.
At that point, Stephen was sure Danny would be the next mayor.
