Chapter 155:He is really wealthy.

"Mr. Raybould, you speak too lightly! Sell the shops..."

As Raybould finished speaking, the dissenting councilman snorted coldly, retorting with dissatisfaction:

"Since you, Mr. Raybould, have stated that the collaboration with HT Company is a forced measure due to the current adverse economic conditions, and simultaneously an exploration for new development models for Pearson City..."

"You mentioned that the economic situation is harsh, and Pearson City has a large daily outflow of funds purchasing essentials and food supplies. Under such circumstances, even if they want to sell, who will buy?"

"If the shops can't be sold, how will you ensure the original owners' interests?"

"They can use their properties as collateral to get loans from Forest Bank. I believe the bank won't refuse... Oh, and by the way, the owner of Forest Bank is Mr. Blake, the owner of HT Company. I'm sure he would be very happy to support this plan since it's his idea, isn't it?"

Raybould's tone was calm, but beneath his unruffled expression, he felt an immense anxiety...

The scale was too large!

Besides the logging industry, Pearson City's restaurant businesses are the most numerous. Unlike the logging factories located on the outskirts, these restaurants are situated in the city center!

As such, the land value is also higher! Raybould wasn't sure if Carter would be willing to provide loans or if he even had enough money to invest...

But thinking about Pearson's current difficulties, Raybould had to be optimistic. He recalled Carter's confidence during their dinner, where he casually talked about millions of dollars...

"This... This is too significant. I suggest we put this on hold, do some more research, and discuss it again in two days. What do you think?"

Unaware of Raybould's complex feelings, the council members were swayed by the mention of the mysterious "Mr. Blake," who seemed to be making significant investments in various ventures. They wondered if Pearson City might truly benefit and even transform its economy...

At this point, the meeting could not continue. As it adjourned, news about the government-business cooperation plan spread rapidly throughout Pearson City.

The city was abuzz. The unemployed supported the plan enthusiastically since finding work was paramount.

For them, having a job was the priority, regardless of the restaurant owners' plight.

Conversely, the restaurant owners were outraged. Their businesses were struggling, and now they faced the prospect of losing their independence.

What? Partners instead of workers?

Consider McDonald's restaurant managers, no, partners! McDonald's even has a manual for investors, detailing what franchisees must do...

This is not partnership; it's subordination!

The differing interests led to intense debates in Pearson City.

Restaurant owners: "You short-sighted people, joining them is no different from being sold as slaves!"

Unemployed workers: "We don't care! Whoever feeds us, we listen to them..."

...

...

"You mean, Black Bank has two million dollars in its vault? Are you sure you didn't mishear? Or was that person drunk?!"

Meanwhile, in Argyle City's Bass Bank, old Bass was so shocked by his son's report that he dropped a valuable antique pipe.

Ignoring the dent in his pipe, old Bass, utterly stunned, looked at the calendar.

This isn't April Fool's!

What kind of joke is this? Two million... Didn't he only borrow seven hundred thousand? Even if that little punk used all that money for shady deals, it couldn't grow this fast!

It hasn't even been ten months, and it's tripled?! Not even selling drugs makes this much!

"Are they robbing banks? No, they can't rob this much unless they hit the Federal Reserve in Atlanta..."

"In fact, based on the number of boxes moved into the vault, it should be over two and a half million dollars..."

Junior Bass's smile was more like a grimace.

The seven hundred thousand loan from Black Bank was already problematic, but this... It's like planning to rob a cash transport and finding it's actually a special forces convoy transporting tactical nukes...

"I also have news that could be either good or bad. Want to hear it?"

"Sigh, tell me! I should handle it, no news could be worse than this... Two and a half million! Where did he get it?!"

Clutching his aching chest, old Bass slumped back in his chair, giving up on any schemes against Black Bank or Forest Bank.

This isn't cowardice; it's a mismatch of power. Even with his two allies, what can they do?

Sending elementary school kids against a pro boxer?

"Well... Here's the bad news first. Pearson City is heatedly discussing a proposal involving HT Company and the city government. HT Company, headed by Carter Black, is planning to train a large workforce for the restaurant industry and deploy them nationwide."

"In investigating this, I found out Carter Black also registered a food company and a logistics company."

"It looks like Carter Black has big ambitions for a large chain brand, so..."

"He must really be wealthy! Two and a half million dollars isn't a joke!"