Marcus’s expression finally brightened, and he glanced at Ned before reprimanding him jokingly, “Stop fooling around. I’ve done some background checks on this Jasper, he’s not like other outsiders. He’s got quite a name over in the Southeast Province.
“Not to mention, he did come here legally to invest our land. He’s registered with the officials in the City Government too. He’s not like the other outsiders who came here for small business. I’m going to have to explain to the City Government if something happens to him.”
Ned pursed his lips disdainfully. His family was in the pawning industry, and his pawning company was currently the largest in all of Reed City. In this city, the other businessmen tended to treat this strong man with respect.
As far as he was concerned, there was nothing in the world that his fists could not settle. If such a thing existed, then a machete would suffice.
Even bones turned soft upon contact with a blade.
“I’ve got to go to the auction tomorrow. I have to at least try to get a feel of how this Jasper guy is. Come with me tomorrow, Ned.”
A new round was dealt as Marcus folded again.
“A Royal Flush, I win. Thanks for folding, Mr. Coine. Hahaha.”
“F*ck!”
…
It was seven-fifty the following morning when Jasper arrived at the City Hall’s meeting room with Julian in tow.
Chad was the host of this meeting, but he courteously introduced Jasper to a middle-aged and sharp-looking man.
“Mr. Laine, this is Mr. Powers. Our City Government’s best secretary.”
When Chad introduced them, Jasper and Mr. Powers shook hands.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Powers.”
Mr. Powers smiled in a friendly manner and replied, “Nice to meet you too, Mr. Laine. I’m here on behalf of the City Government to oversee this auction.”
“It sure isn’t easy investing in Reed City, Mr. Powers,” Jasper commented intently.
Mr. Powers chuckled. “The higher-ups told me before I came here that good things come to those who persevere. People tend to have their own personal view on how important certain events are.”
Jasper did not seem too elated at Mr. Powers’ stance and he merely replied, “We can only hope that this is the case.”
Mr. Powers did not prompt him any further upon seeing that Jasper was unwilling to continue the conversation. After all, they were smart people, and Jasper could easily tell that the City Government was trying to use Jasper to attack Marcus and his group of friends.
Jasper’s position on this was clear as well. ‘You can use me, but it will come with a price. I, Mr. Laine, am not an idiot. What makes you think I’d come all the way to Reed City just so you can use me?’
“Oh, and Mr. Powers?”
Jasper suddenly remembered something and turned around to call out just before they entered the meeting room together.
Mr. Powers stopped walking and turned to look at Jasper.
Smiling, Jasper stated, “I plan to build an electronics factory on this 1500 acres of land. I’m planning to invest a total of 500-700 million in it. I’ve already contacted the shipping companies, and the infrastructure is on its way over. It should arrive in ten to fifteen days.”
“For a factory that spans 1500 acres of land, a total investment of 500-700 million would amount to at least 200 million in tax a year, and would also result in local revenue of around 3 billion Somer Dollars.”
“The Southeast Province has filed quite a few complaints about this, claiming that I’m helping outsiders instead of benefitting my homeland. In other words, I don’t care as much about Reed City as you people think.”
