Chapter 435

Oliver inquired about the possibility of stepping down from the CEO position.

It was a request that seemed rather perplexing.

This request elicited surprised reactions from Forrest, Joe, and Marie. However, at the same time, they appeared to comprehend the motivation behind it. In fact, this was a typical reaction from Oliver.

With a weary demeanor, Forrest reclined in his chair.

"May I ask the reason? Why do you want to refuse the CEO position?"

"Um... I wonder if I'm fit for the role."

"What makes you doubt it?"

Forrest inquired, making it clear he wasn't going to simply overlook this.

"I'm not sure if I'm suitable for such a heavy responsibility."

"Coincidentally, it's because it's such a heavy responsibility that you should take it on. Because you are the key to this project. There's no need for me to explain that, right?"

Oliver nodded in agreement. After all, it had been Oliver who had successfully persuaded the Anti-Development Committee to approve the redevelopment of District X.

"Can't I participate in another way? Like some sort of director? After all, you, Mr. Forrest, are already one of the representatives."

"I have to handle the business. It would be dangerous if I were the only representative. Whether it's an organization or a business, the leader is very important. Especially in this case... There's a world of difference between you being the representative and not."

Although Oliver couldn't fully relate, he understood that Forrest's intentions were sincere. He could discern Forrest's emotions as if he were a skilled observer.

After careful consideration, Oliver spoke.

"Honestly, I feel a bit guilty."

"Guilty?"

"Yes... I've read the business plan."

Oliver pointed to Forrest's business plan, which lay among books and papers.

"I think I understand how much you've invested in this project. Even to someone like me, who doesn't know much about business, it's clear that you've prepared very thoroughly."

"Thank you."

"Also, I can see how much Joe and Marie are genuinely invested and committed to this project. Not just for the money, but for the organization they belong to."

Joe remained silent, and Marie modestly downplayed it, seemingly trying to ease Oliver's burden.

However, Oliver knew otherwise. He could now perceive their emotions more clearly through his eyes.

"But in contrast, I don't feel the same way. I understand it's a big project and important to you all, but... I just can't feel it."

"Can't feel it?"

"Yes. No matter how much I think about it, I can't see it as more than just another job introduced to me by you, Mr. Forrest... even though it's important to all of you."

Oliver's tone was even, but a hint of bitterness lingered within his words. It was the bitterness of his inability to empathize.

Even with Forrest, Joe, and Marie, with whom he had developed a strong rapport, Oliver couldn't grasp the significance of this project.

To him, it was simply another distraction from the troubled words of Human-meat Chef.

Oliver understood this better than anyone, and that's why he felt guilty.

Then, Forrest spoke, appearing quite content.

"That's perfect."

"Excuse me?"

"It's perfect. Thinking of it as just another job."

Oliver was puzzled, not fully comprehending Forrest's meaning. Forrest elaborated.

"You've never failed in any of your missions as a solver. From capturing chimeras to retrieving targets, cleaning contaminated Zones, and even the tricky missions outside the city... It's best to approach it with that same mindset. Having affection doesn't necessarily mean you'll do a better job."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. I was an excellent restaurant employee in my youth, but that was separate from loving the job. If I had loved it, I wouldn't have switched to being a broker."

"I see..."

"And there seems to be a misunderstanding. I'm asking for your help now, yes, but that's for business cooperation. It's not like asking someone to rescue a drowning person... If you don't want to take this on, you don't have to."

"Is that okay?"

"Don't rush your decision... The point is, think of it like any other solver job. Don't consider your relationships with me, Joe, or Miss Marie... Remember our conversation when we first got attacked by the Anti-Development Committee?"

"I remember."

"My thoughts are the same now as then. Cooperation is good, but relying on someone is a bad attitude. For both parties. In Landa, you can only rely on yourself."

"..."

"I'll handle the internal and external business matters, Miss Marie and Joe will provide manpower and resources, and you, your overwhelming force and reputation. Let's combine our strengths and run this business. Don't think of it as someone helping someone else. If someone can't do their job, I plan to fire them. You included."

Oliver could discern the emotions in Forrest's words. Despite his initial doubts, Forrest spoke with genuine consideration for Oliver's well-being.

"Decide whether to take this on based on the likelihood of success and the compensation. Just like when you take on a solver job."

Forrest's clear explanation appeared to clarify Oliver's thoughts. Perhaps because of this, Oliver felt a refreshing clarity in his mind.

"I'd like to take it on."

Oliver replied, recognizing that the financial compensation was quite favorable. While he already possessed a substantial sum of money, the ongoing expenses for Child's maintenance and experiments made a stable, regular income appealing.

Upon hearing Oliver's response, Forrest let out an exaggerated sigh of relief.

"Phew, that's a relief. I was worried you'd refuse."

"Still, being CEO is a bit burdensome."

"Damn."

Even as Oliver was persuaded, his attitude remained consistent, leading Forrest to mutter softly.

Working with individuals of their skill and experience was usually a pleasure since they weren't overly demanding. However, on occasion, Oliver couldn't help but think that a bit more difficulty might be beneficial.

"But actually, it doesn't matter. Since we've decided to assign the task to you, you have to be the CEO."

Forrest, who had experienced a brief fluctuation in blood pressure due to Oliver's response, now spoke calmly and firmly. His decision appeared to be grounded in logic, considering his emotional state.

"Why is that?"

"We've already submitted the business registration application. You and I are co-CEOs."

Forrest stated with sincerity.

Oliver stared at Forrest with wide eyes, shocked and speechless. Marie and Joe shared similar expressions.

However, Forrest remained unperturbed.

"Don't look at me like that. It just turned out this way since we've been working together... If it's okay with you, I'd like to move on to discussing the work. Have you read the business plan?"

Now more relaxed, Forrest continued the conversation. Oliver responded.

"Yes... I've read about the redevelopment of the Fighter Crew's residence District and the District around where Marie lives. But, shouldn't it be reconstruction rather than redevelopment?"

"You've read it well... Yes, it's more of reconstruction than redevelopment. We're not touching the roads and sewage facilities, just finishing the incomplete buildings."

"But why call it redevelopment?"

"First, redevelopment sounds more impressive than reconstruction. It looks better and attracts more funding. Second, because we are actually going to redevelop it. Not directly by us, but still."

"Really?"

"Can you tell me about the contents of the business plan?"

Forrest requested suddenly, and Oliver readily complied.

"The primary goal is to redevelop the District where the Fighter Crew resides and the multi-family housing District where Marie lives, including attracting factories."

"Through Mr. Carver, we have a deal with the city."

"A deal?"

"Yes, a deal. If we develop this District and maintain peace for a certain period, the city will recognize X District as safe, allocate a budget for development, provide active support, and facilitate private investment."

"How long is this 'certain period'?"

Joe inquired, displaying a hint of dissatisfaction. From Joe's perspective, it sounded like a probing question, which, in essence, it was.

"Usually six months to a year... I understand it's upsetting, but you have to understand the city's position too. It might be a bit of the past, but the city has been greatly affected by the Anti-Development Committee. If they approach hastily and fail, it would be embarrassing for the city."

"Is that why Mr. Carver came to the restaurant?"

Oliver questioned.

"Something like that. Originally, the small and medium construction company presidents called him as a support force. Anyway, Carver supports the redevelopment. He may not be able to help directly, but he's willing to provide financial support through city-run business grants and bank investments."

"How are you planning to attract the factories? It's not like you can just build them whenever you want, right?" Oliver was curious, and Forrest had an answer for him.

"We'll get help from Crime Firm for that."

"Crime Firm?"

"The directors of Crime Firm each own factories. In exchange, we agreed to give them a portion of the profits once the development is certain."

It appeared to be a reasonable arrangement. While everyone was enthusiastic about the rumors of redevelopment in District X, taking on risks was a different matter.

Oliver seemed to grasp the concept to some extent. The redevelopment, or rather reconstruction, that Forrest was planning served as a precursor to the actual development of District X. However, they would still need to shoulder substantial profits and risks, considering that District X, like other parts of Landa, was the size of an average city.

Oliver inquired further, "So, what do we need to do?"

"First, we need to buy the land we've developed and the key areas for future development. We can do anything once we own the land. It's also good for making a profit when the city gets involved."

"We might have to work hard." Joe, a native of District X, remarked with a somewhat troubled tone.

"Since the rumors of redevelopment here started, quite a few people have become overly hopeful. Landowners, building owners, communities living there, and unaffiliated gangs. Most people around our area know me, so with appropriate compensation and persuasion, they'll likely agree. But others will definitely try to extort money."

"I know that from my own experience when I was younger." Forrest added, reflecting on his youth when he had been involved in redevelopment.

"Our Fighter Crew, including myself, will help out a bit, but we can't move too much. Most of our guys are already being used by Crime Firm." Joe explained further.

"No need to worry about that," Marie, who had been quietly listening, interjected. "We have plenty of kids on our side that we can use as labor."

"Fortunately, it's the same for me. Many of the solvers and mercenaries I deal with are looking for a more stable job. They're not lacking in skills, so they'll do their part."

The conversation flowed smoothly until a new question arose.

"So, what should I do?"

Forrest, Joe, and Marie all turned their attention to Oliver simultaneously.

"Um... nothing?"

"Excuse me?"

"Don't be surprised. It's just that, until we ask for your help specifically, it might be best for you to continue with your daily life and wait. There's no immediate need for you to step in, and it's common sense to keep important forces in reserve."

Oliver was slightly taken aback by this unexpected response. He wondered if it was really acceptable for a highly paid CEO to have nothing to do.

'Maybe it doesn't matter much? After all, I still have to create the corpse dolls and read the books given by Elder.'

Just as Oliver was trying to maintain a positive outlook, a knock at the door interrupted their discussion.

All eyes turned towards the door, and a girl peeked her head inside. She was unfamiliar to everyone except Joe, who was startled upon seeing her.

"Nora. I told you not to come here!"

"Sorry... But there are some strange people outside..."

"Strange people?"

"Yes... They said they were Druids, looking to meet Mr. Dave. They said they can't leave until they meet him."

(To be Continued)

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