HLM – Chapter 1030 Schemes and Calculations

When he saw him enter, Ralph Jackson quickly stood up and smiled: “Good day, Mayor. I’m doing very well here. I first heard of the beauty of Sunset Town two years ago, and it’s an honor to now be able to work here.”

Wang Bo glanced around his office. Seeing the neat workspace and orderly files, he couldn’t help but nod in approval.

Government offices had no janitors. Even Wang Bo himself had to tidy up his office—though, of course, Elizabeth helped him.

Ralph’s office had only recently been renovated, yet it was kept so clean and organized, with work documents prepared in advance. This already proved that he was an ambitious young man.

Seeing Ralph slightly reserved, Wang Bo gestured for him to sit down. “Don’t be polite. You are the real master here; I’m merely a visiting guest.”

Ralph smiled. “It’s just that this guest seems a bit too distinguished.”

Wang Bo laughed heartily. He noticed a small bookshelf behind the desk holding a set of estate models and used it to start a conversation. “Do you prefer 3D models, or do you prefer estates?”

Ralph understood the reference and picked up a small estate model. “Actually, this is a model set from Gigantic City. I enjoy that game—it’s about building your own world. It feels great.”

Wang Bo nodded thoughtfully. “Then we probably share some interests. But I’m not as ambitious as you—I just want to build a small town.”

Ralph quickly waved his hand. “Don’t say that, Mayor. I’m just simulating construction in a virtual world, not truly building a proper town. How could I compare to you?”

Wang Bo said, “No need for formalities. Have you noticed, Ralph, that in essence, we are the same kind of person—children at heart who still harbor pure dreams?”

“Actually, I’m almost thirty,” Ralph laughed.

“I’m already thirty,” Wang Bo replied.

Ralph looked at him and naturally understood the purpose of his visit.

Wang Bo continued, “I won’t say much, Ralph. Sunset Town is still in its early stages. Compared to its role models, like Queenstown, it has a long way to go. It’s like a child that needs guidance and nurturing to grow.”

“Right now, there are some people around me like that, and some who do not wish to be. I don’t know which type you are.”

Ralph was about to speak when Wang Bo gestured for him to listen: “Everyone has their own choices, and everyone’s path is one they carve themselves.”

“I want to know, Ralph: when you’re forty, fifty, or even eighty, do you want to spend your days alone in an empty courtyard basking in the sun, or do you want to stand proudly in a great city that you built with your own hands, looking at your own statue?”

“Statue?!” Ralph exclaimed in surprise.

“Of course,” Wang Bo replied naturally. “I, Deputy Mayor Bowen, Inspector Hani, Officer Atulu, Officers Gerald and Benjamin, as well as Elizabeth and Kidd—they will all have statues here too.”

“Because we are the founders of Sunset Town!”

Ralph exhaled and slowly stood up. “Mayor, I understand your meaning. Without a doubt, I am willing to choose to become a knight under your banner. But I suppose you don’t need me to, right? Sunset Town is yours—that is a fact all of New Zealand knows.”

Wang Bo smiled. “Did you think I came to persuade you to make trouble for Mr. Ben McGee? No. I just feel that among the four people who came together, you are the different one—you are more like us.”

Ralph said, “I am not a member of the National Party. I came to Sunset Town as a replacement for someone. In fact, I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity.”

Wang Bo shook his hand. “Welcome aboard. From now on, here at the post office, you and Inspector Hani should coordinate well.”

Ben McGee came to stir trouble, but Wang Bo immediately excluded him. Elsewhere he might not have the authority, but here in Sunset Town, even the Prime Minister wouldn’t have much sway.

As long as New Zealand’s Treaty of Waitangi and Constitution remain, Wang Bo is the master of this place.

“Thank you, Chief. I will do my best. I have long admired Mr. Hani as well,” Ralph said with a smile. He had changed how he addressed Wang Bo, signaling a shift in allegiance.

Back in the office, Qingyang asked, “How did it go?”

“Done. Easier than expected. That kid has no interest in political struggle. He’s even simpler than you all. Like me, he’s a farming enthusiast.”

“You say farming? You mean world domination,” Qingyang laughed. “Unexpected. Perhaps Wang Bo, you truly have the aura of a tyrant—Ralph Jackson saw you and immediately prostrated himself, calling you master.”

Wang Bo nodded. “Indeed. He quickly changed to calling me Chief. Perhaps I really do have a bit of a tyrant’s aura.”

“Politics is neither as simple nor as complicated as you imagine,” Hani said. “In any case, don’t underestimate our opponent. But for now, he doesn’t warrant overestimation either.”

After McGee arrived in Sunset Town, he appeared far more approachable than Mayor Wang Bo. Every morning, he handled official work first, then strolled around to interact with the townspeople.

Wang Bo saw this and gestured to Atulu. “Your people don’t seem very enthusiastic toward our new mayor.”

Atulu proudly replied, “Don’t worry, Chief. I am your most loyal soldier. My people are all your followers. That guy won’t get a single smile from the Maori.”

Wang Bo shook his head. “That’s not right. Your people should smile at anyone willing to buy them drinks or coffee.”

Atulu shouted, “How could that be, Chief? We Maori aren’t like that!”

Juan sighed. “Chief means, get your people to chat more with the new mayor. He surely brought campaign funds. He’s rich, so your people can have a good meal.”

Atulu suddenly understood. “That’s true, the new mayor must indeed be wealthy.”

This was their way of mocking Ben McGee for being clueless enough to come to Wang Bo’s territory to provoke trouble.

Wang Bo rubbed his hands together. “Sunset Town has existed for four years, folks. This is an important day. I don’t think our town has a landmark yet, right?”

“Let the new mayor design one?” Hani laughed.

“Yes. He brought funds anyway. He should leave a mark on the town’s history. Let him build a landmark for Sunset Town,” Wang Bo said.

“That’ll need careful planning. McGee isn’t an idiot,” Hani noted.

They exchanged looks. Elizabeth closed the door, and the plotting began.