Robert Luo waved to the assembled reporters from Westwood City, his tone steady: "Ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you for coming. I’ve invited you here because I have some truly important news to share. I chose this location so you can see everything firsthand. I hope you’ll work with me today."
Mr. Luo, can you tell us why you’re announcing major news at a construction site? And just over there is the temporary housing for the former Eastwind Old Street residents—are you about to break a big story for us?" a reporter fired off.
"You guessed it," Robert Luo replied with sincerity. "I’m about to hold a press conference and reveal some explosive news for Westwood City. But first, I’d like to invite the former residents of Eastwind Old Street—those now living in these temporary shelters—to come up and hear what I have to say, straight from my heart."
Soon, led by a white-haired elder, the former residents of Eastwind Old Street gathered in front of Robert Luo. The Westwood City reporters flanked him, cameras and microphones at the ready.
Instead of speaking right away, Robert Luo bowed deeply to the residents, then raised his head and said, "Folks from Eastwind Old Street, you’ve been through a lot. I, Robert Luo, owe you an apology. I mean it—I'm truly sorry."
Hearing this, the residents started murmuring. They all knew Robert Luo—the contractor behind the redevelopment. With compensation issues unresolved, people were stuck here. Today, the mayor David Kay and his son Howie even brought thugs to pressure them. So, naturally, everyone saw Robert Luo as the mastermind and resented him.
Now, with Robert Luo suddenly showing up and apologizing in front of the media, the residents were baffled and skeptical. These days, too many property developers pull publicity stunts—nobody’s going to trust a few words about 'sincere apologies.'
Robert Luo waved for quiet, and the crowd quickly hushed, curious to see what he’d do next.
Robert Luo continued, "Now, in front of Westwood City's media, I make this solemn promise—our original plan was to build a commercial pedestrian street here, but that's changed. The new homes and shops will be offered first to the former Eastwind Old Street residents, at government-subsidized prices! And the compensation we agreed on before? I’m doubling it!"
"What?! For real?!"
"Is Robert Luo trying to pull a fast one on us again?"
"I’m not so sure. He sounds pretty serious—especially with all those reporters here."
"No way! Good news like this for us? Has Robert Luo lost his marbles? Seriously, how is this even possible?"
"Wow... selling us homes at government prices and doubling our payout? That means Robert Luo’s losing money on this! He’s not a charity—he’s a developer, a businessman. Why would he do that?"
"Yeah, what’s his angle? He’s got us all on edge!"
The residents exploded with disbelief, everyone wearing a look that screamed, "I don’t buy it!"
Even the reporters looked stunned, peppering Robert Luo with questions—this was way more generous than any charity.
Robert Luo waved his hand again, took a deep breath, and continued: "What I just said is my final decision as the head of Southern Sky Group—there will be no changes! As for why I made this choice, that's the explosive news I’m announcing today. The reason is—because of former Westwood City mayor David Kay! Listen carefully, I said former mayor David Kay. He’s no longer the mayor!"
"What?! Why? We haven’t heard anything about a new mayor or David Kay being replaced. What’s going on?" The reporters clamored, eager for an explanation.
The residents of Eastwind Old Street began to understand what was happening. They had witnessed everything that occurred at the construction site—even when blocked by police and military officers, they knew what was going on, especially when David Kay and his son Howie were arrested by the navy. Everyone saw it clearly.
"David Kay wasn’t transferred—he was arrested! He seriously broke the law and violated the rights of ordinary citizens. After his crimes were exposed, he tried to escape, but thanks to the brave navy and the police led by Chief William Wu, David Kay was apprehended!" Robert Luo announced loudly.
"Wow! This is huge news—I just interviewed David Kay at City Hall this morning!"
"This is incredible news! Robert Luo, you have to be sure before making this public!"
The reporters erupted in chaos, while outside, Chief William Wu and Gordon Gao breathed a sigh of relief. They were secretly grateful to Robert Luo for stepping in at this critical moment.
The reporters were in an uproar, while outside, Chief William Wu and Gordon Gao finally relaxed. They were quietly grateful to Robert Luo for saving the day.
Howie looked especially rough—his face swollen, eyes nearly shut, and several teeth missing. The truth? Shawn Young had used a Taoist spell to seal their spirits, leaving them dazed and unable to speak, so they couldn’t blurt out anything foolish.
Robert Luo pointed at the three men, addressing both the Eastwind Old Street residents and the media. With the flair of a seasoned operator, he laid out the crimes of David Kay and Howie, painting them as villains and making the whole story sound like a thriller. He made himself out to be the honest hero and gave a respectful nod to the brave navy.
After the press conference, Robert Luo’s announcement spread like wildfire through Westwood City’s media. To prove he was sincere, he signed new compensation agreements with the Eastwind Old Street residents, stamped them, and had his team transfer the funds on the spot—double the original amount! Residents got their bank cards, ran to check the balance, and sure enough, the money was there. The whole place erupted in celebration.
Robert Luo then signed another round of contracts—this time for the new homes and shops. The paperwork spelled it out: Eastwind Old Street residents could buy at government-subsidized prices. Everyone lined up to sign.
Westwood City’s media kept close tabs on the story. At first, it looked like Southern Sky Group was taking a huge loss, but thanks to all the coverage—especially online—Robert Luo and his company shot to fame. Netizens started calling him ‘China’s most conscientious developer,’ and Southern Sky Group became one of the country’s real estate superstars.