Jason now faced only one pressing question: how to spend the remaining money.
As long as the money was spent, the fifth instalment would refresh. But if possible, Jason wanted that money to be spent wisely—turning the system's requirement into a real investment.
He scrolled through news from the Starline Auto Alliance Club and the Everest Investment Circle, reviewing recent discussions. His mind also drifted back to yesterday's dinner at the Imperial Kitchen, where his circle of friends had debated various business plays.
"After thinking it through… real estate is still the safest move. Stocks, bonds, tech—they can all tank, and leveraged positions can bleed you dry. But land? Even if I 'lose,' I'll still be holding property."
"And with how well city management has been steering things in recent years, it's obvious the government is angling toward tourism development."
"If the strategy actually gets implemented, housing prices around the coast will soar. Right now it's still rumor, but even the rumor has kept prices climbing…"
He remembered that Mike and Lewis had both been eyeing parcels of land in coastal areas—plots clearly tied to the rumored strategy. If those spots got rezoned for tourism development, profits would be huge.
Jason nodded to himself. Real estate investment has to follow the land strategy. That's where the real play is.
He'd basically made up his mind: take the this and treat it like a training ground for his investment ability. To most, that would sound insane—playing with half a billion "just for practice."
But Jason didn't intend to follow Lewis and Mike's lead. They were experienced, yes, but limited by their financial positions. If they spotted a piece of land, so would everyone else. Beating the crowd at that game wasn't easy.
"The most profitable deals in America are the ones buried under restrictions and regulations. Why do officials' family members get banned from real estate projects? Because all it takes is one slip of insider information, and the money practically prints itself."
Jason's lips curled into a smile. So the key is insider knowledge. Tough to get normally—but I have the Insight tool.
Zhen had once suggested using the tool to read the thoughts of women, boosting favorability by catering to their desires. But Jason had no interest in being a groveling dog.
"Why waste it on small tricks, when I can use it to make hundreds of millions?"
The question was how to approach the right people. He needed proximity to those with decision-making power.
Jason picked up his phone and called Olivia.
"Sort out information on the key leaders connected to city real estate and urban planning," he instructed. "Focus on recent public schedules or appearances. Nothing secret, just what's already announced."
Olivia's efficiency didn't disappoint. Within hours, Jason had a clean report in hand.
One line instantly caught his eye.
The son of Director Harrison, head of the City Planning Bureau, is getting married this weekend.
Even better, Dean Lewis from Columbia's School of Information was a longtime college classmate of Harrison. Which meant Lewis would almost certainly attend the wedding.
Jason leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile spreading.
Perfect. The dean can bridge the connection. One step into that wedding, and I'll be close enough to use the on Harrison himself.
He tapped the table, his plan clear. In this country, money and influence always intersect at schools and old networks. That's where the real doors open.
Last time, Dean mentioned he had something to discuss, so Jason called him directly.
On the other end of the line, Dean answered quickly, his voice hearty:"Jason! Well, this is a surprise. What brings you to call today? Trouble with your classes?"
Jason didn't beat around the bush. "No issues with school. I just wanted to ask your advice. I heard that Director Harrison's daughter is getting married in a couple of days. Will you be attending the wedding?"
Dean chuckled. "Of course. Harrison and I go way back—we were college classmates. He invited me personally, so I'll be there. But why do you ask?"
Jason replied calmly, "I heard you've been advising people on new ventures lately. I'm interested in real estate. I was thinking of learning from Director Harrison, especially since development ties closely with city planning."
Dean smiled knowingly. "Ah, I see. Well, I'm sure you've heard about the tourism development initiatives. That's part of federal and state policy now, and it's solid. If you want to follow the right track, just remember—this is his daughter's wedding. Don't push too hard. Listen first, talk later."
Jason nodded. "Understood."
The next day, Jason met Dean at the University gates. Instead of pulling up in a flashy sports car, Jason kept things low-key. He had his driver bring around a modest black sedan, one that blended into the city traffic easily.
At the wedding venue, Dean greeted several colleagues and old acquaintances warmly, introducing Jason to each in turn.
The wedding itself was small and tasteful. Director Harrison, being head of the City Planning Department, avoided extravagance. The ceremony was simple, respectful, and efficient.
During the reception, Dean made sure Jason was seated right next to him. That seating arrangement raised a few eyebrows—strictly speaking, it bent etiquette.
As they ate, Dean smoothly steered the conversation toward the city's tourism projects, subtly nudging Harrison to elaborate.
Jason's chest warmed. Dean really is looking out for me. Quietly, he pulled up the system's panel and readied the Insight tool.
Director Harrison glanced at Jason with a polite smile, clearly aware that he was asking on the student's behalf.
"The tourism development plans are moving forward," Harrison said aloud. "The project details are already on the city's official site. Anyone interested should act quickly. Our coastal areas have huge potential. The idea is to turn this into a major destination city in the future."
The words were general, useful enough for an ordinary investor. But Jason wanted more.
He activated the device. The effect triggered instantly, a countdown ticking in his vision: 60:00… 59:59… 59:58…
And then, Harrison's unspoken thoughts flowed directly into Jason's mind:
"Rare for him to go out of his way for a student like this. If this kid's getting into real estate, he must have unusual backing."
"The tourism project is locked in. The city is creating a long coastal ecological corridor. The scenery itself will attract huge numbers of visitors. The entire corridor will be packed with business opportunities. Now's the perfect time to move in."
"If he invests in South Bay or Central Bay, he'll probably do well enough. But…"
"The real prize is the stretch between Central Bay and North Shore. It's industrial right now, so most people dismiss it. But it won't stay that way. Zoning will flip soon—from industrial to commercial. The factories will go, and the waterfront will transform into a pristine sandy beach and entertainment hub."
Jason's pulse quickened. Good lord… this isn't just an opportunity—it's a goldmine.
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