The Guardian's Return (Ethan Rivers) novel Chapter 182

Chapter 182 

The tourists and athletes were outraged by the prices. It was not just that everything was expensive, but the service was unacceptable and the food was terrible too. 

Due to water pollution, the fish farmed locally lacked the freshness they once had. The taste had long since deteriorated, but the prices kept going up. A plate of fishcakes was selling for 200 dollars. 

Even when consumers reported the restaurant to the authorities, no one really cared. The whole system was rigged, with everyone in on it together. 

Given the current situation, with an influx of tourists, shutting down hotels, restaurants, or agritourism farms would leave many stranded. It would also hurt the local economy. Therefore, even if a fine was issued, they were nothing much. 

The local authorities would usually just mediate with the complainants by having the restaurant refund a small portion of their money. Even so, the restaurants and tourist spots were earning big bucks, which fueled their arrogance. 

“If you don’t want it, get out. There are a ton of tourists here.” 

“Tourists are everywhere in Aqua City. Throw a rock anywhere, and you’ll hit a bunch of them.” 

“If you can’t afford it, piss off! Stop wasting my time!” 

The tourists were extremely displeased by the terrible service and exorbitant price. 

A single meal would cost a few hundred to a thousand, and a night of accommodation could cost nearly ten thousand. In just one day a single tourist would have to spend at least 10 thousand dollars just for the basic necessities. 

How was that any different from getting robbed? 

Some hot–tempered tourists even engaged in fights with the restaurant owners. In just one morning, the local police department received over a dozen calls reporting fights. Some agritourism farms and restaurants used polluted waters to cook their meals, leading to a mass food poisoning that sent people into hospitals. The local hospitals, already overwhelmed, were already reaching a breaking point. 

To make matters worse, most of the tourist spots were not properly built, leaving underlying safety hazards, which ultimately caused a few people to be injured. 

As the incidents piled up, Aqua City’s reputation started to decline, both offline and online. Yet, despite all that, the focus remained on the ongoing sports game. 

The event started at 8 a.m., but the entryway was too narrow, forcing the athletes to queue 

Chapter 182 

to get inside. While queuing, many glanced at the river around them, and the terrible condition made them frown. 

+25 BONUS 

The stadium was literally surrounded by trash, and dead fish could be seen in the water. The air was also thick with a sour, nauseating stench. The most terrifying thing was that poisonous snakes were all over the stadium. Even though they were taken away swiftly, it left the audience traumatized. 

The s 

sports game was broadcast across the country live, to thousands of viewers. 

“It’s full of trash.” 

“Isn’t this Aqua City, known for its stunning views and clean environment? What is this?” 

“It’s not only filthy. It’s slithering with dangerous snakes as well.‘ 

Simon was also watching the live broadcast, and his expression was grim. 

The stadium was surrounded by trash. In fact, it was not exaggerating to say that the whole stadium was built on a mountain of rubbish. There were also poisonous snakes slithering among the audience seats, creating a severe safety hazard. 

The people across the country and athletes from other countries had seen the terrible condition of the event, and it put Aqua City to shame.