Chapter 138

As a local state official, Michael precisely knew what the place needed, a school!

He had been campaigning for a school to be built for many years. In fact, he did it twice a year, but there were still many approvals to get. The traffic there was very congested, and there were many requirements to fulfill before a school could be built, such as road improvement.

"Yes, I want to build a school there! A schoolthat caters to elementary, middle, and high schoolers, and Zabinski Group will provide the teachers. This is what I've come to talk to you about, Mr. Sullivan," said Robert sincerely.

Michael sat up straight, stared at Robert, and nodded vigorously. "Mr. Zabinski, I'm very grateful for your kind contribution. I also very much hope that the school can be established here. But Mr. Zabinski, as you know, the biggest problem we have now is traffic congestion. Building a school..."

"I'll build a highway," Robert interruptedbefore Michael could finish.

Michael was not angry at all at being interrupted. Instead, he was stunned by

Robert's words.

"Building a highway? It won't be as easy asbuilding a school. It'll take more than 150 million dollars to build a highway. The amount is so big that it's terrifying," thought Michael.

"Yes, I'll build a highway!" Robert noddedvigorously."Everything will be done by Zabinski Group."

Michael frowned and asked,"Mr. Zabinski, what do I need to do?"

Robert shook his head slightly and said, "I will arrange for someone to do this with your permission. This is also the purpose I came to find you. I want to build a school, better our education system, build roads and solve traffic congestion. I think it's just a matter of time for the environment here to become prosperous."

Michael paused for a moment, then stood up, and lowered his head deeply to Robert.

"Mr. Zabinski,I thank you for everything youhave done for the people here."

Robert hurriedly stepped forward to support Michael by the arm."Mr. Sullivan, there's no need to thank me. With your permission, I'd like to go and check out the situation there now."

"Yes. Of course." Michael grabbed Robert'shand excitedly and said, "Mr. Zabinski, let's go now."

Michael called his secretary to prepare the car to drive them there.

"Mr. Sullivan, you have three importantmeetings this afternoon. They're about…"

"It doesn't matter! Nothing is as important aswhat's happening now!" Michael waved his hand.

Robert and Sophia spent all day visiting the location with Michael.

At first, Sophia couldn't quite picture what Robert was talking about, but today, she saw with her own eyes how some children only had tattered clothes to wear. The innocence in their eyes made Sophia's heartache for them.

"There was a school before, but it was too farfor some students. They had to walk on the mountain road for more than two hours to attend school. Gradually, everyone stopped going to school. The students were only seven or eight years old, yet they had to help their families." Michael's eyes became teary when he passed by a mud house.

Robert learned about this when he did a

survey for a paper he was writing. He was once again moved by the level of poverty the kids were experiencing.

Although the purpose of building schools and roads was to crack down on the Zabel Group, it also had the benefit of helping the people there.

After a day's visit, Robert was very tired. It was dark when he came back with Michael.

"Mr. Sullivan, we will submit the plan forbuilding roads and schools in two days, but the location may be somewhat special,"Robert sat in the car and looked a little embarrassed when he spoke.

Michael was a little shocked to hear that.

After visiting the children today, he very much hoped that they would be able to attend school. But after seeing the expression on Robert's face, Michael started to wonder whether Robert would find the whole project too hard to pull off.

In any case, Michael would totally understand if Robert was having second thoughts.