America 1919

Donnie didn't stay in Washington for long. The expansion of Atlantic City required Donnie's attendance in Washington to address it, but the issue was not that difficult to resolve.

Under Donnie's influence, the matter easily obtained approval from the White House.

Then Donnie returned to Atlantic City.

By this time, Nucky had also persuaded the New Jersey State Government. With the consent of both major governmental institutions, the deal was as good as settled.

So today, Donnie and Nucky met to update each other on their situations before Irving from the North District arrived.

Irving was anxious upon his arrival at the Surf Hotel today, as it had only been a month since their last issue.

"Mr. Block, Mr. Nucky, have those people been found?"

At this moment, Irving still thought that he was called by Donnie and Nucky to discuss the previous matter.

Donnie smiled and said, "That matter is in the past now, Irving. You don't have to worry. No one will bring that up to you again!"

After receiving Donnie's assurance, Irving immediately showed a relieved smile and said, "Thank you, Mr. Block. Thank you, Mr. Nucky!"

Donnie continued, "However, I've heard that in the past month or so, thousands of people have flooded into the North District, all relocating from other cities to Atlantic City?"

Irving quickly responded, "Mr. Block, please rest assured, we have already registered these people. They definitely won't disturb the order of Atlantic City!"

Both Donnie and Nucky scoffed at Irving's words.

Atlantic City, after Donnie's reforms, had greatly improved in security; however, this did not mean the city was devoid of overt crime. According to the security department's data, seven out of every ten crimes in Atlantic City were committed by Black people.

The influx of new Black people into Atlantic City, without proper employment, was bound to become a destabilizing factor for the city.

This was not an issue that Irving could control on his own!

"Irving, take a look at this. These are the statistics from the security department handed in today. Recently, the crime rate in Atlantic City has risen by 50%, putting tremendous pressure on the security department, especially since most of these people are from the North District."

With a calm expression, Donnie passed the security department's report to Irving and continued.

"If situations like this continue, it will eventually cause discontent among the other three districts of Atlantic City. Then, the incident of a month ago will surely recur. Do you still expect us to intercede for you then?"

Irving picked up the file with a bitter expression on his face. He was well aware of these issues but was overwhelmed by the sudden influx of thousands into the North District, causing instability, and he himself had no good solutions.

"Mr. Block, rest assured, I will make sure they're under control!"

By now, Irving had run out of better options.

Donnie waved his hand, clearly not buying Irving's words, and said, "The reason they are a factor of instability now is because they lack jobs. Once they're employed, I believe the current situation can still be stabilized!"

Irving immediately showed an expression of surprise. The root of the problem was indeed what Donnie had pointed out: idleness begets mischief, a timeless truth in both the East and the West.

Now that Donnie had said this, Irving thought that Donnie intended to arrange jobs for these people. He did not even consider whether Donnie could line up jobs for thousands at once.

"On behalf of the people of the North District, I thank Mr. Block and Mr. Nucky!"

Donnie and Nucky graciously accepted Irving's thanks. Then, Nucky stood up, walked to the wall, pointed to a map of Atlantic City and said, "Irving, we have chosen a new area here for the people of the North District. This area requires redevelopment, and a lot of workers will be needed. Donnie and I believe this could be the solution to the population increase in the North District!"

The delight on Irving's face vanished, as Nucky was pointing to a place far from Atlantic City, at least 10 miles from the present Atlantic City, virtually expelling them from Atlantic City.

"Mr. Nucky, this..."

Irving started hesitantly but finally gritted his teeth and said, "Mr. Block, Mr. Nucky, if those people from the North District learn about this, they will surely riot. It's like you're driving them out of Atlantic City!"

Nucky said, "We're not driving the North District out of Atlantic City. The city's population is about to reach its limit. If we allow the current situation to continue, Atlantic City will lose its comfortable living environment.

We cannot accept that.

So, after discussing with Donnie, we've decided to expand the entire Atlantic City. The place you move to will also become the new North District. Moreover, you can rest assured, if the original residents of the North District own their homes, they will receive a substantial relocation fee. It will be enough for them to buy new houses in the new North District."

Irving shook his head, spoke in agony, "Gentlemen, if I could decide this matter on my own, I would not hesitate to agree to your request. But the issue now is that it affects the entire livelihood of more than twenty thousand residents of the North District. They will never agree to this!"