Ever since the last planning session for the Iron Fist Society's next phase of development, Chris had focused on the construction of the gym.
With West's full support, all permits and qualifications were processed on the same day.
Only the specific site selection proved to be a bit more troublesome.
West had originally finalized a location, but due to Chris's plans for the Iron Fist Society, West's chosen site was no longer suitable.
After discussion, Chris decided to open several gyms directly, to avoid worrying about too many gang members and insufficient training space in the future.
The final result was that Chris took out all his dividends, along with the factory's available funds, and directly opened twenty gyms in Rhode Island.
With West's help, a gym could be established for only half a million US dollars, even including the land acquisition.
For this, West even specifically applied to the state government to launch a week-long anti-gang operation, clearing out and seizing some gang strongholds in certain areas.
Even so, by the time Chris's first gym was completed, it was already the last day of April.
Taking advantage of the weekend, Chris brought a few close subordinates and his family to the gym for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Originally, Chris hadn't thought of this, but after Megan bought a car and Peter wondered where Megan got the money, Chris realized that his family didn't know what kind of career he had.
Of course, so far only Peter didn't know; Louise and Brian both had some understanding but no concrete concept.
So, with the idea of returning home in glory, Chris decided to take his family to see his business during the gym's opening.
After all, the value of a high-end gym could give people a direct understanding of Chris's economic strength.
And twenty high-end gyms would make people even more aware of Chris's immense power.
Chris stepped onto the podium at West's invitation, ready to begin his speech.
Below the podium, Old Joe looked at Brian, who was in a wheelchair, suppressing his laughter as he asked, "Brian, what happened to you? Why are you in a wheelchair too?"
"Hahahaha, he must have been slacking off and got his legs broken! I was wondering why I hadn't seen you these past few days!" Quagmire burst out laughing at Brian's predicament.
Peter saw this and chimed in, laughing, "He said a few thugs broke his legs on his way home from work and stole his dragon blood beverage."
"fuck! Quagmire, shut up!" Seeing Quagmire's mocking expression, Brian said in a fit of pique.
But Quagmire had disliked him for a long time, so how could he miss this opportunity to taunt him?
"Hahaha, he's mad! Looks like I guessed right. What Peter said must just be something he made up."
When Old Joe heard Peter mention the dragon blood beverage, his eyes showed a hopeful glint, and he sighed, "dragon blood beverage! That's really good stuff."
Saying this, he patted his legs, as if they had regained sensation.
Distracted by Old Joe, Quagmire no longer mocked Brian and also agreed, "That's right, this drink is amazing! It's like it made me young again!"
Then, the other members of the round clam f4 exchanged glances, all showing knowing smiles.
Without a doubt, they must have done the same thing, leveraging the powerful effects of the dragon blood beverage.
While the round clam f4 were chatting and boasting, Chris had already completed the ribbon-cutting ceremony and, with a joyful expression, pushed open the gym doors behind him, inviting everyone in to look around.
As everyone filed in, Chris took on the role of greeter at the gym entrance, making sure to meet and greet the prominent figures of Rhode Island.
However, this wasn't for Chris to get to know them and give them face.
Rather, they were eager to get to know Chris, so as not to provoke this rising young man.
After the anti-gang operation in Rhode Island two days prior, they now clearly understood that the operation was launched entirely because this young man needed some land to build gyms.
Knowing this, they further investigated Chris's background and discovered that Chris's mother was actually the eldest daughter of the Peute Schmidt Family.
At this point, all other doubts in their minds vanished, and they all came to pay their respects to this future 'emperor' of Rhode Island.
After all, among Carter's heirs, only Louise was capable of taking on such a heavy responsibility.
And Chris was Louise's eldest son, with the blood of the Peute Schmidt Family flowing in his veins.
So, to those in the know, the industries Chris was currently establishing were clearly Carter, that old man, transitioning assets to his grandson.
Therefore, Chris, looking at the respectful group of important figures before him, after greeting them according to the etiquette Louise had taught him, sought out West to ask for an explanation.
"What's going on? Why are those prominent figures who frequently appear on TV coming to my gym's ribbon-cutting ceremony? I don't remember spending money to invite them."
Having just spent all his dividends, Chris was now penniless and couldn't even spare a cent.
If West dared to say he paid to invite these guys, Chris was ready to practice his boxing skills with his Uncle and teach him a good lesson about respect!
Noticing Chris's displeasure, West chuckled softly, "Don't mind them. You're Carter's grandson, and combined with your recent unusual actions, they've concluded that Carter is officially grooming you to be the next head of the Peute Schmidt Family."
"Got it, they want to take credit for supporting a rising power, huh!"
Upon hearing West's explanation, Chris generally understood and then stopped thinking about it.
He was more concerned about that old pervert who had been eyeing him for a long time, rather than these background figures who rarely showed their faces.
Since Chris transmigrated, to protect his rear, Chris had always avoided direct contact with that old pervert.
And Chris had been doing well in this regard; for over a month, with his deliberate avoidance, he had never run into that old man.
But today, because of the ribbon-cutting ceremony, all the neighbors around his house came to join the fun, and even that old pervert was no exception.
Chris looked at the old pervert outside, who was constantly pestering Louise, sighed, and prepared to confront him directly.
If he didn't know that old man was a bit strange, Chris would really want to find Dumpling to get some rocket launchers and blow that old man to the sky.
As soon as he stepped out of the gym, Chris heard the other party's whistle, "Oh, Louise, why won't you let me into the gym? Don't old people deserve to exercise?"
Thinking of Chris's request to prevent Herbert from entering the gym, Louise looked distressed and said, "Of course not, Mr. Herbert. It's just that there are an unusually large number of people in the gym today, and we're worried you might get hurt by others. For your safety, why don't you join us for a meal outside?"
"NO... Shhh... I want to go into the gym. The dragon blood beverage has already made me young again!" Herbert loudly refused, his voice leaking, and then tremblingly raised his walker to demonstrate his strength.
Louise was quite helpless at this, and then she heard her son's voice.
"Let me handle it, Mom!"