The Industrial Revolution of District 22
Charlie Lee was extremely busy—busier than he had been in years. The site selection for the District 22 Industrial Committee was finally complete. Now, all that remained was for him to finalize the plans, oversee operations, and commence staff training.
His first big project? Reviving the fast-food empire of the future: McDonald's.
Hamburgers for 15 cents, Coke for 5 cents, and French fries for 8 cents—these would undoubtedly appeal to both white-collar professionals and blue-collar workers trying to save every penny during the Great Depression.
"By the way, Coke! Did Coca-Cola respond yet?" Charlie asked without looking up from his paperwork.
"Not yet, boss," Ben replied.
"Then contact Pepsi and initiate an acquisition," Charlie commanded without hesitation. He had no patience for Coca-Cola's delayed responses.
In the past, McDonald's had partnered with Coca-Cola to provide its beverages, while competitors like KFC had chosen Pepsi. The difference between the two brands wasn't much; their rivalry was more rooted in consumers' habits than in actual taste.
For his part, Charlie preferred Pepsi. Had it not been for Coca-Cola's stronger market presence, he might have opted for Pepsi from the start. Both companies still sold their beverages in iconic glass bottles, similar to those found in China during the 1970s and 1980s.
At this point, Pepsi was nowhere near the giant it would become in the future. It was struggling, a business riddled with inefficiencies and a lackluster market presence. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola dominated the scene, selling 100 million bottles annually in the U.S. and raking in over $10 million in revenue.
Pepsi, on the other hand?
Charlie didn't even want to look at their dismal sales and persistent losses.
The acquisition of Pepsi went surprisingly smoothly. As soon as Charlie expressed interest, Pepsi's leadership showed enthusiasm for the deal. The president of Pepsi, who had been desperately seeking a buyer, wasted no time in accepting the proposal.
It was a stark contrast to how Coca-Cola had historically refused Pepsi's acquisition attempts. In hindsight, Coca-Cola's rejection would eventually create one of its most formidable competitors.
"Jesse," Charlie called, gathering a stack of documents.
"Yes, boss!" Jesse burst into the office, only to stub her toe on the table leg in her rush.
"… Right." Charlie lowered his head, picked up the papers she'd dropped, and handed them back to her. "Take these to Aria."
With tears in her eyes and a clumsy shuffle, Jesse hobbled out of the office. Only after she'd gone did Charlie raise his head, a look of pure exasperation etched across his face.
Charlie had big plans for McDonald's. Two franchise models would be introduced. The first would be indoor restaurants in urban centers, offering spaces for relaxation and social gatherings. The second, a revolutionary concept, would be drive-thru restaurants. Customers could order, pay, and receive their meals without ever leaving their cars.
In addition, Charlie planned to establish McDonald's-themed children's paradises in major U.S. cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. The combination of fast food and entertainment, he believed, was nothing short of genius.
"These flagship stores will make McDonald's the go-to spot for families," Charlie thought with satisfaction. "Children will love it, and even young adults won't be able to resist the appeal."
His plans extended beyond just franchise stores. Maps of District 22 were spread across his desk, each location carefully marked. The chosen spots were all situated on busy roads or in bustling neighborhoods.
"The ingenuity of my Chinese colleagues is unmatched," Charlie remarked as he reviewed the locations.
For more remote areas, he planned to convert barren lands into car-friendly restaurants with ample parking spaces. Suburban families could drive in, dine, and relax in designated areas, with business expected to flourish.
For urban locations, Charlie had one rule: buy, don't rent. He refused to let his team become beholden to landlords. Owning the properties would ensure long-term stability and profitability, even for future generations.
"Summon all the property owners," Charlie instructed Wang Dagou, the committee head overseeing District 22's development.
The timing was critical. It was October 28th, just days before Halloween. The festive spirit was overshadowed by the grim realities of the Great Depression—unemployment, bankruptcy, and poverty were rampant.
While affluent families prepared for winter with coal and firewood, others scrambled to afford basic necessities. The desperation in the streets of New York was palpable.
Amid this chaos, Charlie's team had their own mission to complete.
George, one of Charlie's most trusted operatives, pulled his coat tighter as he strolled through a desolate street in New York City. Winter had arrived, and the cold was biting.
"How much longer do we have to wait?" asked Rybal, his partner.
"Not much longer. We'll move tonight," George replied, his breath visible in the freezing air.
Their target was a notorious opium dealer operating across the street. His business threatened the stability Charlie had worked so hard to establish.
When the dealer finally emerged, George signaled to his team.
"Now," he muttered.
The operation was swift and brutal. Ryan created a distraction, feigning a confrontation over a soiled jacket. As the opium dealer and his men focused on the commotion, George and Rybal struck from behind, eliminating their primary target with precision.
By the time the dealer's bodyguards realized what had happened, George and his team were long gone.
Hours later, the team regrouped outside the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Dressed in sharp black suits, they blended seamlessly with the hotel's elite clientele.
"Why are we here?" Rybal asked, still unsure of their next move.
"Follow my lead," George replied.
Inside the hotel, they escorted William Dover, the charismatic mayor of New York City, to his car. With police cars leading and following them, the group headed to the airport.
"Mission accomplished?" Dover asked casually.
"Perfectly," George replied, his expression calm.
"Well then, let's celebrate," Dover said with a grin.
As the car disappeared into the night, George allowed himself a rare smile. The mission had been a success, and District 22's future was secure.
Charlie Lee's vision was coming to life. His fast-food empire, his industrial network, and his loyal team of operatives were reshaping America one district at a time.