The Guardian's Return (Ethan Rivers) novel Chapter 513

Hearing that, Stephen finally felt the weight lift from his shoulders. At least, part of the issue was settled now.

All that remained was to hold a meeting to discuss how to increase welfare in Hill City, and that incident would be over. However, Stephen dared not rest yet. He immediately called people over for a meeting.

In the conference room, Stephen spoke gravely, "I'm going to increase welfare in Hill City. I want everyone to report which areas need improvement."

Everyone found it strange that Stephen would suddenly think about increasing welfare.

Nolan frowned and said, "Sir, we understand what you want to do and how you’re feeling, but Hill City's current situation doesn't allow this."

Hill City's GDP had fallen to just one trillion dollars, and it was taking everything they had just to prevent it from dropping further. Increasing welfare now would only burn through Hill City's GDP, meaning that the disadvantages of the decision outweighed the benefits.

Stephen looked at him. "Why not?"

Nolan replied, "Hill City's GDP is down to just one trillion dollars."

"What?" Stephen exclaimed in shock, "That's all that's left?"

He looked troubled. If he insisted on carrying out that plan, the losses would outweigh the gains. However, he had promised to increase welfare during the livestream earlier.

Nolan said helplessly, "Because of your reputation recently, the economy has dropped significantly. People have lost confidence in you."

Stephen was speechless. Had his reputation really caused that much damage to Hill City’s economy?

He was put in a difficult position. Hill City had no money to increase welfare, but his reputation was just one step away from fully recovering.

Nolan continued, "Just increasing welfare isn't enough. The farmers haven't been properly compensated for their economic losses yet. The younger people in the villages and towns are leaving to find work elsewhere, and the remaining elderly can’t keep up with the labor. Soon, there’ll be no one left to tend the farms."

Stephen felt a headache coming on.

He remembered the issue. Someone had embezzled money, leaving those who needed it most with only a few thousand dollars in compensation. That had dealt a huge blow to Hill City's people.