Chapter 122: Forsaking What Is Near for What Is Far

"Apolis Textile Mill? Hiss... The cotton textile industry is being hit this hard?"

Hearing that the largest factory in Douglas was laying off 30% of its workforce, Carter couldn't help but take a sharp breath.

When it comes to Georgia, its agriculture is represented by peanuts, its livestock by broilers and eggs, and its light industry—ever since the 19th century—by the cotton textile industry. Even though new manufacturing and food industries are starting to take root in Georgia, the cotton textile industry remains a significant economic contributor and a major employment channel.

Compared to the high entry barriers of the aviation manufacturing industry or the increasingly automated food industry, only the relatively backward cotton textile factories genuinely needed a large workforce.

If Apolis Textile Mill lays off workers, the entire town of Douglas will be in trouble. This was no joke! Carter suspected Robert might be exaggerating.

Otherwise, why would the mayor just sit and watch? Shouldn't he be finding ways to help people through this crisis? What good would it do to talk to Carter?

At this time, savings banks couldn't issue commercial loans. Small individual businesses were manageable, issuing loans under personal credit, but saving a large factory like Apolis Textile Mill, which employed over two thousand workers, required funds far beyond what personal credit could cover.

When Carter had approved his own $600,000 loan, it had taken multiple accounts to arrange. That single loan had nearly caused the bank to fail its asset risk assessment last year because long-term loans were undoubtedly considered risky assets. A large loan like that would make the risk rate soar. Having learned this, Carter dared not be so reckless again.

This wasn't a question of whether he could help; it was about whether the bank could continue operating if he did.

"Yes, their largest customers are those carpet factories up north, followed by some cotton clothing manufacturers. In the current environment, low-end carpets aren't profitable, and high-end carpets aren't selling much."

Taking a deep puff of the poor-quality cigar, Robert coughed. Seemingly used to the throat-burning taste, he quickly regained his composure and continued:

"When downstream industries face issues, upstream enterprises suffer as well. Before meeting you, I spoke with Mr. Terrence, and 30% was his compromise. His original plan was to lay off 35% of the workers."

"After my talk with Mr. Terrence, you were the first person I thought of. Carter, your highway commercial district... The gas station should be almost done, right?"

"Should be about done. Construction paused for two weeks over Christmas. It's been a month since work resumed... I haven't paid much attention to it, but I'll check it out."

Carter put out the poor-quality cigar in the ashtray, pulled out his own cigarettes, and after pausing mid-motion, pushed the remaining pack toward Robert.

"How many employees are you planning to hire?"

Noticing Carter's gesture, Robert smiled and accepted the offer without hesitation. Even though he was the mayor and had a high salary, being able to afford cigarettes now made one a high-income earner. Who could afford good cigarettes these days if not the wealthy?

"We planned for seven people: two safety officers for different shifts, two shifts of fuel attendants, and one manager to coordinate fuel purchases and other tasks. Seven people are enough since I've outsourced the sideline businesses there and don't need many staff."

So that's what he's getting at!

Hearing Robert's true intentions, Carter felt relieved.

In his original memories, Goodman had been with Old Black from graduation, rising from an employee to a manager, making him a loyal follower of the Black family and someone who had watched Young Black grow up. Remembering Goodman's track record, Carter realized he had shared many things with him due to his influence.

"Yes, I understand. But given the current situation, Carter, could you hire a few more people? Even at the lowest wage, if an extra person can make it through, it would help."

"You want me to expand hiring? I..."

Carter frowned. Expanding hiring at the gas station and restaurant wasn't a big pressure for him, but what was the point?

He was willing to help Douglas, but that didn't mean hiring a bunch of idle people. Human motivations are always complex, and so are the reasons behind decisions.

Expanding hiring just to help stabilize employment felt like a loss to Carter. He neither immediately refused nor agreed.

"Yes, I know you've done a lot already. I shouldn't ask this of you. But facing the 600 families about to lose their livelihood... I have no other choice!"

"Can you offer guaranteed loans? The city government could guarantee them, helping them get through this period. Uncle Robert, it's not that I'm unwilling to help, but my shops are only so big. Even if I hire a few more, it won't make a substantial difference."

By now, Carter was puzzled. If Robert knew how crucial Apolis Textile Mill was to Douglas and that thousands would go hungry, why not use government-backed loans? Such loans wouldn't require actual money from the government, just their backing. With that, the textile mill could secure loans to maintain production. If they could survive these two years, they might recover. Even if it was just a possibility, it was feasible! Why not do it?

Why come to me for a few extra jobs that won't solve the real problem?