Chapter 181: Let's Compete

"What?! Did you just say the Pearson Culinary Association is nonsense?"

"Yes, that's right. In my opinion, calling the Pearson Culinary Association trash would be an insult to trash!"

Seeing the middle-aged man's stunned expression, Carter calmly nodded and, with the utmost serenity and directness, delivered the harshest insult.

"You!!"

After a moment of shock, the middle-aged man's anger flared up visibly. Just as he was about to say something, Carter interrupted sharply:

"Am I wrong to call you worthless? Come on, tell me, what contributions have you made?"

"Have you expanded Pearson's culinary industry? Balanced prices so that businesses profit while citizens enjoy quality, affordable meals?"

"Or perhaps during this time when the culinary industry is in a slump, have you introduced any market-saving plans or measures?"

"Or, during this period of massive layoffs in the culinary sector, have you found ways to stabilize employment for citizens?"

"We have been in constant communication with businesses. Otherwise, do you think Pearson's unemployment rate would be kept under 16%?"

Carter's relentless verbal assault left the middle-aged man's face red with anger, prompting a defensive outburst about their efforts.

"Ha! You think keeping unemployment below 16% is an achievement?"

Carter shook his head slightly, showing no hint of mockery, only indifference, as if he viewed the Culinary Association like street trash, not worth a second glance.

"Moreover, do you really think it's due to your lobbying? Or is it because the restaurant owners, out of compassion, couldn't bear to see too many people go hungry and reluctantly retained more employees?"

"Before today, I often criticized my employees for offering superficial solutions to problems. But after seeing you, I realized I owe them an apology. Compared to you, they at least address symptoms. You can't even manage that."

"Claiming others' achievements as your own is a joke."

"Phew, at least this guy hasn't gone completely crazy. He still knows to praise the restaurant owners," Goodman sighed in relief. As long as Carter didn't start attacking all Pearson restaurant owners, this scene seemed somewhat satisfying.

"I told you not to worry, Goodman. Think about it, someone who can draft such comprehensive plans surely knows his limits. If he's criticizing, there must be a reason. In fact, I think he's doing this intentionally!"

"Intentionally? What do you mean?"

"Isn't it obvious? If this plan goes well, the first batch of partners will mostly come from Pearson, right?"

Goodman, still confused, irritated Raebodin, but he understood Goodman's anxiety clouded his thinking.

"And among these Pearson partners, those from the culinary industry will be the majority, right?"

"You're saying he's worried the Culinary Association might cause trouble?"

By now, it was clear. Goodman, realizing the implication, was astonished.

In banking, associations exist but lack the strong regional influence of culinary associations. They don't stir up much trouble.

"Forget it, I won't waste more breath on them. Sir, I don't know your relation to the Pearson Culinary Association. To avoid making you feel targeted, let's just compare our contributions!"

The portly middle-aged man was fuming. Pleasant mood? He felt like he had stepped in dog shit. As president of the Pearson Culinary Association and owner of Pearson's top restaurant, "Bolson's Coffee Garden," his main clients were the city's elite, unaffected by economic downturns. But Carter seemed set on dragging everyone away, jeopardizing his business.

Carter's actions felt like a grave desecration to Bolson. Losing customers meant losing revenue, which was personal.

"To start, let's compare histories! I'm from Douglas, where everything I have originated. Someone must have visited Douglas recently, right? How's the situation there?"

"Douglas, only 50 kilometers away, has an unemployment rate under 2%. Even the unemployed have stable, albeit basic, income sources. Why? Because of me! My restaurant provides 21 direct jobs; my gas station, 10; my logistics company, 40. I planned 100 but saved 60 spots to help you; my temporary processing plant, 50 direct jobs."

"These numbers exclude indirect employment and various part-time opportunities or alternative income sources like selling wild boars."

"I don't want to boast. Self-promotion is for politicians. As a businessman, I focus on practical actions!"

"Your worth is measured by whether people in your area can afford bread and milk!"

"So, what about you? Pearson? Friends, how many of you are struggling with the basic need for bread?"