Chapter 189: The Main Character Becomes a Supporting Role

At first, when Carter read the letter, he was very puzzled.

Just as he didn't understand why these three were so fearful of him when they first met, he couldn't comprehend why Gabe's parents credited him with such a profound influence on their son. Reflecting on the past half month with Gabe, Carter realized he barely spoke a few words to him. Yet, Gabe's parents claimed it was his influence that changed their son.

This undeserved praise left Carter utterly confused.

However, when he read Gabe's letter, Carter finally understood the reason behind it.

"Ah, the damn competitive spirit of youth!"

After finishing Gabe's letter, Carter laughed and sighed. He wasn't angry at Gabe for the "challenge" he issued in the letter. Instead, he was quite pleased to see Gabe like this.

After this small interlude, Carter continued with his work, then went home for dinner and rest.

"Jenny, I'm back!"

As usual, Carter shouted as he changed his shoes upon entering. But today, the response wasn't the usual warm "Carter's back!" Instead, it was,

"Brother! Come quickly, you're on TV!"

"Carter, come here and watch! You look so handsome and photogenic on TV!"

"Really? Let me see."

After changing into his house slippers, Carter walked over to the sofa and sat down. He was curious about how he looked on TV. But then,

"I'm just a filler, why are you all so excited?"

Watching the TV host passionately discuss the history of government-business cooperation and Georgia's efforts to revive the economy through such initiatives, Carter realized that his so-called TV appearance:

Was merely him being a part of a news segment. His moment of glory from the conference, where he was full of energy and charisma, was edited to be less than that of Reberding, who was just a faceless office worker.

To make it worse, during his screen time, not a single line of his voice was left. It seemed his only role was to be a backdrop for the host's commentary.

"Don't talk nonsense! What do you mean by just a filler? Most people can't even get to be a filler!"

Jenny proudly scolded Carter and continued,

"Look, this is a news channel, not some entertainment show. People who appear on this channel are governors, presidents, or big entrepreneurs. I've lived in Douglas for almost twenty years and never seen anyone make it onto this program!"

Unlike Jenny, Marys' focus was different,

"Hey, bro, you look more impressive than many pop stars! I saw many people listening to you and applauding. Tell me, how does it feel to stand on stage? Is it as grand as it seems?"

"Heh, grand. If your legs aren't shaking from nervousness, that's good enough. I was so nervous when I first got on stage!"

Seizing a rare opportunity to ruffle Marys' hair without any bribes, Carter laughed and diverted the conversation.

He couldn't follow Jenny's topic. To Carter, he felt his contribution to the project was greater than Pearson's city government's. Yet, he was edited into a supporting role, with no speaking lines at all.

All he could do was marvel at the editing skills in Atlanta. No wonder the future fake news hub would be there; it had a historical foundation.

While Carter's family was enjoying a warm moment, the broadcast was quietly stirring up waves in Douglas and Pearson.

"Ha, this kid is really in the spotlight! Son, did you find out how much this little Black has spent?"

"Yes, I did. Just for the initial investment in HT Company, it was ten million dollars. Recently, Forest Bank also issued over four million dollars in loans!"

In the old Bass residence in Argyle, old and young Bass gathered again. Watching the TV, young Bass reported with a complex expression,

"Due to the previous unemployment wave and our spread rumors, the deposits in Forest Bank should be below eight hundred thousand. So, at least three hundred and twenty thousand of the loan is Carter's personal investment. I estimate he still has at least twelve million in cash."

"This cash flow is too excessive! Dad, should we give up? I thought we could wait for him to deplete his funds before taking action, but he seems to have too much money to spend. Even if he runs out of cash one day, we can't hold on that long. With the rising deposit rates, we need to increase our loans quickly, or we won't withstand the pressure!"

"Has Black Bank raised their interest rates?"

Staring at the TV, old Bass hesitated before asking.

"Not yet, they remain unchanged."

Not raising rates meant they weren't in a rush to gather deposits, indicating that Black Bank, or rather Carter, wasn't short of cash despite their investments.

"Let's wait and see. We'll… increase our loans a bit, and keep an eye on other banks!"

"Okay, understood!"

···

···

"Mom, look, this is Mr. Black I told you about! It's his HT Company that gave us the chance to go to the big city. When I start earning in the big city, I'll save up and open a restaurant! It'll be in the big city, and then you and my brother can join me!"

"So young? Are you sure you're not being deceived?"

In Pearson, at the McKinney household, a young man excitedly pointed at Carter on TV, introducing him to his family. Unlike the excited McKinney, his family's reactions were lukewarm.

Mrs. McKinney, in particular, looked worriedly at her son, fearing he might be deceived and vanish as soon as he arrived in the so-called big city. The neighbors around them were also generally skeptical about his supposed money-making plan.

"Luzzi, you should be more realistic! That training you're attending, I know about it. It's just learning how to serve tables and clean them, right? How can such things need training? It's just absurd!"

"Exactly, Luzzi. You shouldn't listen to those bigwigs. Their words sound better than they actually are. Have you ever seen any of them actually deliver on their promises?"

"Yeah, if just wiping tables and picking up plates could earn enough to open a restaurant, everyone would be a server and then a restaurant owner. Such talk is only meant to deceive young people like you!"

"Mr. Kenner, if you say so, then why are you attending the training with me?"

Hearing everyone's criticism, Luzzi was both embarrassed and angry. It would have been easier to ignore if others had said it, but the last person who spoke, a middle-aged man, was also working for HT Company just like him. It was simply unfair of him to say such things!

This was like biting the hand that feeds you! And besides, he hadn't even finished eating yet!

"I—I have to support my family. Once the economy gets better and I find another job, I certainly won't continue working here!"