Chapter 251

Under the assistance of the Management Committee's professional team, Xia Wan successfully moved into her new home at Guanlan Yuan. The novelty and convenience of the new environment quickly dispelled the fatigue of relocation, and Xia Madam's face now bore a few more relaxed smiles. Meanwhile, the "gift money" trap in the Strait of Malacca had been laid, waiting only for Pandora to walk into it.

Inside New Era, everything seemed to be progressing positively. Yet as one of the actual administrators of this vast city-state, Su Wenqian felt no ease. She was facing a sweet yet thorny dilemma.

In the Ding Ceng Ban Gong Shi, Su Wenqian presented Qin Feng with the latest internal economic data report.

"Sir, this is the quarterly internal economic circulation and points circulation report," Su Wenqian said, her tone carrying a faint hint of concern. "The data shows that since the Deep Space Mothership project entered its high-speed construction phase, and multiple frontier research projects advanced simultaneously, the total amount of project bonuses and contribution points issued has increased by 370 percent year-over-year."

Qin Feng took the report and skimmed through it quickly. On the screen, the curve representing total points issued rose almost vertically.

"This is good," Qin Feng said flatly. High rewards attract brave men; only substantial returns can motivate people to devote themselves to these arduous yet critical endeavors.

"It is indeed good—it has greatly ignited everyone's work enthusiasm," Su Wenqian nodded in agreement, but then shifted tone. "However, Sir, the rate of points issuance far exceeds our internal production and renewal of goods and services. This has led to a problem—excess liquidity."

She pulled up another set of data, showing exchange price indices for all kinds of consumer goods, entertainment services, and even scarce housing resources within the residential zones—all rising sharply.

"In simple terms, everyone has more and more points, but there are still only so many good things to buy. This has already begun to trigger mild inflation. Especially for premium housing like Guanlan Yuan—though allocation primarily follows contribution level, the few remaining slots auctioned off via points have been bid up to an absurdly high price."

Su Wenqian paused, voicing her core concern: "If this continues, I fear we will undermine the internal economic balance we've painstakingly built. Points may depreciate, dampening ordinary workers' motivation, and even breed speculation. Moreover, excessive points accumulation means enormous latent consumer demand—if not effectively met, it could spark discontent."

She looked at Qin Feng and offered her suggestion: "Sir, I believe we need to moderately slow the pace of points issuance, or… rapidly establish new, high-value channels for points consumption. For example, accelerate the construction of Cultural Center Phase Two (Cinema, Concert Hall), launch more premium customized services, or… cautiously open up some non-core, collectible tech products or Obsidian Type-C derivatives for residents to exchange with points."

In short, either cut spending (control issuance) or open new sources (create new consumption outlets), to avoid economic overheating.

Qin Feng listened in silence, his gaze fixed on the soaring curve of the report, his fingers idly tapping the desk.

He understood Su Wenqian's concern. A healthy internal economic cycle is vital to New Era's long-term stability.

After a moment of silence, he raised his head, looked at Su Wenqian, and instead of directly answering her suggestion, asked a counter-question:

"Wenqian, what do you think is New Era's ultimate goal?"

Su Wenqian paused slightly, then answered without hesitation: "It is for you, Sir, to lead us toward the stars and seas, to build a new civilization."

"Then, on the journey toward the stars and seas, what do we most need?" Qin Feng continued.

"Is it… strength? Technology? Resources?" Su Wenqian ventured.

"It is cohesion, and forward momentum," Qin Feng gave his answer, his gaze growing distant. "Points are not merely currency—they are recognition, incentive, the bond tying everyone's efforts to New Era's future."

He pointed to the soaring issuance curve: "Why do they receive so many points? Because they are building humanity's greatest spacecraft, deciphering the laws of the world, overcoming one challenge after another. Their labor is priceless. To measure it with mere points is already an underestimation."

"Inflation? Let it inflate," Qin Feng's tone carried unshakable resolve. "Our task is not to limit the rewards they deserve, but to make our 'goods' worthy of their 'effort.'"

"Cultural Center must be built—and built better, faster! Not just Cinema and Concert Hall, but virtual reality experience halls, Deep Sea sightseeing vessels, near-Earth orbit tours! "Premium customized services? Absolutely! Use our technology to customize unique smart homes, Personal Flight Devices, even gene optimization services for them! "Non-core tech products? Open them up! Release some retired or simplified equipment as collectibles or tools for tech enthusiasts—allow exchange! "And housing?" Qin Feng paused. "Tell the Management Committee: after Guanlan Yuan, immediately initiate planning for the Star Harbor District residential project! Before the Mother Ship departs, every core builder must live in a home worthy of their contribution!"

He looked at Su Wenqian, his eyes sharp: "Stop thinking how to restrict demand, how to maintain fragile balance. Our goal is to create infinite possibilities—to fulfill their ever-growing longing for a better life, earned through their sweat!"

"Economic balance is important," Qin Feng concluded, his voice firm as iron, "but not at the cost of sacrificing development momentum and internal fairness. If balance is broken, then create a larger, higher-level balance! Use richer products, superior services, a broader future—to absorb these 'excess' points!"

"Don't let short-term economic problems bind our hands and feet, or destroy the rewards people have earned through their sweat!"

Su Wenqian, listening to Qin Feng's earth-shattering words, was left utterly stunned.

She had come to seek guidance on how to "cut spending" and "cool down." Yet the solution he offered was a far more aggressive "opening up" and "expansion!"

What audacity and confidence this required!

Yet upon reflection, wasn't this the most fundamental solution? Rather than fretting over too much water in a pond, why not dig the pond wider until it becomes an ocean?

Her worries vanished instantly, replaced by a sudden clarity, excitement, and exhilaration.

"I understand, Sir!" Su Wenqian straightened her posture, her eyes gleaming. "I know what to do! I'll immediately coordinate across departments to accelerate implementation of new consumption projects—no point depreciation, and no sweat wasted!"

Qin Feng nodded, saying no more.

Su Wenqian bowed and stepped out, her steps light and full of vigor.

She glanced back at the office door, her heart brimming with emotion.

Sir's vision, indeed, was beyond her comprehension.

Don't break the economic balance?

No.

What Sir wants is to lead everyone together toward a grander new world where "balance" is no longer a concern.