Working as a police officer in Mexico-Chapter 1683 - 764: Boss Wei Has a Big Headache Too!

Capítulo 1683: Chapter 764: Boss Wei Has a Big Headache Too!

Victor’s fingers, holding the cigarette, shook almost imperceptibly, causing a piece of ash to silently fall on the glossy mahogany table.

He extinguished the remaining half of his cigar in the crystal ashtray.

“Report.” He extended his hand.

Casare hurriedly handed over the document, as heavy as a brick. The cover was a simple dark blue, printed with the words “Top Strategic Assessment and Recommendations (Top Secret).”

This was a report crafted by the Leader’s top advisory group.

One could say… the experts were all involved in its creation.

He directly flipped to the summary and executive summary sections, his gaze quickly scanning the cold numbers and conclusive statements.

The more he read, the tighter his brow became.

“The European Union and its associated countries have officially listed Mexico in the ‘Defense and Strategic Materials Embargo List,’ covering, but not limited to: high-performance alloys, special chemical raw materials, precision machine tool components, key parts of aviation engines, and software upgrade services. Our reserves are projected to sustain high-intensity consumption of current equipment for two months after which, we will face a sharp decline in maintenance capability and a halt in new equipment production…”

“The international capital markets are experiencing panic selling of North American-related assets, including Freedom Alliance bonds and stocks from some multinational enterprises perceived to be closely linked to the conflict. However, safety investments did not largely flow into gold or traditional safe havens as expected, but partially into emerging markets in Asia and commodity futures. The market is in disordered turbulence; the US dollar index has cumulatively fallen by about 18% since the conflict escalated, leading to a surge in commodity prices priced in US dollars. Global inflation pressure has soared, with warnings from the World Bank and IMF stating that ‘regional conflict is evolving into a catalyst for a global economic recession’…”

“Our intelligence indicates that certain Asia-Pacific countries, including Australia, Japan, and South Korea, under domestic public opinion pressure and traditional alliance pressures with the United States, are discussing the possibility of implementing secondary sanctions against us, involving financial transactions and shipping. The approval rate for business and tourist visas for our citizens to the aforementioned countries and most European countries has dropped to less than 15%, and many international academic and technological exchange projects have been unilaterally halted…”

Victor’s flipping speed increased, the paper rustling loudly.

Then, his fingers stopped on one page.

This page was not printed but was a photocopy of a handwritten brief, sampling street public sentiment from domestic security departments.

The handwriting was somewhat sloppy, but the record content caused Victor’s pupils to subtly contract.

“Guadalajara, university student’s anonymous online forum discussion: ‘The cost of war and our bread.’ High-praise comments include: ‘My father’s small factory is about to cease operations due to a lack of imported raw materials, while the news keeps broadcasting how many NATO tanks we’ve destroyed. Can tanks be eaten for food?’ ‘My cousin disappeared in Indiana (7th brigade affiliation), the government only issued a formulaic notice, the compensation? That money isn’t even enough for my aunt’s medical expenses for half a year.’ ‘Gasoline prices have nearly doubled, can you believe the price of tomatoes?’…”

“Juarez City, lower community tavern eavesdropping records (excerpt):

“Those soldiers said they went to protect expatriates, but when I watch TV, those expatriates’ homes appear much better than ours, do they really need our protection?”

“Hey, lower your voice… but truth be told, in the past, when there were drug traffickers, although it was chaotic, smuggled goods were cheap. Now everything is expensive, and job opportunities are hard to find.”

“When Calderas was around… at least he controlled this street, now? Taxes are up, police presence has increased, and life is even tougher… it was better during the drug trafficker’s time.”

“It was better during that time…”

Victor stared at these five words for a full ten seconds.

The room was dreadfully quiet, with only the low hum from the air conditioner vent. Then, he slowly raised his head and looked at Casare.

“What is the situation domestically?”

“I mean, the public sentiment. The real one, not the refined version in the report, nor the flattering words city mayors and governors use to deceive me.”

Casare’s Adam’s apple moved slightly.

Having accompanied Victor through stormy waters, he knew that lying or downplaying at this time could have consequences worse than losing a battle at the front line. He took a deep breath, shook his head, and said gravely: “Not optimistic, boss. Especially in the last month.”

He counted on his fingers, attempting to report succinctly: “Firstly, prices. Flour, corn, gasoline, medicine, all rising too fast. Though the government offers subsidies and has set up discount stores, supply is tight and queues are long. Complaints are greatest among the middle class and lower class. Secondly, casualty lists. After the Gree City campaign, death notifications began arriving in various places, sometimes a small town receives several at once, creating a somber atmosphere. There aren’t enough accompanying priests and psychological counselors.”

“The most crucial issue is international isolation. Many people studying or working abroad face discrimination, even dismissal. Domestic job posts are affected due to the war-driven economic transition; manufacturing sees some overcapacity, but civilian and service industries are shrinking, leading to frustration among returning individuals who can’t find good jobs.”

He paused, glanced at Victor’s expression, and continued: “Online controls are continuously tightening, but they can’t silence everyone. The mainstream media certainly remains supportive, but privately, in encrypted chat rooms, within university forums, even in some public channels of gaming, many believe that initially recapturing Texas and California, reclaiming our land, was justified and supported. But now, extending into Indiana, even confronting all of NATO, they think we’ve gone too far.”