A Bumpy Road to Power

Chapter 594 594

"How is that possible? Executive Carter is the number one go-to in Koryn City. If he can't do it, then nobody can."

As soon as these words were spoken, Owen chimed in.

It seems like this was plotted in advance, to applaud Dirk Carter to death.

Immediately, Deputy Secretary Hakeem Young said, "Comrade Dirk Carter, you are the youngest in the group, those who are capable do more work."

"Exactly, don't be all talk and no action, when it comes down to serious business, you get cold feet. It would be so embarrassing if word got out."

Minister Zora Strong commented sarcastically.

This is typical workplace PUA.

It's like they want to roast Dirk Carter over the flames.

But Dirk Carter wasn't angry.

He smiled slightly and looked at Mayor Elliot Douglas, saying, "Mayor Douglas, you are the Mayor, surely you're more capable than me. Given how dire the investment situation is, wouldn't it be better for you to personally take charge?"

This statement was a response to Elliot Douglas's earlier sarcasm.

Elliot Douglas laughed and said, "No, no, you're being modest. Executive Carter's ability surely exceeds mine."

"Oh? If my ability is stronger than yours, how come you are the Mayor and I am the Deputy Mayor? Seems like the leadership that assigned you might have questionable judgment?"

Dirk Carter replied.

Elliot Douglas's face suddenly fell.

Before he could respond, Dirk Carter turned to Owen and said, "Secretary Owen, you said I am the number one go-to, if I can't do it, no one can. Isn't that a slap in the face to all the leaders here? Are you implying the leaders here are all useless?"

"I… I didn't mean that."

Owen's face fell, feeling a bit embarrassed as he replied.

"Secretary Young, you just said I'm young and should do more. Your thinking is quite problematic; does it mean young people should die? Can I assume this is Secretary Young's way of suppressing the young?"

Dirk Carter asked Hakeem Young.

Hakeem Young was momentarily speechless, unsure of how to respond.

Finally, Dirk Carter looked at Minister Zora Strong.

With a cold smile, he said, "Minister Strong, I, Dirk Carter, am a member of Koryn City Committee and the Executive Deputy Mayor. You call me a troublemaker. May I ask, are you implying that the City Committee or Municipal Government are piles of crap? Otherwise, how could I stir them?"

"That's not what I meant!"

Zora Strong quickly rebutted.

Dirk Carter's face instantly darkened.

He said, "Then what do you mean? Saying it but not daring to admit, you might be even less than a pile of dung."

"Dirk Carter, don't go too far in your words!"

Zora Strong, somewhat angry, pounded the table and shouted.

But Dirk Carter was calm, lightly saying, "Now I can think that Minister Strong is like a dog jumping over a wall, right?"

"You..."

Zora Strong was momentarily at a loss for words.

Seeing the situation getting out of hand.

Michael Hall cleared his throat.

Said, "Alright, Executive Carter, let's talk business."

Dirk Carter glanced around the room.

He stood up.

Said, "I am the Executive Deputy Mayor of Koryn City, attracting investment is naturally part of my responsibilities. Even if you don't speak with sarcasm, I would still take on this task. However, you all should reflect on whether you genuinely consider Koryn City as your home."

Technically speaking.

Such public sarcasm.

Everyone should criticize Dirk Carter.

But they did not.

Firstly, their verbal skills are not as sharp as Dirk Carter's. If they continue to return fire, they might be torn to shreds by him.

Secondly, now that Dirk Carter has agreed to take on investment work, their goal is achieved.

Who would stir up trouble for no reason?

"Comrade Dirk Carter, since you boast so boldly, we surely expect to see your results. Dare you place a wager?"

Elliot Douglas pressed down the anger in his heart and asked.

Dirk Carter looked at him scornfully, asking, "How much?"

"Let's say, my requirement isn't high. In half a month, if you can attract 5 billion in investment for the Economic Development District, I consider you win. If you can't make it, you lose. How's that?"

Elliot Douglas asked.

Half a month, 5 billion!

And that's considered not high?

Irving Pace, upon hearing this, quickly looked at Dirk Carter, signaling him not to agree.

Unexpectedly, Dirk Carter didn't even think, saying, "Alright, I'll take it. Since it's a bet, there should be a stake. Mayor Douglas, what do you think?"

Even if Dirk Carter hadn't brought it up.

Elliot Douglas would have.

He flashed a smile, saying, "Okay, we're all on the same team, so I won't make it difficult for you. If you lose, how about cleaning the Municipal Government Building's toilets for a month?"

Clean toilets?

Having the Executive Deputy Mayor do this?

Elliot Douglas clearly wants to suppress Dirk Carter, making him lose face at the Municipal Committee Compound.

Everyone thought Dirk Carter wouldn't agree.

Unexpectedly, he nodded, saying, "Well, I don't want to win unfairly. Raise it to 6 billion in half a month, and if I win, Mayor Douglas handles the Municipal Government Building's toilets for a month, how's that?"

All eyes turned unanimously to Elliot Douglas.

This was already considered a significant gamble.

This bet stakes one's face.

Elliot Douglas hesitated a bit internally.

Forced a smile, saying, "Alright, as long as Executive Carter can attract the investment, I'm in. Please, everyone here witness, I, Elliot Douglas, accept this bet."

The committee meeting concluded.

Dirk Carter just returned to the office.

Irving Pace hurriedly came in.

Concernedly said, "Dirk, aren't you being too impulsive? If Elliot Douglas dares to bet like this, there must be pitfalls in it."

"I know that, but in the coming days, he'll certainly send people to spy on me. No matter which company I talk to, Rexton City will snatch it away. This is not his plan; it should be Fabian Vincent's idea."

Irving Pace, upon hearing.

Became even more anxious.

Asked, "Since you know, why did you accept it?"

"It's not for him but for Koryn City. The Economic Development District is already established, it can't just be neglected. For Fabian Vincent, making Koryn City a state-affiliated entity means his achievements are erased. He won't let the Economic Development District prosper; that's why he increased the stakes at Kingsmont's Science and Technology Industrial Park."

Dirk Carter said.

Irving Pace was incredulous, saying, "Both the palm and the back of the hand are flesh, isn't all this for economic development?"

Dirk Carter coldly laughed, saying, "Some people don't see it that way. To them, the economy is their springboard, just a means to grab official achievement, and moreover, a way to line their pockets. The Houseman Family has promised not to intrude into Koryn City, so they've found another way, starting with the Science and Technology Industrial Park. Taking over the investment work also aims to make sure they hit a wall with the Science and Technology Industrial Park."

Now Irving Pace understood Dirk Carter's intentions.

He sighed and asked, "Is it really worth it for you to do this?"

Dirk Carter smiled and said, "Why wouldn't it be worth it? If I win, it guards the national assets. If I lose, the nation's money enters private pockets. For the nation, it's worth it, no matter what."

His words just fell.

Arlo Yarbrough walked in.

With a worried look, he said, "Leader, someone from Serenity State is looking for you."