A Bumpy Road to Power

Chapter 634 634

"Old man, what brings you here?"

Dirk Carter quickly rushed to his front and asked.

The old man still had a shy expression.

He chuckled, patted his belly, and said, "Hungry, you invite me to eat noodles."

"I'll treat you to noodles, I'll treat you to noodles, but there are officials here now, please wait for me on the side first."

Dirk patiently explained.

The old man nodded like a child.

He said, "Okay, I'll wait for you over there."

After speaking.

He happily ran to the corner of the wall to wait obediently, leaving Elliot Douglas, Alphonso Forrest, and the others all dumbfounded.

Everyone's gaze fell on Dirk Carter, full of astonishment and disbelief.

"What's the matter? Is there a problem?"

Dirk asked.

"Dirk, how do you know Mr. Fang?"

Irving Pace leaned over with surprise and asked.

"What Mr. Fang?"

Dirk scratched his head and asked.

Irving glanced at the corner and said, "The old man who just spoke with you."

"Oh, him, what's up? You guys know him?"

"You don't know who he is?"

"No, he's just an old man, isn't he?"

Dirk asked.

Irving's jaw dropped as he looked at Dirk in disbelief. Thinking that Dirk had transferred from another province, he suddenly understood and whispered, "Have you ever heard of Alphonso Forrest?"

"Alphonso Forrest..."

Dirk mumbled.

Suddenly stiffening, he asked, "Is it the infamous Secretary Alphonso Forrest? The former Janton State Committee Secretary, the one who first advocated for the development of the private economy in Janton State?"

"That's him."

Irving said.

This time, it was Dirk's turn to gape with his mouth wide open and unable to close.

Alphonso Forrest wasn't just famous in Janton State; he was one of the most renowned State Committee secretaries in the entire country.

In the early 1980s,

The country began implementing the strategy of reform and opening up.

At the time, Alphonso Forrest was the first to propose a bold exploration of developing the private economy in Janton State.

Looking back now,

It's not that big of a deal.

But back then, it was avant-garde, remarkably bold.

After all, the private economy was a dangerous species, and any slight misstep could have it labeled as capitalist. It was precisely because of Alphonso Forrest's boldness that it created the myth of Janton State's economy leading the nation.

Aside from that,

He also had the nickname "Black-faced Secretary."

Not because he was dark-skinned,

But due to his iron-fisted approach.

Still in the early 1980s,

Janton State was rife with criminal forces, and Alphonso Forrest adopted a heavy-handed policy to suppress forces disrupting social stability. This is also why, even today, Janton State's law and order rank among the top in the country.

Though some criminal forces have resurfaced now, they are still scarce compared to other places.

Throughout his life, Alphonso Forrest faced numerous threats, even having criminals ambush and shoot him. To this day, he still has a bullet lodged in his shoulder, a testament to how much he was loathed during his tenure.

Before retiring a dozen years ago,

Higher-ups tried many times to move him to the central government to enjoy his retirement, but he refused.

So, they gave him an honorary position, allowing him to retire from his post as Janton State Committee Secretary.

Don't be fooled by his old, raggedy appearance now,

His rank was genuinely deputy-national grade.

And this kind of old man was dressed so poorly, even needing someone to pay for his noodles.

"Chen... Dirk Carter, uh... you and Mr. Fang... know each other?"

A complete shift from his previous arrogance,

Even Elliot Douglas came over stutteringly to ask.

"Um... not really know him, just... had a meal together and some other trivial matters."

Dirk didn't try to brag.

But those words were enough to break Elliot Douglas into a cold sweat.

Thinking back to the recent transfer order for Dirk,

He seemed to understand something.

Swallowing hard, he clasped Dirk's hand tightly and said, "Comrade Dirk, your achievements in our Koryn City are really commendable. I will certainly report the spirit and outlook I witnessed here back to the State Committee..."

"Governor Lee, didn't you just say..."

Before Dirk could finish.

Elliot Douglas quickly interrupted him, saying, "That... that was all a misunderstanding, not worth mentioning, not worth mentioning..."

Seeing this scene.

Dirk was both amused and exasperated.

Since arriving in Koryn City, he had been suppressed constantly. The appearance of an old man who blended seamlessly among the crowd seemed to elevate his status.

Isn't this the sorrow of the system?

He said, "Governor Lee, it's getting late; should I accompany Mr. Fang for a meal?"

"I will join you." Elliot Douglas quickly said.

Dirk waved his hand, saying, "Never mind, we're just getting noodles; I worry Governor Lee might not enjoy it."

After speaking,

He turned and left.

At this moment, Elliot Douglas was fuming.

He wished he could swallow Dirk whole.

Finding a chance to get close to Mr. Fang was difficult, yet Dirk blocked it.

However, on the surface, he maintained a cheerful demeanor, afraid of upsetting Dirk.

Everyone watched as Dirk and Alphonso Forrest left, chatting brightly.

Elliot Douglas sidled up to Irving,

Sniveling, he said, "Governor Lee, it's getting late; shall we eat?"

"Eat, eat, eat, you only think about eating. I'm heading back; you folks take your time with the meal."

Elliot Douglas stomped his foot, leading his entourage away directly.

Today in Koryn City, he certainly wasn't hungry because anger alone had filled him up.

A dignified deputy governor,

Wherever he went, he was surrounded by a crowd flattering him, except in this Koryn City, where he not only lost face but also bottled up grievances.

Looking at the time,

It was already half-past one in the afternoon,

Having been busy all morning without even a sip of water.

Thinking he could seize this opportunity to put Dirk down,

It turned out,

Dirk got promoted.

Moreover, Dirk actually had such a close relationship with Alphonso Forrest.

This time, Elliot Douglas thoroughly realized how formidable Dirk is.

From that day on, Elliot never harbored thoughts of sabotaging Dirk's career again.

"Old man, are two bowls enough? Want to add some side dishes?"

In the noodle shop,

Dirk Carter asked Alphonso Forrest.

Alphonso Forrest, showing a thankful expression, nodded repeatedly and said with a smile, "Enough, enough, I get to eat my fill again today."

He lowered his head and shoveled a few bites.

Seeing Dirk not eating,

He asked, "Why aren't you eating?"

"You eat first, I'm not hungry."

Dirk said with a smile.

Alphonso Forrest chuckled and didn't mind Dirk; he quickly finished the two large bowls of noodles within minutes.

He burped contentedly,

Wiped his greasy mouth, and said, "These two bowls of noodles today were truly satisfying."

"I suspect Mr. Fang didn't just come for the noodles today, did he?"

Dirk asked with a grin.