A Bumpy Road to Power

Chapter 635 635: The Poison of Bureaucracy

Alphonso Forrest was momentarily stunned.

Then he asked with a breezy air, "Oh? Why do you say that?"

Dirk Carter said, "Yesterday, I didn't reveal my identity, yet you found the Municipal Office, and yesterday you overheard my chat with Dorothy. Knowing that Fabian Vincent would come today, you specifically showed up at the Municipal Office, in front of all those people, waiting for me to invite you to lunch. There's definitely a motive behind this."

"Then tell me, what's the motive?"

Alphonso Forrest smiled slyly, asking nonchalantly.

Dirk Carter tilted his head in contemplation for a moment.

He said, "Either Mr. Forrest is here to back me, or he's here to give Fabian Vincent a nudge?"

"Which do you think it is, the former or the latter?"

"The latter seems more likely."

Dirk Carter stated with conviction.

Alphonso Forrest listened, laughed heartily.

He said, "When I was in office, Fabian Vincent was just a county official. Even then, he was quite diligent with a good reputation, which is why he rose to Vice Governor. But for some reason, once he reached the top, his personality changed, becoming particularly bureaucratic, always eager to show off wherever he goes. It seems he's fallen victim to what I call 'official poison'."

"Official poison? What is official poison?"

Dirk Carter asked.

Alphonso Forrest chuckled, and said, "It's a term I coined myself. When people reach high status, they tend to float, unable to recognize their true identity, constantly feeling superior, expecting others to revolve around them. I collectively refer to this phenomenon as official poison."

"That's an apt description of official poison."

Dirk Carter remarked.

Alphonso Forrest sighed and said, "I came today to see if this young man had made any progress over the years. Didn't expect he's still the same, a bit unclear-minded. I'm retired now; many things are no longer my concern. Having a bowl of noodles is enough."

While saying this.

Alphonso Forrest looked very melancholic.

After a pause, he lifted his head and asked, "Young man, I heard you've been transferred to Rexton City?"

"Even in retirement, Mr. Forrest seems to have quite the ear for news."

Dirk Carter said with a smile.

Alphonso Forrest, not the least bit coy, waved his hand and said, "Riverton State has 12 cities, this old man still knows some people, finding out your identity is a simple matter. I came not to back you or to nudge Fabian Vincent, just to warn you."

"Warn me? What have I done?"

Dirk Carter asked in surprise.

Alphonso Forrest smiled slightly and said, "Young people have to pick sides to climb up, but there are some powers better kept at a distance. Otherwise, when you find yourself shattered and regret, it will be too late."

"Mr. Forrest, you've misunderstood. Though I'm not brilliant, I've never partaken in picking sides."

"Oh? Then how do you explain your promotion this time?"

"It came out of nowhere; I hadn't received any prior notice."

Dirk Carter said candidly.

After staring into his eyes for a long time, Alphonso Forrest suddenly breathed a long sigh.

He said, "I understand now, I had thought your promotion was due to backing from behind. Now it seems someone doesn't want you to stay in Koryn City."

Dirk jolted slightly.

He asked, "Are you suggesting my promotion is orchestrated by the Houseman Family?"

"So you know?"

"I didn't before, but what you said makes me consider this possibility. Their family is most unwilling for me to remain in Koryn City. Why transfer me to Rexton City, though?"

Upon asking this question.

He trembled slightly.

He said, "I understand now, I understand. It's Fabian Vincent. As the City Government Secretary, I would be Fabian Vincent's secretary general, and suppressing me would become an easy task."

Immediately afterward.

He grasped Alphonso Forrest's hand and said, "Mr. Forrest, thank you. Without your words, I would've been left in the dark."

"Hahaha... It's nothing to do with me. I came to warn you, but since there's unexpected gain, paying for this bowl of noodles isn't a loss. Young man, I quite like you, you remind me of my younger days."

After saying that.

Alphonso Forrest slowly rose to his feet.

"Mr. Forrest, let me see you off."

Dirk Carter immediately said.

Alphonso Forrest waved his hand and said, "No need, I've toured Koryn for several days, it's time to change places and see something new. Though retired, I don't know why I can't let go of this land. I just can't shake the nostalgia. Young man, do well in Rexton City, you have great potential, as long as you avoid the official poison."

"Mr. Forrest, rest assured, I promise I won't succumb to the poison."

Dirk Carter declared solemnly.

Alphonso Forrest burst into laughter again.

He waved his hand and said, "Then until fate leads us to meet again. We might see each other again in Rexton City."

With that.

He slowly sauntered out.

Watching Mr. Forrest's silhouette vanish.

Dirk Carter sat back down heavily.

His promotion issue was cleared up.

Yet, there was still one thing that puzzled him.

Since he disrupted the Houseman Family's plan, preventing them from gaining any profit in The Economic Development District, why would they promote him? They could easily invent a pretext to exile him, and they wouldn't hesitate.

From Deputy Division Chief to Division Chief promotion.

It seems like only half a step.

Yet it resembles a chasm, hindering most people's career paths.

Many spend their entire lives unable to achieve this leap, and it was so effortlessly given to him?

What's hidden within the Houseman's gourd?

Since he couldn't figure it out, it's better not to dwell on it. Regardless of what happens, events will unfold as expected. Thinking too much now just disturbs one's mind.

In the afternoon.

Michael Hall returned to Koryn City.

Along with him came the appointment letter from the State Committee concerning Dirk Carter.

According to the Organization Department of the State Committee's requirements, Dirk Carter must complete his work transition within three days and officially take office in Rexton City Government next Monday.

This also means he's about to start a new chapter in his career.

Once the news spread.

Dirk Carter's office became a popular spot.

Not only because of his promotion.

But also because Alphonso Forrest's personal support showed everyone Dirk Carter's strong backing.

Regardless of past allies or adversaries, everyone hoped to improve relations with Dirk Carter before he leaves. More friends mean more paths.

Having a friend like Dirk Carter doesn't just add one path.

On the third day afternoon.

Dirk Carter had mostly transferred his duties.

He could finally breathe easier.

Just as he settled onto the couch, Arlo Yarbrough walked in and said, "Dirk, there are visitors from the city."