A Bumpy Road to Power

Chapter 689 - 689

Keep in mind, Shaun Shelby is merely a market director.

While the others are officials of the city.

In this scenario, Shaun Shelby not only refrains from acting subservient, but instead carries a certain aura as if everything is within his control.

The first impression Dirk Carter has.

Is that this person is not simple.

"Has Minister Reid come as well?"

Fabian Vincent asked.

Autumn Reid smiled slightly and said, "I remember that in the previously announced Municipal Government agenda, Mayor Vincent wasn't scheduled to visit Starlight Night Market. If I had known you were coming to conduct research, I would have joined you."

Autumn Reid's words were evidently a jab at Fabian Vincent, suggesting his visit had other motives.

Fabian Vincent chuckled.

He said, "Minister Reid, you know well enough that my schedule as mayor is arranged by the Municipal Government office. Dirk Carter scheduled me to come here, so here I am."

These words, though spoken humbly,

were, to some extent, letting Autumn Reid know that today's visit to Starlight Night Market was Dirk Carter's idea.

Shaun Shelby, standing nearby, heard this comment.

He chuckled.

And said, "It seems Secretary General Carter is indeed interested in our Starlight Night Market. With such leadership attention, I believe the market will only keep growing."

The exchange between experts.

Every word seems smooth and steady.

But between the lines, there are flashes of tension.

Just like Shaun Shelby's remark.

On the surface, it was thanks, but Dirk Carter could hear there was quite a bit of mockery in it.

Dirk Carter wasn't angry.

He smiled.

And said, "It's wonderful to receive Director Shelby's understanding; Starlight Night Market is one of our Rexton City's calling cards, representing the city's image. A little more attention certainly doesn't hurt."

"Hahaha... Leaders, don't just stand around here, let's go inside and take a look."

Shaun Shelby said with a smile.

The group.

Crowding around Fabian Vincent, Autumn Reid, and the others, walked proudly into the market.

Although it's a night market,

many shops inside are also open during the day.

Fabian Vincent stopped in front of a small eatery.

Upon learning the person at the entrance was the mayor, the owner and staff excitedly gathered around.

Fabian Vincent cheerfully asked, "Owner, how's business here?"

"Great, the business environment here is really excellent. Doing business here, Director Shelby and Manager Walsh really look after us; they're such good people."

The small eatery owner said exaggeratively.

Dirk Carter was taken aback.

He asked, "Owner, is the rent here expensive?"

The owner hurriedly waved his hand and said, "Not at all, it's very cheap. My small shop here costs less than 1000 yuan a month in rent, whereas outside, it'd be at least four to five thousand, with such high foot traffic. We really have to thank the government's good policies and the market's care."

1000 yuan?

Dirk Carter wasn't without inquiries.

Such storefronts inside the market generally start at no less than 10,000, with additional high management and sanitation fees, even a cut from the turnover.

Why has it suddenly become a thousand?

Perplexed, he looked at Shaun Shelby.

His face was full of smugness.

As if telling Dirk Carter, within this small realm, he's the one calling the shots, making them say whatever he wishes.

"Great, great, owner, keep doing business well, we won't bother you any longer."

Fabian Vincent clearly heard the anomaly.

Yet, he showed no indication of it.

The group stopped at several more shops consecutively.

Every shop owner echoed the first, lavishly praising the market management. After all this, without prior knowledge of the situation inside, one might really believe Shaun Shelby to be a philanthropist.

Research concluded.

The group began to head back.

Autumn Reid turned to Fabian Vincent and said, "Mayor Vincent, how do you feel about today's research visit?"

Fabian Vincent understood.

Autumn Reid wanted him to express compliments.

If indeed he praised Shaun Shelby.

Then Dirk Carter might not dare to meddle further with Starlight Night Market.

Fabian Vincent suddenly stopped.

Turning to look at Dirk Carter behind him, he smiled and asked, "Secretary General Carter, what about you? What are your thoughts after this visit?"

"Good, I personally feel Director Shelby's work is really commendable, the merchants are quite satisfied; as long as the people are content, we are too."

Dirk Carter said.

Shaun Shelby heard this.

He quickly followed up, saying, "Thanks for the praise, Secretary General Carter. Rest assured, as long as I'm at the market, our Starlight Night Market's tourism reputation won't collapse. Still, I hope leaders visit frequently to guide and share valuable opinions so we can keep improving."

As he spoke these words.

Shaun Shelby's face was full of pride.

His gaze towards Dirk Carter even carried some disdain.

As if mocking Dirk Carter's means as hardly significant.

Just when everyone thought the research would end fruitlessly.

Arlo Yarbrough suddenly emerged from the crowd, walked over to Dirk Carter's ear, about to whisper something.

Dirk Carter glared at him.

And said, "Why sneak around, we're all among our own leadership, what can't be said?"

Arlo Yarbrough nervously looked around at everyone.

And said, "Secretary General Carter, Silvercrest District's police department called, saying Austin Walsh confessed, there's a set of dual accounts at Starlight Night Market. The apparent accounts are all legitimate, but secretly, fees are several times over, merchants have long been suffering, yet afraid to speak due to Director Shelby's tyranny."

Once these words were spoken.

The murmur suddenly quieted.

Shaun Shelby angrily shouted, "That's nonsense, nothing like that exists."

Arlo Yarbrough said helplessly, "I didn't say that, Austin Walsh did. If there's slander, it's him slandering you."

Seeing Shelby Shelby about to burst in anger again.

Dirk Carter promptly said, "Director Shelby, don't be upset, Austin Walsh is in custody, perhaps just babbling nonsense, don't take it seriously."

"What would I be concerned about? I don't care at all; I stand innocent and unafraid of slander."

Shaun Shelby explained.

Dirk Carter nodded.

Turning to Fabian Vincent, he said, "Mayor Vincent, I also think it's Austin Walsh slandering. We just toured the market, and everyone praises Director Shelby positively. But to protect Director Shelby's reputation, I suggest another round without him present, also send someone to find those dual accounts and have the auditing department check the market's financial flow, restoring Director Shelby's innocence, would that be acceptable?"

Fabian Vincent caught the implication.

So Dirk Carter had a contingency plan.

With a slight smile, he turned to Autumn Reid and asked, "Minister Reid, what do you think?"