A Bumpy Road to Power

Chapter 703 - 703

In the world of politics, one's words are often half-spoken and half-withheld.

As for how they might ultimately be interpreted, there's vast room for imagination.

It seemed Herman Bates caught on to a certain implication in Dirk Carter's words.

He tentatively asked, "Is Secretary General Carter suggesting we don't plan to turn the Starlight Night Market upside down in our investigation?"

Dirk Carter smiled slightly.

He said, "Secretary Bates, you are the top leader of Rexton City, and all the decisions in the city need your nod, including the Starlight Night Market. Of course, if there's a mistake, we must admit it, I believe you agree with that as well."

The meaning of this sentence was even clearer.

Dirk Carter did not intend to clash with Herman Bates over the Starlight Night Market.

However, Herman Bates had to ensure that someone at the Starlight Night Market would take the blame, and moreover, it could no longer be a tool for profiteering — it must undergo reform.

If that's the case.

For Herman Bates, it wasn't the worst outcome.

At least the whole system was preserved.

Moreover, externally, he could claim that he used his methods to suppress Dirk Carter, leading to the current result.

There were losses, but they were bearable.

Logically speaking, Dirk Carter could now take advantage and completely destroy Herman Bates' influence.

But he didn't do that.

There's only one explanation for this.

He wanted to gain something else in return.

Herman Bates cleared his throat.

He asked, "Comrade Carter, resolving the issue this way is feasible, but doesn't it mean all your efforts have been in vain?"

Dirk Carter chuckled.

He said, "Of course, there's no such thing as a free lunch. After Rexton City undergoes the turmoil of the Starlight Night Market and The Maplewood Gang, nobody knows what the political landscape will become. I, Dirk Carter, have no interest in muddying the waters; I only wish to stay as far from the whirlpool as possible. I also believe, Secretary Bates, that you will grant my wish."

Herman Bates was taken aback.

Was he suggesting a transfer elsewhere?

The City Government Secretary is known as the top position of that rank.

The next move would be to a deputy director level.

But Herman Bates didn't have that kind of power.

He paused and was just about to speak.

Dirk Carter said, "Secretary Bates, don't misunderstand. I don't mean to ask you to move me. I just want to request marriage leave."

Leave? That simple?

What is this guy up to?

But since it's marriage leave, there's no reason not to approve it, so he asked, "Did Mayor Vincent approve it?"

Dirk Carter nodded and said, "I've already mentioned it to Mayor Vincent. As long as Secretary Bates agrees, I can officially take leave starting tomorrow."

Herman Bates pondered for a moment.

He said, "Since Mayor Vincent agrees, I have no objections, I'll approve it."

As he said this.

Dirk Carter stood up.

He said to Herman Bates, "Thank you, Secretary Bates."

Herman Bates smiled and said, "I also wish Secretary General Carter a happy newlywed life. If I have time, I'll definitely come for a toast."

"You're welcome anytime."

Dirk Carter finished speaking, then turned and left.

As he left.

Herman Bates sat on the sofa for another half an hour.

He still couldn't figure out why Dirk Carter relinquished his right to investigate the Starlight Night Market at this critical moment.

Not only him.

Fabian Vincent couldn't understand either.

The Maplewood Gang incident had a huge impact on him.

Albeit cooperating with Dirk Carter to reduce the consequences to a minimum, it essentially meant a complete break with the Houseman Family, making it impossible to restore relations.

If at this moment, Dirk Carter could leverage the Starlight Night Market to topple Herman Bates and his faction, at least he could secure a stronghold in Rexton City.

Yet when it was down to the final stretch.

Dirk Carter requested a leave.

Wasn't this equivalent to letting Herman Bates off the hook?

What did this mean?

Dirk Carter's actions naturally had his own motives.

From when Bridget Goodman mentioned the Starlight Night Market's shadiness, Dirk Carter knew it was Fabian's doing.

He wanted to use him to expose Herman Bates's weaknesses.

And then use him to dismantle Herman Bates's influence.

Dirk Carter pretended to fall into the trap and complied for two purposes.

The first was to rattle the saber and rectify the wrongs of the Starlight Night Market, bringing it back on track.

And the second was to restrain Herman Bates.

After the Maplewood Gang incident.

Dirk Carter realized that Rexton City's delicate balance should not be disrupted; otherwise, if one party collapses, the other would seize the opportunity to grow, leading to even more immeasurable harm.

Neither Herman Bates nor Fabian are easy opponents.

Having them secretly contest and check each other is the best state.

This is also why Dirk Carter decided to forgo the investigation of the Starlight Night Market.

When young, there's always a desire for a no-holds-barred fight; once an investigation is started, it must reach a conclusion.

With age comes maturity.

Dirk Carter's understanding of politics ascended to another level.

The Houseman Family is covetous of Rexton City, trying every means to infiltrate their influence.

Now, as long as Herman Bates and Fabian block the way.

It's not simple for the Houseman Family to penetrate, especially since both sides are already disappointed in them, why upset the balance?

Upon returning to the office.

Looking at his leave request for marriage.

Dirk Carter felt a wave of relief.

Arlo Yarbrough snatched it up, scanning it top to bottom.

He asked, "What's this? Getting scared? Didn't you say before that the Houseman Family wouldn't touch you for now, so what's there to be afraid of?"

Dirk Carter smiled slightly.

He said, "Have I ever shown fear? Surely the Houseman Family won't come at me for now, but with their nature, they won't swallow this insult easily. They'll go after Dorothy, they'll go after you, they'll go after everyone I care about. Do you think they wouldn't do such a thing?"

"Then what's the point of your leave? Will it make them spare you?"

Arlo Yarbrough thoughtfully asked.

Dirk Carter laughed heartily.

He said, "You see, there are times when one must flex their muscles, or else people will assume you're easily manipulated."

Flex your muscles?

What does taking leave have to do with flexing muscles?

It took half a month before Arlo Yarbrough figured out what Dirk meant.

Knock, knock, knock.

There was a knock at the door.

Arlo Yarbrough opened the door to see Vice Secretary Amber Young already standing at the doorway.

"Leader, Secretary Young is here."

Arlo Yarbrough turned and shouted.

Dirk Carter waved him off.

Arlo Yarbrough tactfully left.

"Secretary Young, you came at the right time, I was just about to find you."

Dirk Carter enthusiastically stood up and said.

Amber Young, today, had deliberately dressed up.

Even leaving aside her light makeup, her outfit had much attention to detail.

She was noticeably more alluring.

This was no surprise.

Since Gilbert Dixon was caught, the position had opened up.

With Dirk Carter on leave as well, the acting secretary general position also became available.

With two tempting prospects before her.

How could Amber Young not be tempted?