A Bumpy Road to Power

Upon hearing this.

Johann Holloway felt even more contempt in his heart.

Sitting down across from Dirk Carter, he said, "Mayor Carter, what do you mean by this? I don't quite understand."

"It's okay if you don't understand."

Dirk Carter finished speaking.

Like performing a magic trick, a few photographs suddenly appeared in his hand.

He tossed them in front of Johann Holloway.

Said, "Open your eyes wide and take a good look. Maybe after a few more glances, you'll understand."

Johann Holloway was baffled.

He picked up the photos, and his pupils instantly dilated, leaving him staring blankly in place.

Seeing his fearful expression.

Dirk Carter said, "City Government Secretary Holloway, if you still don't understand, I'll have a few tabloids run these photos, let everyone else's eyes help see, maybe that way it'll be clear."

Upon hearing this.

Johann Holloway shuddered.

He looked at Dirk Carter and asked, "These photos..."

Not even having asked yet, Dirk Carter interrupted him, saying, "Want to know where the photos came from, right? I don't know either; someone just gave them to me. A lot, I just picked a few."

Panicked, he breathed rapidly.

He knew that if these photos were indeed publicized, his role as City Government Secretary was over.

Personal conduct issues aren't considered particularly severe internally.

But once discovered, one definitely can't stay in a leadership position.

Getting a disciplinary action is already considered mild.

If someone stirs trouble, getting fired completely isn't impossible.

Seeing him like this.

Dirk Carter had already made up his mind.

Kicking up his legs.

He asked, "Secretary Holloway, have you read the Four Great Classics?"

Johann Holloway stiffened for a moment, not knowing what Dirk Carter meant, but he couldn't avoid answering.

So he nodded.

"I have a different interpretation of the Four Classics, want to hear?"

Johann Holloway was in a state of turmoil.

Actually, he wasn't in the mood for Dirk Carter's nonsense at all.

But with the leverage in his hands, he could only obediently say, "I'd love to hear."

Dirk Carter casually said, "The Water Margin depicts the desire for a position, Journey to the West the struggles to obtain it, Three Kingdoms the brutal inner fights, and The Red Chamber the tragedy of losing it. Secretary Holloway, do you agree with this view?"

Though not explicitly stated.

Johann Holloway understood Dirk Carter's words.

He gritted his teeth.

First, he put the photos away.

Then stood up and walked to the office door, shouting outside, "Secretary Cavanaugh, come in for a moment."

Cavanaugh Burke, who was waiting in the corridor, immediately seemed excited upon hearing this.

As he walked back into the office, he wore a rebellious expression again.

Dirk Carter was the first to speak.

Said, "Secretary Cavanaugh, I've got no personal issues with you, it's just that the office got a bit messy. Just clean it up and it'll be fine. Young people having a bit of character is a good thing, so we'll let this thing slide. Just be more careful next time."

Might Dirk Carter have forgiven him?

Such tolerance?

Even accepting such disrespectful behavior?

Just as Cavanaugh Burke was shocked.

Dirk Carter continued, "I've already discussed this situation with Secretary Holloway. My stance is that it's not a big deal, but Secretary Holloway seems to have a major issue with it, don't you, Secretary Holloway?"

Johann Holloway was momentarily dazed.

Felt like being forcefully rebooted.

Reluctantly said, "Yes, yes, Secretary Burke, your actions are not just about personal quality, but also about ideology. How about this, don't handle the Secretary role for Mayor Carter anymore."

In Cavanaugh Burke's view.

What Johann Holloway meant by "don't handle."

Was suggesting waiting for a while, then joining Norman Ross's side as Secretary.

A hint of a smile fleetingly appeared on his face.

Dirk Carter knew, Johann Holloway deliberately spoke ambiguously.

He wasn't going to let him skip through.

Hurriedly said, "Secretary Holloway, such a trivial matter doesn't warrant firing, after all, Secretary Burke worked hard to pass the civil service exam, and moreover, his father is Chairman Burke in the political consultative conference, show some respect."

With these words.

Johann Holloway had nowhere to escape.

He understood today Dirk Carter had him cornered.

Gritted his teeth, said, "Secretary Burke, you're disregarding organization and leadership, arriving late and leaving early, also take a good look at the state of this floor, is this something a national employee should be doing? By saying don't handle Mayor Carter's tasks, I don't mean you should wait for another assignment, but starting now, you've been fired, and subsequent decisions will be documented and sent to you by the Municipal Government."

Cavanaugh Burke was stunned.

Paused for a long time.

Asked, "Johann Holloway, what do you mean? Messing with me?"

Johann Holloway had no route left.

Gritted his teeth, said, "What are you saying, messing with you? It's your own doing, what's it got to do with me?"

"Damn it, now I see clearly, you did this on purpose, right? Last night, you clearly asked me to cause trouble in front of Dirk Carter, and now you're denying it?"

"Don't you slander me, when did I ask you to do such a thing, do you have evidence?"

Johann Holloway retorted.

Cavanaugh Burke, after all, was a high-ranking official's offspring.

Being mocked like this.

He couldn't swallow this insult.

Suddenly threw a punch, aiming straight at Johann Holloway's face.

Johann Holloway was struck hard, sitting down on the floor, pointing at Cavanaugh Burke, shouting, "Cavanaugh Burke, you're attacking a leader, you'll pay, just wait, watch how I deal with you."

Cavanaugh Burke spat towards Johann Holloway on the ground.

Said, "Alright, I'll wait for your handling, this matter isn't over between us."

After saying this.

Cavanaugh Burke stormed out furious.

Johann Holloway's mind buzzed.

This situation seemed utterly ruined, given Cavanaugh Burke is Thayer Burke's son, if nothing else, dealing with Thayer Burke now seemed impossible.

Really shot myself in the foot.

Paused for a moment.

He got up from the floor.

Said to Dirk Carter, "Mayor Carter, I've done as you asked, are you satisfied now?"

Dirk Carter waved a finger.

Said, "Secretary Holloway, that's incorrect, what do you mean you acted as I said, the decisions were all yours, they have nothing to do with me, Dirk Carter."

"Those photos..."

"Secretary Holloway, don't worry, I can't confirm whether these photos are real yet, I'm just thinking if you're sensible, these photos shouldn't pose any issues."

Dirk Carter casually said.

Johann Holloway gritted his teeth.

Could only turn and leave.

Just took a step out.

Dirk Carter suddenly called, "Wait up!"

"What's the matter?"

Johann Holloway asked unhappily.

Dirk Carter pointed at the office's mess.

Said, "Secretary Holloway, could you do me the favor and clean up personally..."

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