Dirk Carter stood up.
He picked up the microphone and said loudly, "Next, let's warmly welcome Vice Chairman Faustino Churchill of the Provincial Political Consultative Conference for his guidance."
Clap clap clap...
The applause resumed.
Many people also stood up one after another.
Faustino Churchill came?
This was not part of the previous arrangements.
Dirk Carter instinctively glanced at Gilbert Dixon, who was not far from him.
Isn't Faustino Churchill his father-in-law?
What a coincidence.
Gilbert Dixon happened to be looking at Dirk Carter as well.
Their eyes met across the crowd.
Gilbert Dixon had a triumphant smile on his face, as if hinting to Dirk Carter that he should wait, there would be a good show coming up.
With Faustino Churchill's arrival.
The seat at the center of the podium naturally became his.
After greeting the leaders, everyone sat down again.
This summary conference.
Was personally presided over by Mayor Fabian Vincent.
As the conference began, Fabian Vincent gave a detailed account of the difficulties faced and achievements obtained during the 726 flood rescue operation.
This process lasted about twenty minutes.
Then, it was Secretary Herman Bates's turn to announce the commendation list.
Herman Bates cleared his throat.
He said, "A large number of model figures and units emerged in the 726 flood rescue operation, and here I want to especially commend Comrade Kanes Bates, who was responsible for the flood rescue mission in Fairview County..."
As soon as he said this.
The quiet conference room began to buzz with whispers.
Everyone thought that the biggest hero of this meeting should come from Goldridge County.
Unexpectedly, the final winner turned out to be Kanes Bates.
It should be noted that Fairview County was the only area in the city's flood mission that suffered significant losses due to a dam breach this time.
Though puzzled.
Everyone in the officialdom understood the insider information.
They had long been used to it.
"During the passage of the 726 flood peak, the Wyvern River Dam in Fairview County was aged and unsafe, posing significant safety risks. Comrade Kanes Bates persevered on the dam for two days and nights consecutively, and after the breach happened, Comrade Kanes Bates demonstrated the commitment of a party member by immediately rushing into the floodwaters to lead the blockade. This spirit deserves recognition and learning from all of us."
"According to the research and decision by the City Organization Department and Propaganda Department, Comrade Kanes Bates's deeds will be reported to the State Committee. With the approval of the State Committee, Comrade Kanes Bates is proposed to be publicly commended. Everyone, applause."
As soon as Herman Bates finished speaking.
The hall erupted with thunderous applause.
Looking at Kanes Bates again.
A smug expression was about to overflow from his face.
Yet he pretended to be modest, stood up, and bowed to everyone.
Next, Herman Bates read the list of those being commended.
Everyone expected that Goldridge County would at least receive some recognition.
Unexpectedly, after the list was read, Goldridge County wasn't mentioned at all.
While everyone was puzzled.
Herman Bates cleared his throat again.
He continued, "Of course, in addition to these commended units and individuals, there were also some discordant scenes during this flood rescue mission, particularly concerning Goldridge County."
With a sudden burst.
Almost everyone's gaze roamed among the crowd.
They were searching for Dirk Carter's figure.
Garrison County Committee Secretary Carmelo Garrison had been smiling all along.
When Goldridge County wasn't on the commendation list, his face darkened, and now it was overcast, showing some discontent.
"Some leaders not only requisitioned people's assets under the banner of flood rescue but also made big statements saying they would take down anyone they wanted to. Even more unbelievably, they fired guns at the ordinary people. Such cadre members are ones we should all be wary of. This is what we call bureaucratism, disregard for the law and discipline, and achieving political goals by any means necessary!"
Herman Bates's voice grew louder.
By the time he reached the last few words, he was even tapping the table with his fingers.
It was clear that he was quite angry.
The audience responded with hisses.
Indeed.
Just listening to what Herman Bates said.
Anyone would think that the person who did such things couldn't be a good person.
"Comrade Dirk Carter! Stand up for me!"
Herman Bates cast his eyes down to the audience and said in a powerful, unquestionable voice.
Among the audience.
Dirk Carter stood up.
Others pointed at him and whispered.
Although the voices were low.
With so many people, it became quite piercing.
At this moment.
Kanes Bates turned his face from the front row.
His gaze towards Dirk Carter was filled with disdain and contempt.
A battle destined to fail was completely reversed due to The Maplewood Gang's intervention.
Their strength could indeed be seen as powerful.
Originally, Dirk Carter was on today's commendation list.
Not only on it but also at the top.
Yesterday afternoon.
Kanes Bates approached Herman Bates and passed along a letter that Flynn Holden had given him.
It was a letter of accusation.
From Jared Vincent, the quarry owner in Goldridge County.
In the letter, the events of that day were exaggerated, detailing how Dirk Carter sent police to arrest them and coerced them, fully articulated.
Additionally, the letter included a USB drive.
The USB contained videos and photos taken in the conference room that day.
Especially those videos.
They were edited to remove context.
Every "arrogant" statement Dirk Carter made was recorded in full.
If such videos were to leak, what would happen?
It would definitely damage the image of Rexton City.
Herman Bates didn't want to deal with Dirk Carter at such a critical moment, for Dirk Carter's presence helped keep Fabian Vincent in check.
But that letter of accusation left him with no choice.
After convening a secretary meeting for discussion, they resorted to severe criticism of Dirk Carter at today's summary meeting.
"Comrade Dirk Carter, I ask you, are the things I just mentioned true?"
Herman Bates asked.
Dirk Carter nodded, saying, "Every word is true. These things were indeed done by me, and it's not unjust."
Exclamations arose.
Murmured discussions restarted.
Herman Bates had a disappointed look on his face.
He glared at Dirk Carter and said, "Very well, since you admitted it, I don't have to send anyone to investigate. Comrade Wayne Ford, this matter is yours to handle with the Discipline Inspection Commission. Ensure to give everyone a satisfactory answer in the shortest time possible."
The Discipline Inspection Commission Secretary, Wayne Ford, nodded and said, "Rest assured, Secretary Bates."
This order was issued in front of everyone.
This meant that the investigation into Dirk Carter was about to commence.
Garrison County Committee Secretary Carmelo Garrison noticed this.
He immediately stood up.
He said, "Leaders, I have something to say."
Just as Herman Bates was about to find someone to pass the microphone over.
Faustino Churchill, who had been silent, coughed, interrupting, "Comrade Herman, today is a summary meeting, not an investigation meeting. Let's not mention all these messy things and continue with the meeting."
His message was clear.
He wasn't giving Carmelo Garrison a chance to speak.
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