The middle-aged man was from the examination group. If Andrew Brooks had ever peeked at the group's evaluation of him, he would have recognized that this very man was the one who had leaked information about him—in other words, this person knew far more about him than most.

"Mm, let me introduce myself, my name is Robert Grant, from the Municipal Party Committee's Propaganda and Education Department," the middle-aged man chuckled lightly and extended his hand. "Heh, what have you been up to? You look absolutely filthy!"

Chapter 13: Need to Achieve Some Political Results

"Over at Donglinshui, we're always short of water," Andrew Brooks shook hands with Robert Grant, then scratched his head, "and I just caught a long-distance bus back, so... I ended up like this."

"Oh, I almost forgot, you went down for a temporary post," Robert Grant gave a small laugh, clearly recalling Andrew Brooks's awkward official title. "Heh, so how is it? Tough work?"

Temporary post? The chubby female chairwoman of the military committee standing nearby was instantly stunned. Though she was young, she knew that anyone described as "on a temporary post" was definitely a state cadre.

Robert Grant's appearance and demeanor were steeped in officialdom; there was no way he could be colluding with this laborer to trick her. Realizing this, the plump saleswoman quietly began to inch backward.

Robert Grant noticed her movement, but how could he care? Andrew Brooks also saw it, but with a leader present, he didn't want to leave a bad impression on the Propaganda and Education Department just for the sake of a quick retort.

"It's not really that tough," Andrew Brooks shook his head, "but that village's natural conditions are just too poor. Honestly... it's heartbreaking to see."

As he spoke, thinking of the hardships faced by the villagers of Donglinshui, a genuine look of pain appeared on his face—one that came from the heart.

"Hmph, some people..." Robert Grant was unmoved by his expression, instead letting out a thoughtful snort and shaking his head. "Forget it, let's not talk about that. Are you here to buy a TV today?"

"Yes," Andrew Brooks nodded. At last, he could openly talk about his filial piety. "My parents are getting old and their eyesight isn't so good. I want to buy them a bigger TV."

"Oh, come on then, it's rare to run into you. Let me help you pick one out," Robert Grant said enthusiastically, his tone completely at odds with his usual demeanor. "You know, I actually came from the Phoenix Radio Factory."

Radio factory? Aren't TVs wired? Andrew Brooks couldn't quite follow the logic, but then again, TV signals... could be considered wireless, right? "I really didn't expect Secretary Grant to even remember me."

"Nonsense, what minister?" Robert Grant shook his head and smiled. Actually, the title wasn't wrong—he was the deputy minister of the Propaganda and Education Department. "Just an ordinary foot soldier."

The TV was quickly chosen. As Andrew Brooks paid, the saleswoman stared at him in astonishment, clearly thinking he fit that trendy term—"peasant entrepreneur."

But Andrew Brooks's mind was elsewhere. He pulled Robert Grant aside and whispered, "Secretary Grant, when do you think I'll be able to transfer back? Both my parents are in the city, after all."

Indeed, he wanted to use his so-called filial piety to move Secretary Grant. He didn't like Donglinshui—no normal person would.

"As for that," Secretary Grant looked at him with a smile, "there's no point telling me. Our Propaganda and Education Department is a clean office, we don't handle such matters. Don't you have some connection with Mayor Grant? Go talk to Mayor Grant about it."

Compared to other departments of the municipal party committee, the Propaganda and Education Department was indeed a very weak one. Still, unless someone planned to stay there forever, sooner or later they'd find a ladder to climb up. Most people wouldn't deliberately neglect them—after all, it still had "Municipal Party Committee" in its name.

So, Secretary Grant's words sounded a bit like shirking responsibility, but Andrew Brooks didn't have time to think about that. He blurted out in surprise, "Mayor Grant?"

He immediately remembered that he had made things difficult for a cement factory director surnamed Lü, and even the money for this color TV was a gift from someone.

I have a connection with him? Andrew Brooks really couldn't figure it out. Are you saying that Mayor Grant already knows I extorted his friend?

Of course, he'd never admit that, so he finally noticed another issue. "Oh, Secretary Grant, your surname is also Duan. Are you two...?"

"He's my brother," Secretary Grant replied calmly, giving Andrew Brooks a curious look. "Really? You don't even know Mayor Grant's full name?"

Mayor Grant is called Richard Grant, and the man in front of him is Robert Grant!

"What connection could I possibly have with Mayor Grant?" Andrew Brooks muttered to himself. If it weren't for the cement factory incident, he wouldn't have thought twice about asking Secretary Grant directly, but now, it just felt awkward to bring it up.

Secretary Grant heard his muttering, but didn't answer directly. "Actually, you'll be transferred back sooner or later. But you're still young—a bit more tempering of your character will do you good. Mayor Grant is doing this for your own benefit..."