Henry Walker didn’t notice Grace Dawson spacing out. He withdrew his gaze from the hospital entrance and called out to David Grant, “Old Grant, where are you going? Let me give you a ride.”

“Hey, Secretary Walker, I wouldn’t dare trouble you. I live right here in town, just a few steps and I’ll be home. You go ahead and take care of your business!” Although David Grant still maintained a calm and respectful attitude, a trace of genuine respect flashed in his eyes, revealing itself unintentionally.

David Grant’s attitude made Henry Walker quite satisfied. As this David Grant appeared before him again and again, Henry Walker’s memories of the old David Grant gradually became clearer. Back then, even though David Grant would call him Secretary Walker to his face, in Henry Walker’s view, his tone was full of mockery and contempt.

It was the kind of disdain that treats you like a monkey. But now, this old fox was showing him real respect.

Henry Walker felt very pleased with David Grant’s change in attitude. It also meant that his first step had been a success. I, Henry Walker, just want to bide my time, clear my head, gather my strength, and make a comeback!

Samuel Carter, you’ve been running things in Xihezi Township for years, but so what? As long as I, Henry Walker, am sitting in this secretary’s seat, don’t even think about squeezing me out like before. Let me tell you, if you and I are both blades of grass, don’t just think about growing in someone else’s wheat field!

As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Henry Walker smiled awkwardly and said, “In that case, I won’t see you off. Yincang, I’ll treat you to a drink in a couple of days. Today’s not good—my pockets are empty!”

Watching the jeep rumble away from the clinic, David Grant stood there for a while before coming back to his senses. He could hardly believe that the person he’d just seen was the same timid, indecisive college graduate secretary who didn’t dare make a decision on his own.

If a lamp is always on, you might not notice it, but if it flickers, you can’t help but pay attention! If his nervousness when he first arrived was all just an act, then Deputy Carter is in for a tough time ahead!

When David Grant realized this, he suddenly felt a sense of unease, though he couldn’t quite say why.

“Old Grant, he’s gone?” At some point, the chubby Director Graham appeared beside David Grant again, smiling like a kindly Maitreya Buddha, his small eyes sparkling with pride.

Seeing Director Graham’s expression, David Grant felt a sudden surge of annoyance. He shot Director Graham a sideways glance and said bluntly, “Fatty Graham, what you did today was really out of line. If you end up suffering in silence later, don’t say your Brother Grant didn’t warn you!”

“Him? He wouldn’t dare! Old Grant, you didn’t let him fool you, did you? As you guys say, in the township clinic, you don’t go after the diligent or the lazy, you go after the ones who don’t know their place! You’d better be careful, and don’t pick the wrong side!” Fatty Graham was clearly displeased by Old Grant’s words and retorted indignantly.

Seeing that Fatty Graham didn’t appreciate his advice, David Grant felt even more annoyed and waved his hand, “Fine, fine, you do whatever you want.”

When Fatty Graham saw that Old Grant was upset, he quickly smiled and nudged him, “Alright, alright, Old Grant, don’t say such discouraging things. A relative from the village brought me half a side of dog meat—come on, let’s go have dog meat hotpot at my place.”

David Grant liked to have a couple of drinks when he had nothing to do. Normally, he would have gladly accepted the invitation, but right now, his mind was full of the recently departed Secretary Walker. Without thinking, he said, “Forget it, I’ve got things to do. Let’s have your hotpot another time when I’m free.”

Watching David Grant leave with a serious look on his face, Director Graham stomped his foot and muttered to himself, “Hmph, passing up good meat—what a fool. If you won’t eat, that just means more for me.”

As the sun set in the west, it truly felt like spring. The air was filled with the intoxicating scent of thawing earth and sprouting grass. Today’s business was handled brilliantly, and now he had another story to brag about in front of Deputy Carter. Thinking of this, Director Graham hummed a little tune contentedly as he strolled toward his residence.

Chapter 0007: Life Is Full of Unexpected Encounters

“Mom, does your leg still hurt? It’s the rainy season in Jiang City right now, so you need to be careful. If there’s any heavy or tiring work, get someone else to do it if you can. If you can’t find anyone, just wait until I come home…”

“Mm, I’m doing quite well here. My colleagues are all nice, and the air in the township is really fresh. In a few days, when you and Dad are on vacation, I’ll bring you here to stay for a couple of days. I guarantee you’ll never want to leave once you’ve stayed!”

“Mom, don’t blame Dad for getting me transferred here—he didn’t have a choice. At first, I couldn’t figure it out either, but now I don’t feel that way anymore. I think life in Xihezi Township is much more fulfilling than at university. Don’t worry about me, I’m already in my twenties—I can take care of myself…”