No wonder—the whole society is like this, so how could parents possibly escape worldly prejudice? Evan Irving's thoughts unconsciously drifted back to the students in his own class.

Among more than forty children, there were three named County Magistrate, and two named County Committee. If you put them together, you could practically hold a standing committee meeting. Take Jack for example—the child's full name is actually County Chief Grant. It’s said that his father spent a full seven days racking his brains before coming up with such a catchy and memorable name.

Thinking about how he would sometimes assign homework to this County Chief, have that County Committee wipe tables and sweep the floor, and even once had to line up all three County Chiefs for a scolding when the students got mischievous, the smile on Evan Irving's face grew even wider.

Secretary Walker—that name probably has some deeper meaning too. After all, the Party leads everything. Thinking of this, Evan Irving chuckled quietly. Feeling a bit sentimental, Evan Irving subconsciously glanced across the table, only to see that this Secretary Walker was staring fixedly at his own bowl.

Chapter 0009: A Worn Straw Hat—Don’t Mess with the Big Cap

His bowl was already empty—could it be that he still wasn’t full? With some suspicion, Evan Irving tentatively asked, “The handmade dumplings here are pretty good. Would you like a bowl to try?”

Just as Chief Secretary Walker was wondering how to explain his awkward situation, he heard Evan Irving's words and, feeling embarrassed, didn’t know how to respond.

“Heh heh, Old Sam Walker, living pretty well, huh? Even having a midnight snack!” An abrasive voice rang out in the dark night. With the voice, two swaying men staggered out of the darkness.

One of the two drunks was holding his jacket, the other was bare-chested, both reeking of alcohol as they spoke. The man who spoke was pinching a filtered cigarette between his fingers, and called out mockingly to the two eating.

The dark-skinned middle-aged man’s face flashed with anger the moment he saw who it was, but the anger quickly faded into helpless resignation.

Henry Walker was no stranger to these two provocateurs, drunk out of their minds—wasn’t this the township government’s cook, Thomas Thompson?

Honestly, Thomas Thompson really was quite an eyesore. If it weren’t for being Samuel Carter’s brother-in-law, what unit would ever hire someone so unappetizing to cook?

“Oh, so it’s you, Brother Thomas! Come, come, Brother Sam, you’re just in time. Old Sam Walker was just discussing with me when to apologize to you and treat you to a good meal. Speak of the devil, and here you are! Why don’t you be the bigger man and give Old Sam a chance to pour you a few drinks, how about it?” The middle-aged man eating with Old Sam Walker, seeing how drunk Thomas Thompson was, quickly tried to flatter him.

As he spoke, he smiled apologetically at Thomas Thompson while giving Old Sam Walker a hard tug.

“Apologize to me? Hahaha, you talk better than you sing! You’re even better at talking than a mute! Old Sam Walker, I heard you’re still not over it, huh? I’ll say it right here—maybe I don’t have any other skills, but I’m an expert at dealing with all kinds of troublemakers!” Thomas Thompson staggered over to Old Sam Walker, his greasy hand brazenly patting Old Sam Walker’s face twice, threatening him with open provocation.

“Ask him, him, and them—everyone knows I hit your son! But when it got to the police station, what happened? Wasn’t it still your son’s fault? Your son hit me back! Hahaha, Old Sam Walker, didn’t you want to sue me? Go ahead! But let me remind you—an arm can’t twist a thigh! No matter how much you stir things up, I won’t even bat an eye!”

Brother Thomas, Old Sam Walker just lost his head, he doesn’t know what’s good for him. With your magnanimity, how could you hold a grudge? This time, it really was his poor judgment. For the sake of being neighbors, please, Brother Thomas, be generous and let it go—turn a big problem into a small one, and a small one into nothing.” The middle-aged man with Old Sam Walker, at least ten years older than Thomas Thompson, kept trying to placate him, almost fawning as he called him Brother Thomas.

Henry Walker’s expression kept shifting, thoughts flashing rapidly through his mind. With Thomas Thompson so arrogant and domineering, he really needed to be taught a lesson, both for public and private reasons!

He had originally planned to deal with that fat guy Fatty Graham from the health clinic, but since Thomas Thompson had delivered himself to his door tonight, this was a rare opportunity—no need to be polite.

However, before Henry Walker could step forward, someone else had already spoken up. Usually as quiet as a still lake, Evan Irving suddenly stood up, her little face tense, and spoke out indignantly: “How can someone act like this? He beats people and still acts so arrogant! Just because he has a bit of power, he bullies others—Xihezi Township isn’t a place where you can do whatever you want!”