Those who understand the times are true heroes. He immediately made up his mind: he was just a temp at the police station, and as for the estranged relationship between Secretary and Township Chief, he certainly wouldn’t foolishly get involved. He’d just be that carefree fence-sitter, swaying whichever way the wind blew. From now on, whenever he saw this Secretary Walker, he’d have to be extra polite—who knows, maybe luck would strike one day and he’d land a permanent position at the township office.

Just as he was thinking this, trouble broke out that very night! What should he do now? Officer Lewis was so anxious that sweat beaded on his forehead, his mind a complete mess.

“Wang... Secretary, this... this is all a misunderstanding...” Officer Lewis wanted to explain, opened his mouth, but didn’t know what to say.

“Didn’t you say you were going to take me to the police station? I’ll go with you right now. I’d like to see how the officers under his William Carter enforce the law!” Henry Walker completely ignored the two men’s rambling apologies, and said coldly.

What? Take the top official to the police station? That would only happen if he was packing up his bedding and leaving the station for good! Just thinking about the consequences of losing his uniform sobered the drunken Officer Lewis up instantly!

“Secretary Walker, I was wrong, I admit my mistake. I drank a whole jin of horse piss today—my brain’s all muddled. Secretary Walker, you’re a bigger person, please let me off this time...”

Although Thomas Thompson was also a bit apprehensive, he still had his brother-in-law backing him up, so he wasn’t as terrified as Officer Lewis, who was trembling all over. Forcing himself to calm down, he quickly pulled a cigarette from his jacket pocket, grinned, and said, “Secretary Walker, Brother Henry, you see, the two of us just drank too much and made a fool of ourselves in front of you. It’s like the flood washed into the Dragon King’s temple—family not recognizing family. Come on, have a cigarette and cool off.”

As Samuel Carter’s brother-in-law, Thomas Thompson was just a cook at the township government, but usually acted high and mighty. Still, in the township, few dared disrespect him—after all, you have to look at the owner before hitting the dog. Even some deputy section chiefs treated him as a brother. For him to lower his head and offer a cigarette was already giving a lot of face.

Henry Walker looked at the ever-composed Thomas Thompson, but didn’t take the offered cigarette. Instead, he smiled faintly and said, “Only cause trouble when you’re drunk? Fine, then go sober up. We’ll deal with this tomorrow!”

“Yes, yes, Secretary Walker, Brother Henry, you’re right, we’ll handle it tomorrow. We’ll be off then.” Seeing Henry Walker’s attitude, Thomas Thompson looked as if he’d been granted amnesty, his face blooming with a bright smile. He grabbed the still-worried Officer Lewis, and the two of them dashed off.

Chapter 0011: Strike the Snake at Its Weakest—Act Steady, Precise, and Ruthless

Henry Walker watched the two figures disappear into the darkness, saying nothing, but his mind was churning.

Life’s trials had taught Henry Walker that youthful impulsiveness and hot-bloodedness were actually the most immature traits. When the time isn’t right, no matter how restless your heart, you must remain calm and bide your time. But once the opportunity comes, you must strike decisively, draw your sword swiftly, and make a move that shakes the heavens!

When striking a snake, you must hit its vital spot—act steady, precise, and ruthless, killing it in one blow, leaving no chance for it to recover.

Life is like swimming: in adversity, what you often lack isn’t the ability to surface, but the patience to hold your breath underwater.

Believe in yourself, hold your breath, and you’ll eventually rise to the surface. In the darkness, Henry Walker silently encouraged himself.

“You... you’re really the new Secretary Walker?” The man called Old Sam Walker looked a bit uneasy, half-believing, half-doubting as he asked Henry Walker.

“I am Henry Walker. Brother, the people at the township office are of mixed quality. When we recruited, we didn’t screen carefully enough. I’m sorry you were wronged!” Henry Walker shook Old Sam Walker’s hand openly, speaking with sincerity.

“Big brother, if you trust me, tell me what happened when your son was beaten. I’ll do my best to get you justice.” Henry Walker sat back down on the small stool, smiling warmly.

Looking at this calm young man, Old Sam Walker instinctively felt a bit of trust. He opened his mouth, but no words came out.

Henry Walker wasn’t surprised at all by Old Sam Walker’s hesitation. He just smiled at him, not urging him in the slightest.

“Hey, Old Sam, these days, you only ever see officials covering for each other. When have you seen a Secretary Walker willing to stand up for you? What are you waiting for? Hurry up and tell him your grievance!” The man beside Old Sam Walker, seeing him hesitate for so long, couldn’t help but urge him anxiously.

Reminded by his companion, Old Sam Walker spat fiercely, then said with determination, “Damn it, better to fight this bastard than keep swallowing my anger!” Cursing as he spoke, Old Sam Walker picked up the big bowl in front of him and downed the half-bowl of greasy soup in one gulp.