Eric Brooks glanced at William Bolton and nodded to himself. He hadn’t paid much attention to this young man before, but now he realized the young man actually had some local perspective—truly worthy of being from 栗子坪. With this thought, he quickly said, “You know, I really do have something I need your help with. As you know, the village party secretaries in 栗子坪 don’t have a high level of education. Before this meeting, I want to get everyone on the same page, but these past few days both Secretary Foster and I have been very busy, so I’ll leave this task to you! Old Samuel, what do you think?”

William Bolton readily agreed. Of course, he understood that what Eric Brooks meant by “getting everyone on the same page” was to make sure all the village secretaries spoke with one voice and stayed united. Otherwise, during the meeting, everyone would be saying different things—one village wants to raise Maotou sheep, another wants to develop tobacco—which would give the leaders the impression that 栗子坪 isn’t united.

“That sounds good to me!” Samuel Foster pondered for a moment before speaking. Then, his expression turned serious as he earnestly said to William Bolton, “Little William, you really need to do a good job with this. Originally, I was going to have the office’s James Harris handle it, but his wife is about to give birth, so he won’t be able to come for a few days. The county leadership team is about to be reshuffled, and we in 栗子坪 need to make a good impression on the new team, don’t you think?”

William Bolton nodded seriously and said, “Secretary Foster, don’t worry! I’ve worked in government for a few years now, so I know how to prioritize things. But… what’s the township’s plan?”

Samuel Foster smiled and said, “Old Eric, show our report to Little William so he can get a sense of things.”

William Bolton took a copy of the new year’s economic work plan outline from Eric Brooks and read it carefully for a while. Samuel Foster and Eric Brooks didn’t interrupt him. After a long moment, Eric Brooks finally said, “Little Eric, what do you think? You’re a college graduate, after all. Neither Old Samuel nor I have had higher education, so feel free to give us your suggestions!”

William Bolton was slightly taken aback, racking his brain for the right words. To be honest, Eric Brooks’s plan was rather mediocre—it didn’t highlight 栗子坪’s strengths. It was by the book, with no major flaws, but also no bright spots. Some parts were actually worth discussing.

“A report personally drafted by Township Head Brooks? There’s no question—it’s visionary and insightful! However, I heard the new county magistrate used to serve as a local official in Yulong District. While our conditions in 栗子坪 can’t compare to Yulong, we do have something in common! For example, tea processing and production—that’s something we share! Township Head Brooks, Secretary Foster, what do you think…” William Bolton phrased his suggestion tactfully.

As soon as Eric Brooks and Samuel Foster heard this, their eyes lit up. Samuel Foster slapped his thigh and said, “Good man! I really underestimated you before. I didn’t expect you to be so good at understanding leadership’s intentions! That’s a great suggestion. 栗子坪 has always been a major tea-producing area, but in recent years, natural disasters and poorly managed tea processing enterprises have held us back. Your point is excellent!”

As soon as Samuel Foster finished, Eric Brooks also voiced his agreement. In the end, the two of them made a decision on the spot, appointing William Bolton to revise the report. Instantly, the relationship among the three of them became much closer.

“Ding, ding, ding!” The sound of knocking came from the door.

The three of them turned to look and saw a middle-aged man of about forty standing at the door, dressed in a sharp suit, his hair neatly combed, looking very impressive.

“Oh, Director Harris, what brings you here? Old Eric and I were just about to visit you!” Samuel Foster was only momentarily surprised before immediately standing up to greet him.

“Director Harris?” William Bolton was taken aback, but quickly realized—wasn’t this the county party committee office’s Director Harris? With that thought, William Bolton hurriedly stood up to greet him.

“No, no, Old Samuel! You’d better tidy up right away! County Head Clark is right next door and will be here any minute.” Charles Harris said with a smile.

Samuel Foster and Eric Brooks’s expressions changed. A new official always makes a strong impression—why would County Head Clark choose this moment for an unannounced visit?

“Hurry! Hurry! Little William, put these packages in the wardrobe right away, tidy up the room, and notify the attendant to bring tea.” Samuel Foster said in a panic, quickly putting on the coat he had just taken off.

“Haha, Secretary Foster, Township Head Brooks, there’s no need! I’m just here to have a look around and get to know the township cadres. Please, just carry on as usual.” Just as William Bolton was about to move, a hearty laugh came from the doorway.

This was William Bolton’s first time meeting Henry Clark. He was indeed very young, tall, with fair skin and a square face, looking quite dignified. His smile was very approachable. Although he was young, he kept a good distance from his subordinates, making it clear he had the bearing of a leader.

Chapter 0004: First Meeting with the County Magistrate

“Ah, County Head Clark. You see… we weren’t prepared at all… we’re really embarrassed!” Samuel Foster said awkwardly.

“Haha, it’s not your fault—it’s me being too eager and not giving you a heads up!” Henry Clark laughed, reaching out to shake Samuel Foster’s hand firmly.

Eric Brooks also hurried forward to greet him, apologizing repeatedly.

“And this is?” Henry Clark looked at William Bolton and asked with a smile.