David Thompson's expression changed, cursing this guy inwardly for being meddlesome. How could this question be answered casually? If William Bolton is excellent, does that mean Steven Smith isn't? This is obviously something that would offend people! However, since things had already reached this point, David Thompson had no choice but to go along with the conversation.

"Mm~~, very good! The Party Central Committee and the State Council have always emphasized the issue of younger cadres. It seems our county is already ahead in cultivating young cadres, and I am very pleased about this!" Henry Clark said with a smile, but then he changed the subject: "However, when it comes to cultivating and promoting young cadres, we can't just stay on the surface! We must earnestly implement the Party Central Committee's guidelines and policies, and make sure the work is carried out in practice! At the same time, I've also heard some rumors that there are still some issues with cadre promotions in Yongping. We must pay close attention to this, crack down on backroom deals, and ensure openness and transparency in cadre promotions! We need to make bigger strides in this area, after all, the rotation of new and old cadres has always been a top priority in party and government development!"

As soon as David Thompson heard this, he immediately thought of the scene where William Bolton and Henry Clark got out of the car together, and his expression changed several times. Was County Head Clark implying that William Bolton should be promoted? Or was he giving a warning to the Organization Department? Could it be that County Head Clark sensed something inappropriate in the personnel appointments?

At this thought, cold sweat started to pour down his face. He was well aware of the various factions in the county. Before County Head Clark took office, Deputy County Head Walker had done quite a bit of maneuvering in personnel matters, and he himself had been involved in these things. Was County Head Clark's warning meant for him?

David Thompson also knew about Henry Clark's background—this was not someone to be underestimated. The more he thought about it, the more unsettled he felt. He could only keep agreeing repeatedly.

Henry Clark seemed not to notice David Thompson's abnormality at all. After a few more casual remarks, he said a few words that were neither light nor heavy, then mentioned that it was getting late and he needed to return. Of course, David Thompson couldn't agree to that, so he tried hard to persuade him to stay for dinner.

But Henry Clark was very firm, saying that he hadn't told anyone he was coming out and was worried the government office staff would be concerned, so he skillfully turned down David Thompson's invitation, got in the car, and left, leaving David Thompson standing there dumbfounded.

Not long after William Bolton got home, he received a call from David Thompson, who very politely said he wanted to have a heart-to-heart talk. William Bolton's mind raced—could there be some news?

He got dressed and went downstairs, and David Thompson's car was already waiting. William Bolton figured this guy must have hit a wall with County Head Clark today; otherwise, why would he be so polite to a subordinate clerk?

After William Bolton got in the car, David Thompson immediately told the driver to head to Golden Century. He had already reserved a private room there, which was very quiet, and William Bolton noticed that David Thompson had only invited him.

"Come on, Little William, don't be shy! Let's have a drink first. You've been studying at the Party School for over a month now, and I've been so busy that I haven't had a chance to talk with you!" David Thompson said enthusiastically, raising his glass.

William Bolton quickly stood up and clinked glasses with David Thompson, though he felt a bit puzzled. David Thompson was acting strangely. As someone from the Organization Department, if he had been snubbed by the county magistrate, shouldn't he be reporting to Minister George Harris of the Organization Department? Why was he coming to have a heart-to-heart with him? It seemed the Organization Department wasn't a monolith after all!

"Not at all, not at all, Principal Thompson, you're too kind. As a student, I should be the one treating you. The way you're doing this... I really feel flattered!" William Bolton said a bit sheepishly.

"No, no, Little William, this is just a simple meal today. First, I wanted to take the opportunity to have a chat with you, and second, I really do want to thank you for giving me a heads-up. Otherwise, County Head Clark would have been even more disappointed with today's inspection." David Thompson sighed.

"So he really did get snubbed," William Bolton thought to himself. At this point, he had more or less figured out what had happened, and admired Henry Clark even more. With just a casual inspection, he had unsettled others' minds. But from another perspective, if you have nothing to hide, would your mind be so disturbed?

"Principal Thompson, it was just a coincidence today. I happened to be walking at the foot of Tiger Mountain and ran into County Head Clark's car. As soon as he heard I was a youth training cadre, he immediately asked me to accompany him to the West Suburb Power Station. At the time, I thought, better safe than sorry, so I gave you a call out of the blue. I didn't expect it would actually make a difference in the end." William Bolton said with a smile, distancing himself and County Head Clark from the matter. His goal was to probe how much David Thompson really knew.

David Thompson's expression changed, but he quickly returned to normal. William Bolton's words made his heart sink, unsure if it was true or not. If what William Bolton said was true, then this kid really didn't know anything, so what was he busy worrying about?

Chapter 0009: Party School Principal

He inadvertently turned his head to glance at William Bolton. From the side, William Bolton looked calm and composed, neither anxious nor impatient. He immediately thought of William Bolton's past actions.

The things he said when he asked to transfer into the class, his appropriate response after getting out of the car with Henry Clark, and now his calm and unassuming manner during their conversation—did this seem like an ordinary cadre from some remote mountain village?