“The second important point is that during the Spring Festival, many comrades from various county departments cannot take time off. Departments like the Public Security Bureau, Forestry Bureau, Water and Electricity Bureau, and so on all need people on duty. To ensure public security, stable water and electricity supply, and normal transportation during the Spring Festival, so that the people can have a joyful holiday, many of our comrades have to make sacrifices. Coordinating this work is also a key focus. Therefore, this issue still requires county leaders to take the lead, mobilize everyone, and work together to accomplish it.” William Bolton said earnestly.

Chapter 0014: Leadership in Reality

Henry Clark fell silent, pondering. William Bolton’s meaning was already very clear: visiting retired cadres and offering condolences to those in need is indeed important, but other work is also crucial. Especially for Henry Clark, who has just taken office, he needs to appear at various key occasions. From this perspective, visiting retired cadres and offering condolences to those in need seems less critical.

“All right, you’ve made a good point. Draft a speech for me! I’ll need it for the standing committee meeting this afternoon. Time is tight—do you have the confidence to finish it?” After a long pause, Henry Clark slapped his thigh, stood up, and said.

William Bolton was taken aback. Completing a speech so quickly was no small feat, but since Henry Clark had spoken so directly, he couldn’t refuse. He agreed at once, then immediately excused himself and returned to his office to get to work.

“Hello, Secretary Bolton, my name is Frank Lane. I’ve heard a lot about you! On behalf of the comrades in the county committee office, I welcome you!” Just as William Bolton was about to start writing, the office door was suddenly pushed open. The visitor was another deputy director of the county committee office, also the secretary to Deputy County Head Wu—Frank Lane.

At this moment, Frank Lane was all smiles, as if he and William Bolton were old friends. However, his repeated use of “Secretary Bolton” was a bit ambiguous. Strictly speaking, William Bolton’s title should be “Deputy Director Bolton,” since the county head’s secretary does not have an administrative rank. Frank Lane calling him “Secretary Bolton” had an obvious underlying meaning.

“Oh, Director Lane, please, have a seat! I’m new here and was planning to visit you, but it’s the end of the year and everyone’s busy. I was afraid to disturb your work, and look—you’ve come to see me first…” William Bolton stood up and said warmly.

“Not at all, not at all. Secretary Bolton is an outstanding young cadre personally appointed by County Head Thompson. I feel honored to be your colleague! Actually, I was planning for our county committee office to get together and hold a welcome party for you. But Director Harris thought we’re all too busy right now and suggested postponing it. I’m afraid you’ve been a bit wronged.” Frank Lane said with a smile.

William Bolton found it amusing. He had just arrived and Frank Lane was already making moves. Calling him “Secretary Bolton” was one thing, but now he was also trying to sow discord between him and Charles Harris.

“No need, Director Lane, you’re too kind. A welcome party isn’t necessary. All the county leaders are busy, and our county committee office has heavy responsibilities. The leaders are already overwhelmed, so having a big get-together or welcome party doesn’t seem appropriate, does it? What do you think, Director Lane?” William Bolton replied, his smile as warm as ever.

Frank Lane was momentarily stunned, and his expression became a bit unnatural. He understood what William Bolton meant: the leaders all have their own agendas, so why should a subordinate pretend to be so enthusiastic?

“Yes, Secretary Bolton, you’re right! I really overlooked that. Director Harris and you both have a clear view of things! I was just worried that since you’re new and no one had made any gesture, you might feel unsettled. Looks like I was overthinking it. The younger generation is truly impressive!” Frank Lane said with a smile. Although he had just been rebuffed, his expression didn’t change at all and he kept smiling.

“This Frank Lane really is something!” William Bolton thought to himself. He understood Frank Lane’s words clearly: he was worried that William Bolton was a reckless newcomer who would rush into the county committee compound without knowing what hit him. In a way, this was also a kind of recognition.

William Bolton smiled. This Brian Walker was really powerful in Yongping—even his secretary was so arrogant. It seemed he was in for a tough fight ahead!

“All right, Secretary Bolton, you go ahead and get back to work! I just came to say hello. We’ll be working together for a long time, so it’s good to get familiar with each other, right? We can chat more when we have time.” Seeing that William Bolton wasn’t saying anything, Frank Lane continued.

“Don’t go yet, Director Lane. Why leave so soon? Won’t you sit down and have a cup of tea?”

“Haha, no need, no need. There will be plenty of chances to have tea in the future! Let’s focus on getting the pre-holiday work arranged first!” Frank Lane said quickly. After smiling, he walked out the door.

Watching Frank Lane’s departing figure, William Bolton let out a cold laugh. This guy was clearly swamped himself, yet still put on such an act—even coming up with a welcome banquet. Truly a character!

The county standing committee meeting was at three in the afternoon. William Bolton’s speech draft was only finished at two. Henry Clark just glanced at it briefly and didn’t offer any comments, only telling William Bolton to get ready to attend the meeting that afternoon.