While the two were chatting idly, William Harris saw something quite unexpected. According to normal patterns, as the township head, Edward Clark should have a stronger official aura than the deputy township head. But what he just saw was not like that at all—Richard Howard’s official aura appeared even a bit stronger than Edward Clark’s. Most notably, Edward Clark’s official aura didn’t seem as solid as Richard Howard’s. William Harris felt that only such words could describe the situation of their official auras. Richard Howard’s aura was extremely solid, forming a cohesive mass, while Edward Clark’s was quite different—it seemed unstable, as if it was dissipating. What did this change indicate? Based on William Harris’s recent experiences, there was only one possibility: Edward Clark’s position as township head was about to change, and this change was not a promotion, but rather a demotion.

Sitting in the car, William Harris’s mind was racing.

If his judgment was correct, then Richard Howard was about to be promoted, and the seat of township head would soon be replaced. If he took this opportunity to build a good relationship with Richard Howard, there should be plenty of benefits.

For the first time, William Harris realized how important it was to observe the official aura above a leader’s head in order to make the right decisions for his next steps.

Thinking about the changes about to happen in the township, his heart grew hot. Maybe this was a very important turning point, and also an opportunity for himself. Of course, there was another possibility: Richard Howard might be transferred to take up a post elsewhere. If that happened, following Richard Howard wouldn’t be worthwhile.

If the township head’s official aura was changing, what about the Party Secretary? He needed to find a chance to observe the Secretary’s situation! If the Secretary was also showing signs of change, then it would be certain that big changes were coming to the township.

All the way, William Harris treated Richard Howard with utmost respect, even helping to carry Richard Howard’s black bag.

Not expecting such an attitude from William Harris, Richard Howard’s gaze toward him became much gentler.

As they walked, Richard Howard was also pondering the change in William Harris’s attitude. In the past, William Harris had never helped him carry his bag. What was going on today? Did he need something from him?

“Xiao Wang, have you been busy lately?” Not wanting to directly ask if William Harris needed anything, Richard Howard deliberately inquired about his work.

“Thank you for your concern, Township Head. It’s just the same old work,” William Harris replied respectfully.

After chatting for a while, Richard Howard saw that William Harris indeed had no requests of him, and felt much more at ease about William Harris’s attempts to curry favor. His impression of William Harris also improved.

In fact, William Harris was not a particularly rigid person. He knew a lot about the ways of officialdom, especially after working in the Party and Government Office for several years and seeing so much. As long as he wanted to do something, he believed he could do it better than others.

Once again facing the crisis of staff reduction, especially after seeing the changes in official aura, his perspective shifted somewhat. William Harris didn’t aspire to be a high-ranking official; he just wanted to keep his position, at least to avoid being troubled by staff cuts.

Huan Cheng Township was considered a relatively well-off township. The three good cars in the township were occupied by the three most powerful leaders, but Richard Howard’s was just a minivan. The driver was a middle-aged man whom William Harris knew as Matthew Thompson, a demobilized soldier.

Matthew Thompson hardly spoke along the way, only answering questions when asked. He was an honest man. William Harris sat in the front passenger seat, while Richard Howard kept his eyes closed, resting in the car.

Although Richard Howard had his eyes closed, his mind was far from idle. Earlier, David Carter’s attitude toward him had reignited the anger in his heart. That David Carter was really bullying others by relying on his connections, paying less and less attention to him. If it had been Ryan Reed who needed someone to accompany him, David Carter would have followed Ryan Reed immediately.

Opening his eyes slightly, Richard Howard glanced at William Harris, thinking to himself that he should plant a “nail” in the Party and Government Office. Was William Harris someone he could use?

Recalling William Harris’s performance in the Party and Government Office, Richard Howard felt that William Harris was indeed usable. He wasn’t one of David Carter’s people, and his abilities stood out in the office. If he could really bring him over to his side, he’d have someone to report any developments in the township.

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Main Text Chapter 7: Grab Hold First

William Harris was secretly observing Richard Howard, but what he didn’t know was that Richard Howard was also secretly observing him.

As the deputy township head of Huan Cheng Township, Richard Howard was not without backing. In today’s officialdom, no one is truly without backing—the only difference is whether your backing is strong or weak. Even if you really don’t have any, you’ll find one, otherwise it would be a complete fantasy to try to gain a foothold in officialdom.

The deputy county Party secretary, Steven Bennett, was Richard Howard’s backer. Very few people knew that Steven Bennett and Richard Howard were cousins.