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Chapter 9

At that moment, the frown on William Lawson's face caught the old man's eye. The old man let out a displeased "hmph." He thought that William Lawson was getting impatient standing there and wanted to slip away.

The old man was undoubtedly the center of the entire living room. When his gaze landed on William Lawson's face, everyone else followed suit and looked over.

Charles Lawson smiled and asked, "William, have you graduated from college? I think you went to that..."

Charles Lawson couldn't remember.

This showed just how little William Lawson, his own nephew, meant to him. Perhaps he was even more familiar with the children of his colleagues at the office.

William Lawson quickly and respectfully replied, "Uncle, I have already graduated. I majored in Animal Science at Chunan Agricultural University. Last July, I was assigned to work as a teacher at the Agricultural School in Qingfeng District, Chunan Province. I've been working for eight months."

"Ah, already working? Good, very good... Work hard, the grassroots level is also a place to temper oneself."

Charles Lawson said with a smile. It was only for the old man's sake that he made an exception and said a few more words today, which could be considered as an elder showing concern for the younger generation. Although the old man was still alive, it was Charles Lawson who handled the family's daily affairs. In fact, Charles Lawson was the head of the Liu family. And the head of the family must have the bearing of one.

"Yes, Uncle. Although the environment and conditions at the grassroots level are tough, it really is a good place to grow. My colleagues treat me very well, and interacting with the honest farmers is quite enjoyable. Life is fulfilling."

William Lawson replied respectfully and clearly.

Everyone's faces showed looks of surprise.

Chapter 5 Prophecy

Since he had already spoken, William Lawson decided to say a bit more.

"Actually, what Aunt just mentioned also happens in other provinces. Although I haven't been working at the Qingfeng District Agricultural School for long, I've already seen quite a few cases of public funds being used for personal expenses and official banquets. After the reform and opening up, the country and the people have indeed become gradually wealthier, but the spirit of hard work and frugality is slowly being lost, and corruption is spreading. This is not a good trend. Many teachers and students at the agricultural school are indignant when talking about corruption and injustice in society. Social tensions are becoming increasingly acute."

William Lawson spoke slowly, neither hurried nor slow, with a very steady demeanor. His choice of words was precise and objective.

As soon as he finished, everyone was visibly moved. Even the old man's snow-white eyebrows lifted, and he looked at William Lawson several times in a row.

Was this really that extremely rebellious grandson?

Could it be that a few years at Chunan had brought about such progress?

A scholar who has been away for three days should be looked at with new eyes!

Edward Lawson said calmly, "William, you're still young, don't just repeat what others say. How much can the teachers and students at the Qingfeng District Agricultural School really know?"

His tone was clearly dismissive.

It wasn't that he completely disagreed with William Lawson's words, but in this kind of setting, among the third generation, he had always been the only one with the right to speak. Now that William Lawson had stepped up and "stolen the spotlight," this was something Edward Lawson could not tolerate.

He was the eldest legitimate grandson of the Liu family, the rightful political heir.

William Lawson smiled and said, "Big brother, it's not just repeating what others say. There really is some discontent among the people now. Especially at school, many students, after learning about some injustices through newspapers and other channels, have strong feelings. If not properly guided, I think it could lead to significant social incidents."

As he spoke, William Lawson's expression was very firm.

He had witnessed this personally before, so he spoke with confidence.

The old man became alert and said, "Alice, you work with the Youth League, so what William just mentioned is worth paying attention to. Schools must not fall into chaos, and those students even less so—they need proper guidance."

William Lawson felt a surge of joy in his heart.

This was the first time the old man had given him a positive evaluation. Even though it was just a single sentence, it was enough to make him happy.

It was a good start.

"Yes, Dad!"

Alice Lawson nodded repeatedly.

"In addition, that thing William just mentioned... public funds being used for personal expenses, official banquets... is that right, William?"

The old man looked at William Lawson again, asking.

This was truly unprecedented. The old man had actually praised William Lawson twice in a row.

"Yes, Grandpa!"

William Lawson answered quickly. The so-called "public funds for personal expenses" and "official banquets" were so common in the future he had experienced that they had become catchphrases. Could it be that right now, these were still new terms?

"Mm, this way of putting it is very novel, but also quite vivid and accurate. This situation is even more serious and cannot be taken lightly. When Grace comrade arrives later, I want to talk to him about this issue personally."

The old man said solemnly.

Charles Lawson interjected, "You want to talk to Grace comrade yourself?"