Edward Lawson couldn't hold back and said with some displeasure, "William, don't be so alarmist. The current situation is still very good. I admit there's some truth to what you said, but it's just isolated incidents, not a widespread phenomenon. As for serious social problems, there's even less to worry about. Our ability to maintain control is beyond question."

　　Everyone looked at William Lawson, waiting to see how he would respond. In everyone's impression, William Lawson would definitely become "angry out of embarrassment," let his rebellious nature flare up, have a sharp exchange with Edward Lawson, and then walk away on his own.

　　William Lawson smiled calmly and said, "Big brother, I also hope this is just an isolated incident. But what I have seen with my own eyes is that this situation is already quite common. And I can say with certainty, if we don't find a way to guide things in a positive direction and instead turn a blind eye to this, social conflicts will soon erupt on a large scale, causing tremendous chaos. This would have a very negative impact on our Party's cause."

　　"Our Party's cause?" Edward Lawson laughed, with a hint of sarcasm, and asked, "Are you a Party member?"

　　William Lawson replied calmly, "I'm not a Party member yet, but I'm working towards joining. I've already submitted my application, and the school's Party committee is currently reviewing it."

　　That was a lie told right to their faces. But William Lawson knew very well that if you want to start over, being able to lie without blushing is an essential skill. A certain famous figure once said: You can't accomplish great things without telling lies!

　　"Good, good!"

　　The old man brightened up, a rare smile appearing on his face, and his gaze toward William Lawson became much kinder.

　　"William, striving for progress is a good thing. You must keep it up."

　　"Yes, Grandpa!"

　　William Lawson replied respectfully.

Chapter 6: The Conflicts of a Big Family

　　The family gathering didn't last long. Afterward, important figures kept arriving to offer birthday congratulations.

　　These important people—any one of them—would still be famous and widely known even twenty years later. They left a bold mark in the history of the Republic, and their names would be recorded in the annals of history.

　　But William Lawson knew very well that before long—in fact, in just three or four months—several of them would bid farewell to the political stage forever. Even so, later historians would still not be able to write the story of that era without mentioning them.

　　Some people, whether they ultimately succeed or fail, are destined to have a profound impact on history.

　　William Lawson actually had access to this platform as well. The key was how he would seize the opportunity.

　　Around nine o'clock, Charles Lawson personally led his younger siblings to the door to greet guests. Today, anyone qualified to come in person was a top leader living in the inner compound—each one a figure to be looked up to by all.

　　There was a protocol to this greeting. The second-generation family members basically had to be present. Only Charles Lawson's wife, Evelyn Duke, was an exception. As the eldest daughter-in-law, she was like the hostess and needed to arrange reception matters in the living room. The old lady certainly wouldn't handle these things anymore; she just sat with the old man.

　　There were no requirements for the third-generation family members. Edward Lawson would definitely be there. The other third-generation members could join or not—it didn't matter since they were still young. In previous years, only Edward Lawson was present at this time. But this year, William Lawson joined as well. No one called him; he just followed along.

　　Of course, no one would ask him to leave either.

　　His father, The Lawson Family, even gave him an encouraging look, his expression less stern than before.

　　No matter what, William Lawson's performance today was truly impressive. He actually got the old man to say "good" twice in a row, which was quite rare. Even Edward Lawson didn't seem to have received such praise. Moreover, William Lawson didn't earn the compliment by "sweet-talking or acting cute" like a child; what he said was logical and well-reasoned—something even many leaders might not be able to achieve.

　　How did this child change so much?

　　But in any case, it was a good thing, and The Lawson Family felt very gratified.

　　During the intervals between guests arriving, Edward Lawson casually chatted with William Lawson, who was standing beside him: "William, have you gotten used to life in the countryside?"

　　This was what set Edward Lawson apart from his other siblings—he didn't say "the sticks," but "the countryside." Truly a leader with depth.

　　William Lawson replied with a smile, "It's not bad. Although the material conditions in the countryside are a bit lacking, the air is fresh. Relationships between people are simpler, not as complicated as in big organizations."

　　"Heh, William, it seems these years in the countryside really have changed you a lot. Your perspective is quite unique now."

　　Edward Lawson assumed the posture of an elder brother and praised him.

　　Although it was just a conversation between two of the younger generation, all the elders were listening intently. Edward Lawson's status in the Liu family was special, and everyone was curious about the big changes in William Lawson. The praise Edward Lawson gave William Lawson also echoed the feelings of the elders.