William Lawson, though young, is after all a direct descendant of the Lao Liu family. If certain words were to spread, who knows what kind of turmoil they might cause.

"Yes, Uncle, I understand!"

William Lawson said respectfully, with not the slightest hint of displeasure on his face.

Being able to keep one's emotions hidden is an essential quality for many high-ranking officials. Although William Lawson has never held high office, he has the advantage of twenty more years of life experience, and being born into a prominent family, he is considered quite knowledgeable and experienced.

Charles Lawson stared intently at William Lawson, as if weighing whether his words could be trusted.

Megan Lincoln finally couldn't hold back and said, "Big brother, William is still young, you should guide him more."

Charles Lawson nodded and said no more.

Comrade Yuehua arrived at around ten in the morning.

To be honest, in both his past and present lives combined, this was the first time William Lawson had seen Comrade Yuehua in person. In the past, when the old man celebrated his birthday, William Lawson had attended family gatherings, but unless it was a major birthday, and since the old man had given special instructions not to make a fuss, central leaders never came in person—only family members or secretaries were sent to deliver gifts and convey their regards.

Today was the old man's eightieth birthday, so naturally, everyone came in person to offer their congratulations.

Charles Lawson personally accompanied Comrade Yuehua into the living room to greet the old man. Apart from Charles Lawson, none of the other second-generation family members or Edward Lawson went in.

The old man wanted to speak with Comrade Yuehua.

Considering today was a rather special day, the old man couldn't possibly talk with Comrade Yuehua for too long. About twenty minutes later, Charles Lawson accompanied Comrade Yuehua out again.

Comrade Yuehua looked stern and left in a hurry.

It seemed the conversation had not gone well.

Charles Lawson glanced coldly at William Lawson. If William Lawson hadn't "spoken carelessly" in front of the old man, there wouldn't have been this unpleasant conversation.

Chapter 7: Caused Trouble?

The entire birthday banquet passed in a calm yet lively atmosphere.

It was "calm" because, although many top leaders came to offer their congratulations, most only sat in the living room for a short while, exchanged a few words with the old man and old lady, and then took their leave. Getting these bigwigs to stay for a meal was far from simple—who knows how many different political interpretations might arise from it. At this level, such figures always avoid leaving room for "imagination."

Given the old man's historical status, his prestige within the Party, and his current position, he was worthy of birthday congratulations from anyone in the entire republic. In fact, only the highest leader and Elder Dong, who stands shoulder to shoulder with the top leader, sent younger family members to offer their congratulations; all the other bigwigs, without exception, came in person. Of the current Standing Committee members, except for Comrade Yuehua, all paid their respects to the old man as juniors. Even Comrade Yuehua, though only ten years younger than the old man, was far less senior in Party experience.

As for "lively," that has two meanings.

The first is obvious—just look at the guest list and it says it all. Any one of these guests, stepping out of the compound and appearing at anyone else's birthday banquet, would make for a grand and extraordinary occasion.

The second meaning is also clear.

At the formal birthday banquet at noon, only the direct descendants of the Liu family and household staff attended—no outsiders at all. There were three tables. Charles Lawson, representing the younger generation, offered a toast to the old man and old lady. The oldest household staff member, the chef Old Sanders, represented the staff around the old man and also offered a toast. Old Sanders, in his fifties, had served the old man for many years, and the old man treated him like his own nephew, so he certainly deserved this honor.

Even though there were only three tables, and everyone ate quietly without any noise, in the compound, this was still considered a very lively scene.

After the banquet, the younger generation bowed to the old man and old lady to say goodbye. The old man, now advanced in years, had been up since early morning, receiving guests and chatting non-stop for four or five hours—already beyond his physical limits. The health doctor had long since "voiced concerns." Naturally, the children and grandchildren could not disturb the old man's rest any longer.

As William Lawson followed his parents in bowing to the old man and old lady, the old man looked at him and, breaking with custom, said an extra sentence: "William, you've made progress. In the future, you should observe and learn more!"

"Yes, Grandpa!"

William Lawson suppressed the joy in his heart and answered respectfully.

He knew that his plan to rejoin this big family had taken a promising first step. As long as he performed well from now on, being accepted back into the family, or even gaining the old man's favor, was entirely possible. Gaining a foothold in the family and then winning the old man's support was exactly what William Lawson needed to change everything.

On the way home, the atmosphere in the jeep was noticeably different from when they came, filled with a cheerful air. Including The Lawson Family, both Megan Lincoln and Helen Lawson had faint smiles on their lips. Megan Lincoln kept turning around from the front passenger seat to look at her son, her face beaming with joy.

In just a few short months, her son's transformation was truly delightful!