In 1980, being a self-employed individual was still a new phenomenon. Aside from those who had just been released from prison or penniless old ruffians, most people regarded the profession of self-employment with contempt and fear. Even though some self-employed people in society had already made some money and dressed more stylishly than others, everyone was uncertain whether the policies might change. If the policies reverted to the old ways, wouldn’t these self-employed individuals, representing the capitalist path, be the first to become class enemies?

The impact of a bad family background on a person’s entire life was deeply understood by those who had experienced the political movements. In ordinary decent families, who would willingly take on such a stain?

Ethan Franklin naturally didn’t think being self-employed was anything dangerous. He was well aware of the policy direction for the coming decades and knew that the era of treating private ownership as a deadly scourge was gone for good. He still hadn’t figured out exactly what relationship this world had with the one he had previously experienced, but judging from various signs, the paths of the two worlds should be similar. At the very least, Samuel Lawson, who had appeared in the 1780 hot rolling mill project in the previous world, had also appeared here.

Perhaps it was some kind of telepathy, but just as Ethan Franklin thought of Samuel Lawson, he heard a voice outside the door: “Excuse me, is this the home of Comrade Liam Franklin?”

Because the weather was still somewhat hot, as long as someone was home in the simple apartment building, they wouldn’t close their doors. In those days, every household was dirt poor, and there wasn’t much privacy to worry about. Hearing someone at the door, Liam Franklin stood up and looked outside, seeing two people standing there. One was older and looked like a high-ranking official, while the other was younger and someone Liam Franklin recognized—a clerk from the Metallurgical Department’s office named Gregory Grant. Liam Franklin was also a child of the Metallurgical Department, so he was naturally somewhat familiar with its people.

“It’s Gregory, come in, please. And this leader is…?” Liam Franklin ushered the guests inside while inquiring with Gregory Grant about the older man’s identity. Judging by Gregory Grant’s demeanor, this elder was definitely a leader, perhaps even a very important one.

“Mr. Franklin, let me introduce you.” said Gregory Grant. Liam Franklin was a middle school teacher, and Gregory Grant addressed him as “teacher” out of respect for his profession, not out of modesty.

“This is Deputy Director Lawson from the Metallurgical Bureau of the State Economic Commission. He’s here in Nanjiang to inspect the work. I heard that Old Franklin passed away, so he made a special trip to pay his respects.” Gregory Grant explained.

Upon hearing this introduction, Liam Franklin immediately panicked. The State Economic Commission was as high as it got; even a bureau chief from there would be like an imperial envoy when visiting the province. For such a person to come to his home in person—what was he supposed to do?

“Oh, so it’s Director Lawson. Oh dear, look at my place, it’s such a mess…” Liam Franklin hurriedly tidied up the exercise books on the table, pulled out stools for Lawson and Grant, and then called into the inner room: “Ethan, come out quickly and pour water for Director Lawson and Uncle Grant. Lucas, get some money from my coat pocket and go buy a pack of Zhonghua cigarettes…”

Ethan Franklin and Lucas Franklin responded and came out. Lucas Franklin made to go get the money, but Samuel Lawson quickly stopped him and said to Liam Franklin, “Mr. Franklin, there’s no need to trouble yourself. Water is fine, no need to buy cigarettes—I brought my own.”

With that, he took out a pack of Peony cigarettes from his pocket, pulled one out and handed it to Liam Franklin. Liam Franklin declined several times before timidly accepting the cigarette, then quickly struck a match to light cigarettes for Samuel Lawson and Gregory Grant, and finally lit his own. By this time, Ethan Franklin had already poured water for the two guests and was standing behind his father, waiting for further instructions.

“This is my eldest, Ethan Franklin. He’s currently working as a temp at the Metallurgical Department. Gregory should know him.” Liam Franklin introduced.

“I know him too,” Samuel Lawson replied with a smile. “He has a good name and is very capable—worthy of being Old Franklin’s descendant.”

“Director Lawson, you flatter me,” Ethan Franklin replied calmly.

Liam Franklin was confused by their conversation. He looked back at Ethan Franklin and asked in surprise, “What, Ethan, you’ve met Director Lawson before?”

“Not only have we met, but Comrade Ethan has also helped me a great deal, isn’t that right, Comrade Ethan?”

Samuel Lawson winked at Ethan Franklin and said meaningfully.

Chapter Six: A Promising Seedling

“What’s going on, Ethan? You haven’t gotten into trouble again, have you?”

Upon hearing Samuel Lawson’s words, Liam Franklin’s first reaction was that something bad had happened. He didn’t believe his son was capable of helping a high-ranking director from the State Economic Commission, let alone that such a director would come to their home to thank him in person. In his view, Ethan Franklin must have made some mistake and provoked Samuel Lawson. Samuel Lawson, being magnanimous, didn’t report him to the leaders of the Metallurgical Department, but instead came to their home to give a warning—of course, using the respectable excuse of paying respects to William Franklin.