Today, Andrew found himself in negotiations with none other than the sly old fox, Mr. Jonathan. He could hardly believe that there existed a person more problematic to deal with than himself.
Their recent failed negotiation left Jonathan bitter toward Andrew, thus making today’s encounter precarious.
Mr. Jonathan was a renowned godfather in the underworld, with countless followers under his wing. Considering the disparity in their ages and life experiences, Andrew felt he was like a thick-skinned citrus fruit facing a sharp claw. Moreover, he had the formidable Bryan by his side in the past. But with their relationship altered, he found himself alone, filling him with anxiety.
Outwardly, Mr. Jonathan always bore the demeanor of a successful man, composed. Yet, hidden deep within his soul was a leech, tenacious and bloodthirsty. He had endured countless ups and downs and significant events to achieve his present status. Everyone in the business aspired to maintain a cordial relationship with him, as it was the quickest route to success.
Andrew had already been waiting in an old-fashioned restaurant modeled after the garden houses of Hue. They had always scheduled their meetings in different remote locations to avoid being trailed, with their followers carefully guarding.
Mr. Jonathan strolled in, wearing his usual sour expression, and casually queried, “Your comrade isn’t joining us today?”
Andrew grasped his insinuation but feigned ignorance, “Are you asking out of concern, or is there something else?”
Mr. Jonathan chuckled scornfully, throwing a contemptuous glance toward Andrew, “What do you think?”
Andrew understood this watchful, wary man all too well. He knew everything and had the power to control the narrative. His seemingly casual inquiries were constantly probing.
Andrew, however, was to be considered. He replied calmly, “If I knew, I wouldn’t be asking you, would I?”
Mr. Jonathan laughed heartily triumphantly, and the two discussed the primary matter.
Andrew sought Mr. Jonathan’s help in getting acquainted with a high-ranking official. Andrew’s future business endeavors would prosper if this person agreed to cooperate. This official had recently assumed office and had yet to mingle much, so Andrew needed an intermediary.
Mr. Jonathan reclined back, resting his hands leisurely on the sofa, crossed his legs, and grinned widely, for he had anticipated Andrew’s intentions. He contemplated that if Andrew could quickly meet this person, there was a high probability of him poaching his business deals in the future.
“Consider this, and the official has not been around long and rarely attends gatherings. I’ve heard that he has a reputation for being upright and honest. I fear that…”
He let his words hang in the air, making Andrew impatiently press for more.
“How dare you say such a thing! Aren’t you a master of communication? There is not a high-ranking government official in this city or this country who does not enjoy harmonious relations with you. How else could you thrive in this world? If you don’t want to make things smooth, state your conditions. I am not afraid.”
Struck to his core, the older adult quickly retracted his smile and sternly replied,
“You said it, so don’t blame me.”
Andrew didn’t hesitate to retort immediately,
“Go on, say it.”
The man grinned again before responding nonchalantly,
“Could the girl you brought to me the other day stay with me?”
Andrew was astounded at the older adult’s relentless grudge over the previous matter, which still weighed on his heart. His face dropped as he responded icily,
“I thought you would want something more high-class. Turns out it’s just a woman.”
Ignoring Andrew’s statement, he stressed once more,
“So, is it possible or not?”
…
The negotiation not only failed but also spawned new complications. Andrew was furious. He ordered his minions out of the room before dialing himself. A similarly enraged man’s voice answered from the other end,
“Let’s meet and clarify this matter. I will not let you be at peace if we do not settle this completely today.”
Upon ending the call, Andrew’s face darkened, his brows furrowing, and his smile twisted due to losing a close ally, all because of a woman he despised.
Not long after, a knock was heard at the door. Andrew called out loud,
“Come in!”
Elegantly attired in a sophisticated suit, Bryan entered, accompanied by a beautiful woman – Mary.
Andrew was taken aback, uncertain why Mary had come. Could she possibly know everything? She confidently and comfortably surveyed the room she once knew so well without inviting the pair to sit. The decor had been significantly altered, but the pen box he once gifted her still sat in its place – perhaps he had been too preoccupied to discard it. A moment of sorrow washed over her as old memories surfaced.
Andrew sat opposite them, throwing them a look of disdain before breaking the silence.
“What brings the two of you here as a pair? Surely you’re not here to collect a debt?”
Bryan didn’t let him beat around the bush, plunging straight into the matter.
“This company isn’t solely yours. I, too, hold a stake in it, which affords me the right to participate in its business affairs. I have appointed Mary as my representative to oversee all company business operations. From now on, she will join the company on my behalf.”
These words took aback Andrew. It seemed Mary had outmaneuvered him. Indeed, no hero can resist the allure of beauty.
Never before had Mary seen his countenance twisted in such discomfort. She suspected he would loathe her even more, but this only brought her joy as her plan started to fruition.
How would he explain to Agnes about Mary taking up the role of Chief Editor? Mary’s move had truly put him in a difficult position.
But now that Bryan was no longer on his side, Andrew was left alone to navigate these murky waters. Looking at the transformed Mary before him, he couldn’t help but marvel. Just a few days passed, and she was a different person. He had always assumed she would remain naive, frail, a mere puppet under his control, but all that was in the past.
He found himself entangled in a convoluted mess, devoid of friendships, shackled by his obligations to old Mr. Jonathan, all these factors making his head feel like it might explode. He had never anticipated finding himself in such a predicament.