“Young Master Richards, what should we do with Ezrah now?” Paul asked with a whisper.
Hansen lifted an eyebrow and said lightly, “If we let him go now, then Yadriel will definitely pull a move on him after finding out about this. We’ll keep him with us for the time being. We have sent his confession to the higher-ups, and we’re waiting for them to take action. You can tell him that we’re doing this to protect him.”
“Sure, Mr. Richards.” Paul nodded. He was about to leave when he heard Hansen saying, “Paul, I need you to follow me for tonight’s schedule. I’m treating Johan to dinner.”
Paul was startled for a while before he could understand the situation. He nodded.
Hansen stood up. He was preparing himself to get some rest for his schedule later that day.
Hansen wouldn’t beg for Johan’s help if it was only concerning the Richards Group. However, now that they were trying to find dirt on Yadriel, Hansen had no choice but to ask for Johan’s help. Hansen was technically not begging for help, as this was not for himself, but for Luqman’s sake.
Hansen thought haughtily and comforted himself.
After Paul left, Hansen climbed into bed and slept soundly.
He only woke up when the sun was about to set.
He freshened up.
Hansen dialed Johan’s number.
“Grandpa Johan, I’m Hansen,” he said with a faint smile and a gentle tone.
“Hansen, you little brat, you haven’t called for so long.” Johan picked up the phone with a smile and immediately started to berate him over the phone.
Hansen chuckled. “Grandpa Johan, you’re always on my mind. I only didn’t want to disrupt you.”
“Hmph. Kid, you sound too good to be true. I’ll never believe that. Alright, spill it already. Why did you call?” Johan purposely snorted and cut to the chase.
Hansen knew how stubborn Johan could be. So, he couldn’t try to force a deal out of him. He could only try to persuade Johan softly.
“Grandpa Johan, I’m now in Capital City, and I’d like to treat you to dinner. Would you like to join me?” Hansen asked respectfully.
After hearing that, Johan was reminded of their last dinner together, and he put on an indistinguishable smile before saying, “I might not let others treat me to dinner, but boy, you’re an exception.”
“Well, then. I’ll send someone to pick you up,” Hansen replied, smiling.
“You don’t have to bother about that. Just send me the address, and I’ll have my driver send me over,” Johan said. Judging from his loud and clear voice, he was still in great health.
“Sure, I’ll see you later then, Grandpa Johan. Thank you.” Hansen hung up the phone with a smile.
Johan had favored Hansen since he was a child. Hansen knew how stubborn Johan was. He could be like a child sometimes, where he would be harsh to those he disliked, and spoiled whoever up to his liking. However, of course, Johan only behaved like that in small matters. If it was anything that involved his principles, then Johan would not hold back in his criticism.
Hansen could still remember that he was scolded by Johan in public because of his arrogant behavior at a party. Many socialites and noble families attended that party. However, Johan did not hold back at all when reprimanding him. This embarrassed Hansen greatly to the extent that he refused to call Johan for the next couple of years.
Now that Hansen thought about it, that happened a year after he married Jenna. Hansen was arrogant and rude back then. He regarded himself as more superior than anyone else. His career was going strong, although his love life was a mess. It was the time where Jenna had left for another country. Hansen was frustrated, but then he thought of this as an opportunity for him to regain his freedom. He was self-centered and was full of big talk.
Hansen couldn’t recall what he exactly said to have triggered Johan, but he did remember that Johan gave him a scolding in front of everyone else. It was a terrible experience that would be forever etched in his mind.
Hansen had been pampered since he was a child. His high self-esteem was taken down a peg from that experience. Hence, he held a grudge against Johan over the next couple of years.
In fact, when Hansen looked back on it now, it was also after Johan’s scolding that he became more mature. After returning to A City from the party, Hansen would often think back on the scolding, especially at midnight. The scolding was effective in improving his communication skills, as well as building up his career.
Hansen smiled helplessly as he thought back on past events.
Hansen was not an exception for having an arrogant and rude history, especially when he grew up in a privileged environment.
Moreover, Hansen did get his lesson later on, where he needed to dedicate even more effort in winning back Jenna.
The streets of Capital City were bustling with the pedestrian crowds as well as traffic. Hansen and Paul took a while before arriving at the Jewelry Hotel. Hansen was already anxious upon their arrival.
Hansen made his reservation at the same private room as before. It was the same location and at the same time. Hansen’s intention was obvious.
Hansen placed his orders in advance and changed the air freshener for the room. He also adjusted the air-conditioner to a suitable temperature. After making his round of preparations, it was about time.
“Hansen, I’m here.” Johan’s voice could be heard as soon as Hansen sat down. Hansen immediately stood up and welcomed him.
“Grandpa Johan, come, take a seat,” Hansen said respectfully as he helped Johan in.
Johan was already in his nineties. He had his staff tagging along, but Johan didn’t look old at all. He was still in high spirits, and his speech was clear. He was able to recognize Hansen at first glance and even noticed the small wrinkles on Hansen’s forehead.
Johan knew that Hansen had something to ask of him. At his age, Johan would never dine out as his staff wouldn’t allow it either, but Hansen was an exception.
Johan knew exactly what Hansen had in mind. If he didn’t agree to join him for dinner, then it would be near impossible for Hansen to visit him at home as well. Johan was well aware of the Richards Group’s crisis, but Hansen had yet to bring it up. Johan was curious as to how he would mention it later.
“Hansen, I heard that your grandmother is seriously ill. Is that so?” John asked as he sat down. Hansen gave him a hot towel and poured him a cup of tea personally. Johan was glad to see how obedient and mature Hansen had become.
Hansen’s heart ached as Johan mentioned Vivian. A hint of sorrow surged in his heart. He nodded and said sadly, “She has been bedridden for months.”
As he heard that, Johan sighed. “Your grandmother is a heroine. She has done many kind deeds throughout her life.”
Hansen didn’t understand the underlying intention of Johan’s words. So, he nodded along and said, “Grandpa Johan, she used to talk about you a lot when she was still healthy.”
Johan put on a self-deprecating smile as he heard this. “You brat, she was scolding me, wasn’t she?”
Hansen was baffled. Why would Vivian badmouth Johan? He stared blankly at Johan.
Johan smiled and didn’t say anything else. After taking a sip of tea, he asked, “Tell me, kid. What made you come to me this time?”
Hansen smiled awkwardly.
“Grandpa Johan, I’ve always wanted to treat you to a meal. I don’t have any special requests.”
“Is that so?” Johan took a sip of the herbal tea and gave Hansen a sideways glance. “Do you really think I’d be that clueless at my age?”
Hansen knew that he could no longer hide his intentions. Moreover, he was aware that it wouldn’t be advisable to keep Johan outdoors for too long at his age. He paused for a while before saying, “Grandpa Johan, I do have a request. I hope you can help me with it.”
Johan looked at him with a smile and said, “You can always tell me. You’re a man. Stop beating around the bush. You know that I don’t like that.”
Hansen smiled. He was about to explain, but then his phone rang. He lowered his head and saw that it was from Jenna.
“I’m sorry, Grandpa Johan, but I’ll have to answer this call first,” Hansen informed him politely before picking up the phone.
“Hansen, where are you now? Are you alright? I miss you,” Jenna said over the phone. Her tone was filled with tenderness and care. Hansen felt a surge of warmth spreading through his body as soon as he heard her voice. He smiled sweetly.
“Jenna, I’m fine now. Don’t worry. You have to take good care of yourself. Don’t make me worry. Do you understand?” Hansen said with a soft voice full of tenderness.
“I understand. Hansen, my eyelids have been twitching the whole day. I feel uneasy, and I’m worried about you. After all, Yadriel is a cunning fox,” Jenna said with concern.
Hearing this, Hansen’s heart sank. He tried to comfort her by saying, “Jenna, you should stop overthinking. Have faith in your husband. I can overcome everything. Also, have you already had your soup today? How much did you eat…” Hansen started nagging over the phone, completely ignoring Johan’s existence.
He continued to talk with Jenna over the phone. It wasn’t until he hung up the phone and turned around, did he notice Johan eating in silence while fixing his attention on Hansen. It was as if Johan was eavesdropping on their conversation.
Hansen was stunned. Could it be that Johan actually had a habit of eavesdropping on some sweet exchanges between married couples?
Hansen then realized that he had ignored Johan. He cleared his throat and said sheepishly, “I’m sorry to keep you waiting, Grandpa Johan. I hope you don’t mind me making that phone call.”