Chapter 197 Breaking the Ice, A Warning
Without dodging a beat, Jane replied, "What can I do for you?"
Rather than throwing the question back at him, she went straight to the point without forgetting it or trying to evade it.
Edward just wanted to joke, but those bullying words were too much for him to say, so he said casually, "Pay attention to teaching. Don't worry about other matters."
Jane's eyes dropped slightly. After a moment of silence, she said, "I took the liberty of going to you last time to talk about NW Company. My bad. I'm sorry."
Edward's heart was suddenly gently scratched by something, a strange look crossed his eyes, and only after a few seconds did he say, "I had someone look into that. It was indeed the fault of my henchmen. If NW Company still wants to cooperate with us, tell them to contact us anytime."
Jane nodded gently, "Thank you, Mr Smith."
Edward flicked his cigarette ash and said without looking at her, "I was in a bad mood that day, sorry about that."
Jane didn't expect Edward to apologise to her. It was embarrassed to complain, for she owed him a huge favour.
She had to say softly, "It's my fault, not yours."
Edward looked over sideways, "So you did not eat at my home and moved to another place because you were mad at me?"
Jane felt nervous, as if she was stuck in a corner and questioned by him. She wanted to say something, but she couldn't fool herself. So she hung her head slightly and admitted that honestly.
Edward was surprised to see her errant schoolboy look for the first time. Usually, she was highly defensive in front of him or had a cold face. He had never seen her so obedient?
"Do I need to apologise to you?" Edward asked. It was hard to tell whether he was mad or happy.
Jane immediately shook her head, "It was my fault."
Edward said, "You don't eat with Justin, so recently, he was anorexic again. But he's too embarrassed to force you to stay, so could you help him? If it's convenient, please take more time to accompany him."
Edward felt guilty inexplicably, so he added, "This can be charged separately."
Jane raised her eyes and said, "I'd like to accompany Justin to lunch without additive salary."
Edward said, "I will pay the rent for the house you live in now."
Jane was particularly adamant this time, "No need, Mr Smith. I can afford that with my salary. You have already helped me a lot. I have already made a plan for the house. I can't keep taking advantage of you."
Edward said, "Taking advantage of something means you do these things which are not allowed. But I am willing to pay the rent. It can be called welfare."
Jane said, "You've already given me too much."
Edward wanted to save some money for her, but she was stubborn. He couldn't force it on her, so he said, "OK, as you like."
Jane picked up the cup of tea in front of her and sipped it quietly. Edward also put out his cigarette and picked up his tea.
The conflict that had been going on for most of the month was settled unexpectedly. However, something remained unclear. After all, Edward did not explain why he was in a bad mood that day. It seemed that Jane didn't want to know the reason. She just admitted her fault.
He knew that she would admit her fault not because she felt she was wrong but because of Alan's words, which had made her feel guilty. Edward had never wanted to morally kidnap her with such trite matters, but now he accepted a situation like this.
In the silence of the booth, they did not look at each other and had no words. Jane was thinking of proposing to leave first when Edward's mobile phone rang.
He picked up, and that was Justin, "Uncle Edward, can you get through to Bad Teacher? I can't get through to him on the phone."
Edward said, "She's here. I'll put her on."
He handed the phone to Jane, "That's Justin."
Jane picked it up, "Hello."
Justin said, "Are you reliable. Why did you go out without your phone?"
Jane was late to catch on, "You're at my house?"
Justin said unhappily, "I was trying so hard to get out early, but you stood me up."
Jane immediately said, "Wait a minute, I'll be right back."
They chatted for a few minutes, and Jane hung up the phone. She handed the phone to Edward and got up smoothly, "Mr Smith, sorry for bothering you. I'll leave now."
Edward said, "Don't tell Justin I asked you to stay for lunch."
Jane responded, "I know. I'll find a chance to communicate with him in a few days."
It was good that she knew what was more important.
Now Edward was in a better mood. He ate a piece of snack in front of him, took a sip and called Alan.
Alan picked up, and Edward said, "Alan, where are you?"
Instead of answering, Alan asked, "Where's Miss Cooper?"
Edward said, "She has gone."
Alan laughed and said, "So soon. I just dodged to make room for you guys."
Edward said, "Except for Justin's studies, we don't have any other topic. You thought wrong."
"Really? You two didn't talk any serious business when I was there."
Edward was in a good mood, so he didn't bother him and changed the subject, "Bro, did you come to S City for something?"
Alan said, "Yes. I need your help."
"Uh-huh."
Alan had a very urgent shipment and wanted to leave from S City's port. Edward didn't even ask what the shipment was. He just asked the time. Then he said he would call someone to arrange it right away.
Alan liked Edward most because he was not so fussy about his people and was loyal to friends.
Alan took the initiative to explain, "Originally, my goods could have left from Z City. But my eldest and the third brothers tripped behind my backs. My customer wanted the goods very urgently, so I couldn't deal with them but come to you at the first time. Trust me. I will share half of the payment with you."
Everyone knew that the four brothers of the Jones Family did their business separately and put a spoke in each other's wheel. Edward said: "Don't mention that. Next time, you can tell me directly. I'm just afraid that you have too many goods. There is no port available, which will delay the shipment."
Alan said, "You helped me with the urgent transformation. I deserve your share of the money. Don't reject that, or I will be ashamed to ask for your help next time."
They were friends and businessmen. Edward was a man of honour, and Alan was not a cheapskate.
Edward thought for a moment and said, "Then, I also need your help."
"What is it?"
"I want a piece of land in Z City, and I've heard that your big brother also wants to bid for it. Z City is your area, so I'd like to ask your opinion."
Alan said, "I'll help you settle this issue. Recently, my big brother stabbed me in the back many times. It's natural for me to rob the land from him. He won't blame it on you guys."
Edward said, "Thanks, Alan."
Alan laughed and said, "I'm thankful if you don't blame me for bringing your family's tutor here."
Edward said, "Alan, she's not from this circle, so don't tease her. Particularly your bodyguard. If you hurt her, it will hold her up for Justin's lessons."
Alan understood the implication of Edward's words and said immediately, "I'll plead for Barlow. It's my fault, not his."
Edward said, "I'll give him a chance as he was your henchman."
Alan noticed the keywords: just once.