Chapter 333 Forced to the Edge
Mike was momentarily stunned.
Many in the company knew he came from a rural background and looked down upon him. He hadn't expected Shirley to...
He felt a bit embarrassed. "Thank you."
Shirley paused, then chuckled softly, "Are you hungry?"
Mike scratched his head, feeling a little sheepish.
He came to the big city to make a living, but finding a good job had been difficult. The salary was low, and after paying for rent and food, there wasn't much left. So he simply ate one meal a day
"Actually, I haven't eaten either. Wanna grab a bite together?" Shirley knew that offering to treat him might hurt his pride, so she phrased it tactfully.
Mike swallowed, "Alright then."
"Wait here for a moment, I'll go get the car."
Soon, she drove up in a small sedan and beckoned Mike to get in.
They went to a small restaurant and ordered seven or eight dishes.
Mike kept glancing at the menu and couldn't help but say, "That's enough. We won't be able to finish all this."
It is said that one should please his boss. So he couldn't let his boss pay for the meal. Yet, he didn't have enough money to cover it all.
Shirley naturally noticed his discomfort and laughed lightly, "You've helped me so much, so I have to order a few more dishes to reward you. Don't be so polite with me."
Mike caught the underlying message and felt relieved, nodding his head.
In the end, they didn't finish the meal.
Shirley called the waiter, "Could you please pack this up for us? Thank you."
After packing, Shirley handed him three of the dishes they hadn't touched much.
"I'll keep these two, and you can have the other three," she said.
Mike was taken aback, " For me?"
Shirley immediately frowned, her red lips pouting slightly. "What's wrong? Do you mind that I took a few bites"
Mike quickly shook his head, "No, no!"
"That's better." Shirley handed him the bag.
Mike thought to himself, 'it looks like he had meals for the next day covered.'
From that day on, Shirley would always work late and then 'reward' him accordingly.
A month later, Mike had gained five pounds. However, this change was noticed by Kenneth.
"What's going on between you and that janitor?" Kenneth's tone was somewhat angry.
Shirley furrowed her delicate eyebrows, "Dad, why do you call him a janitor? That's so disrespectful. He's a cleaner."
"What's the difference? A mere sweeper and mopper, why are you hanging out with him?" Kenneth's tone was angry.
Rumors had already spread throughout the company.
People were saying that Shirley often took extra care of the cleaner Mike, frequently bringing him food and drinks.
Kenneth wouldn't have believed it if he hadn't seen it with his own eyes!
"Even if he's a cleaner, he's still an employee of our company. As the manager, isn't it my duty to get along with my colleagues?"
"Shirley!" Kenneth was furious and said, "You know what I'm asking!"
Shirley was silent for a moment. Then she looked up suddenly. "Would you oppose it?"
Kenneth stared at her intently. "What do you think? Do you think I would allow you to be with a poor boy from the countryside?"
"So what if he's from the countryside. You can't hold bias against them. Besides, I think he's a very ambitious person."
Kenneth, in his fury, laughed, "Ambitious enough to become a cleaner?"
"If he weren't ambitious, he wouldn't have come to the big city to strive." Shirley's tone was gentle yet resolute, every word she spoke was in defense of Mike.
"Everyone who works hard deserves our respect, don't they?"
Kenneth let out a heavy breath through his nose. Shirley clung to his arm, swaying it playfully.
"Please, just agree to us, won't you?"
Kenneth replied, "But he's just a cleaner."
"That's because he hasn't had the opportunity to find a suitable position. How do you know he can't do it?"
Kenneth eyed her skeptically, "From the way you're talking, it sounds like you've already found him a suitable position?"
Shirley's gaze wavered. "You won't blame me, will you?"
Kenneth waved his hand dismissively, "Fine, go ahead and do what you want!"
"But let me tell you, you chose him yourself, so don't regret it later!"
"Living with someone from a different social class, sure, you might be able to make it work, but there will definitely be conflicts. Don't say I didn't warn you."
Shirley planted a kiss on his cheek and said, "Don't worry, I won't regret it. I promise!"
The garden lights suddenly flickered on, interrupting Mike's thoughts. A servant approached.
"Mr. Weaver, it's late. Aren't you going upstairs to rest?"
Mike pinched the bridge of his nose and waved his hand,saying "I want to sit here a bit longer. You don't need to worry about me."
"Yes, sir."
He pressed his fingers to his temples, muttering to himself in a voice only he could hear. "If it weren't for you pushing me, I wouldn't have been driven to this desperate path."
"Your deaths are your own doing. They have nothing to do with me!"
Mike still remembered the day he brought his mother to meet the Wright family. Kenneth had said, "I can't marry my daughter off. The Wright family has such a large estate that needs someone to take over."
"So, let Mike join our family."
In that moment, Mike felt as if he had been slapped.
His mother had stormed out, dropping her white-washed bag.
He hurried after her, with Shirley calling his name frantically from behind.
"Mike, I don't know why my dad said that. I know his words were too impulsive, but I hope our families can discuss this properly."
"How could you not know why he said that!" Mike's eyes were bloodshot. "He's your father! How could you, his daughter, not understand what he meant?"
"Shirley, let me tell you, I'm the only son in my family. I can't join your family! If word gets out, how will I face anyone?"
Shirley grabbed his hand, her tone urgent, "I know. I understand. I'll go back and talk to my dad properly. You..."
Mike shook her off forcefully and said, "Then come find me after you've talked it out!"
Watching Mike drive away, Shirley sighed in frustration and went back to find Kenneth.
"Dad, what are you doing?"
Kenneth's eyes were filled with displeasure and said, " What am I doing? Shirley, are you blinded by love? Have you thought about what will happen to the Wright family's vast estate if you get married and leave?"
