Chapter 496 Returning in Glory
After leaving the club, James and Mary thanked Ron and then took Christopher back to the hospital for treatment.
By ten o'clock that night, after James's careful treatment, Christopher's temperature gradually returned to normal, and his injuries were under control.
"James, Mary, I'm really sorry for causing you so much trouble tonight," Christopher said, looking apologetic.
Christopher knew that James and Mary had confronted Zane tonight to seek justice for him and Abigail, but their efforts were thwarted because of him.
If he hadn't fallen into Zane's hands, facing the threat of imprisonment and death, James wouldn't have let Zane off so easily.
Thinking about this, he felt deeply guilty.
"It's okay, we're just glad you're safe," James reassured him with a smile. "As for justice, we'll get it eventually."
"Yeah, revenge can wait. The most important thing now is for you and Abigail to recover quickly," Mary added softly. "But you can't do anything reckless again."
"You're just an ordinary guy, not a fighter. Going to their stronghold for revenge was like a suicide," she reminded Christopher. "For Abigail, your safety is more important than revenge. Otherwise, her sacrifice would be meaningless."
"So, if anything happens again, think it through and don't act impulsively."
"I get it," Christopher said, feeling ashamed. "I was just so angry that I lost my mind and took a crossbow and gasoline over there."
James shook his head helplessly, somewhat understanding Christopher's actions, likely spurred by Addison's harsh words.
"Don't worry, I'll send her back to Stardust City later," Mary comforted him. "You should rest and recover for a few days. Once you're better, you and Abigail can return to Stardust City. I'll arrange a job for you."
"Or I can give you some money to get back into contracting," she suggested.
"Thanks, Mary," Christopher said gratefully, then smiled bitterly. "But forget about the job and contracting. At my age, I'm only good for guarding doors."
"I can't handle contracting anymore. The industry is too complicated. A few years ago, I had some drive, but now I just can't do it."
"And with the complex interests in Stardust City, I'm afraid I'd lose all your money," he declined Mary's offer.
Mary was taken aback. "If you don't want a job or to go back to contracting, what do you want to do?"
Christopher lowered his head and remained silent.
James smiled faintly. "Christopher, it's not that you don't want to work or do contracting. You just don't want Mary's help or to return to Stardust City like this."
Christopher's body trembled. He opened his mouth to say something but ultimately smiled bitterly and stayed silent.
Mary squinted her eyes. "What do you mean?"
"Christopher has a psychological shadow from Addison's scolding," James explained. "He feels that if he returns to Stardust City like this, relying on your connections to make money, it would mean he's still under The Smith Family's protection."
"No matter how well he does at work or contracting, he would never be able to hold his head high in front of Addison."
"Christopher wants to succeed through his own efforts. Even if he can't return in glory, he wants to stand tall."
James revealed Christopher's innermost thoughts.
Christopher looked at James with gratitude, thankful that he had voiced what he couldn't say.
Mary suddenly understood. "So you want to achieve something before going back."
In the past, she would have mocked Christopher for being prideful, but after spending time with James, she began to understand his perspective.
"Alright, you don't have to go back for now. I'll have Mom, Dad, and Abigail return to Stardust City first."
"But if you don't go back and don't accept my job offer, how will you make a comeback without my financial support?" Mary asked Christopher. "Consider it a loan or an investment. There's no need to refuse the money."
"If Addison finds out, she'll not only take the money back but also mock him as a failure," James shook his head. "That's why Christopher doesn't want your money."
Mary understood the concern and looked at Christopher. "So what are you going to do?"
"Don't worry, Mary. I'll find a way to make a comeback," Christopher said, taking a deep breath. "Within three years, I'll return to Stardust City successfully."
He was giving Mary and James confidence and boosting his own morale.
"Christopher, it's understandable that you don't want help from The Smith Family," James suddenly smiled. "But you wouldn't refuse to help me, right?"
"What do you mean?" Christopher was puzzled, then waved his hand. "James, I can't take your money or your job either."
"Don't refuse just yet," James patted Christopher's shoulder.
"First, I'm not part of The Smith Family, so Addison has no reason to mock you."
"Second, I'm not giving you money or a job. I need your help."
"I have a 40% stake in Grandma's Black Tea, but it's scattered and complicated. I need you to set up a company to consolidate it all."
"Also, I need you to register a brand for Great Grandma's Black Tea."
"I might enter the black tea market in the future and sweep the nation. I'm not sharp in business and unfamiliar with company operations, so I need a reliable person to help."
He looked at Christopher and added, "And you're the best candidate."
"Consolidate shares? 40%?" Christopher gasped. "That's a major shareholder. Are you asking me to be the CEO?"
"Don't think about being the CEO. For now, you can be the general manager," James calmly discussed the details with Christopher.
"But right now, the company is just you and me, and I can't always be there, so you'll be the actual person in charge."
"As for the salary, besides operating expenses, you'll get $10,000 a month. Once the shares are consolidated, I'll give you a 3% stake."
He extended the invitation to Christopher. "So, what do you say? Will you help me?"
Christopher knew James was helping him. It seemed overwhelming at first, but it just required hiring the right people.
And with James's capabilities, starting a company would be no problem.
"Christopher, James saved Abigail this morning and you tonight," Mary chimed in. "He's your savior."
"If you can't even help with this small request, that's not very fair."
Christopher blushed, then lifted his head. "Alright, James, I'll take care of it. I promise to do a great job."
He made up his mind to work for James for the rest of his life; he was determined to return to Stardust City in glory.
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