Chapter 21 Mrs. Fisher's Tolerance Towards Me

Elena Garcia's POV:

"What are you doing? He's just a kid."

"None of your business. Is he your kin or somethin'?" The clerk shot back, all rude and disrespectful. "He's just been standing there, not saying a word and didn't pay. He must be mute."

I couldn't just let that slide.

When I was a kid, I went through something similar.

Andrew took me to a supermarket and used me as a cover to steal some stuff, then he bolted.

I had no clue about the theft, and when the clerk accused me, I could only cry, feeling the humiliation like a heavy stone on my chest.

I didn't think this kid was up to no good. He was dressed nicely, and his hair was neat.

I figured he just needed some help. "Shut your mouth. Your job doesn't require you to chirp like a bird.

Even if this kid can't speak, you should find a way to communicate with him or ask him to wait aside politely, not rudely shoo him away."

These were the lessons I learned on the job.

You never deal with just one type of customer, and since you chose this job, you should find a way to do it well.

Even if you hate your job, don't take it out on innocent people, especially a kid!

I then squatted down and gently comforted the boy.

Being at eye level made him feel safer, and the fear in his eyes eased up.

I said softly, "Is there anything I can help you with? Take your time and tell me."

The boy looked at me, clutching his pants, still nervous.

But among all these strangers, I was the only one he could rely on, so after a moment's hesitation, he raised his hand and started gesturing to me.

The clerk nearby immediately looked awkward.

The customers in the store started murmuring complaints. "The boy can't speak."

"He really is mute."

"This is terrible. What did the clerk do?"

The clerk argued, "He was gesturing something I couldn't understand. How was I supposed to know he was really mute?"

Hearing his words, the boy's face fell. I held his hand and then looked at the clerk. "He wants two 'A' meals, a cup of coffee, and a small Coke." After saying this, I ignored the surprised looks from the clerk and others and winked at the boy. "Did I get it right, little warrior?"

The boy nodded excitedly, thrilled that I understood his sign language.

I had learned sign language while applying for a job at a disability care center. Although I didn't get to use it much, I still remembered most of the gestures.

Seeing the boy use gestures to thank me again, I smiled and patted his head.

As the boy calmed down, he pulled out a children's wallet from his pocket.

After paying, before the boy left, I took him to face the rude clerk. "Where's your apology?"

"Sorry." The clerk knew what he had to say, though he still looked a bit reluctant.

"You should be glad this boy's parents weren't with him, or your behavior could have cost you your job. This boy bought two meals." My reminder made the clerk look scared as he finally realized he almost did something he'd regret.

As I walked out of the store, I saw a woman.

Upon seeing her, the boy immediately let go of my hand and almost eagerly ran to her.

He raised the food in his hand and showed her a proud expression.

"You did great, my baby. Thank you." The woman's stern expression immediately softened. She patted the boy's head and then gave me a grateful smile. "I almost rushed in just now. Thank you for your help."

"Are you this kid's mom? I'm sorry, but letting him face this alone is too much. It might be a bad memory for a child."

"Yes, I think so too. But my child can't always be sheltered like a flower in a greenhouse. I want him to be strong. So when he expressed his desire to do this, I didn't refuse."

The boy, standing by his mom, gestured to me, confirming it was true.

"Well, then you are a real warrior." My compliment made him blush.

The woman invited me for coffee as a thank you, and I hesitated, glancing towards the luxury apartment.

She noticed and asked, "Are you waiting for someone?"

"No, I probably won't see her. Besides, I haven't figured out what to say yet. Even if I do see her, I don't know how to start."

So, I went to the coffee shop with her. She told me to call her Emily.

Emily was warm and generous, with a unique charm. She mentioned she lived nearby and was a single mom.

While we had coffee, she kindly offered to help me if I ever needed anything.

I appreciated her offer, but I didn't need anything, so I casually asked if she knew Mrs. Fisher.

I wasn't sure if Mrs. Fisher was as socially active as Isabella. If she was, maybe Emily could tell me something useful.

Even if not, I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask.

Hearing my question, Emily put down her coffee cup and looked at me. "Mrs. Fisher? Do you have business with her?"

Feeling a bit embarrassed, I told Emily about the news reports regarding James and Fisher and my desire to earn some praise.

"So you think if you can resolve the issue between your dad and Mrs. Fisher, it will change your dad's view of you?"

"Yes. Is that idea a bit naive?"

"No, you're a good person. Having naive thoughts is your strength, not a weakness." Emily looked at me, her hand rubbing the edge of the coffee cup, then she added, "But I think Mrs. Fisher won't agree just like that. Your dad is rude and foolish, with a sense of male superiority. His words are full of contempt for women. Unless he truly realizes his mistakes, why should he get another chance to cooperate?"

"I think so too." I nodded in agreement with Emily's words. "So I will only persuade her to give my dad a chance to apologize. The choice of cooperation should still be up to Mrs. Fisher."

"What if Mrs. Fisher still disagrees?"

"Then I just hope she won't tell my dad that I approached her. After all, I'm not his expected social candidate. He still thinks he has a chance to turn things around." I shrugged. "Although it's a bit regrettable, it is indeed James's fault. If he needs to pay the price, it's deserved."

Hearing my words, Emily laughed, "Smart girl. The newly recognized child in the Garcia family is really interesting. You're much more adorable than your sister."

I was surprised. "How do you know my sister? No, how do you know me..."

"That's because I just attended the party held for you. The way you fell before going on stage caught everyone's attention and I think no one could forget you."

I blushed immediately.

"Maybe you should look at the business card I gave you?"

Before entering the coffee shop, Emily had given me a business card, but I had put it in my wallet without looking at it carefully.

I took it out, and behind Emily's name was the surname Fisher.

I covered my mouth while looking at Emily in shock. "You're Mrs. Fisher?"

Oh my God, this was so dramatic!

"Now, shall we talk about giving your dad that chance?"

I was still dizzy, but Emily had already clearly stated her request.

She would call my dad and ask him to make a public apology. If he agreed, she would consider him again as a potential partner, leaving the rest to my dad's abilities.

I knew this was already her biggest concession, so I was very grateful and kept thanking her.

"No need to thank me. The conflict between James and me was spread by some journalists I found. I just wanted to teach him a lesson.

But if he still behaves the same way, I'll make him suffer." Emily winked at me. "And I sincerely wish you get the praise you deserve for your kindness and respect for fellow women."

I couldn't help but smile happily.