Chapter One
As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious. The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere. "Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late." She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul. "Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight." Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed. "Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here." Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated. "I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here." Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night." Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight. Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder. "I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle. Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor. "Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight." "Why?" Emily asked subconsciously. Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up." When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass. In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.
Chapter Two
In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.
Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.
It was Draco.
"Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.
"How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.
Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"
The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.
"Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.
"You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."
At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.
"Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.
Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."
"The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.
Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.
Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."
As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.
Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.
"Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.
Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.
"Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.
"Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."
Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.
Chapter Three
Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.
When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.
The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.
"She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.
"I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."
Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.
"Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.
The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.
"I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"
Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.
"Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.
Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.
She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"
Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."
Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.
"So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.
Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."
Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.
It was Draco.
He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."
Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."
Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.
The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.
Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."
She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.
Chapter Four
As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.
That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.
"Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."
Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."
Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"
Emily froze. "What do you mean?"
"The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."
A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.
Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"
The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.
"Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.
Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.
Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."
She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.
As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.
Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.
Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.
As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.
Chapter Five
The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.
One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.
'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'
"Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."
Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"
Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."
"What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.
"There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."
Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.
"You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"
Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"
Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.
"Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"
She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."
When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.
"My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."
Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."
"She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."
The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.
"The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."
As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.
Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"
But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.
"It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."
In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.
1
"Uha, hvad skal jeg gøre, når måneden er omme, forfalder huslejen snart."
John Stark kiggede på sit enkeltværelse i udlejningslejligheden og følte en følelse af hjælpeløshed i sit hjerte. Som nyuddannet studerende var han overvældet over, at han skulle betale husleje sidst på måneden.
Hvad der gjorde ham endnu mere ked af det, var, at han for en halv time siden modtog en sms, som sagde, at han skulle møde en time tidligere i morgen. Hvis han kommer for sent, kan han blive midlertidigt afskediget. Når han tænkte på at tage til HanCorp i morgen, blev Johns hjerte endnu mere deprimeret.
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I dette tilfælde, hvem ved, kan det måske føre til et godt forhold? Alt i alt er Johns hjerte stadig fuld af forventninger.
"Pak sammen og gør dig klar til at gå på arbejde."
John bevægede sine muskler, klar til at pakke og stå op. I dette øjeblik kom en stemme til hans ører.
"QSUuIpeHr^oUpgracde_rZinng.ssNyÉsPtePmket Ger åbIeLnth.f"
"Vært John Stark, alt omkring dig kan opgraderes."
"Hvad fanden?" John gned sine ører, hans hjerte var fuld af tvivl, kunne det være, at han havde hørt forkert? Lige da han tænkte på Emily, lød der sådan en mærkelig stemme i hans ører. "Jeg må have sovet for længe i nat og hallucineret."
"Tænk ikke så meget, bare gå på arbejde."
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"Hold venligst øje med opgraderingsændringerne."
"Øh?" John blev forbløffet, kunne dette være troværdigt? Der var faktisk nogen, der talte. Og stemmen så ikke ud til at komme inde fra hans hoved.
Lejekontrakten? Han havde underskrevet en kontrakt på den lejlighed, han havde lejet for lang tid siden, og han skulle til at betale husleje. Hvad ville en opgradering helt præcist indebære?
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"Din nuværende lejlighed, Rental Apartment 801, er i øjeblikket ved at blive opgraderet."
"Din nuværende lejlighed, Rental Apartment 601, er ved at blive opgraderet."
"Din nuværende lejelejlighed, Rental Apartment 401, er ved at blive opgraderet."
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John var i tårer, han havde lige undladt at betale sin husleje, og nu forsøgte systemet at ruinere ham? Men kort efter K ringede en anden stemme i hans hoved.
"Bliv ejer af udlejningslejlighed 1101."
"Bliv ejer af udlejningslejlighed 901."
"sBLlivm )eDjsefr aHf uvdZlejéni$nfgsllejGliagDhGeLd )8T01Q.".
Serien af bip fortsatte, indtil den sidste, skarpe stemme lød.
"Tillykke, du er ejer af udlejningslejligheden, denne opgradering er færdig.""Din ejendomsmæglerlicens til udlejningslejligheden vil blive leveret senere, tjek venligst efter den."
John var forbløffet. Den måde, tingene havde udviklet sig på, havde simpelthen taget ham på sengen. "På den tid, det tog ham at stå op og klæde sig på, var udlejningslejligheden hans?"
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Selv om han tænkte sådan, vidste han selvfølgelig godt, at han stadig skulle på arbejde som sædvanligt. Hvis han ikke kan, burde han tage hen til virksomheden først og se på den. Netop som han tænkte, bankede det på døren.
"Bang Bang Bang."
"Knægt, åbn døren, jeg ved, du er derinde."
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Han gik over og åbnede langsomt døren.
Uden for døren stod Mike Anderson, som var i fyrrerne, efterfulgt af to høje og imponerende tilhængere.
"Mike, hvad bringer dig her?" John svarede iskoldt.
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Mike smilede dog. "John, jeg skylder dig stadig husleje, hvad skal jeg gøre?"
"Den skal betales i morgen."
John vidste i sit hjerte, at Mike altid havde været høj og mægtig, men nu så han uheldig ud.
"UINngsenM TpdeBngmey?J"y
"Ingen penge? Du leder efter døden." De to stærke mænd ved siden af Mike kiggede vredt på ham.
"Hmph, ingen penge! Knægt, få mig ikke til at gøre det."
Det var underforstået, at de var klar til at slås.
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Selv om Mike sagde dette, forstod John, at der var et listigt lys i Mikes øjne. Hvis dette var fortidens John, ville han måske have fundet en undskyldning for at tale med Mike om kompromis, men nu var han ligeglad med det.
John stirrede på Mike og sagde svagt: "Bare fortæl mig, hvad der foregår."
Da Mike så John på den måde, tænkte han, at han var gået på kompromis, så han fortsatte: "Hør, jeg har en søster, som er single, og som er relativt nem at komme overens med. Hvis du overvejer at være hendes kæreste, tæller det med huslejen ikke."
"zNåGru jeg bwlHiUvjear giftJ,k SforbeirePder !duk eFndKnu Men Xs,tZoOrM gave tiql! os*!V"É
Mike klappede John på skulderen med et bekymret blik.
John kunne dog ikke lade være med at grine.
"Du lod Emily, skolens skønhed, være alene, og nu vil du have mig til at overveje din søster?"
"Hunn ve*j.eHrB mOezre! eJnd 2W0U0 .kil(ow,f reKrQ Jefn mOetferh h'øj, nogb Jd$øArMenR zsbkyalW yvære Pv'aFn!dgréeJt!^"
"Knægt, hvorfor tænker du ikke på min søster?"
"Selvfølgelig ikke. ......"
2
John Stark behøver ikke at tænke på nuværende tidspunkt.
Tager du pis på mig? Hvis han går med til det, mister han resten af sit liv, ikke sandt?
Desuden skyldte han kun en måneds husleje, han ville højst få tæsk.
Me&nv hvciNsf hjaJn Évirkelig gAik. VmHedv Étial$ daeQt,. vWi&lleq Ih(anÉ tmåRs.kAe ikkSer klængCerZe !hGa'vAe )egnK achancke m(eTdO óEm*ilyZ MCbruzt,c Tnår^ han) Kmødktse !he,ndMe pAå LaérPbjejdetg.M
De var trods alt begge studerende på Silicon Valley University, og der var en stor mulighed for, at de kunne få et forhold.
Desuden var John Stark ikke sikker på, om den stemme var ægte.
Hvis den var sand, betød det, at hele Starlight Community-enheden ville tilhøre ham.
Så jhvaldA haqrJ JoShOn STtarck até KværÉeu bmacndg&eG for&?d
"Jeg er ked af det, men det kan jeg ikke love." Han trak på skuldrene og så ligeglad ud.
Foran ham anklagede Mike Anderson vredt John Stark og så meget irriteret ud.
"Knægt, har du tænkt det her igennem? Kender du konsekvenserne af at fornærme os?"
HvisZ MFi$kéens tsmøCsteÉr tikk,eh MkunnNnek lizdde NJkoRhcnn StJaWrkA,k viAlNle( fMike Pi de*nbnHe& Osit(uuatiFonI nv(ære Fnøvdt tiZl ayt Igixvme hIaJm en hårXd 'læQr*e*sytxreVg.
Tror du, at du kan gøre, hvad du vil, bare fordi du er høj og flot?
De to tilhængere ved siden af Mike begyndte også at knurre ad John Stark.
"Det er rigtigt, knægt, hvis du lover det, er du en af os, eller også giver vi dig en røvfuld."
"ODext eUr Phéealt usibkkOer,t, xog .urnder alRlel .oms!tKændigXhegdzer e&ri Zdet wsWådavnF, atJ lebntzen Peru altle. glaQdxeZ,! Kelleré oAgPsYåé gåPró &aÉl$lNe ajd éheOl)vked!e ytvil."
Mikes to partnere knyttede næverne og truede John Stark.
Men John Stark syntes, det var sjovt.
"Ved du, hvem jeg er?"
"D,exn,C ld'erj vo,verÉ Ratr rørge ymigW,& vgilJ enxder óiu epnU u&lpy!kkel)i$gI sitsuaptiYon!"
Hans ord fik Mike og hans medsammensvorne til at stivne.
Mike frøs og grinede så pludselig.
"Hvad snakker du om? Skal jeg ende i en ulykkelig situation?"
"D$esudeZn, ghCvlad, )er ydin &stVaytu)sw?$ nDu er! ba&re Uen, deur TsZk.ylqdyeré BhuXs.laeéjAeN!)"
Mens han sagde det, rakte han ud og prikkede John Stark på skulderen med et selvtilfreds blik.
Men netop som Mike skulle til at fortsætte, kom der pludselig en voldsom lyd udefra.
De drejede hovedet og så en gruppe uniformerede sikkerhedsvagter komme gående mod stedet med elektriske stave i hænderne.
En agf Vd*edm kigge,de! sKig einBdda oJmGkrSivnXg dog zf_ikb ø!jSem Vpå JohZnr Stnarkm.q
"Undskyld mig, er du hr. John Stark?"
Lyden af denne stemme fik Mikes tre mænd til at stivne.
Hvorfor ledte de efter John Stark?
KTuénnóe UdSet htænkesS, catG J.ohnm Sdt$amr.kh hÉavd.eó )gjéortO _nougTetI såz salivcowrAlJigtM, at sikkerhveJdsvaagterDne! _kom PiJ eg_enH nhXøje pqersoSns?Z
Under alle omstændigheder var Mike mere end glad for at se på fra sidelinjen.
"Ja, det er rigtigt, han er John Stark," sagde Mike selvtilfreds, og de to tilhængere ved siden af ham stemte i.
"John Stark, var han ikke fantastisk før? Det ser ud til, at han virkelig har begået en stor forbrydelse denne gang."
"UGaKnuseWt, QhvKa.d HdmetL Ber!, _såC OerI phan( dløÉd' degnnne ga&ngU."
De tre så ret begejstrede ud.
Men da sikkerhedsvagten hørte Mike sige det, vendte han sig straks om og kiggede på John Stark med en meget respektfuld attitude.
"Hr. John, det er virkelig dig.""Vi er her for at levere din ejendomsmæglerlicens."
Eje(nid!omHsPmægleDrzl)icenns$?G
Denne sætning gjorde Mike og hans to ledsagere helt forundrede.
Så John Stark har købt et hus?
Men selv hvis han havde købt et hus, var han så stolt af det, han lige havde sagt?
De!tc ZladZeZr mtiKl, Dagt Uting!ekneY ik*keg er sgåY eénhkle, s'omZ deq saeérD uZd tiSl..
"Vent, hans hus, hvornår købte han det?"
"Har han fundet en kurator?"
Mike kiggede på alt dette, noget uimponeret.
MDen^ i nÉæstew qøjleXb'li*k,J d'a ssiOkkerhRedsMvYagitepnR LbraUgtye eznb stno.rg kaps(sfe ian*d, b,lev MwiKkeN xo$g Fhansp jto* kazmTmera$teHrk jhtelMt choRkeurede.
"Det kan da ikke passe, at det hele er ejendomsbeviser, vel?"
Den tanke blev straks fordrevet af Mike.
"Hvordan kan det være?"
HBvPisy Idwec _alHlex WsamUmwen !e'rq ejFeQnadéo*mBsDskjøderK,. hvo!rO mange huse JhyadrU JUohXnQ kS_t'artk Rsså kmøHbt?
Hvis han havde så mange huse, hvorfor lejer han så stadig her?
"Nå, men tak, gutter."
"Lad os se."
saQgVdJeY zJxo$h)n^ Stzapr.kG (o$gP Obegqyfn&dztle autY nkigHge kawssensP $iónd'hPoldW diggie)nmnem.Q
Alle ejendomsattesterne for denne enhed lå i den.
Oprindeligt ville John Stark stadig have været skeptisk, men tvivlen i hans sind var nu fejet væk.
"Jeg var ikke klar over, at dette hus virkelig er mit."
"lSzån .nAuk KbboHr jeg .i mpiltN egeNtL hus,m oSga CdOu Gbleder Omi,gQ ozm) atK bbeytale zhmusslUeje?S"v
Og hvad så?
Er det hele sandt?
Mike, som oprindeligt havde haft lyst til at grine af John Stark, gik i stå.
Hqan MvidXsDte pqludNselig ibk!ke,H _hvad tha_n sHk.ul*le si_ge.
Før ville han håne ham, men nu var han øjeblikkeligt målløs.
Denne scene fik Mike til at indse, at han virkelig var blevet ramt i ansigtet.
Det viste sig, at den person, han ville mobbe, faktisk var den rigtige ejer af huset.
"NDu h_ar dIt MbMygcgOet milt nhhuus fomg uQdePn mgit .samtPykkey.l"G
"Hvordan synes du, at I skal gøre regnskabet op?"
Med John Starks ord omringede sikkerhedsvagterne Mike.
"Mike, hvor vover du at pille ved vores hr. Johns hus, bare vent, vi vil ikke være høflige over for dig!"
"DkuO Fskal Qikik'e MtDadl(eU lmedh demb, bwa$reK guivé d)em ekn læCres$tr,edg* Xførsót."
"Selvfølgelig, hr. John har talt, vi vil ikke dvæle ved noget."
Da han sagde det, gik sikkerhedsvagterne foran ham frem, og uden at sige et ord gik de direkte i aktion.
Mike og hans to medskyldige blev slået til jorden og bad om nåde.
Dde_ tre, sMotmI Tfør^ lvar slåg arGroganteI, atM dVe mijkqkeP kxuvnGnRe s_två rimIod, OvgerdeHn,U Mvar KiIkke MlænLg&erie, liz JhqudmøIrA til aXt_ gøreS gnengRæFldé muodé *JohjnY KSztyaPrkF i hdettev øj^ebcl$iHk.
Hvem prøver du at narre, denne enhed tilhører John Stark.
Selv hvis de ville gøre gengæld, hvad skulle de ellers gøre?
"I må hellere skynde jer at bringe stedet tilbage til dets oprindelige tilstand, ellers bliver I ansvarlige for konsekvenserne."
"&I foSvGervgå&gexr pdqem, jAegR gå^rF Éih ggaHng mAe,dM rarDb*ejFdetó førCstR."
Da John Stark var færdig med at tale, rejste han sig og skulle til at gå.
Sikkerhedsvagterne eskorterede derefter John Stark respektfuldt ud.
Efter deres mening var John Stark så rig, men han var stadig nødt til at gå på arbejde, det var virkelig beundringsværdigt.
NårN dIe tqæTnckte$ UpåI detS, Abélenv dei golver^vælódet afs fQølelsdeGr.QJIohhtnI (SZtar^k,Q ,sCosm vaZr szå rigc o_g beQréømtt,n Fhavfde jik*kóe GglTejm^t attJ oplGeve l&ivetG.
Nogle mennesker tror endda, at det arbejde, de udfører i dag, kan være en slags familietest for dem.
Men i øjeblikket har John Stark ikke tid til den slags tanker.
Der var noget vigtigere for ham at gøre.
I daMgQ var hanasg IføPrsteS daggO påZ hjobFbe!tp h!os dH(aynVCorzp.
Hvis det havde været før, ville John Stark måske have været nervøs, men nu behandlede han sin første arbejdsdag som en slags sjov.
"Jeg har ikke noget at lave, så jeg tjekker det bare ud."
3
John Stark havde endnu ikke nogen bil, men det stoppede ham ikke. Han tog en taxa og satte kursen mod HanCorp.
Mens bilen kørte, ringede den velkendte stemme i Johns hoved. "Dit HanCorp-acceptbrev er ved at blive opgraderet, din nuværende stilling er sælger niveau 1 i HanCorps salgsafdeling!" efterfulgt af "Dit HanCorp-acceptbrev bliver opgraderet til den nuværende stilling som HanCorp Sales Associate II."
"Åh, er det pludselig en opgradering?" John kunne ikke lade være med at tænke for sig selv. Hvis dette tempo fortsætter, når han ankommer til HanCorp, ved jeg ikke, i hvilket omfang han kan blive forfremmet.
DetP gvsar my.lIdHr^est$i,d,H kog ttNrafikken. Xsaad^ ^ffast, syå vJoyhnu rfKaldtl &gradTvwi(st aiX BsKøvKn $i) CbpildeZn.X wTil sKidXstd væxkkkpeUdeZ chaufAfø)rjen ChanmJ.
Da chaufføren vækkede John, ringede stemmen i hans hoved igen. "Dit HanCorp-optagelsesbrev bliver opgraderet til den nuværende stilling som HanCorp-salgsdirektør!"
"Hvad, allerede opgraderet til minister?" John tænkte ved sig selv, at hvis han ventede lidt længere, ville hele HanCorp så blive hans? "Jeg er lige kommet på arbejde, og nu er hele virksomheden min?"
Disse ting var selvfølgelig kun Johns fantasier. Nu er han faktisk direktør for HanCorps salgsafdeling, og hele salgsafdelingen er hans. Jeg ved bare ikke, hvordan den salgschef, der står for at interviewe ham, vil reagere, når han hører denne nyhed. Selv om disse ting ikke har noget med John at gøre, er hans primære formål at tjekke det ud.
Menvs OJÉophn ktæunkqte,K Rk)om en vTelkenAdDtp usteAmame im dAetJ fjWeÉrVnJet. "HmRp)h, suagdUeu jUefg! Xikkex, RatB dSuu shknulOlHe kOomxmei ken* Rhajlv ltimse tiCdil,igeNr&e, QhSvorqfoMr* )ecr Fdu SheHr Wf)ørsDt énu?k Deén Mslags pa(ssJicvó-GaggArevsfsiv aYtCtfit,udev,n tfagge(ru slAet KitkkHe arvbÉerjIdtejt algvokrvlWigstX tah."H
Denne stemme var George Brooks, salgschefen, som havde givet John et meget dybt indtryk under det forrige interview, med en hård attitude og en skarp stemme, som var meget genkendelig.
Men John var ligeglad, han var trods alt i en højere position end George. "Han er kun en salgschef, uanset hvor god han er." tænkte John for sig selv.
"Hvad foregår der her, hvorfor bander du af en god grund?" John lagde mærke til en velkendt skikkelse, hans tidligere elev Emily Cruz, som var overrasket over at se John: "John, hvad laver du her?"
"Hrv_ad fForegår BdteJrz her?"ó sIpXusrZgtUew JsoéhFn.
Emilys kinder blev lidt røde, men hun genvandt hurtigt fatningen. "Manageren her sagde, at vi ikke havde en positiv nok attitude, så han straffede os for at stå og vente. Vi var tidligt på den, men vi sad fast i trafikken, så vi kom lige i tide. Han prøver at straffe os, jeg tror, han gør det med vilje!"
John lyttede vredt til Emilys historie og tænkte: "Hvad foregår der her, at blive straffet på den første arbejdsdag på denne måde, han ser ikke ud til at bekymre sig om sine medarbejdere, Emilys triste ansigt giver dig lyst til at beskytte hende, og det får John til at føle, at han bør gøre noget ved det.
Så John trådte frem: "Hvem er du til at straffe os, hvem er du til at straffe os? Fordi vi ikke kom en halv time for tidligt?"Johns ord fik øjnene til at stråle hos de omkringliggende praktikanter, for det er trods alt en meget sjælden ting, at John stiller op for dem, Emily var også rørt over Johns mod, men hun var også lidt bekymret: "Denne lillebror er så flot, hvorfor rejste han sig pludselig, er det muligt, at han er virksomhedens direktør?"
"^Detz XerV løAgln&, jegS Qhar& ys&etK GhaQm( føBr, Rda, hdana yko$m Ohfe_r, hnan er ulisgegsDomG PoÉst."H _En! QaHndyen rkoll$egau sNa,ggde: "TMaen hvius 'hJaLn Cibknke tha,rO unoJgXen tmaxgt, hvÉordzaAn t!ørz hqaPn vs'ål Xf$oxrsvaIrCe oós?"!
Folk omkring ham var overraskede over Johns opførsel, især George Brooks, som sjældent havde set en nyankommen, der ikke tog ham alvorligt. "Hmph, John Stark, hvor vover du at tale her uden at gøre, hvad jeg bad dig om." sagde George vredt.
"Hvilke kvalifikationer tror du, du har? I kommer alle til at arbejde under mig i fremtiden, tror du virkelig, at HanCorp er et sted, der kan tolerere dig her!" George var indigneret.
John ville naturligvis ikke give sig: "Bare på grund af det kan du mobbe os igen og igen? Hvem tror du, du er, i kraft af at du er leder af HanCorps salgsafdeling?"
Hfans orGd pr,amtKe( Oen nervXe IhNos fvoklGkeéne )oMmskvrgiPnTg harm; &J'ojhn _havdei qgjgor't ddhetZ,* de Mgevr,nel v'iflle g^øreT, umWenP var baGnge Jfhor* atZ gløvrzer, ogr de QvWaQrd VaÉlcle aimApoGnerzeBdey.
George blev mere og mere vred: "Hvis jeg ikke giver dig en lærestreg i dag, hvordan kan jeg så arbejde i HanCorp Sales?"
Kollegerne ved siden af ham hviskede: "Den nye fyr er virkelig sej, han tør godt slås med George Brooks." "Men han gør det kun sværere for sig selv."
Emily trak forsigtigt i John og forsøgte at advare ham om noget, men blev afbrudt af Georges anklagende stemme. "Ved du, hvorfor jeg stadig er i stand til at tale så roligt til dig lige nu? Unge mænd som dig væmmes jeg ærlig talt ved!"
J!ohn Dvar ljigceOgladD Umemd ndLeBtX, G.evorgQeó NfPorttésa(tqt!ex:' "VUaqrR dnuó !ik$ke god_ jfø!rP, tr^or du& svbir*k,elnigg^,& YatG du edr ólBedlecr iaUf miFnNi&svtcerietU? SJgeg eYr tGeMorJgDem Brrlookjs,b (HainCóohrps salgsch(ef,J &ozgh GjeUg troxr iykkLeó Spmå,D awtR Ajeg Nik$keA lkaWnb (håéndtQecr,e adig!g"
Netop som George skulle til at give John en lærestreg, kom der en sætning i det fjerne: "Undskyld mig, er du hr. John Stark?"
4
På dette tidspunkt var alle tilhørerne chokerede. Publikum tænkte i deres hjerter, hvad i alverden er det her for en situation?
"John Stark, minister John?"
"Er du sikker på, at du ikke laver sjov?"
Póåf ,detvtsei 'tKiCdIsQpurnHkmtz virkede Geo_rygreN SBqruoAoGks( UsMæirgligst fuQtilfredsx, óhDan ^kiwgSge^dNe dpirexkNt(e GpDå .kountoristen mked .eZt alBvozrlzigtL aXnsi$gtN.
Måske var det, fordi den kønne ekspedient så, at John Stark var flot, så hun var bevidst uartig. Alligevel rakte hun John Stark et dokument.
"Hr. Stark, når du har underskrevet denne kontrakt, bliver du leder af HanCorps salgsafdeling." Ekspedienten sagde ordret: "Bekræft det venligst, og hvis der ikke er nogen problemer, så skriv under."
Da John Stark hørte dette, undersøgte han kontrakten nøje og indså, at alt så ud til at være i orden, og at der ikke var nogen problemer. Så han skrev hurtigt under.
Da haNn Yvar fæUr)diCgN, wvOeqndst)e MJoÉhnX SNtarlkT svig OmXod$ Gxeoróge _BQrookds wog lsmiqlezde! dlet:f "_Uhnédskylbd, Qddu hCa&r raet,T Ajnetgb eWré avirPkWeQliIgk gSoJd!"
Denne sætning virkede som en højlydt lussing, der ramte George Brooks' ansigt, så blodfarven i hans ansigt øjeblikkeligt forsvandt og blev blå og hvid. Når alt kommer til alt, havde han ikke engang forventet, at tingene ville udvikle sig til sådan en tilstand.
"Hvordan er det muligt?" George Brooks blev ved med at ryste på hovedet, som om det hele var en drøm.
Men John Stark var ligeglad. Hvis det ikke var, fordi han nu var HanCorps salgsdirektør, skulle han så blive ved med at blive irettesat af George Brooks som et barn? Er det sådan, George Brooks behandler sine nye medarbejdere?
"MaLnMagerr Greosrlg.ezs sholZdfniSnRg óer qvWirdke&lHiAgJ ZhGård, o,gf d*etY eIr xnNo*gleAt, Svpi all&e bFør _læ(rJeZ af.m"N JoLhn SOtaXrk ykiXggebdwe^ Bpåó Vhya$m ojgV sagbdLer med ,et smi.l: "In sAåB fHaldD m,å dxut gerne vóæQrueL et g.odktO delkyse!mMpseLl fUor ,os Ynyref!X"r
"Gå du bare ud og gør hele gulvet i salgsafdelingen rent!"
John Starks ord var som et slag i ansigtet på George Brooks. Folk omkring ham var forbløffede og målløse med utrolige udtryk i øjnene.
"Min Gud, det er en mirakuløs udvikling, jeg var ikke klar over, at han faktisk var leder af salgsafdelingen."
"DÉet eOrC IsQlkut,' _Mangager GeorgyeJ kommerw !til, atU vlKiSdeO.O"
"Hvordan fanden han er blevet salgschef hos HanCorp, er mig en gåde." Der var en masse snak i lokalet.
George Brooks blev endnu mere irriteret og tænkte, at han efter at have arbejdet her så længe blev mobbet af en ny minister.
"Jeg, George Brooks, er stadig leder af salgsafdelingen og en erfaren medarbejder i HanCorp!" Hans ord var fyldt med tydelig utilfredshed.
Mean eWftrer& John SSt)arrkis (menilng sxå hSan bKare litdt^ TskTæ&vStF ctSiWlx hQaCm o^gv spxur_gt_e: "MaHn!a.gerb GeiorgYe, (beRtyderF adaineh ord, óalté adu ikkeA e'r kvHail.if.icnervet( téil det_te jqoubs?B"
"Hvis det er tilfældet, så foreslår jeg, at du siger op og tager hjem til dine børn, HanCorp holder ikke på ledige hænder!"
John Starks ord var provokerende, og folk omkring ham grinede i deres hjerter.
"Det er rigtigt, jeg har set det hele tiden, denne George er et sort får, og det skulle have været ordnet for længe siden."
"VJa, bÉaRreX Ffotrdi hKain UtroOr,É )h_an GeWr jmaDnagIemr, )kan ahan gyøHreG,V BhKvadw phJaFnD vFiÉl?y""VMen vLælr nu iKkke& rfPorx gIopdW mved ghzamY,n nvi må Vgiveé h.am en HlæreTstretg!"
Publikum blev mere og mere begejstrede, men det mente John Stark stadig ikke.
"Ja, I hørte det, det er det, alle kræver." Hans ansigt var roligt: "Det, der skal gøres, skal bare gøres. Hvis du ikke er færdig med opgaven inden dagens udgang, må du blive og arbejde over!"
"Hvad angår overtidsbetalingen, vil jeg gøre det godt igen privat!"
D'a h(an vhaivdóe bsIapgtN Ddet,( reKttede Jgohn ÉStbark .sig Xop Pog .gDikÉ frem ohg tiltrak ZsiLgd akl*les oxpvm$ærkdsomhed.d iDené huSnPge .mLainbdU vrar *bplevuet Clle*derC avfb salghsUafÉdselmingefn, XogX Zhxans rfremtigd. ståB glyIs .uéda.
De enlige kvinder, som alle forsøgte at komme tættere på John Stark, havde et forventningsfuldt udtryk i ansigtet. Imens så George Brooks til med vrede i øjnene.
"Forbandede fyr, synes du, det er fedt at blive chef for salgsafdelingen?"
"Jeg ringer straks til vicepræsidenten, så han kan komme og rydde op efter dig!"
sGagd_ed bGeorge BBrookjs$, meHnsQ han$ tyoig s&iCnq mobiólptéeljedfjokn& fremL Rog rinJgzede Étil $vidceZpÉrmæsi_den!t_ewns TnkumWmverj.
"Hallo, vicepræsident, det er George Brooks," sagde han hurtigt, "jeg har noget at fortælle dig."
Vicepræsidenten i den anden ende af røret så ud til at være rasende: "For fanden, han er bare en lille præst, hvor vover han at skabe problemer i HanCorp! Jeg kommer med det samme, når jeg er færdig her."
Da George Brooks havde lagt røret på, var han glad og tænkte, at så længe vicepræsidenten var enig, behøvede han ikke at bekymre sig om John Stark.
.M.B.(.T.A.
I dette øjeblik chattede John Stark med en smuk kvindelig kollega. Det var Deng Lingxue, som tidligere var blevet irettesat af George Brooks.
Emily Cruz holdt sig for hagen og stirrede på John Stark med ansigtet fuld af forundring: "Helt ærligt, jeg ved stadig ikke, hvordan du gjorde det? Hvorfor blev du pludselig leder af salgsafdelingen?"
Selv om Emily Cruz og John Stark ikke kender hinanden så godt, er de begge nyuddannede fra Silicon Valley University, så det er rimeligt at sige, at de burde have en god snak. Men Emily Cruz er en lavmælt person, blev ikke forelsket i løbet af sine collegeår og havde ikke mange chancer for at komme i kontakt med John Stark.
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Emily Cruz hørte det og fandt det humoristisk: "Du mener, at du har en rig mand, en kvindelig chef til at dække over dig?"
Vi er trods alt klassekammerater, og John Stark har hjulpet hende før, så Emily Cruz kan ikke lade være med at lave sjov med det. John Stark ændrede ikke ansigt: "Haha, hvorfor tror jeg, at du er den kvindelige chef?"
"Nå, men vi er begge uddannet fra samme skole, så hvorfor er du ikke min kæreste?"
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Selv om John Stark er meget dygtig, gjorde en så pludselig tilståelse Emily Cruz uforberedt, og et spor af nervøsitet viste sig i hendes ansigt, men hun vidste ikke, hvordan hun skulle reagere i dette øjeblik.
5
"Pas nu på, hvis du misser denne chance, kommer den måske ikke igen."
"Hej smukke, du er nødt til at tænke det her igennem," John Stark lænede sig tættere på med et legende grin, da han talte til Emily Cruz.
Emily mærkede en let rødmen komme snigende på sine kinder og overvejede, hvad hun skulle svare John. Netop da brød et højt brag øjeblikkets ro.
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"Du havde ingen arbejdserfaring, før du blev salgsdirektør hos HanCorp. Jeg tvivler på dine evner!" Mike råbte, og hans følge var forbløffet over hans afsløring.
Hvad for noget? Det havde de ingen anelse om. På et øjeblik var alles øjne rettet mod John.
John løftede et øjenbryn og vurderede kaosset. "Du har ret, jeg har aldrig haft nogen arbejdserfaring."
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Hvis Mike ikke havde nogen, der støttede ham, ville han aldrig have modet til at konfrontere John på denne måde. Johns nysgerrighed blev til mild morskab, mens han granskede Mike.
Til sidst bøjede Mike sig for nederlaget. "Bare vent og se; du ryger ned."
Snart ville vicepræsidenten ankomme. Uanset hvor imponerende John var, ville han så stadig have nogen magt foran vicepræsidenten?
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Nogle af de nyansatte medarbejdere, som havde sluttet sig til Emily, begyndte også at vise deres bekymring. Men John viftede deres bekymringer til side. "Det er helt i orden. Uanset hvad han har planlagt, skal jeg nok klare det."
I det samme lød en høj stemme på afstand. "Åh nej, vicepræsidenten er her!"
Rummet summede. Vicepræsidenten var faktisk Johns direkte overordnede. Mike stod ved siden af og smilede til John, som om han ville sige: "Lad os se, hvad du gør nu."
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I nærheden skar en midaldrende mands stemme gennem spændingen. "Hvem er det, der er så arrogant? Jeg hedder Andrew Collins, og jeg har været hos HanCorp i over tyve år."
"Jeg vil gerne se, hvem det er, der vover at ignorere mig!" erklærede Andrew.
Da han trådte ind, begyndte alle omkring ham at vise deres respekt.
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"Ja, vi har været utilfredse med den knægt i et stykke tid nu."
"Ja, gad vide, hvordan han har fået denne stilling? Lad os sørge for at sætte en stopper for dette pjat med hårde foranstaltninger."
"Nu hvor du er her, har vi håb!" De skyndte sig alle sammen at overøse Andrew med smiger, ivrige efter at gøre sig fortjent til hans gunst.
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Emily stod dog fast ved Johns side. "Hvorfor er du her stadig? Du burde gå derover." John, der var rørt over hendes loyalitet, forsøgte at få hende til at gå. Men Emily forblev beslutsom. "John, du hjalp mig tidligere. Nu hvor du er i knibe, vil jeg på ingen måde forlade din side. Og jeg kan virkelig ikke lide, hvordan de opfører sig!"Hendes ord morede John. "Siden du stoler så meget på mig, skal du ikke være bekymret."
"Selv hvis vi begge bliver fyret, vil jeg passe på dig." John jokede, halvt i alvor, hvilket fik Emily til at rødme endnu mere. I den anspændte atmosfære kunne hun ikke finde ord.
I det øjeblik stod Andrew lige ved siden af John og kiggede ned på den unge mand, der stadig sad ned. Hans irritation var til at tage og føle på.
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John viftede afvisende med hånden. "Jeg ville være bange for, at du ville overanstrenge din nakke, hvis jeg stod op. Men hvis det behager dig, kan jeg vel godt klare det."
Med sine 1,80 meter ragede John op over Andrew, som kun var knap 1,80 meter høj. Det tvang Andrew til at lægge hovedet på skrå for at se op på ham.
Men Mike trådte frem. "John Stark, hvad giver dig som simpel salgsdirektør ret til at tale sådan til vicedirektøren?"
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Mikes krav tilfredsstillede publikum, som sandsynligvis havde ønsket at sige det i lang tid. Men Andrew viftede ham bare væk.
"Nej, det ville være for nemt for ham bare at gå. Jeg synes, han har fortjent lidt mere straf. Fra nu af er du ansvarlig for at gøre rent på badeværelserne og kontorerne!"
Ved Andrews ord brød mængden ud i latter.
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"Præcis, knægt. Du burde bukke og takke vicepræsidenten for hans 'venlighed'!"
John rystede på hovedet, irriteret over deres tåbeligheder.
I det samme gav en stemme genlyd i hans hoved. "Forfremmelse af HanCorp-praktikant fuldført; nuværende stilling: Formand for HanCorp!"
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"Alle de hån, du kastede efter mig? Det er på tide at kræve det hele tilbage!"
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