Tommy smiled slyly. "That’s my secret. If you want to know, you can investigate it yourself or work with me. You’ll eventually find out in the future."
Brandon knew that he wouldn’t be able to get an answer from a big shot like Tommy if the latter didn’t want to reveal the truth. He moved on and asked, "Why did you choose to look for me during this period? I’ve just returned to the country and am preparing for Christmas. Aren’t you a little anxious to seek me out now?"
Tommy smiled and snapped his fingers. "Good question. Well, that’s because the previous owner of this company was in a hurry to sell it before Christmas. It’s the perfect time for me to acquire it. After I bought the company, I never managed it. The employees planned to stop coming to work after Christmas. I now have more than twenty resignation letters on hand. Therefore, I need to confirm who the general manager will be. He’ll take over the company and decide whether to keep the old employees. Otherwise, if we recruit new staff after Christmas, we’ll fall into a passive position."
Brandon had been working part-time since university, taking on various jobs and even interning at a proper company. He knew Tommy’s issue was urgent. After pondering for a moment, he said, "If you keep your word—just financing the company and not interfering with its decisions and management—I’ll accept your offer."
Brandon knew it was now or never. He wasn’t in a position to be picky, and Tommy had a reliable reputation as an investor.
"Very good." Tommy snapped his fingers again and picked up another agreement. "This is our shareholding contract. Take your time to review it. You can even consult a few lawyers."
Brandon was cautious. He picked up the agreement and read it thoroughly. The more he read, the more surprised he became. The terms were overwhelmingly favorable to him.
If the company profited, he’d receive half the dividends. On top of that, he wouldn’t be liable for any losses or bear any responsibility. After finishing, Brandon slowly raised his head and said, "I’m wondering—what am I capable of that I’d get half the company for nothing? If I didn’t make any money, would I be cursed?"
Tommy was amused. "Haha, you’re overthinking it. For investors like us, putting in tens of millions is like placing a small bet. If we win, our portfolios look better. If we lose, it’s no big deal. So, don’t feel pressured."
Brandon was at a loss for words. He wanted to vent his frustration but held back. Pursing his lips, he steadied his emotions and looked at Tommy. "I’ll tell you one last thing. You can decide whether to hire me after hearing it."
Tommy tossed a peanut into his mouth casually. "Go on."
Brandon said calmly, "I was expelled from a university in Acloria while studying abroad. I never got my bachelor’s degree."
Tommy simply said, "Oh," without much reaction. "What’s the reason?"
"I don’t feel like sharing details, but I swear—and I guarantee—I wasn’t at fault." Brandon’s tone was firm.
"That’s good enough." Tommy waved a hand. "I dropped out of school abroad out of boredom and became a venture capitalist. Now I’m making loads of money, aren’t I? So, what you just told me isn’t a problem."
Brandon was dumbfounded. In the eyes of big shots, something that had nearly crushed him meant nothing. This was why he was desperate to climb higher.
After a pause, Tommy asked, "Any other questions?"
A few seconds of silence passed before Brandon suddenly said, "Do you know my sister, Avery Carter?"
Tommy froze momentarily before his face lit up in realization. "Avery Carter? The famous female SAT top scorer from West End? I heard she’s as pretty as an angel." He stroked his chin, eyeing Brandon playfully. "So you’re Avery’s brother. No wonder..."
"No wonder what?" Brandon pressed sharply.
Tommy grinned. "No wonder you look so smart that I wanted to invest in you the moment I saw you."
Brandon nearly rolled his eyes. If he’d known that would be the response, he wouldn’t have asked. He took out a pen and signed the agreement without hesitation.
Tommy snapped his fingers again. Immediately, someone brought over an ink pad and a portable photocopier to duplicate their documents.
"I’ll finalize all the procedures before the holidays and make you the company’s legal representative," Tommy said. "You’ll start tomorrow, okay?"
Brandon appreciated Tommy’s efficiency. "Alright. I’ll contact the employees tonight and meet them in person tomorrow. Those who fit will stay; the rest will be let go."
Over two months had passed since the plagiarism incident. During that time, Brandon had felt like a zombie—dazed and lifeless. Now, he was brimming with motivation. Every bone in his body ached to prove himself.
Tommy grinned. "I like your efficiency."
An hour later, they had signed all agreements and ironed out the details. They shook hands and parted amicably at the café entrance.
Tommy smiled. "Carter’s Restaurant has excellent lime-cooked dishes. I hope you can reserve me a table so I won’t have trouble getting one next time."
"Sure," Brandon agreed quickly, then added, "But I have one request."
"When you’re with me, could you be more concise? Unless, of course, it’s something complex that needs elaboration."
Tommy was caught off guard. After an awkward pause, he finally replied...
Jaden was so happy to see Luna. "Wait a minute," he said. He then went upstairs, took a light green, long-handled umbrella, and placed it over Luna’s head. "Now, let’s go."
"I really kind of umbrella. It’s antique and poetic," Luna praised. She was delighted every time she saw it. She wrapped her arm around Jaden’s and signaled that she was ready to head out, too.
Seconds later, Luna’s body stiffened slightly. ’What are you doing? How can you hook onto his arm just like that? Isn’t this what only couples do?’ Thoughts dashed through her head. Luna wanted to pull her arm back, but Jaden’s face showed nothing amiss. He didn’t seem to notice what she had done. If her reaction was too big, she would feel like she had exposed her intentions again. ’Never mind, since there’s no one else here. I need to be calm and forthcoming,’ she thought.