Redmption 250


    I decided to go. Maybe I could use this chance to learn more from Bree about the truth behind my


    parents


    car ident.


    After convincing myself, I checked the time. I still had three hours before I was supposed to meet


    Bree, so I headed to the office.


    “Good morning, Ms. Crown. Xander greeted me with a bright smile as if just seeing me was enough


    to brighten his day.


    “Good morning, Mr. Roulder.”


    “You’re looking great today, Ms. Crown. Got a new boyfriend?” Xander asked with a familiarity that


    suggested we were closer than we actually were.


    A brief sh ofst night’s sweet moments with Brandon crossed my mind. I forced a smile and


    replied,” Mr. Roulder, you did mention that the weather was nice today.”


    Since I wasn’t close to him, I certainly wasn’t going to share my personal life. He chuckled, and I


    went straight into my office. It was Monday, which meant the department had a routine meeting.


    During the meeting, everyone reported on their performance. One of them, Harold Corbyn, handed


    me a


    contract.


    “Ms. Crown, this is a new lighting supplier I just negotiated with. They’re a startup, and they need


    our technical guidance. Please review the contract details.


    I took a look at the contract. “Established less than a month ago?”


    “Yes. They’re very new.” Harold seemed a bit nervous.


    The risk of working with a newpany was five to ten times higher than partnering with apany


    that had been around for at least three years due to many uncertainties.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    Perhaps worried I would decline, Harold quickly added, “Don’t worry, Ms. Crown. I’ve negotiated the


    service fee terms with them. They’ve agreed to pay a 50% deposit upfront, another 25% halfway


    through, and the remaining bnce uponpletion.”


    I smiled faintly. “It sounds like they’re really eager to work with us.”


    “Yes, exactly! They’re very sincere. I’d feel bad turning them down.” Haroldughed.


    The others joined in theughter and teased him. “What’s their idea of sincerity? Did they s


    or beautiful girls?”


    “No, no! I wouldn’t dare breakpany rules like that. They just genuinely want to work with us,


    they’re drawn by ourpany’s reputation and expertise,” Harold continued his pitch.


    I nodded and replied, “I can see their sincerity.”


    and


    Even though I only said that one line, the others immediately turned to Harold and said, “Well,


    Harold, if yound this deal, you owe us a meal.”


    Harold was clever. He quickly deflected the responsibility back to me and said, “That depends on


    whether Ms. Crown gives me this chance.”


    After all, the contract needed my approval and Xander’s signature before it could be finalized.


    I knew that thepany didn’t need clients desperately. Hence, there was no need to get overly


    excited about every opportunity. This was likely why Chris’s previous attempt at a partnership was


    rejected


    Chapoli 250


    outright by the boss.


    Speaking of the boss, I was curious about him but currently had no clues.


    Facing Harold’s hopeful expression, I didn’t immediately make a decision. Instead, I said, “Please


    provide me with thepany’s information, and I’ll review it before making a decision.”


    Harold gave me an “okay” hand gesture, and we concluded the meeting.


    Thepany’s background was straightforward. The head had worked as a technician elsewhere


    for several years, and it was a partnership based on the number of shareholders.


    Suchpanies had pros and cons. The advantage was that no single person’s issues would


    drastically impact thepany’s overall development. The disadvantage was that too many


    decision–makers couldplicate matters.


    After careful consideration, I decided that the coboration seemed viable, so I went to see Xander.


    Xander was the boss of thepany. Moreover, it was clear that thepany wasn’t pursuing


    aggressive growth, but rather focusing on stability and quality based on the previous performance.


    The approach to client selection was thus one of quality over quantity.


    His office door was open. Seeing that he was on the phone, I decided toe backter. But upon


    seeing me, he gestured for me toe in.


    “Yes.


    What we need right now is a top–tier lighting technician, someone with exceptional technical skills.


    The sry isn’t an issue. If he’s willing toe, I’d even give up my position if necessary. Alright. I’ll


    wait for your good news.”