The man who had just seemed both roguish and fierce now had an unexpectedly gentle expression, his delicate features blending together, making him a thousand times more attractive than any current TV star.
A vibration came from his thigh. Matthew Clark withdrew his gaze, took out his phone for a glance, then stood up. “I’m going to the restroom.”
After he left, the person in front of him finally spoke: “Ryan, I have to tell you. Matthew Clark isn’t someone you can mess with easily. You… really shouldn’t go up against him. I saw him at a party—do you know what kind of people talk to him?”
Ryan Miller, cigarette dangling from his lips, asked, “What kind of people, the emperor himself?”
“Pretty much. I’m not exaggerating.”
“Who cares who he is, he’s still under my watch for now.” Ryan Miller paused. “Hurry up and drink, don’t stall.”
Matthew Clark walked to the restroom and answered the phone. “Mom, what’s up?”
“Not asleep yet?” The middle-aged woman’s voice sounded a bit tired. “What’s that noise? Are you still out?”
“Yeah, I have a date.” Matthew Clark said, “Did you arrive in America?”
“Yes, your dad and I just got here today. We just finished settling into the house. When are you coming over?”
“I’m not in a rush. You two settle in first, I’ll come visit when I have time.”
Mrs. Clark nodded. “Alright, then I’ll take care of the flowers in the garden and wait for you to come keep me company. Don’t go out socializing every day. Your dad finally has some free time, and now it’s your turn to be busy. Remember, your health comes first. Make sure to sleep early and eat your meals on time.”
“Okay, I know.”
After hanging up, Matthew Clark turned and went to the sink to wash his hands.
“Matthew Clark?”
Hearing this, Matthew Clark looked up and saw a familiar face behind him—a young boss who had just taken over a company.
“It really is you.” The young boss looked a bit surprised, with a hint of delight. “What are you doing here? What a coincidence, I was just thinking of reaching out to you these past couple of days.”
“It is a coincidence. I’m here with some friends.” Matthew Clark pulled out a tissue, wiped his hands twice, and smiled faintly. “Did you need something?”
“Yes… I’m sorry about what happened with your family.” The young boss glanced around. Although there weren’t many people in the restroom, there were still a couple of drunk guys wandering nearby. “Shall we find a quieter place to talk?”
Matthew Clark refused. “Let’s just talk here, I need to get back.”
“Alright.” The young boss said, “Then I’ll get straight to the point. Matthew Clark, given your family’s current situation, have you considered… developing your career somewhere else?”
“It’s not convenient to talk here, so I’ll keep it short. My company has a big new project coming up at the end of the year. As long as you’re willing to join, it’s yours. The commission—I can offer you this much.” The young boss gestured a number with his hand.
Matthew Clark glanced at it. “Your company is quite generous.”
“Not really. I know there are plenty of companies trying to recruit you. What I’m offering is nothing compared to them.” The young boss’s eyes lit up. “So, does that mean—”
“But I’m sorry.” Matthew Clark smiled. “I’ve found a pretty good part-time job for now and plan to take a break. I’m not considering a full-time position at the moment.”
When Matthew Clark returned to the booth, he found that Ryan Miller was no longer there.
He asked the person who had toasted him earlier, “Where’s Ryan Miller?”
The person was momentarily stunned, then quickly explained, “Ryan just got a call, seemed like something urgent, and left in a hurry. Didn’t he… tell you?”
The night breeze was slightly cool.
Matthew Clark walked out of the nightclub and casually flagged down a taxi.
He had just given the driver the hotel address when a WeChat notification suddenly popped up on his phone.
[Dad Miller transferred you 1,000 yuan]
Immediately after, a short voice message came through. The background sounded like a car window was open, wind roaring, with a young man’s voice mixed in: “Tsk… I had something come up and had to leave first. Take this money and get yourself a cab home.”
Matthew Clark accepted the money with a calm expression and promptly transferred it to a friend on WeChat who regularly donates to welfare homes.
Chapter 6
Ryan Miller sped all the way home. As soon as he entered the neighborhood, he saw a black Mercedes parked outside his house.
He instinctively eased off the gas, pulled up next to the Mercedes, rolled down his window, and called out to the dark rear window, “Grandma.”
There was no response from the back seat, but the passenger window rolled down first. The driver in the front seat said, “Young Mr. Miller, why don’t you open the garage first? It’s windy outside, and the madam is afraid of catching a chill.”
Ryan Miller was silent for two seconds, withdrew his gaze, drove forward a bit, and after the license plate was scanned, the garage door slowly opened.
The black Mercedes drove into the garage ahead of him.
Ryan Miller parked his car. Before getting out, he remembered something, took the cigarette pack from his pocket, and tossed it onto the seat. The black car next door finally opened its door, and an elderly woman slowly got out.
Her hair was already snow-white, but she was dressed elegantly and carried herself with poise and grace. She lifted her eyes slightly, glanced at Ryan Miller’s clothes, her brows furrowing almost imperceptibly, but she quickly returned to normal.
The two hadn’t seen each other in many years. Ryan Miller still greeted her respectfully, “Grandma.”
If there was anyone in the Ji family who still cared about him, it was only Mrs. Miller. Without her, he would probably be a penniless, friendless street punk by now.