The next day at work, John Brown sat in the employee office of the security departnt, casually chatting with a few of the security guards on duty. Apart from taking lunch breaks and the like, John Brown still preferred being with these security guards as they were all forr soldiers and shared common topics of conversation with him. Moreover, they were all n, so shooting the breeze together was even more enjoyable.
John Brown had quite a few won around him now, and while being with them was indeed delightful, it also ca with a fair amount of pressure for him. In contrast, being with these guys ant fewer worries and considerably more satisfaction.
"Little Dave, why are you so quiet today?" John Brown tossed a cigarette to a security guard with a lean build and sowhat dark complexion. This guy was nad Jack Carter, having just transitioned this year and only twenty-two years old. Typically, he was quite lively, but today his head remained bowed, looking rather out of sorts.
"N-nothing." Jack Carter grinned a bit, but his smile was forced.
John Brown glared at him and said, "You say nothing, but your smile looks worse than crying. Did sothing happen?"
"I... I’m fine." Jack Carter forced another smile.
Qian Laoshi, despite the nickna suggesting simplicity, was actually the most astute person, and at this mont, he patted Jack Carter’s shoulder and said, "I say Little Dave, we’re brothers here, so if anything’s up, speak up and see if we can help. Manager Johnson is also here, so if we can’t help, Manager Johnson surely can."
Everyone was inquiring about Jack Carter, showing quite a bit of concern.
In a departnt, there usually exists so competition, so surface-level harmony with hidden discord is commonplace. However, in John Brown’s security departnt, there was rarely any conflict of interest, and everyone even helped each other with shifts, so they got along exceedingly well.
Seeing the genuine concern from everyone, Jack Carter’s eyes reddened, and John Brown imdiately said, "Big guy like you with a nose running like a faucet, it’s unbecoming of us ex-soldiers. Tell us what’s really going on."
Jack Carter clenched his fists, took a deep breath, and then began to speak.
It turns out Jack Carter had a girlfriend nad Anna Smith before he joined the military. Anna was quite beautiful but ca from a poor family, and Jack Carter’s family was also ordinary. Jack Carter joined the military after graduating high school, while Anna got into college but struggled with tuition. Jack Carter secretly sent his allowance and money from ho to Anna, living frugally to support her until she graduated.
Logically, their affection should have been genuine, as Jack Carter transitioned from the military and Anna graduated, the two could marry. But lately, Anna had been distancing herself more and more, eting less frequently, and even avoiding phone calls. Eventually, she outright told Jack Carter they were not suitable and wanted to break up.
Jack Carter’s lack of spirit today was because his girlfriend broke the news of their breakup the previous night.
John Davis, known as Austin Henderson in the security departnt due to his fiery temper, imdiately burst out, slamming the table and cursing, "What the hell, that woman is truly ungrateful, ditching you right after graduation."
Qian Laoshi also angrily said, "Exactly, what kind of person is she? Utterly heartless."
Jack Carter hurriedly said, "Don’t curse at her. This is on ; I couldn’t do better after transitioning, but at least I beca a security guard, though it makes people look down on . She’s now an assistant manager, and saying I’m her boyfriend would embarrass her. I also feel like I don’t deserve her now."
John Davis’s eyes widened, and he shouted, "Little Johnny, are you stupid? That woman relied on you to get where she is. Without you supporting her through college, would she have made it this far? Now that she’s got it made, she looks down on you, isn’t that ungrateful? Also, what’s wrong with us security guards? We won’t speak of other guards, but our guards at J Corporation, including bonuses, earn Three Thousand Dollars a month, comparable to the salaries of public servants in YODC City."
Honest Willis chid in, "Indeed, being a guard at J Corporation is sothing to be proud of. What’s more, are you going to be a guard for life? Don’t underestimate young people’s potential. You never know, one day you might get rich."
Listening to everyone’s words, Jack Carter moved his lips but said, "I know you guys are on my side. I don’t hate Little Lucy, I’m just feeling a bit sad."
"It’s so frustrating!" John Davis muttered angrily, then added, "Fine, if you won’t mind her, then let’s ask her for money. The college tuition you supported her with all these years, she should pay it back."
Jack Carter hastened to say, "No, no need. Let’s just leave it be. Talking to you all makes feel much better."
Seeing Jack Carter’s attitude, everyone refrained from pressing further. The guy was simply a love-struck fool; they wished to stand up for him but he wouldn’t agree, so no one could force it.
John Brown said, "Alright, Little Dave is a rare love-struck fool. A child like him won’t lack for finding a good wife. Let’s help find soone better for Little Dave. Tonight, we’ll go out for drinks, toast to the night and let it wash away today’s troubles."
Upon hearing this, Qian Laoshi and the others cheered. Going out for drinks ant John Brown would foot the bill, providing a chance for everyone to savor the feast.
In a free mont, John Brown called Gina Lopez and ntioned the night’s plan to drink with coworkers. Gina Lopez happily agreed, supporting normal socializing, especially since they were all colleagues from the security departnt, there was nothing to worry about.
After work, John Brown led his security brothers to Crane Inn. Although it was nad an inn, it catered to the masses. The first floor was reasonably priced, with free beer, perfect for the security guards. Ordering a couple hundred dollars’ worth of dishes as long as they could enjoy themselves.
The second and third floors housed private rooms serving high-end dishes; with decent food and a talented chef, they remained busy despite the bustle on the first floor.
Upon arriving, the hall was crowded, all spots taken. John Brown’s group had to settle near the stairs, with people passing by constantly. It was slightly inconvenient, but these guys were rugged and didn’t mind, as long as there was a spot to sit.
After ordering, John Davis shouted, "Co on, bring us each a crate of beer first."
Just then, a few people walked past, and a man scoffed, "Taking advantage where you can, wanting a crate each? Not afraid of getting drunk to death."
John Davis was annoyed by the comnt and stood up abruptly, slamming the table as he drank, "What did you say?"
The man was about thirty years old, dressed sharply in a suit. Though not necessarily handso, well-dressed, his outfit gave him sowhat of an impressive visage. He disdainfully glanced at John Davis and then looked at Jack Carter, smugly saying to the woman beside him, "People need to be classed; folks like them are only fit to drink free beer here. They’ll never dream of eating fancy delicacies, because they can’t afford it."
The woman was quite pretty, but her expression was rather uneasy as she glanced at Jack Carter and quietly said, "Let’s go upstairs."
Jack Carter was watching the woman intently, lips trembling, face flushed red.
John Brown quickly realized this woman was Jack Carter’s girlfriend and the man must be the one who stole her away. He sighed inwardly, recognizing the girl might not be inherently cold-hearted and still had feelings for Jack Carter, else she wouldn’t look so guilty. But with the reality filled with material temptation, how many girls could remain steadfast in love? How many could accept a life of poverty?
John Davis heard the man’s words, beca even more enraged, and was about to curse, but Jack Carter softly called out, "Nancy."
John Davis paused, instantly understanding the woman was indeed Jack Carter’s girlfriend and quickly shut up. Along with the other security guards, they all glared viciously at Anna Smith. In their hearts, naturally, they despiseful this woman for breaking Jack Carter’s heart, and as Jack Carter’s brothers, they would naturally join in his anger.
Anna Smith’s body trembled slightly; she bit her lip without responding, while the man stepped forward and said to Jack Carter, "Kid, you think you can call her Nancy? Do you deserve to call her that?"
Jack Carter spoke gently to Anna, with eyes full of affection, but when he looked at the man, his eyes burned with fury, fists clenched tightly, teeth gritted as he said, "I warn you, if you don’t treat Nancy well, I won’t let you off!"
The man shrugged, sneering, "Oh dear, such big talk? Have you forgotten your status? Nancy has nothing to do with you now, how I treat her is my business. Besides, you’re just a lowly security guard, thinking you’re anything at all. It’s laughable; I could easily crush you."
As he said this, the man reached out to pull Anna over, embracing her waist and firmly holding her close. He kissed her heavily on the cheek, saying, "Tell this kid, who do you belong to now?"
For Jack Carter, this was nothing short of enormous humiliation; he was tempted to rush up and beat the jerk hard, but seeing Anna’s pleading gaze, his heart softened imdiately.
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