Stronger Every Time I Die
Stanley had openly said, in front of everyone, that Cindy should be grateful Arthur even called her ma’am. Cindy couldn’t accept it. Her eyes instantly turned red. “Mr. Young…” Stanley, already losing patience, cut her off. He turned to Tammy. “Tammy, tell me exactly what happened.” Arthur could tell that things were settled. As long as Stanley stayed put and didn’t sign a contract with someone else, Arthur had nothing to worry about. He relaxed and leaned back, ready to enjoy the show. Tammy, finally given permission to speak, could barely hold it in. Zion and Cindy frantically shot her warning glances, but she ignored them, though her hands were clenched nervously at her sides. Stanley saw her hesitation and gave Zion and Cindy a sharp look. Zion and Cindy instantly dropped their heads, not daring to meet his gaze. Stanley turned to Tammy again. “Tammy, don’t be afraid. As long as I’m here, they won’t get away with anything.” With that reassurance, Tammy felt at ease. She wasted no time laying out everything that had happened. Several other employees who had witnessed the scene chimed in, nodding in agreement. Stanley had been in his office the entire time, focused on work. His office was the farthest inside, so he hadn’t heard anything earlier. Now that he was hearing the full story, his anger only grew. He turned to Zion and Cindy and started scolding them mercilessly. “You two idiots! A guest is a guest, no matter who walks through our doors, and you couldn’t even show the most basic level of respect?” Everyone froze in shock. Stanley Young rarely lost his temper. Now, for the first time in front of the entire company, he was publicly berating Zion and Cindy—over a high schooler. Arthur was surprised as well. In his past life, he had never crossed paths with Stanley and knew little about him. But after listening to him now, Arthur couldn’t help but think—this Mr. Young actually had his head on straight. Zion and Cindy stood there, utterly humiliated, their heads hanging low. Being scolded like this in front of all their colleagues was unbearable, but with the CEO himself calling them out, they had no choice but to endure it. After tearing into them for a while, Stanley finally snapped, “What are you waiting for? Apologize to Mr. Gray.” Zion and Cindy were filled with resentment, but when they thought about their paychecks, they forced themselves to comply. They stiffly walked up to Arthur. “Mr. Gray, we apologize. We were out of line,” Zion said through gritted teeth. Arthur barely glanced at them and gave a casual nod. “Mm. No matter your skills, the first thing you should learn is how to be a decent person.” Zion and Cindy clenched their fists. This brat! A high schooler was lecturing them on how to be decent human beings? If Stanley weren’t standing right there, they would have thrown a punch at him. Even some of the employees who had been siding with Arthur couldn’t help but feel that, at this moment, the kid was a little infuriating. Stanley shot Zion and Cindy another warning glare before turning back to Arthur. “Mr. Gray, this way, please. Let’s discuss the acquisition in detail.” Arthur smiled and gestured politely. “After you, Mr. Young.” Stanley led Arthur into his office. After seating him at the tea table, Stanley personally prepared tea for him. He took out a small, finely crafted container from under his desk. His careful handling made it clear—this was something he rarely took out. As he opened the lid, he said, “Mr. Gray, this is a tea I’ve treasured for years. It has a rich aroma, a smooth taste, and a refreshing aftertaste. Let me brew a cup for you.” The moment the lid was removed, a deep, pleasant fragrance filled the room. Arthur didn’t consider himself a tea enthusiast, but even he had to admit—the aroma was excellent. It was strong yet soothing, carrying a subtle invigorating effect. Stanley carefully poured the tea and handed the cup to Arthur with both hands—a sign of deep respect and sincerity. Arthur immediately reached out with both hands to accept it. Returning the gesture was a mark of equal respect. Stanley’s smile deepened. “Please, Mr. Gray.” “Thank you, Mr. Young.” Despite being decades older than Arthur, Stanley didn’t treat him as a high schooler or a junior. Instead, he regarded him as an honored guest. There was no condescension in his tone, no superiority—only mutual respect. Arthur lifted the cup to his lips, taking a small sip. He let the taste linger on his tongue, savoring it carefully. Stanley valued this tea so highly—it had to be something special. Arthur wasn’t about to waste it. “Well?” Stanley asked, his tone expectant. Arthur closed his eyes briefly, savoring the aftertaste before nodding. “Mr. Young, this is truly a fine tea.”
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