Chapter 9 🍎
Why didn't she go to work at the office if she was short on money?
With furrowed brows, Dylan pondered the question for a few minutes. Countless possibilities flashed through his mind, but none felt definitive. Did she dislike the low salary? Or maybe she found something better? Still, he doubted a part-time student could find a job paying more than $20 an hour—unless it was in some entertainment venue. Could she have gone back to that company?
As this unsettling possibility crossed his mind, Dylan's expression darkened. Without hesitation, he scrolled through his contact list, found the number she had left that day, and dialed it. His reason? To save a young girl who might be straying down the wrong path.
"Hello?" a soft, clear voice answered. The unique tone, youthful and fresh, instantly brought back memories of their intimate encounter. Dylan, though flustered, quickly adopted a calm tone.
"It's me," he said. "You didn't go to the law firm."
Milim, startled, froze for a moment. Why is this big-shot president calling me? After a short pause, she replied timidly, "Mm, I didn't go."
"Why not?" Dylan's voice deepened.
Milim wrinkled her nose and answered nervously, "Because I found a job that suits me better. Besides, I don't know anything about law. That's also one of the reasons I didn't consider working there."
"You wouldn't have done anything major there," Dylan said. "Just errands and minor tasks."
"So what kind of job is this that suits you better?" he asked, suspicion tingling in his voice.
"I work at a family-owned bakery," Milim said brightly. "It's called Sunshine Bakery, and it's in Atlas. You should come by sometime—the pastries are really good!"
Her voice was full of energy as she happily described her favorite treats. For a moment, Dylan was caught in her excitement. He knew they had little in common, with a significant age gap and differences in lifestyle, yet he couldn't resist reaching out to her—it was a restless feeling that wouldn't go away.
"Tsk. I don't have a stomach for sweet, greasy things," he muttered.
Milim suddenly teased, "But you ate a lot of cherries that day."
Dylan stiffened. The image of cherries brushing against soft, half-opened lips flashed in his mind—for the tenth time that week. His Adam's apple bobbed. Feeling the heat rise, he snapped coldly, "I'm hanging up. Goodbye."
He ended the call abruptly, not even allowing a proper goodbye.
Milim frowned at her phone. "Smelly man," she muttered.
Are all rich men like this? she wondered. Truth be told, Dylan was the only upper-class person she'd ever interacted with in her life.
---
"President, here's the list of layoffs and job transfers for the newly acquired company," Secretary Lily said, placing a white folder in front of Dylan. "Brief details of each employee are also included."
"Alright. You can go. I'll review it later," Dylan replied, absorbed in his current tasks.
Later that evening, he flipped open the folder and meticulously reviewed the contents. Once he confirmed that everything was accurate and fair, he authorized the necessary actions.
That Monday proved particularly difficult for the Snow family. News of impending layoffs had plunged the company into panic. Everyone was on edge, fearing they'd be next.
At 3:30 PM, a representative from the head office arrived to announce the changes. James and May, who worked in the same department, stood side by side. James gripped his wife's hand tightly, offering comfort.
"No matter what happens, don't be afraid. We'll find another job," he whispered.
But May wasn't as optimistic. "It's hard to find another job that pays this well," she said anxiously. Their combined salaries were just enough to support their three children in a first-tier city like Atlas.
When the list was read aloud, the couple sighed in relief—they weren't laid off. But May's name was listed under those being transferred.
Transfers came with uncertainty. The new salaries weren't disclosed up front, and in truth, those transferred were often considered expendable. When new contracts were eventually offered, the wages were average at best.
That evening, James and May sat silently on the couch, too disheartened to cook dinner. They understood that their lifestyle would need to change, and it could even affect their children's education.
When Milim returned from work and noticed the empty table, she took the initiative to prepare dinner. She washed the rice, cleaned the vegetables, and got started with the cooking.
James patted his wife gently. "Don't overthink it. Let's not worry the kids."
"Mm," May nodded and got up to help her daughter.
"What's wrong?" Milim asked. "You both look pale. Did something happen?"
"No, we didn't argue," May replied with a forced smile. "We'll talk after dinner."
Milim, sensing their reluctance, nodded and continued cooking without pressing further.
At 7:30 PM, Milim's younger brother, Lin, returned from cram school and joined them at the table. The atmosphere was unusually heavy. When her parents finally explained everything, Milim wasn't prepared. She knew their savings weren't much, and the news left her unsettled.
James tried to lift the mood. "Don't worry. Mom and Dad will do their best in the new company and raise our salaries again."
Lin put down his chopsticks. "Cram school is expensive. I'll stop going and just study at home."
"No," May objected firmly. "Your education is non-negotiable. We'll make it work."
James nodded. "We want you to be someone great in the future. We'll support your education no matter what."
Hearing this, Milim felt a pang of shame. Compared to her gifted younger brother and hard-working parents, she felt like a burden. I'm in a second-tier university with no clear future. Is all this money even worth spending on me?
A bold idea quietly took root in her heart. But she didn't have the courage to voice it.
---
As July burned on, life moved forward.
In early August, Sunshine Bakery handed out salaries to its part-time student workers. The owner's kindness earned the students' deep respect.
Ayla, Milim's co-worker, suggested after work, "Let's take the chefs out for barbecue to celebrate!"
Milim agreed immediately. Sharing the cost would be more affordable.
That evening, six staff members gathered at a popular barbecue spot near the bakery. Warm summer air, sizzling skewers, and cold beer made for a perfect break from reality.
Milim grabbed a beer in one hand and a lamb skewer in the other, digging in with enthusiasm. But after two bites, she frowned.
"These don't taste right... I feel nauseous."
Ayla looked puzzled. "Really? They taste fine to me."
Milim tried another skewer, but the same wave of nausea hit her. She put it down quickly.
"I'll just go to the bathroom."
After some time, the discomfort passed, and her complexion improved. But as soon as she stepped back into the aroma-filled air, the nausea returned.
Maybe I just can't handle barbecue today... she thought.
Not wanting to spoil the mood, she left early, asking Ayla to cover her share for now. On her way home, she bought some snacks and fruits for Lin, who was delighted.
While nibbling away, he said, "When I get to high school, I'll work part-time too!"
Milim chuckled, half-asleep on the couch. But the next morning, Lin's voice jolted her.
"Sister! You're going to be late!"
She groggily turned in bed, unwilling to wake. But at Lin's insistence, she bolted upright—only to be struck by dizziness and nausea again. She clutched her head, breathing heavily.
"You should call in sick," Lin said with concern.
But Milim shook her head. "If I ask for leave, they'll dock my pay."
With sheer will, she got dressed and left for work. On the bus, she gripped the rail tightly, trying to stay upright.
If I don't work hard, what's left of me? she thought. I'm not good at studying. If I give up here too, then I really will be... worthless.