chapter 38 Three bowls of noodles in life ===

When Humphrey sent Jini back to the villa and hurried to Galaxy Clothing Company, it was already 9:30 in the morning. Upon exiting the car, Cora promptly approached him and respectfully informed him, "Sir, everything is prepared as per your directives." Humphrey nodded gravely and inquired, "What is the current situation?" Cora explained, "The Youngblood family has issued a death sentence for Fitch. To mend ties with the Quinnell Family, they demand that Les escorts Meral to the Youngblood Mansion for confession and leaves Meral in exchange for Kirk—a servant girl." Fitch granted Les a thirty-minute window to arrive at Galaxy Clothing Company. Presumably, he intended to personally deliver Les and Meral to the Youngblood Mansion and aimed to ingratiate himself with the Youngblood family by fulfilling their requests." Glancing at the time, Cora remarked, "Les and Meral were supposed to arrive within thirty minutes, but it seems challenging. It has been 30 minutes since Les made the call, and they have yet to show up." Upon hearing this, Humphrey's expression turned even more frigid. At that precise moment, Les pulled up in a somewhat worn-out BMW. He is transporting Meral, who had arrived tardily. Humphrey standing across the road, glanced sideways and reminisced. He recalled the BMW belonging to Mr. Quinnell, now aged and unused. Despite its neglect, it remained in possession of the Quinnell Family due to being Old Mrs. Quinnell’s car. In his time in Lymelathe City, Humphrey, Meral, Dempsey, and others enjoyed playing together. Even using this car for games like hide-and-seek. Unexpectedly, the Quinnell Family faced hard times and utilized this vintage car as a front. The old BMW screeched to a halt. Les and Meral rushed to Galaxy Clothing Company upon exiting the vehicle. Despite spraining his foot on the steps in his haste, Les pressed on without pausing to tend to his injury. What a chaotic situation! A loss of dignity! Humphrey's eyes flickered, his expression darkening. The once confident Master Quinnell, is known for his composure even in the presence of the leaders of the four powerful families. Now found himself entangled in turmoil due to a mere 30-minute encounter with Fitch. The Quinnell Family's situation was influenced by the Herbert family. Uncle Quinnell met a tragic end for standing up for them. Today, Humphrey's actions have once again put them in a challenging position with the Youngblood family and Fitch. As Les and Meral rushed into the Galaxy Clothing Company, Humphrey, with a smirk, remarked, "They say there are three bowls of noodles in life that are hard to swallow: face, affection, and scene. Yet, every Tom, Dick, and Harry thinks they have enough to eat three bowls." Fitch, by harming Mr. Quinnell, aims to earn some favor for himself. Today, I will settle both old and new scores to bring him to his knees and ensure he lives a life worse than that of a wild dog! Cora, nonchalant, carried a bag as she followed Humphrey towards the Galaxy Clothing Company. Les and Meral, familiar with the surroundings, reached Fitch's office door at Galaxy Clothing Company. In the chairman's office, Fitch sat with his legs up on the desk, looking relaxed and at ease. A year ago, the Herbert family controlled Galaxy Clothing Company, with Dempsey as the chairman of the board. However, due to the Herbert family's numerous properties, Dempsey rarely visited, leaving the office mostly vacant a year ago. At that time, Fitch's standing at Galaxy Clothing Company was not low. He held the title of vice president, though he lacked ownership stakes and functioned as a high-earning employee. The vice president's role was bestowed upon Fitch by Aldrich due to Abigail's influence. Once, the chairmanship seemed beyond Fitch's grasp. Unexpectedly, fate shifted, propelling him from a seasoned employee to a respected chairman within six months, swiftly elevating him to the peak of his life! Surrounded by individuals wherever he went, Fitch found himself at the center of attention. During meals, as he sat at the head table savoring his drink, others would raise their glasses in his honor. Previously a giver of flattery, envy, and servility, Fitch now found himself on the receiving end of such gestures. Life felt pleasant, nothing more. With a cigar in his mouth and an eye on his pricey watch, Fitch narrowed his gaze and muttered, "Les, that old fool, dares to keep me waiting. He's disrespecting me, disregarding my authority!" If he doesn't show up today, that's fine. But if he does, I'll put him in his place, showing him no mercy! Shameless individual! Not long after the words were spoken, Les and the two arrived at the office door. Les knocked, panting, and then cautiously opened the door, saying with a shy smile, "Mr. Wade, I apologize for being a bit late due to a traffic jam." Fitch glanced at Les and remarked coldly, "Did I give you permission to enter?" Les's steps forward abruptly halted, leaving him in a quandary. Fitch scoffed, "Mr. Quinnell, you are an adult. When you knock and hear the owner's approval to enter, you come in. Have you been living like a dog all these years?" Meral stood behind, her eyes cold and teeth clenched. Though a flicker of anger crossed Les's eyes, he restrained himself. He nodded humbly and said, "Mr. Wade, I was a bit flustered. I will knock on the door again, knock once more!" After stepping out and shutting the door, Les knocked again. Fitch sneered and uttered, "Enter." Les opened the door and followed Meral into the office. Meral intended to close the door. But Fitch raised his chin and sneered, "Why bother closing it?" By asking Les to bring Meral, Fitch made it evident that he aimed to humiliate the Quinnell family. Wouldn't it be a shame to close the door on such a comfortable and dignified event, leaving many spectators outside? After Les entered, he pulled out a pack of Chinso cigarettes, approached Fitch's desk, offered one, and said, "Mr. Wade, have a flue-cured cigarette first. Smoking a cigar is quite dull. We've been colleagues for years, we should be able to speak openly. Your phone call last night frightened me, haha!" Fitch looked at the soft Chinso in Les's hand and scornfully remarked, "You rustic! Do you realize how much these cigars cost? A single cigar is worth four figures! Chinso is nothing in comparison!" Five years ago, Fitch worked at Galaxy Clothing Company. When he first met Les, Les handed him a Chinso while chatting with Aldrich and said, "Fitch smokes." At that moment, Fitch felt honored. As he accepted the cigarette with both hands, savoring the aroma for the first time in his life. Now, observing the soft Chinso in Les's hand. Fitch's face twisted with disdain. Life can truly be likened to a play.