chapter 14 I want to go back to the countryside

Simon Li brought William Lin outside and hopped into his luxurious car, gesturing for William to join him in the passenger seat. William was eager to understand the situation, so he complied and took the seat. Once inside the car, Simon Li began, "William, I've figured out what happened today. It's not your fault; it's the department head who caused all this trouble! Rest assured, I've already fired him. If you want any compensation, just let me know, don't be shy." William Lin wore a puzzled expression, wondering about the details of the dismissal. Seeing William's confusion, Simon Li slapped his forehead and said, "Oh, my memory is failing me. Let me reintroduce myself. I'm Simon Li, Chairman of Fuqiang Jewellery Group." As William recollected the name, he suddenly remembered seeing it on the company's notice board. The photo was somewhat faded from exposure to the elements. Realizing that Simon Li was indeed the chairman of his company, William understood everything. He said, "I'm sorry for the trouble today, Chairman Li." Simon quickly waved his hand and said, "No trouble at all. You saved my son, and that's an enormous favor. I haven't properly thanked you, and this incident happened." William asked, "So, Chairman Li, what happens now?" Simon hesitated for a moment before saying, "I heard you were here to resign today. I really don't want to lose someone of your caliber. If you leave, it will be a significant loss for the company." William chuckled, "Chairman Li, don't make fun of me. I'm just a small salesperson. The company can easily replace me with someone more successful." After hearing William's response, Simon Li looked pained and sincere. He said, "Let me be frank. My son looks up to you immensely. If you resign, I won't know how to explain it to him." Desperate to retain William, Simon Li had to use his son as an excuse. William replied, "Well, in that case, how about this? I'll take paid leave for now. Given your performance, you deserve to be a department head at the very least. If you find the position tiring in the future, you can let me know, and I'll propose a promotion." "Consider it compensation for today's events and a way to repay your life-saving favor," William added with a smile. Listening to William's words, Simon Li was relieved and said, "Thank you, William. This means a lot to me. I'll make sure your leave is arranged. And if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out." With the less-than-convincing excuse he had used, Simon Li managed to retain William Lin. William couldn't help but think that the reason was probably his medical skills from that day. However, Simon's excuse seemed rather feeble. How would his son even know that he worked at the company? William nodded and said, "I appreciate your understanding, Chairman Li. I'll continue to do my best for the company." With that, their conversation ended, and they drove away, leaving the bureau behind. Simon Li had successfully persuaded William to stay, and William valued the camaraderie he had developed with Johnson Zhang, especially after the betrayal by his previous colleague and brother. Seeing William Lin finally nod in agreement, Simon Li immediately took out his phone and called the HR department to update William Lin's job information. Impressed by Simon Li's efficiency, William Lin couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed. After everything was arranged, Simon Li asked, "Where are you heading now? If you have no plans, how about having a meal together? Let my son express his gratitude to you properly. He's been eager to call you 'Uncle.'" Simon Li was keen to strengthen his relationship with William Lin, and a meal was the best choice. As the saying goes, to build good relationships, you should fill up on food and drink. If one drink isn't enough, have two. If the relationship still isn't good, then it's because you haven't had enough drinks! William Lin quickly shook his head and said, "I came to resign because of some family matters. I want to resolve those as soon as possible." Hearing William Lin's refusal, Simon Li didn't push the matter further and said, "Alright, family matters come first. If you're in a hurry, I can drop you off now." William Lin nodded, he had already checked his phone earlier, so he knew that Johnson Zhang had returned to the company. He decided not to bother with that situation for now, especially when he had a ride home available. During the car ride, Simon Li tried to strike up various conversations, attempting to strengthen their rapport. William Lin, on the other hand, was mostly polite but somewhat distant. Upon reaching his destination, Simon Li handed William Lin a bank card and said, "William Lin, this is your salary. I had the finance department calculate it earlier. The excess can be considered as reimbursement for your medical expenses last time. The PIN is all sixes." Before William Lin could respond, Simon Li quickly drove away. William Lin put the bank card away and shook his head, planning to return the favor the next time they met. He believed in earning rewards for his work. Once he was upstairs, William Lin began packing his belongings, intending to return to the countryside by evening. ... Half a day later, William Lin opened the door to his room, grabbed his luggage and medicinal herbs, and stepped out. Suddenly, the door of Susan Su's room moved slightly, and she poked her head out. Seeing William Lin carrying bags and luggage, Susan Su remained silent for a moment before asking, "William Lin, are you leaving?" Observing Susan Su's hesitant expression, William Lin inquired, "Is there something you'd like to discuss? I was just about to head back to the countryside." Susan Su quickly pushed the door open and said, "To the countryside? Can I join you?" Observing William Lin's puzzled expression, Susan Su hurriedly explained, "I have a scar on my face, and I've taken a few days off to rest. I was thinking of asking if you had time to accompany me on a short trip. Now, I'm feeling quite uneasy." After pondering for a moment, William Lin replied, "Sure, why not? Although where we're going is quite remote, there isn't much to do." "No worries, I just want to clear my mind," Susan Su replied. "Wait for me a moment." She closed the door and rushed back into her room. In no time, Susan Su emerged wearing a casual sports outfit, looking ready for an adventure. The form-fitting sportswear accentuated her curvaceous figure. Observing that Susan Su had not brought anything else with her, William Lin asked, "Aren't you bringing anything else?" "No need! I have everything in the car's trunk," Susan Su explained. William Lin slapped his forehead, realizing that she was a car owner and had everything she needed in her vehicle. He lifted his luggage and headed outside. Once they were outside the apartment building, Susan Su asked, "Can you drive?" William Lin had obtained his driver's license during college, but he had never had the extra money to buy a car. He relied on public transportation to commute to work every day, saving up for a future home. William Lin nodded and replied, "Yes, I can drive. Why do you ask? Do you want to drive there? Our village roads are quite narrow, and I'm afraid the car might get scratched." Susan Su gave William Lin an exasperated look and said, "Why buy a car if you're not going to drive it? It's meant to be used. Otherwise, what's the point of buying it?" After saying this, she led the way to where her car was parked. And so, Susan Su allowed William Lin to drive her Land Rover GT as they headed towards the countryside. ..