The Supreme Soldier in the City-Chapter 189 Melody Yoody’s Attitude

After a busy Friday, just before he knocked off work, James Brown surprisingly received a call from Melody Yoody. It caught him off guard, and mixed feelings arose within him. Even though he felt he had moved past their relationship, Melody’s call stirred his emotions once again.

When he answered the call, James Brown spoke with a smile, "Mayor Smith, what made you think of calling me today?"

James’s tone was laid-back, and so was Melody’s as she retorted jokingly, "What, you dumped me and you’re in a good mood?"

"Melody, this..." James hesitated, unsure how to respond. After all, their former relationship was an undeniable fact, and no matter the separation, it seemed Melody was the one who ended up hurt.

"Haha, I’m just kidding, don’t mind me. No matter what, we had our happy moments. I don’t want us to become enemies over some issues. Even if you don’t want to be lovers again, we should still be friends, right?"

James understood Melody’s assertive nature. Her words were a bit surprising for him. "Melody, is that really how you feel?"

"Of course, it’s true. Why would I lie to you? I was strong-willed and persistent before, but love isn’t something you can force. Over the years, we’ve both changed so much. It would be too forced for us to stay together. I’ve come to terms with it. If we are meant to be, it will happen naturally. If not, forcing it won’t help."

"Melody, I’m glad you can think this way," James felt relieved upon hearing her say this.

"Come on, don’t be so sour. That’s not like you."

"Haha, you’re right." James laughed heartily. He wouldn’t want to become enemies with Melody. If not lovers, then being best friends was what James hoped for most.

"By the way, I called you to talk about something serious. It’s about your job. What are you thinking? Do you want to become a civil servant? I was your squad leader before, and now I’d like to be your boss, keep on managing you. Without someone to manage you, you might just fly off the handle."

James replied apologetically, "Melody, I have to disappoint you there. I’m really not keen on a civil service job. I’m working at a newly established company now, and I’m the HR manager. It’s quite challenging. People always say becoming a civil servant means just waiting around, and I don’t want to lose my fighting spirit so young."

"You little rascal, are you insulting me? Do you want to live?" Melody immediately exclaimed with a voice just like her fiery squad leader days.

James laughed, "You’re a leader, of course you have fighting spirit. I’m just worried with my personality, I won’t do well in office and end up just waiting around."

A brief silence ensued on the other end before Melody spoke, "You’re right, a truly ambitious man might not suit such a workplace. But you are doing pretty well, becoming the HR manager so quickly. It’s not some mediocre company, is it?"

"Invested with five hundred million, would you consider that noteworthy?"

"Five hundred million?" Melody gasped, then quickly responded, "Are you talking about J Corporation?"

Somewhat surprised, James replied, "You even know about it? Our company has just been registered with the business bureau, and we haven’t started operations yet."

"This is an investment of five hundred million! Our entire city is watching your company now. Hey, since it’s such a big deal, if your company needs a place to build a factory, you could consider our township. I can offer some incentives."

Before James could respond, Melody added with a chuckle, "Just kidding, this isn’t something for an HR manager to decide. But if you could introduce me to your CEO, I’d really appreciate it."

James thought to himself that he could almost make it happen, but feeling it wasn’t his place as HR manager to say so, he went along with Melody, "No problem, I’ll talk to our general manager."

"That’s settled then. I’m counting on you. This project is crucial for my performance evaluation. I’m really counting on you to bring this big project to us."

"Haha, no problem, wait for my call. Mayor really knows how to work her old classmate, thinking straight about her achievements."

"I seize every opportunity, especially with you, you rascal. Don’t help me, and see how I deal with you."

After hanging up the phone, James still had a smile on his face. Having such an outcome with Melody was absolutely the best.

Since he had promised Melody, James immediately went to Gina Lopez’s office. She was busy reviewing documents. She motioned for him to wait and continued reading. James sat in front of Gina, waiting for her to finish.

"What’s up?" Finally putting down her documents and rubbing her forehead, Gina asked James, looking somewhat tired.

"Well, our company is planning to build a factory, and we haven’t chosen a location yet. I have a friend who’s a mayor, and if our company builds there, we could get some favorable policies. What do you think?"

Gina’s eyes lit up, "That would be great! I’ve been stressing over this very issue."

If Gina used Linda Campbell’s influence to secure land in YODC City for a factory, it would surely be no problem. However, she wanted to manage it on her own capabilities, rather than depending on Linda. Previously, although she was a general manager, her former company was much smaller and without its own factory. She lacked enough connections with the city’s top people to handle such a major undertaking on her own.

James Brown felt hopeful and quickly said, "If you agree, I’ll contact my classmate, and we can all have a chat together."

Gina Lopez thought for a moment and said, "I’m free tonight, so let’s set it for tonight. Check with your classmate to see if they are available."

James nodded and dialed Melody Yoody’s number in front of Gina, saying, "Township Chief Smith, are you free tonight? Our boss would like to invite you for dinner."

"If your boss, despite being so busy, has time, then I must make time no matter how busy I am. But I should be the one treating, 7 PM at L Hotel, what do you think?"

"No problem, that’s settled then."

After hanging up, James told Gina, "It’s arranged."

Though Gina hadn’t heard how Melody Yoody had responded, she roughly understood from James’ explanation. Her spirits immediately lifted, and she quickly asked, "Does your classmate drink a lot?"

James thought for a moment and said, "Probably not much."

"That’s good then, I won’t bring anyone else; it’ll just be you and me. I’m just worried about not being able to keep up if they drink too much."

"If you can’t keep up, then don’t. Do we really have to get drunk?"

Gina gave James a look and said, "Do you think dealing with these leaders is easy? If you don’t keep up with their drinking, nothing gets done. Do you know why I haven’t decided on this matter recently? It’s because of this. Especially since some have ulterior motives, they might take advantage of the situation. If it weren’t for your classmate, I wouldn’t even dare to dine with them."

James gave a mischievous smile and said, "Oh, then rest assured, my classmate definitely won’t have any designs on you."

"That’s because he’s your classmate. ’Brothers’ wives are off-limits,’ so I feel reassured."

James suddenly was at a loss for words and said, "You can’t really say that, you know. Aren’t you my boss?"

"Eventually, I will be," Gina casually said, then added, "Alright, I still have some stuff to handle. You can go ahead with your tasks."

Feeling a bit gloomy, James left Gina’s office, sensing that Gina’s way of speaking was just too natural now. Her calm confidence seemed to suggest that he, James, was completely under her control.

Returning to his own office and just as he sat down, Sarah Utah came into his office with a sweet smile, sat across from him at his desk, and asked, "Big Brother Brown, any plans for the weekend?"

James smiled and said, "Probably just spending time with my girlfriend."

"Oh, what about tonight?" Sarah seemed a bit disappointed but quickly followed up with another question.

"Tonight I’ve been pulled out by the boss. Did you need something? I’m leaving around six-thirty, so I’ll have a bit more than an hour after work."

Sarah shook her head and said, "Nothing then, I was thinking about going out to see a movie or something, but if you’re busy, never mind."

"We can do it another time. I really might not have time these next few days." James found it quite relaxed and easy to interact with Sarah.

Sarah immediately brightened up and said, "You have to promise, Big Brother Brown, that when you have time, you must go out with me. Work has been so exhausting, and I don’t really feel safe going out with others. I can only really enjoy myself when I’m with you."

"No problem, easy peasy," James readily agreed.

"Great, I’m heading out then, but remember, if you ever need help, don’t hesitate to ask me."

"What have I to hesitate about with you?" James grinned at Sarah.

Her smile grew wider as she said, "That’s what friends are for. Alright, I’m off, see you, Big Brother Brown."

After leaving James’s office, Sarah pouted slightly. She genuinely wished James could spend the evening with her, but since he was busy, she couldn’t insist. Despite appearing sweet and gentle, Sarah was a determined girl. Even knowing that James had a girlfriend, she still wanted to try for a chance, no regrets even if it didn’t work out in the end.

Yet, Sarah was still a considerate girl. Even harboring such thoughts, she didn’t want to make them apparent to James and burden him. This was also a mark of her kindness.