Chapter 159:Anna's Request

In the midst of widespread layoffs and pay cuts, HT, a company going against the grain, embarked on a massive recruitment drive, creating shockwaves in Douglas and Pearson cities.

Since this batch of recruits consisted mainly of administrative personnel with generally higher salaries, and the job locations were in big cities like Memphis, even many full-time workers were eyeing this recruitment opportunity with envy.

On the day of the recruitment event, the small park in downtown Douglas was packed with crowds who had come out of curiosity. Although most were just there for the excitement, the scene still startled Montgomery.

With the help of Carter and some part-time workers he had found, Montgomery hastily set up the venue and prepared for interviews...

"Carter! Is that HT company yours?! I heard from Trafford that it's yours, so..."

At the same time, Carter, who had just returned home from the recruitment event, suddenly encountered an unexpected visitor in his home.

"It's mine. Why? The restaurant manager doesn't want to do it anymore?"

Watching his older sister's interrogative demeanor, Carter felt a headache coming on. Things always seemed to get complicated...

Initially, he had thought of handing the restaurant over to his family to manage, as a means of providing them with a livelihood and keeping them away from his own business affairs. However, it turned out that the business based on this restaurant became his largest enterprise...

"I don't mean the restaurant is not good! But it's exhausting. Now, Jo Yin and I are busy every day. As soon as your gas station lowers its prices, it feels like every driver on the road comes here! If you want to buy a burrito now, you have to wait in line for five or six minutes."

Just as Carter could guess Anna's sudden return home at lunchtime, Anna understood that Carter should understand her intentions. However, her shyness about asking her younger brother for help made it difficult for Anna to directly ask for a job.

Coincidentally, Carter mentioned the restaurant, and Anna took the opportunity to talk about the restaurant's success, intending to demonstrate her capabilities.

"Isn't that good? Also, isn't it working hours now? If you skip work for no reason, be careful I dock your pay!"

Putting on his shoes and socks, Carter joked as he made his way to the kitchen. The closeness between siblings was evident in Carter's banter, but when it came to the administrative positions HT was currently recruiting for, Carter didn't mention a word...

"Jenny, what's cooking for dinner tonight? Mmm, smells good! Your cooking skills are getting better and better!"

"Just sweet talk! We're having black bean rice tonight, with some chili peppers and onions that you like. The flour at the supermarket is too expensive now. Oh, these days are really getting harder. Mr. Reagan was right. Only when you step down, Carter, will we possibly see an economic recovery!"

"Hahaha, maybe."

Carter chuckled, silently swallowing the "maybe" in his mind. Historically, it was only after Carter stepped down that this downturn was reversed. Jenny, the homemaker, wasn't wrong about this.

"Oh, by the way! What's up with Anna? Have you agreed to let her go to Memphis?"

Annoyed and angry, Anna chased after Carter's retreating figure, just as she was about to enter the kitchen, she suddenly heard what Carter said to Jenny. She stopped abruptly at the door, listening quietly to the activity in the kitchen...

"What's the use of my agreement? Don't you know her character..."

Speaking of Anna, Jenny sighed quietly. As a mother, she naturally wanted her children around her, but she understood that it wasn't possible...

"You're all grown up now, with your own thoughts and pursuits. As a mother, can I still stop you? If it's a family matter, you can come to me. But since it's a company matter, you're the boss, you decide, don't worry about me."

"Besides, if you're giving Anna special treatment, what about Jo Yin? If you're going to be unfair to me, I don't want to make things difficult for you. If you're unwilling, just refuse her! If she's unhappy with you because of this, I'll talk to her later."

"Heh heh, okay. Then I'll go talk to her!"

After getting details from Jenny, Carter had a plan in mind...

"Let's go, why hide anymore? Do you think I don't know you're eavesdropping?"

Teasing Anna, who was hiding behind the kitchen door, Carter walked out of the house first and into the small courtyard outside. When Anna followed, Carter asked seriously:

"Is it your idea to go to Memphis, or Jo Yin's?"

"Mine!"

"Really yours? Not because he had an idea and persuaded you?"

"No! Carter! Why do you always have such a big opinion of Jo Yin? How could he, who was so happy just being a warehouse manager before, possibly persuade me!"

Seeing Anna's agitated expression, like a cat with its fur standing on end, Carter felt speechless. It was precisely because of Jo Yin's cowardly nature that he had opinions...

A big company... well, even though HT wasn't considered big yet, it was certainly larger than a restaurant. The future competition would be even fiercer. If he didn't favor them, Carter was worried they might lose out; but if he did, Carter was worried he might lose out.

"Do you have to go? If you don't go now, I can transfer all the shares of the restaurant to you, and I'll have Mr. Ginnas give you a lifetime franchise authorization later. Is that okay?"

Dealing with family matters was tough, and Carter felt a headache coming on. While he pondered how to resolve the situation, Carter struggled internally.

"...I don't know. I just want to go out and see the world! Carter, do you know? Except for a trip to Grapevine with Dad when I was a kid, and then when Disneyland opened in Orlando a few years ago, we went there as a family once to celebrate Melissa's birthday, I've never left Douglas."

All the ownership of a restaurant was now resting on the shoulders of Anna, a young woman who had graduated less than a year ago, clearly leaving her feeling a little dazed. Her inner conflict was evident from the furrowed brows.

"If it were just me, an ordinary high school graduate girl, I know I can't get out of here. But I didn't expect you... Actually, when I spent Christmas in Texas, I had this idea, but at that time you didn't have the company you have now, and I didn't feel comfortable asking you for money to leave."

"...I need your help to get out of Douglas and see the world. But I can't rely on your help. Do you understand? I'll manage. I can endure the hardship and suffering..."

"Okay, stop talking. Here's the deal: if it's just you going, I can talk to Mr. Ginnas..."

"Carter!"

"Don't worry, let me finish. If you want to go with Jo Yin, I can talk to Mr. Ginnas too, but..."

Seeing Anna's anxious expression, Carter sighed lightly:

"I can only give you three years! After three years, no matter what position you climb to, you must leave HT. If you have ideas, you can come to me. If I haven't gone bankrupt by then, I can act as an investor for you. If you feel your abilities are insufficient at that time, I'll also provide you with a safety net. The restaurant on Highway 23 will still be available for you."

"As family, this is all I can do. I hope you can understand."