Chapter 18
"Jesus, isn't that a bit extreme?" William was taken aback by General Liu's words. He grimaced at the thought of being discharged just for neglecting Brian. 'Are you really going to kick me out of the military?' he thought.
If he didn't put in the effort, not only would his parents disown him, but he'd also lose his military career. He'd have nothing left.
Director Gu slapped him on the back, "Focus, kid, focus! Don't lose sight of what's important."
Right, not getting divorced was the priority.
"I want to take care of you and be good to you. I don't know much about business, but I want to share your burdens," William's eyes were full of affection.
"I've neglected you for too long. I only found out yesterday about everything you've been through, and it felt like a knife to my heart. I'm not doing this for the company or my career. It's about you. I wasn't there when you needed me. I want to make up for the past and be there for you in the future," William's voice was sincere.
The image of Brian, drenched in cold sweat and trembling as he called out his name, haunted him. How could he have left him alone like that?
Maybe Brian used to have feelings for him, but he had worn them down.
But that's okay; they could start anew.
"Even if we did get divorced, it wouldn't matter. I'd court you again, and we could remarry," William said with determination.
No one spoke. Brian closed his eyes and rubbed his temples, remaining silent. Everyone held their breath, waiting.
Would an angry and frustrated Brian show mercy?
Nina nudged William, who quickly got up and closed the door. He was relieved he wasn't in his military uniform, making things easier. As a soldier, he couldn't do anything that would tarnish the image of a military man while in uniform.
He grabbed Brian's hand and dropped to one knee.
"One last chance, Brian. Give me one last chance to be good to you," he pleaded.
For a full ten minutes, William remained on one knee. Brian clenched his fists, gritted his teeth, and smoked several cigarettes. He looked at the hopeful faces around him and then at William kneeling before him.
"One last time, for the sake of our parents and your superiors. But if you mess up again, even if you dug up grandfather's ashes, I won't tolerate you for a single day," Brian finally spoke.
Hooray!
The higher-ups were elated, as if they had just won a battle.
Nina clasped her hands together, thanking the heavens.
Jay patted William on the back. "You've been given a chance; you better make it count."
Belle looked somewhat sympathetic towards her son but was also happy that William was given a chance.
William jumped up, full of energy. As long as he had time, he was confident he could win Brian over. Courting someone was easy, a piece of cake. He would make Brian feel his intense love. He would be devoted, secure the company, keep his job, and maybe after a decade of hard work, transition to a safer position.
Is courting someone easy?
Well, William, give it your best shot.
With a grand gesture, William invited everyone to dinner.
The higher-ups and parents could finally have a meal without worries as they chatted and headed out.
Brian, when no one was looking, allowed a sly smile to cross his face.
All under control.
Brian lingered behind, approaching General Liu and Director Gu.
"Sirs, if things don't work out next time, please don't interfere. Just give us a letter of approval so we can have a clean break," he said in a voice loud enough for William to hear.
William craned his neck to look at the higher-ups.
"William, we've bought you some time. If you don't step up and Brian is still unhappy, we might support military marriages, but we also understand the struggles of military spouses. Don't say we didn't help you," Director Gu warned.
Brian looked at William with a cryptic smile. "It's up to you now."
"I'll definitely be good to you. We won't need that letter," William patted his chest in assurance, quickly pulling the higher-ups away from Brian. He couldn't let them talk anymore; he had to make sure Brian didn't have any backup.