Chapter 144 143-Compensation(2nd update, Cheer me with Power Stones!)
Chapter 144 Chapter 143-Compensation(2nd update, Cheer me with Power Stones!)
Seeing Patrick obediently apologizing, White's face finally softened a bit.
He turned to John, smiling wryly, "I am sincerely sorry, Mr. Foster. When the company gets large, it's inevitable that there are some bad apples causing disturbances. Please don't hold this against us."
John casually nodded, responding in an understated manner, "I understand. Your company's actions are quite fair. No wonder the Taylor Group has managed to become the leading enterprise in this city in just over a decade..."
White let out a hearty laugh, "Your praise is too generous, Mr. Foster. In the future, we should strive to deepen our relationship. I believe you'll get a new impression of the Taylor Group."
John maintained his calm demeanor, casually browsing the suits on the rack in front of him.
White turned around to look at Patrick, who wore an expression of resentment.
He felt a surge of anger.
"What are you still doing here? Haven't you embarrassed our company enough? Get out!" he barked.
Patrick's face turned a pale shade of green.
White had scolded him without leaving any room for face-saving, and all under everyone's watchful eyes.
It made him feel like he had lost all his dignity, wishing he could just find a hole and crawl into it.
But he dared not defy Mr. White.
He could only endure the crowd's significant glances as he limped out of the store, with the seductive woman supporting him.
Mr. White didn't even bother to look at Patrick, let alone arrange for someone to take him to the hospital.
It was clear he intended to teach Patrick a harsh lesson.
He approached John and turned to the timidly standing Emma.
"This young lady is your girlfriend, Mr. Foster, isn't she? Truly an extraordinary presence. You both make an exceptionally handsome couple," he complimented, causing Emma's cheeks to flush with happiness, especially when she saw John nod in agreement.
Clinging tightly to John's arm, she practically turned into a koala clinging onto its tree.
John gave Mr. White a curious look, wondering why he would display such a flattering attitude.
Even though he saved the Taylor Group's young miss, there was no need to be so deferential, right?
Considering Mr. White's poise, he must hold a high position in the Taylor Group.
A person of his status would rarely act in this way.
Seemingly aware of John's thoughts, Mr. White maintained his warm smile, casually changing the subject.
"Mr. Foster, are you here to pick clothes for your girlfriend?"
John nodded, responding casually, "Your young miss is throwing a birthday bash tomorrow. This girl believes that such an important occasion requires a fancy dress. That's why she dragged me here."
Mr. White's smile broadened, and he said jovially, "Very thoughtful of you. But my young miss's birthday party is more like a gathering among friends. Casual attire would also be fine. However, since this young lady has put in so much effort, our Taylor Group should respond appropriately."
After some thought, Mr. White waved to a sales associate nearby, "Please, pack the clothes this young lady was interested in earlier and put it on the Taylor Group's tab."
The sales associate who had previously attended to John and his party stepped forward, bending slightly, "Mr. White, how many items do you want to pack?"
Without hesitation, Mr. White frowned slightly and said, "Pack everything she liked."
The sales associate nodded, happily taking the two dresses she held to be packed.
From her facial expression, it seemed like she was pleased with the considerable sale.
At this time, the store manager, a sophisticated middle-aged man dressed in a suit, who had been waiting on the sidelines, finally approached.
He had been around from the start, but he dared not step forward when he saw how ruthlessly John had acted.
Only when the situation was resolved did he venture out.
"Mr. White, welcome to our store. About today's incident..."
He wrung his hands, looking quite embarrassed.
Mr. White shook his head, his tone calm, "This incident has nothing to do with your store, so don't blame yourself. Just continue to do your job well."
Compared to his amiable tone when chatting with John, Mr. White presented a whole different persona when dealing with others.
His demeanor was serene and authoritative, reflecting his status as a seasoned leader.
John turned towards the store manager and offered a slight smile, "I apologize for the damage in your store. I can compensate you for the losses."
The store manager waved his hands dismissively, "It's no big deal, just some minor damage. Having a customer like Mr. Foster visit our store is already an honor. How could we possibly accept your compensation?"
John shook his head, insisting, "What's right is right. You should not bear these losses."
He took out a card, handing it to the store manager, "The PIN is 123456. Go ahead and process it. Also, charge the two dresses my girlfriend picked out."
The store manager looked distressed, glancing over at the silently observing Mr. White.
The exchange between the two men puzzled John.
It seemed like the store manager was very attentive to Mr. White's opinion.
Could this dress shop be a property of the Taylor Group?
But hadn't the sales associate said earlier that the store was a niche brand with outfits designed by top international designers...
John's card was left hanging in the air for a while, only to be received finally by Mr. White, who was smiling, "Mr. Foster is gracious enough not to want you to bear the losses. Let's respect his wishes. But the price of the dresses is not necessary. Simply put them on the Taylor Group's tab."
The store manager finally breathed a sigh of relief, taking the card and hurrying off to the service counter.
John frowned slightly, saying calmly, "Mr. White, there's no need for such formality. I can still afford the two dresses."
Mr. White burst out laughing, "Don't worry, our Taylor Group can just charge you the cost price. This way, you'll save quite a bit, and consider it our compensation for the inconvenience caused today."
Seeing John's surprised face, Mr. White explained further, "I presume Mr. Foster isn't aware that this shopping mall belongs to our Taylor Group. Many of the stores inside, including this dress shop, are managed by us."
John finally understood.
No wonder Patrick was so brazen earlier.
He had only just found out that this bustling shopping mall, situated in the city center, was a property of the Taylor Group.
The leading enterprise in the city indeed demonstrated impressive strength.
John gave a slight smile, responding casually, "Since Mr. White is being so generous, I will not refuse any further. Emma, thank Mr. White for his generous gift."
Emma turned to Mr. White with a sweet smile, "Thank you, Mr. White!"
Mr. White laughed heartily.
Clearly, John's acceptance of the gift delighted him.
"No need to be polite. We won't disrupt your shopping any further. We'll take our leave now. See you at Graceful Waters Manor tomorrow."
After exchanging pleasantries with John, Mr. White left with his team from the Taylor Group's security department.
Stepping out of the dress shop, John watched as Mr. White left.
The smile on his face gradually faded, leaving him with a slightly furrowed brow and an air of bewilderment.
To be honest, Mr. White's attitude was overly friendly.
Although John didn't know the exact reason, he knew there's no such thing as a free lunch in this world.
Mr. White's behavior implied he must have something to ask of him.
But why would someone like Mr. White, with such a high position in the Taylor Group, need something from a mere gamer like himself?
As soon as gaming crossed his mind, John was struck with realization.
He started to understand why Mr. White had been so obsequious.
It had to be related to the revelation of his in-game identity.
Emma, having received the beautifully wrapped dresses from the sales associate, noticed John's absent expression.
She carefully took his arm, asking cautiously, "Johnny, what's wrong? You look a bit down."
John slowly shook his head, not immediately responding.
Seeing his silence, Emma became even more anxious.
Her cute face fell as she apologized, "I'm sorry, did I make things difficult for you, Johnny? I promise I won't do it again next time."
John snapped out of his thoughts at her words.
Seeing Emma's downcast expression, warmth filled his heart.
He affectionately tapped her upturned nose, saying helplessly, "Silly girl, you misunderstood. How could I be mad at you? I'd rather you be like today. Haven't you heard the saying that a man's greatest satisfaction comes from sheltering the woman he loves from the wind and rain? I was just thinking about something else. It has nothing to do with what happened today."
His words instantly cleared the clouds from Emma's face, bringing back her sweet smile.
She hugged his arm tightly, her face radiating happiness.
Just then, the store manager returned.
"Mr. Foster, here is your card. Please keep it safe," he said, handing John his card.
John took it and pocketed it casually.
Then the store manager continued, "Thank you for visiting our store, Mr. Foster. We would like to offer you a tailored suit free of charge. If you don't mind, could I take your measurements?"
A free suit?
John looked at the store manager with surprise.
The man had a flawless smile on his face and his eyes were sincere.
"There's no need for it to be free. I also don't need a tailored suit. Just give me something off the rack that fits. I'll pay whatever the price is."
John's tone was flat, leaving no room for dispute.