Page 35 of Final Installment
I didn’t know what to say.I was proud of my master’s thesis on the demand for electricity outpacing production, specifically with the explosion in AI data centers.My research had zeroed in on the logistics of making, moving and marketing that power and finding ways to make money on the excess.
As flattered as I was, I didn’t feel right accepting the offer without first reminding him there were other options.“There are other members of our team who would provide more value and expertise.”
“Perhaps, but you have good rapport with your counterparts at SQC.You’re young, and you have a young person’s energy that matches my son’s.”He gave a little wave of his hand.“We will discuss the specifics tomorrow.”
It was clear he was done talking.I nodded and bade him farewell before returning to the dining room.My brain buzzed with this new and exciting opportunity.It very likely would require I relocate to China which had never been part of any of my five- or ten-year plans.
All thoughts of my future fled when I discovered Jackson and Drake were arguing.Their two executive assistants were frantically texting, probably trying to get their version of the events sent to headquarters first.
“Elona!”Drake noticed me and cut across the room with hurried strides.“Did you speak with Ma?What did he say?”
“He wants Jackson gone.Immediately.Doesn’t want to see his face again.”I avoided making eye contact with the idiot in question.
“And?”Drake pressed.
“He said the negotiated deal he made with Brett stands.”I decided not to mention his request that I stay on in Shanghai.
Drake visibly relaxed.“Well, it’s not as bad as I expected.”
“We got lucky.”I finally glanced at Jackson who had the sense to look embarrassed.“You should get the first flight home.”
“It was just a hunting story!”Jackson threw up his hands.“It wasn’t that big of a deal!I’m sorry if they were offended by my family tradition of hunting.”
“It wasn’t just the story!”I exploded.“You were rude, loud and obnoxious!After what you said at the welcome reception about the dog meat—.”
“It was a joke!”Jackson shouted.
“It was gross!And racist,” I hissed.“You cannot say things like that.You shouldn’t even be thinking them!”
“Oh, here we go with your woke bullshit!”
I rolled my eyes so hard they actually hurt.“You can stop parroting your podcast bro garbage at me.This isn’t about being woke or liberal or whatever other nonsense you think.It’s about respecting the culture of our hosts.Do you have any idea how long Brett and Mr.Ma have done business together?”
Jackson silently shook his head, but I could tell he was just itching to mouth off at me again.
“Twenty-nine years,” I said.“Almost three decades.Can you even comprehend the level of trust between them?I’d try to explain the concept ofguanxito you, but I’m not sure you’re capable of understanding loyalty, trust, obligations, respect or friendship.”
“That’s enough!”Drake finally cut in.“Jackson, go back to the hotel, pack up and go home.”
“But I—.”
“Now!“ Drake insisted before Jackson could say something else stupid.
Jackson grumbled and snapped at his EA who successfully herded him out of the room.
“Listen,” Drake stepped closer.“I think it would be best if we keep this incident as quiet as possible.”
Not liking where this was going, I said, “I won’t lie to Brett or HR.”
“It wouldn’t be a lie.It would just be a little finessing of the truth.”
“That’s still a lie.”
Drake sighed in frustration.“Look, we don’t all have your job security, Elona.You could dance on a table at a shareholder’s meeting and not get fired.Jackson has kids and a wife and a mortgage and responsibilities.”
“So do you,” I pointed out.“You didn’t offend the CEO.”
“I also don’t have a drinking problem.”
