"Um..." Sophia hesitated a bit, not really believing that there was even a chance her design draft would make it through.
Brandon's attitude on the other end was so flaky; it seemed like whether he'd review the draft or even pay any attention depended on his mood.
Sophia wasn't exactly thrilled with this way of collaborating. It not only felt like the other party lacked commitment but also reeked of a kind of high-and-mighty arrogance. In Sophia's eyes, this was an imbalanced partnership, and she wasn't a fan of such inequality.
Perhaps it was confidence in her own work that led Sophia to think that it all came down to a matter of taste. Finding someone who appreciated her work was her good fortune; if not, it just meant the stars hadn't aligned, and she wasn't about to force it.
But today was the school's centennial, a day for celebration, and Sophia was worried about being a buzzkill if she spoke her mind to President Poe. So, after pondering a moment, she diplomatically replied, "I'll take a look, and if I find the time, I'll swing by. No need to wait up for me, go ahead with your business."
"Alright, alright." President Poe, elated by Sophia's tentative agreement, said, "Then drop by whenever you can, and give me a ring when you do. No worries if it's not convenient; don't feel pressured."
"Sure, thank you, President Poe."
Sophia hung up, feeling grateful. President Poe's esteem and leniency left her with a twinge of guilt under her gratitude.
After mulling it over for a while, she decided to make a trip to the school after all, to personally thank President Poe and also say her goodbyes.
Right after President Poe ended the call with Sophia, he casually rang up Kent to check on Brandon's exact arrival time, to arrange a pickup.
Kent wasn't sure either. It was past working hours for the day, but Brandon was still a no-show, and Kent was still trying to get in touch with him.
Kent couldn't just blurt this out to President Poe, so he chuckled and said, "No trouble at all, President Poe. Mr. Crawley prefers to keep it low-key. I'll accompany him over when he arrives, and I'll get in touch then."
President Poe replied, "That won't do."
"It's fine, really. President Poe, rest assured, Mr. Crawley will be punctual."
With that, Kent hung up and was about to try calling Brandon again when his phone rang - an international call. He frowned slightly and answered the call.
"Kent, Kris has sneaked back into the country," the cautious voice came through as soon as the call connected.
Kent's expression tightened, "When did this happen? Where is he now?"
"He landed at West district airport this morning." The voice whispered, "Since he changed his flight en route to a domestic one, we've lost track of his movements for now."
"Got it. Keep me posted." Kent nodded, "Keep an eye out and call me with any updates."
The other said, "Will do."
After Kent hung up, just as he was about to try contacting Brandon again, the office was already abuzz with restrained and respectful greetings for "Mr. Crawley". Kent instinctively looked up toward the door and saw the expressionless Brandon walking in.
"Mr. Crawley," Kent called out to him, hurrying over.
Brandon seemed even more run-down than the night before, a change visible to the naked eye. Ignoring Kent, Brandon headed straight for his office, asking as he walked, "What time does the West District High centennial bash start?"
"1 PM." Kent replied, following him into the office, "President Poe just called, asking when you'd arrive and said someone would be there to pick you up."
"No need for that," Brandon said, pulling out his office chair but not sitting down. Instead, he glanced at the mountain of files on his desk, and after a pause, silently pushed them all aside.
Kent watched silently, not daring to remind him that these were year-end summaries and new year plans from various branches and departments.
He knew Brandon was aware. From his merciless action of shoving them aside, it seemed as if overnight, work had become something he utterly despised.
After shoving aside the files, Brandon tossed his phone on the desk and finally took a seat, but didn't start on his work. Instead, he swiveled his chair to face the window, casually picking up the phone he had just discarded and opened WhatsApp.
His WhatsApp, neglected for two days and nights, was overflowing with various work messages. Brandon only gave it a brief glance before tossing the phone back onto the desk.
"Anything else?" He finally spoke, noticing Kent still standing there.
Kent nodded, "Yeah, the detective agency from overseas just called. Kris changed his plans and came back to the country, landed in West district this morning."
Brandon paused in his movement, turning his chair to face Kent.
"Marian's brother." Kent added for clarity, "But since it was a last-minute change, the agent tailing him lost track, so we're not sure where he is right now."
"Then keep a close watch on Marian." Brandon said flatly, picking up his phone and standing up emotionlessly, "I'm heading to the school now. Call me if there's any news."