Manager Edgar

Did I just say that out loud?

I did not just say that out loud...

(￣ω￣;)

Great. Now Edgar will find out I'm a freak through and through...

I withdrew my hand from his face hastily and gave a perfunctory 'haha'. With great effort, I cleared my throat and tried to change the subject while evading his gaze. "So, how's the case going? Any update?"

In case you guys are wondering, I'm asking Edgar about the embezzlement and murder charges against his uncle and father respectively. Chris of course, was included in the inquiry. Not that I still care about that bastard though. Just trying to get a little compensation for the injuries I received.

Even though the speed of their arrest exceeds the logic bearable to human IQ, the trial will still take up a lot of time. Until they are proven guilty, they still have a chance to roam free. And if that happens, I don't think Edgar will be able to lead a good life.

From his sudden resignation to the sudden exposure of embezzlement and murder evidence, unless they're an idiot, they can surely make out the whistleblower or the culprit behind it. Adding Aaron's involvement with Chris, and how I'm currently circling Edgar, it was even more obvious.

We're both a walking wanted list...

I can't help vexing over this matter. It's not easy to take down a giant titan such as the Hills. Especially the two veterans Reiss and Roland Hill who, as the idiom says, have eaten more salt than the both of us. From now on, it was a battle of who have more backings and resources.

I'm worried for my 29 years old bro's wellbeing...He is just a sprout in this cruel industry...

Edgar, "Don't worry about that. They won't get away that easily. Instead of worrying over that, have you given more thought to what we discussed back in the hospital?"

I shot a questioning look to Edgar. We discussed a lot back in the hospital bro. Which one are you asking about?

Edgar, "The thing about setting up a restaurant?"

Ah, right. We talked about my plans back in the hospital before and I mentioned my wish to set up a restaurant. To which Edgar said he would help out after a series of unsuccessful persuasion.

"Ah! So that's what you're referring to. I'm very serious about that. I've always wanted a small restaurant of my own."

Furrowing his brows, he softly persuades me once again, "Don't you want to have another Gobble Up? Make it big all the way? It's not easy to work in a restaurant. It's better to manage it like you did Gobble Up before."

I can only sigh and replied solemnly, "Sorry, Edgar. But I'm done doing all that. Not that I hate managing Gobble Up behind the scene. In fact, I enjoyed my time back then. But it always feels like it lacked something, you know? Now, I just want to have a place where I belong. And whenever I try to picture that place, a small kitchen and rows of tables and chairs always pop up in my mind. That was all I ever wanted."

Placing my hand on his knee, I continued, "It might not bring you a lot of profit like Gobble Up did. But I won't make it your loss either."

Edgar's warm hand enveloped mine that was still resting on his knee. He squeezed it before gently saying, "I don't care about the profit. I just don't want you to think that you're burdening me in any way and try to save up for my sake. I've told you that I'm not lacking in that department."

"Don't worry. I'm not being courteous at all. In case you don't remember, Gobble Up is supposed to be a small buffet restaurant too. It was only when you got involved that it grew to that extent." I flashed a warm smile at Edgar who's still furrowing his brows.

The look he gave me was so intense as if trying to burn a hole through me to dig out any lies or uncertainty behind my words. But I was really honest with my thoughts and I really have nothing to hide. It was my genuine wish. Plus, I've leeched off this much from Edgar. A little more won't make any difference. I'm paying it back after all.

He let out a long breath before finally relenting. "If that's the case, then I won't say more. I take it that you'll be in charge of the kitchen?"

I'm glad that we can finally see eye to eye on this matter and I nodded happily at his query.

"Then, I've decided." I somehow had a deja-vu when hearing this sentence came out of Edgar's mouth and a feeling where I will be left dumbfounded suddenly surged.

Edgar, "Since you're in charge of the kitchen, I'll manage the services."

Σ(O_O)

...

Is this guy serious? Is his brain injury acting up again?

"You know we can just hire someone for that right?"

Edgar, "We'll hire the servers and assistants. Maybe a chef or two to help you out in the kitchen. You can't possibly be working non-stop daily. And I'll be the guy that will come out when customers say 'I want to see the manager'."

...

Edgar, "Hm. Now that I'm thinking about it, I quite like how it sounds. Manager Edgar. It has a nice ring to it. What do you think?"

...

What do I think? You're a distinguished Chief in one of the Hills subsidiaries before and you're asking me how Manager Edgar sounds like?

I like for a fact that it rhymes. But, bro. Are you sure this is what you want? As I was about to ask the reason for his sudden declaration, he cut me off.

Edgar, "Let's not forget that I'm currently unemployed and I don't want to waste my days at home doing nothing all day. Just indulge me this once, Aaron."

...

I guess...we're back to teaching Edgar the ways of the commoners? Or should I say, learning the ways of the commoners' side by side?