Chapter 46 What Is Your Dream?
I nodded and said, "Elmer, you know this is a rush order for me. The contract I signed includes penalty clauses. If we can't complete it on time, we'll face massive penalties."
"Elmer, you'd better think this through carefully."
After hearing my words, Elmer shook his head with an uncomfortable expression and said with a bitter smile, "To be honest, we really need your order, Ms. Lockwood."
"As you can see, because our factory is located here, we can't get many orders throughout the year, and we have to accept rock-bottom prices. Without orders with decent profit margins, our factory will go under."
"But these workers are all old. No one else would hire them. They can only work at the factory. Once the factory closes, they'll have no way to make a living."
At this point, he said earnestly, "Please give us this order, Ms. Lockwood. Even if we have to work around the clock, we'll deliver on time."
That's what he said, but with tens of millions of dollars worth of goods at stake, I didn't dare take that risk.
I nodded and said, "I'll think it over carefully. Let us discuss it."
After speaking, I gave Atlas a look, and we walked out together.
"What do you think?"
Atlas shook his head. "The machines look fine, but these workers… the quality of their work is another story."
I felt regretful, but I knew he was stating facts.
"In that case, let's go check out other places."
When we went back to tell Elmer, he didn't say anything, just sighed.
"I understand your concerns, Ms. Lockwood. But thank you for making the trip."
"Elmer, we'll check out other places first. We might come back."
Hearing this, Elmer could only nod. "Alright then, take care, Ms. Lockwood."
As Atlas and I got in the car and were about to leave, we heard someone calling out.
"Ms. Lockwood, wait!"
I opened the car door and saw Elmer with five or six villagers running out of breath.
Seeing us, Elmer put down what he was carrying and showed an honest smile. "Good thing we caught you in time."
Then the villagers behind him brought out what they were holding.
There were unknown fruits, jam, and some eggs.
Elmer said ingratiatingly, "These are gifts from the villagers. No matter what, Ms. Lockwood, the fact that you came all this way to find us is an honor. Please accept these things."
He started loading them into the car.
I waved them off. "No need, really, you don't have to."
"Ms. Lockwood, this is just a small token of our appreciation. Please accept it."
Soon, the back seat was packed full.
"Ms. Lockwood, take care!"
Elmer and the villagers waved goodbye. I got in the car and said to Atlas, "Let's go."
The car drove for a while, and through the rearview mirror, I could still see them waving goodbye. A wave of sadness washed over me.
"Stop the car."
The brakes screeched, and the car stopped.
Atlas turned to look at me. "Made up your mind?"
I looked up. "Atlas, am I crazy?"
Atlas shook his head. "It's okay. If you're going crazy, then I'll go crazy with you."
His words made me feel better. I nodded firmly. "I've made up my mind. Even if it's crazy, I want to be crazy this once."
"Okay, as long as you've thought it through, go ahead and do it boldly. I'll be with you."
Atlas's words gave me great encouragement. The car that had driven away turned back around.
Elmer came forward in surprise. "Ms. Lockwood, why did you come back?"
I looked at him. "Elmer, I've made up my mind. I choose you."
"Really?"
Elmer said with surprise and joy, "Ms. Lockwood, have you really decided?"
I nodded. "Yes, I've decided. If possible, we can sign the contract now. But there's one thing—there must be penalty clauses. If you can't deliver on time, you'll need to pay huge compensation. Elmer, can you do it?"
"Yes, Ms. Lockwood, rest assured. Even if we work day and night, we'll definitely deliver on time."
With Elmer's assurance, I felt much more at ease.
We quickly signed the contract. I gave Elmer some more details before Atlas, and I prepared to head back.
"Ms. Lockwood, are you sure you won't stay tonight?"
I looked around at the simple houses and shook my head. "No need, we'll head back. If necessary, we'll come again tomorrow."
Elmer nodded. "Alright then, though our place is quite basic. Sorry for the poor hospitality."
I said, "Not at all. The contract is signed, so you can start preparing."
"Yes, yes, Ms. Lockwood, rest assured, we'll deliver on time."
After saying goodbye to Elmer, Atlas and I headed back. On the way back, I felt much more relaxed. The car stopped and started along the way. When we saw a lake, Atlas stopped the car.
Soon, only a bit of sunset glow remained. Atlas washed his hands by the lake and said, "How about we have a barbecue here tonight?"
I jumped out of the car and looked around. The wind rustled through the green grass, and before me was the green lake water, its surface sparkling beautifully.
The view was open all around. Looking at the distant sunset glow, my mood lifted.
"But where are the barbecue supplies?"
Atlas gave me a mysterious smile and patted the car. "Right here."
He opened the trunk and took out pre-marinated ingredients.
Not only were there various skewers, but even the vegetables and fruits were already washed.
I said in surprise, "Atlas, you were planning to spend the night outdoors all along?"
"I learned my lesson from yesterday."
Atlas skillfully lit a fire and started heating the charcoal. Soon the charcoal was burning, and he placed the skewered meat over the fire to grill.
His slender fingers turned the skewers, his expression focused and serious.
Before long, a delicious meaty aroma wafted over, and my appetite grew.
"Here you go, careful, it's hot."
I took the skewer and blew on it carefully before taking a bite. I said in surprise, "Atlas, you actually have this skill! It tastes really good."
Atlas smiled. "I have many more talents you don't know about yet. Don't worry, I'll show them to you slowly in the future."
I lowered my head and smiled, just enjoying the delicious food. This meal left me completely stuffed.
Full and satisfied, Atlas and I reclined in deck chairs, swaying gently, very comfortable.
"Atlas, what's your dream?"