Chapter 59
Thinking back to how he nearly lost his life, Ivan was filled with emotion.
Society these days is so cold and indifferent. Forget about someone like him having a sudden heart attack on the street - even if an old lady fell on the road, no one would dare help her up.
But Emily actually sent him to the hospital and even paid his medical bills while he was unconscious.
The first thing Ivan wanted to do after waking up was find Emily to thank her and show his gratitude, but she had left without leaving her name.
Two years had passed, and Ivan never forgot about it. He checked the surveillance footage and finally learned what Emily looked like. He just never expected that when they met again, it would be two years later.
"Mr. Franklin, please don't say that." Emily smiled modestly. "It's what anyone should do. If it wasn't me, someone else would have done the same thing."
After exchanging pleasantries, Ivan noticed Emily's tired-looking face and the simple meal on the table. His smile stiffened slightly. "Ms. Johnson, have you been having some difficulties lately?"
He asked tactfully, but Emily's smile was awkward.
Looking at Ivan's sincere eyes, she hesitated for a moment, then nodded gently. "I've been looking for work recently."
She had no choice - she had three children to support, plus food, clothing, and housing. The daily expenses were huge.
Most importantly, Emily didn't want to show her struggling situation in front of the kids.
They might be young, but each one was more perceptive than the last.
Once they knew she was worried about money, they would definitely feel bad too.
But as soon as Emily said this, Ivan's eyes lit up. "Ms. Johnson is looking for work? That's perfect! I'm currently preparing a parent-child variety show, and I'm looking for suitable families to participate. Ms. Johnson, would you and the children be interested?"
Emily was stunned. "You're... you're a director?"
"Yes."
Ivan handed over his business card.
Emily looked at it twice and couldn't help but gasp!
He was Director Ivan Franklin!
His name was pretty common, so Emily didn't make the connection at first.
Now that she thought about it, several of her favorite movies and TV shows were directed by Ivan.
Oh my god, such a big shot was standing right in front of her, offering her a chance to make money!
Emily quickly pinched her leg to make sure she wasn't dreaming.
Ivan was already introducing it enthusiastically. "It's a reality show about parent-child relationships and family education. The pay is good, and the filming schedule is flexible - it won't affect your normal life."
He rubbed Nina's head affectionately. "I think all three of your children are very photogenic and will definitely bring great ratings to the show. You'll look like stars on camera!"
"Mr. Franklin, you're too kind..."
Emily spoke modestly, but she was happy inside.
What mother doesn't like hearing people praise her children?
Besides, her kids really were good-looking.
Each one more handsome than the last - with those features and looks, they could easily be child stars!
Seeing Emily still hesitating, Ivan's expression became more serious. "Ms. Johnson, please give me a chance to repay you for saving my life, okay?"
Though brief, this sentence revealed a lot.
Since it was repaying a life-saving favor, the "good pay" he mentioned would definitely be attractive to Emily.
Emily looked at the three children in front of her, then at her nearly empty wallet, feeling conflicted.
Joining a variety show meant exposure - her and the children's lives would be in the public eye.
Emily wasn't someone who liked being in the spotlight, so she might feel very uncomfortable.
But on the other hand, this really was a rare opportunity.
Although Ivan hadn't mentioned a specific amount, Emily knew he wouldn't shortchange her.
"Mommy, what's a variety show?" Nina asked curiously.
Emily thought for a moment. "It's being on TV."
"On TV?"
Oscar's eyes lit up. "Like a star?"
"Pretty much." Ivan looked at him with a smile. "Do you want to be on TV?"
"Yes!"
Nina was the first to raise her hand. Although Aiden and Oscar didn't say anything, their eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Clearly, they weren't afraid of the camera at all - they were actually excited.
Emily finally made up her mind. "Mr. Franklin, thank you. We're willing to give it a try."
"That's wonderful!"
Ivan clapped his hands happily. "Ms. Johnson, go home and rest tonight. Give me your address, and I'll have my assistant bring the contract tomorrow. Don't worry, I'll take good care of you and the children."
Ivan and Emily exchanged contact information and agreed to talk in detail tomorrow.
Oscar and Nina were already discussing it.
"What do you think I should wear to look good?"
Oscar had a smile on his lips, but worried Nina would get too proud, so he deliberately teased him. "You don't look good in anything."
"That's not true! Aiden said I look good in everything!"
"He was lying to you."
"I don't believe it. Why would Aiden lie to me? Right, Aiden?"
The children chattered away while Emily watched from the side with a knowing smile.
Oh well, she had already agreed to Ivan's offer, so she might as well try it.
It was just a variety show. If it really didn't work out, she could just be a guest for one or two episodes, then leave with the kids.
She'd make less money that way, but at least it would help her get through this rough patch temporarily and give her more time to find work.
That evening after getting home, Emily bathed the children and read them bedtime stories.
After they fell asleep, she dragged her tired body to bed.
Her phone vibrated.
Opening it, she saw a friend request.
According to the requested information, this person had added her three times already.
She'd probably been too busy the past few days to notice.
There was no note, and the username and profile picture didn't reveal anything.
But somehow, Emily thought of William.
Could it be him?
He hadn't contacted her at all for several days - why would he reach out now?
And Emily wasn't sure how to face him anymore.
Should she tell William she was taking the kids on TV?
Should she tell him that just days after he left, she couldn't even afford basic living expenses?
That would be too embarrassing!
Emily stared at it for a long time, but in the end didn't accept the friend request. She turned off her phone and went to sleep.