Chapter 6 Unreliable Andrew
Inside the restaurant.
After Alexander and the other two sat down, Andrew ordered three dishes and the cheapest bottle of wine.
"No need to save money for me. Order two more dishes," Alexander said, feigning politeness.
"Forget it, you just got here and don't have a salary yet. This is enough," Andrew replied, sounding a bit blunt but clearly well-intentioned. He rubbed his cold, dry hands and looked up at Alexander, asking, "I heard you came from the anarchic district?"
"Yeah." Alexander nodded.
"Must be tough over there?" Andrew asked.
"Not really. People just fear getting used to things." Alexander smiled. "Once you adapt, it's the same everywhere."
"True," Andrew replied.
All three were young, so there wasn't much of a generation gap in their conversation. Moreover, Andrew and Alexander were both outgoing and loved to joke around, so they quickly became familiar with each other. During their chat, Alexander noticed a detail that Eric's body language and tone were somewhat ingratiating towards Andrew, quite submissive.
When the food and wine arrived, Alexander raised his glass and said, "We're friends now that we're sitting together. I'm new here, so let's stay in touch and look out for each other."
"Nothing to look out for. Nowadays, if you're capable, you'll thrive anywhere. If not, no one can help you," Andrew replied earnestly, raising his glass with a grin and adding, "But staying in touch is a must. Just for arguing with David, we can be friends."
Alexander smiled. "Cheers."
The three clinked glasses and drank in one go.
"Pour some more," Eric said, wiping his mouth and picking up the bottle to refill Andrew's glass. "Andrew, can you help that thing I mentioned last time?"
Andrew rolled his eyes. Holding a small piece of beef with his fork, he teased, "Alexander is treating, and you're asking for a favor?"
Eric didn't seem embarrassed, just scratched his head and replied, "I'm broke."
"When were you ever not broke?" Andrew continued, frowning as he ate. "I asked about it, but there are no vacancies in the administrative jobs. You'd have to pray. But you don't have the money for it, so just wait."
Alexander was puzzled and asked, "Why insist on an administrative job?"
"He's a coward," Andrew replied, curling his lip. "Last year, the police reported up the chain, and in six months, we had thirty-five casualties. It's chaotic now, and he doesn't feel safe in the first team, so he wants a lighter job."
"I see," Alexander said, not looking surprised since the security here was much better compared to the anarchic district.
Andrew turned to Eric, his eyes showing disdain, and scolded, "Eric, you need to understand something. The environment has changed. If you don't fight and take risks, when will you ever make it? Even if I get you into an administrative job without connections, you'll still be pushed out eventually. You have to adapt to the environment. William's brother is a vivid example. Before the Ninth District was established, what skills did he have? But when things got chaotic, he succeeded. Now, no one dares mess with him. He married six wives. Who did he rely on? No one, right?!"
"I can't compare to him." Eric grinned. "I just want a stable life to support my mom and sister."
"That's all you're capable of," Andrew replied, disappointed. "I got you into the first team, hoping you'd find some opportunities and make something of yourself. But instead, you wash socks and serve others every day... No wonder they punch you for no reason. You don't even have equal status. How can you talk about connections? Is that how you make friends?"
Eric lowered his head and stayed silent.
"Such a spineless character." Andrew sighed, shaking his head.
"Alright, let's not talk about this. Chat about something else," Alexander said, trying to ease the atmosphere.
At this point, Eric didn't bring up the job transfer again. The three continued drinking and chatting, and time flew by.
At nine o'clock in the evening, Eric glanced at a new message on his phone and immediately said, "Something came up at home. I have to go. See you tomorrow."
"Not staying for a bit longer?" Alexander asked.
"No, I have to go," Eric replied.
"Let me walk you out," Alexander said.
"No need, I'll go myself." Eric refused.
"Take care," Alexander added.
"No problem," Eric answered.
After a brief farewell, Eric left in a hurry with his phone, while Alexander and Andrew without intention of leaving, stayed to continue drinking.
"Andrew, since we're drinking together, we're friends," Alexander said, his face slightly flushed. "Give Eric some dignity in the future."
"Am I scolding him? I'm trying to motivate him!" Andrew said, tapping the table energetically. "If someone stays on their knees, they'll never stand up, you know?"
Alexander nodded thoughtfully.
"He's the only friend I have in the police force. I'm worried about him." Andrew sighed, shaking his head. "Forget it. I have some business to take care of."
"What business?" Alexander asked, puzzled.
"I noticed that girl earlier. She doesn't seem to be in a relationship with those four guys," Andrew said, winking. "I think it's time to make a move."
"Which girl?" Alexander asked, confused.
"The one who got out of the car at the door." Andrew grinned. "She's so pretty, tall with long legs. Doesn't she look like that old celebrity?"
Alexander broke into a sweat. "Dude, be careful. It's not like the old days. Things are chaotic now..."
"No worries. I'll give it a shot!" Andrew said, rubbing his hands and heading towards the table near the window.
Outside.
Eric took a deep drag from his e-cigarette, hesitated for a long time, and then pulled out his phone to call Alexander. But then he remembered that Alexander's new phone wasn't connected to the communication system yet, so he had to dial Andrew's number instead.
Inside the restaurant.
Andrew adjusted his hair and walked over to the table by the window, smiling at the girl. "Hello, beautiful lady. Out with your family for dinner?"
The girl, who had been looking out the window, turned her head in confusion, "Do you... need something?"
"Yes, I'm a producer for a TV show. We're holding auditions. Are you interested?" Andrew lied through his teeth.
The short middle-aged man opposite her looked at his companion with a strange expression and asked, "Is he the contact?"
His companion glanced at Andrew and frowned. "He's not using the code."
As they talked, the girl recovered and responded warmly to Andrew, "Really? I'm studying to be a host."
Andrew didn't expect this answer and brightened up. "That's great! Do you have a contact number? Leave it with me, and we can discuss it later."
As he spoke, Andrew handed the girl his phone, but it was his personal phone, not the mandatory police-issued one.
The girl took the phone and started to input her number.
The short middle-aged man stood up and grabbed her arm, frowning. "Give the phone back and eat."
"I'm really interested." the girl smiled.
"I said give it back," the man repeated.
Andrew tilted his head and smiled. "I really am from the TV station. No need to worry. I mean no harm."
The girl hesitated, then handed the phone back to Andrew, smiling apologetically. "Never mind, sorry."
Andrew felt elated that the girl was so cooperative but was annoyed by the man's interference. He was about to try again.
"Forget it, thank you." the girl insisted.
Andrew was stunned, looked at the girl for a couple of seconds, and then grinned. "If it's not possible, sorry to bother you."
A minute later.
Andrew sat back down across from Alexander, his expression peculiar.
"Got rejected?" Alexander asked, eating.
Andrew blinked and kicked Alexander under the table. "Look down."
Alexander, puzzled, looked down and saw Andrew holding his phone under the table, the screen displaying 'sos.'
"What does that mean?" Alexander asked, confused.
Andrew rubbed his face and said, "It means trouble."
"You mean..." Alexander asked.
"Those four guys aren't with the girl. She even kicked me under the table," Andrew said, taking a sip of his drink. "But I can't tell their background... something's off. The girl wants us to save her."
At the table by the window, the short man checked his watch and said to his companion, "Was that guy just a coincidence or a test?"
"Hard to say," the companion replied, shaking his head.
"He looked pretty clueless," the short man said, glancing uneasily at Andrew. "Time's up. Let's go."
"Alright." the companion nodded, then said coldly to the girl, "Don't cause trouble. Come with us."
The girl's forehead was dotted with sweat as she glanced at Andrew before nodding in agreement.
Not far away.
Andrew, frustrated, rubbed his cheeks and asked Alexander quietly, "What do we do? Should we intervene or not?"
Meanwhile, an electric car pulled up in front of the restaurant.