CHAPTER 526: CHAPTER 536: JUST LIKE BEING MANAGED BY YOU

John Brown laughed heartily and said, "With County Magistrate Johnson being such a parent official, how could I dare to disagree?"

Melody Yoody raised her hand and gave John Brown a tap on the head, saying, "Wishful thinking! If anyone’s being kept, it’d be you keeping me, you little security guard still daring to speak such big words."

Melody Yoody’s words seemed quite hurtful, but classmates joking around like this usually mean they’re the closest. If they’re not close, joking can easily cause discord. This actually showed her close relationship with John Brown.

Melody Yoody arrived and stole the spotlight from everyone, humorously chatting and becoming the center of attention for all.

Alice Brown said at this time, "Everyone, we’re busy, we have other matters to attend to, so we’ll be leaving first."

Melody Yoody quickly said, "Don’t, as soon as I arrive you’re leaving, it feels like I’m chasing you away. Stay a little longer, and besides, look at someone’s enjoying themselves right now; if you leave like this, won’t it make someone feel a bit down?"

Alice Brown and Laura felt a bit embarrassed, but John Brown smiled and said, "Alright, Melody, don’t disparage me anymore. Alice, Laura, stay a while longer."

With John Brown’s approval, Alice Brown and Laura sat back down. As long as John Brown didn’t mind, they certainly wanted to spend more time with him, but with Melody Yoody present, they dared not talk recklessly, avoiding causing trouble for John Brown.

Melody Yoody didn’t sit next to John Brown; everyone had already vacated the main seat for her, as a sign of respect. Next to her was Michael Davis, the two of them being the most esteemed in the class.

Regarding Melody Yoody’s promotion to Deputy County Chief, everyone enthusiastically expressed their congratulations. Michael Davis first raised his glass and said, "Melody, I wanted to follow your footsteps, but you’ve left us far behind again. This drink is my toast to you, please take good care of us in the future!"

Melody Yoody smiled slightly and said, "Taking care of old classmates is surely not a problem, but I’ll skip the drink, recently I quit drinking."

"Quit drinking?" Michael Davis looked at Melody Yoody with a puzzled expression, his mouth twitching slightly.

Melody Yoody laughed again and said, "Don’t overthink, I truly quit drinking because I’ve been feeling unwell recently and can’t drink." Then she teasingly glanced at John Brown, who could only rub his nose, pretending not to notice.

James Johnson interjected at this moment saying, "Melody, that’s really something, you’re a Deputy County Chief now, there must be even more banquets, not drinking surely means missing out on many opportunities to interact with leaders."

Melody Yoody shook her head and said, "Right now there’s strict oversight on indulgence, everyone is very cautious. Besides, if you have the capability, you don’t necessarily have to rely on connections to get things done at the banquet." Her words intentionally or unintentionally pointed at Michael Davis and James Johnson, both of whom were civil servants and as old classmates, would surely seek her help in the future.

James Johnson, however, caught the meaning in Melody Yoody’s words, unfortunately, Michael Davis was still naive and did not catch this at all.

After adding a few dishes, Melody Yoody also simply ate a few bites of vegetable, and when the greasy dishes were turning towards her, she frowned and quickly turned away.

John Brown knew Melody Yoody had strong pregnancy symptoms, and such greasy things made her uncomfortable. So when others were turning the table, he paid close attention, ensuring light food stayed in front of Melody Yoody.

Mary Johnson chuckled, looking at John Brown constantly turning the table, "James, you turn the table when the leader is picking dishes, no wonder you can’t serve the leader well."

John Brown chuckled and said, "You called it right; I just enjoy turning the table when the leader is picking dishes." And then he turned the table again.

Michael Davis was just turning the table to let Melody Yoody try the local specialties when John Brown turned it away again, feeling somewhat upset he said, "James, can you make it? Melody hasn’t eaten much here, I just turned it over, and you’ve turned it away again, don’t tell me you’re intentionally keeping Melody from eating."

John Brown laughed and said, "The stuff you turned is too greasy, Melody probably doesn’t like to eat it."

"Melody hasn’t had a bite; how do you know she doesn’t like it? You really lack vision. Keeping you as a security guard is appropriate; no way, you should probably sweep the floor."

Melody Yoody knew John Brown was taking care of her, feeling comfortable inside, and with Michael Davis speaking about John Brown like that, she was displeased. She had always been a feisty woman; she could bully John Brown, but anyone else trying to, she’d be the first to stand up in defense. However, after being an official for a few years, she wasn’t as sharp as before, she joined in and laughed, "John Doe, you don’t have as much vision as James. He saw me only eating veggies and knew I didn’t like greasy items, so every time greasy items turned towards me, he turned it away. I appreciate this, James, how about this, how about I talk to your boss and get you over here as my secretary, don’t follow her anymore, eh?"

John Brown smiled and said, "If you can get me over, I’m in."

"Humph, trying to get under my skin, your boss’s stingy spirit surely won’t agree."

Everyone listening had a sense that something was off; when John Brown and Melody Yoody joked around, there was always this ambiguous undertone. Meanwhile, Michael Davis’s face was alternately blue and white. As the Deputy County Chief, Melody showed no particular warmth towards him but had such an appreciation for James Brown, the lowly security guard, that he just couldn’t understand how a mere security guard could compare to him.

David Johnson noticed something was up and waited until James Brown went to the restroom to follow him out. He patted James’s shoulder and said, "Hey James, you’re back with Melody, aren’t you?"

James chuckled and said, "Can’t really say we’re a thing, but we do see each other often."

David said excitedly, "Man, you pulled it off! I thought with her new status, you wouldn’t stand a chance to be together, but seems like Melody hasn’t changed." He was genuinely happy for James Brown.

James also felt David’s happiness and was grateful for this friend. He said, "Keep it under wraps though, given Melody’s current position as Deputy County Chief, everything she does is under scrutiny."

"I understand, and I sincerely wish you the best." David patted James on the shoulder again and then asked, "So, old classmate, what’s up with those two beautiful hosts? They seem pretty close to you. Although they are pretty and any guy would be tempted, girls in that line of work can be too casual. They might not be your type, and you must not let Melody down."

James forced a wry smile. Not only had he let Melody down, but he did so severely. However, he couldn’t say this, so he smiled and said, "Don’t worry, I know what to do. Jessica Johnson and Jennifer Hog are just good friends of mine."

"That’s good, though you don’t seem like just a security guard to me. More like a rich kid, a child of an official or something."

"Is that possible?"

"Impossible!" David shook his head immediately, recalling that James’s parents had passed away.

"Bro, I’m just an ordinary guy, but I do have my own kind of pride. You should learn from me."

"Haha, you rascal, I’ve gotta learn from you properly."

Around nine o’clock, Grace Lopez called James Brown again. James had no choice but to prepare to head home early. Melody Yoody smiled and said, "Then I’ll go, and you can take me home. Let’s talk again about me keeping you."

Everyone laughed; they just didn’t believe that Melody, now in such a high position, could actually have any relationship with a security guard.

Alice Brown and Laura naturally also planned to leave with James Brown, so the four of them left the hotel together. Everyone else came out to see them off as well. It was okay for James to leave, but Melody Yoody and Jessica Johnson and Jennifer Hog needed to be escorted out, especially since they’d probably be hosting their weddings someday.

At the door, Melody Yoody looked at James Brown and said, "I didn’t bring my car; you take me."

James shrugged and said, "I didn’t drive either; I figured I’d be drinking tonight."

Alice quickly said, "I drove here, and I haven’t been drinking. I’ll take you all."

Melody hesitated slightly and said, "Okay, then I’ll trouble you."

Alice hurried over to get the car, and Jennifer Hog followed her. As soon as they walked away, Melody grabbed James’s ear, sternly saying, "You scoundrel, daring to make things up outside."

"Innocent, I’m truly innocent." James quickly held Melody’s wrist. She twisted it quite hard, and even though he was skilled in martial arts, he hadn’t exactly practiced with his ears. Turning his body sideways, he tried to avoid having his ears ripped off.

"Hmph, don’t think you’re off the hook just because your wife spoils you; someone’s got to keep you in line. I’m telling you, if you dare flirt around outside again, see how I’ll deal with you."

"I won’t, absolutely won’t!" James repeatedly assured, this was the real Melody Yoody. Being under her control felt oddly satisfying, just like back in high school when he was with Melody. When he caught wandering around other girls, Melody would definitely punish him, but only when no one was around.

An involuntary smile of intoxication appeared on James’s face, and Melody noticed immediately. She laughed softly, "You rascal, still a glutton for punishment. You actually smile when someone keeps you in line."

James gently kissed Melody’s hand and said, "It has to be you, Melody; if it were anyone else, I wouldn’t let them manage me."

Melody was about to speak but sensed a sharp gaze fixed on her. She turned her head and saw Michael Wilson, and immediately frowned.