"Thank you, brother!" Grace Harris smiled, her eyes curving into crescents, looking especially playful and charming.

Edward Harris tapped Grace Harris's delicate nose and said, "You little rascal, the Sword of Dictatorship is about to begin. I'll be very busy for a while. As long as you don't come and cause trouble, I'll already be satisfied."

"Don't worry, brother, I understand." Grace Harris giggled and made a funny face at Brian Carter.

"Alright, you go out first. I have a few things to say to Brian Carter." Edward Harris patted Grace Harris's head.

Grace Harris looked at Edward Harris in confusion, then glanced at Brian Carter, wondering what exactly Edward Harris wanted to say to Brian Carter. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said, "Okay, I'll go out first." After she turned and left, she gently closed the door behind her.

Chapter Two: Edward Harris's Warning

"I heard that Uncle Nie has already passed away." Edward Harris took a sip of tea as he spoke. He had heard about Brian Carter's family matters; in the professional gamer circle, such a big event wouldn't go unnoticed.

"Yes." Brian Carter nodded, trying to guess what Edward Harris wanted to say to him.

"I'm very sorry to hear that." Edward Harris paused for a moment, his expression serious. "There are some things I must tell you in advance."

"Please go ahead, Mr. Lin."

"I'm sure you already know, Xinyan's father—my second uncle—has been working hard in Yinhai these past years and has achieved some success. He's considered a notable figure in Yinhai. Although Xinyan is still young, with her grades, getting into a prestigious university in the future won't be a problem—her prospects are limitless. I know some things may hurt your self-esteem, but I have to say them." The meaning in Edward Harris's words was already very clear.

Just as Edward Harris was about to continue, Brian Carter interrupted him: "I understand what you mean, Mr. Lin. I'm just a poor kid from the countryside, and I only came to Yinhai to try to make a living. Uncle Lin kindly took me in for the sake of my father, and I'm already extremely grateful. My status is low, and I could never have any improper thoughts about Miss Lin. You can rest assured, Mr. Lin." Although he and Grace Harris were familiar as children, after so many years, this was their first meeting as adults. Other than being a little impressed by Grace Harris, he didn't feel anything special. Still, being reminded like this was quite hurtful to his pride. Brian Carter may have come from poverty, but he was extremely proud inside and didn't want to be looked down upon.

"I didn't mean anything else. Don't take these words to heart." Edward Harris looked at Brian Carter. There was a rebellious air about Brian Carter; though his status was low, he spoke with neither arrogance nor servility, which made Edward Harris appreciate him a little. "I believe, with your abilities, you can definitely make something of yourself. It's just that Xinyan isn't really suitable for you."

"Mr. Lin, you think too highly of me. I don't consider myself particularly talented. I don't seek fame or glory, but I have hands and feet—I won't starve." Brian Carter knew that such words were just Edward Harris's sympathy for the weak, which he didn't need.

"You are just like your father." Edward Harris smiled faintly. Brian Carter's father was also known as a tough character in the professional gamer world. People who would rather break than bend were admirable, but Edward Harris couldn't agree with that attitude. "Years ago, Uncle Lin once joked with your father about marrying Xinyan to you, but it was just a joke at the time."

"You're joking, Mr. Lin. That was just a joke between the elders back then. My father has already passed away, and I won't take those words seriously." Brian Carter said.

"I think Uncle Lin probably still remembers, and maybe he still hopes Xinyan could be with you. But I want you to understand, even if Uncle Lin agrees, the elders above won't. He doesn't have the final say."

Brian Carter was very puzzled as to why Edward Harris was telling him about something so impossible. He frowned and said, "There's no way any of this could happen, so there's no need to keep talking about it. If there's nothing else, Mr. Lin, may I leave?"

"Maybe I'm overthinking it. Let's leave personal matters aside and talk about work. This is the gaming helmet the company is providing for you. Go to the HR department to sign the contract." Edward Harris got up, walked to a corner of the office, and took a deep blue helmet, handing it to Brian Carter. For some reason, he gave Brian Carter a B-level helmet used by internal staff, worth about seven thousand yuan on the market. He waved his hand, "That's all."

"Thank you, I'll be going then." Brian Carter took the gaming helmet and left the office.

Watching Brian Carter's back, Edward Harris sighed with emotion, wondering if Uncle Lin had misjudged him.

As soon as he left the office, Grace Harris came up to him, curious, "What did my brother say to you?"

"He just gave me a helmet and told me to go to HR to sign the contract." Brian Carter raised the helmet in his hand as he spoke.

"My brother is treating you well. That's a B-level helmet—internal staff treatment." Grace Harris looked at the helmet and smiled.

Hearing Grace Harris's words, a complicated feeling flashed through Brian Carter's heart. He said, "Maybe it's only because of you that he gave it to me." Since Edward Harris looked down on him so much and wanted him to stay away from Grace Harris, why did he give him such a high level of treatment? It was truly puzzling.