Chapter 178
Eric, realizing Thea was tiring, felt guilty. "We didn't know you were coming," he said. "Had we known, we would have cleared a path. But Miss Rowland, don't worry; this road is only like this on rainy days."
"It doesn't matter," Thea gritted her teeth, continuing her trek, her mind already working. This company, Sparkle Rocks, primarily produced jadeite and jade, occasionally supplying raw stones to gambling dens. Thea had visited other factories—most closer to the city—but this one was surprisingly remote, though reputed to have the finest quality raw stones. Grandpa had briefly mentioned it in his letter, suggesting she consider closing it. The mine's quality was good, but transportation was inconvenient, resulting in low output and inconsistent stone quality, leading to consistent losses. Grandpa had planned to sell it, but his poor health had stalled the plan.
Thea, however, wasn't one to give up easily. Such a fine mine deserved better. If mass production was impossible due to transportation, a high-quality, smaller-scale brand could be created; rarity adds value. This was, however, just an initial thought. She needed a closer look.
It was just over a kilometer, yet it took her half an hour to walk. Arriving, she collapsed onto a courtyard bench, unconcerned with appearances. The journey had underscored the transportation issues. Eric explained that road plans had existed, but local residents, deeply attached to their land, had resisted. The remoteness meant no economic incentive for investment, hence, no road.
Thea sighed, feeling the road ahead would be long and arduous. She'd barely caught her breath when she sensed many eyes on her. Looking up, she saw children at the factory entrance, dressed in traditional clothing. Their innocent, sparkling eyes were filled with curiosity. Sensing her gaze, they shyly hid, then offered timid smiles.
Thea felt the children's smiles dispel her weariness. She waved. A few bolder children approached, curiously asking, "Pretty Sister, what's your name? Where are you from?" Their English was imperfect, but understandable. Thea patiently explained and searched for gifts, finding only a few sour plum candies. To her surprise, the children refused them. The eldest child explained, "Mommy and Daddy told us not to take things from strangers."
Thea reassured them, "Don't be afraid. I'm not a stranger." A woman rushed over, pulling the children away and sharply scolding the eldest. Under Thea's gaze, the woman apologized, "I'm so sorry. They were just playing."
Eric arrived, sensing the situation. He shielded Thea from the children, introducing her as the new president of Sparkle Rocks, and identifying the woman as a factory employee.
The woman, flustered upon learning Thea's identity, trembled. Thea asked Eric what was happening. He explained, "Miss Rowland, most of our employees are left-behind women and children. They bring their children to work because there's no childcare. I'll manage it better in the future."
Thea understood and smiled wryly. The woman pleaded, "Please don't fire me. I need to raise my children. I'm a good employee."
Thea replied, "Call me Miss Rowland. I'm not worthy of 'Ms.' yet." The woman, misinterpreting, paled, fearing dismissal. The boy sensed his transgression, his body tense, his eyes filled with panic. He clung to his mother. Thea thought of her own family, contrasting their situation with the children's.
Turning to Eric, Thea instructed him to convey her messages. He sighed, expecting the worst. To his surprise, Thea said, "We'll create a play area for the children, preferably outside the factory. Also, we'll provide a monthly subsidy to families with no other breadwinners."
Eric was stunned. He'd expected the factory closure but instead He was overjoyed. The woman, too, was relieved.
Thea instructed the woman to return to work and warn the children to stay away from the mining area. The boy promised to care for his siblings. Thea smiled, pinching his cheek.
Entering the office, Eric knelt before Thea, overcome with emotion.