Chapter 21

Brother Trumpet paused, then suggested, "It would be good if you could bring your products and appear with me on my livestream next Saturday."

"Me?" Joanna was dumbfounded.

"That's right! I'll introduce your products, but you know your company's goods best. You can also interact with your fans. This will help sell the products!"

"I don't think that's a good idea," Joanna said, clearly conflicted. She didn't even dare to look at her online scandals. If she appeared on the livestream, the traffic would likely explode.

Brother Trumpet looked at her calmly. "It's fine. Give it a try. Perhaps there will be unexpected gains!"

Joanna hesitated for a few seconds, then agreed. "Alright then!"

"We need to be prepared. It's best to find employees familiar with e-commerce fulfillment," Brother Trumpet added, gently reminding her of her unfamiliarity with the industry.

"Okay, okay!"

Brother Trumpet smiled, stood up, and said, "That's it, then. See you next Saturday! However, it's best if you come to Greene City a day early to familiarize yourself with the process."

Joanna nodded. "Okay!"

"Goodbye!" Brother Trumpet extended his hand.

Joanna shook his hand. "Goodbye. I hope this is a successful collaboration!"

Brother Trumpet left the private room. They parted ways.

When Brother Trumpet's secretary and assistant learned he'd signed a contract with Joanna, they were astonished.

"Boss, you haven't even thoroughly investigated the Haynes Group, and you're already signing a contract with them?"

"That's right! Others wanting to collaborate have been waiting for six months. The other merchants might not like us suddenly taking on the Haynes Group's products! Plus, the Haynes Group has a lot of scandals. I'm afraid sales won't be good!"

"Let's give it a try!" Brother Trumpet replied calmly, smiling. He'd been checking online news about Joanna for the past two days and understood her predicament. Despite the slander, he found her somewhat pitiful and naive. For some reason, he wanted to help.

Meanwhile, Joanna and her friends drove back.

Chapter 22

After Joanna concluded the contract, she rushed back to Porash.

Cora exclaimed, "Miss Haynes, I didn't expect things to go so smoothly!"

Joanna smiled. "Me too! I didn't expect the negotiation to be so easy!"

"Regardless, it's good news that we've signed the contract!"

"I hope Brother Trumpet can work hard and clear all the inventory!" Michael added.

"Miss Haynes, should we celebrate this successful collaboration?" Cora asked.

Joanna smiled. "Of course! Find a nice restaurant. My treat!"

"Porash has a great seafood stall. Let's go there!"

"Sure!"

Michael and Nicholas were delighted and immediately changed their route.

Back at the hospital, Margaret remained unconscious after a full day. Bruce kept vigil, unable to leave her side.

"Bruce, you haven't slept in a day and a night. You should rest!" Roxanne gently urged.

Bruce frowned. "Don't worry about me. Go back."

He looked exhausted, his eyes bloodshot and stubbled. Yet, his fierce aura intensified.

Roxanne said tearfully, "How can I go back when Grandma is in critical condition? Bruce, let me stay here with you!"

Bruce, frustrated, ignored her. He felt guilty about his grandmother's illness but also hated Joanna for her perceived heartlessness. He'd been checking his phone since yesterday, hoping for a call or message from Joanna—at least an inquiry about his grandmother. He received nothing.

He felt miserable. Margaret was Joanna's senior and had been hospitalized because of her; she was Bruce's grandmother. How could Joanna disregard her?

A moment later, Roxanne returned with food. She placed it before Bruce. "Bruce, eat something! Your body can't handle this!"

"I have no appetite."

"Just a little."

Bruce sighed and ate a few bites. He was hungry.

They heard heels clicking in the corridor. Ingrid and Shaun rushed in.

"We came as soon as we heard about Mrs. Everett!"

"How is she? Is she awake?"

Roxanne looked sad and worried. "Mom, Grandma is still in ICU. She's not out of danger yet."

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