Chapter 49
Julia and Melanie got along wonderfully and found working together enjoyable. Moreover, Melanie could tell that, despite being newly opened, the boutique was already quite successful.
After recovering the custs, she had already made 1500 dollars that day alone. It was a significant amount, especially since Melanie had already earned more th
than most government workers make in a month, with factory workers eaming even less despite overtime.
to earn more than Edward,
At this rate, Melanie was likely to earn
Julia said enthusiastically, “I’d love to work here with you. I’ve got nothing going on anyway, and staying home gets boring.”
Melanie thought briefly before saying, “I’m not sure what the standard rate is, but I can offer you a base salary of 600 dollars a month, plus a commission on every sale. Would that work for you?”
The private sector was just beginning to boom, with many places hiring at much lower wages than govemment positions. Some businesses offered only 400 dollars monthly, yet people still scrambled for those jobs. Hence, Melanie’s offer of 600 dollars base pay plus commission was remarkably generous.
“And you don’t need to stick to fed hours. If something comes up, you can come in later or leave early–it’s flexible,” Melanie added.
Melanie’s generosity and trust touched Julia. “Sure. The salary is amazing. To be honest, any previous job only paid 500 dollars a month, and it involved tons of work. This is much better.”
Just as they were about to lock up and head home, they noticed a tall, distinguished–looking man standing at the entrance. It was Edward, loolding somewhat out of place in his crisp white short–sleeved dress shirt and black slacks. His hair was also perfectly styled for his office job,
Melanie was puzzled as to why he was not coming in. As she approached him, she noticed that he was smoling a cigarette. When he saw her, he instinctively stepped back, dropped the cigarette, and crushed it under his foot.
As a counselor, Edward faced considerable stress, attending various meetings with leadership and sometimes independently hosting foreign visitors. Smoking helped him cope with the pressure. But since Melanie’s pregnancy, he had avoided smoking at home.
Edward flashed a gentle smile when he saw Melanie. He asked, “Busy day?”
Melanie nodded, “Somewhat, but polia helped a lot.”
Julia greeted Edward respectfully, “Hello, Edward.”
Edward nodded back, his voice warm. “Thanks for all your hard work today, Julia,”
“It was my pleasure. Anyway, I should get going. Melanie hasn’t had dinner yet, so you should take her home,” Julia said, hastily exiting.
Edward stepped closer to Melanje and took her bags. “Let’s head home.”
The boutique was just a short walk from their house, and they strolled home together. Edward asked about her day, and Melame quietly shared the day’s events When they arrived, dinner was already set on the table, and the family sat around, clearly waiting for Edward.
Edward, you re backd Come eat before everything gets cold.”

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