For years, "Wheelchair" had been a recluse, rarely venturing out or interacting with others. As a result, he was not well-versed in social interactions. Now, he stumbled over his words, his face flushed with embarrassment as he tried to express his thoughts. All the while, he stole furtive glances at Ariana, trying to gauge her reaction.
Ariana, for her part, was momentarily stunned.
When she finally regained her composure, she looked at "Wheelchair" silently and slowly began to speak. "Are you dissatisfied with the distribution of shares? Wheelchair, to be honest with you... My decision-making authority only goes so far. The benefits you’re receiving are the maximum I can offer. But if you’re still unhappy, I can bring it up for discussion in a meeting."
"Wheelchair" was taken aback.
He quickly shook his head, waving his hands as if he were about to use both his hands and feet to explain. His face turned even redder as he stammered, "No, no, that’s not it... What I mean is, I can’t accept your shares, but I’m willing to stay with the company."
At this point, Ariana finally understood what "Wheelchair" was trying to say.
She stared at him, bewildered, unable to comprehend why he would refuse.
"Wheelchair" took a deep breath before speaking slowly. "It was you who helped me recover from my leg injury. You covered all the medical expenses. That’s why I’m willing to stay with the company, even if it’s just as a regular technician with a modest salary." After saying this, he gave her a shy smile.
"Wheelchair" was deeply grateful to Ariana.
Without her, he might still be confined to a wheelchair. That’s why he couldn’t possibly accept the shares.
It was his way of repaying her kindness.
Ariana gazed at "Wheelchair" quietly, then finally shook her head in resignation. "Personal matters are personal, and business is business. They shouldn’t be mixed. The 15% technical shares I’m offering you are what you’ve earned. Your skills are worthy of them."
Despite the look of helplessness on Ariana’s face, "Wheelchair" continued to shake his head firmly.
Ariana chuckled softly. "You probably don’t fully understand what these shares will mean in the future. I know you’re grateful because I covered your medical expenses, but those costs can’t be equated with the value of these shares. You’ll regret it once you realize their true worth."
"Wheelchair" blinked, then scratched his head. "Well, I know what the shares represent, but I still don’t want to accept them."
Ariana was truly at a loss for words. She stared at the 'Wheelchair' before her, unsure of what to say. After a long pause, she finally spoke, "Alright, I'll reduce it by five percent. I'll give you a ten percent stake in the company as a technical investment. When you generate higher profits for the company in the future, we can adjust it then. You can't refuse this ten percent. Wheelchair, I don't want your personal matters to interfere with business. If you really feel uneasy, you can return the money to me once you receive your dividends. But the shares, you must take them." Although Ariana was deeply moved by 'Wheelchair's' trust, she couldn't just follow his lead and not give him the shares.
The value of 'Wheelchair' was undeniable. Ariana wasn't afraid that he might leave the company in the future because she knew he was a man who appreciated kindness and would repay it. However, Ariana wasn't the type to be blinded by money, to exploit friendship for personal gain. These shares were the result of careful consideration. She had her reasons for giving them.
'Wheelchair' gazed quietly at Ariana's resolute, unyielding eyes. After a long moment, he slowly pursed his lips and nodded, "Alright... I understand. I... thank you, Ariana." At that moment, 'Wheelchair's' emotions were almost indescribable. He was truly grateful, thankful that fate had allowed him to meet Ariana. No matter what the future held, he was certain that Ariana was his only friend, and a friend who would never change.
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