The Continent of Europe

Chapter 40's

...CHAPTRE 40...

...PROBLEM...

"God, it's so cold!"

Rosaline turned her head as she and James got off the train, looking straight at one of the passengers screaming in coldness.

"Well, I won't deny it. It's mid-February, which means the peak of winter."

Rosaline wrapped a scarf around her neck and tightened her jacket as they walked out of the station. And James. The blond man wandered around, looking for a taxi for them to go to the construction site.

"To street xx, sir," said James and the taxi driver nodded.

As soon as they got inside, the taxi started moving, taking the two of them towards the construction site. Rosaline sat next to James, turning her gaze outside only to see the streets and sidewalks through the windows.

It only took them an hour to arrive. Rosaline quickly enters, meeting with another worker while James pays a taxi.

As they regrouped, James patted Rosaline on the shoulder who was talking to a worker, tilting her head as if telling the girl to follow him.

"We need to talk to Mr. Allen was, after that, the workers. He gave me the email that day, so come on. Don't waste our time on this, better get straight to the point and then we can go home. I don't want to be stuck with you here in the snow."

Rosaline snorted but followed him anyway. As soon as they entered a small building near the construction site, they were immediately greeted by an old man, whom Rosaline thought to be Mr. Allen.

"Good morning, Mr. Allen. How are you?" Sapa James, shake the man's hand.

"I'm fine, Mr. Adlers. I hope you're okay too."

The old man turned his head, staring softly at the brunette girl hiding behind James. And then smile.

"Hello Ms. Rosalyn. It's been a long time since our meeting at Matilda's." Mr. Allen stretched out his hand, inviting the girl to shake hands.

Rosaline nodded. "Mrs. Allen, long time no see," he replied, shaking the man's hand with a friendly smile floating on his face.

Mr. Allen told them to sit down and offer them a cup of tea to drink. At least a cup of tea he offered could warm their bodies from the cold, although only a little.

Mr. Allen sat in front of Rosaline and James, took out some documents from under the table and placed them in front of them. The old man crossed his legs, leaned against the sofa and then spoke.

“Our contractor has chosen a supplier that will supply materials for development. Do not worry the suppliers we choose can be trusted, the quality of their buildings has become our subscription in development."

"Then what's the problem?" ask James.

Mr. Allen stood up straight and nodded.

"The problem is the estimated delivery. The suppliers we choose are overseas. Given England is on the cusp of winter and most likely deliveries will be delayed."

James agreed. "But Mr. Allen. I'm pretty sure that me and my colleague, Ms. Rosaline, I've said this before. Just in case the winter gets worse, we can postpone the construction and continue after the winter is over.

"I'm sure, you yourself do not want to harm the workers. I understand the sudden bad weather, especially at the peak of winter like this.

James turned his head towards Rosaline, giving the girl a smile as if telling her to chim in on her words just now.

"But your project? Don't you two have a target to complete?" ask Mr. Allen.

Both nod.

"Yes, Mr. Allen. We have a target. But we're smart enough to think about any risks that might happen in the middle of this winter and I don't want to endanger anyone's life just to achieve our targets.

"So that's okay, as long as it's safe and our target is reached even if it's not on time. Our professors will understand if we explain the reason validly. They will forgive us and give us relief.

"Again I am sure. All the companies that worked with Westminster on the project are also having difficulties due to this winter. So why not? It's not that slowly that the results are satisfactory and the building we made can stand firm."

Rosaline's long explanation just now made James unable to hold back his smile. He immediately turned around, facing the other direction so that Mr. Allen or Rosaline could not see his smile. His smile showed pride.

Well even James himself doesn't even understand what he's proud of Rosaline.

Though the girl only spoke at length, giving explanation and understanding to their clients. And it was strange he thought. Because there was nothing he should be proud of that girl.

"Well. Since we've both gone this far from London to Edinburgh, I don't think that's the main problem, huh, Mr. Allen's? Judging from your expression, it looks like something is still bothering you."

Mr. Allen did not answer. He opened his mouth, then closed it again, and quickly turned around while standing, walking towards the door leaving Rosaline and James alone there.

The two looked at each other, raising their heads together in confusion.

"What happened to her?" Rosaline whispered and James just shrugged. He really didn't even know what was going on with the old man.

Within five minutes, James and Rosaline glanced at the door Mr. had entered. Allen. The two of them raised their eyebrows when they heard the footsteps of someone walking closer. Suddenly, from behind the door, Mr. Allen appeared, holding a tray containing three cups of tea on it.

"Sorry to wait a long time" he said politely as he placed the cup in front of Rosaline and James who were now looking at each other.

"Oh, thank you, Mr. Allen," said Rosaline, broke the silence that suddenly struck the room so Mr. Allen appears.

The older man sat down again after offering tea and made sure the two of them to drink first before continuing their talk of construction.

"So the main problem is we lack competent workers—I mean experienced ones. The average workers we hire now are fresh graduate— not me at all do not underestimate their potential but—"

"I understand," James cut in. "Huge potential due to the skill of the workers. But Mr. Allen, there are still some old workers who work with you which means you still have experienced ones.

"I won't blame your worries on taking responsibility for fresh graduates, which means you still don't have much experience. But the old workers can guide them.

"They can help inexperienced fresh graduates to work skillfully and regularly. There is no harm in letting. Given the interest of young people now seems to be starting to diminish with the construction industry."

Be honest. Whenever Rosaline saw James in his 'professional' mode for work, she could only stare long into the blond man. Oh lord. Please send him someone to make him realize that James is Clark's girlfriend. Not his.

Even though he already knew that fact, Rosaline could not turn her eyes away from him. It was as if the man was a star Rosaline could not hold back from not being noticed because of how attractive she was.