Chapter 2

I stared at Linda with a grim expression. "I clearly remember the lucky charm was on the table yesterday. How come it's gone today?"

Our company evaluates employees' performance annually, with one promotion opportunity. The previous supervisor had been promoted to department manager, and I was now the leader of the first team, competing with the leaders of the second and third teams for the supervisor position.

In previous evaluations, my performance and abilities stood out compared to the other two. Colleagues were quietly saying the supervisor position was practically mine.

However, nothing was certain until the very end.

The boss called me into his office for a chat, hinting that the higher-ups favored me. If I could secure this cooperation deal, the supervisor position would be mine.

Currently, I earn about $3,000 a month including bonuses. As a supervisor, my salary would increase by $500. Not only would the work be easier, but our quality of life would also improve.

Recently, I've been running around non-stop trying to complete the task assigned by the boss. The potential partner was a tough nut to crack. I camped outside their office for ten whole days before finally meeting the project manager.

I prepared a stack of documents, explaining the project's construction process, our company's advantages, and past case studies.

After listening, the manager only said, "We'll consider it."

Anyone who's worked in an office knows that this official response usually means "you're out of luck."

Having been in the workforce for so many years, I relied on my tenacity as an "unkillable cockroach." After spending time and money, I finally found out that the manager's child was sick.

His wife was superstitious and went to the temple every day at dawn to pray for their child's successful surgery and good health.

So I took an overnight high-speed train to a famous temple in a nearby city to get a lucky charm.

I originally planned to give this as a gift to the manager, but when I woke up today, the lucky charm I had placed on the table was gone!

Linda defended herself: "I didn't see any lucky charm. I just came in to clean the room and left."

Sophia knew how important this was and tried to persuade her mother: "Mom, if you took it, please return it now. This lucky charm is crucial for James's work."

Even though we had made it so clear, Linda still insisted she hadn't taken it.

"Why would I take your lucky charm? It's not like it's worth much. If I wanted one, couldn't I just go to a temple myself? I'm here taking care of you, and you treat me like a thief. I must have owed you in a past life!"

Sophia seemed to believe her mother a bit and hesitantly said, "James, let's look around some more. My mom really has no use for this thing."

Frustrated, I went back to the bedroom and lay on the bed to book another high-speed train ticket. As I was scrolling through my social media feed, I saw a new post from Emily, my sister-in-law.

[Thanks for Mom's love. Hope everyone stays safe.]

The triangular object in her palm looked increasingly familiar...

Wait, wasn't that the lucky charm I got?

Sophia was still sitting on the floor helping me search for the charm. I called her over, handed her my phone, and said:

"Take a look at this. What is it?"

Sophia recognized it immediately and confronted her mother with a stern face:

"Mom, didn't you say you didn't take the lucky charm? Then why is it in my sister's hands?"

Linda's eyes darted around. "I just thought your sister is studying alone away from home. Giving her a lucky charm would put my mind at ease."

Sophia exploded in anger, shouting, "I already told you how important this charm was! Are you deaf?"

Linda's tears fell on cue: "You ungrateful child! I serve you hand and foot all day, not even having time to visit a temple. What's wrong with taking one lucky charm? Your sister is my child too!"

Seeing Sophia getting increasingly agitated, I stepped in to calm her down. "Let it go. Don't get worked up. Let's just get the charm back."

Sophia nodded and immediately called her sister, explaining the whole situation.

Emily exclaimed, "I had no idea! I'm so sorry, sis. Tell James to come pick it up at my school gate right now. I'll wait for him there."

I quickly changed clothes and rushed out. After all, opportunity waits for no one.

Before leaving, I advised Sophia: "Have a good talk with your mom. If she really wants something, she can ask us. But she shouldn't take things without our permission."

It was exhausting enough coming home after working like a horse all day, without having to play detective on top of it.