Never Judge

Dave walked back down to his living room to find Mien still looking around in awe. 

"The boss went overboard with our residences." Dave said with a laugh, surprising his guest. "Coffee? Tea?" Dave offered.

"Coffee." Mien said with a nod as Dave gestured for him to follow to the kitchen.

Mien was once more shocked as the divider automatically opened between the living room, the dining room, and the kitchen as Dave pressed a button. 

"Everything about Solaire Residences is top of the line." Dave explained as he offered Mien a seat at the breakfast bar. "All of the units are renovated annually and the Reyes Group shoulders all of the costs."

"The Reyes Group is very generous." Mien said with a nod as Dave prepared coffee for the both of them.

"Look, Mien, I'm sorry we got off on the wrong foot." Dave said with a sigh as he worked the espresso machine. Normally a maid would be there preparing his coffee and meals for him, but he decided that he wanted to speak with Mien in private.

"I don't blame you." Mien said. "I mean, you have every right to be wary around people. To be honest, I didn't think it was because of Mae at first."

"It wasn't." Dave said as he poured their coffee. "I don't trust as easily as Mae and the others. I grew up in an environment where I couldn't just trust people because I came from a well off family."

"I guess I don't give that trustworthy vibe either." Mien said with a laugh as Dave walked over with their drinks.

"Sugar? Cream?" Dave asked as he pulled a tray over to them. 

"Thanks." Mien said with a nod. 

"That's what Cedric values in me I guess." Dave explained. "I'm more careful compared to the others. Sadly, that's also my weakness. I tend to over analyze things and that's what delays our work."

"You and Mae are very different people." Mien said with a laugh as he took a sip from his coffee.

Dave nodded, he couldn't help but agree, it was the truth.

"Mae is very impulsive and she goes with her gut feeling a lot. Even if the facts tell us not to go for a project but she feels like something is promising about it, she won't stop." Dave said as he smiled at the thought of his girlfriend. 

"You seem very much in love." Mien said as he pointed at Dave, who in turn nodded. 

"I love her and she loves me, but we would never risk our jobs for our relationship." Dave explained.

"Why is it that you guys all seem to have this undying loyalty to the Reyes Family?" Mien asked.

"Not the Reyes Family, just Cedric, he is our boss after all." Dave said as he took another sip from his coffee. 

"Then why?" Mein asked. "He isn't family, it's not like you owe your life to him. But from what I have seen you, Mae, and Ian would do anything for him."

"It's because he would do anything for us as well." Dave explained. "Cedric Reyes is more than just an employer to us. It's not easy for other people to understand, but Cedric is a brother and a mentor."

"You are lucky to have such a good employer." Mien said with a frown. "I've worked for my fair share of bad ones."

"You know, if you ever wanted to work for Cedric, I'm sure he would be more than willing to have you." Dave said as he finished his coffee. "And if the Reyes Group is not exciting enough for you, I'm sure Katerina has some vacancies."

"Oh, I can't." Mien said, shocked that Dave would invite him to work for the Reyes Group.

Dave quickly whipped out his phone and began typing. He was messaging Ian about his suggestion. If the head assistant would approve of Mien working at the Reyes Group, then Cedric was most likely to approve of the idea.

"Wait, what are you doing?" Mien asked when he noticed Dave typing on his phone. 

"Just checking with Ian what he thinks about the suggestion." Dave said as he placed his phone down on the counter.

"Do you guys even have the power to decide on these things?" Mien asked as Dave's phone buzzed as a message came in.

"If Ian thinks it's a good idea, there is a high chance Cedric will too." Dave explained. "They are best friends and rarely disagree."

"I don't think I have a place here, plus what about my life in Singapore?" Mien asked.

"He said it's a good idea, he's calling Cedric now." Dave announced with a grin. "Mien, tell me honestly, you've lived most of your life out of that country, is that really your home?"

"It's where my mom lives." Mien said with a frown.

"If what Alexi and Ray say about your dad is true then your mom isn't from Singapore and she's been away from her family for decades." Dave explained. "Your home is here and you probably have relatives you've never met here. This move isn't just for your mom, but for you too." 

Mien frowned at the thought. Today, he learned that his father Cheng had been lying to him, there was so much that he wanted to learn about his family and his family's roots and Dave was right, this country was most likely where his mom had come from.

"Mien, moving here won't be a selfish thing. Your mom can choose to stay in Singapore or to come over." Dave told Mien in a serious tone. "The Reyes Group will give you a salary large enough to provide for her, no matter where she chooses to live."

"You're right." Mein said with a nod. "But I would need to talk to her first."

"Well Cedric just said yes." Dave said with a grin as he showed Mien his phone. 

"What? That fast?" Mien asked as he took Dave's phone and read the message.

It was from Cedric himself. It read 'Ian just called about Mien, I think it's a good idea. Call when you can.' 

"I guess the boss wants to discuss your terms of employment as soon as possible." Dave said with a laugh as he took his phone back and dialed Cedric's number.