Mystery: Gray Walker

Chapter 61 Workplace Experts

The commander's voice sounded somewhat familiar.

Green turned around and saw Henry standing at the door, a smile on his face, directing the workers to set things up.

When Green saw what had been moved in, he was taken aback.

The first thing carried in was a large, heavy solid wood desk made of carved walnut wood.

These are not the standard, rigid desks found in the port authority's logistics department warehouse.

Next was a high-backed armchair and two tall filing cabinets, also made of dark solid wood with polished brass handles.

Furniture was continuously moved inside, and workers carefully placed each item, quickly transforming the once empty basement into a comfortable study.

When Anaïs arrived, she covered her mouth to avoid making a sound of surprise at the sight before her.

She stood at the edge of the carpet, her gaze sweeping from the thick carpet and the brand-new fireplace down to the exquisite furniture being arranged, her eyes filled with disbelief and awe.

Henry saw Anaïs and a meaningful smile appeared on his face.

He pointed to the smaller, but equally exquisitely crafted walnut desk next to Green's desk and said with a smile:

"Anna, look, that'll be your desk from now on. Do a good job."

He then turned to the side and lowered his voice: "Take good care of him. Otherwise... you'll be sorry!"

Anaïs quickly lowered her head, her cheeks flushing instantly, and whispered, "I...I understand."

Henry nodded in satisfaction, then turned and actively directed the workers to move the bookshelves. "Yes, that bookcase is against this wall! Be careful not to bump into it!"

As he gave directions, he approached Green, and when he reached Green, his face immediately lit up with respect and flattery:

"Mr. Morris, are you satisfied with these? I think the style and quality of these pieces of furniture perfectly suit your taste."

He paused, then lowered his voice and said, "I happen to have a friend who specializes in custom-made vintage-style furniture. If you have any other special needs in the future, such as safes, hidden compartments, or the like..."

"Can these... be accounted for by the port authority?" Green suddenly interrupted him with a smile, his gaze sweeping over the obviously expensive furniture.

He didn't believe the port authority had such ample funds.

Henry's smile froze on his face instantly, and he quickly waved his hand, "Look at what you're saying, this is just a small token of my appreciation. A little... insignificant token. Making you feel more comfortable working here is more important than anything else."

He deliberately emphasized the word "thoughtfulness," characterizing this lavish arrangement as a purely private gift, rather than a public expenditure.

It is both an expression of loyalty and a blurring of boundaries.

The more he gave, the more subtle the favor Green seemed to owe him, even though both sides knew the true nature of this favor.

Green didn't press further, but instead gave Henry a meaningful look.

"You've put your heart into this," Green said finally, turning to walk towards the large desk that had already been set up.

He ran his hand across the smooth tabletop, feeling the soft touch of the carpet, before finally fixing his gaze on the fireplace that was already built and ready to be lit.

Henry, observing the situation, immediately understood and went to the fireplace with great courtesy:

"Mr. Morris, shall we test the fire now? The firewood is all top-quality dry wood, and the kindling is also ready."

Green nodded: "Go ahead and light it."

Upon hearing this, Henry immediately knelt down, skillfully arranged the kindling and firewood, and lit a match.

The flames quickly flared up, and the dry firewood soon began to crackle softly.

The warm flames dispelled the chill, leaping within the fireplace and instantly filling the entire 'study' with a sense of life.

Anaïs stood by her small desk, looking at the flickering fire, then at Green's tall, upright figure in the firelight, and then at Henry's obsequious expression. She lowered her head silently, lost in thought.

After the workers had arranged the furniture and placed some decorations on the walls, they left in an orderly manner.

And now, almost a whole morning has passed since I started working this morning.

Green sat on the armchair in front of the fireplace, looked at Henry, and asked casually, "Any progress on tomorrow's charity night?"

Henry smiled slightly; he had guessed correctly, Green indeed had ideas about the charity night.

"Of course," Henry immediately took out two invitations from his pocket and handed them over with both hands.

"Don't worry, everything is ready. This is a temporary pass specially approved by 'Silver Sail Service Company.' It is nominally for a 'Port Authority liaison officer' to assist with the logistics coordination of the banquet. It allows access to most areas of the banquet hall, but... you cannot go to the main guest table."

"It's okay, I just...want to go and take a look." Green accepted the invitation.

The paper is thick and well-made, with silver embossed edges. It is inscribed with the words "Oberhafen Port Development and Charity Night," along with the time and location, in cursive script. Below it is a handwritten stamp and number for "Special Assistance Personnel."

Green examined the invitation; it was unlikely to be forged or obtained through any irregularities. Henry certainly had connections in this area.

"Why are there two portions?" Green asked, looking up.

Henry quickly explained, "Mr. Morris, it makes no sense for anyone to attend a dinner of this caliber. Being alone, especially as an 'assistant,' is too conspicuous. It's easy for people to stare at you, and it's also easy to... be questioned."

"Bringing a female companion makes it much more natural. It's like taking a break from work and casually showing off your skills. It's reasonable and not so conspicuous."

As he spoke, his gaze unconsciously and quickly swept over Anaïs, who was pretending to organize documents not far away.

Green followed his gaze and Anaïs seemed to sense it. Her body stiffened slightly, and she lowered her head even further, her ears turning slightly red.

Makes sense.

Green had to admit that Henry had considered everything very thoroughly.

These are the kinds of details that people who lack social experience or experience in covert operations tend to overlook.

It's certainly incongruous for a single male staff member to appear alone at a banquet like this.

It would be much more natural for men and women to participate together, as it would reduce their presence and make it easier for them to move around and observe.

Looking at Henry's face, which seemed to say "I'm thinking of you," a complex realization dawned on him.

He finally understood what kind of people thrived in the workplace, in the gray areas, and in any environment that required navigating interpersonal relationships.

A typical example was right in front of him.

Even if this person is morally deficient, bullies the weak and fears the strong, and has a long history of misconduct, it does not prove how strong his professional knowledge of port management is.

But with this ability to understand superiors' intentions, anticipate needs, clear obstacles, and do things "beautifully" or even "beyond expectations," which superior who needs his services wouldn't like it?

This is also a skill—the ability to operate efficiently within established and unspoken rules, and to secure benefits and safety for oneself and those one depends on.

It has nothing to do with good or evil, it only concerns practicality.

"You've thought of everything." Green put away the invitation, his tone flat, revealing little praise or criticism.

Henry, however, seemed to have received the highest commendation; his back straightened unconsciously, and his smile became even brighter.

"Of course, of course! Then... what do you think of as a female companion?" he asked tentatively, his eyes drifting towards Anaïs.