Cross Lines

Chapter 57: The Reward

Maggie’s mood these days could be described as "spring breeze with swift horse's hooves." Though her heart was blossoming, she maintained a calm exterior. The atmosphere at the company was subtly changing, but Maggie, confident in her position, remained unperturbed.

Jasmine’s summons came immediately after the morning meeting. Secretary Peng’s tone was very formal, "Maggie, President Gao would like to see you."

Maggie sipped her goji and chrysanthemum tea, "Sure, I'll be right there."

The vice president’s office was as immaculate as ever, with the summer sun streaming in strongly, only partially obscured by the sheer curtains. Jasmine’s outfit had switched to summer wear; the silk blouse seemed a bit inadequate against the powerful air conditioning.

Jasmine’s smile was genuine as soon as she saw Maggie, her face lighting up with pleasure, "So, have you decided what reward you want?"

Maggie was equally delighted, "President Gao’s approval is the best reward."

Jasmine gave her a sidelong glance and pursed her lips, "Cut the pleasantries; I’m serious."

Maggie fell silent but kept her smile. Jasmine invited her to sit on the sofa, "If you haven’t decided, I’ll take care of it. The bonus will be according to company policy; I’ve already spoken to HR. Besides that, for this year’s mid-level staff trip, you and your entire department will go together."

Maggie’s eyes brightened, "Great! Thank you, President Gao. Where are we going this year?"

"To Australia."

Just as Maggie was about to cheer, she suddenly remembered something, "Australia…"

"Yes? What’s wrong? Have you been there recently?"

"No, no. President Gao, will Manager Gao be going too?" Maggie asked, somewhat hesitantly.

"Qiqi? I’m not sure; she didn’t mention it. But she probably will go since she likes the beach."

For the rest of the conversation, Jasmine briefed Maggie on the follow-up for new product samples and the progress regarding the design draft theft. Maggie listened absently, her mind preoccupied with one thought: Australia!

Since Dr. Luo had a surgery scheduled in the afternoon, she had lunch in the hospital cafeteria before noon. The hospital managed these things humanely, with a special kitchen for surgeons with uncertain schedules, ensuring they could always get a meal.

When Lucas Lee arrived, Emily Luo had almost finished eating and greeted him politely. Dr. Lee set his tray on the table and sat opposite her.

"Afternoon surgery?" Most people who came to eat around this time had similar situations. Emily Luo nodded, finishing the last bite of her food. At this moment, the chef brought out freshly made congee and called out to Emily Luo, "Dr. Luo, would you like some congee?"

"Yes, please! Thank you!" Emily Luo responded to the plump chef and then asked Lucas Lee, "Would you like me to get you a bowl?"

"No need, it’s too hot for you to handle. I’ll get it myself later," Lucas Lee rarely smiled, but when facing Emily Luo, his usually stern expression softened. However, Emily Luo’s demeanor seemed just as unyielding.

While Emily Luo was fetching a bowl of congee, her phone rang persistently three times before she returned. Lucas Lee glanced at the screen, which only displayed the word "Full," with no other information. Seeing Emily Luo return, he smirked slightly, "Your phone."

Emily Luo raised an eyebrow, set down her congee bowl, and answered the call, "Busy? What’s up?"

Maggie’s voice was urgent, making Dr. Luo frown in response, "What’s wrong?"

"About what you said yesterday, Qiqi wants you to accompany her to Australia. Is she going with our company trip?"

"Huh?" Emily Luo was puzzled, "What? I thought I told you I’m not going…"

"I know, but it seems I might have to go…"

Emily Luo fell silent, trying to understand the situation. Maggie quickly explained, "It’s the company’s mid-level benefit trip this year. We’re all going to Australia. Qiqi is likely joining us, and she wants you to come along."

"Okay. And?"

"I thought you two were going alone. Now it looks like I might be going too…"

"Yes." Dr. Luo remained impassive, scooping a spoonful of congee, blowing on it, and eating.

"…" Maggie was at a loss for words. She felt Emily Luo had understood her concern but was not giving a clear response. After a long pause, she asked, "So, are you going or not…?"

Emily Luo found it amusing, "Why would I go on your company’s trip? Besides, even if I go, it will be with Qiqi, so I wouldn’t have the chance to accompany you."

"I know, but—" Maggie paused, "It would be fun to go together…"

Maggie understood how busy Emily Luo was and felt that dragging her away for a long trip might be unreasonable, so she lowered her voice, making it almost inaudible.

Emily Luo did not respond immediately, seeming lost in thought. After a while, she spoke again, "I’ll check with Qiqi tonight to confirm. Let’s not get it mixed up. I’ll let you know, okay?"

Although she did not agree outright, this response was not a rejection. Maggie, like a child, instantly became excited, "Great! Call her now!"

"I have a surgery later. I’ll call you tonight," Emily Luo refused without hesitation.

"Oh… Alright, then. Have something to eat before the surgery."

"Yes, I will. I’ll call you tonight. Bye."

Emily Luo hung up the phone and noticed Lucas Lee staring at her intently, feeling a bit uncomfortable. "Hmm? Is there something wrong?"

"Hehe, no," Dr. Lee averted his gaze, "Just never seen you with that kind of expression before."

"What kind of expression?"

"Can’t quite describe it. It seems… affectionate?"

Emily Luo was taken aback by this comment, unable to react immediately. Lucas Lee, with his hawk-like eyes, made her feel uneasy.

"Really?"

"Maybe the real feelings are revealed when you’re not conscious of them."

Lucas Lee spoke sincerely and then resumed eating. Emily Luo pondered for a moment, smiled, and let it go.

Unexpectedly, Emily Luo successfully obtained her annual leave. Maggie, who had not been very hopeful, was so thrilled that she bought two very expensive bikinis. She also got the best food for her dog, Ryan Ding, and strictly instructed not to feed him anything but dog food.

The preparations for the trip were a flurry of excitement and disarray. Though Maggie was not new to traveling, she was as excited as a school child going on a field trip. Whenever she had a moment, she was either shopping or on her way to shop. Emily Luo let her be, not bothering to interfere. Sticking to her own pace, she continued working, resting, and occasionally visiting Eva. Life seemed much more relaxed.

On the departure day, Emily Luo was picked up by Qiqi, and Maggie had nothing to do. Although she felt somewhat disgruntled, she merely rolled her eyes, knowing they were supposed to have fun together. No matter what, seeing her beloved person when happy was the best thing.

Maggie brought Lola along and drove her cheerful little car. Since learning of Lola’s true identity as a legitimate heiress, Maggie had questioned her current lifestyle but chose to remain a bystander, given the complexities of wealthy families. Lola seemed to be in a good mood as well, as a change of environment was refreshing after a long period of tension.

Two buses were parked outside the company to take them to the airport, and many management personnel had already gathered. Most of Maggie’s subordinates seized the opportunity to come, with only a few exceptions.

Maggie parked her car, organized her team, and instructed them to follow the arrangements and not act independently. Before she could finish, Poppy dragged her for a selfie. Though Maggie found the youth’s obsession with selfies a bit tiresome, she complied, flashing a bright smile with at least eight shining white teeth.

After organizing everything, the department manager came to direct everyone onto the bus. Maggie, who had been scanning for Dr. Luo, didn’t see her anywhere. Resignedly, she followed the arrangements and boarded the bus. As she climbed the steps, she saw Qiqi and Emily Luo sitting in the front row, looking at her.

Maggie froze for a moment, then managed a perfectly timed smile. Emily Luo glanced at her, then looked at Lola, who was still clutching Maggie’s sleeve.

"Dr. Luo, long time no see~~" Maggie greeted, her greeting as insincere as it was calculated. Emily Luo rolled her eyes internally but maintained a polite smile, "Hello."

Maggie casually walked to the back to find her seat. Emily Luo also smiled at Lola, then glanced at Lola’s hand still holding Maggie’s sleeve, before turning her head away.

Qiqi’s face was concealed by large sunglasses, but the corner of her mouth curled up in a contemptuous sneer.