Cross Lines

Chapter 49: The Beginning

Jasmine's discussion with Zachary and Maggie was inevitably about the same matter. However, her approach was much more pleasant. In front of Zachary, Jasmine was professional yet gentle, leaving Maggie with nothing much to say.

Maggie didn't feel strongly about the arrangement; she was quite open-minded. On the surface, it seemed like Yafu was taking advantage of her, but as an employee during a critical period, Maggie felt some obligation to be utilized. Besides, there was also a challenge in defeating her own creation as the chief designer for Yimei's new product.

The downside was the additional work, and Maggie reflected on how she hadn't had a break since last year, feeling like capitalists are indeed relentless. Yet, she had her personal life to consider.

Despite her usual professional demeanor, Maggie showed a rare frown as she leaned against the break room counter. Poppy, who came over for sugar, was stunned and quickly ran back to her seat, stirring up a new round of gossip in the company chat.

Feeling a bit embarrassed at having her private moment exposed, Maggie took out her phone for some essential relationship maintenance—phone chatting. To avoid disturbing Emily Luo at work, she sent a quick message first:

—Are you there?

Emily Luo, who had just finished surgery and hadn’t changed yet, saw Maggie’s urgent message when she checked her drawer. She quickly replied:

—I’m here, what’s up?

—Nothing, just testing the signal.

Emily Luo rolled her eyes at the screen, threw her phone aside, and went to wash her hands. However, the phone persisted, so she reluctantly answered.

“Hello?”

“Hmm, are you busy? Am I interrupting you?”

Emily Luo sat down with a sigh, “Yes!”

“Ah~” Maggie sounded reluctant, but Emily Luo laughed.

“Alright, what’s up?”

“Not much, just wanted to chat. The company has given me more work, so I’ll be staying late. Not too happy about it.” Maggie complained slowly.

Emily Luo responded without much emotion, “Aren’t you usually fine with overtime? Plus, you have your assistant with you.”

“What assistant?” Maggie mumbled.

Emily Luo snorted, sounding dismissive, “Don’t you usually have someone with you when you work late?”

“How do you know? Who told you?” Maggie asked slowly.

“If you haven’t done anything wrong, why worry about others reporting you?” Emily Luo said, then changed the subject, “Do you want to have dinner together tonight?”

Emily Luo was quiet for a moment, then replied, “I have plans with Qiqi tonight.”

The atmosphere shifted, and Maggie, understanding the situation, suppressed her disappointment to avoid upsetting Emily Luo.

“Okay…”

After a pause, Emily Luo understood Maggie's discomfort.

“Hm?”

Maggie cleared her throat, “Well—don’t drink too much and come home early. Do you want me to pick you up?”

“You’re working late, aren’t you?”

“There’s still time.”

Emily Luo chuckled, “No need. Focus on your work. Qiqi and I are going to Eva’s place to discuss something. We won’t be drinking.”

“Oh, I see.” Maggie’s tone improved, “Alright then, you go ahead, and I’ll get back to work.”

“Mm, bye.”

After ending the call, Maggie felt a bit dazed. She finished her coffee, rinsed the cup, poured herself more water, and returned to her office.

That night, Emily Luo arrived at the bar and saw the person who had previously watched Maggie sitting at the bar talking to Eva. This struck Emily Luo as odd. Qiqi was preoccupied with her companions, allowing Emily Luo to observe the person’s back for a while.

When the person finally left, Emily Luo approached the bar where Eva was. Eva, extinguishing her cigarette and smiling, said nothing. Emily Luo, feeling a bit awkward, tried to act nonchalant.

“Who was that person earlier?”

Eva blinked, “Willow Zhang, an old friend who recently returned from Indonesia after several years.”

“Someone from the circle?”

“Clearly.”

Emily Luo pursed her lips, not saying anything more. Eva looked at her.

“Why? Do you know her?”

“No, just saw her here once before. She seemed to have an unfriendly interest in Maggie and left when she saw me.”

Eva raised an eyebrow, “Maggie?”

Emily Luo realized her slip of the tongue and blushed, coughing to cover it up, “I don’t take teasing well.”

Eva laughed, noting the different behavior of people in love.

“I haven’t said anything.”

Anan, who was free, made Emily Luo a drink. Emily Luo took it, hiding her face behind the cup, avoiding eye contact with Eva. Eva, understanding the situation better than Emily Luo, said, “It’s good to be open-minded.” She glanced at Qiqi, who was engrossed in conversation with the others.

“What did she say?”

Emily Luo looked over, seeing Qiqi animatedly discussing with two well-dressed men, oblivious to their conversation.

“She doesn’t know.”

“Doesn’t know?” Eva was slightly surprised, then nodded, “No wonder. If she knew, it might not be so calm.”

Emily Luo looked down, remaining silent.

“Why did she suddenly come here?”

Eva, though familiar with Qiqi, didn’t interact with her much and wasn’t particularly fond of her. She was only an acquaintance through Emily Luo.

Dr. Luo touched her forehead, “It’s about some investment projects. They didn’t want to meet outside in case they ran into the wrong people. I’m just here to accompany her.”

Eva, an experienced person, understood more than Emily Luo and shook her head, saying nothing further.

That night, Maggie returned home after midnight, holding her phone but ultimately putting it down. The feeling wasn’t pleasant, but it was bearable.

The next morning, Maggie, groggy from staying up late, struggled through breakfast. Her head felt heavy. Her dog, Stop, was happily munching on its food.

Her phone rang. Maggie took a sip of milk, went to get the phone, and saw Emily Luo’s name on the screen.

“Hello?”

“What time did you go to bed last night?” Emily Luo’s voice sounded like she was on her way to work, with the sound of heels clicking.

“Hmm? Oh, around midnight.” Maggie cleared her throat.

“Midnight? How long will this work take?” Emily Luo’s voice sounded hurried, possibly because she was walking.

“A week until the launch event. It’s tight. The promotional video is being made, and Zachary is helping with the PowerPoint. I’m preparing for the live speech.”

Maggie grabbed the last piece of egg from the counter as she spoke.

“Is there anything I can help with?”

The sound of car locks and doors closing came through as Emily Luo’s voice became clearer.

“Aren’t you on the night shift today and the day after?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I should be ready by then. Let’s meet the day after tomorrow. I’ll go over my speech with you, and you can give me feedback.”

“Alright. I’ll call you when I know what time you’re home.”

“Okay.”

“Bye, I’m driving now.”

“Bye.”

Maggie hung up and finished her milk. No one mentioned the previous night, as if nothing had happened. Stop finished eating, lay down, and played with its paws. Maggie put away her cup and went to freshen up.

In reality, nothing significant had occurred.

Three days later, Emily Luo rang Maggie’s doorbell promptly after work. Maggie was making soup, and the aroma filled the house. She joyfully ran to the door. When it opened, Emily Luo saw Maggie holding a ladle with a cheerful expression and Stop following behind.

It was a comforting feeling, making Emily Luo forget her fatigue instantly.

Maggie checked her pot, and Emily Luo changed her shoes, took off her coat, and picked up the little dog.

“Stop, aren’t you happy that you’re not getting injections anymore?”

The little dog tilted its head and made a small noise.

After playing with the dog for a while, Emily Luo put it down and approached Maggie, who was tasting the soup.

“How’s it coming along?”

Maggie tasted the soup with a spoon and, seeing Emily Luo, handed her a spoonful. Emily Luo tasted it and said, “Add a bit more salt.”

Having faith in her taste after their last encounter, Maggie promptly added a pinch of salt.

“Wait five more minutes, and it’ll be ready.”