Cross Lines

Chapter 41: Deep Talk

Jasmine watched Maggie's stunned reaction for a while, her expression ambiguous, neither laughing nor frowning. Since this involved Emily Luo, Maggie dared not overreact and could only respond vaguely:

"President Gao, you’re joking, right?"

Jasmine shook her head. "You don’t need to be nervous. I know about Emily."

"Dr. Luo? ... What about her?" Maggie stammered, trying to maintain her composure. She wasn’t a child, and she wouldn’t let her guard down so easily.

"You know, why Emily has always been so accommodating, even indulgent towards Qiqi? Their relationship has always been very close. Back then, I often saw Emily at home. Qiqi has a rather arrogant personality, and she didn’t have many friends at school. We were happy she had a classmate she got along with."

Maggie blinked. She could imagine the mixed emotions that often occur between young girls during their teenage years, which can be hard to define. However, Eva had once mentioned that there was nothing more between them, so what did that mean?

"Later, during their third year of junior high, something happened that seriously affected both their lives. Qiqi, although she was affected, eventually moved on. But Emily..."

Jasmine turned to look at Maggie. "It seems Emily is still troubled by that incident."

Maggie's brow furrowed. Considering Emily Luo's character, if the consequences of that event lasted so long, it was likely that the issue originated from her. However, Maggie didn’t rush to comment and waited for Jasmine to continue.

"They didn’t tell their families and went to a remote mountainous area one weekend. It was desolate and rarely visited. They probably went out of curiosity, but they encountered a group of thugs wandering around there..."

Maggie's heart sank. She sensed something troubling, her eyes showing some panic as a sharp pain pierced her heart.

"According to the police’s inquiry afterward, it seems... Qiqi made Emily leave first, and when Emily hurried back with the adults, the thugs were gone. No one knows what happened at that time, and Qiqi stubbornly refused to speak about it. We didn’t want to hurt her, so we didn’t press for details."

Qiqi’s beautiful face flashed in Maggie’s mind. At this moment, she admitted she felt not only grateful but also a deep respect. This didn’t seem like something Qiqi’s character would do, but since she did, it meant her feelings for Emily Luo were definitely more than just friendship.

"Manager Gao, she..."

"Her father quickly made arrangements. Qiqi did not take the entrance exams and went directly abroad for high school. Emily went abroad after the college entrance exam, and they did not end up in the same place."

Maggie was somewhat confused. It seemed they had not crossed any boundaries in their relationship. For both of them, it was a tragic event in their lives, but it seemed they did not have any deeper ties. Seeing Maggie in deep thought, Jasmine decided to explain further:

"I’m not sure if Emily had different feelings before the incident or if the incident led her to feel guilty and have compensatory feelings. But Qiqi, despite sometimes having feelings deeper than for me, never had thoughts that crossed boundaries. I am very clear about this because, in Qiqi's heart, there is someone else."

Maggie remained silent. The impact of Jasmine's words was significant, and she was struggling to process it. Jasmine’s probing gaze and slightly testing tone made her feel somewhat uncomfortable.

"Although Qiqi never had thoughts beyond friendship, her possessiveness towards Emily was deeply ingrained from childhood. I believe a large part of her hostility towards you is because you have shown interest in Emily. She feels threatened by the idea of losing her possession."

Jasmine's analysis seemed logical and insightful. She had explained an extremely private matter to Maggie, which was more than just a sign of trust—it was revealing something that Maggie might never have known otherwise. At this point, Maggie could no longer conceal the truth:

"I do like Dr. Luo, but I also understand that Manager Gao occupies most of her heart."

Shrugging, Maggie smiled wryly. "After hearing what you said, I think that’s only natural."

"Will you give up?"

Jasmine's expression remained neutral.

"No. I think Dr. Luo might be confusing feelings with love; and as for Manager Gao, even if she sees Dr. Luo as her possession, since she can’t offer anything, there's no need to possess her."

Maggie spoke candidly. Jasmine pondered for a moment and asked:

"When did you realize you had these tendencies?"

"Since kindergarten."

Jasmine's eyes widened in surprise. Maggie smiled:

"I’m not joking. From a young age, I liked to be around pretty and clean little girls. I never had thoughts beyond friendship with boys, let alone any relationship."

"I’ve read that absolute homosexuals and heterosexuals are in the minority; most people are potential bisexuals, just leaning more towards one side."

"Oh?" Maggie's eyes widened. "People outside this group rarely understand it so thoroughly."

Jasmine’s expression returned to its previous indifference. "I thought Lola might be your target."

Maggie's eyes rolled, and she suddenly adopted a dramatic pose, "We’re just friends, really, just friends."

Jasmine chuckled slowly, "Alright, alright, I’m not teasing you anymore. I’m a bit tired. Let’s go to sleep, shall we?"

"Yes!" Maggie quickly looked up, eager to agree.

Meanwhile, Emily Luo and Eva, following Maggie's detailed instructions, arrived at Grace's café during a warm spring afternoon. The plants by the roadside had fresh green hues, and the wind was gentle.

After some time, Eva had become less emotionally reactive when facing Grace. Although she was still not completely calm, she could at least sit down and let her gaze follow Grace.

Grace approached with the coffee menu and immediately noticed the two. She stiffened momentarily, looked around for her colleagues, but everyone seemed busy.

After a pause, seemingly with no other option, she walked over with an indifferent expression, handed over the menu, and stood aside with her lips tightly pressed, not uttering a word. Emily Luo carefully examined the coffee types, occasionally glancing at Eva.

The boss did not even open the menu. Her gaze was fixed on Grace, but she did not meet her eyes. With a spirit of helpfulness, the doctor deliberately took her time, slowly reading through the entire coffee menu before casually choosing one:

"Espresso."

During this time, Grace remained silently standing. Only when Emily Luo returned the menu did she give a slight nod. Then, it was Eva’s turn.

Grace’s expression was serious, and her gaze toward Eva was far from friendly. Moreover, she seemed unwilling to speak to Eva, letting time pass in silence.

The boss returned the menu, her lips parting slightly to say a few words:

"Same as before."

Emily Luo couldn’t help but admire the boss silently. Grace had no choice but to remain silent and settle for the "same as before" coffee. The weight of those few words and what they implied was far more than just a cup of coffee.

As expected, Grace hesitated for a moment before frowning and replying:

"Please choose a drink from the menu."

Eva’s lips twitched slightly, and she raised her gaze to meet Grace’s eyes. After a moment, she said:

"Mandheling, with half a portion of milk foam."

Grace collected the menu expressionlessly and left. Emily Luo sighed in relief. She had been nervously holding her breath. The two of them must have had a very intriguing past…