Cross Lines

Chapter 42: The Party

Industry exhibitions are typically short-lived, lasting no more than two days after the opening. Maggie stayed with Jasmine for another night, and by the afternoon of the third day, they were ready to head back.

They arrived at the airport a bit late, and with check-in and boarding in a rush. Fortunately, traveling with her boss meant Maggie could sit in first class. She settled into the comfy seat, almost like a massage chair, and planned to catch up on sleep before reaching home.

Jasmine suddenly tapped her on the hand. Maggie turned to see Jasmine nodding towards a man with black-rimmed glasses at her 10 o'clock position.

"See that guy over there? The one in the beige trousers and white checkered shirt?" Jasmine asked.

Maggie leaned over and noticed a well-groomed man with neatly combed hair and a refined wide temple.

"Yeah, I see him. What’s up?"

"That’s Aaron Si, the son of Sophia Xu, the chairman of Yimei Furniture."

"Really?"

Maggie knew Yimei was a major rival of Yafu, competing fiercely in the same city. She wasn’t familiar with the internal affairs of Yimei.

"Aaron Si returned to the country last year and has taken over some responsibilities at Yimei, including the design department. I saw him at the exhibition yesterday," Jasmine said in a low voice, the man wearing headphones unaware of their conversation.

"I think he’s likely aware of the situation. It might be easier to get information from his side than ours."

Maggie nodded thoughtfully. "So, he's the successor at Yimei?"

Jasmine glanced at Maggie. "Not necessarily. Sophia Xu has twins—Aaron and his sister Ethan Si. Previously, Ethan managed most of Yimei’s daily operations."

The situation seemed complex to Maggie, but she kept her thoughts to herself. Jasmine appeared deep in thought and didn’t speak further. Maggie glanced at the man again, unsure of Jasmine’s plans.

After landing, Maggie pushed her luggage through the airport, scanning for someone from the company to pick up Jasmine. Jasmine asked, “Maggie, do you have something going on today?”

Maggie smiled. “Yes, it’s our boss’s birthday today, and the team planned a celebration.”

Jasmine raised an eyebrow, surprised. “Zachary’s birthday?”

She nodded thoughtfully. “Ah, it must be around this time…”

Maggie noticed a fleeting hint of sadness in Jasmine’s expression but it quickly disappeared. Jasmine then asked, “Are you okay with me joining your party?”

“Of course! You’d be the best birthday present for our boss!” Maggie replied eagerly, then laughed awkwardly to cover her enthusiasm. Jasmine gave her a sidelong glance but didn’t comment.

“What time and where?”

“At the bar street, there’s a place called ‘Topology’—it’s our regular spot. Poppy and the others will be there after work. I’ll drop my luggage at home, change, and head over to get things ready.”

As Maggie and Jasmine’s rapport grew, their conversations became more natural. Jasmine nodded. “I’ll need to check on my daughter and might be a bit late.”

“No problem! If you have trouble finding the place, just call me and I’ll come get you.”

Maggie’s cheerful response made her happy. She sensed Zachary’s subtle feelings for Jasmine, even though it seemed hopeless. A little affection, even if unfulfilled, was still nice.

But life had its surprises. When Maggie saw Poppy walking in with Lola, she was momentarily stunned, realizing the awkwardness of their encounter outside Yafu. Jasmine and Lola would likely prefer not to run into each other outside of work.

However, since Lola was already there, Maggie welcomed her with a smile, prioritizing the birthday celebration and the guest of honor’s mood. Lola seemed relaxed, greeting everyone warmly and fitting in well with the team, thanks to her good relationship with Maggie.

Zachary, typically calm and reserved, accepted the well-meaning efforts of his staff to lighten up, though he still kept to himself, sipping his drink and watching the lively scene.

When Jasmine arrived, Zachary stood up before anyone else noticed, his face showing surprise mixed with delight. Maggie quickly stood up, calling out, “President Gao.”

Jasmine approached with a gift bag, smiling. “Another birthday has arrived so quickly. We’re all getting older.”

Zachary took the gift bag with a hesitant smile, opening his mouth but not speaking.

“President Gao, please sit and have a drink.”

Maggie moved aside to stand by Jasmine. Jasmine glanced at her, then briefly at Lola, before saying, “I won’t sit. You all enjoy yourselves. I’ll stay here to avoid any awkwardness, especially since things are still happening at home.”

Jasmine’s change of plans was clearly influenced by Lola’s presence. Maggie understood but didn’t comment. Lola remained calm and composed, observing Jasmine and Maggie without evasiveness.

“Alright, then I’ll see President Gao out,” Maggie said.

“I’ll do it,” Zachary interjected, noticing everyone’s attention on him. He added awkwardly, “I’ll step out for a smoke. Need to clear my head.”

Maggie agreed. “Great, then Zachary will see President Gao out.”

Jasmine nodded and said a quick goodbye to the group before leaving. As soon as she was gone, the group resumed their lively celebration.

Maggie returned to her seat, her thoughts lingering on Lola. The bar street was still relatively quiet. Though spring had arrived, the evening air was cool. Zachary and Jasmine walked side by side in silence for a while before Zachary finally asked, “How have things been?”

Jasmine looked ahead at the city’s bright neon lights, casting shifting hues on her face. “About the same—neither good nor bad.”

“Has Leo been causing trouble after drinking?”

Jasmine didn’t respond immediately, then sighed softly. Zachary, hands in pockets, lowered his head, sensing her reluctance to continue the topic.

“Last week, I visited Xiao Fei.”

“Really?”

Jasmine’s brief response showed her disinterest in discussing further. Zachary fell silent as well.

The car was parked not far away, and they soon reached it. Jasmine turned to Zachary. “Have you considered finding someone to look after you?”

Zachary hesitated, then shook his head with a wry smile. Jasmine studied him for a moment before saying, “Alright, I’m heading off. See you at the office tomorrow.”

Without waiting for his reply, she got into the car, merging with the traffic and disappearing from view. Zachary, lost in thought, watched her leave.

The ‘Topology’ bar’s restroom was spotless, even better than many home bathrooms. Scented with incense, it had no unpleasant odors. When Maggie and Lola rushed in, Maggie was still frustrated.

“What happened?”

“Fengzi bumped Poppy, spilling the drink,” Lola said calmly.

“Quick, take off your shirt and use the dryer. It’ll dry soon.”

Lola hesitated, then removed her cashmere sweater, revealing only her bra underneath. In the dim light, her skin had an almost unspoken allure.

Maggie, used to this, took the sweater and spread it under the dryer. The sound of the machine filled the space.

“Are you cold? Should I get you a jacket?”

“I’m okay, just give it some time.”

“Alright.”

A brief silence followed. After a moment, Lola hesitated before asking, “Why did President Gao come today?”

Maggie explained, “She’s friends with our boss, Zachary. They’ve known each other for years.”

“Oh,” Lola nodded, “How was your business trip?”

“It went well. I even brought a gift. I’ll give it to you at the office tomorrow.”

Before Lola could reply, the sound of a toilet flushing came from a nearby stall. The two exchanged glances and looked towards the source of the noise.

The stall door opened, and Emily Luo stood there, looking at them with an expressionless face.