Cross Lines

Chapter 2: Heartfelt

Emily Luo closed the report she was working on, picked up the registration slip Maggie had left on the desk, and tapped her shoulder with a finger. "Put your clothes back on and bring your medical records with you."

At this point, Maggie was too flustered to feel embarrassed. She hurriedly buttoned her clothes and watched Emily Luo's face closely, hoping to catch any signs of what might be coming. However, Emily Luo’s expression remained neutral.

The room they were headed to was just two doors away. Upon entering, a young doctor stood up immediately. "Dr. Luo."

Emily Luo nodded, and Maggie felt awkward, realizing she had mispronounced the name. "Is anyone using the machine?"

"No."

"Alright, come with me."

Emily Luo stepped aside, addressing Maggie. They entered a small room with a machine set up, and Emily Luo began preparing some equipment.

"Dr. Luo, could it be breast cancer..." Maggie asked timidly.

Emily Luo paused, looking at Maggie with curiosity. "Why do you ask?"

"Um..."

"Do you have a family history?"

After a moment’s hesitation, Maggie nodded sadly. "My mother passed away from breast cancer..."

"Oh, take off your clothes first."

Maggie was disappointed, expecting some useful explanation. Seeing Emily Luo's indifferent expression, she chose not to press further. After slowly undressing her upper body and sitting in front of the machine, Emily Luo said, "Turn off the lights."

Turn off the lights?! What is happening??

Before she could react, everything went dark. The sensation of the dark, combined with her nudity, made Maggie’s hair stand on end. She felt exposed and vulnerable.

Before she could finish her panicked thoughts, a red light appeared, shining on her chest. Emily Luo's cool fingers touched her skin as she spoke softly, "It's good to be cautious and have regular check-ups, but overthinking will only scare yourself."

"…"

Maggie was stiff as she was touched by a stranger. Even the presence of a beautiful doctor did not ease her discomfort.

During the examination, Emily Luo remained silent while Maggie remained quiet, enduring the sensation in the darkness. Fortunately, the dark concealed her flushed face, and Emily Luo's touch was gentle.

A few minutes later, the lights came back on. Emily Luo’s expression remained unchanged. "There's a slight hyperplasia, but it's not serious. Don’t worry."

Maggie felt a huge weight lift off her shoulders and her face lit up with relief. "Really?"

Emily Luo glanced at her. "Are you disappointed?"

"No, no, I’m just glad it’s nothing serious."

Emily Luo gave a faint smile and opened the medical record. "What’s your name?"

Maggie blinked her bright eyes. "Can I get dressed first?"

Emily Luo rolled her eyes and waved the pen, indicating hurry up. Maggie happily put her clothes back on and replied, "Maggie."

"Age?"

"Twenty-seven..."

Emily Luo was about to write but was interrupted. "And a half."

Another roll of the eyes from Emily Luo, but Maggie, relieved about her health, chose to overlook it.

"Don’t wear overly tight bras, avoid soy products and barbecued food, and if possible, apply heat and massage regularly. Also, come for check-ups every six months or a year."

Emily Luo advised earnestly.

Maggie cheerfully asked, "Can I come to you for check-ups?"

Emily Luo paused, thought for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, you can."

Maggie was even happier. "Do I need any medication?"

"No, you don’t need any medication. I’ll write the precautions in your medical record. Just pay attention to them," Emily Luo said, scribbling on the record.

Maggie, excited, tried to chat, "Dr. Luo, are you a friend of President. Gao?"

Emily Luo focused on writing, seemingly ignoring the question. After finishing, she handed the record to Maggie. "That’s all. Goodbye."

Maggie, feeling slightly snubbed, but in good spirits, left the hospital, feeling the blue sky and sunshine more pleasantly. The chaotic parking lot seemed charming, and even the grumpy parking attendant looked cute. Life felt beautiful!

With this wise and contented mindset, Maggie went home, changed clothes, made a cup of herbal tea, and examined the medical record on the sofa. The handwriting was bold and powerful, not like a woman's at all. It was well-organized and easy to read. Indeed, the handwriting reflected the person! Maggie admired the doctor’s elegance and tenderness, completely overlooking the details in the notes. Her visit to the hospital turned into a delightful encounter.

After reliving the pleasant experience, Maggie remembered her boss’s request. She sighed and went to her desk to check her email. As expected, the feedback was from Peng Jin, likely summarizing Jasmine’s feedback. There were a few minor suggestions, and Maggie noted that the boss was much easier to deal with than clients.

At the end of the email was a note: "Maggie, let’s go out for tea sometime."

It was clearly Peng Jin’s way of asking. Maggie frowned slightly, deciding to ignore it. Since an unexpected encounter last year, Peng Jin had shown an uncharacteristically condescending attitude towards her. Although she had to deal with the boss's secretary, she chose to avoid unnecessary conflict.

The next day at work, Maggie brought a roll of design sketches into the office. The design department manager, Zachary, already there, was wearing a black turtleneck and skinny jeans, studying his design sketches with a coffee cup in hand.

"Hey, boss, here early?"

Zachary sniffed and replied, "Early? I haven’t left."

"Really?"

Maggie placed her things at her desk and looked at the man with a ponytail in surprise. "You’re so dedicated."

"The deadline is approaching, and I still don’t have a good idea."

Zachary sipped from his cup and said slowly.

Maggie gaped and then shook her head. "Impressive."

"And you?"

Zachary kept his eyes on his sketches.

"Don’t ask. Last night, I was dragged into the office for interrogation by the second boss."

Maggie put her hands on her hips, looking frustrated.

"Jasmine? Isn’t she easy to talk to?"

Zachary remained calm, and Maggie decided not to elaborate, deflating. "It was just questioning, no actual torture."

Zachary chuckled without commenting further.

After briefly reporting on her situation, Maggie went to make tea. Having such a boss was fortunate. Zachary focused mainly on his design inspiration and was not overly concerned with office politics. For Maggie, this was much better, even though she might be seen as a significant threat to his position.

An hour into work, the new intern designer, Poppy, arrived with a strong perfume. While the design department had flexible hours, such tardiness still attracted attention.

Poppy, whose real name was different, had chosen her stage name because she disliked her father’s choice. The petite and pampered girl, not very socially aware, brought out a container of homemade cookies and offered them to everyone.

Though her intentions were good, office rules prohibited eating in the workspace. Snacks were available in the break room, and violations could result in salary deductions. The male colleagues declined politely, but Poppy approached Maggie.

"Maggie, try some! I made these myself. They’re delicious."

Maggie, absorbed in her computer work, accepted a cookie without much thought. Just as she was about to chew, the office door opened and HR Deputy Manager Lily’s voice rang out, "Let me introduce a new colleague!"

With the cookie stuck in her mouth, Maggie struggled to chew and swallow it quickly, hoping to finish before Lily introduced the new hire.