Cross Lines

Chapter 35: Trivial Matters

Emily Luo often woke up before her alarm went off in the morning, and when she opened her eyes, she saw a scene bathed in the morning light. A shoulder, as fair as snow, was exposed to the air, beautifully shaped like flawless white porcelain, even reflecting a faint sheen. The scattered dark hair and the deep-colored bedding served as a backdrop, highlighting a breathtaking beauty.

Emily Luo blinked, gazing at the captivating sight so close before her, and suddenly felt an urge to touch. Maggie, facing away, was sleeping soundly, her body relaxed and breathing calm. Driven by a sudden impulse, Emily cautiously extended her hand, attempting to touch Maggie's exposed shoulder.

Just as her fingers were about to make contact, a loud "bang" came from downstairs, startling Dr. Luo, who quickly withdrew her hand. She felt as if she had been caught doing something wrong, her face flushed, heart racing, and her body frozen, as if afraid of being discovered.

Maggie remained still, seemingly undisturbed by the noise. Realizing she had forgotten about the little one, Emily sat up abruptly and reached out to tap Maggie through the covers.

“Maggie! Maggie!!”

Maggie, finally waking, stretched her legs, frowned, and turned her head, her eyes still half-closed and confused. Emily Luo, feeling her heart race, quickly looked away and got out of bed to adjust her bathrobe’s tie.

“Didn’t you hear that loud noise downstairs?”

“Mmm?”

Maggie was still groggy, watching Emily, who was flustered and disheveled, trying to process what was happening.

“Are we late?”

Emily paused, pursing her lips.

“No, downstairs, the dog must have knocked something over…”

“Oh…”

Maggie yawned, propped herself up on her elbows, still in a transition to full wakefulness. Seeing that her covers were about to expose her, Emily quickly turned her head away.

“I’ll go check!”

Though she didn’t understand why she felt so flustered, Maggie’s casual state contributed to it. She couldn’t help but find it odd how Maggie could be so unperturbed, even when sharing a bed.

The weather outside remained gloomy, but Maggie’s mood had cleared. The busy workday kept her calm and focused.

On QQ, Lola’s avatar was flashing, and Maggie raised an eyebrow, opening the chat.

—[Smile] I’m back.

—I know~~

—How did you know?

—I saw the chairman this morning. His return means yours as well.

—Smart kid! I like it! Dinner tonight?

—Sure, but I need to return early. Dr. Luo will come by my place tonight to change the dog’s bandages.

—Who’s Dr. Luo? What dog?

—A little golden retriever came to my place~~

—Really? I want to see.

—Come over after dinner.

—OK!

Maggie sipped her water, closing the chat with a smile.

The buzz around Lola and Seymour Gao's trip abroad stirred up quite a bit of office gossip. Maggie had to shut down an intrusive questioner with some sharp words. She wasn’t too concerned, as rumors only got worse with time.

When Lola arrived at Maggie’s home, she was immediately fascinated by the small dog peeking out of the box. She eagerly picked it up and began playfully shaking its little paws.

“Be careful, don’t touch its wound.”

Maggie changed into her clothes and started preparing dinner for the dog.

“It’s so cute. Where did you get it?”

“It’s not mine; it’s Dr. Luo’s. I’m just taking care of it while it heals.”

“Oh.” Lola sat on the sofa, placing the dog on her lap. “Who’s Dr. Luo?”

For the second time, Lola asked this question. Maggie had previously introduced her, but Lola now seemed to seek more information. Maggie blinked and smiled.

“A friend.”

“Oh…” Lola sensed a special tone in Maggie’s voice, “You’ve never mentioned them before.”

“Hmm…”

Maggie smiled, not elaborating further. Just as Lola was about to ask more, the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it!”

Maggie quickly responded, setting down what she was holding and heading to the door. Lola, observing her, tried to speak but held back as Maggie’s attention was elsewhere.

Emily Luo stood outside with a small medical kit and a cake box, looking relaxed. A smile quickly appeared on both their faces, sharing a subtle but undeniable joy.

Dr. Luo, entering and spotting someone on the sofa, seemed surprised. Maggie followed her inside.

“This is my colleague, Lola. This is Dr. Luo.”

They greeted each other. Lola, wanting to move the dog from her lap, was promptly helped by Emily Luo, who took the dog gently from her.

“Let me have it.”

Lola remained silent as Maggie placed the milk dish aside and spread a towel on the bar counter. Emily Luo placed the dog on it, adjusted the spotlight, making it feel as familiar as home. Then she retrieved two pairs of medical gloves, and the two of them worked closely together on the dog’s treatment.

“How does it look?”

“It seems fine, no inflammation.”

“Still bleeding?”

“No, just some discharge. Hand me the cotton swab.”

“Okay, with alcohol?”

“Iodine is better. Hold it steady.”

“Got it.”

Their conversation was smooth and familiar, their actions in perfect sync. The bright lighting made Lola feel like an outsider, unable to fully fit in.

After changing the bandages, Emily Luo set the dog down and offered it some milk. Maggie brought out fruit and tea.

“Dr. Luo brought cake. Would you like some?”

Lola glanced at Emily Luo, then back at Maggie.

“Not now, just had dinner.”

Emily Luo smiled. “It’s for breakfast.”

“Do I get it all to myself?”

“Well, the one gaining weight is only you.”

Dr. Luo, in a good mood, teased Maggie. Lola observed but found that Emily rarely looked in her direction.

After chatting for a while, Lola felt uneasy due to her unfamiliarity with Emily Luo. Although she was used to visiting Maggie, today felt unusually uncomfortable.

“It’s getting late. I should head back.”

Lola smiled as she prepared to leave. Maggie stood up.

“Okay, I’ll change and drop you off.”

Emily Luo also stood up.

“No need to trouble yourself. I’ll take Lola back.”

Maggie blinked. “Oh, really?”

“Don’t worry, it’s close. I’ll take a cab.”

Lola quickly declined. Emily Luo smiled at her.

“Don’t worry, let’s go.”

Despite Lola’s desire to avoid appearing too involved with Maggie, she had a positive impression of Emily Luo. Clean, refined, and polite, Emily had a gentle, warm demeanor when talking.

After saying goodbye, Lola immediately called Maggie.

“I’m home.”

“Really? How was the trip?”

“Great, why do you ask?”

“No reason… How about Dr. Luo?”

“She left. Maggie, Dr. Luo is really pretty!”

“Hehe, I think so too.”

Meanwhile, after hearing the busy tone twice, Emily Luo, driving, tossed her phone onto the passenger seat, rolling her eyes.

“Business is quite busy!”

Back home, Emily Luo considered calling again and quickly got through. Maggie, munching on something, responded with audible crunches.

“Hello?”

“What are you doing?”

“Eating an apple,” as expected.

Emily Luo initially wanted to ask why her line was busy but decided against it.

“I forgot to mention, remember to put the collar on the dog, or it might lick the medicine off its wound.”

“Oh, okay, I’ll remember. You left the medical kit behind.”

“That’s for you; the medicine and all are for people.”

Maggie was momentarily taken aback. “Oh…”

“Also, get a bigger box for its bed; otherwise, it might crawl out at night.”

“Got it,” Maggie continued chewing. “I’ll buy a cage at the pet market this weekend.”

“Shall we go together?”

Emily Luo asked without thinking.

“Huh? Do you have time?”

“Sunday, I’m free. Shall we go then?”

“Sure.”

Their conversation dropped the formality, becoming natural. Maggie finished her apple while chatting, and Emily didn’t mind. As they spoke, the conversation shifted to trivial matters, and they continued chatting.

Emily Luo had never talked on the phone for so long, switching hands several times, her phone heating up. Maggie, lounging on the sofa, was laughing, eyes nearly closed.

The little dog, having finished its milk, looked around but saw no one to play with. It walked back to its bed, quietly reflecting on its thoughts.