Cross Lines

Chapter 23: Leisurely Walk

No matter how much the festive atmosphere may have faded, the Spring Festival remains the most important holiday of the year for the Chinese. After enjoying a peaceful sleep following the New Year's Eve dumplings, Maggie woke up on the first day of the New Year to the sound of firecrackers and sunlight streaming through the window.

Stretching lazily, Maggie decided that today was not suitable for any particular plans, so she thought she might as well go to the gym and enjoy some leisure time. Having just bought a new sharkskin swimsuit during the pre-New Year sales, she decided to try it out. With this in mind, she quickly got up, washed up, changed, had a simple breakfast, and happily set out.

When she arrived at the gym, she found it unexpectedly crowded. Despite it being the first day of the New Year, the place was bustling. The big screen showed several areas were fully booked, and Maggie spent quite some time at the reception without finding a suitable slot.

While she was looking up at the screen, someone tapped her shoulder. Turning around, she saw Emily Luo, her hair down and looking as if she had just arrived.

"What are you doing here?" Emily asked.

Maggie blinked in surprise, "I... can’t come?"

Dr. Luo smiled, "No, I mean, shouldn’t you be at the Great Barrier Reef?"

"Oh," Maggie nodded, "My dad and Aunt Zhang went there."

"Why?" Emily was puzzled.

"Every year during the festival, my dad ends up being a cook, driver, shopper, cleaner, and so on at her place."

Maggie shrugged and didn't elaborate further. Emily Luo quickly inferred, "So you let them go on a trip to avoid the pile of family obligations?"

Maggie nodded in agreement. Dr. Luo shook her head, clearly feeling resigned but understanding the situation.

"And you? Why are you here today?" Maggie tilted her head, curious.

Emily furrowed her brows, "A lot of people came to my place, and the socializing is quite bothersome. The family meal starts only at noon."

"Maybe too many people have the same idea as you?" Maggie glanced up.

"Hmm?"

"All the good spots are taken."

Maggie turned back to Emily Luo, giving a resigned smile. Dr. Luo looked up too, and from her forehead to her nose, then to her chin and neck, she had an almost perfect profile.

Before Dr. Luo could respond, Maggie's gaze was fixed on her. Emily Luo, curious, asked, "What's up?"

Maggie smiled and looked away, "Nothing."

"Hmm?" Dr. Luo eyed her suspiciously, "What are you planning?"

"Nothing..." Maggie replied with a smile and an innocent look. Dr. Luo gave her a dismissive eye roll and didn't press further. Emily Luo's expression showed some worry.

"How about we go out and have some fun?" Maggie proposed eagerly.

Emily Luo squinted, "Still suspicious."

"Is it necessary to be so cautious, Dr. Luo?" Maggie leaned on the counter, looking relaxed. Emily Luo seemed more at ease compared to their last encounter at the bar and was not avoiding her. Maggie wanted to spend more time with her instead of the brief and hurried encounters before.

"Alright, where do you want to go?"

After their last meeting at the bar, Emily Luo felt she had been too tense. There was no need to be so guarded.

"How about a temple fair?"

Emily Luo frowned immediately, "Too crowded!"

Maggie looked up, thinking, typical rich girl, so delicate. Then she had another idea, "I can take you somewhere less crowded."

"Where?"

"You'll find out when we get there."

Emily Luo gave her a skeptical look, the expression clearly saying she thought Maggie was up to something.

"Let’s go! I won’t sell you, promise."

Maggie dragged Emily Luo out of the gym.

Though it was winter, the weather was surprisingly mild today. People’s faces were full of festive cheer, exchanging New Year’s greetings. Maggie put up the collar of her coat and asked Emily Luo, who was walking beside her, "Can I ride with you?"

Emily Luo responded as they walked to the parking lot, "What about your car?"

"I lent it to Ryan Ding. His car had an accident before the New Year and is stuck at the police station. He went home, so he took my car."

"And how did you get here?"

"By bus. All buses are free today~~"

Maggie was thrilled about the free bus ride as if she had won the lottery, and Emily Luo couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

Emily Luo's car was immaculate, reflecting the cleanliness typical of someone with her profession and personality—white exterior and black interior with no decorations or extras. Maggie felt almost hesitant to sit in it. Emily Luo noticed her and asked, "What’s wrong?"

"Is this car brand new?"

"Not really, I’ve had it for a while."

Dr. Luo didn’t catch the hint in Maggie's question and explained seriously. Maggie found her naive response amusing and quickly hid her smile as she got in.

"Turn left at the second intersection."

As the car started and moved onto the main road, Emily Luo glanced at Maggie, "Where exactly are we going?"

"Guess."

Maggie answered with a smile, her unspoken message being: I’m not telling. Emily Luo, feeling good due to the festive mood, followed the route Maggie suggested.

The road was clear, and the drive was smooth. Emily Luo was quiet while driving, and noticing Maggie seemed bored, she said, "There are CDs in the storage compartment. Feel free to play them if you want."

"Classical music?" Maggie asked as she browsed through the CDs, seeing all were in English.

"Yes."

Maggie appreciated the packaging briefly, then put it back, "I’d rather not listen to it."

Emily Luo, amused, asked, "Why?"

"I think classical music is more suited for a concert hall, where you sit upright and appreciate it solemnly. Listening to it casually can be exhausting."

"You’re quite straightforward."

Maggie smiled, "Is that a bad thing?"

Dr. Luo shook her head, "No, it’s fine."

After driving for a while, Maggie pointed to a parking area by the riverside park, "Park here."

Emily Luo looked at the park entrance—a small circular plaza with a metal bull sculpture in the center. After parking, Emily Luo turned to Maggie, puzzled, "Here...?"

Maggie had already unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the door, lightly saying, "If you’re not afraid, come with me~~"

Dr. Luo watched her walk away for a moment, then shook her head and smiled, following her out.

In winter, the plants were withered, and the river had a thin layer of ice. The park was nearly deserted, with only a few hurried dog walkers and some chubby kids playing, occasionally setting off firecrackers.

Maggie walked slowly, hands in her coat pockets, gazing at the cobblestone path. Emily Luo walked beside her, eyes on the distant river.

The surroundings were quiet, mirroring their calm moods. Even in silence, there was no awkwardness. They each had their thoughts but enjoyed the moment together—the good sunshine, the rare tranquility, and each other’s company.

For Emily Luo, this feeling was new. Her life had been dominated by overwhelming work and the extravagant lifestyle brought by Qiqi. As a result, she was always deeply tired, both physically and mentally. This state of complete relaxation was very comforting.

"I’ve always liked walking like this on sunny winter days," Maggie said, her breath forming a mist in the cold air, a gentle smile on her face. Emily Luo didn’t reply but gave her a warm smile in return.

They soon reached a small circular plaza with stone benches and a metal bull statue in the middle.

"Ah ha!" Maggie seemed excited by something and called out.

Emily Luo looked back at her, puzzled.

"Dr. Luo, could you do me a favor?"

Emily Luo was even more confused, "What?"

Maggie pulled out her phone and handed it to Emily Luo, "Take a picture for me."

Then Maggie ran a few steps, climbed onto the sculpture, and struck a triumphant pose on the bull’s back.

Dr. Luo was taken aback and then speechless. In the span of a minute, Maggie went from calm to playful, and Emily Luo couldn’t help but feel amused. She took off her gloves, adjusted the camera, and took several photos of Maggie.

"All done? Get down quickly, and be careful not to fall."

Emily Luo walked over, ready to help her down. The metal surface was slippery in winter, and although Maggie’s boots had low heels, they still posed a risk.

Seeing Emily Luo reaching out to her, Maggie felt a sudden impulse and reached out as well. As their hands touched, Emily Luo tightly grasped hers, "Be careful..."