Cross Lines

Chapter 25: Budding Emotions

It seems that large hospitals are now experienced in handling sudden patient disputes. The nearby 110 liaison police station quickly sent officers with batons to the scene. The two men causing trouble, appearing to be more emotional than premeditated, were soon subdued.

Dr. Luo and Maggie were asked to give statements by the police. Since neither was injured and it was the New Year, they were allowed to go home.

Both women, looking pale and shaken, walked out of the police station. Emily Luo glanced at Maggie, unsure of what to say.

"Maggie, earlier..."

Maggie, with her hands in her coat pockets and her head lowered, turned to Dr. Luo and said, "I'm really hungry."

Emily Luo was taken aback and then laughed, nodding. "I owe you a meal. What would you like?"

"Hotpot, if that's okay?" Maggie said, putting on her gloves and adjusting her coat collar.

"Sure, let's go."

Dr. Luo, smiling naturally, slipped her hand into Maggie's arm, linking it. Maggie was a bit surprised but felt a warm sensation in the cold weather, easing the tension from the earlier incident.

In the restaurant, with its warm atmosphere, Dr. Luo removed her coat, revealing a white shirt and a deep purple knit cardigan. Her long hair was simply tied back, and she quietly looked at the menu. Maggie, watching through the rising steam, felt a subtle joy. Instead of a single-person pot, Emily Luo had ordered a large communal hotpot, making her feel more at ease.

The food arrived quickly, displayed on a side rack. The restaurant specialized in mushrooms, and Dr. Luo selected a duck base, skillfully preparing the ingredients. The aroma filled the air.

"After all the big meals during the New Year, let's have something light to cleanse our systems."

"Yes!"

Maggie nodded, picked up some bamboo fungus, dipped it in a sauce, and put it in her mouth. The hot broth spilled out, making her hiss with pleasure. "So fragrant~"

Emily Luo watched her, smiling and shaking her head, as if indulging a child. "Slow down..."

Maggie smiled back, feeling a bit embarrassed. It was different from the earlier tension. Emily Luo put down her chopsticks, resting her arm on the table, and tilted her head, studying Maggie.

The person opposite her had a comforting face—not stunningly beautiful, but with a warm and inviting demeanor. From the clean hair and nails to the delicately proportioned body, everything about Emily Luo radiated a simple elegance. Maggie felt a complex mix of pride and joy.

Suddenly, Eva's voice echoed in Maggie's mind. Was this time different? Emily Luo's seriousness and a hint of Qiqi's concealed face appeared blurred in the heat.

As the meal neared its end, Maggie's phone rang. She answered with a broad smile, "Happy New Year, Cold Beauty~~"

Her subsequent conversation, filled with teasing familiarities, revealed a close relationship. Emily Luo glanced up, her brow slightly furrowed. After the call ended, Maggie noticed Dr. Luo's expression was not as warm, causing a shift in the mood.

Emily Luo, maintaining a distant expression, offered to drive Maggie home. Maggie declined, mentioning afternoon plans.

"Thanks for today. However, I don’t think this will fundamentally change our relationship."

The unexpected remark left Maggie momentarily stunned. Once she understood, she laughed. "Dr. Luo, are you too nervous?"

Emily Luo blushed, regretting her unrestrained words. She felt embarrassed and speechless.

Maggie sensed something deeper behind Emily Luo’s reaction. If there were no feelings involved, Emily wouldn’t have reacted this way. Stifling a laugh, she cleared her throat, "Well, I'll head off now. Drive safely, Dr. Luo. Goodbye."

After waving to Emily Luo, Maggie hailed a taxi and left. Emily Luo, standing still, only looked up when the car had gone, shaking her head in self-mockery.

Once the holiday ended, Maggie returned to work with renewed energy. The launch of Yafu was progressing smoothly, and her busy schedule left little time for leisure. Visiting Eva’s bar was a rare treat.

Eva’s bar had been closed for the entire Spring Festival, only reopening on the 16th day of the New Year. Maggie noticed that Eva’s mood seemed off—she appeared more vacant and distracted than usual. Despite Maggie's curiosity, Eva showed no inclination to share.

Entering the bar, Maggie did not see Eva or Emily Luo in the corner sofa and went directly to the bar for a juice. As she chatted animatedly with Xiao An about recent legal news, Dr. Luo quietly ordered a whiskey with ice.

Maggie turned in surprise as Emily Luo received the drink and walked back to her spot, casting a glance at Maggie. Maggie noticed Eva’s distressed state.

"What's wrong?"

Maggie looked from Emily Luo to Eva, who seemed deeply troubled. Emily Luo brought a drink to Eva, who took it in large gulps.

"Do you have time this weekend?"

Emily Luo asked, with concern in her eyes. Maggie agreed to go, wondering what was happening.

"Eva’s loved one?" Maggie guessed.

Emily Luo was surprised but confirmed. "Yes."

"In prison?"

Maggie’s response caught Emily Luo off guard. Maggie explained her knowledge of the largest women’s prison in North City. Emily Luo stared at her, taken aback.