Cross Lines

Chapter 17: Inquiry

At the end of the year, everything feels as hectic as a battlefield. Various trivial matters come flying in like snowflakes, leaving Maggie spinning around like a top with no time to spare. Since December started, she has had the illusion that if only the day had 42 hours, it would be perfect.

Maggie wished she could be a designer who ignores everything outside her work and focuses solely on her creations. Unfortunately, Zachary shares this sentiment. Even in the design department, where things might be quieter, there are always various tasks to handle. It’s well-known that finding Maggie is easier than finding Zachary, so the result is that the capable ones end up doing more work.

After finally getting rid of the plump person from the logistics department who had come to pester Maggie with trivial matters, she barely had time for a drink of water before her phone started ringing. The screen showed Jasmine’s name. Maggie couldn’t afford to be negligent and quickly answered,

“Hello.”

When answering a boss's call on a personal phone at the office, it’s not ideal to use titles, so Maggie just greeted.

“Maggie, are you at the office?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Do you have time after work today?”

“Hmm? Oh…”

Caught off guard by the sudden question, Maggie was unsure how to respond. She indeed didn’t have time. Jasmine detected her hesitation,

“Is something wrong?”

“Uh… a little…” Maggie felt embarrassed and her voice was somewhat uncertain.

“Oh—”

Jasmine did not elaborate further. In this situation, Maggie’s continued silence implied that she didn’t want to cooperate.

“Well, it’s not something urgent. I’ll push it to later.”

“Alright,” Jasmine didn’t press further, “Wait for me at the company entrance twenty minutes after work.”

Her tone was calm, but Maggie was somewhat puzzled.

“Okay…”

“Then that’s settled.”

After the call ended, Maggie was left in a daze. She sighed in resignation, found her contact list, and made a call. Taking money means being accountable, so she had to comply.

When Jasmine’s car arrived, most of the office staff had left except for those still working overtime. Maggie, carrying her bag, saw Jasmine signaling her to get in the car and quickly opened the door to sit in the passenger seat. The car silently glided away.

During rush hour, the roads were a bit congested. Jasmine seemed unhurried, her expression relaxed.

“Sorry for taking up your time.”

“It’s fine, I don’t mind if I go later.”

Jasmine didn’t say much more. This was Maggie’s first time riding in Jasmine’s car, and she felt a bit awkward. The faint fragrance in the car, possibly from Jasmine, made her heart race a little.

Jasmine usually had a driver, so Maggie rarely saw her drive. Her driving seemed somewhat inexperienced, struggling with the traffic conditions, so Jasmine didn’t talk much. Maggie remained quietly beside her, holding her breath in case of any mishap.

Despite the potential hazards, they arrived at their destination smoothly. Maggie looked outside at an unremarkable restaurant. It made sense that even if she could work through hunger, the boss needed to eat.

Getting out of the car, Jasmine walked straight into the restaurant while Maggie followed, observing her surroundings.

Although it looked unremarkable from the outside, the restaurant’s interior was understatedly luxurious, with thick carpets indicating it wasn’t an ordinary dining place.

Jasmine, apparently a frequent visitor, was quickly led to a private room on the second floor by a waiter. The room wasn’t large but was spacious enough, perfect for a meal and a chat between two people.

Maggie remained silent until they had removed their coats and sat down. Jasmine asked,

“What would you like to eat?”

“President Gao… why did you want to see me?”

Jasmine frowned slightly, “I’ve told you several times, don’t call me President Gao outside of the office. What did you call me in front of Emily last time?”

Maggie felt a bit awkward and faltered. Jasmine didn’t press her further,

“Let’s talk about some matters while we eat. Is it really that hard to have a meal with you?”

“No, it’s just— I’ve never been here before. You decide.”

“Alright,” Jasmine turned to the respectful waiter, “What’s on today’s B menu?”

“We have salmon and matsutake mushrooms, and some new beef.”

“Then we’ll have that. Open a bottle of red wine.”

The waiter complied and left after setting up the wine. Maggie cautiously asked,

“Wine?”

Jasmine glanced at her and didn’t respond. Maggie decided not to pursue the matter, waiting to see what Jasmine wanted. The dishes soon arrived, and the waiter poured the wine before leaving.

“There’s no one else today, so just relax. Let’s chat casually.”

Jasmine’s face wore a gentle expression, which made Maggie feel less uneasy. She nodded obediently, deciding to enjoy the meal.

“Maggie, how long have you worked in the design department?”

“Over six years.”

“Hmm, how do you feel about it?”

It sounded like she was about to be dismissed. Maggie pondered but knew it was unlikely,

“It’s good. The work is quite smooth.”

Jasmine nodded, “I’m considering moving you to the sales center. What do you think?”

The sudden bombshell left Maggie stunned.

“Sales? I—I don’t do sales…”

It seemed absurd to move a designer to sales.

Jasmine smiled, “I don’t mean for you to directly do sales work. Mainly, it would involve planning and promotion, somewhat related to your expertise, and you’d be like my assistant.”

Maggie’s face showed a mix of emotions.

Jasmine’s suggestion indicated a promotion and a rapid improvement in position and treatment. For others, this would be highly desirable, and they would be thrilled to thank their boss. However, Maggie didn’t share this sentiment.

It wasn’t that she lacked ambition, but her career plan was to focus on her design skills. She hoped to become a top designer with time and effort. A move to sales could bring material benefits quickly, but it was far from her ideal career path. Moreover, Maggie was self-aware that Jasmine wanted her to handle tasks she wasn’t good at.

“I don’t think I’m suitable…”

This clear refusal made Jasmine feel somewhat uncomfortable. Still, Jasmine remained calm.

“Why not?”

“I have no experience in sales, and I really enjoy furniture design. I’d prefer to focus on improving my design work.”

Regarding her future career, Maggie clearly expressed her stance. No matter Jasmine’s thoughts, Maggie believed it was better to be firm about her own views.

Unexpectedly, Jasmine laughed.

“I knew you would refuse.”

Maggie was taken aback. Her boss didn’t seem angry and even shook her head with a touch of self-mockery, calmly sipping her red wine and starting her dinner.

What does this mean? Maggie couldn’t understand. Seeing Jasmine didn’t continue the topic, she decided to focus on enjoying the meal. Her nervousness eased with hunger, and she ate.

For the next period, Jasmine remained silent, making Maggie a bit tense. But Jasmine’s expression remained neutral, making it hard to gauge her true feelings.

“Maggie,”

It was only when dessert arrived that Jasmine spoke again. Maggie looked up, waiting for the next words.

“I respect your opinion. Actually, my intention in considering a transfer wasn’t necessarily to move you to sales.”

Jasmine said slowly, keeping her gaze on Maggie’s face, “I hope you can work at Yafu long-term and maximize your potential.”

Maggie interpreted this as an attempt to win her over, possibly to groom her as a valuable asset. Though rejected, the intention was clear to establish a positive relationship.

As for her position as the deputy manager of the design department? Maggie didn’t fully grasp it but still responded,

“Okay, I will do my best.”

“That’s good.”

Jasmine nodded, considering something before looking at Maggie,

“Maggie, you remind me of someone.”

Hearing this again from someone else, Maggie had to take it seriously,

“Really… Is it someone you know?”

Jasmine seemed lost in thought, silent for a while. Maggie didn’t press further and said,

“Is it someone you know, like Manager Gao?”

As if revealing something she shouldn’t have, Jasmine quickly regained her composure, smiled awkwardly, and changed the subject.

Maggie remained puzzled. Why did both the boss and her friend find this topic so mysterious? If it were private, they could have kept it to themselves. But discussing it so vaguely felt odd.

After dinner, Jasmine’s driver was waiting outside. Maggie considered taking a cab to leave quickly since she had other matters but Jasmine insisted on giving her a ride.

Maggie didn’t want to be too pushy, so she got into the car and gave an address. Jasmine looked at her with curiosity but didn’t press further. Arriving at the destination, as Maggie was about to get out, Jasmine voiced her curiosity,

“Maggie, you live here?”

“No, I’m here for something.” Maggie smiled.

“Oh—” Jasmine didn’t ask more but her curiosity was evident. If Maggie didn’t explain, it would seem awkward.

“I’m preparing for our New Year’s Eve party.”

Maggie winked, feeling more relaxed after a little wine. Jasmine seemed surprised but soon understood,

“Is that so? Will you be performing for the design department?”

“Yes, President Gao, please keep it a secret?”

Jasmine remained silent, her expression inscrutable. Maggie responded,

“Okay, Miss, please keep it confidential.”

Jasmine finally smiled, “Alright. Can you tell me what the performance is?”

“Isn’t it better to give a surprise on the day of the event?”

Maggie wasn’t going to give in this time.

“Alright, then I look forward to your performance.”

“There’s one more request.”

“Heh,” Jasmine laughed again, “It seems you’re really making the most out of calling me ‘sister’. Go ahead, what is it?”

“I’d like to skip the preliminary review and go straight to the annual meeting. Is that okay?”

“Oh? You’re quite confident,” Jasmine said, showing her boss-like demeanor. She nodded, “That’s fine. I’ll have a word with them.”

“Thank you!”

“Mm, alright, you should go now.”

The boss finally gave the signal to leave. Maggie grabbed her bag, said goodbye to Jasmine, and quickly got out of the car, heading into a nearby building. While waiting for the elevator, she mused about why people had to call her “sister” – what a peculiar preference!