Cross Lines

Chapter Eight: Help

After Jasmine left, the party's mood was affected, and the event quickly wrapped up. Qiqi, having had a bit too much to drink, was swaying as she stood at the door, saying goodbye to people.

Maggie glanced at her watch, eager to leave. She looked for Emily Luo and saw her approaching.

"Maggie, could you help me with this? I need to use the restroom."

Emily Luo, looking exhausted, had a jacket draped over her arm and was carrying a bag. Maggie was a bit surprised by this level of trust given their current level of familiarity, but she nodded and took the items.

"Sure."

When Emily Luo came back, most people had already left. Qiqi immediately clung to her.

"Emily~~"

Her clingy and somewhat coquettish tone made Maggie, standing nearby, feel quite awkward. Emily Luo put her arm around Qiqi and looked at her.

"Qiqi? Are you okay? Feeling dizzy?"

Qiqi's face was nearly buried in Emily Luo's neck.

"Mm—feeling unwell..."

"Shall I take you home?"

Instead of criticizing Qiqi for drinking too much like most people would, Emily Luo comforted her as if soothing a child. The drunk Qiqi began to cling even more.

"I don't want to go home!"

"It's so late, where else would you go?"

"Drink! Sing! Emily~~ I don’t want to go back. Will you stay with me?"

Maggie, watching from the side, rolled her eyes at Qiqi’s behavior, thinking that her usual aloof and elegant image at work had completely fallen apart.

Emily Luo, though not short, was slender and struggling to support Qiqi's weight. Realizing she couldn't handle this alone and not wanting to trouble Maggie, she turned to her.

"Give me the stuff. It's late, you should head back."

Maggie smiled.

"It's fine, I can help. Do you want me to drop Manager Gao off too?"

Emily Luo looked around, noticing most people had left and the unfamiliar service staff, then at the dazed and drunk Qiqi.

"Yes, let’s take her home first."

"You take care of her, and I’ll drive you both."

"It's so late..."

"It’s okay. You can’t manage alone. Let’s go."

Maggie helped Qiqi into the back seat while Emily Luo hesitated, then dressed and joined them. They got in the car, and Maggie drove. They managed to get Qiqi into the back seat, and Emily Luo looked apologetically at Maggie.

"I’m really sorry for the trouble, and for getting your car dirty."

Maggie shook her head.

"It's okay, it’s just a car. We can get it cleaned."

Emily Luo sighed lightly.

"I’ll treat you to a meal sometime to thank you."

Maggie smiled lightly.

"No need. We’re friends; it’s only right to help out. And it’s really no big deal."

As they reached Maggie’s car, Emily Luo asked to be dropped off at the party venue to pick up her car, as she needed it for the next morning.

"Alright."

Maggie enjoyed the conversation with Emily Luo, feeling comfortable with this budding friendship. Emily Luo, on the other hand, developed a favorable impression of Maggie, appreciating her kindness. As they drove through the quiet night, Emily felt warmth from Maggie’s genuine smile.

The car moved steadily along the empty road, with Emily Luo savoring the sweet pineapple cake offered by Maggie, feeling a small but comforting joy.