Cross Lines

Chapter Nine: Contact

What happened on Qiqi’s birthday was memorable for Maggie, but it didn’t have a significant impact on her life. Occasionally, she would think about Emily Luo, who had stirred her emotions that night, but it was just a fleeting thought. The distance between them was considerable, and for adults, having a crush wasn’t a big deal.

The next day at work, as Maggie was coloring a design, the door to the design department office opened. The colleagues looked up in surprise as Qiqi, in high heels, stood at the door, surveying the room. Her red lips parted slightly as she called out, “Maggie.”

Maggie, who had her back to the door, turned around with a raised eyebrow. Today, Qiqi had returned to her usual glamorous self, exuding an air of superiority akin to Catherine the Great.

“Hm? Looking for me?”

Maggie stood up and walked over. Regardless of whether it was friendly or not, as the daughter of the boss, she couldn’t afford to offend her.

Qiqi sized up Maggie, noting that Maggie usually appeared plain during workdays without makeup, which might be why she hadn’t noticed her before. Qiqi’s inherent hostility softened considerably, and she smiled.

“Could you come out for a moment? I have something to discuss with you.”

“Sure.”

Maggie, being efficient, agreed readily, closed the door behind her, and followed Qiqi out of the office.

The main office building of Yafu had an open design. Each floor featured a series of offices surrounding a high atrium with transparent glass above, offering a view of the sky. The railings were made of space aluminum and acrylic, adorned with plants and stylish seats.

Qiqi stood by the railing, turned to look at Maggie as she approached, and said, “Emily told me about what happened the other day. I’m here to thank you.”

Qiqi’s expression carried the typical arrogance of a wealthy daughter. Although she was expressing gratitude, her words still came off as uncomfortable. Maggie smiled politely.

“Oh, Manager Gao, you’re too kind. It was nothing. Dr. Luo took care of you most of the time. I was just a driver.”

Qiqi scrutinized Maggie and then said, “Emily mentioned she wants to have a meal with you. When would you be available?”

Maggie declined immediately, “No need, really. It was just a small favor. Dr. Luo and Manager Gao are being too formal; it makes me uncomfortable.”

Qiqi’s lips curled into a faint, ambiguous smile as she studied Maggie in silence. Maggie maintained eye contact and said nothing more.

“Maggie, you resemble someone I know.”

The topic shifted abruptly. Maggie managed a slight smile.

“Really? Someone you know?”

Qiqi shook her head slightly, almost to herself, “Are you familiar with my sister?”

“President Gao?”

Maggie blinked, finding it difficult to keep up with Qiqi’s erratic conversation. Not sure if Qiqi was asking her or making a comment, she chose to keep her response vague.

“Not really. She’s the vice president. To us employees, she’s just a familiar face.”

“Is that so?”

Qiqi sneered, “If you weren’t more than a familiar face, how would my sister invite you to the gathering?”

She gazed at a leaf of a nearby Dieffenbachia plant, hiding her thoughts.

Well, how would I know? If it weren’t for Emily Luo, I wouldn’t have gone, let alone dressed up for the occasion!

Maggie internally groaned but kept a neutral expression.

“President Gao cares for her subordinates. We in the design department often feel overlooked, so we appreciate any attention. I guess that’s why she asked me.”

Maggie smiled as if that was the case. Qiqi also smiled, acknowledging the response, and it was clear neither side wanted to dwell on it further.

“Alright, if you won’t accept the invitation, then forget it.”

Qiqi put on a regretful face and placed the blame entirely on Maggie. Maggie knew it was pointless to argue and simply smiled in silence.

Qiqi sighed lightly, “I’ll go now. Maybe we’ll talk next time.”

Without waiting for Maggie to reply, she sashayed away in her black stockings.

Watching her leave, Maggie shrugged and returned to work.

She thought that was the end of it and focused on her work. However, that evening after dinner, while she was cleaning the floor, Maggie unexpectedly received a call from Emily Luo.

Dr. Luo sounded much better, without the heavy fatigue from before.

“Maggie?”

“It’s me, Dr. Luo?”

“Don’t be nervous; I won’t ask you about your chest. Just call me Emily Luo.”

Although Emily Luo said it calmly, Maggie could sense a hint of teasing in her tone. She sat down on the floor, threw the cleaning cloth aside, and picked up the phone, clearing her throat to mask the smile in her voice.

“I’m not nervous.”

“Really?”

Emily Luo seemed to doubt her, but she didn’t pursue it further.

“Maggie, Qiqi said you declined her invitation. Why?”

Emily Luo’s voice was soothing and pleasant. Maggie thought for a moment.

“I didn’t see the need. Why make such a formal gesture over a small favor?”

“What if it’s just a casual dinner between friends?”

Maggie’s heart skipped a beat at the word “date.” Although she knew Emily Luo didn’t mean anything romantic, she couldn’t help but feel a flutter.

“Hmm—”

“Come on? Is that alright?”

Emily Luo didn’t use formalities, just a straightforward request that made it hard for Maggie to refuse. In truth, Maggie didn’t want to decline.

“Hmm—alright…”

“Great! When are you free?”

Emily Luo seemed pleased, and Maggie felt happy as well.

“Any time, I’m not very busy these days.”

“Then how about tomorrow night? After work, there’s a place near Yafu called Wooden House. Is that good for you?”

“Yeah, no problem.”

“See? That wasn’t so hard.”

Emily Luo’s comment made Maggie pause. She guessed that Qiqi must have spoken ill of her. Annoyed, she narrowed her eyes.

“Okay, I won’t keep you. We’ll talk more when we meet. I’ll call you tomorrow afternoon.”

“Alright.”

“Goodbye.”

“Bye.”

After hanging up, Maggie forgot her annoyance with Qiqi and cheerfully twirled around with a cleaning cloth in hand, mimicking a classic dance move while watching TV. It felt like a windfall, more exciting than receiving a bonus!

The next morning, Maggie dawdled so much that she nearly was late, changing outfits three times. This was her first real “date” (well, sort of), and she wanted to make it memorable.

During the day, she had nothing to do, so right before finishing work, she went to the restroom to put on a light makeup. After being subtly criticized for looking too masculine last time, she wanted to make a better impression. While applying lipstick, Poppy walked in and, seeing Maggie, curiously approached her.

“Maggie, do you have a date today?”

Maggie turned to look at her.

“Just having dinner with a friend.”

“Boyfriend or girlfriend?”

Poppy was at that age where she was very curious. Maggie turned back, expressionless.

“A female friend.”

“Oh.”

Poppy seemed disappointed. Having heard many rumors about her superior, she had hoped for some juicy details but was left empty-handed.

“Maggie, Lola from the translation department is looking for you. She’s waiting in our office.”

Maggie’s hand paused.

“What does she want?”

“She said our design documentation was not detailed enough, and she didn’t understand it. She’s flying out with the chairman tomorrow and needs you to explain.”

Maggie didn’t hesitate and walked out, her expression stern.

“Next time, please mention work issues first!”

Poppy pouted, “Oh.”

Maggie pushed open the door and saw Lola sitting on the sofa, talking to one of the designers. Lola stood up with a smile when she saw Maggie.

“Maggie.”

“Hmm.” Maggie replied as she approached, “What’s up?”

“The design documentation is a bit brief. I want to clarify a few things. If the client asks questions, I’m not sure how to respond.”

“Oh—”

Maggie hesitated, glancing at the clock. With only five minutes until the end of work, explaining the stack of design documents would take at least two hours. Especially today.

“Do you have something else to do?”

“Uh… yes!”

Maggie nodded. “I have some personal matters to handle. What time is your flight tomorrow?”

“Oh—10 a.m.”

“Then I’ll handle this first. I’ll be back in a maximum of two hours, and we can go over the design documents then. How does that sound?”

Maggie’s tone was formal, but she was internally groaning, wondering why this wasn’t done earlier.

Lola looked apologetic. “Of course. I’m sorry for the inconvenience. I’ll wait here for you. There’s no rush.”

“Alright, I’ll be quick. Sorry about this.”

As she spoke, Maggie’s phone rang. She quickly walked over to answer it, grabbing her coat and bag while signaling to Lola. She hurried out.