Cross Lines

Chapter 62: Full Base

When the water in the pot boiled, Maggie heard the rain pattering against the window. She figured Emily Luo must be driving, so she didn't call but instead methodically put noodles into the pot, washed and sliced cucumbers, and prepared sesame and chili sauce.

The mung bean soup was scalding hot, so she let it cool before pouring it into a bowl. By the time Emily Luo jingled her keys and opened the door, Maggie had everything ready and greeted her.

Dr. Luo looked utterly exhausted, her eyes barely open. Maggie served the prepared cold noodles and just-right mung bean soup.

"Long surgery today?"

"Three surgeries back-to-back. I stood all day."

Dr. Luo put her bag down and collapsed onto the sofa, leaning back with a long sigh. Maggie, seeing her tired state, asked,

“Dinner or shower first?”

Dr. Luo, already struggling, said, "Eat first, I'm starving."

Maggie laughed and insisted, “Wash your hands first.”

Dr. Luo, playfully clinging to Maggie, groaned, “So tired…”

“I’ll help you. Come on, Emily Luo, wash your hands before dinner,” Maggie said in a mock-teacher tone, guiding her to the bathroom. Dr. Luo leaned her head on Maggie's shoulder and closed her eyes.

“Hey, don’t fall asleep standing up,” Maggie said, washing Dr. Luo’s hands, but only received a faint “mhm” in response. Dr. Luo seemed truly exhausted.

After dinner, Maggie cleaned up while Dr. Luo went upstairs to get ready for a shower but didn't come down. Maggie found her asleep upstairs. She stood at the stairs, admiring Dr. Luo’s peaceful sleeping form—her long hair spread out, and her back rising and falling gently. It was both amusing and heartwarming. Maggie sat quietly on the floor beside her, cherishing the sight of her loved one.

After a while, Maggie knelt by the bed and gently poked Dr. Luo’s back, whispering, “Should I help you with your bra? It might be more comfortable.”

There was no response, so Maggie carefully undid the straps of Dr. Luo’s bra through her clothes and then took off her socks. She turned off the light and quietly went downstairs.

In the darkness, Dr. Luo remained relaxed and breathing evenly, truly asleep.

When someone is extremely tired, they sleep deeply. Dr. Luo slept for a full 12 hours before waking up, feeling uncomfortable due to the clothes she slept in and the lack of a shower.

Maggie, in the kitchen, greeted her with a bright smile, “Hi, good morning.”

Dr. Luo gave her a disapproving look and went to shower. Maggie continued cooking bacon, happily flipping eggs with a flick of her wrist.

Dr. Luo, wrapped in a towel, sat at the bar, enjoying the summer breeze on her still-damp skin. Maggie’s skillful cooking made her smile.

Spending time together had made Maggie appreciate Dr. Luo’s simplicity, gentleness, and thoughtful nature even more. It was an unexpected joy that she had begun to cherish.

As Maggie finished cooking and prepared to call Dr. Luo for breakfast, she looked up to see Emily Luo standing at the stairs, watching her. The next moment was burned into Maggie’s memory.

Dr. Luo, with a subtle smile, tilted her head and beckoned Maggie with a finger. The sight of her wrapped in a towel, with that seductive gesture, left Maggie stunned. Dr. Luo’s charm was overwhelming, breaking down Maggie’s last shred of self-control.

Dr. Luo disappeared upstairs. What did this mean? Maggie’s mind was a whirl of confusion. Her heart raced, her cheeks flushed, and her legs moved involuntarily toward the stairs. Gripping the handrail, Maggie swallowed hard, trying to calm her trembling hands.

Regardless of the meaning, that gesture clearly invited her up. She had to see what awaited. Reassuring herself, Maggie began to climb the stairs, step by step, towards a long-awaited yet uncertain outcome.

Diligent as always, Maggie didn’t show up for work until two hours past the starting time, and no one had heard from her. Zachary, absorbed in his design work, noticed her empty chair with confusion but continued working.

Ryan Ding’s store clerk found that the adorable dog still hadn't arrived, and it wasn’t seen the following day either.

Emily Luo, on night shift, woke up at 4:30 PM. She hurriedly dressed and started to go downstairs but stumbled on the first step, almost sitting down.

Seymour Gao’s office was on the top floor of the Yafu Building. He had a glass greenhouse there, with temperature and humidity controls, growing rare plants he had collected over the years. He spent most of his time in the greenhouse, except for meetings.

Seymour Gao didn’t like having people around when tending to his plants, so anyone looking for him usually waited in the office. The secretary would report, and whether to meet depended on his mood. One reason Qiqi was instructed to handle Lola was that Seymour Gao often had Lola accompany him in the greenhouse. The implication was significant for those who didn't understand.

For Seymour Gao and Lola, the time spent in the greenhouse was the best way to handle the Yafu Group’s affairs and ensure continuity.

After adding pine needle soil to an orchid, Seymour Gao cleaned his hands and sat in a wicker chair, sipping tea. Lola sat across from him, silently observing her father’s actions with a calm expression.

“Any news from Leo?”

“No, he’s cautious. After such a big move, he’s likely lying low for a while.”

“Mm.”

“It seems Ethan Si might be involved with Yi Mei, and Sophia Xu might be aware, though there are no clear indications from her recent appearances.”

Seymour Gao nodded, “Yi Mei’s move was strong, but the results weren’t satisfactory. There might be further actions. Besides them, we also face internal issues.”

“Are you planning any moves yourself?” Lola’s gaze lingered on a tiny coconut tree with small coconuts.

“Long nights bring many dreams. The longer we delay, the more they learn; the more they learn, the more they can prepare. This will make it harder for us to handle. Moreover, internal stability is crucial. Our non-reaction may have surprised Ethan Si.”

“So, will Leo’s issue be used against my sister?” Lola’s expression remained neutral.

“Do you feel sorry for her?” Seymour Gao asked, glancing at her.

“No. She’s no threat; you could say she’s at your mercy. I think Peter Gao is more concerning.”

“We need to prepare for all possible outcomes with Peter Gao, but for now, we don’t need to overthink it.”

“Will the old man make an appearance?”

“That’s inevitable.”

“What then?”

“Adapt to the changes.”

Seymour Gao and Lola resembled each other in appearance, demeanor, and even tone. Seymour Gao, finishing his tea, seemed confident about the next steps. Lola, absorbing life lessons from her father, would transform them into her own strategies. Her future held uncertainties, but her motto was clear: she couldn’t afford to lose.