Cross Lines

Chapter 63: Business Trip

From a young age, Maggie never had grand ambitions. Growing up in a middle-class family, her desires were always modest. She sought a comfortable, stable life where small joys were enough to bring happiness. Her resume was as ordinary as any other, without any standout achievements.

But this time was different. For her, Emily Luo was not just a small happiness but a long-desired ultimate ideal. After waiting years to find someone she truly liked and then putting so much effort into winning her over, could there be anything more exciting and fulfilling in life?

There was—getting a pay raise. With substantial progress in her career, Maggie felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility, which translated into increased financial capability. This motivation led her to spend time in a production factory making samples under the sweltering July heat.

The workshop's cooling system was inadequate, and with the machines adding to the heat, sweat quickly covered Maggie's face. Wearing non-breathable work pants, she rolled up her T-shirt sleeves and used a chisel to carve a mortise into a wooden block. Sweat trickled down her forehead and fell into the pile of wood shavings on the ground.

"Maggie, you’re quite skilled; there are few people who can do joinery these days," a worker commented as he watched her with admiration.

Maggie glanced at him, "Some old craftsmen still know it. I learned from them, though I’m still not very skilled and need more practice."

"Why learn this? Even traditional Chinese furniture doesn’t use mortise and tenon structures anymore."

Maggie blew away the wood shavings, smiling, "It’s about passion, I suppose. This is my way of connecting with it."

Before she could finish, a voice came from behind, "Your passion is chiseling wood?"

Turning around, Maggie saw Lola, who had a playful look. Putting down her tools and wiping her sweat, Maggie noticed Lola’s casual but endearing appearance—simple, worn-out clothes, messy hair, and an overall rugged charm.

Lola’s unexpected proposal, "Next week, you should come to Japan with me."

"Japan?" Maggie blinked, confused. Lola glanced at the worker, who discreetly returned to his task.

"Half business, half leisure. There’s a traditional Japanese furniture exhibition I think you’d like. I have some personal matters to handle."

Maggie was intrigued. Business trip with a chance to see something new, still getting paid—what’s not to like?

Clang! Emily Luo, washing dishes, made such a racket it nearly broke them. Maggie, watching TV, could only chuckle at the scene.

When Maggie mentioned the Japan trip at dinner, Emily Luo’s displeasure was immediate, though unspoken. The clattering dishes and grumbling were clear signs.

After dinner, Emily Luo divided a large watermelon with such force that it was almost alarming. Maggie observed, slightly amused but hesitant to address Emily’s mood directly.

"Want anything brought back? Skincare products? Thermos?" Maggie asked with a teasing tone.

Emily Luo rolled her eyes, "Who cares?"

A pause followed, and Emily Luo’s tone became stiff, "How about a rice cooker and a toilet seat?"

Maggie’s smile faltered. It was standard for many Chinese tourists, but for a young businesswoman, carrying such items through the airport felt awkward, especially with Lola accompanying.

Maggie blinked innocently, "Dr. Luo, you’re kidding, right?"

"Not joking."

Emily Luo’s manner, mimicking a polite but distant Japanese demeanor, made Maggie nervous. Reluctantly, Maggie gave in, "Alright, I won’t bring them. But why the toilet seat?"

Emily Luo gave her a look, "Why are you two even going together? Your level shouldn’t need a translator for business trips."

Maggie hugged Emily’s neck, "I’m not at that level. Lola is just a translator for me. The company may have other arrangements for her, but I don’t know the details."

Maggie carefully avoided disclosing Lola’s true identity due to the confidentiality involved. Emily Luo, though clearly uneasy about Lola’s interest in Maggie, remained reasonable, just a bit upset. Maggie reassured her, hoping to ease the tension.

Emily Luo’s mood shifted to casual chat, "Would you starve if you didn’t work at Yafu?"

Maggie enjoyed this straightforwardness. "I wouldn’t starve, but I’ve worked hard at Yafu for years. I’ve never considered changing jobs."

"What if you weren’t happy with your job?"

"There’s always something to complain about in every company. I find my job good enough. Complaints don’t help; it’s better to adjust or move on if needed."

Emily Luo smiled, "You’re quite dedicated."

Maggie shrugged, "It’s just about making a living. Leaders claim to treat their employees like family, but it’s usually just for show. Either you endure or move on. If you don’t want to change, make the best of it."

Maggie’s candidness was appreciated, and Emily forgot about the Japan trip. But when Maggie started packing, she realized something was amiss—her swimwear from Australia had disappeared. She called Emily Luo.

"Hello, have you seen my swimsuit?"

On the other end, Emily Luo’s response was calm.

"What swimsuit?"

"The red one with stars, from Australia…"

"Yes, I saw it."

Maggie waited, no further information followed. She continued, "Where is it?"

"Why? Planning to swim?"

"No, I’m just packing…"

"Do you need a swimsuit for a business trip? Are you going to work or vacation?"

Emily Luo became a strict auditor, questioning Maggie’s intentions.

Maggie sighed, admitting, "I wanted to soak in hot springs in Japan. I’ll protect our privacy, I promise. Please approve."

Emily Luo laughed, "Fine. It’s in the bathroom cabinet. Remember your promise."

"Got it, thanks! I’ll make spicy fish when I get back~~"