Cross Lines

Chapter 60: The Return Journey

Qiqi from the Gao family is someone who values the enjoyment of life. Activities like hot air ballooning or watching kangaroos, which Maggie and the others were enthusiastic about, seemed too tiring and sunny for her. Instead, she was more interested in a relaxing hot spring visit, which required no effort and provided a chance to show off her great figure to her colleagues, satisfying her vanity.

Maggie, on the other hand, is a rule-follower who follows the schedule. She finds all activities enjoyable and doesn’t make a fuss. When they arrived at their destination, she eagerly changed into her bikini and went to the hot spring. Some colleagues went to the scenic top pool, but Lola, who is a bit afraid of heights, stayed behind with Maggie in the smaller, indoor pool area.

Maggie and Lola chose a more secluded spot in the pool to avoid crowds and unpleasant male colleagues. The warm water helped Maggie relax, and she was comfortably closing her eyes when she suddenly saw someone new in her line of sight: Qiqi, whose presence was striking despite being submerged.

Qiqi's intention wasn’t to admire Maggie but to address Lola. She told Lola bluntly that her frequent presence around her father was making her mother unhappy, and thus, making Qiqi herself unhappy. She warned Lola that her father, Yafu, did not welcome her, and if Lola didn’t get the hint, she might force Qiqi's hand.

After Qiqi’s departure, Maggie whispered to Lola, wondering if the chairman would confront her when the truth was revealed. Lola, maintaining a calm exterior, showed a hint of annoyance but didn't respond. Maggie, on the other hand, was optimistic about future promotions and raises once Lola took over.

Emily Luo arrived in a bathrobe and found Maggie leaning against Lola with a dazed expression. Despite the surprising events of the previous night, Emily had a restful sleep after eating the late-night snack brought by Qiqi. She felt refreshed, a stark contrast to the exhaustion Qiqi usually left her with.

The trip ended quickly, and Maggie was pleased despite some dissatisfaction with Dr. Luo’s behavior. She took a deep breath as she exited the airport, reminding herself to be patient.

When the return bus arrived at Yafu's building, Maggie planned to drop Lola off and then go home to rest. However, Lola received a call from Jasmine, which meant she needed to attend a meeting first. Maggie decided to wait for her.

Lola declined Maggie’s offer to wait and pointed out Qiqi, who was visibly irritated on the phone, demanding an unreasonable meeting time. After Qiqi stormed off, Dr. Luo briefly glanced at Maggie, who had already decided on where to have a late-night snack.

As the evening traffic faded and the city lights brightened, Maggie suggested various activities, but Dr. Luo, visibly exhausted, was only interested in going home. Maggie’s cheerful suggestions were met with refusals, leading to a moment of silence in the car.

Emily Luo, amused by Maggie’s sudden quietness, couldn’t help but laugh heartily, which puzzled Maggie. As they reached Emily’s apartment, she told Maggie to take her things upstairs. Maggie offered help, but Emily declined and told her to go home.

Maggie, reluctantly, got back into the car, only to have her phone ring and sing a song loudly. Emily Luo noticed the phone screen with “Cold Beauty” and became displeased. Maggie hesitated but answered the call, maintaining a polite but noncommittal conversation.

Dr. Luo, irritated by the situation and Maggie’s lack of response, eventually got into the car and loudly instructed, “Maggie, it’s time to shower!” Maggie, who had been speaking, was frozen in place, either startled by the voice or shocked by Emily Luo's words. She turned her head slowly, like someone with a stiff neck, her gaze vacant and her expression frozen. Emily Luo looked back with a queenly coldness, showing no fear. The person on the other end of the phone must have heard this and fell silent. After a long pause, there was a flustered response, "Maggie, you have other things to do, we'll talk later. Bye." Maggie remained silent, her mouth slightly open, staring at Emily Luo like a dazed person, barely holding back drool. Dr. Luo reached out and gave her face a light slap, saying, "Grab my suitcase and come upstairs!"