Cross Lines

Chapter 31: Dawn

After arriving at the hotel, Emily Luo got out of the car while Maggie turned the vehicle around to wait outside. The evening had grown late, and there were few people around. Maggie rolled down the car window, keeping a vigilant eye on the hotel entrance.

Soon, a hotel staff member emerged, carrying a thoroughly inebriated Qiqi. The young lady from the Gao family was in a pitiful state, barely able to stand. Emily Luo, usually composed, appeared quite awkward, managing both to thank the staff and tend to Qiqi.

When they reached the car, Qiqi turned and vomited in the flower bed again. The unpleasant sound and smell made Maggie frown deeply. She rolled up the window and stayed silent.

Dr. Luo showed remarkable patience, handing over water and tissues, as if accustomed to such situations. Maggie observed her through the rearview mirror, noting her flat, unreadable expression.

The rest of the process mirrored the last time, but Maggie stayed out of sight as agreed. After another half hour, Emily Luo emerged from Qiqi's place, got into the car, and let out a long sigh.

Maggie glanced at her but remained silent. Emily Luo seemed to struggle with her thoughts for a moment before speaking slowly, "You should go get your car... it's still at Eva's."

“No need,” Maggie replied as she started the car, “I’ll take you home, then take a taxi back for my car tomorrow. It’s too late today.”

“Maggie…”

“Get some rest when you get home. You’ve been working too hard lately.”

Maggie didn’t look back as she spoke, and soon they were driving out of the neighborhood. Whether from exhaustion or contemplation, Emily Luo remained silent, resting her eyes.

“Where do you live?”

“Turn left, go east on Gaoxin Road, and at the Goddess Statue roundabout, there’s a Shijia Mingyuan.”

Emily Luo continued to keep her eyes closed while speaking, showing no particular reaction. Maggie nodded and followed her directions, driving quietly. Although their conversation seemed unfamiliar, their tone and demeanor felt as if they were old friends.

With the streets nearly empty, they arrived quickly. As the car stopped at the neighborhood entrance, Emily Luo opened her eyes and looked at Maggie.

“You…?”

“I won’t come in. Is it okay for you to go back alone?” Maggie asked.

Emily Luo blinked, “Yes…”

“Okay,” Maggie nodded, “I’ll head out then. Rest well. Goodbye.”

Maggie got out of the car, looked around, and began walking towards the main road along the sidewalk.

Dr. Luo remained in the car for a moment, intending to explain something despite it not being directly related to Maggie. However, Maggie didn’t ask or comment on Qiqi’s situation, just left. This left Emily Luo somewhat puzzled. By the time she got out of the car and looked back, Maggie had already disappeared.

A sense of inexplicable guilt crept into Emily Luo’s heart, making her stand there for a while, staring in the direction Maggie had left, unable to sort her thoughts.

Maggie, having decided to get her car the next day, couldn’t bear to leave her beloved vehicle on the bar street overnight. She took a cab back to Eva’s place.

The bar owner was leaning on the counter, smoking, with her expression once again vague. Her gaze seemed lost, as if she were deep in thought. Maggie sat down next to her and offered a gentle smile, filled with concern, reassurance, confidence, and courage.

Eva’s smile softened in response, “Did you get everyone home?”

“Yes,” Maggie nodded, “Dropped everyone off at their places.”

“And then?”

“Then? Then I came back,” Maggie raised her eyebrows, her eyes wide with innocence.

Eva shook her head, leaning on the counter, her fingers holding the cigarette hovering near her drink, “What are your plans for later?”

Maggie smiled, deflecting, “What do you think?”

Eva ignored the question and continued, “Emily has a cleanliness obsession. She never lets anyone touch her car. Qiqi hasn’t even been allowed to drive it. The fact that she handed you the keys and let you drive all the way...”

Maggie froze, “Oh— I didn’t know she—”

“Did Emily seem off at all during the drive?”

“No… not really. I drove her home after dropping off Qiqi…”

Eva laughed, “So, she didn’t really take you driving her car seriously.”

She picked up her glass and patted Maggie’s arm, “I’m telling you this because you might want to know.”

On Monday, Poppy noticed her boss looking unusually cheerful. The meeting was just a routine one, but Maggie had dressed up in a skirt suit with high heels. Her white shirt, not the usual office fabric, was a stylish, transparent, high-collar piece, giving her a fresh appearance.

Could it be the arrival of spring? Poppy mused while watching Maggie's long legs, savoring a potato chip.

Maggie, holding a pencil, discussed design sketches with a subordinate, exuding warmth and kindness as a seemingly ideal boss. The male colleagues in the office were clearly smitten, creating a subtle atmosphere of admiration.

At lunchtime, Maggie, in her heels, navigated the cafeteria, receiving countless glances. She accepted them all with indifference, focusing instead on the freshly made sweet potato balls, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

While savoring a golden glutinous rice ball, two women approached her from different directions. Maggie, unaware, continued eating until Lola sat opposite her, and Jasmine called out her name.

“Maggie.”

Maggie looked up from her plate, noticing the rarely seen elegant President Gao, “President Gao.”

Jasmine glanced at Lola and said, “Come to my office during lunch break.”

“Okay!” Maggie nodded and watched her superior leave. Lola seemed unfazed, continuing her meal.

Maggie was concerned about Jasmine’s request, anticipating more trouble.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

Lola, picking coriander stems out of her dish, caught Maggie’s gaze. Maggie didn’t answer immediately, finishing a rice ball.

“Maggie, did you… hear anything about me that’s not so great?” Lola asked directly, her eyes steady and unflinching.

Given the directness, Maggie couldn’t hide the truth and nodded while chewing. Lola smiled, “Do you believe it?”

Maggie shook her head, still eating. Lola’s smile widened, showing genuine happiness. The topic didn’t continue, and their conversation about Lola’s business trip concluded with lunch.

After leaving the elevator, Maggie discarded her chewing gum in the trash. The area outside the VP’s office was empty. She peeked inside Jasmine’s office, where Jasmine was resting on the sofa with her eyes closed.

Maggie knocked softly on the open door. Jasmine appeared to wake up, opening her eyes.

“Come in and close the door.”

Jasmine’s voice was low, laden with fatigue. Maggie closed the door and sat down across from her.

They sat in silence for a while. Maggie, accustomed to Jasmine’s distant demeanor, waited patiently. Jasmine’s detachment was less intimidating with time, making Maggie feel more at ease.

Finally, Jasmine sighed deeply, as if coming back to herself, and gave a faint smile, “Maggie.”

“Mm.” Maggie observed her, realizing that even wealthy people face their own difficulties. Jasmine looked clearly unhappy, possibly due to stress, and her overall demeanor was downcast.

“There’s nothing specific. I just wanted you to sit with me for a while.”

Maggie nodded, “Okay.”

Jasmine smiled again, “You look so good like this.” She glanced at Maggie’s attire, “Do you have a date today?”

“Hmm?” Maggie smiled, “Is it that obvious?”

Jasmine bit her lip, still smiling.

“Not yet. It depends on her availability.”

Maggie’s tone was light and her eyes sparkled with excitement. Jasmine noticed her joy and teased, “Does anyone ever refuse a date with you due to lack of time?”

“Ha! Are you trying to compliment me?”

“Actually, yes.”

In Jasmine’s laughter, she gradually relaxed, her usual stern demeanor giving way to a genuine smile. Maggie couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy; perhaps this woman truly needed some warmth.