After the scare I had, my mind was in a jumble, and I couldn't sleep at all."Huh!" Wendy, who was halfway closing the curtains, stopped.I turned to look at her and asked, "What's wrong?""Nothing, it's just that there are so many cars of the same brand," Wendy muttered, then closed the curtains completely. "Sweetie, why don't you move in with me after you're discharged from the hospital?""Wendy, absence makes the heart grow fonder. I'm afraid that if we spend too much time together, I might lose you as a friend.""Are you afraid I'll discover your flaws, or are you implying that I have flaws?""Of course, I'm afraid you'll find out about my flaws. Our Miss Perfect Wendy doesn't have a single flaw!""Jen, I'm serious about this," Wendy said, uncharacteristically serious.I adjusted my expression to match her seriousness. "I know you're worried that I'll be scared living alone, but life is long. I can't always rely on you. I need to learn to cope on my own.""Jen, take things
When the bandages were taken off my face, Wendy playfully poked my cheek and asked, "Honey, is your face swollen because the wound hasn't fully healed yet?""The doctor told me today during rounds that my wound is healing nicely." I had examined my injured left cheek in the mirror; the unsightly black scab had fallen off, leaving behind a pink scar. The doctor had assured me that the scar would gradually fade and could potentially be removed through cosmetic treatment.My face is how I present myself to the world. If it hadn't healed well, it would draw unwanted attention. I didn't have the strength to face those looks without feeling affected, so I gently touched my face and walked over to the mirror."Both sides are pretty symmetrical, plump, and adorable. Feels nice too," Wendy teased, pinching my face. "Just kidding. You've been eating and sleeping well lately, so you've filled out. You look just like you did in college.""Am I really that fat?"I had been so focused on the sc
Husky was a lively and neurotic breed, with a penchant for destruction as its default mode. In stark contrast stood Luke, mature and composed, rarely cracking a smile. He had one hand casually tucked in his pocket, the other holding the leash. Standing over 6 feet tall, Luke's shadow stretched long under the warm glow of the courtyard lights.The villa had a garden-style architectural design, boasting beautifully crafted features such as colonnades, intricate carvings, and refined craftsmanship. Luke's mere presence in the villa created an atmosphere, as if he were part of the scenery. It was unclear whether he complemented the surroundings or if they enhanced him.The Husky sniffed aimlessly in the nearby grass. It barked once and raised its head alertly at the sound of a noise. Luke followed suit, lifting his gaze.During my hospital stay, I had only communicated with Luke about work matters via phone and email, never meeting in person. After not seeing each other for so long, a s
Coincidentally, Bryan and Zac had gone to meet clients that afternoon, so I didn't have a chance to see them before leaving work. Shortly after, I ended up in the hospital due to an injury.While I was hospitalized, I didn't want to bother them since I knew they were busy with work. Instead, I decided to order some books online to enhance my knowledge.I expressed my gratitude to Luke, saying, "Thank you for being patient with me earlier.""Good, it seems like you've acknowledged your weaknesses," he responded."It's important to know oneself. If it wasn't for my father's connection, would you have fired me already?""You just claimed to be self-aware, but now you seem to have lost even that in an instant?""I thought you'd say I was intelligent and had potential, and that's why you kept me. I didn't expect you to be so direct."After all, Luke had praised me before."You do have some cleverness, but only if you stay level-headed and don't let others deceive you. Otherwise, tha
"It's as if Luke is raising a pampered and timid wife, rather than just a dog.""That's a perfect way to put it!""The next time work gets you down, you should bring your Samoyed to bully his Husky as payback.""I don't engage in such cowardly and mean acts."Picking on a dog wasn't my style, though teasing it occasionally might be fun."Jen, have you ever considered that Luke's ideal type might be someone like that?""Like what?""A pampered little wife!""Wendy, how could you come up with such a crazy idea?"Luke is a workaholic. The person he likes should be someone who can match him, someone he doesn't need to spend too much time taking care of. "Luke is so sharp-tongued, a delicate girl would end up in tears eight hundred times a day.""Men enjoy making their beloved girls cry and then consoling them afterwards. It's called romance! Do you understand?""As expected from Wendy, your analysis makes sense.""A pampered beauty... Jen, I'm growing more and more intrigued by L
"Of course! I have information on anyone noteworthy in Johnsonville. Just give me a moment, and I'll send it to your email," Wendy replied."I feel so fortunate to have you as my backup, Wendy!"Wendy had achieved her current position through hard work. In comparison, I was still a workplace novice. Talking with her was always enlightening.After ending the call, my phone quickly chimed with an incoming email. I opened it immediately.Mandy Saunders, 24 years old, graduated from Johnsonville Vocational School. She started as a receptionist at Destiny, became the CEO's secretary within six months, then left after three months to join Hampton. She quit Hampton after half a year and began a relationship with Francis Muller, CEO of Mulligan Group.Mandy's resume reflected clear goals and relentless efforts to climb the social ladder.I respect every hardworking person, as long as they aren't pursuing unethical paths.After reading Mandy's profile, I had a general understanding of he
The research results for Mulligan Group and Destiny Tech were out. I printed the necessary documents and brought a cup of coffee to Luke's office."Mr. Walker, here's the guest list for today's Hengtong International Trade Exhibition, along with the research findings on Mulligan and Destiny," I said.International trade exhibitions were crucial platforms for companies to showcase products, seek new clients, and find partners. Luke's schedule was tight today. If the guest list didn't include businesses or individuals he was interested in, he'd likely cancel.I placed the documents on his desk and, seeing no further instructions, prepared to leave."JL Capital is partnering with Mulligan as the primary party," Luke said, taking a sip of coffee. "JL Capital's principle is to avoid arrogance in collaborations, but also not to be pushed around.""Do you think I overreacted this morning, Mr. Walker?"Destiny hadn't passed the risk assessment. If Mulligan still wanted to proceed, JL Cap
Mandy's flawless makeup and radiant skin made her look like a delicate doll, hiding any signs of the scheming woman who supposedly ousted her predecessor. Wendy once said that appearances can be deceiving, and her wisdom and experience made me consider her point.I mustered my focus and smiled politely in return. "Mrs. Muller.""Please, just call me Mandy. We're around the same age," she said warmly, urging me to have a seat.I sat across from her as Mandy handed me the menu. "Since it's our first meeting, order whatever you want."I declined the menu. "I'll have a Blue Mountain coffee, please.""Ah, I love Blue Mountain coffee too. It's unique with its smoothness, aroma, hint of sweetness, and touch of acidity in the aftertaste.""You're quite knowledgeable about coffee.""I used to be an executive assistant, so I dealt with a lot of coffee. Naturally, I know a bit more than most. It seems we have a lot in common."Mandy was observant. She noticed my cold and distant attitude
Due to jet lag, I was already exhausted though it wasn't dark yet.Ian was drooping too, suddenly slumping against me.Worried he'd fall, I quickly steadied him.He glanced at me before contentedly closing his eyes again.He was completely worn out.Mr. Lloyd, who had been chatting with the director, noticed this and quickly wrapped up his conversation to join us.Still half-awake, Ian instinctively held onto my arm when his father reached for him."It's your Dad."At my words, Ian let go.Mr. Lloyd picked him up and strode toward the car, while I gathered Ian's things and followed.On the way back, I offered to drive.Mr. Lloyd was quiet. I turned on the car's music system, and soft music filled the space.Having debuted overseas as a trainee, Mr. Lloyd's fingers unconsciously tapped along to the rhythm on his leg.At a red light, I caught this movement in the rearview mirror.Mr. Lloyd had been an all rounder superstar - consistently among the top three highest-earning
Since Penelope was mid-flight and unreachable, I sent her a message and forwarded Sara's letter."Are you okay, Jen? You seem worried," Ian asked."Just blown away by your amazing performance. I'm still thinking about it."Ian was a natural - his acting could really move people."I might be cocky,” Ian grinned.He looked proud, and I ruffled his hair. "No chance of that."For a four-year-old, he'd shown remarkable composure during the preschool incident.Even after being cleared, he hadn't played the victim. That kind of emotional strength showed real character.A few compliments wouldn't change that.Ian's smile lit up his whole face, showing perfect baby teeth."When do you start filming your scenes?"The director was clearly impressed - Ian's role was locked in."Not sure yet."Ian looked up at his father."Soon," Mr. Lloyd said, clearly proud of Ian's performance. "I'll stay on set with Ian these next few days. Jen, feel free to explore the city. I'll call if we need
Just when they thought they'd found hope, the bad guys caught up with them.During their escape, his best friend fell off a cliff. When Bobby was finally rescued and led them back, they found his friend's body, mangled beyond recognition. He was devastated."I'll start now!"In an instant, Ian transformed. He walked heavily toward a chair, his expression gradually filling with pain.Kneeling beside the chair, he reached out as if to touch "him" but couldn't bring himself to do it. Tears silently rolled down his face.The director checked the script and signaled his assistant to remove the chair, simulating the scene where the friend's body would be placed in a body bag.At this, Ian broke into heart-wrenching sobs.His emotional outburst impressed everyone watching on set.Mr. Lloyd looked proud, and the director, as if discovering a treasure, praised Ian after his performance: "Your acting reminds me of your father in his prime.""If I'm as good as Dad was at my age, imagine
I'd dug my own grave, hadn't I?I swallowed my food, took a sip of water, and kept my head down while eating.Luke pushed the mild seafood soup toward me. "This is less spicy."Stubborn as I was, I ignored him.Luke called the server over, trying to order milder versions of the fish and pork."Don't bother, I love extra spicy food."Even though I needed water after every bite, I was determined to finish what I'd ordered.Seeing my stubbornness, Luke apologized to the server and let her go."Jen...""Don't talk while eating."By now, my soul had practically left my body from the spice. I wasn't in the mood for conversation.My throat felt like it was on fire as I gulped down more water.Luke quietly refilled my empty glass. He'd barely touched his seafood soup, his elegant movements making me feel even more ungraceful.I was suffering from my own spite!I wanted to throw down my chopsticks and leave.No, stay calm!I tried to maintain my composure, fighting the urge to d
Just as I finished speaking, my stomach let out an embarrassing growl."There's an excellent Chinese place around the corner," Luke said."You've been here before?""No.""..." Then how did he know about a good restaurant?Did he research every place this thoroughly?He'd make a perfect travel companion.I later learned he'd researched local restaurants knowing my passion for food.I'd only had water since waking up. The film crew would have finished lunch by now, with no leftovers available. I needed to find something on the way.Being in a bad mood lately, I hadn't researched any local restaurants before coming here.Craving authentic Chinese food, I decided to take Luke's suggestion.It was an upscale Chinese restaurant specializing in spicy cuisine. As soon as we sat down, a cheerful server brought out place settings and started listing their specialties."Our portions are generous. For a couple, I'd recommend one appetizer and a soup to start.""We're not a couple," I
Luke came to search for his birth mother himself?As I looked at him, he noticed me too.I greeted him and was about to get a taxi to the set."If you have time, can you show me where you saw her yesterday?""I... okay."Mr. Lloyd and Ian would be fine - finding Luke's mother was more urgent.After weighing the pros and cons, I agreed.Luke hadn't brought an assistant. I waited outside while he took his luggage to his hotel room, then we walked to where I'd seen his mother yesterday.It wasn't far from the hotel, so we went on foot.Without thinking, I kept about three feet between us.Luke: "Do I look like some kind of monster?"With his model-like features that made you want to break rules just looking at him, how could he possibly look like a monster?I shook my head."Then why are you keeping such a distance?""..." So that's what he meant...Though I'd decided to stay just friends, my heart - already full of him - still skipped beats when we were together.He was t
"If you can't find her, Luke can! Now that he has a general area, he can track her down quickly.""I'll let him know."Mrs. Walker was also searching for her, planning to use her to manipulate Luke. We needed to contact her before Mrs. Walker did.After hanging up with Wendy, I looked at Luke’s number on my phone. Several times I almost called him, but kept backing out.After hesitating, I tried calling Emily, but hung up just before it connected.Although Emily had been open with me, I couldn't be sure if she was genuinely helping Luke.To be safe, I called Luke instead. He answered on the first ring.Luke stayed silent."Mr. Walker, this is Jen.""I wasn't planning to cut you out of my life completely. I kept your number."Me: ...There he went again with his sharp tongue. I almost hung up, but remembering how much he'd helped me, and that I could finally do something for him, I told him about possibly seeing his birth mother near the hotel.After a moment of silence, Luk
"Dad, he's a bad guy!" Ian pointed at the man who was already several yards away.The robber was huge - well over 6'2", wearing a denim vest that showed off his muscular arms. Mr. Lloyd probably couldn't take many punches from him, and we didn't know if he was armed. It wasn't worth the risk.I ruffled Ian's hair. "Let's go get something to eat.""Help! Stop the robber!"A woman was running after him, desperately grabbing passersby for help, out of breath.Following the 'better safe than sorry' principle, no one stepped forward to help.She reached us, and seeing we were Asian, her eyes lit up with hope. "Please help me, I have something very important in my bag."Mr. Lloyd looked down at his arm where she was clutching it. "I'm sorry, we're new here and unfamiliar with the area. We can't help."She let go, disappointed, staring dejectedly in the direction the robber had disappeared.Ian said in his sweet voice, "When you're in trouble, find a police officer."The woman was a
His stern look only made Penelope more nervous.When Director Nolan called "Cut!", she was already drenched in cold sweat.She quickly apologized to the director.Director Nolan watched the playback with a grave expression.As the makeup artist touched up Penelope's makeup, I went to her side and encouraged her: "It gets easier after the first try. You'll do better in the next take.""Jen..." Penelope glanced at the crew members around us. "This is my first time on such a major production.""You'll have many more opportunities like this."One Entertainment had been investing most of its resources in Penelope lately, and with her connection to Jethro, her popularity wasn't waning.One hit was all she needed to skyrocket to stardom."Jen..."Penelope's voice trembled with worry.George was particularly anxious too. "You've done well in other productions. We can't mess up at this crucial moment!"A good performance in Director Nolan's film could lead to future collaborations,