Couldn't Joey read the room?Luke had already shown a strong aversion to her at the hotel entrance. Her continued attempts to warm up to him were just asking for trouble.In those CEO romance novels I used to read, the seductive female lead would privately sweet-talk the male lead when he was angry. If all else failed, she'd push him down and sleep with him, instantly thawing their relationship.Or she'd act pitiful, waiting somewhere, gazing at the male lead with puppy eyes until he softened and approached her.With Luke being so tight-lipped and Joey so inflexible, if they managed to end up together, Cupid's red thread would have to be as strong as steel wire.Seeing Luke's sour expression, Joey came to my side. "Are you heading back to Johnsonville right after the conference? Besides attending the AI conference, I'm also here to interview Professor Mannings."At the mention of Professor Mannings, my eyes lit up. I was about to speak, but catching sight of Luke's cold face, I q
It's perfectly reasonable for Joey to help. There's no need to feel embarrassed!I tried to persuade Luke to set aside his pride for now and focus on getting things done."I don't want to owe her any favors. This ends here!" Luke insisted."..." Joey was the woman he liked. The more they interacted, the closer they could become!Didn't he understand that?If I hadn't maintained my last shred of reason, I would have ordered some books on dating and had them delivered to his house!Since Luke didn't want to discuss anything related to Joey, I lowered my head and started looking through the conference program.Ten minutes later, the conference began. The organizer gave a long, tedious speech full of official jargon that nearly put me to sleep.He introduced the main attendees one by one, listing their honors and titles. The endless string of accolades made me cringe so hard I could have dug out a three-bedroom apartment.Luke had said this conference wasn't important. Apparently,
I was furious. After they left, I left the stall and returned to my seat, my face filled with anger."Are you feeling unwell?" Luke asked in a low voice, noticing my return. "Do you need to go back and rest?""I'm not unwell, I'm just..." I almost blurted out everything Joey had done, but remembering she was Luke's ideal, I paused and said, "I just ran into Ms. Jefferson from the interest class in the restroom. She was telling someone that we're con artists here to scam people at the conference. From her tone, she seems to have a deep misunderstanding about us. When the conference ends and we try to connect with people on our list, she might jump out and label us as 'frauds!'""Did she insult you?" Luke's expression darkened further."She didn't know I overheard her conversation. If this blows up, it'll be hard to smooth over."Though today's AI conference wasn't large, dozens of media outlets were present. Any disturbance would be quickly reported.With today's fast-paced intern
"Mr. Walker answered the call. I don't know the specifics of the situation."Even if there was a real emergency, it would be confidential company information that couldn't be shared. Joey's question was inappropriate!"I understand. I'll inform them and we can talk once Luke is available," Joey said, sounding disappointed."Thank you for your understanding, Ms. Parker."After ending the call, I pondered. Luke seemed to have a good understanding of Joey's character based on his earlier reaction. His unwavering love for her must be genuine!At the hotel, as I got out of the car, I noticed a man in an old-fashioned suit nearby.It was the old man from the other day. Had he gotten lost again?I quickly informed Luke and hurried over to the old man, a worried expression on my face.He was looking around when he spotted me. His face lit up with a smile. "I finally found you!""Sir, did you come here specifically to find me?" Despite our brief encounter, I sensed a genuine purity fro
The old man and Professor Killiney must be close friends for him to speak so candidly."Professor Killiney's golden retriever has a beautiful, glossy coat. It's well cared for," I said.The golden retriever was quite plump. If it weren't for its large, imposing size, I would have been tempted to pet it."'Professor Killiney' sounds too formal. Call him Grandpa Patrick!" the old man suggested.The old man's friendly demeanor contrasted sharply with Professor Killiney's stern, dignified expression. I observed Killiney's face carefully, then just smiled at the old man without speaking.The old man glared at Killiney. "A smile makes you look ten years younger. Stop frowning all the time. You'll scare the young lady!"Professor Killiney didn't respond.The old man's face broke into a pleading smile. He lowered his voice slightly, "Give me some face in front of the young lady.""Your face isn't as important as her trying to get me to take on a student.""Taking on a student is good!
"I'd have to meet the person she's recommending first before I make a decision," Professor Killiney admitted.The old man didn't pressure him to agree immediately. Instead, he called out to me, "Young lady, bring over the person you're recommending.""Sir, he's not in Brookshire," I replied. Jon's situation was unique, and I wasn't sure if he had ever flown before. He trusted Penelope, so it would be best if she could accompany him on the long journey. "I'll arrange for him to come right away.""We could go to him directly!" the old man suggested, concerned that Killiney might change his mind."Becoming a student requires sincerity. Since when do teachers chase after potential students?" Killiney frowned. "If you want to go, go ahead. I'm not going!""There's an auction in Johnsonville in three days," Luke chimed in at the right moment. "One of the items is an antique landscape painting from the 1800s. If you're interested, I can offer you both tickets to the auction."The old ma
I turned back, my face beaming at the old man."You have the most beautiful smile," the old man complimented me. He then glanced at Luke and commented, "He must be your boyfriend. You make a handsome couple!""Oh no, sir, you've misunderstood! He's actually my boss!" How could I ever compare to someone like Luke? The old man was giving me too much credit! Suddenly, I realized that I hadn't even introduced Luke to them yet. "This is Luke from JL Capital," I quickly added, emphasizing his success as a partner and Johnsonville's famous bachelor.I stopped mid-sentence, remembering Professor Killiney's disdain for businessmen."He's Luke Walker, a partner at JL Capital," Professor Killiney interrupted calmly. "He's been in the news lately because Hanque's new car model, based on Jon's design concepts, has been selling well."Luke chimed in, "Jon has many more meaningful design ideas, like using AI for facial recognition. If we can continuously improve and promote this project, it coul
They had experienced job loss, betrayal from loved ones, and the breakdown of their families. Both of them had lost hope and the desire to live.Because they had gone through similar hardships, they saw themselves reflected in each other. They provided encouragement and support during those challenging times.Their genuine friendship has endured until the present day.The old man shared that even if his own children were to abandon him, Professor Killiney would never leave him behind.As he said this, his face, filled with pride, also displayed a hint of guilt.This guilt likely stemmed from his illness, which he believed might burden Killiney.In that moment, I thought of Wendy. We never considered each other as burdens, but instead felt that we weren't doing enough for one another.Upon sharing this, I noticed tears shimmering in the old man's eyes, and I felt a lump forming in my throat....In the suburbs.Just as we arrived at Jon's residence, Joey called."Ms. Middleto