Ivy could not help but wonder what Shawn's affectionate side would be like. Surely, only Gale could see it. Even after Shawn had been gone for a long time, Ivy still stood in the same spot. The paparazzi were snapping away crazily, especially when she had slipped earlier. It was like they were blessed! "At first, I thought these deliberately angled shots might not be up to par, considering how much the buyer would pay for it. I never expected such a scene to suddenly unfold!" "It's like they're handing me money, Ivy. I declare you my lucky star. I wish you a bright future and a soaring career in the entertainment industry!" "Perfect! This is more than enough! Each one can stir rumors!" The paparazzi enthusiastically admired the photos on their camera. Ah, Ivy and Shawn in an embrace, eyes locked… Fantastic!He removed the memory card, whistled, and left the hotel. However, he did not drive away immediately. He looked around to ensure no one was watching, took out his phone f
If Shawn could change his mind naturally, it would take even less effort on Aurum's part."Alright. You did well," Aurum said."As long as you're satisfied, I feel good." The paparazzi grinned. "If there's anything like this again, feel free to call me anytime!"Aurum asked, "Have you seen me before?"The paparazzi hesitated for a moment, then quickly responded, "No, I haven't. I've never seen you before. I don't even know what you look like. We're just strangers.""Good. Keep your mouth shut. If you breathe a word of it...""I promise I won't! I have professional ethics! You can trust me!"Aurum nodded, stepped on the gas, and the car sped away.He was in high spirits.He hoped Shawn would fall for Ivy. It would work out well. Shawn with a female star, and he would have Gale. He would not need to break them up then.As the night progressed, Shawn was driving back home.His phone rang."Hello?"Nicole's complaining voice came through. "Daddy, why aren't you home yet?""I'
He thought, 'In the future, I'll set up a curfew for her. She must be home before eleven at night to prevent her from hanging out with Summer and losing track of time!'Shawn's car slowly pulled over by the road. He got out of the car but noticed a familiar vehicle. He raised an eyebrow and swiftly strode over. He tapped on the car window and said, "Joe, what a coincidence.""Oh, Shawn." Joe rolled down the car window. "Here to pick up Gale?""Yeah, what about you?"Joe looked nonchalant. "I'm here to pick up Summer."Shawn did not buy it. "You were on the same plane as Summer, but you weren't invited to this dinner. Don't you know where you stand? Why pretend in front of me?""I... I didn't want to intrude on their girlfriend's reunion. What would I do with two women chatting away?""Obviously, it's them who didn't want you there!"Joe got out of the car and leaned against the door. "I haven't settled accounts with you. While Gale and Summer have their gathering, we boys shoul
"Shawn, come on, do me this favor." Joe softened his tone. "I won't say much more. You know what I mean, right?"Shawn stared at him. "Are you really planning to pursue Summer?""I... Well...""Don't beat around the bush. I want a straight answer."Joe pursed his lips. "Why these questions? Anyway, you're already living happily ever after, so why would you care about my personal matters?"He was jealous of Shawn. With a wife, son, and daughter, Shawn was winning in life. Working during the day, enjoying family time in the evening and on weekends—his life was practically a fairy tale!Shawn replied, "If you're serious about pursuing Summer, then come up with a plan. Be open about it. Let everyone know you're pursuing her, no more hints, no more holding back.""Why? What if she rejects me? That'd be so embarrassing."Shawn countered, "Is your pride more important, or is having her as your partner more important?"Joe fell silent."I'm speaking from experience. I've been through
Upon hearing this, Joe's expression changed. He stroked his chin. "There's some truth to that."He and Summer had indeed progressed from friendship to something more, but it seemed they were still one step away from a relationship. During their time away, they spent almost every moment together. The roads on the construction site were rough; he had helped her, held her hand, and even carried her at times. Yet, their relationship remained stagnant.Shawn pointed out bluntly, "Are you waiting for Summer to confess her feelings to you?""How could that be! I dare not even think about it!"With Summer's personality, if she were to confess first, it would be like the sun rising from the west. She appeared straightforward and open, but that was in work and friendship. She was hesitant and not as courageous as Gale when it came to love. Summer was just direct on paper.Shawn patted his shoulder, "Do you know what to do now?"Joe frowned. "Let me think it over. Don't rush me."Truth be
Shawn glanced at him. "I think the most wonderful time is when you finally get her."It was not what Joe described at all—the ambiguous phase was when they were unsure of each other's feelings."You'll only understand once you're in a relationship." Joe shrugged. "You went straight to marriage, so of course, you won't experience that feeling.""Well, don't envy me too much for being able to marry in one go."Joe was speechless.Inside the restaurant, the aroma of food filled the air. This famous old restaurant had been open for over ten years. It was renowned far and wide and attracted a steady stream of customers every day.Gale and Summer had been coming to this place since their college days. After eating all sorts of instant food from convenience stores while she was away, Summer craved a freshly cooked dinner and specifically requested to come here!Shawn scanned the familiar faces around. Soon, he spotted Gale sitting by the window. There were several beer bottles on the t
"Hehehe..."Joe sat down beside Summer. Gale realized that Joe was also there. So, it had to mean that he was the one to bring Shawn here.Summer was not drunk, but she was definitely tipsy. The alcohol was getting to her, making her a bit excited and carefree.She slapped his shoulder heartily. "Joe, my man, didn't expect you to show up in the end. Too bad Gale and I are already done eating. How about we grab a couple of beers?""You're quite something, Summer, going straight for the alcohol?""Just a little treat, just a little treat. You and Mr. Wood must have finished eating too, so let's have a drink together to liven things up," Summer replied.Joe looked at her flushed face and the scent of alcohol in her breath, wrinkling his brows in resignation. He did not dislike her alcohol breath; in fact, he found it quite pleasant."Come on! Waiter, bring another crate of alcohol!" Summer called out."Sure thing.""This alcohol is nice. Gale and I always have a couple of glasses
Hmm, it seemed like Joe had set his sights on Summer."How nice, we can go home together. I knew it. Even without me tonight, you'd still be able to handle Ivy's issue!" Gale leaned on Shawn's shoulder.Shawn wrapped his arm around her waist. "You stood her up. Ivy was asking why you weren't there."Gale's eyes brightened. "Is she really eager to see me?"'Wow. This kind of beautiful female friendship really warms my heart.' Gale felt she helped the right person."Someday, I'll introduce Ivy and Summer to each other. Who wouldn't like such a cool chick," Gale said.Shawn toyed with his wine glass, speaking softly, "Why don't you ask me how I resolved Ivy's contract issue?""You surely have your ways. I trust you completely.""Yeah, trust to the extent you can drink without a care in the world."He was networking, forced to drink, and compelled to attend dinners he would not even attend at all. He did all of this for her. And her? She was having a blast, leaving him in the dust
Summer didn't know, but the more she said that, the more unsettled Gale felt inside. Everyone was telling her that Shawn wasn't that busy, didn't need to work overtime, let alone stay in the office until late at night. So, what was he doing that night? Did he have some secret that she couldn't know?Just as she was pondering this, several exclamations suddenly rang out in the office. "Wow! Look at this!" "Oh my god!" "This is so explosive!" "The hype is skyrocketing!"Several colleagues were glued to their computer screens, their faces full of gossip and excitement. Gale was puzzled and asked, "What's going on? What happened?"Summer immediately picked up her phone. "Let me see... Oh my god!"Gale grew even more curious. What on earth had happened? She hurried over and stared at Summer's phone screen.News stories flashed one after another, relentlessly. Gale quickly caught the most crucial information: "Ivy announced her withdrawal from her latest film, leaving the female
She wondered what Shawn was doing that night, that he came home only at dawn. Where did he go? Was he lying?Just a moment ago, Gale merely felt something was off, but now, she was overwhelmed with a strong sense of panic. Joshua's words about how women flocked to Shawn and how men would not be suddenly busy, suddenly flooded her mind.Even though Gale tried hard to tell herself not to overthink things, that it was impossible, and that Shawn deserved her full trust, she was having a hard time controlling herself!“Gale?" Summer called her several times. “What are you thinking about? You seem so distracted.”“Nothing,” she shook her head. “It’s nothing. I’m getting ready to work on the design. I really can’t delay any further.”She wasn’t in the mood to joke around with Joe and Summer anymore, so she turned and sat down in front of her computer. Her mind was completely blank. What on earth was Shawn doing that night when he came home so late? Clearly, there wasn’t any urgent matter
Summer chuckled, "Look at you, anyone who doesn't know might think I bully you just because my position is higher than yours. Gale, come on, show some authority. I heard from Joe that Shawn has all the shares...""Shh!" Gale quickly covered her mouth. This was a sensitive matter; it wouldn't do to discuss it casually. If someone with ill intentions overheard, it could lead to unnecessary trouble."Okay, okay, I won't say anything," Summer understood her meaning. "Let's talk about work then? Oh great designer, where's your design draft? It was due last week! You've been delaying for quite some time!"Gale looked embarrassed. "I... I haven't finished it yet...""Show me the draft.""I haven't even started the preliminary draft...""What?!" Summer looked shocked. "Gale, how did you become so lax?""There's so much going on, taking care of two children, and Shawn..." Gale's voice trailed off.At this moment, Joe suddenly appeared from nowhere. "Is Shawn clinging to you, or are you
“Sorry, Gale, I'll be more careful next time.” He hugged her, lightly brushing her forehead with his chin.Gale wondered if she was overthinking things. It was just normal work busyness that made Shawn come home a bit late, and she hadn't really minded or dwelled on it. But, it seemed this issue kept resurfacing in her mind.Just as she was thinking, she suddenly felt lighter."Ah..." Gale exclaimed, "Shawn!"He scooped her up horizontally and headed upstairs in large strides. It was another night of intense entanglement. Gale was tired and sleepy. Her eyes were barely open, but just before drifting off to sleep, she managed to say, "I have to go to work tomorrow, on time... no more skipping.""Okay."With Shawn's response, she immediately fell into a deep sleep.She left everything else to him… She was going to fall apart! She didn't know what was going on with Shawn, these past two nights have been endless. Before, he might ask for too much, but he would care about her physica
The trip back home was serene and filled with warmth for Gale. Shawn in contrast, felt tumultuous. By the time they arrived home, the two little ones were already fast asleep in the back seat, slumped over in different directions."Just a moment ago they were chattering non-stop, now they're all curled up asleep," Gale chuckled. "No matter how clever they are, they're still just kids."They were her little darlings. She opened the back door and gently lifted Nicole out. For some reason, when she lifted Nicole, she felt a bit unsteady and swayed."Careful," Shawn noticed and reached out, pulling her and their daughter into his embrace.Gale leaned securely against him. "With you here, how could I fall?""No worries, maybe Nicole's just gotten heavier as she's grown. I'm having trouble carrying her now," Gale said."Let me."She tilted her chin. "You take Joshua. I can manage for this short walk, really.""I can handle both," Shawn replied."Yeah, yeah, I know you're strong."S
"Alright, alright," Joshua shrugged and said, "Old man, you do your thing. Actually, I hope you could be a bit busier.""You want me to be busier?""Yeah, just a bit busier than now. Not too much, just a moderate increase," Joshua gestured, "You're always so leisurely, it makes me uneasy, Shawn!"Shawn asked, "What makes you uneasy?""Your business. I'll have to inherit it in the future! If you continue being so idle and not managing the company well, when I take over, I'll be swamped! Shawn, can't you think about your son?"So that was Joshua's concern. He feared Shawn wouldn’t manage the company well and it would burden him in the future.Gale sighed repeatedly, "How did I end up with such... "She couldn't find the right words.Smart?Mischievous?Shawn replied calmly, "Joshua, do you now realize you're my son? I should consider you? Then let me ask you, what do you want to call me?""Daddy."Joshua smoothly said.Both Shawn and Gale were somewhat surprised.He actuall
"Joshua!" Gale turned around to look at him. "What's been going on in that little head of yours day after day?"Joshua replied seriously, "I'm thinking about you, Mommy. Shawn leaves work on time every day, never stays late. Suddenly he's busy until midnight. Don't you think that's a bit strange?"As he said this, Gale felt something wasn't quite right. But she trusted Shawn enough. The company was big, with lots of business, so the occasional unexpected situation was normal. Even if she pushed the thought further, what would Shawn do? Would he be seeing other women? Gale wasn't concerned at all because Shawn wouldn't give any woman a chance! He loved only her and she was confident that she held the only place in his heart."Alright, I think you've been watching too many dramas lately," Gale said. "Joshua, from now on, you need to cut down on your TV drama time!""No! I refuse!""Joshua, your protest is futile!"Joshua was getting frustrated; he really wanted to watch TV.After
Joshua reluctantly said goodbye to Ivy, "Bye-bye, Ivy. I'll come over again when I have time. You can come to my house too! Love you! Mwah mwah!"He kept blowing kisses."Shawn," Gale looked at him, "Does your son know no shame?""I'm starting to suspect he might have a genetic mutation."Both Shawn and Gale were quite reserved by nature, especially in expressing their feelings. They loved subtly and rarely voiced it openly. But Joshua was different. He worked his charm on everyone from the old Lucas down to babies. He could make anyone happy if he wanted to!The car moved along the road.Gale asked, "What do you think about Ivy's condition today?""What do I think?""Yes.""I didn’t observe closely," Shawn replied. "Why?"Gale couldn't help but laugh, "I allow you to look and give your opinion. It's fine. You don’t have to create your distance so strictly.""She's better than last time," Shawn said. "Beyond that, I don’t know."Even if he knew, he couldn't say.Gale reac
Ivy stared at Gale, her eyes bright and clear.“Gale, if I hold the truth in my hands, would you want me to reveal it?”Gale nodded firmly. “Yes!”“Do you want to know the whole truth?”“I do!”Ivy blinked, then suddenly smiled. “Okay, okay, Gale, I know what to do now.”“Can you tell me now?”“Not yet.”“Why?” Gale asked. “Have you been threatened?”She grew tense all of a sudden.Ivy shook her head. “No. It’s just too complicated to explain in a few words. But with your support, I suddenly feel stronger and know what I need to do!”Even if President Wood tried to stop her, she would expose it. She would vent her anger, punish Paul, tear off Aurum’s hypocritical mask, let Gale know Aurum's ugliness... Ivy decided to act on her own. She resolved silently.Smells of food wafted from the kitchen.“Dinner’s ready,” Ivy smiled. “Joshua, Nicole, did you wash your hands?”They replied, “We’re going now!”“I’ll take you.”“No,” Gale stopped her. “They’re big enough to wash the