Chapter 0224
Tedium is ever the same, but the people are different, bringing a unique essence to each encounter. Amelia, with her face mask on, returned to her room and laid on the bed as she unlocked her phone.
After pondering for some time, she sent an emoji to Qin Hualin's W******p.
Qin Hualin had just finished his nightly routine, perusing work-related reports on his computer.
When he heard the alert from his phone's W******p, he would typically not pay it much mind. Yet, inexplicably, he thought of the young lady he had dinner with that very evening and, as if possessed by a whim, he reached for his phone.
Indeed, it was her.
A quirky, peeping cat emoji popped up on his screen.
Qin: ?
Amelia: Have you retired for the night?
Qin: Not yet, reviewing some materials.
Amelia: Did I disturb you?
Common sense dictated that Qin Hualin should cease replying-either affirming his busy status or not responding at all.
After some thought, however, he put his work aside and decided to send a voice reply.
Qin: "No rush, the work can wait."
Upon hearing his voice, Amelia sprang up, animatedly digging her fingers into her thigh.
She hadn't realized why she was so exhilarated.
Former suitors had bombarded her with messages to no avail.
Clearing her throat, she replied with a touch of professionalism in her voice, also choosing a voice message: "I feared disturbing you. What time do you normally rest?"
His voice, though not particularly sweet, carried a hint of joviality that unexpectedly brought a laugh to his lips.
This woman...
Qin Hualin held his phone in silence, not contemplating a response but...
In the email on his computer was a profile accessed just moments before.
It contained basic information about Amelia-her friendship with Ethan's sister Jessica and her closeness to the pilot Madison.
Yet, Qin Hualin hesitated.
It seemed improper to involve others in work matters.
But another thought persisted: in the world of business, ruthlessness was routine and guilt held no sway.
"Ding-dong-"
Amelia: "Hello? Did you fall asleep?"
Coming back to reality, Qin typed back: Not yet. I tend to sleep a bit late.
Amelia: Same. My job disrupts regular rest.
Amelia: Uh... Qin Hualin, may I ask you something?
Qin: Mhm, go ahead.
After sending the message, the response from the other end was delayed.
Checks on work matters resumed.
Ten minutes or so passed and her message finally arrived, startling him.
At the bottom of their W******p conversation appeared a line-
[May I... pursue you?]
Amelia's intentions were clear without having to elaborate.
Qin Hualin was silent, for a long while.
So long that Amelia feared her question was amiss-irretrievably sent, and now beyond reclaiming.
Washed and skin-cared, she tossed and turned in bed, incessantly refreshing their chat, worrying he might've deleted her.
"He wouldn't rashly delete me, right?"
"He doesn't seem petty."
"So why no response? Was it a lack of initial spark, or is he silently urging me to give up?"
Amelia mused to herself restlessly.
As her anxiety grew, the phone chimed.
Her heart raced faster.This is property © of NôvelDrama.Org.
Qin: Do you fear negative outcomes in your pursuits?
The question seemed disjointed from her last message.
On second glance, Amelia discerned
to Caution-pursue if you must, but
temper your expectations with the likelihood of slim success? S
Wow.
Amelia's competitive nature surged; she crossed her legs and sat up, hand on hip.
"What's that mean? You think I can't pursue you successfully?"
She jabbed the screen forcefully.
Qin Hualin soon received her reply.
Amelia: Why fear?
Those three short words somehow hit a nerve, eliciting laughter from him.
He rose, coffee in hand, walking to the balcony.
Secured from outside view, and the opposite dwellings oblivious to him, he reread the three words on W******p.
He could vividly picture the expression of a girl like Amelia uttering such words-with vivacious animation.
Qin: Okay.
Amelia stared at that word for a long time.
Okay?
Okay?!
What does "okay" mean?
Amelia: Okay what?
Qin: I agree.
Amelia revisited her penultimate text.
Was he conceding to her pursuit?!
"АААННН!!!"
A shriek echoed through the villa,
startling Jessica in the living roomet
chips scattering to the floor. "Why so dramatic?!"
Barefoot, Amelia ran to Jessica, showering her with kisses.
Jessica: ...I'm dirty.
Once Amelia calmed, she sat sternly beside her friend: "Sis, I need advice on something." Jessica blinked: "Sister, you took my place as chief steward, and now you seek my advice?" "It's not about work."
"Even less than men, then. Don't you know?" Jessica's gaze was clear.
Amelia sighed, "Help me, will you? I am about to pursue a man. Share some wisdom."
"Haven't you always been savvy with men?"
"Not like this. I want to be serious, more considerate this time."
"Just be more earnest, then." Jessica munched on chips.
Amelia examined herself, "Aren't I earnest?"
Jessica set down the chips, clapping her hands, "Just be persistently kind,
あべて
but don't overdo it. It could become annoying. Provide what he needs, that's enough."
and
"Exactly." Amelia saw it feasible, "Jessica, if things work out, you won't be forgotten, I promise!"
After Amelia dashed off, Jessica pursed her lips.
The next day.
At 7:40 a.m., Qin Hualin's doorbell rang. He answered, still fastening his tie.
Predictably, it was Amelia with breakfast in hand.
Amelia certainly was attractive, effortlessly stylish; a fresh coat for every day.
"May I join you for breakfast, Mr. Qin?" she asked, leaning against the door frame, lifting the breakfast box in the air.
Qin Hualin stepped aside as usual.
As they sat down post-handwashing, Amelia overheard his phone call.
"I'll discuss it when I arrive at the meeting."
Just that one sentence.
Amelia looked up: "May I ask what exactly you do..."
Qin Hualin's gaze swept her face without evasion: "General Manager."
Amelia choked on her drink in surprise.