With a deep sigh, Jade composed herself and called out toward the door, "I'm fine. I'm getting up now.""Alright, I'm coming in." Julian's voice was noticeably excited. He knocked on the door symbolically before pushing it open, sticking his head inside and playfully sticking out his tongue at Jade. "Good morning."Julian's uninvited entrance made Jade's head throb with frustration.Just as Jade was about to express her displeasure, Julian strolled in with confidence. His eyes lit up upon seeing Jade's room. "Wow, Jade, your room is beautiful."Julian's eyes sparkled as if he were seeing something wondrous. He admired every piece of decor, unable to hide his delight.Jade stood aside with a cold expression. From the moment Julian entered her room, her mood had soured. She disliked anyone intruding into her space, especially a man.Julian finally noticed something was off from Jade's reaction. He toned down his smile and said seriously, "Don't be mad. I'm here on official business
Julian finished a pack of snacks, patting his shrunken stomach. He looked pitifully at Jade, like a little puppy. "I'm so hungry. Can we go eat?"There was nothing to eat at home, and Jade wasn't in the mood to cook for him.After thinking for a moment, she nodded. "What do you want to eat?"The mention of food perked Julian up. He raised his hands and exclaimed dramatically, "Gyro! I want gyro. I can eat a whole pig.""What? Gyro?" Jade frowned. "Who eats gyro this early in the morning?!"Julian, unfazed, retorted, "I want gyro. Back on the island, Immanuel wouldn't let me eat this or that. I'm starving for it."Jade rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. "Why wouldn't Immanuel let you eat gyro?"Julian rested his chin on his hand and replied pitifully, "Because he says gyro is junk food."Jade was rendered speechless.Since it was boring for just the two of them, Jade called Tiffany and Melanie to join them. The two were delighted to get a free meal.They agreed
"Do you know her?" Jade asked, puzzled.Julian averted his gaze, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. "How could I possibly know a celebrity? I just think she doesn't compare to you at all."His expression and tone clearly indicated he was hiding something. Since he was unwilling to explain, Jade didn't press further. She had no interest in prying into others' private matters.The two had been sitting in the private room for nearly 20 minutes, and Tiffany and Melanie had yet to arrive.Julian, growing increasingly anxious, frequently checked his watch. "Are those two riding snails? Why aren't they here yet? I'm starving."Jade also felt the wait was getting too long. Just as she took out her phone to call Melanie, her phone rang. Seeing it was Melanie, she quickly answered. "Hello, Melanie."Melanie's tearful voice came through the line. "Jade, something terrible has happened. I made a huge mistake."Jade's heart tightened at the sound of her friend's sobs, but she remained cal
After a long moment, the car window slowly lowered, revealing an exquisite face. The woman wore large sunglasses that covered most of her features, making it difficult to see her clearly. Still, her contours suggested she was young and beautiful.The car's interior was luxurious, with a delicate pendant hanging in front of the window, featuring a striking ruby that caught the eye.Jade stared at the woman's face, feeling a sense of familiarity but unable to recall where she had seen her before."Hello, could you step out for a chat?" Jade asked, noticing the woman had no intention of getting out of the car. "We need to discuss the compensation."Despite her genuine attempt, the woman wasn't swayed. With a slight smirk, she said, "Sorry, there's nothing to discuss. My car is in this state because of you..."She glanced at Jade and then at Melanie, raising an eyebrow in disdain. "Do you think you can afford to compensate me?"'What an arrogant woman,' Jade thought.She hadn't expe
After Elena finished speaking, she quickly sealed the car window. Jade couldn't see Elena's face through the glass, but she was certain that Elena's mood must be terrible right now.The Maserati swiftly sped away, leaving Melanie and Tiffany utterly confused. How had Jade's brief conversation led to such a hasty retreat?"What happened? Why did she leave?" Melanie asked, her face full of puzzlement.Tiffany was equally baffled. "The car owner wasn't easy to talk to. Melanie and I kept apologizing and discussing compensation, but she never even rolled down her window. She was very arrogant."Since it involved Elena, Jade didn't want to say much, to avoid causing her unnecessary trouble. Since Elena had decided to back down, Jade saw no reason to make things worse for her."It's fine now. I've already talked to the car owner, and I'll cover the repair costs," Jade declared grandly, thumping her chest.Her exaggerated tone made Tiffany frown. "Alright, we get it, you're wealthy an
The dishes at The Lochan were famously delicious. A lively meal was enough to lift everyone's spirits, easing the earlier tension.Julian, with his warm and friendly nature, quickly bonded with Tiffany and Melanie."Melanie, since you’re into design, why not enter the costume design contest for the 'Like a Dream' production?" Julian suggested while eating, sharing some exciting news with Melanie.Melanie, who had been worried about how to make money, immediately perked up. "Are you talking about the historical drama that the current top actress, Elena Bennett, is preparing to shoot?""I've heard about that too. Didn't they just hold a press conference a few days ago? I heard a lot of big stars are joining. The lineup is quite impressive," Tiffany added, equally excited as she was always keen on entertainment news."Yes, that's the one," Julian confirmed. "They've secured the funding, but they’re still struggling with the costume designs. They've gone through several designers but
Julian made a reassuring gesture. "If you don't believe me, I'll call right now and prove it."Ignoring the surprised looks from Jade and the others, he took out his phone and dialed a number. Within seconds, the call connected."Hello, it's me." Julian had barely uttered those three words when the person on the other end abruptly hung up. He held the phone awkwardly and muttered, "That was unexpected. Let me try again."He called again, only to be hung up on once more.After several attempts, he was visibly annoyed. "What's going on? How dare they keep hanging up on me?!"Tiffany observed the situation and softly remarked, "If it doesn't work out, just forget it.""No way. Failure isn't in my vocabulary." Julian's pride wouldn't allow him to be belittled in front of Jade. Determined, he sent a text message and counted under his breath, "One, two, three..."Before he finished, his phone rang.Clearing his throat, he answered with a forced calmness. "Finally decided to take my c
In the afternoon, Julian received a call from his friend, informing him that he should bring the portfolio to the set at 9:00 a.m. the next morning. She would arrange for Melanie to meet the director, but whether it would be successful depended on the work itself."Melanie, this is wonderful news! It's a rare opportunity," Tiffany said, sharing Melanie's excitement. If Melanie succeeded, it would be a turning point for her.Jade patted Melanie's shoulder, encouraging her, "Don't be afraid, Melanie. Believe in your talent."Melanie nodded earnestly. "With you all by my side, I'm not afraid."After some laughter and chatter, Tiffany suddenly realized a problem. "We can't have you meeting the director in anything shabby tomorrow. We need to get you an outfit."Jade had the same thought and chimed in. "Tiffany's right."Melanie shook her head. "There's no need. If I buy clothes, I won't have enough for my living expenses this month.""Of course, I’ll buy them for you. I’m counting o