Ch. 1701..1710

Chapter 1701

Chapter 1701

"Got it, got it." Amanda nodded quickly.

Leroy felt terrified. After forcing down the wine, he sprinted out of the club as if his life depended on it.

Amanda dared not say more and left awkwardly.

When Daniel returned to the hotel later, he saw a petite figure gazing at the sunset outside the window as he entered the room.

Maisie didn't react when he approached. She was still in a daze.

Daniel smiled and hugged her from behind.

She was shocked but playfully punched him when she turned her head and saw him.

"What's wrong?" He tucked her hair behind her ears. "You look like you have a lot on your mind. Are you worried about your family?"

She nodded. "I'm still concerned about my mom."

He frowned. "What did she say to you?"

"She didn't say anything. She hasn't contacted me since we talked about the house. She stutters and avoids talking when I call. When I asked my sister, she couldn't say anything either. She sighed. "It seems like they're upset about the demolition compensation."

Daniel felt pained for her. Sometimes he found it strange too. Since being with her, he had become much more soft-hearted. He would not be as cruel as he used to be toward people and things he despised. Daniel had had his secretary send money to the Squires before coming here. He wanted Maisie to be at ease. It would also help shut Cindy's mouth.

"Don't worry." He rested her chin on her shoulder. His voice was deep and electric. "It's been solved."

"Hmm?"

"It's been dealt with," he repeated, smiling. "I guarantee your family will get something they're happy with."

"Really?"

"Of course."

"Daniel..." she looked at him for a while before asking carefully, "Is there anything in this world that you... can't solve?"

He answered seriously, "Yes. I don't know how to win your heart forever."

She didn't know what he was implying. She smiled.

Daniel suddenly hugged her tight as if she would fly away in the next second.

Some people knew about his past with her. Perhaps they wouldn't dare to spread it because they feared him. But if someone were to leak it one day, causing her to recall the past, their relationship might end. He was scared as soon as he thought of that.

Maisie was losing her breath from his hug, but she sensed that his strong arms seemed to be shaking.

"Daniel..." She patted his back. "What's wrong, Daniel?"

He loosened the hug.

He huskily said, "Would you still like me if I were not a good person?"

"Why are you so weird today?" She held him and looked at him with her starry eyes. "Who told you that you're not a good person?"

He smiled and said nothing more.

He tilted his head and looked at the article she was writing on the computer. He inched closer curiously, but she blocked him because she was shy.

"Don't look!"

"What conspiracy are you writing?"

She blushed and moved away slowly. "You can look but must tell me what you think of it."

Chapter 1702

Chapter 1702

Daniel glanced at the news article that Maisie was writing a piece she had copied from a senior.

Maisie looked concerned. "Is it bad? It always feels too deliberate when I copy. I just don't like it, no matter how I look at it."

"I think it's not bad." Daniel smiled after reading. "It's organized with clear points, and the writing is smooth. It's just the words you used are not poignant enough. It's too soft."

"Are you sincerely complimenting me?" Maisie asked as he played with her hair, his eyes filled with allure.

He shared his honest thoughts, "When writing an article, especially those by journalists, you need an attitude that isn't afraid of offending people. It's impossible to take care of everyone's feelings. "So, be strict when you should be, and criticize when needed. You can't be weak, nor do you have to show mercy. People might not care for your mercy!"

Maisie pondered. "Oh..."

"Don't worry about making enemies," he assured. "One must have a couple of enemies to live in this world!"

"So that's why you said you're not a good person?" she asked.

"Hmm... I indeed had many enemies before," he admitted. "But I don't have many now. I'm trying my best to build good relationships with people."

"Why?"

"Because I have you now," he confessed, holding her hands. "I was afraid that if I had many enemies, they'd go for you when they couldn't touch me. You're my biggest weakness now." Maisie was stunned, holding her head down.

At that moment, the doorbell rang, surprising them both.

The room was very private. Only a handful of people could come, and it wasn't time to eat yet. Who could it be?

Daniel opened the door, revealing his assistant.

The assistant greeted him.

"Why are you here?!" Daniel was upset.

The assistant smiled awkwardly. "I had no choice... I looked for you all over the office."

"What's up?"

The assistant coughed and said softly, "Mr. Daniel, Lily is back."

Daniel suddenly went outside the room and closed the door softly. "What did you say?"

"Ms. Lily is back."

"So what?" Daniel frowned. "You came all the way here to tell me that? We're no longer talking!"

In reality, nothing was going on between them.

That was something Daniel was unwilling to bring up. He had been married before.

Lily Reyes came from a prestigious family. The marriage had been arranged for the benefits of two families, not considering whether they had feelings for each other.

They had not developed feelings, nor had they had sex. From the first day they got married, they would sleep in different rooms, behaving like housemates.

The forced marriage had lasted over three years, and they had broken up peacefully. Lily had chosen to go abroad, while Daniel stayed in Cumulus City.

They didn't even have each other's phone numbers.

Now that she was back, she contacted his assistant?

He squinted. "Why did she look for you?"

"She's back to discuss a collaboration."

"Collaboration?"

The assistant handed Lily's information.

Daniel took a glance. To put it simply, Lily did not waste her family's business genes. She had founded her own cultural company without depending on her family throughout the years abroad, making quite some money.

"She's artistic and quite good at making money..." Daniel smirked. "What kind of collaboration does she want?"

Chapter 1703

Chapter 1703

"Ms. Lily wants to expand the company, but the Reyes Group won't give her too much support on that," the assistant explained. "She thought she'd look for an external collaborator, so she thought of you." Daniel glanced at the attached project proposal. One must say that Lily was a smart woman-the proposal was almost perfect. She generously prioritized the collaborator, making it easy for someone like her to attract an investor.

Although Daniel was quite interested in the project, he instinctively looked into the room.

The assistant laughed at his little move, restraining his laughter when he saw his serious face.

"Got it," Daniel said flatly. "Take the proposal. There's no rush in the collaboration. Let's observe what she'll do next."

"Got it."

"Also..."

"I know." The assistant smiled. "It must be kept a secret from Ms. Maisie!"

Daniel glared at his assistant, who quickly grabbed the proposal and ran away.

Amanda nervously checked the time in the meeting room. Time seemed to pass unusually slowly, annoying her. She didn't pay attention to the important agendas being reported.

When it was her turn to make a decision, she stuttered through it as everyone's eyes were on her. She quickly ran away as soon as the time was up.

She asked to meet Lily at a high-end buffet restaurant nearby for lunch. Although she had reserved the seats, she arrived half an hour early to show respect to this female entrepreneur, who was also Daniel's

ex.

The saying went, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."

She smirked, speculating that Lily must have returned for Daniel.

Being married for a few years, Lily might still be in love with him. In terms of family background, appearance, and charisma, she was superior to Maisie. If Lily found out about Daniel dating Maisie, would she also hate Maisie?

The more Amanda thought about it, the more she believed her plan would work. Unable to fight Maisie directly, she would get Lily to stir things up.

"Ms. Amanda?"

A voice interrupted her thoughts.

Amanda turned and saw a charismatic lady smiling at her. "You're Ms. Amanda, right? Ms. Lily is happy to be dining here today. She has taken her seat over there!"

"What?" Amanda was shocked. "S-She's here?"

"Yes! Didn't you send me the reservation details yesterday? She knew where the seats were, so she came early!"

The lady walked ahead while Amanda caught up, mumbling to herself. She had never encountered a situation where the guest had arrived before the host.

She had arrived half an hour early, but Lily had come before her? What time did she get there? Did she come as soon as the restaurant opened? Lily was indeed something else.

Before Amanda finished mumbling to herself, a shocking image appeared in front of her. Specialty dishes were placed before Lily, who was eating to her heart's content. She was over the moon, not even noticing Amanda standing in front of her.

"Ms. Lily!" The lady patted Lily and signaled her.

Chapter 1704

Chapter 1704

At that moment, Lily looked up and saw the shock in Amanda's eyes.

"H-Hi, Ms. Lily!" Amanda forced a smile while greeting her. Simultaneously, she noticed sauce at the corner of Lily's lips.

Lily swiftly grabbed a napkin to wipe her mouth, then set down the salmon, regaining her elegance.

"You must be Ms. Amanda," Lily said with charisma. "We met many years ago. I remember you were just a journalist back then..."

"That's right!" Amanda quickly responded. "I remember you were... Mrs. Quimby back then!"

Lily's facial expression changed slightly, and she didn't continue the conversation.

The assistant, Rachael, intervened, ushering Amanda to a seat and recommending the restaurant's delicious dishes.

Amanda also noticed the table before Rachael.

Compared to Lily's appetite, Rachael outdid her!

They could really eat, ordering the most special and expensive dishes, some being today's specials with an extra charge.

"Don't just sit there, Ms. Amanda! Start eating!" Rachael said, "The buffet section has great salmon slices and lobsters, but Ms. Lily and I prefer foie gras and caviar..."

Amanda took a deep breath. Compared to them, she seemed more like the guest.

"Loosen up, Ms. Amanda." Lily smiled. "I know you came with an agenda to buy us lunch today. Just give it to me!"

"Ms. Lily, I..." She paused. "I'll just say it. In reality, I've been thinking about you after all these years. I thought what happened between you and Mr. Quimby is sad. Only you are worthy of being the Quimbys' Madam Quimby!"

Lily remained calm, cutting the foie gras in front of her.

"But did you know there was a vixen when you were away... He threw himself at her. If this goes on, I'm afraid—"

"What are you afraid of?" Lily raised her eyebrows.

"That it'll have a bad influence on the company!"

"So..." Lily said calmly, "The Quimby Group's business is bad now?"

"Well, it's good..."

"So where's the bad influence?"

Amanda was rendered speechless.

"You don't have to worry about that, Ms. Amanda," Lily said. "Daniel is a man of finesse. He won't lose his mind to love. Also, you don't work at the Quimby Group. Why are you worried about them?! He's not paying your salary!"

"Um..." Amanda was dumbstruck. It was completely different from what she had imagined!

"You can't say that, Ms. Lily!" Amanda went on, "People like us in journalism, especially in the finance section, must monitor the financial businesses at all times... After all, Mr. Quimby is a major taxpayer in Cumulus City! I'm just doing my job to be concerned about him. It's for Cumulus City!"

"Oh..." Lily nodded. "So tell me, what exactly is going on with Daniel and that woman?"

Amanda pursed her lips before telling everything that had transpired between Daniel and Maisie, including her losing her memory. She recounted everything from the past until now.

She was in the zone as she told the story while Lily was tasting wine nad food and playing on her phone. She ignored her completely.

Soon, Amanda concluded her story. "Ms. Lily, you must teach this woman a lesson!"

Rachael shook Lily hard.

"Oh... Oh?" Only then did she look away from her phone. "Hmm, that's right! I should!"

"So you agree, Ms. Lily?"

Lily chuckled. "What were you saying?"

Chapter 1705

Chapter 1705

"Ms. Lily-"

"The salmon isn't bad, get me another one!" Lily instructed.

Amanda was baffled, rendered speechless.

Rachael scanned the surroundings and then fixed her gaze on Lily with a serious expression. "Ms. Lily, Amanda was wondering how you plan to handle that vixen!"

Lily was suddenly enlightened and replied, "Oh! Yes, yes. What should I do?"

Amanda approached, whispering the plan. "Ms. Lily, all you need to do is..."

At that moment, she pondered, 'She seems smart, but why does she appear so clueless when she talks? Her assistant isn't any brighter either. All they seem to care about is eating more. They don't consider the serious matters at all!'

However, one should not underestimate Lily's capabilities.

Amanda had to endure it and repeated the plan to her multiple times.

Lily glanced at her. "You want me to make her remember the past and recall what Daniel did to her so that she'll fall into despair?"

"Yes! Yes!" Amanda was delighted. Lily had finally grasped her intentions!

"Okay, got it."

"Ms. Lily-"

"It's just a small thing. I'll take care of it," Lily commented.

Amanda beamed. She asked Lily if she enjoyed the meal and then promptly requested more specialty dishes from the waiter.

In Amanda's absence, Rachael asked, "Ms. Lily, are you really going to do as she said?"

"Hmm? What did she say?" Lily pretended to be oblivious. "She praised the restaurant? She's right, indeed. The food is delicious! It's been years since I last came home. I'm so tired of the food abroad!" "Ugh, Ms. Lily!"

"Hahaha..." Lily laughed, patting Rachael's head. "Do you think I'm a fool? Why should I listen to her?"

"So..."

"Daniel and I never loved each other. We had a nominal marriage. What does it have to do with me, who he's with now? Why should I make things difficult for a girl? I should give him my blessing to find his true love!"

Rachael admired her. "It's amazing that you think that way! Your generosity and stance make you a heroine, a savior—"

"Stop it!" Lily dreaded cliche compliments. "Let's eat!"

"Okay!"

"We'll let Amanda pay. Eat more..."

After indulging, Lily and Rachael happily stood at the hotel entrance.

However, Amanda looked distressed after settling the bill. She forced a smile when she approached Lily.

"Thank you, Ms. Amanda!" Lily patted her shoulder. "We drove here, so you don't have to send us off. See you around!"

Amanda hurriedly intercepted them and feigned a plastic smile. "Did you... forget something, Ms. Lily?"

"Hmm? What is it?" Lily asked.

"The thing I mentioned earlier!"

Lily smirked, finding Amanda's panic amusing. She deliberately drawled, "Oh, that!"

"Yes... You'll do it, right, Ms. Lily?"

Chapter 1706

Chapter 1706

"I know you care about Daniel a lot," Lily said, revealing a cryptic smile. "You're doing all this for Daniel! Where do I find someone as loyal as you?! Don't worry. I'll reward you handsomely when all is done!" Amanda's eyes lit up-she was too excited and held Lily's hand.

Lily struggled and shook off her hand. There was despise in her eyes, but she forced a smile.

"I'm glad you realize my effort, Ms. Lily! I didn't do this just for Mr. Quimby but for both of you! The two of you are a match made in heaven!"

"Yes, yes, yes. Thank you so much!"

"One more thing, Ms. Lily..." Amanda inched closer to her and enunciated, "Maisie should be staying at the Quimby Hotel. She's in Mr. Quimby's suite!"

A few days later, Lily and Rachael entered the cafe on the first floor of the Quimby Hotel. They wore dresses, hats, and sunglasses as they walked slowly into the lobby.

However, Rachael seemed a bit cautious, sticking close to Lily, removing her sunglasses, and looking around every now and then.

"Can you not behave like a rookie?" Lily said.

"Ms. Lily, I'm just afraid that Maisie will see us!"

"Are you a fool? Does she know what we look like?"

"Um..."

Lily shook her head and dragged her to the cafe.

She came here today because she was curious about Maisie. On the one hand, she wanted to know what kind of woman made Daniel surrender. On the other hand, if they clicked, she would warn her to stay away from Amanda.

"What do we do now, Ms. Lily?" Rachel asked.

"Hmm..." Lily frowned.

Amanda had told her that Maisie would be revising or writing at this cafe every morning. But there were so many people there. She couldn't ask each of them whether they were Maisie, right?

Lily decided to go all out. She stood at the counter and pointed at the coffee on the menu, loudly stating that she didn't know how to order.

The waiter walked over, and Lily gestured with her hands while speaking Chaisene. She did that until everyone in the cafe looked at her and Rachael.

The latter covered her face, secretly complaining about why she had such an employer.

Meanwhile, Lily found the clear and pure eyes among the people. Her instinct told her that she was Maisie!

At that moment, Maisie got up and went to the counter. She talked to Lily in Chaisene first and then ordered coffee for them.

The waiter recognized the hotel key card she showed and was respectful toward her.

"There's no available table," Lily said, looking at her. "Can we share a table with you?"

Maisie was sitting at the table closest to the window, an isolated table a distance away from others. It was surrounded by plants, creating a mini-isolated space.

The waiter was about to stop them but hesitated when Maisie said, "Sure."

"Amazing!" Lily stopped speaking Chaisene out of excitement. She looked at her while smiling. "Will you show us the way?"

"You..." Maisie was stunned. "You speak Acian?"

Lily chuckled and turned around to give her instructions. "Dark roast beans for my drip coffee. The water temperature shouldn't exceed 70°C. Also, give me a cookie. The less sugary one!" "You..." Maisie was even more shocked now. "You can order coffee yourself?"

"Yes! Of course, I can."

"Then why did you—"

Lily winked. "If I didn't do that, how could I share a table with you?"

Chapter 1707

Chapter 1707

Maisie was taken aback. She found Lily intriguing, albeit a bit peculiar. Despite this, she graciously offered to share her table, shifting her books and laptop aside. Soon, their coffee arrived.

Lily and Rachael exchanged glances as they savored the brew and snacks. Given Maisie's charisma, this had to be the person they were searching for.

Daniel had an excellent eye. This charming and pure girl was attractive to men and someone women would aspire to be friends with.

"Are you writing?" Lily inquired, watching Maisie type away. "What's it about? A novel?"

"I..." Maisie hesitated, looking up.

"Are you working on a novel, miss?" Rachael observed her books. "These look like study materials. Are you preparing for an exam?"

Maisie smiled and remained silent.

Lily promptly apologized, "We don't mean to pry. A lovely girl like you, with books, coffee, and a laptop-it just seemed too artistic! You're perfect for my company!"

Rachael discreetly intervened, grabbing her employer.

Lily always brought up her company in conversations, aiming to sign the most exceptional and lucrative authors.

"I'm writing a novel." Maisie blushed. "But it's just the outline."

"Really?" Lily's eyes gleamed.

Her intuition told her that Maisie was a talented writer. She wanted to take a look but feared Maisie might be unwilling to share. As such, she chatted casually, "Have you finished the outline? Do you have a clear idea of where it's going? What's the genre?"

"It's not done yet." Maisie chuckled. "I'm studying for a journalism exam but can't concentrate. I get sleepy after reading for a while. I thought I'd practice writing, and then..."

"Then you got distracted?" Lily laughed. "It's okay. Even tigers take naps!"

"I just feel bad... for the person helping me."

"Oh?" Lily raised an eyebrow. "Who is it?"

Pursing her lips, Maisie admitted, "It's a... nice gentleman!"

Rachael couldn't hold back her chuckle. It made sense. Daniel was significantly older than her, practically a gentleman when they were together.

Rachael said with a smile, "Ms. Lily is a literary agent! She has made many authors famous. Would you like to show her your writing?"

Maisie was stunned, turning to Lily with a mix of surprise and happiness.

With Maisie's permission, Lily carefully read the outline of her novel.

"Hmm." She nodded while reading. "Your ideas are excellent. It's just that the plot doesn't flow smoothly. There's a logic issue..."

Maisie listened intently, jotting down every suggestion. This echoed Daniel's comment on her previous news article-the logic didn't quite align.

Chapter 1708

Chapter 1708

Maisie's writing had a flaw, and it appeared to be related to her thought training.

"I knew I was right about you," Lily said with a smile. "You write well. The calm and warm writing style you have is popular right now. But you lack charisma-" "Ahem!" Rachael coughed again.

'Hey, how could you say someone lacks charisma in their writing the first time you meet them? How could you judge anyone now?!' Rachael complained inwardly.

"Oh, I'm sorry!" Lily realized slowly. "I don't beat around the bush. I say everything that comes to mind. Please don't be mad!"

Maisie smiled in embarrassment. "You're right. I have no talent in that, indeed. But I love writing. That's the reason why I want to be a journalist."

"Do you really like it?"

"Yes! I have the habit of journaling. Whenever something bothers me, I love to sit down and write... I feel relaxed whenever I write. All of the bad feelings are gone after I write!" "Then you're born to do this!" Lily said genuinely.

"But you said I-"

"Charisma isn't the most important thing!" Lily patted her hand. Her eyes were sincere. "Only passion will last forever!

"Some people depend on talent in writing, but have you heard of the danger of talent?

"I've met many talented authors. They could write long paragraphs without learning to write. They didn't read much. Writing seems to be an instinct to them."

"However, most of them fell into oblivion," Rachael added. "A minority of them who get further in their career aren't the ones who are the most talented, but the most hardworking ones!" "Really?" Maisie was suspicious.

"Indeed, there are talented and hardworking authors in this world." Lily smiled. "But the passionate authors who are willing to work hard will stand out through learning and putting in effort too." Rachael went on, "Most people aren't geniuses. That's how the saying, 'the slow need to start early' comes about! Miss, you're lucky to run into Ms. Lily today! Who knows? She might make you the star of literature!"

"That's right!" The more they talked about it, the more excited Lily was. "Don't take the journalism exam! Are there any great female journalists right now?!"

"Ahem, Ms. Lily..." Rachael reminded her. "The attack's too wide..."

"Oh, right!" Lily quickly corrected herself, "I mean, there are no outstanding female journalists at Cumulus Morning Post!"

Maisie laughed, hearing what they said.

However, it was rare for an introvert like her to have clicked so well with someone she had just met. Perhaps this was fate.

After coffee, Lily left her contact number.

She was witty not to tell her real name but instead told her, "My name's Lilian. This is my phone number. If you're interested in writing novels, you can look for me anytime!" Rachael frowned after leaving the hotel. She looked at her employer. "Ms. Lily, are you so sure that she's... Maisie? She never revealed her name!"

Lily looked confident. "When did I make a mistake in something that I fancied?"

"You can't say that." Rachael pouted. "You spent so much investing in that author you liked, but it turned out he's a jerk..."

"Hey!" Lily glared at her. "Do you want to lose your quarterly bonus?"

"Okay, okay..." Rachael faked a smile. "Let's invest in her right now. Hahaha..."

"Not only investing-I want to poach her! How could I maintain my status in the industry if I don't create a couple of literature queens..."

Chapter 1709

Chapter 1709

After facing numerous rejections, Lily finally entered Daniel's office today to meet him.

He had just concluded a meeting, checked the time, and calculated how much time he could spare for her. Deliberately slowing down, he figured a brief meeting would be ideal. If he could swiftly dismiss this matter, perhaps they wouldn't need to converse again.

The thought of Maisie discovering his secret meeting with his ex-wife made him uneasy. He wouldn't be able to explain himself if she found out.

Unexpectedly, his assistant rushed over and whispered, "Mr. Quimby, Ms. Reyes arrived early and has been wandering around the office. If you don't show up soon, the entire company might find out she's here!"

Daniel's expression changed. Suppressing his anger, he hurried toward his office.

Although years had passed, neither of them had changed much. The only noticeable difference was the slight chill in the eyes of a leader who had gained experience over the years.

After some self-promotion from both sides, Daniel decided to cut to the chase. "I'm sorry, Lily. I'm not too interested in your proposal. I have to decline this collaboration." "What?" Lily was shocked. "Why?"

Daniel replied directly, "There are many powerful companies in Cumulus City. Why cling to me?"

"Because you're the most capable one!"

His expression changed.

She chuckled. "Of course I know you have a weakness."

Lily had noticed the photograph of him and Maisie on the desk as soon as she entered the office.

Her speculation from the other day was correct. The young woman she had shared a table with at the cafe, who showed her the novel outline, was Daniel's partner.

He discreetly moved the photograph on the desk, changing the angle so that Lily wouldn't see it.

"Ha! What weakness do I have?"

"You're still stubborn, huh?" She squinted, thinking, 'Forget it. I won't expose him now.'

"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone about us," she said, smiling. "In reality, we had to get married due to our families' benefits. We were constrained by that. After we lost that, it was only natural that our marriage had to end. Did you not... tell her about this?"

He glanced at her, pursed his lips, and said nothing.

"Alright, just think about it!" She got up. "Perhaps you'll be the one begging me to collaborate with you!"

"What do you mean?"

She revealed a cryptic smile. "You'll find out in the future."

"Your overconfidence hasn't changed after so many years, Lily!"

"Hmm... It's been years, yet you're afraid of a woman now, Daniel!"

"What did you say?"

He glared at her.

"Nothing." She forced a smile. "This project guarantees to make money, and it's in the cultural industry you like. You'll be able to sell a couple of intellectual properties by then and be in the film circle. "We'll be loaded! I wouldn't have come to you if not for your amazing business skills and generosity!"

He scoffed. "So, you're saying I could give you more money?"

"Perhaps I'm not the only one you'll have to pay by then!"

He frowned. "Lily, why are you being so cryptic today?"

She smiled and left the office, waving with her back facing him. "Call my assistant, Rachael, after you think about it. I'm waiting for your good news!"

Chapter 1710

Chapter 1710

Daniel took a deep breath, composed himself, and returned to his desk to continue working. After work, he went to the hotel.

Lately, his visits to the hotel suite had been frequent, and the hotel manager was overjoyed, as he thought that he had a chance of being promoted to the Quimby Group's headquarters. Every day, he treated Maisie like royalty.

When Daniel entered, Maisie had already prepared dinner.

"You came so early?" She smiled sweetly. "I thought you'd be a little late. I was just about to have the food taken to the kitchen to keep it warm."

"No need." Daniel's exhaustion vanished instantly when he saw her.

Maisie naturally took his coat and hung it on the rack, handed him his slippers, and gave him his personalized insulated cup, which contained perfectly warm black tea.

Daniel's heart warmed, and his smile became gentle. He held her hand and sat down at the table.

The table was set with home-cooked dishes, delicious both in taste and appearance. It was evident that they had been prepared by Maisie.

"These..."

"I made them all," Maisie said softly. "I was worried you'd get tired of the hotel's food, so I borrowed their kitchen to make you something different."

"You don't have to go to such lengths for me." Daniel held her hand. "I'm afraid you'll get too tired."

Maisie shook her head, still smiling. Her sweet and gentle demeanor was just like before.

Daniel's heart clenched. She had been willing to give him everything back then, and she still did now. The more she did, the more he feared losing her again. Daniel tightened his grip on Maisie's hand, causing her to wince.

"I'm sorry!" He snapped back to reality. "Did I hurt you?"

"No," Maisie said, looking at him. "You seem preoccupied today."

"I..." Daniel didn't know where to start, so he forced a smile and changed the topic. "How's your exam preparation going?"

"I just registered today," Maisie said with a chuckle. "The exam is quite challenging, and there's a lot of material to cover in a short time. I'm afraid..."

"It's okay, take your time. These exams happen every year, so there's no rush. Consider this gaining experience and don't worry too much about passing. You might find that, with a relaxed mindset, your results will be better than you imagine."

Maisie smiled and touched his face. "You're always so good at comforting me."

"Maisie." Daniel lowered his voice, gazing tenderly at her. "How about... we get married first?"

"Huh?" Maisie was taken aback. "But I don't have anything."

"You don't need to have anything."

"But I want to give you the best too." Maisie's eyes sparkled like stars. "I can't rely on you alone. I want to have my own career. I want to come to you with something substantial and grow old with you." Daniel smiled. Hearing her say "grow old with you" was already very satisfying to him.

"Can you wait for me a little longer?" She nestled against him, nuzzling on his sturdy chest. "At least wait for me to finish my exams or find a new direction in life. I'll make an effort. And when it happens, I'll have the confidence to marry you."

"Alright." He gently swiped her nose, his gaze becoming increasingly suggestive and his voice turning husky. "Then... let me stay over tonight, okay?"