“That’s different,” Dylan responded smoothly. “Our CEO isn’t very experienced in negotiations, but almost every deal The Great Wall Group has made was handled by me. I believe I have better negotiation skills than him.” Emily remained noncommittal. “I won’t deny that, Dylan, but I’ve already accepted the offer from Stardream Group. I’m not the kind of person who backs out at the last minute.” “In business, just like in war, there’s nothing you can’t do if you set your mind to it. If you agree, The Great Wall Group will take care of everything, and you won’t have to worry about a thing.” Dylan’s relentless pressure made Emily frown slightly. “This isn’t about worry, Dylan. I’m genuinely happy with Stardream. I want to work with them. It’s not about salary or benefits.” “So, Miss Carter, it sounds like your mind is made up?” “That’s right,” Emily nodded. “I’ve made my decision.” Dylan gave a disappointed but resigned smile. “Well, in that case, I won’t push any further. Just know that the doors of The Great Wall Group will always be open to you. If you ever want to change your mind, feel free to contact me. You have my number.” He stood up to leave. “I won’t take up any more of your time, Miss Carter. By the way, the porridge smells amazing.” Caught off guard, Emily could only awkwardly thank him. “Thank you. Would you like to stay for a bowl?” Dylan chuckled and replied with a knowing glance. “No, thanks. I’m just an assistant, and if I drank your porridge, our CEO might not be too happy about it. Take care, Miss Carter. Goodbye.” “... Goodbye.” As Emily saw Dylan to the door, she couldn’t help feeling a bit puzzled by his sudden visit. His appearance had been unexpected, and his words seemed to carry hidden meanings, as if he were constantly testing her. She felt a wave of frustration. Was this how Vincent dealt with her rejection? Sending his assistant to subtly probe her for information? She let out a small huff of laughter. Just then, Bert emerged from his bedroom, carefully asking, “Did your colleague leave?” Emily nodded as she walked back to the kitchen. “Yes, he just left.”“You should’ve at least offered him a meal,” Bert chided gently. “The courtesy of hospitality shouldn’t be forgotten. It’s not polite to let someone leave without even offering a drink.” Emily responded with a soft “Mm” as she resumed stirring the pot of porridge. The wooden spoon slowly circled in the pot, and soon small bubbles began to appear in the center of the simmering rice. She stirred gently, adding the sliced pork and fresh vegetables. The pink and green colors mixed beautifully, and the aroma filled the kitchen. Emily knew full well that Dylan hadn’t come as a guest—he had come as a negotiator. With Vincent’s intelligence, it was impossible that he had been fooled by her simple explanation. But what did it matter? Once they parted ways in Rome, they would be living in two different worlds. He’d remain in New York, and she’d be in London. The past was untouchable, and old friends were no longer to be thought of. Gradual distance between them was probably the best solution for both. Just then, the doorbell rang again. Bert, startled, quickly rushed to answer it. As soon as the door opened, Jackson sniffed the air like a dog. “Wow, today’s porridge smells even better than usual.” Bert laughed good-naturedly. “This will be the last pot of porridge from Emily. Tomorrow, I’m heading back, and she’s flying to the UK for work. Someone from her company just came by earlier.” Jackson raised his eyebrows in surprise, sauntering into the kitchen and peeking over Emily’s shoulder. “Stardream sent someone? Ha! I knew it! Miranda’s a real gem. They can’t wait for you to start, huh? So eager they couldn’t even wait a day?” Emily chuckled but didn’t elaborate. “Why don’t you sit down? The porridge will be ready soon.” “I’ll help! I’ll grab the cups!” Living in a hotel had its inconveniences—serving porridge in paper cups was certainly one of them. As Emily busied herself in the kitchen, she made a mental note to find a proper place to stay once she arrived in the UK. She’d need to buy a good set of cookware as well. Jackson, acting casual, asked, “What time’s your flight tomorrow?”“7 a.m.,” Emily replied. “I’ve got a meeting with Stardream in the afternoon, so I need to leave early to make it on time.” “First flight of the day, huh?” “Yeah.” Emily ladled the porridge into paper cups and handed one to Jackson, indicating for him to take it to the living room. He took the cup but didn’t move. “Well then, I guess I’ll just have to wake up early and take you to the airport,” Jackson offered with a grin. Emily shook her head. “There’s no need. I’ve already arranged a car. You should rest up. Besides, why don’t you go back home for a while? You’ve been abroad for years now, and your family must be dying for you to visit.” At the mention of family, Jackson’s face instantly soured. “I don’t want to go back.” “But your whole family is there,” Emily reasoned. “If I had family waiting for me back home, I’d return without a second thought… but I don’t.” Jackson whistled and quipped, “Then marry me. That way, my family becomes your family.” Emily rolled her eyes. “Here we go again.” Trailing behind her as she walked into the living room, Jackson continued, “I’m serious! My relatives drive me crazy, but for you, I’d deal with them.” Bert, already seated and waiting for his porridge, overheard their conversation and asked, “What’s all this talk about trouble? Emily, do you have work problems? Did my visit disrupt your schedule?” “No, no,” Emily shot Jackson a glare, signaling for him to stop talking. “It’s nothing, Uncle.” Jackson, chuckling, rubbed his hands together. “I was just saying how much effort she puts into making this porridge. We’re abroad, and she’s still making meals fit for royalty. I’m telling her it’s unnecessary. She should take it easy.” For once, Bert agreed with him. “Jackson’s right. Emily, don’t work so hard. Simple meals are fine. You don’t need to tire yourself out.” “I enjoy cooking for you, Uncle. It’s no trouble.” The next morning, at 5:30 a.m., Emily and Bert got into the car headed for the airport. The car was one Emily had arranged through the hotel the day before. Although it had arrived on time, the early hours put both the driver and traffic in a bad mood. The driver, grumbling, cursed the entire way.Bert, though he couldn’t understand the words, could tell the driver wasn’t saying anything pleasant. He glanced at Emily, who gave him a reassuring smile. “We’ll be there soon.” But fate seemed to be playing tricks on her. Just ahead, there was a traffic accident that had blocked most of the highway leading to the airport. The driver slammed the steering wheel in frustration, blasting the horn as he let loose another string of expletives. Emily checked the time and realized they were cutting it close. She pulled a bill from her wallet and handed it to the driver. “Thanks, but we’ll get out here. We’ll walk the rest of the way.”