As Mio and Reba grew closer, Aurora and Julian''s rtionship also deepened. Julian had spent three days watching monster movies with her.


    At first, the movies made him queasy, but by the end of it, he could eat while watching and even recite the plot of a scene thirty-eight minutes in without missing a beat.


    He had initially thought this romance with Aurora would feel like a redo of their first love-innocent and full of youthful confusion. Even movie nights were supposed to be about heartwarming or sweet romantic films. Who would have guessed they''d spend three days watching monsters? What kind of love story was this?


    Still, despite the unusual beginning, their rtionship progressed quickly. During this time, Aurora hadn''t brought up the topic of business coboration at all.


    A weekter, Radiant Horizons officially announced their new project on their website. Instantly, countless people scrambled to secure a spot to work with them.


    Mr. Elderstone, however, was growing impatient. "Have you mentioned the coboration to that young master yet? Mio has been working on his end for days. Usually, this is the point where he closes the deal."


    "I... I''ll get to it soon," Aurora replied, her heart conflicted.


    Initially, she had approached Julian with the sole intent of securing a partnership, aiming to build a connection. But after spending time with him, she realized he was an exceptionally kind person-genuine and warm.


    She hade to truly value him as a friend. Sometimes, it was easier to keep things unemotional, but once feelings got involved, discussing personal gain felt shallow and insincere.


    "You need to hurry," Mr. Elderstone pressed. "Don''t let Mio beat you to it. He''s already approached Radiant Horizons'' Vice President. Even though the project lead hasn''t been announced, the VP''s influence is significant."


    "Alright, I understand," Aurora nodded.


    The professional world had always been brutally pragmatic. Across all fields, building rtionships often required catering to the right people.


    Actors might trade favors with directors, contractors might offer gifts, and even insurance salespeople often bought small tokens to win clients over.


    Aurora had approached Julian with the same intention, but she hadn''t expected to click with him so well. In her heart, Julian had be an important friend. She had enjoyed their time together so much that she hadn''t even thought about the project.


    Now, reminded by Mr. Elderstone, Aurora remembered her original purpose. A wave of guilt washed over her. It felt despicable to use someone who had treated her as a friend. Julian was no longer just a potential client to her.


    Mio, too, found himself in a simr predicament. After spending time with Reba, he realized he had developed genuine feelings for her. She was unlike anyone he had ever met before.


    He truly wanted to be with her and not use her, which left him deeply conflicted.


    Both Aurora and Mio decided toe clean. They each arranged meetings with Julian and Reba.


    Julian, knowing the announcement had turned this into a critical moment, wasn''t surprised when Aurora reached out to meet that evening.


    It was time to reel her in.


    Little Bunny, it''s time toe back to me.


    In the past, Julian had always picked the meeting spots, but this time, Aurora chose a


    seaside restaurant. From the windows, the ocean view was clear and vast.


    Julian remained as gentle as ever. "The desserts here are quite special. I already ordered something for you."


    "You always know my preferences so well," Aurora said with a smile. "I actually asked you here today for a favor."


    Julian didn''t expect her to be so direct, getting straight to the point.


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    If it had been anyone else, Aurora would have maneuvered carefully to secure the coboration in the best possible way. But she considered Julian a friend and didn''t want to treat him the way she treated others.


    She decided to be honest. It was the least she could do for someone who had treated her with such sincerity.


    "What do you want to say?" Julian asked, though he already knew.


    "I heard yourpanyunched a new project, and I''d like to coborate with you. Do you think I''d have the honor?" Aurora asked nervously.


    She had prepared herself for rejection, which was why she spoke so inly.


    "Sure," Julian answered with a smile, his expression calm and rxed, as if she had just asked him something trivial.


    Aurora stared at him in disbelief. A multi-million-dor project, one countless others were fighting tooth and nail for-he had agreed just like that?


    "Did you just say yes?" she asked, still unsure if she had heard him correctly.


    "Yes, I said yes." Julian found her wide-eyed, stunned expression adorable. His Little Bunny was just too cute. After all, this project had been created specifically with her in mind.


    "I''m talking about the new financial district project," Aurora rified, still finding it hard to believe.


    How could this be real? He hadn''t asked any questions before agreeing. It didn''t seem possible.


    "I know," Julian replied. "But you don''t seem very happy with my answer. Should I say no instead?"


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! Aurora wasn''t sure if he was teasing her. "Mr. Ba, I''m not joking with you. This project is very important to me."


    "Little Aurora," Julian sighed. "If I say yes, you doubt it. If I say no, you worry. So... how exactly should I answer you?"


    "I... I just think you agreed too quickly. It feels unreal," Aurora admitted, scratching her head in embarrassment.


    Julian chuckled softly. "Then ask me again."


    Aurora didn''t understand why he wanted her to repeat herself, but she obedientlyplied. "Can I coborate with yourpany?"


    "There are already over twentypanies interested in this project," Julian began. "After eliminating those that don''t meet the qualifications, there are still seven or eight left. Among those, three or four have worked with us many times. Yourpany, R Company, has always been ourpetitor. Why would we give resources to a rival?" "That''s true... why would you give us a chance?" Aurora murmured, feeling disheartened.


    Seeing her crestfallen expression, Julian continued, "But precisely because we haven''t worked together before, there''s a chance we might coborate well. After all, R Company is a well-established firm."


    "So... does that mean you''ve agreed?"


    "Didn''t I already say yes?"


    Aurora finally realized his earlier words were a yful response to her doubt. She couldn''t help butugh, both amused and exasperated. "Thank you, Mr. Ba."


    "Stop calling me Mr. Ba all the time. Just call me Julian," Julian said, clearly disliking the formal title.


    "Julian?"


    "Good girl."