You don’t have a girlfriend yet, Mr. Shane?” Shannon asked curiously. “Then why do you go home this early every day?”


    Eric’s full name was Eric Shane.


    Eric replied, “I don’t like drawing in the office. I have no inspiration there. I’d rather go home–besides, I don’t need to clock in anyway.”


    Shannon nodded. “That makes sense. Who actually enjoys going to work?”


    Jessica nced at Shannon, who immediately corrected herself, <b>“</b>Of course I do. Thepany is my home.”


    After this business trip, Eric had gained more understanding of thepany’s senior executives.


    Shannon had been talking about all kinds of people in thepany to help him integrate more quickly.


    It was around that time that Michael came knocking on the door.


    “Oh, you’ve already started eating. I was just about to ask you out, Michael said as he stood at the door, smiling at Shannon who opened it.


    Then he walked in,pletely ignoring the eye–roll Shannon gave him.


    Even Eric couldn’t help but feel the urge to curse.


    Perhaps Jessica’s dislike for Michael was too subtle, so much so that Michael never realized he was unwee.


    As soon as he entered, he pulled out a chair and sat down, starting to chat with Jessica.


    After closing the door, Shannon and Eric both cocked their brows.


    “I know a restaurant nearby. It’s a Jston Cuisine,” said Michael. “You’ll definitely like it. How about dinner together tonight?


    11


    Jessica remainedposed and didn’t respond, but Eric spoke up, ‘Ms. Wilder, don’t forget we’re having dinner with Mr. Phillips of Hurricane Media tonight.”


    That was an actual appointment—Eric wasn’t making it up.


    Hurricane Media was currently the trendsetter in the literary industry.


    Although it was no longer the era of print media and new media had taken over, Hurricane Media still held a top position in the field of writing.


    The new CEO of Hurricane Media was Jessica’s childhood friend.


    The two were very close<b>, </b>and this was the first time they would be meeting since the friend returned to the country to take the position.


    “I really did forget,” said Jessica, wiping the corner of her mouth with a napkin. Then she turned to Shannon. “Collin Phillips doesn’t like spicy food. We need to remember to tell that to the restaurant.”


    Shannon nodded. “Got it. The reservation is at the Diamond, ranked number one for local cuisine in Jston. Mr. Phillips should like it.”


    At that moment, Michael’s expression finally darkened.


    Jessica instantly understood–Michael had probably nned to take her to the Diamond.


    Thinking about how Michael had constantly provoked Chris before she felt rather pleased to now make Michael feel awkward.


    “Then I’m really sorry,” she said. “I’ll go try the food tonight. If it’s good, how about we go together tomorrow? It’s almost the


    end of the business trip–it’d be nice for the twopanies to have a celebration dinner.”


    Michael was momentarily speechless, then nodded after a pause. “Alright. Whatever you say.”


    Hurricane Media was founded during the peak of the print era.


    Now, they not only managed media but had be an all–in–one IPpany handling novels,ics, and more.


    They had long since gone international.


    Jessica hadn’t seen Collin Phillips in many years.


    Thest time might’ve been at her wedding with Chris.


    At the time, she had been in utter despair and wasn’t in the mood to entertain guests–she couldn’t even remember whether


    she had spoken to Collin.


    Dinner that night had nomercial intent–it was simply a meeting between two old friends.


    Before leaving, Jessica even made a call to Chris.


    “I was afraid you were in surgery and didn’t dare to call earlier. You’re off work now, right?” Jessica asked as she bent down to get into the car.


    Chris replied, “Still at the office watching the surveince with Jake. You’re definitelying back the day after tomorrow?”


    “Shouldn’t be any changes.”


    “Okay.”