For two consecutive days, I found myself staring absentmindedly at that Patek Philippe watch.
I originally thought that with such a valuable watch, Daniel Carter would surely call imdiately.
Unexpectedly, two days passed, and I still hadn’t received his call.
Could it be that he doesn’t know his watch is with ?
Or does he have so many luxury watches that he doesn’t care about losing one?
As I was about to get off work, I flipped through the calendar, planning my work schedule for the next few days.
By chance, I discovered that the day after tomorrow is Mrs. Carter’s birthday—when I went to Carter Manor to tailor a dress for her, she ntioned her birthday date, and I secretly noted it down, marking it on my calendar when I returned.
Although I’m not qualified to attend the Carter family’s birthday banquet, I thought of how kindly Mrs. Carter treated , and since Daniel Carter helped too, as a token of appreciation, I felt I should give a gift.
But once the gift was ready, how should I deliver it to Mrs. Carter?
Thinking it over, I felt it was most appropriate to ask Daniel Carter to hand it over — just right, as I could also return the watch to him.
Two birds with one stone.
————
The next day.
I carefully selected and prepared a new Chinese-style hairpin and brooch set in a phoenix design, with exquisite craftsmanship, rich colors, and an elegant, dignified style that perfectly matched the dress I made for Mrs. Carter.
I hoped that if she found it appealing, she could wear it on her birthday.
The gift was ready, but I lacked the courage to call Daniel Carter.
Three days had passed, and he still hadn’t asked about the watch, which perhaps indicated — he didn’t want to keep in touch with .
But with such a valuable luxury watch, keeping it made uneasy.
Originally, owing him three hundred million made unable to lift my head, and now adding over a million...
No, it won’t do, I must return it to him!
After a round of psychological preparation, I finally mustered the courage to dial his number.
The beeping in my ear made my heart rise bit by bit.
After about four or five rings, the call connected, and my heart paused as I quickly and politely said, "Hello, Mr. Carter, this is Lily Miller."
"Yes, I know." Daniel Carter replied in a low, gentle voice.
My mind was a chaotic ss, too troubled to think about what he thought of , I stamred, "Um... last Sunday night, I was out with friends... drank too much, was it Mr. Carter who sent ho?"
"Yes."
"Uh... you left your watch at my place, I wanted to ask when it would be convenient for you, so I can return the watch to you. Also... tomorrow is Mrs. Carter’s birthday, she treated kindly before, as a token of appreciation, I’ve prepared a small gift and hoped you could help pass it along."
Finally having said this, I pressed a hand to my chest, trying in vain to calm my throbbing heartbeat.
Daniel Carter asked, "Are you free around four in the afternoon?"
I barely had ti to think before saying, "Yes, I am."
"I’ll be visiting an elder near your company this afternoon, and I should be done by around four. If you’re free, we can have afternoon tea together."
Afternoon tea! My heart beat even faster.
"Alright, see you in the afternoon then."
"See you in the afternoon."
After hanging up, I looked at the luxury watch and the birthday gift prepared for Mrs. Carter, feeling extrely conflicted.
Hoping for ti to fly by so it would soon be four o’clock.
Yet also hoping ti would slow down, so it wouldn’t quickly beco four o’clock.
However, ti’s pace wouldn’t change because of my excitent or hesitation.
As it was nearly four in the afternoon, Daniel Carter called again, asking if there was a suitable place nearby to sit down.
"Yes, just across from my company in that building, there’s a rooftop garden, the café there is pretty good."
"Okay, then I’ll head over now."
"Alright, I’ll head over too."
I picked up my things and, with my heart in chaos, hurriedly left the office.
Originally, I thought I should arrive first, but who knew that once I stepped into the rooftop garden, I would see Daniel Carter already seated.
He stood out so much that no matter where he appeared, he was the most dazzling presence in the room.
On an autumn afternoon, the sunlight was just right, bright and warm.
He took off his coat and placed it aside, wearing only a white shirt with the cuffs rolled up, revealing his elegantly shaped forearm.
On the low table in front of him was an ultra-thin business laptop, he seed to be handling so work, with a slightly serious expression.
Behind him, clusters of unknown purple flowers were blooming vibrantly, complenting the white on him and the golden sunlight, blending together.
I stared blankly for a few seconds, waking up only when soone passed by.
Gathering my scattered thoughts, I smiled and walked over, "Mr. Carter, sorry to keep you waiting."
Daniel Carter looked up at , his seriousness instantly dissipating into an elegant smile, "No, I just sat down."
I took a seat and called the waiter over, skillfully ordering my favorite hot cocoa, then asked across from , "What would Mr. Carter like to drink?"
I took the nu from the waiter, about to hand it to him, but saw him say to the waiter, "A cup of black coffee, please."
"Alright, please wait a mont." The waiter glanced at him, eyes clearly in awe, then smiled and turned away.
Hearing him order black coffee, I couldn’t help but click my tongue, quietly muttering, "You must really enjoy bitterness."
I loved hot cocoa the most, and Adrian Gordon used to say, it was overly sweet, he couldn’t understand how I drank it.
I mocked myself, probably because my life was too bitter, so I needed lots and lots of sweetness to heal.
Daniel Carter, hearing my complaint, curled his lips into a smile, "Black coffee has a nice aroma, you should try it."
"No, no," I hurriedly declined, "Not a chance, I can only handle sweet things."
One bitter, one sweet, our tastes were completely opposite.
At that ti, I couldn’t even dream, that years later, I would co to appreciate the aroma of black coffee, and he would taste my hot cocoa—sotis from my coffee cup, sotis from my lips...
As we waited for the coffee to be served, there was a brief silence, then I suddenly rembered the main purpose, and quickly picked up an eco-friendly bag, taking out a brocade box from it.
"Mr. Carter, this is my birthday gift for Mrs. Carter, a small gesture, please help pass it along."
I opened the jewelry box containing the hairpin and brooch and pushed it over.
Daniel Carter’s gaze fell on the brocade box, a bit surprised he asked, "How did you know my mother likes this style of traditional Chinese jewelry?"
I smiled and explained, "I tailored two outfits in the new Chinese style for Mrs. Carter, she liked them very much, so I guessed she would appreciate this style. Actually, our ancestors’ aesthetics were quite advanced, and Mrs. Carter’s identity and deanor perfectly suit this style."
"Mm, you’re very thoughtful, thank you on behalf of my mother."
Seeing him accept it, I sighed in relief.
Given the Carter family’s status, they surely have no shortage of precious jewels, for them to accept my modest gift is truly an honor.
I chuckled to myself stealthily.
Daniel Carter looked at , curiously asking, "What’s so funny?"
I truthfully said, "I thought such trifles might not catch your eye."
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