After chatting with Laura, she realized that guys really seem to care about this stuff.
Back then, Laura had some issues and didn't go to Steven for help. Instead, she turned to other friends.
When Steven found out later, he totally lost it.
Laura sent a video call request, and Josephine picked up.
Laura said, "You know, back then I had just made up with him and wasn't used to relying on him for everything. But now, I don't have to worry about anything; he takes care of everything for me."
Josephine just said, "Oh."
Laura went on, "Let me tell you, men are all the same. Sometimes, the more you boss them around, the happier they are."
"I get it."
"What's up with you? Having the same issue with Stuart?"
Josephine explained her situation.
Laura said, "Men are all petty, end of story. Normally, we could handle these things on our own and be self-reliant. But no, we ended up with such sensitive guys."
Josephine thought for a moment and said, "You can't call it sensitivity; they care about us too."
"True," Laura said. "Anyway, just sweet-talk him a bit, and it'll be fine."
"I asked him to lunch tomorrow, but he said he has a meeting."
Laura couldn't stop laughing. "Then he's even pettier than Steven. Steven wouldn't dare refuse me; even if he was mad, he'd still have lunch with me."
Josephine actually envied Steven and Laura's relationship. No matter what, it always seemed like Laura was causing a fuss while Steven was smiling. He endlessly tolerated her.
But every relationship had its own way of working. She couldn't be like Laura.
People said Laura didn't take things to heart, but in crucial moments, it was clear her feelings for Steven were just as strong as his for her.
They had come a long way together, and it wasn't easy.
Many people thought Laura was quite dramatic at times. But in the early stages of their relationship, Steven was also very dramatic.
Now, Laura's drama was due to being upset by Steven. So no matter how Laura acted, Steven unconditionally pampered her.
After talking about this, Josephine asked, "Have you seen Claudia recently?"
Since coming to Celestia Springs, she had met them once, and then Claudia went back to Hustalia.
These days, Laura was also in Hustalia with Steven, reportedly to sign a big contract.
"Yeah, I have," Laura said. "She's head over heels in love. Every time I ask her how she's doing, she says she's fine."
"Silly Claudia," Laura said. "She's too easily deceived. She and Jair can go ten days to half a month without seeing each other. Sometimes she even brings him food, only to leave it at the security office. And she still thinks it's great."
"Jair wouldn't deceive her," Josephine said. "You can trust his character."
"I know," Laura said. "I'm just afraid the passion will fade after the love. Claudia is so naive and doesn't understand scheming. Jair is excellent in both family background and personal ability. I'm afraid that if Jair isn't proactive, many women will pursue him."
"Don't worry, Jair isn't that kind of person."
"That's good."
They talked for a long time before hanging up.That's when Josephine noticed a message from Stuart, sent about half an hour ago.
Stuart: [You asleep?]
She could almost feel his annoyance through the phone.
Josephine replied with a smile: [Nope, just chatting with Laura.]
She saw the chat interface showing "Stuart is typing..."
She waited to see what he wanted to say. But after a long time, he didn't send anything.
She couldn't help but ask: [What's up?]
Stuart went silent.
Josephine decided to call him.
Stuart picked up quickly.
Josephine asked, "What are you up to?"
Stuart said, "Just finished showering."
She could tell from his voice that he was a bit miffed.
Josephine said, "Do you really not have time for lunch tomorrow? How long is the meeting? Can I come and wait for you?"
Hearing this, Stuart couldn't hold back anymore. He said, "Okay."
After turning her down, he regretted it immediately. But his pride kept him from bringing it up again. He had been hesitating, trying to figure out how to start the conversation, and didn't expect Josephine to be so proactive and call him.
Stuart's heart softened. He called out, "Josephine."
Hearing his deep, pleasant voice, Josephine smiled, "What's up?"
"I'm sorry." Saying it made Stuart feel much better. After the first sentence, the rest came easier.
He continued, "I was too anxious this afternoon; it won't happen again."
"It's not your fault," Josephine said. "I didn't think it through enough."
"No, since you were helping Gerald, he should have thought of many things. After all, he cares about your safety as much as I do."
"I didn't think that much," Josephine said. "But the other party said there's progress, and they'll update me tomorrow."
Stuart said, "That's good. I'll wait for you at lunch tomorrow."
"When will your meeting end?"
"I'm not having a meeting," Stuart said. "Even if I had one, I'd cancel it. I want to have lunch with you."
"Don't let it affect your work."
"I want to have lunch with you," Stuart said. "We haven't had lunch together in a long time."
Josephine laughed, "It hasn't been that long."
"For me, it feels like a long time."
Josephine quickly said, "Okay. I'll have lunch with you, then stay in your office while you work, and we'll pick up Jeffery together."
"Really?"
"Really, I don't have much to do at home anyway."
Stuart was very happy. "What do you want to eat? I'll have them prepare it."
"No need," Josephine said. "Let's go out to eat after I get there."
"You haven't had a meal with me at this office yet," Stuart said. "Actually, since I moved to Celestia Springs, you haven't visited. They don't even know you."
Josephine laughed, "Alright, so what's the plan for tomorrow?"
Stuart said, "Let's eat at the company cafeteria tomorrow."
Josephine agreed, "Okay."
After hanging up, Stuart sent a message to Ronald.
Ronald was puzzled to see a menu from Stuart in the middle of the night.
What did this mean?
Fortunately, Stuart's next message came quickly: [Have the cafeteria prepare these dishes tomorrow. Josephine and I will be eating there.]
Ronald was silent.
Got it. Josephine was coming to inspect the work tomorrow.