The Genius She Treated Like a Dog

Chapter 7

When George heard I was leaving the Moore Group, he seemed pretty surprised. To him, my loyalty was almost beyond belief.

He didn't rush to speak; instead, he waited for me to explain further, so I continued.

"The shift to a global economy and the strengths of the supply chain make international expansion crucial. Especially for your Giantech Building Materials. It needs fresh energy. Waveland Port holds amazing strategic value. One investment there could mean lasting benefits. I'll be staying in the foreign trade industry, where I do best, and I'm hoping you'll be my first client."

George laughed heartily, giving my shoulder a firm pat. "That's the spirit of youth! You've got my full support!"

Discussing business with someone as sharp as George was enjoyable, and before I knew it, evening had arrived.

George received a call from home, so I took the opportunity to step out, claiming I needed a restroom break but actually heading to the entrance to have a smoke.

About ten minutes later, just as I was thinking of going back, someone familiar showed up.

"Since when do you smoke? I remember you didn't like smoking or drinking before."

With a swift motion, Lucy snatched the half-burned cigarette from my fingers and tossed it into the smoking bin.

A gentle breeze scattered the smoke, replaced by her delightful floral scent.

I felt both surprised and pleased. "What brings you here?"

"I tracked your location. Would you believe it?" she teased with a playful expression.

"I'm free tonight. How about I treat you to dinner?"

"Great! But I get to choose the spot." She pouted.

"Of course, wherever you want," I said but then suddenly remembered George was upstairs. "Lucy, I have an important guest upstairs. I'll just let him know before we go."

Lucy nodded, "What a coincidence. I'm here to pick someone up. Let's go up together, and I'll say a quick hello before leaving."

"So, you already had plans tonight. My invitation is a bit last-minute," I admitted, feeling a bit awkward as I scratched my head.

"No worries, you're a top priority for me," she replied with a warm smile.

We stepped into the elevator together, both pressing the button for the fifth floor.

Our fingers touched briefly, and to break the tension, we spoke at the same time.

"What a coincidence!"

"Indeed!"

We both laughed, something I hadn't done so freely in quite a while.

When we reached the fifth floor, we were taken aback to find ourselves standing before the same door.

"Is your important guest here?" Lucy asked, surprised.

"Are you picking someone up here?" I was equally shocked.

Just then, the door opened, and there stood George, equally taken aback to see us at the door.

"You two know each other?"

The three of us exchanged surprised looks, and once more, Lucy and I chimed in together.

"We're old classmates."

"We're old friends."

Lucy gave me a teasing look. "Andy, are we that distant? Want to try introducing us again?"

I smiled and corrected myself, "Yeah, we're old friends!"

"I see..." George gave me a look of understanding. "Let me introduce my daughter, Lucy, who's just returned to the country!"

Lucy linked arms with George, smiling sweetly. "Dad, Andy is treating me to dinner."

"Just you two?" George jokingly raised an eyebrow at me.

"I didn't know Lucy was your daughter. How about we all go together?" I suggested.

Lucy clapped her hands excitedly. "Perfect! I know a sky garden restaurant that's incredible. You can even see the stars."

With that, she happily linked arms with both me and George. "I'll drive!"

Her sudden closeness was a little unexpected, but I didn't mind. Seeing her so cheerful, I didn't want to spoil the mood.

Just like during our research projects together, she would hug me after each success. I always felt it was a bit too much, but I never wanted to reject her.

***

Our dinner was delightful, and the interaction between George and Lucy was more like that of friends than parent and child. George was very open, sharing our afternoon conversation with Lucy and even asking for her opinion.

Afterward, George had to leave, suggesting that Lucy and I continue exploring the area.

The night breeze in the central square lifted Lucy's hair as she held up her ice cream and waved at me. Under the moonlight, her profile appeared especially cute.

"Andy, hurry up, you're walking like an old man," she teased.

I couldn't help but laugh, picking up my pace to catch up with her.

"Andy, you haven't said much since we finished our meal. What's on your mind?" She looked at me with a curious expression.

"I was just thinking about how low-key you were in college. No one knew you were the heiress to a wealthy family."

"What heiress? I really don't like that term." Lucy suddenly stopped smiling, a hint of seriousness in her eyes. "I'm not like that foolish Karen. Don't lump us together."

"No, you're definitely not like her."

I noticed she bit her lip, seeming like she had more to say but held back.

"Lucy, are you wondering why I'm practically working myself to the bone as a slave for the Moore family?"

She quickly put a finger to my lips. "Don't say that. I know that you haven't changed!"

She sighed softly and lowered her hand. "I know your mom's illness is really serious, and everything you're doing is for her. I just... I just feel so sorry for you."

I was taken aback. "How do you know so much about me after being abroad for so long?"

Hearing my question, Lucy turned away, a bit shy. "That's easy. At the class reunion, everyone was talking about you. I knew I couldn't trust the rumors, so I looked into it a bit myself."

"You did some research on me?"

I was a bit surprised, musing to myself. I wasn't upset. It just dawned on me that people like them could learn about me with just a quick inquiry.

It was ironic that Karen, who had known me for five years, knew less about me than someone who'd only been back in the country for a few days. Karen's arrogance was unmatched. She thought her status meant everyone should cater to her.

But eventually, people paid for their ignorance.

"I was just worried about you, not trying to pry into anything," Lucy quickly clarified.

I smiled warmly at her. "It means a lot that someone believes in me. Thank you, Lucy."

She looked at me for a moment, then her playful expression returned. "Really?"

"Yes," I nodded.

"Then include me in the project you discussed with my dad this afternoon!"

I was taken aback.