CHAPTER 131: CHAPTER 131: THE DATE

"For this theme, all of you need to submit a design draft. During the exhibition, the Eldoria LW team will select on-site. This time, LW wants to do a Chinese opera-themed fashion exhibition abroad, so before you start designing, you can take the time to understand this area. Maybe you’ll find some inspiration."

At the morning meeting, Aidan Lockwood explained the task this time.

There wasn’t a designated designer for this because the more designs, the better. Each designer can submit several sets of plans, which will later be selected by the LW team.

Shannon Quinn just took notes on some points to be mindful of, while Lynn Kendall continuously voiced her opinions, as though she were the main speaker, even surpassing the design director.

"We have ample time for this, so take your time to design. We’ll discuss the follow-up later. Meeting adjourned."

Shannon Quinn was eagerly awaiting to hear the words "meeting adjourned" for the first time. She packed up her notebook and documents and went over to Aidan Lockwood, saying, "Boss Lockwood, I have something to do today, so I won’t be staying here."

Aidan Lockwood didn’t ask what the matter was. He simply nodded and said, "Okay."

Shannon Quinn’s mind wasn’t on the design plans at all. All she could think about was what to cook for Vincent Rhodes for lunch today.

It had been a while since she last went to the supermarket to buy groceries. Ever since Erin Bishop took up the task of cooking, she usually swung by the supermarket on her way back from work.

She ended up buying about half a shopping cart worth of miscellaneous items, struggling to carry them back home.

She fished out her keys and opened the door, only to be greeted by a cat’s meow the moment she cracked the door open.

She opened the door further and saw the cat named after her nickname standing by the door.

Shannon Quinn peeked inside curiously and found Vincent Rhodes sitting on the sofa just as he had been when she left. She asked, "Isn’t this the neighbor’s cat?"

It was a somewhat probing question, wondering if Vincent Rhodes would suspect anything if he knew the cat’s nickname was "Shannon."

Vincent Rhodes looked up at her calmly and replied, "The neighbors are cleaning. They just brought it over for us to watch."

"Oh..." Shannon Quinn looked thoughtfully at the little cat circling her feet, bent down to change her shoes, and rubbed its head with her hand.

"Are you hungry? Shall I start cooking now?"

"Yes."

"How about stir-fried beef, braised fish, and a soup? Does that sound good?"

"Sounds good."

Vincent Rhodes wanted to get up and help in the kitchen or just watch her cook, but considering he was someone with mobility issues in front of her, he refrained.

Just hearing her move around was enough to satisfy him.

Shannon Quinn busied herself for over an hour before the dishes were placed on the table.

Looking at Vincent Rhodes wearing a mask, she hesitated for a moment and said, "Come over and eat."

She served him rice, prepared everything, then picked up her own bowl, took some food, and smiled as she said, "I’ll eat in the room. The boss has something to discuss with me, so I need to turn on the computer."

After speaking, she went into her room.

Once the door was closed, Shannon Quinn’s smile faded away.

She honestly wanted to have a meal face-to-face with him, but she knew he still wasn’t willing to take off the mask in front of others.

Vincent Rhodes looked at the steaming dishes on the table. She seemed to have only spooned a little soup, leaving the rest of the dishes almost untouched.

He knew she said she was going to the room to work on the computer, but it was just an excuse. She was too considerate, giving him space to enjoy the meal in peace.

But without her by his side, how could the meal be enjoyable?

Shannon Quinn, holding her bowl of rice, sat at the desk. After taking two bites, she put down the chopsticks and rested her chin on the table, gazing out the window in a daze.

"Ding dong"

She didn’t know how much time passed when the phone chimed with a message from him: Come out and eat.

Shannon Quinn picked up her phone and replied, "Did you get enough? There’s food in my room; no need to save any for me."

The screen quickly displayed another message: I ate enough; the food was delicious.

With just that simple compliment, Shannon Quinn forgot about her earlier mood, smiling with pursed lips.

When she went out, Vincent Rhodes was still sitting at the dining table. He had already put on his mask, and only half of the dishes were eaten, with the other half left for her.

"Is work keeping you busy?"

"It’s alright. It’s just that things get a bit hectic at the end of the year. Today, a new task was assigned, and I haven’t quite figured it out yet."

"Did the big brother give you the card?"

He abruptly shifted the topic, leaving Shannon Quinn momentarily puzzled. After reflecting on it, she answered, "He did."

"Spend if you need to. Don’t save money because of me, and don’t overwork yourself. Health is important."

Shannon Quinn appeared to have some concerns, but she just nodded with a smile, "We don’t lack anything at home, so there’s not much to spend on."

"Then work less. It’s getting cold; you should stay at home and rest."

"Being alone at home feels even more tedious. Spending time at the studio is quite nice."

Vincent Rhodes sighed, knowing he couldn’t accompany her. Letting her confine herself at home wasn’t realistic.

"This afternoon... do you have any plans?" Shannon Quinn glanced at him and asked.

Vincent Rhodes countered, "Where do you want to go?"

Shannon Quinn had an idea, but she wasn’t sure if he would be willing to go with her, so she tentatively said, "...This time the design theme is related to opera. I heard there’s an opera house in Guangbei. I want to visit."

"The opera house in Guangbei?" Vincent Rhodes nodded and said, "I have a friend there, from a family of opera enthusiasts, four generations. They’re quite knowledgeable about this. They might be able to help you out."

Upon hearing this, Shannon Quinn’s eyes brightened, "Really? Then I’ll book two tickets."

Vincent Rhodes, however, said, "No need, just come with me."

She initially intended to find an expert in this field for consultation, but having no prior contact made it difficult to find someone. Now, hearing Vincent Rhodes mentioning a knowledgeable friend seemed to solve a major problem.

After tidying up the kitchen, the two of them left, with Shannon Quinn driving while following the GPS to the opera house.

It’s the first time the two of them went out together. Does this count as a date?

In the country, the opera house is quite famous. Many people travel from afar just to listen to a classic performance here.

The opera house retains the architectural style of ancient times. Approaching the entrance, one can feel the rich artistic atmosphere.

"Mr. Rhodes? Please come in, your seats have been reserved."

Shannon Quinn wasn’t aware of when Vincent Rhodes had arranged all this. As soon as they arrived at the entrance, someone came out to greet them, leading them upstairs to the viewing box.

A performance was ongoing on the stage below, and Shannon Quinn couldn’t understand what was being sung. She realized there was still a lot she needed to learn and comprehend this time.