Chapter 19 The next day , Shirley was applying lipstick at her vanity when her phone abruptly rang . Jesse's name flashed on the screen . She hesitated for two seconds before answering . " Mr. Robert ? " " Shirley . " A light chuckle came through the line , with traffic noises faintly audible in the background . " Free today ? Sent you an address - might interest you . " Before Shirley could mention the contract , the address notification popped up . She tapped it open : the Art Museum downtown . Her eyes fixed on the words " Contemporary Architecture Exhibition . " She'd tracked this show for months , but tickets sold out instantly . Even Barbara had struck out after asking multiple friends . Shirley couldn't think of any reason to refuse . Half an hour later , she stood at the Art Museum entrance , spotting Jesse leaning against his headlights in the distance . He wasn't wearing a suit today , just casual clothes that made him seem more relaxed than during their first meeting . 0.00 % 000 00:33 Chapter 19 288 Vouchers " I heard Miss Shirley minored in architecture during college ? " Jesse held the glass door open as soft light fell on his profile inside the exhibition hall . " The curator of this exhibition happens to be my friend . " Shirley paused mid - step . She'd never mentioned her minor to Jesse , let alone her anticipation for this exhibition . " Mr. Robert didn't happen to look into me , did he ? " she asked half- jokingly . " Know yourself and know your enemy , and you still won't win battle . " every " Last time we had dinner , I saw you staring at the entire wall structure of the restaurant . " This sentence left Shirley completely stunned . That day , she was indeed attracted by the unique architectural design , but she didn't expect him to notice . For the next two hours , the two of them wandered through the exhibition hall with its interplay of light and shadow . Jesse knew every exhibit like the back of his hand and always offered unique insights . Ten minutes later , Shirley couldn't help but say , " Mr. Robert is much more professional than an amateur like me . " " Call me Jesse . " 20 25 % 11 00 32 Chapter 19 1288 ( Vouchers Jesse turned his head to look at her . " Actually , I've always thought that communication outside of work makes it easier to see the true nature of a partner . " As Shirley gazed at the twisted and intense artwork before her , she suddenly felt that the man in front of her had every reason to be so successful . The phone buzzed in her bag ; it was a text from Barbara . " How's the contract coming along ? " Shirley stared at the screen , then glanced at Jesse earnestly explaining the exhibits . Slowly typed : " Everything's going smoothly . " The last rays of the setting sun shone through the glass dome of the Art Museum onto the floor . Jesse watched Shirley intently looking at the exhibits . Suddenly spoke : " By the way , the contract can be signed now . Shirley paused , then quickly opened her bag . The contract in the folder was as good as new . " Jesse indeed keeps his word . " Jesse took the contract and the pen . " Miss Shirley , you always carry the contract with you . Such dedication is rare . Considering a job hop ? I'll pay you more than Barbara does . " Shirley was amused by his metaphor . 42.70 % O 00:33 Chapter 19 1288 Vouchers " It's just a habit of being fully prepared . You flatter me . " " Then I'm curious . " Jesse suddenly put down his pen , his gaze locking straight into her eyes . " Miss Shirley , someone like you , why did you suddenly leave the country ? " His words instantly froze the air . Shirley stared at the terms on the contract , the sound of Timothy's indifferent voice saying " divorce " suddenly flashing through her mind . She lowered her eyes . " Life back home was unhappy , so I decided to come out and try my luck . " " Is this considered running away ? " Jesse's voice held a hint of teasing , but it softened when it met her dim expression . Shirley suddenly looked up , finding great wisdom in his words . As more memories surfaced , so did the unhappiness . Countless sleepless nights haunted by Timothy - she alone remained trapped in place . Back then , no one told her that walking away was also an option . " You're right , " she heard herself say , a tightness in her throat . Watching Jesse sign his name , Shirley finally relaxed completely . 65.52 % 11 NO ( 12 00:33 Chapter 19 288 Vo That night , Barbara's scream nearly shattered the phone's earpiece . " You're amazing , Shirley ! You actually made the impossible happen with Jesse ! " Shirley leaned against the headboard , gazing at the foreign cityscape beyond the floor - to - ceiling window . " He's not that strange at all . In fact , I find him quite intriguing . " After hanging up , silence swallowed the room . Shirley tossed and turned , Jesse's every word echoing in her mind . She rose and drew the curtains . The city lights shimmered like a river of stars . Perhaps Jesse was right - life shouldn't be chained to the past . This time , she would live for herself . 86.90 %