NovelTrueThe dishes were served quickly. Throughout the meal, Halley's phone was constantly buzzing with business calls.
Finally, during a brief lull, he looked apologetically at Roseanne. "I was so caught up with Grandma's birthday
celebration yesterday, | didn't get a chance to catch up with you." "It's okay."
As the eldest grandson and the only male in the current generation of the Cole family, Halley was naturally
overwhelmed with social obligations. "I heard you're studying for your Master's at Kingswell University? I'm
actually based in Lumina City too. If you need anything, just letknow. You still have my number, right?"
"Of course," Roseanne nodded eagerly, "Thanks, Halley."
"You've becpolite," he observed.
"I've becmore mannered," she retorted.
Halley chuckled. "What are you doing in Lumina City?" she inquired.
Halley took a bite of his food. "I've partnered with a friend to start a smart hcompany. We're all about whole-
house intelligence. Think... using cutting-edge tech to refurbish homes. You know, robotic commands, climate
control throughout the house, automation..."
With the rise of artificial intelligence in recent years, the himprovement industry was slowly being
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇttransformed. However, traditional himprovement still dominated the market, with smart htechnology
not yet widely embraced. Halley, who had studied computer Al in college, was venturing into a field directly
related to his expertise. Worried that Roseanne might not follow, he kept the explanation simple.
Roseanne didn't dive into the specifics, only asking how his business was faring. Halley offered a wry smile. "It's
a tough industry, and smart htech being a new concept doesn't make it any easier. Can't say it's going
great, but can't say it's terrible either. It's... getting by."
His vague response led Roseanne to believe his company was facing sdifficulties, but was still operational.
However-
Upon returning from the restroom, as she passed by a small balcony, she overheard Halley on a call: "...Mr
Young, we've worked together more than once, right? You know what kind of person | am. Even if it means | don't
make a penny, | won't shortchange you."
"Our startup's having a tough twith cash flow because we haven't received the final payment from last
project. I'm asking for your
patience. But | promise, the ne
| money
you're owed will be in your account in two days at the latest."
"Yes, yes, thank you for understanding. Don't worry, it'll be sorted..."
As he spoke, the strain was evident in his posture, a young man weathered by challenges but stubbornly
persevering. Roseanne took in the scene silently, realizing Halley's situation was perhaps more dire than she had
imagined. When Halley returned to the table, Roseanne didn't mention what she had overheard. After finishing
their meal, Halley stood up to pay. "Let's go, Anne. | drove here; I'll give you a lift home."
"Thanks, Halley."
After dropping her off, Halley mentioned he had to hurry to another commitment. Norris Cole, hearing the car
engine, peeked outside. "...Was that Halley's car? Did you guys meet up today?" "Yeah, we even had dinner
together," Roseanne replied, linking arms with him as they entered the house.
"Halley's been pretty busy in Lumina
City these past few years. Hardly
comes hbut never forgets to send stuff. This time, for your grandma's birthday, he really stepped up,
handling guests just like his dad used to..." Norris couldn't help but reflect.
Roseanne slipped into her house shoes and walked in. The view that greeted her was of a htidy and clean,
the previously cluttered living room now back to its usual state.
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