Chapter 121

Emily Smith finally chose the most experienced veteran anchor from the list sent by Yinyin.

Yinyin quickly forwarded a booklist for her to select a trial recording. Emily immediately spotted that familiar fantasy novel—a classic she had once adored.

[All set. The male anchor will add you on WeChat. You two can get acquainted first. Let me know when you're ready for the trial recording.] Yinyin's message brimmed with enthusiasm. [Sweetie, take care of your voice. Reach out anytime~]

Emily replied with a cute sticker. [Thanks, Yinyin! I’ll do my best!]

After her usual hospital visit to see her sister, Emily returned to Jinzhou Bay and began studying the new book. Before bed, she hesitated but finally sent William Johnson a message: [The new partner is very professional. Thank you for arranging it.]

The message sank like a stone. By dawn the next day, there was still no reply.

Watching the sky brighten outside her window, Emily figured he must be swamped—newly appointed as the group president while also tending to his hospitalized uncle.

In the days that followed, she deliberately avoided disturbing him. And William, as if vanished from the face of the earth, remained silent.

The 18th marked Alexander Johnson and Sophia Song’s engagement. Starting from the 16th, major media outlets flooded with coverage of this high-society union.

Scrolling through the news, Emily’s finger paused briefly over William’s name. As the groom’s younger brother, he’d surely attend the engagement party, wouldn’t he?

The thought inexplicably lifted her spirits.

On Saturday, Emily and Mia Harris took a driver to Xiawei Village to move her things. Since she hadn’t lived long in that rented farmhouse, packing was quick.

When the landlord insisted on deducting a month’s deposit, Emily agreed without protest. As the car entered Splendid Garden, she realized it was just two subway stops from Jinzhou Bay.

Standing on Mia’s balcony, the outline of Jinzhou Bay No. 1 was clearly visible. Squinting toward the top floor, she could almost make out that familiar terrace.

"What’s on your mind?" Mia asked, drying her hands as she approached.

Emily looked away. "Just wondering if I should buy a telescope."

As they laughed, her phone suddenly rang. The name "Daniel Chen" on the screen made her breath hitch.

They hadn’t spoken since their last collaboration ended a week ago. Yinyin mentioned the website had assigned Daniel a new partner, but he seemed ready to quit voice acting altogether.

Emily clenched her phone. She should’ve apologized sooner, but any words now felt hollow. Having chosen to comply with William’s wishes, what right did she have to beg for forgiveness?

The ringing persisted, relentless as a blunt knife sawing at her conscience.