The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Eric was baffled. "What's that?"

Zane replied, "Blind boxes. We create a series of small figurines, seal them in boxes, and let people draw randomly to see if they get the one they want.

"When designing them, we need to include rare hidden editions. So, the players will feel a huge sense of accomplishment when they get one."

"If we turn all the characters from Annalise's comic into collectible figures and give them different outfits and styles, won't we make even more money?"

Eric hadn't expected Zane to have an acute business mind. "I'll get the planning team on it right away."

"Good." Zane waited for Eric to leave before turning to me. "I'll leave the figurine designs to you."

I smiled. "No problem." With that, I returned to my desk and powered on my computer.

Zane sat down beside me without a word and stared at me intently. Feeling puzzled, I turned to meet his gaze. "What's wrong?"

"Willow already agreed to us getting married," Zane said, wrapping his arms around me. His usually cold voice carried a rare trace of vulnerability. "So, when are we going to register our marriage?"

I had never really thought about it. "Do you wanna pick a date?"

Zane asked, "How about today?"

I was speechless. As I saw how his face clouded with self-doubt, I quickly added, "Today works, too. But do you have all the documents with you?"noveldrama

Zane nodded. "I've got everything."

It seemed Zane was truly eager to get married. I didn't know what to say, so I simply nodded. "All right. Let's register our marriage."

I half-expected him to hesitate, but to my surprise, he stood up immediately. I followed him out the door and into the car.

As he fastened his seatbelt and focused on the road ahead, he suddenly asked, "With next month's paycheck, you should have enough saved up for your mom's retirement fund, right?"

"Yeah." I leaned against the seat, gazing out the window.

Rows of trees flashed past, like scenes from a movie. It was melancholic yet beautiful.

I said casually, "Based on your and Eric's conversation earlier, I get the feeling be making even more money in the future. So I'll set aside a portion for my mom first and use the rest for myself."

Zane glanced at me. "You have other plans?"

I answered honestly, "Yes, but I'm not telling you just yet. I'll let you know once I've made some progress."

Zane withdrew his gaze with a hint of disappointment. He had assumed Annalise wouldn't hesitate to share whatever was on her mind. It seemed like he was overthinking.

After brief contemplation, he realized that he didn't tell her everything about his work either, and that made him feel better.

Zane continued driving while I sat in

the passenger seat. Feeling a little bored, took out my phone, intending to make a call. I suddenly thought of something and turned to Zane.

"If I make a call now, will it distract you from driving?"