"Ms. Selina, although this isn't my first collaboration with the Young World Publishing House, I must admit that I'm deeply disappointed before you. Before our partnership, I had emphasized that this project is something I hold dear to my heart, so how could you assign me such a novice editor? I have spent more than a decade in the writing industry, so it demands knowledgeable, experienced people with rich life experiences and unwavering dedication to succeed. Each piece of work produced is the tireless effort and dedication of the author. I will not allow anyone or any unwarranted mistake to affect my work negatively."

Joy is well-known for being demanding, setting high standards for her work from the book cover, content, and promotion methods,... She is meticulous, but bluntly rejecting like this is genuinely heart-wrenching. Mary was disconcerted by what she had just heard, but Ms. Selina quickly responded.

"As you said, this isn't our first time working together. You've said this before, but have we ever failed? I do not arbitrarily assign my staff to projects but rather have preconceived plans. You are passionate about your work, and so are we about our projects. If you want others to respect your opinions, you should start by respecting theirs."

The sharp words from a woman who had spent many years in the publishing industry somewhat made Joy cautious, but she did not stop there.

"So, you are passionate about this project? I've had experience with publishers and am still waiting to hear Mary's name on any book cover or project. She's young, a newbie, inexperienced, and I don't even know her abilities, yet you dare to confront me?"

"Ms..."

Mary choked, barely able to utter a single word. Her throat felt blocked. She had never encountered such a situation before and hadn't anticipated it either.

Sitting beside her, Andrew couldn't contain his anger and burst out.

"So what if she's young? I'm still young but have had successful domestic and international projects. If you don't believe me, you can verify it. The success or failure of a person can't be determined by age. Didn't you also publish your first book before this one? Everyone has their first time, and you are no exception, so why not give others a chance? As someone experienced and dedicated to literature, you should understand the power of words. So, don't casually say things that deliberate others."

The three women were all surprised by the words of the only man in the room. This matter didn't initially concern him, but his reaction startled Joy. She threw a furious glance at Andrew, then spoke of hatred.

"As I spoke. If this project fails, I will make sure that people experience bitterness. They should understand the importance of making mistakes, some of which can be rectified while others are irreparable. The road to hell is not far; a single misstep is enough to render all efforts futile."

With a purse slung over her hand, Joy glanced back at Mary with a look of anger. The burden on Mary's shoulders was cumbersome because she was the protagonist of this story.

Leaving the meeting room, Mary didn't return to her desk but felt despondent as she stepped onto the balcony, seeking fresh air and a peaceful place to sort out the chaos in her mind.

From here, looking down at the nearby streets, they didn't seem far, yet people appeared so small. This company was her father's lifelong dedication. He had invested so much time and effort to build and strengthen it, starting from the early days of its establishment, overcoming countless difficulties. Sometimes, he wanted to give up, but his family was always by his side, encouraging him and giving him the strength to achieve the success they enjoy today.

"Mary!"

Hearing someone calling her name, Mary was startled and turned around. It was him – the person she had met a few times in a short period. Mary concealed her sorrows and asked.

"What brings you to find me?"

"If there's no reason, can't I come to see you? If that's the case, I'll have to meet you regularly from now on because we have many reasons to find each other.

Andrew laughed, a smile that made Mary feel like the distance between them was narrowing. She smiled back gently.

"Thank you for what you did earlier, but why did you say it's not just colleagues or close friends between us?"

"Who said that? Collaborating on a project together, having a mutual friend, living in the same city, admiring the same scenery, and sharing the same nationality, aren't these enough to be considered close?"

He let out a light "hmm" and then laughed warmly, a warm and genuine smile, like a cool breeze, which made the girl next to him feel somewhat cared for and attentive.

"Writer Joy is a famous person in the industry, so I'm afraid that this incident will have some impact on you. Moreover, this project has just started, and there will be many things to discuss in the future, just like this situation..."

Mary sighed, her gaze lowered with a suspicion of impending trouble.

Andrew looked at her and couldn't help but laugh, but he also sympathized with the worries of a young editor who had encountered a challenging and demanding senior.

"Do you think I'm the type of person easily influenced by others? If it were that simple, how could I exist? I've experienced a carefree life, but sometimes I want someone to impact my life to make the passing days less monotonous."

Andrew exudes a certain self-satisfaction about his unbound, unrestrained life. He doesn't shy away from sharing his perceptions of the world they both exist in with her. He is enthusiastic, sometimes playfully jesting, but also, at times, he speaks slowly and profoundly about the life concepts he deeply resonates with. Occasionally, he becomes curious about the feeling of being influenced, being tied down.

Mary gazes intensely at the face of a man desiring to be tethered, and a smile graces her lips. He reminds her of a bird soaring freely in the sky, sometimes south, unconfined, unrestricted, an embodiment of sheer freedom.

"I just fear when that time comes. You won't be able to bear it. You'll be frightened, screaming for a return to your free days and regretting it."

Being a sharp individual, Andrew quickly understands Mary's implications. He responds with a smile, "Let's wait and see."

Since their first confrontation at the initial meeting, Mary rarely had the chance to meet Joy. Miss Selina delegated all tasks to her and only played the role of final reviewer. Thus, all discussions and suggestions only involved Mary and Andrew. The more she interacted with him, the more she understood his nature and the essence of his work.

The process from sketching to finalizing a book cover for the public involves many stages. She had to admit. This man was very meticulous, diligent, and careful about every detail. He drew and redrew many designs until he picked the one he liked the most. Even more notably, he consulted with her on every task as if he was intentionally looking for an excuse to meet. There were matters related to his expertise that she knew nothing about, but he still wanted to hear her opinion.