Hearing Someone knocking at the door, Jax stepped forward.

"Director Lacey!"

"Brother!"

Jax and Lacey almost simultaneously exclaimed, surprised by Rick's arrival.

"Brother, why are you here?" Lacey asked, her voice tinged with puzzlement and reproach, evidently blaming him for interrupting her plans.

"I saw you both finished the live stream, and it's late, so I thought I'd check on you, thinking of taking you home," Rick said naturally, his gaze fixed on her, without revealing any specific intent, though he was worried that Lacey might stay at Jax's place.

Lacey didn't care what her brother thought. The first thing that came to her mind was that he had ruined her and Jax's plans to share a bed that night. Big brother, do you realize you've spoiled my plans? She thought, pouting.

Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Jax said, "It's perfect timing. We just had some red wine and wondered how to get her home. It's great that you can take Lacey back with you!"

"Alright, you should get some rest, too. The sales have been great these past few days; I appreciate it, brother!" Rick said, shaking his hand. "Don't forget, come to my house for dinner on Friday."

"Sure, I'll be there," Jax replied, gripping his hand firmly.

"Jax, I'm heading off then!" Lacey said, her eyes conveying a sense of melancholy.

"Take care, and don't forget to come to work on time tomorrow!" Jax replied, putting her backpack on her shoulders, his dark eyes captivating.

In the following period, Lacey and Jax's collaboration became more adept, and their popularity soared. In just a month, their fan count astonishingly broke the five million mark!

"A cause for celebration! Big brother wishes both of you soaring success and ever-better days!" Rick toasted Lacey and Jax at the dinner table, especially his last words, implying they were already a couple.

It was the customary Friday dinner, except for Carol, with three people around the table.

"Thanks for your blessing, big brother! We'll keep pushing for greater achievements," Jax said passionately, then abruptly turned to the empty chair, asking, "Hey, Director Lacey, why isn't Carol joining us for dinner today?"

Rick, looking disappointed, said, "How would I know? I don't even have her contact information. You should ask Lacey; she knows."

He looked expectantly at Lacey, like a child hoping for candy. Jax also turned to her.

Lacey thought, "If you want to ask me directly, why go through my husband? She sat up straight and said in a deepened voice, "Someone said she just joined an advertising company and is working hard, often staying late. She probably won't join us for dinner for a while. When she's done, she'll report to Rick first. There, I've relayed her message."

After speaking, Lacey slumped back into her chair, focusing on her meal without looking up.

After hearing his sister's words, Rick was momentarily stunned, then smiled in understanding. He knew Carol was a woman of her word.

Turning his attention back to Lacey and Jax, he said, "What stage are you two at now? Isn't it time to consider marriage?"

At this, Jax froze, and the piece of braised pork Lacey was about to eat dropped back into her bowl.

Big brother, are you feeling alright? Why such a sudden thought? But then again, isn't this what I've been hoping for? Lacey thought, her face flushing with excitement.

She looked at Jax, and he looked at her, their faces red.

Jax hesitated. Lacey, frustrated, glared at him with her big, expressive eyes.

He cleared his throat and chuckled, "Big brother, isn't it too early? We're still focused on our careers. Such a big decision needs careful consideration."

Okay, Jax, you always whisper sweet nothings to me. We're clearly in love, and now, when Big Brother brings it up, do you hesitate? Lacey thought angrily, almost snapping her chopsticks in her grip, biting her lip and her nose flaring.

Rick fixed a stern gaze on him, saying, "Jax, you're well aware of my sister's feelings for you. I won't say more. Seeing how much you like her, I suggest you expedite your wedding plans. It would put my mind at ease."

"Um, big brother… let me think about it," Jax replied, seemingly conflicted.

"Alright! I promise, if you two get married, I'll give you a card for five million, a villa worth five million, and a Porsche worth a million! Big brother won't let you down," Rick assured them confidently.

Lacey was indifferent to her brother's generosity; he was always indulgent towards her.

Jax's eyes lit up. Coming from humble beginnings, he had savings from his efforts but could only afford a down payment for a house. Marrying Lacey meant avoiding expenses and gaining assets worth over ten million. Any man would be tempted!

He smiled subtly, "Thank you, big brother!"

At six in the evening, eight employees and a balding boss rushed to finish the day's work in a small advertising company. It was closing time, and everyone was eager to head home.

After several acknowledgements, AE received a call and turned to the clear-featured woman, "Carol, the client just called, asking for a revision of the design draft. Let's stay longer; they need it first thing tomorrow."

Carol, who had just finished her work and was about to leave, sat down and dialled a number, "Grandma, there's stewed meat in the pot. Please make a salad and eat first. I have to stay late at work and will be back late. Don't wait up for me."

She rebooted her computer, and while waiting, she thought of the slightly dark-skinned, sharply featured face and the goofy smile he reserved just for her.

Meanwhile, Rick had just finished cleaning the dining room. Lacey and Jax had returned to their rented place to prepare for a live stream. Sitting alone on the sofa, sipping tea in the empty living room, he felt lonely.

Carol, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, gazed out the window, thinking, Rick, I miss you!

Rick, under the bright moon, was filled with longing, too.