Chapter 330 Lobbyist
Today was different. The snow outside seemed like it was laid out just to create a cozy and warm backdrop for this little home. On the table were steaming, aromatic dishes.
For the first time in a long while, this home truly had that intoxicating warmth. It wasn't just the aroma of the food; it was the friendship that filled the air.
"Colin, your cooking just keeps getting better!" Anna exclaimed, spearing a piece of beef and giving a thumbs up as she savored it.
"Yeah, Colin, you really have a gift," Bella chimed in, praising him as she tasted the tender fish.
Watching them enjoy the meal so much, Colin felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
Seeing Anna devour her food quickly but then put down her utensils, Bella spoke with concern, "Anna, slow down. No one's going to take it from you. Look at you, always busy at the shop, hardly having a proper meal. We finally have a feast today, and you're eating so little."
Colin also looked at Anna. She had lost a lot of weight over the past six months, clearly from exhaustion. He felt a pang of sadness, wishing he could take better care of her, though she might not see it that way.
He could only sigh inwardly.
Anna shook her head and said, "Don't worry about me. I'm fine. It's just that with so many delicious options, I don't know where to start."
Colin's face relaxed into a smile. "Oh, that's it? I thought my cooking wasn't good enough."
But as he looked at Bella and Anna, both so thin it hurt to see, he felt a wave of concern. He spoke slowly, his tone serious and worried, "I know there are only four of you at the shop, working from dawn till dusk. Isn't it exhausting? Why put yourselves through this? You could easily find a job as designers in Harborvale with your talents and live comfortably. Why push yourselves so hard? Don't tell me it's for some dream. If desserts were your dream, you wouldn't have chosen art and design in the first place. I know this path is tougher than you imagined, with market competition and physical and mental strain. I'm not trying to make you give up; I just want you to understand that life isn't just about the grind. There's beauty and poetry out there, but you need the energy and spirit to enjoy it. If you're too tired, you can always come back."
Colin's words, though somewhat reproachful, were filled with concern and deeper meaning.
Anna gently put down her utensils, her eyes shining with determination. She spoke slowly, "Colin, you know, even though we're short-staffed and always busy, the sense of fulfillment and achievement is irreplaceable. Seeing customers smile because of our desserts brings a happiness that's beyond words."
Bella nodded in agreement. "Exactly, Colin. We could go for an easier life, like being designers in Harborvale. But that life might lack the joy of creating something beautiful with our own hands. We love desserts, we love this business, and we love bringing joy to others. It's not just about a dream; it's about our passion and pursuit."
Colin listened quietly, feeling a surge of emotion. He understood that everyone has their dreams and pursuits, and Anna and Bella were tirelessly working towards theirs.
"I get it," Colin said softly. "You're right. Everyone has their way of life and goals. I'm proud of you and lucky to know you. If you ever get too tired, remember you have a friend here who you can always come back to."
Bella smiled gently, her eyes filled with determination and contentment. "Yes, it's tiring, but this exhaustion makes me feel fulfilled and free. Being so busy that I just want to sleep at the end of the day keeps me from worrying about trivial things. It's a good feeling. I don't want to be a designer anymore, nor do I want to be called Mrs. Mu. That marriage is in the past for me. I haven't asked for a divorce because I promised him I wouldn't bring it up. If he ever wants to remarry, he can come to me for the paperwork.
Colin, I appreciate your concern, but if you're here to persuade me to go back or change anything, there's no need. I've made my choice. I love my current life and the business that lets me pour my heart into it. Here, I've found my value and regained a long-lost sense of joy and fulfillment. I know this path isn't easy, but I'll stick to it because it's the life I truly want."
Bella's words carried a sense of determination and freedom. She smiled lightly, as if casting aside past troubles. Her eyes shone with independence and liberty, moving anyone who saw them.
Anna quietly picked up her utensils again, her gaze shifting between Colin and Bella, sensing the subtle change in the atmosphere. To avoid disturbing them, she chose to eat silently, occasionally glancing at them with curiosity and concern.
"Yes, I admit, I am trying to persuade you for Sterling," Colin said honestly. "But it's also my thought. If you want to keep the shop, that's fine, but at least hire a couple more people? It would lighten your load."
Bella frowned slightly but quickly regained her composure. She knew Colin's suggestion came from a place of care and goodwill. Though she didn't want to dwell on the issue, she gave a noncommittal response.
"I'll consider hiring more staff," Bella said calmly. "Let's eat."
Seeing this, Colin didn't press further. He understood Bella had given her answer, and there was no point in pushing. So, he turned to Anna and started a different conversation.
"Anna, how's business at the shop? Any challenges?" Colin asked with a smile.
Anna's face lit up with a smile. "It's going well. Our desserts have been well-received."
Anna spoke excitedly, "Even though it's sometimes hectic, seeing customers happy makes it all worth it."
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