"Of course! How much effort you've put in to get this award! Humph, don't worry, Linda. I'll find out the source! How dare they use our cute Em to get attention! They crossed the line, eh? Come here, Em, repeat after me, cross the line!"

Em was fiddling with his feet on the couch. Hearing her suddenly call, he looked up at Carrie, blinked his big amber eyes, and opened his little mouth, trying to repeat after her.

Noticing his attention, Carrie quickly repeated her exaggerated lips shape.

Linda put down the wine bottle, walked over, and looked at her son.

Under their expectant gazes, Em clenched his small fists and forced out two syllables.

"Em!"

His tone was the same as Carrie's 'cross the line'.

Frustrated, Carrie fell on the couch, "Ugh! Still not working!"

As usual, Linda kissed Em on his chubby face as encouragement.

"Alright, Carrie, don't push him... it's useless."

Carrie pouted, "Boohoo, our beloved Em, why..."

Before she could finish, Linda's cell phone rang on the couch. It was a Facebook prompt.

Carrie immediately gave a standard inquiring smile and snatched the phone for a glance.

"Ha-ha, I knew it! See? Mr. Reed sent over his concern so quickly!"

Linda took the phone. It was indeed a text message from Peter Reed.

"Congratulations, Linda. Em and you worked hard tonight, rest early."

As always, he sent over a few simple words that were enough to bring her a warm feeling.

"Congratulations, Linda. Em and you worked hard tonight. It would be better if you can grant my wish and join me to sleep!"

Carrie pinched her nose to imitate Peter's tone.

Linda tittered, "Nonsense, he didn't say that!"

"He didn't say but thought it this way! Linda, you should consider him! After all, he is the son of the former president, Sam Reed. He is at the helm of the best hospital in Washington D.C and has won international awards for his medical research. Regarding his credentials, he could even run for president!"

"... Things would not work out between him and me. You knew it, and he also knew it." Replied Linda.

She was infertile for her special blood type. Carrie knew about it, so did Peter.

Not ready to give up, Carrie argued with reason.

"But I don't think he would mind it! Infertile, so what? Aren't there many DINK families? Besides, you have a child. Peter favors Em, and Em also likes him."

Rubbing her temples, she stuffed a glass of wine to Carrie's hand, poured milk in a small cup, and handed it to Em.

"Alright, we're done with this topic. Now I really don't have time to think about this! Don't forget that I'll soon become the President's image consultant. I'll go to 99 D.C. Street and also prepare new products for the upcoming season. It's gonna be super busy!"

Carrie took the glass, smelled the mellow wine fragrance, and immediately forgot about the topic just now.

Both women raised their goblets while Em deftly lifted his milk. In unison, they shouted.

"Cheers!"

"Em!"

...

The next morning, a cheerful ringtone resounded in Birch Maple.

Linda rubbed her eyes and picked up the phone.

"Good morning! Excuse me, Linda Marley? This is 99 D.C. Street." A neat female voice came from the receiver.

"Uh-huh, good morning!"

Linda swiftly sat up from her bed and sat upright as she was attending a class.

The characters of 99 D.C. Street immediately sobered her from the hangover.

Those characters represented the President's Office. It was the administrative center of Washington D.C and the center of power in the USA!

And the call was from such a place.

Linda's heart pounded as she thought of the upcoming service for Mr. President, the man at the pinnacle of power in the USA.

To a minor emerging designer like her, such a supreme honor was too much to even dream of...

Mm, thanks to Valentine!