Independence

Calvin stood up to find a quiet spot to take the call, but Hansel and Zach simultaneously pressed down on his shoulders, keeping him in place.

Hansel gestured for everyone to keep quiet, while Zach quickly turned off the music. The speed and coordination of their actions were almost too perfect.

Calvin swallowed nervously, feeling the pressure mounting.

On the other end, Miranda hesitated for a long time before finally deciding to make the call.

Mindy’s contract was about to expire. If they didn’t renew with Edith, they would need to find a new editor. This editor had to be reliable, ideally with experience in publishing suspense and thriller books.

Of course, it would be even better if the editor had promotional resources on hand.

As she thought about it, Miranda realized that Calvin was likely the only person in her circle with connections to the media and publishing industry.

Her hesitation wasn’t about whether she should ask Calvin for help–she knew that if he had the right recources, he would gladly connect her with them.

Even though she and Hansel had broken up, her friendship with Calvin stood on its own, independent of Hansel.

What made her pause was whether she should make this decision for Mindy or talk to her first.

But then she remembered her call home that morning when Lionel mentioned, “Your mom’s creativity is in overdrive; she’s been staying up late for a week straight and is still full of energy. I even have to be quiet while digging and fertilizing in the backyard. I’m afraid I might disturb her.”

If she had brought it up with Mindy now, it would probably have disrupted her flow. So, after much consideration, Miranda decided to go ahead and make the decision on her mothers‘ behalf.

After all, she was just inquiring about potential contacts; it would ultimately be Mindy’s choice whether to accept.

Plus, there was no guarantee she’d even find someone suitable.

Miranda asked, “Cal, are you busy right now?”

Calvin replied, “Not busy at all! Even if I were, I’d always have time to take your call, Miranda!”

“Cut the flattery. I have a serious favor to ask today.”

Calvin immediately straightened up and said, “Whatever you need, Miranda. I’ll go through hell for you!”Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“Here’s the situation.

Miranda briefly explained Mindy’s situation, and Calvin listened attentively, occasionally nodding and responding with a light, “Mm–hmm.”

Watching his good friend like this, Hansel suddenly found Calvin a bit unfamiliar.

Calvin’s attitude toward Miranda wasn’t like that of a friend’s ex–girlfriend but rather as an equal friend

But why? Miranda had met Calvin through Hansel, and even after her breakup with Hansel, she managed to keep in touch with Calvin?

Calvin even called her by her first name, without a hint of unfamiliarity.

Despite Calvin’s seemingly approachable and cheerful demeanor, Hansel knew that deep down, their circle had a certain pride.

Most of their “friendliness” was often just for show, quickly forgotten once the moment passed.

At the thought, Hansel’s gaze at Calvin grew sharper. With Sam’s precedent, it was hard for him not to think along those lines

Calvin said, “Miranda, I get the gist of what you’re saying. Although I have investments in the creative industries, most of them are focused on new media and web dramas; as for traditional publishing…”

He scratched his head in slight frustration and suddenly glanced at Zach.

Zach looked at him in confusion.

“Miranda, Zach recently invested in a publishing house that’s ranked among the top three in the country. They mainly publish textbooks and traditional novels, which seems to align perfectly with what you’re looking for. How about I ask him for you?”

Miranda paused for a moment, not immediately responding.