Chapter 108: Getting to Know Each Other Better

Chapter 108: Chapter 108: Getting to Know Each Other Better

Lucky recovered faster than expected after surgery. After only three days, he was already jumping around, chasing butterflies in the yard.

Vivian hadn’t gone back during this time, and Irene promised her that when the production crew started work, she could work as a director’s assistant.

Irene had decided long ago to have Vivian join the filming of The Italian Job, but she had been in too much of a hurry when leaving for Venice and forgot to tell her in advance. Now that they were back in Los Angeles for filming, she could naturally let her join the crew to learn.

Therefore, the job of taking care of Lucky during this time was completely taken over by her.

Every morning, she would squat in front of his little bed, carefully checking the healing of his wound. She even specifically followed a recipe found online to cook chicken breast porridge mixed with egg yolk for him, nursing the little guy back to being more energetic than ever.

"Loren is coming for a follow-up check today. Do you think he’ll praise us for taking such good care of him?"

During breakfast, while mixing food for Lucky, Vivian teased Irene with a smile.

"Last time at the hospital, when Lily said ’single,’ I saw Loren’s eyes light up. Otherwise, why would he take the initiative to come over to check on the little guy? You’d better be prepared."

Irene was biting into her sandwich and nearly choked when she heard this. "Don’t talk nonsense. He’s just here for a follow-up. Be professional."

Although she said that, her heartbeat couldn’t lie. She wasn’t entirely without feelings for Loren either.

At ten o’clock in the morning, the doorbell rang right on time.

When Irene opened the door, Loren was standing at the entrance, carrying a light blue medical kit in his hand. He had also brought an extra small transparent jar containing the freeze-dried chicken that Lucky loved.

Loren shook the jar in his hand with a smile. "Morning. I heard the little guy is recovering well, so I brought some snacks to reward him."

Upon hearing Loren’s voice, Lucky immediately wagged his tail and rushed over, rubbing against his ankles while making happy whimpering sounds in his throat.

Loren bent down to pick him up, his fingertips gently touching the wound on his abdomen. "It seems he doesn’t hold a grudge. He’s recovering better than expected. There’s no redness or swelling, and no issues with the scab falling off prematurely."

The three of them walked into the living room. Loren placed Lucky on the sofa and opened the medical kit to begin a detailed examination.

First, he used a warm towel to wipe the fur around the wound, then gently disinfected it with iodine.

Vivian sat nearby, looked at Irene, then at the focused Loren, and suddenly stood up. "You two chat. I’m going to pour you some juice. It’s freshly squeezed orange."

As she said this, she slipped into the kitchen, not forgetting to quietly give Irene a ’go for it’ look.

In an instant, only Irene and Loren were left in the living room, along with Lucky, who was nestled obediently on Loren’s lap.

After checking the wound, Loren didn’t put the medical kit away immediately. Instead, he gently stroked Lucky’s head, looked up at Irene, and his tone was a bit more serious than usual.

"Actually, I was quite surprised when I heard you say you were single at the hospital last time."

Irene’s heart skipped a beat, but she asked without changing her expression, "Surprised by what?"

"I saw the gossip in the newspapers before and thought it was true," Loren’s gaze landed on her face, carrying a hint of sincerity.

"During that time, I was always worried about whether you were troubled by the gossip, but I didn’t want to ask rashly. It wasn’t until Lily mentioned you were single that day that I finally breathed a sigh of relief." He paused.

"Irene, actually... I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time that I hope to have more opportunities to get to know you, not just as Lucky’s veterinarian, and not just as friends who occasionally chat."

Irene was stunned. She looked at the seriousness in Loren’s eyes and couldn’t help but feel her heart flutter.

Ever since she learned of Loren’s identity, she had been full of curiosity about him.

When she saw him at the hospital, he was gentle and professional, making one feel he was exceptionally reliable. When she saw him at the banquet, he was mysterious and noble, making one unable to resist wanting to find out more.

She had originally thought these two styles were already extremely contrasting, but when Irene met him in Venice, the two were very much on the same wavelength and chatted happily, as if they were naturally suited to be friends.

"I know this might be a bit sudden," Loren said, quickly adding when he saw she didn’t speak.

"If you find it abrupt, or if you don’t want to consider these things for the time being, that’s fine too. We’re still friends, and I’m still Lucky’s veterinarian. I won’t cause you any trouble."

The kitchen door opened a crack quietly. Vivian was peeking through the crack, and seeing that Irene didn’t react, she was so anxious she nearly stamped her feet.

Lucky seemed to sense that the atmosphere was off. He jumped off Loren’s lap, rubbed against Irene’s hand, and then rubbed against Loren’s hand, as if helping to ’assist.’

Irene looked at Loren in front of her, then at Lucky by her feet, and the corners of her mouth slowly curled into a faint smile. "Actually... I also think we could get to know each other better."

Loren’s eyes lit up instantly, as if starlight had fallen into them. "Really?"

Irene nodded. "Yes, but you have to pass Lucky’s test first. If he doesn’t like you, that won’t do."

Loren immediately smiled and picked up the freeze-dried chicken in his hand, handing a piece to Lucky.

"Looks like I was prepared, right, little guy?" Lucky took the freeze-dried chicken in his mouth and chewed it happily, not forgetting to rub against Loren’s hand, as if ’agreeing.’

Just then, Vivian walked out of the kitchen carrying the juice. Seeing the atmosphere between the two, she immediately teased with a smile,

"It seems this glass of juice came at just the right time. Do you want to stay for lunch while you’re at it? I just learned how to make pasta, and it’s perfect for you to try."

Loren nodded immediately. "Sure, it’s a perfect chance to keep Lucky company a bit longer."

During lunch, Vivian deliberately sat between the two of them, chatting from time to time about light topics, from funny stories about Lucky to Irene’s movies, and then to Loren’s past experience studying to be a veterinarian in Europe.

Sunlight shone through the window into the dining room, falling upon the three of them. Lucky was curled up at Irene’s feet, occasionally looking up at them, and the whole house was filled with a warm and sweet atmosphere.

When Loren left after the meal, he specifically made plans with Irene for the weekend.

"I heard there’s a pet park nearby. The weather is supposed to be nice this weekend, and you probably haven’t started work yet. Would you like to take Lucky for a walk there? Let’s consider it... our first official date."

Irene raised an eyebrow. "How did you know I haven’t started work this weekend?"

Loren rubbed his nose, feeling a bit guilty. "I specifically asked someone at Fox..." He wasn’t sure if Irene would be offended by this behavior of his, so he was a bit cautious.

"Sure, see you this weekend then." Irene nodded, not offended by his action of checking up on her schedule.

Watching Loren’s retreating figure, Vivian leaned in close to Irene and winked. "I told you, he’s definitely interested in you! Well? Have you fallen for him?"

Irene didn’t deny it, just lowered her head to stroke Lucky’s head. "Maybe. Let’s take it slow. Besides, I have him to keep me company."