Chapter 472


    ?


    The dishes were served quickly. Throughout the meal, Halley''s phone was constantly buzzing with business calls. Finally, during a brief lull, he looked apologetically at Roseanne. "I was so caught up with Grandma''s birthday celebration yesterday, I didn''t get a chance to catch up with you." "It''s okay."


    As the eldest grandson and the only male in the current generation of the Cole family, Halley was naturally overwhelmed with social obligations. "I heard you''re studying for your Master''s at Kingswell University? I''m actually based in Lumina City too. If you need anything, just let me know. You still have my number, right?"


    "Of course," Roseanne nodded eagerly, "Thanks, Halley."


    "You''ve be polite," he observed.


    "I''ve be more mannered," she retorted.


    Halley chuckled. "What are you doing in Lumina City?" she inquired.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    Halley took a bite of his food. "I''ve partnered with a friend to start a smart homepany. We''re all about whole-house intelligence. Think... using cutting-edge tech to refurbish homes. You know, roboticmands, climate control throughout the house, automation..."


    With the rise of artificial intelligence in recent years, the home improvement industry was slowly being transformed. However, traditional home improvement still dominated the market, with smart home technology not yet widely embraced. Halley, who had studiedputer Al in college, was venturing into a field directly rted to his expertise. Worried that Roseanne might not follow, he kept the exnation simple.


    Roseanne didn''t dive into the specifics, only asking how his business was faring. Halley offered a wry smile. "It''s a tough industry, and smart home tech being a new concept doesn''t make it any easier. Can''t say it''s going great, but can''t say it''s terrible either. It''s... getting by."


    His vague response led Roseanne to believe hispany was facing some difficulties, but was still operational. However—


    Upon returning from the restroom,


    as she passed by a small balcony, she overheard Halley on a call: "...MK Young, we''ve worked together more than once, right? You know what kind of person I am. Even if it means I don''t make a penny, I won''t shortchange you."  to


    "Our startup''s having a tough time with cash flow because we haven''t received the final payment from ourst project. I''m asking for your


    patience. But I promise, the nex


    money you''re owed will be in your ount in two days at thetest."  to


    "Yes, yes, thank you for understanding. Don''t worry, it''ll be sorted..."


    As he spoke, the strain was evident in his posture, a young man weathered by challenges but stubbornly persevering. Roseanne took in the scene silently, realizing Halley''s situation was perhaps more dire than she had imagined.


    When Halley returned to the table, Roseanne didn''t mention what she had overheard. After finishing their meal, Halley stood up to pay. "Let''s go, Anne. I drove here; I''ll give you a lift home."


    "Thanks, Halley."


    After dropping her off, Halley mentioned he had to hurry to anothermitment. Norris Cole, hearing the car engine, peeked outside. "...Was that Halley''s car? Did you guys meet up today?"


    "Yeah, we even had dinner together," Roseanne replied, linking arms with him as they entered the house.


    "Halley''s been pretty busy in Lumina


    vel


    City these past few years. Hardlyes home but never forgets to send stuff. This time, for your grandma''s birthday, he really stepped up, handling guests just like his dad used to..." Norris couldn''t help but reflect.  to


    Roseanne slipped into her house shoes and walked in. The view that greeted her was of a home tidy and clean, the previously cluttered living room now back to its usual state.