CHAPTER 375: CHAPTER 375: RETURNING HOME OVERNIGHT

The factory manager’s name was Ronan Russo. He seemed well-mannered, but he was not someone who smiled often.

After leading the two into the reception room, without any unnecessary words, he sat down and went straight to the point, "Did you bring the sample?"

Ruby Sullivan originally wanted to ask about the factory’s process first. If it couldn’t meet the requirements, talking more would just be a waste of time. But as soon as he made the request, for some reason, she obediently took out the sample and sprayed some on his wrist.

She had dealt with quite a few factory managers, although many of them were involved with women’s products like cosmetics and perfumes, they generally didn’t have much understanding of the products themselves. They just produced according to requirements, and it was the first time she encountered someone who immediately asked for a sample.

"Ocean notes, with cherry blossoms and cedar as the main tones?"

Ruby was a bit surprised, "Yes, Atlantic cedar and Nihona cherry blossom."

This year, when she went to Nihona with Howard to meet the bottle factory’s representative, they took a stroll in a nearby cherry blossom garden. She was entranced by the subtle fragrance in the air, so upon returning home, she immediately adjusted the perfume.

The originally subtle ocean scent was now infused with the playful cherry blossom, not only adding a new layer to the middle notes but also giving a more vivid imagery. Every time someone smelled this perfume, they’d picture cherry blossoms blowing in the sea breeze.

Ronan Russo showed a faint smile, "I’ve heard of Nirvana, but your perfume is in such high demand, I couldn’t buy it. It truly lives up to its reputation. I’m happy to collaborate with you."

Though he agreed to consider taking on this urgent order as a favor to his uncle, if the perfume quality didn’t match its reputation, he would find a way to decline.

Compared to Ruby Sullivan’s achievements in perfume, he found more gossip with a simple check, making him skeptical of Ruby’s capabilities before they met face-to-face. But the scent doesn’t lie.

If he encountered a girl on the street wearing this perfume, he would certainly take a second glance. It would remind him of the scent of his first love, something not every perfume could achieve.

On the way, Ruby heard many things about Ronan from Howard, and she was initially a bit nervous. But seeing how much he liked her perfume, she felt a bit more at ease and then expressed her requirements.

"You can rest assured about the process. While this is a small factory, the equipment and techniques are absolutely world-class. Now it’s only half a month from Christmas, so time is a bit tight. I can’t guarantee to complete everything, but I’ll try my best." Ronan said, standing up to show them the factory’s operations.

The production lines were fully occupied, but he would have the workers pull overtime to clear all lines within three days for Nirvana’s rush orders.

"If it’s convenient for you, we can produce an initial batch by afternoon for you to inspect." He looked at the time, "It should be ready around five."

It takes three hours from R City to Ariston, and by eight, it would be completely dark. However, to save time, Ruby immediately agreed.

At noon, everyone had lunch, then she sent Howard back, thinking it was unnecessary for both of them to stay. Howard could return to prepare for the Christmas event right away.

Ruby took a nap on the reception room table. She planned to stay at the factory in the afternoon, thinking there might be some unexpected issues requiring her as the perfumer to resolve. Unexpectedly, Ronan followed her formulation to a tee, supervising the whole process without needing to bother her.

Ruby somewhat understood why he didn’t want to sell the factory.

He truly loved his work.

At four-thirty in the afternoon, the perfume was released from the warehouse on time, and Ruby was very satisfied with the inspection results. She immediately signed a contract with Ronan.

She saw it was still early and bought a night train ticket, planning to return overnight.

"If you’re not in a rush, you can stay here for a night," Ronan suggested.

"There are two kids at home, and even if I can’t make it back before they fall asleep, I hope they can see me when they wake up."

Ever since the two little ones cried during a video call last time, Ruby decided not to stay out overnight if possible, aiming to see them every day. Their better life is one of her motivations for working hard, and she must never forget this crucial point.

Ronan was surprised to hear her say this, "I didn’t expect you were already a mother." Even though he knew she was Ethan Sterling’s wife, he didn’t expect she had two children.

Ruby smiled, "Just think of it as a compliment to my youth."

"You are indeed very young," Ronan mused. "When does your train depart? I’ll drive you."

"Hmm... How about now? I can wait at the train station."

After finishing the conversation, they went to the train station. When Ronan saw her train ticket was for after seven in the evening, he stayed with her, strolling around the area and even sharing dinner before seeing her off on her train.

He greatly admired Ruby’s talent and was a little overly enthusiastic. However, the two had much common ground, so Ruby didn’t find this excessive enthusiasm discomforting.

Upon leaving, she felt somewhat sentimental because this was Faye Truman’s hometown.

Though they hadn’t been in contact for a long time, arriving in his hometown inevitably made her think of him. After all, they had been friends for many years.

As the train started moving, Ruby sighed. Back then, before heading to Bellaza, Faye Truman had stood on the platform watching her until he could no longer see her.

When Ruby arrived in Ariston, it was already late into the night. To her surprise, she caught Ariston’s first snow, taxis were particularly scarce, and the line for a cab was endless. She hadn’t expected to take a train back during her day out, so she dressed lightly, now standing in line, clutching her coat tightly and stomping her feet from time to time, almost freezing to death.

Not long ago, Ethan Sterling used to pick her up, and she hadn’t had to hail a cab at the train station in quite some time.

Perhaps looking too lonely, her thoughts drifted to distant memories, recalling many trivial past events.

After finally getting a taxi, she arrived home well past two in the morning.

The taxi refused to drive into the complex, so she walked home alone with her neck tucked in. Suddenly, she felt as if someone was following her from behind, causing her back to tingle with fear as she quickened her pace.

The snow had melted into a thin layer of ice due to the low temperature. As she tread on it with heeled boots, she suddenly slipped and fell to the ground. She then heard those footsteps hastening, seemingly rushing towards her.

Ruby was terrified, enduring the pain in her foot, trying to stand up. However, the more she hurried, the slipperier it got, preventing her from getting up.

At that moment, a voice unexpectedly emerged. She couldn’t hear what it said and instinctively hugged her head, screaming out loud.