Everyone chimed in, and the itinerary was quickly finalized. Jiang Jianhuan agreed, but then noticed that Zhou Ran, Xie Shuang, and the others hadn't said a word the entire time. After thinking for a moment, she decided to pretend she hadn't noticed anything.
The next day, as expected, he received a warm welcome from everyone at the company, who all wanted to see Jiang Jianhuan's trophy and share in his good fortune.
A large crowd was gathered around her, creating a lively atmosphere. In contrast, Zhou Ran's area was exceptionally quiet, lacking its usual bustling activity. Xie Shuang glanced at Jiang Jianhuan in the center of the crowd and couldn't help but let out a cold snort.
"They're all a bunch of snobs, fawning over one person today and another tomorrow."
"Xie Shuang! Stop talking." Zhou Ran restrained her and expressionlessly tidied the table.
"Winning an award is their skill; if you're so capable, go and win a first prize yourself."
"Ranran!" Xie Shuang gritted her teeth and stomped her foot, indignant.
"If we go now, do you think we can't win? It's just a competition for emerging designers."
“You’re talking about now. A few years ago, we couldn’t compare to her now.”
"You! You're driving me crazy! You're siding with outsiders!" Xie Shuang glared at Jiang Jianhuan resentfully before turning back to her seat. Zhou Ran stopped what she was doing and lowered her eyes, seemingly lost in thought.
Monday's work atmosphere is always a bit restless, especially with a big dinner planned for the evening. As soon as it's time to leave, some people can't contain themselves.
"Oh dear, it's time to get off work."
"Hot pot, here I come!" Some people even started packing their things to get ready to leave.
"Wait, wait, wait, I still have a little bit to finish!"
Two claps came from the doorway; Jiang Yuan had come out.
"Is everyone done with their work? Someone's treating us to dinner today."
A cheer erupted in the office. Those who had been hesitant earlier abandoned their pretenses, quickly shutting down their computers, grabbing their bags, and getting ready to go.
Jiang Jianhuan was helpless.
"Okay, let's go."
A group of people walked out in a lively manner. Zhou Ran and her friends were seated near the door. Seeing them sitting there intently staring at the computer screen without moving, the others couldn't help but exchange glances, but no one spoke.
It's an open secret that Zhou Ran and the others don't get along with Jiang Jianhuan. Moreover, when Fang Xiaoli had her accident, they were quick to kick her while she was down. Anyone would be furious if they were in that situation.
Thinking this way, no one bothered to act as a peacemaker, and they pretended not to see anything as they walked past them towards the door.
Jiang Yuan was still in her office, seemingly shutting down her computer. Jiang Jianhuan and Xu Xue lagged behind the group and followed her out. As she passed that spot, she glanced at Zhou Ran and the others, hesitated for a moment, and then walked over.
"We're having hot pot together today, are you free?"
The group seemed a little flattered, and they all looked up at her instantly. After a few seconds of stunned silence, they immediately shook their heads.
"No need, I have an appointment today."
"Yes, I made plans with my boyfriend."
"I have someone cooking at home now."
Jiang Jianhuan was just being polite; in an office, you always have to maintain appearances, otherwise it would be too obvious.
She nodded, not at all reluctant.
"Okay, then forget it." He added a polite, gentle smile.
Jiang Yuan arrived after they ordered their food. She drove over and complained that it took her a long time to find a parking space, which delayed them.
Everyone handed her the menu, asking her to add a few more dishes.
Once the steaming hot pot broth is served, you can start eating.
Although Jiang Yuan was also present, she was very good at creating a lively atmosphere in private, and everyone chatted and laughed, making the meal very enjoyable.
A few even went so far as to start drinking contests.
"Hey Hao Xiao, take it easy, or you'll embarrass yourself again with your drunken antics." Having been colleagues for several years and already quite familiar with each other, Jiang Yuan didn't put on any airs of authority in this atmosphere and joked.
"Sister Yuan, just you wait and see who's embarrassed today!"
Hao Xiao is a girl from Northeast China, speaking with a bold and unrestrained Northeastern accent. Her drinking match was with Xu Xue. This surprised Jiang Jianhuan. This quiet girl, who blushed when she spoke loudly, had a high alcohol tolerance and finished a bottle of beer in no time.
Compared to her, Jiang Jianhuan seemed quite incompetent. She didn't blush when she drank; she remained clean-faced no matter what, and she acted very normally, showing no signs of being drunk.
Only those who know her well know that she is famously incapable of drinking more than three cups of wine.
I felt dizzy after drinking it. On the surface, I still looked serious and calm, but actually my mind was a complete mess.
That's why, when everyone left, they took care of the few who seemed to have drunk too much, and carefully sent them to their cars to go home. No one would have thought that Jiang Jianhuan had any problems.
After paying the bill, she waved to her colleagues and watched them leave one by one before slowly walking towards home.
The atmosphere was so good today that it was hard for Jiang Jianhuan to refuse when Xu Xue and the others toasted her. She didn't know how much she had drunk, and now she only felt that her head was heavy and that the wind made it all blurry.
She walked straight, her steps steady and her posture upright, completely forgetting that it would take almost two hours to walk home from here.
It's something that could be solved by simply taking a bus.
Jiang Jianhuan didn't know how long she had walked, but she felt a little tired. She saw a park ahead with a bench next to it, but it was empty and deserted.
Overjoyed, she immediately went over and sat down, looking dejected, and let out a soft sigh.
"Ugh, I'm so tired."
She stared blankly at the passersby, lost in thought for what seemed like an eternity, until the ringing of her cell phone inside her coat broke the silence. Jiang Jianhuan exclaimed in surprise and took it out.
The words "Su Mo" were displayed above. She shook her head and laughed.