Chapter 1, The Commotion at the Wine Party (Part 1)

Zhong Qiang wanted to vent his frustrations; it would have been better if nothing had happened, but once it did, everything came at once. He had been so busy since the morning that he hardly had a moment to catch his breath. At four-thirty in the afternoon, more issues arose at the company, and by the time Zhong Qiang finished dealing with them, it was already five o'clock, leaving him feeling somewhat anxious.

At that time, both of them were students and had little money. On Yao Yu's birthday, Tong Si Cheng bought her a dress as a gift. It was probably Tong Si Cheng's first time buying clothes for a girl; when he handed it to Yao Yu, it was wrapped very carefully, and his delicate face showed a hint of shyness. When Yao Yu returned to the dormitory, she curiously opened the package and happily wore the dress to show off to Qian Chen. Qian Chen exclaimed in admiration, "Xiao Yu, you look like a blue iris!" Yao Yu returned to the dormitory, curiously opened the package, and happily wore the dress to show off to Qian Chen. Qian Chen exclaimed in admiration, "Xiao Yu, you look like a blue iris!"

Yao Yu raised her eyebrows and said, "A media outlet focused on real estate?" She recalled Qian Chen, a reporter from A City News Online, and a smile appeared in her eyes. She wondered if Qian Chen would come. If she did, they could chat together, which would help pass the time.

Yao Yu lowered her head, knowing that it was indeed inappropriate for a woman dressed in a cartoonish puff skirt to sit together with a group of formally attired guests at the banquet; such an outfit was extremely impolite. Can this be blamed on her? She secretly sighed.

Yao Yu slightly opened her mouth, feeling a bit annoyed. Can't this be avoided? She glanced at Xiao Chen, the only one in the office wearing a skirt. However, it was a puffy dress with a Snoopy print on the chest, and Xiao Chen was part of the Korean wave. Such a dress looked cute on the nineteen-year-old Xiao Chen, but on herself at twenty-four, she felt it was just as inappropriate for this kind of cocktail party as a T-shirt and jeans.

Yao Yu shot her a glare, reached out to tug at her skirt, checked herself in the mirror, and said with irritation, "Like a high school student!" It had been two years since she last wore a skirt, and this one was a cute cartoon style, which made Yao Yu feel quite out of place. As she walked out of the bathroom, she looked down at the Snoopy on her skirt and suddenly couldn't help but laugh.

Du Lei, her roommate, looked disdainfully at the blue mark on her leg and said, "Is this the kind of skirt you would dare to give to your girlfriend? Yao Yu, can you stand it?" That day marked the first time Yao Yu had to put on a serious face to speak to someone... Shaking her head to stop her thoughts, Yao Yu gazed out the car window at the pedestrians and shops. It was time to get off work, and people began to gather, with the car slowly inching forward. She really enjoyed the bustling atmosphere of the crowd. Both dawn and dusk signify the start of life in a day... As it approached the end of the workday, the crowd grew, and the car moved forward slowly. She loved this vibrant atmosphere of people flowing in and out. In the morning, people stepped out of their homes and dispersed into the towering buildings of the city to begin their day’s work, while in the evening, they poured out from those buildings, heading home to dine out and enjoy nightlife... Yao Yu loved dusk.

The dress is made of blue cotton, beautifully complementing Yao Yu's snow-white skin. Yao Yu wore it to meet Tong Sicheng, sitting on the high steps of the sports field, with the deep blue summer night sky behind her. He slowly knelt on the lower step, looking up at her, his usually clear eyes burning with fire, as if gazing at a deity. After a long while, Tong Sicheng sighed softly: "Yao Yao, you never know how beautiful you are; I only spent twenty-five yuan..." Yao Yu covered his mouth with her hand, and he instinctively took her hand, his hot lips imprinting on her palm. At that moment, she thought in a daze that his warmth would be forever branded in her palm, intertwined with the lifeline of her hand.

Is she unable to drink? Zhong Qiang frowned, feeling that he could not afford to be frustrated at this moment. Wang Lin was off work today, and the hot spring resort was located in the suburbs. Even without traffic, it would take an hour to get out of the city, and it was impossible to avoid traffic around five or six o'clock in the afternoon. Zhong Qiang needed to arrive at the hot spring resort before 7:00, and notifying Wang Lin now would definitely be too late. Among the remaining female employees in the company, Yao Yu was the most suitable; who else could he call? "What are you dawdling for? Hurry up!" Zhong Qiang's face darkened, and his tone carried a hint of anger. Among the remaining female employees in the company, Yao Yu was the most suitable; who else could he call? "What are you dawdling for? Hurry up!" Zhong Qiang's face darkened, and his tone carried a hint of anger.

Once on the vehicle, Yao Yu deliberately gave Zhong Qiang a cold shoulder. Zhong Qiang, aware that today’s arrangements were not well made, turned his head slightly and joked, "Yao Yu, this is the first time I’ve seen you in a skirt. Girls look beautiful in skirts; why do you always prefer pants?"

It is simply about more communication, engage more with the people from Jialin Group at the reception, and nothing else. " Zhong Nan thought for a moment and said, "By the way, there will also be media representatives present, so make sure to get to know them as well

In such occasions, a person has essentially torn themselves in two, retaining their true self within, while donning the costume of performance in the crowd, playing a role that is not their own. Some say that this split in personality is akin to surrendering half of one's life to death. Yet, how many people can be completely authentic in reality? If this were a play, today Yao Yu would consider herself a minor character on the stage.

Zhong Qiang was taken aback, feeling overwhelmed. Fortunately, he was wearing a suit, which was somewhat acceptable, but Yao Yu was dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, with deliberately torn holes at the knees. He understood it was a style, but it seemed a bit inappropriate for a cocktail party. Zhong Qiang's gaze shifted: "Xiao Chen, go and help Yao Yu change clothes, quickly, we are running out of time!"

Tonight, Jialin Group is holding a cocktail party at the Hot Spring Resort, inviting all partner organizations and relevant media. Jialin Group is a long-term partner of Datang Advertising, and the president places great importance on such events. Coincidentally, he is on a business trip, so the responsibility falls to Vice President Zhong Qiang.

Upon arriving at the hot spring resort, Zhong Qiang glanced at his watch and saw that it was 6:40. He let out a sigh of relief and smiled, saying, "Fortunately, there are still twenty minutes until the wine party begins"

After returning home, Yao Yu changed into her pajamas and was astonished to find that her body was stained with blue patches here and there. It is often said that cheap goods are of poor quality; this dress has faded. She chuckled.

As he packed his things, Zhong Qiang suddenly remembered that he had forgotten to inform Wang Lin. He silently exclaimed that it was a disaster and hurriedly walked out of the office. Glancing at the large office area, his gaze accurately landed on Yao Yu: "Yao Yu! Hurry up and pack your things, come with me to the hot spring resort for the cocktail party"

Yao Yu chuckled, saying: "A person of my national treasure status would not be regarded by him; he must be blind to overlook me"

"It takes three months to change?" Zhong Qiang shook his head and said, "Be careful, or you might not get married!"

Attending in such an informal manner undermines the image of Datang Company, benefiting other companies without any detriment. Moreover, Yao Yu believes that the long-term cooperative relationship between Datang and Jialin cannot be easily disrupted by the attire of a minor employee. Often, appearances do not align with the underlying facts, yet people are easily deceived by superficial decorations, overlooking the essential integration of interests that lies behind the glamorous facade.

Zhong Qiang and Yao Yu chatted as they walked towards the banquet hall of the hot spring resort. This hot spring resort, developed by Jialin Group, has been open for less than three months. The architectural design is rich in Mediterranean style, situated on the mountaintop, offering a view of the river at night, with a prime location. Their company secured the billboard lightbox advertisement, but Yao Yu did not take on this business. Looking at the materials her colleague brought back, she spoke about the facilities of the hot spring resort and expressed a longing to experience the tiered outdoor hot springs. Yao Yu looked up at the sky; soaking in a hot spring on a clear starry night at the mountaintop should be a delightful experience.

The sound of Zhong Qiang forcefully honking the horn startled her. Yao Yu glanced at Zhong Qiang and rolled up the car window, which significantly reduced the noise coming through the glass

Seeing Zhong Qiang with a dark expression, Yao Yu sighed, went to the restroom, and changed clothes with Xiao Chen. Fortunately, the two had similar body types, so the outfit fit well. Xiao Chen giggled and said, "Sister Yao, you look quite cute in that dress!"

"It's a strange thing if there's no traffic jam!" Zhong Qiang cursed, helplessly moving forward step by step with the flow of cars

Yao Yu's face was somewhat pale. After getting out of the car, she took a few breaths of fresh air and took a long time to catch her breath. "Senior brother, this is my first time attending a business-related cocktail party. If there is anything I need to be informed about, please let me know early."

Yao Yu looked at Zhong Qiang and thought that he was only four years older than herself. At work, he was a leader, but at this moment, it was different. She was somewhat curious as to how Zhong Qiang, being only a few years older than her, managed to attain the position of vice president and was so capable

The receptionist guided them to sit down at a round table in the second row. Those seated here were all from advertising companies. Zhong Qiang greeted them warmly, while Yao Yu smiled politely, acknowledging his peers. The representatives from other companies cast surprised glances at Yao Yu.

The cocktail party? This is one of Yao Yu's least favorite activities. She raised her head to glance at Zhong Qiang and said slowly, "Mr. Zhong, I can't drink, so you should take someone else!" Usually, when the company encounters such a cocktail party with a public relations nature, the president would call Wang Lin from the customer service department. She is recognized as a beauty, with a bold personality, eloquence, and good drinking capacity. Taking her along would not only maintain face but also liven up the atmosphere. She is recognized as a beauty, with a bold personality, eloquence, and good drinking capacity. Taking her along would not only maintain face but also liven up the atmosphere

In the past, Tong Sicheng played classical guitar. He said that "Raindrops" evokes the feeling of morning, fresh and bright; while "Memories of Alhambra" represents dusk, gentle and subdued. Tong Sicheng asked her: "Yao Yao, do you prefer morning or dusk?"

Zhong Qiang was left speechless. Yao Yu either has a thick skin or an exceptionally good attitude. She is right in saying that in this day and age, girls who can dress up but choose not to are as rare as national treasures. Even fewer are those like Yao Yu, who can maintain a demeanor akin to a Miss World without any adornment

Why do I keep thinking of him today? Yao Yu felt a bit dazed. Coming back to her senses, she thought that after dusk today, the time would completely belong to her. If she didn't go to the cocktail party, she would go to the supermarket to buy some things, and then go home to eat while watching a rented DVD. After that, she would go online to chat and play games, recalling the newly learned game "World of Warcraft". Her female mage was only level 10, capable of fighting the kobolds in the mines, and there were still a few quests she had accepted last night that she hadn't completed yet. ... I wonder if they are staying at the villa today ...

This dress, I haven't worn it in a long time and I'm not used to it, it's so childish! Yao Yu said with a mournful expression, "Senior Brother, you really should have told me in advance. Otherwise, just let me get off the car and go by myself. If I go like this, it will be even more embarrassing!" Zhong Qiang also graduated from C University, from the Advertising School. When Yao Yu came to the company and was alone, she always called him Senior Brother.

She answered without hesitation: "Morning!" At that time, Yao Yu enjoyed the fresh air while running in the morning, watching the city gradually awaken from its slumber, slowly filled with the sounds of life, and beginning the clamor of a new day. She felt that the future was in her hands, her whole being brimming with vitality. But now, Yao Yu thought, she preferred dusk, and even more so, the night that followed. The night is a color of inclusiveness; during the long night, even if one weeps, it is not as difficult to conceal as it is under the harsh light of day. And now, Yao Yu thought, she liked dusk, and even more so, the night that followed. The night is a color of inclusiveness; during the long night, even if one weeps, it is not as difficult to conceal as it is under the harsh light of day. The darkness will cover everything completely, even women appear more beautiful under the lights than they do in the daytime.

Yao Yu's demeanor garnered admiring glances from Zhong Qiang. Observing her engaging in conversation with such poise and tact, he suspected that even if Yao Yu were to dress in a disheveled manner, she would still possess this calm and composed demeanor.

How can that be acceptable? Everyone is attending with a partner, leaving me alone is not an option!" Zhong Qiang declined. He secretly felt fortunate that he had responded in time; if he had delayed any longer, not a single female employee would be seen in the office.

Yao Yu casually said: "My dad opposes me wearing jeans; his definition of jeans is that they are made of dirty canvas that cannot be cleaned. The only reason to wear them is because they are durable and resistant to dirt. According to his definition, two pairs would be enough for me to wear all year round, not to mention I have seven or eight pairs in different colors and styles. At most, I would wear them for three months before I must change!"

Mr. Zhong, you didn't notify in advance again, look... Yao Yu really doesn't want to go, seeing that Zhong Qiang is somewhat angry, he quickly stands up and pulls at his T-shirt.

Zhong Qiang looked at Yao Yu in a skirt and couldn't help but chuckle; it was the first time he had seen her in a dress. Wearing a cartoon puffy skirt, Yao Yu shattered the messy and casual image he had of her, making her appear adorable. He felt that introducing Yao Yu as his niece was more appropriate than as a company employee. He suppressed a laugh and said, "Let's go! I hope the traffic won't be too bad"

Yao Yu wore a faint smile on her face, speaking with both enthusiasm and restraint. She engaged in conversation with representatives from other companies, fully aware that they might have their own thoughts and opinions, perhaps even secretly laughing to themselves. Yao Yu chose to ignore all of this. Unless someone were to bluntly say something unpleasant to put her in a difficult position, she would treat the occasion as if she were just like them, formally and solemnly present.

After finally leaving the city, Zhong Qiang's feet felt as if they had stepped into an oil tank, as he raced wildly along the mountain road, not slowing down even while turning. Yao Yu felt a bit carsick from being tossed around by him, and suddenly realized she was hungry. Whenever she felt carsick, she craved sour and spicy rice noodles. Unfortunately, such a snack was definitely not available at today's banquet.

Zhong Qiang was anxiously pressed for time, his gaze shifting towards the other girls in the large office area. He quickly assessed that it would be safer to bring Yao Yu in this situation. Yao Yu graduated from the Chinese Department of University C and has been with the company for two years. She is not particularly beautiful, but her appearance is graceful and her demeanor is excellent. The most crucial point is that Yao Yu is very measured in her work.

Yao Yu sighed and thought, well, losing face is also losing the company's face. The thought of the dress reminded her of Tong Sicheng. She recalled the dress he had given her

In this day and age, there are too many hot springs; the Earth resembles a large furnace, with water boiling on top. As long as one drills a well underground, hot springs can be gushed out. On one occasion, Yao Yu visited a well-known sulfur hot spring, only to later discover that the spring's water output was quite small. Numerous hot spring hotels were built along the route, and the hotels at the foot of the mountain not only heated water with boilers but also added sulfur to it, leading her to not wish to visit a second time

This hot spring resort is located at the mountain top, offering breathtaking scenery. Yao Yu maliciously speculated whether the so-called natural radon hot spring water was a genuine hot spring or merely heated by a boiler. Was the hot spring created for the purpose of building the resort, or was the resort constructed because the hot spring was discovered?

During the two years that Yao Yu has been at the company, Zhong Qiang has discovered that unless absolutely necessary, Yao Yu always wears casual attire paired with jeans. One time, he could no longer hold back and privately asked Yao Yu, "Could you buy a few more pairs of jeans? It seems like you haven't changed them in months."