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At 4 p.m. on Friday, the sound of keyboard typing in the Jin Chen Capital office building noticeably slowed down.

As the weekend approaches, everyone's thoughts have already wandered halfway.

Just then, all employees' computers and mobile phones simultaneously received new email notifications.

From: Li Shensi.

The title is simple: "Weekend Team Building Invitation".

Opening the email, the content was even simpler: "To enhance inter-departmental communication and provide relaxation, I am inviting all colleagues from the New Business Department, TMT Department, and Traditional Department to a team-building trip to Xishan Hot Spring Resort this weekend. All expenses will be borne by me, and participation is voluntary. We will meet at the company gate at 9:00 AM on Saturday for the bus departure and return on Sunday evening. See the attached itinerary for details."

The attached document contains a detailed itinerary: hot springs, barbecue, team activities, free time, and even booking channels for spa and golf.

After a brief silence, the entire floor erupted in an unbelievable uproar.

"Is this for real? Mr. Li is paying for the entire department's team building activity himself?"

"Xishan Hot Spring Resort? That place costs at least three thousand yuan per person!"

"The three departments combined must have two or three hundred people, right? Mr. Li, this is..."

"Go! You have to go! Only a fool wouldn't go!"

Excited discussions spread like a tide.

Free luxury team building – such a good thing has never happened before in Jin Chen's history.

……

Yu Wenli from the TMT department stared at the email for ten seconds, her brows furrowing deeper and deeper.

She turned off her computer and went straight to Li Shensi's office.

When I pushed open the door, Li Shensi was leisurely brewing tea, and the aroma of Tieguanyin tea wafted from the purple clay teapot.

"Mr. Li, I'm sorry to bother you." Yu Wenli tried to keep her tone calm. "Regarding the team building activity, I think... it might be a bit ill-considered."

"Oh? What's wrong with that?" Li Shensi poured a cup of tea and pushed it towards her.

“With three departments taking leave at the same time, normal work will be affected. And with such a large-scale team building activity, President Qu will probably…” Yu Wenli paused, “…there are a lot of things that need to be coordinated.”

Li Shensi smiled, a gentle but undeniable smile: "The work can be made up next week, and the team building opportunity is rare. I will personally communicate with President Qu, so you don't need to worry."

"But……"

“President Yu,” Li Shensi interrupted her, his tone still gentle but carrying a certain weight, “In the few days I’ve been at the company, I’ve noticed that there are deep barriers between departments, resulting in low collaboration efficiency. This team building activity is intended to help everyone get to know each other better in a relaxed environment. I’ll cover the expenses; I just hope everyone has a good time. You’re the head of the TMT department, and I hope you can support this arrangement.”

Having said all that, Yu Wenli knew she couldn't object any longer.

She nodded: "Okay, I'll go back and inform the team."

As soon as I stepped out of the office, I bumped into Ma Jianguo.

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing a complex expression in each other's eyes.

"Is President Yu also here for team building?" Ma Jianguo asked in a low voice.

"Yes. Mr. Li said he'll go and talk to Mr. Qu."

Ma Jianguo sneered, lowering his voice even further: "President Yu, what is Li Shensi up to? He's only been here a few days and he's already making such a big fuss, paying for hundreds of people to go on a trip. He's not here to work; he's clearly here to win people over."

Yu Wenli glanced at him: "Mr. Ma, don't talk nonsense. Mr. Li is new here and wants to get along well with everyone, which is understandable."

"Understand? Mr. Yu, do you believe that?" Ma Jianguo shook his head. "I think he wants to establish his authority and let everyone know that Li Shensi has power, connections, and is generous. He's trying to intimidate Mr. Qu."

Yu Wenli didn't respond. She actually had similar doubts in her heart, but she wouldn't say them out loud like Ma Jianguo did.

The two returned to their respective offices, each with their own thoughts.

……

The reactions in the four groups were clearly differentiated.

Lin Yuming groaned upon seeing the email: "Team building this weekend? I don't want to go! I have so much work to do!"

Wu Kezhi didn't even look up, continuing to read the report: "We must go. This is the first event organized by General Manager Li, and Group Four cannot be absent."

"But boss, what about my job...?"

“Lin Yuming.” Wu Kezhi finally raised his head, his eyes calm but firm. “This is the workplace. The leader is paramount! Everyone in Group Four must be present for this team building activity.”

Lin Yuming wanted to argue, but seeing Wu Kezhi's expression, he knew there was no room for negotiation.

"Fine! No matter how difficult it is, I'll bear it myself."

Lan Qianyi's reaction was completely different. She immediately sent a WeChat message to Su Ning, "Honey, team building this weekend, are you coming?"

The message was replied to almost instantly: "Go."

"That's perfect, let's go together!" Lan Qianyi exclaimed excitedly. "The Xishan Hot Springs have a wonderful environment, it's been so long since we went out together."

"My bad! It seems I should take you out more often in the future."

"Hmph! You said it yourself, my memory has always been very good."

"Don't worry! I keep my word."

In fact, Suning did not tell Lan Qianyi that he would be resigning after this vacation.

After hanging around Jin Chen Capital for so long, it's time to do my own thing.

Meanwhile, Hao Shuai had already flooded their small group chat with messages: "Guys! Let's have a blast this weekend! Boss Li is awesome! I heard the golf course in Xishan is championship level, I'm bringing my new clubs!"

Sun Yiqiu and Gao Sicong, however, showed little interest.

Sun Yiqiu whispered to Lan Qianyi, "Lan Qianyi, I was planning to finish reading the industry report this weekend... Two days of team building is too much of a waste of time."

“Work is never-ending, and you should relax when it’s time to relax.” Lan Qianyi patted his shoulder. “Besides, this team building event was organized by President Li, so it wouldn’t be appropriate not to go.”

Gao Sicong put it more bluntly: "Formalism is a waste of time. You'd be better off doing more project analysis."

But he only dared to complain in private. Who would dare to openly disrespect an event personally organized by Li Shensi?

……

The atmosphere in President Qu's office was so oppressive it was almost palpable.

Gao Yue stood in front of the desk, listening to Qu Zhonghui's complaints, maintaining a professional calm on her face.

"I told Chris long ago that there's no use hiring someone like Li Shensi!" President Qu's face was ashen. "Look at what he's done these past few days! Health preservation, cooking porridge, recording kindergarten videos! And now it's even better, he's treating the whole company to a trip at his own expense! Is he here to work? He's here to retire! What substantial help has he given the company?"

Gao Yue listened quietly without interrupting.

"Chris just wouldn't listen, he insisted on bringing him here." President Qu became increasingly angry as he spoke. "Now look what's happened, the New Business Department has that troublemaker Wu Kezhi, and now we have this big shot Li Shensi, with Chris backing us up. The pressure on my side is getting bigger and bigger!"

He suddenly turned to look at Gao Yue, his eyes sharp: "Gao Yue, you've seen the current situation. My position in the company is becoming increasingly passive, and I need reliable people to support me. You've been with me for so many years, and I hope you'll continue to stand by my side. Otherwise..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but the threat in his words was obvious.

Gao Yue immediately expressed her support, her tone sincere: "President Qu, rest assured. I was promoted by you, and I will always support you."

"Yes, just keep that in mind! The position of HR director is very important. The reason I promoted you is entirely because you are one of my trusted confidants."

"President Qu, I, Gao Yue, will always follow your lead."

"Okay, go ahead! Keep a close eye on the HR department for me."

"Yes, Director Qu."

As Gao Yue stepped out of the office, the respect on her face vanished instantly.

She walked quickly back to her office, closed the door, leaned back in her chair, and let out a long sigh.

She saw Qu Zhonghui's situation very clearly.

Chris's intention was also clear: to use Li Shensi to check and balance President Qu and gradually weaken his power in the company.

As for President Qu himself, he is very capable, but lacks vision. He is best at using power struggles and tactics, and he will be eliminated sooner or later.

Moreover, the founder's attitude was already very clear, and Gao Yue, as a senior executive of the company, was naturally well aware of it.

Continuing to follow Qu Zhonghui will likely lead to a bad end.

Therefore, we must consider our options.

Gao Yue turned on her computer and brought up the employee files.

The mouse wheel scrolled and finally stopped on the "Suning" information page.

The background of the Jian Guo Group, and the dual importance placed on it by its founder and Li Shensi...

This young man's value is far greater than it appears on the surface.

If you cultivate a good relationship with him now, he might become an important resource in the future.

Of course, given her rank and abilities, it wouldn't be impossible for her to directly side with Chris.

But that would be too obvious and people would easily call you a fence-sitter.

The best strategy is to remain outwardly neutral while secretly paving many paths.

Observe the changing situation and wait for the wind to blow clearly before deciding which side to lean in.

The workplace is like a battlefield. Loyalty is important, but even more important is not to choose the wrong side.

……

On Saturday morning, three luxury buses were parked in front of the company.

Before nine o'clock, the employees began to arrive one after another.

Everyone was very excited, after all, a free trip, especially to a high-end resort, is a rare treat.

Lan Qianyi was dressed casually and carrying a backpack, looking youthful and energetic.

She spotted Su Ning immediately; he was standing in the energy group, talking to Zhao Boqian.

"Suning!" she waved.

Su Ning walked over: "You're here so early?"

"I can't sleep, I'm so excited," Lan Qianyi laughed. "What about you? You don't look very energetic."

"I didn't sleep well last night," Su Ning said honestly. "I was thinking about what President Li was planning to do."

"Who cares what he wants to do? Let's have fun first." Lan Qianyi took his arm. "Let's go! Get in the car! I want to sit next to you."

"puff……"

"You rascal! What are you laughing at?"

"What you said reminds me of a line from an old movie: 'I want to sleep next to you, it's so sweet and pleasant!'"

"Pah! You scoundrel."

The two of them boarded the bus hand in hand, which naturally left their colleagues speechless.

Hao Shuai was already in the car. When he saw them, he immediately waved and said, "Here! I've saved you a seat!"

Sun Yiqiu and Gao Sicong also got on the bus. One sat in the front reading a book, and the other listened to music with headphones on. Neither of them were interested in the hustle and bustle outside the window.

Wu Kezhi and Lin Yuming arrived last. Wu Kezhi looked calm, while Lin Yuming looked reluctant, still bothered by the backlog of work.

The bus started and headed towards Xishan.

On the bus, everyone chatted and laughed, creating a lively atmosphere.

But some people have their own plans.

On the surface, this team building activity was a leisure and vacation, but in reality, it was Li Shensi's first step in establishing his authority in the new company.

And everyone will become an actor in this play, performing for those who are meant to watch.

On the bus, most people were catching up on sleep...

Work is usually too tiring, and it's rare to have a chance to relax.

Hao Shuai sat next to Gao Sicong and, seeing everyone looking drowsy, suddenly perked up.

"Sicong, wake up!" He nudged Gao Sicong next to him. "Wake up, come take a picture!"

Gao Sicong groggily opened his eyes: "What kind of photos are you taking...?"

"It's rare to have all five of us together, let's take a group photo!" Hao Shuai had already raised his phone. "Qianyi, Yiqiu, Su Ning, look over here!"

Lan Qianyi and Sun Yiqiu, who were sitting in the front row, turned around when they heard the sound.

Su Ning, sitting next to Lan Qianyi, also turned her face towards him.

"Come on, come closer!" Hao Shuai pulled Gao Sicong up, then leaned back so that all five of them could be in the frame. "One, two, three, cheese!"

The photos are taken.

Five young faces squeezed into the frame...

Hao Shuai smiled the brightest, Gao Sicong still looked a little sleepy, Sun Yiqiu was a bit reserved, Lan Qianyi smiled naturally, and Su Ning had a faint smile.

"Send it to the group!" Hao Shuai said, sending the photo to the interns' group chat.

After taking the group photo, Lan Qianyi suddenly leaned close to Su Ning's ear and asked, "Shall we take one too?"

"it is good."

The two leaned against each other, and Lan Qianyi raised her phone.

In the photo, she smiled sweetly, and Su Ning's expression was much gentler than usual.

She didn't post the photo in the group chat; instead, she secretly saved it.

But many of her colleagues saw it.

They exchanged glances, and they both understood...

Suning and Lan Qianyi are truly a couple.

……

Upon arriving at the resort, Hao Shuai grabbed the other four as they got out of the car: "The five of us have to stick together today! Don't get separated!"

Gao Sicong yawned: "Sure! I didn't make any plans anyway."

Sun Yiqiu nodded: "I'll listen to everyone."

Lan Qianyi looked at Su Ning, who nodded in agreement.

Just then, Manager Yin from the consumer goods group walked over: "Hao Shuai! President Su and I are short of a photographer, could you come and help us?"

Hao Shuai was in a bit of a dilemma, as Manager Yin was his current direct supervisor and he couldn't refuse.

"Manager Yin, I'd like to wander around a bit first..."

"Then let's take a stroll together with President Su!" Manager Yin said with a smile. "I haven't been out to relax in a long time. You can take some photos of President Su and me. It's a win-win situation."

“That’s right! Xiao Hao, why don’t you come with us?” President Su said meaningfully.

Hao Shuai had no choice but to agree: "Then... okay."

Then Hao Shuai was pulled away by Manager Yin and General Manager Su. It was obvious that this team building activity had deprived him of his freedom.

Don't be fooled by Manager Yin's frequent exploitation of Hao Shuai; in fact, General Manager Su treats Manager Yin the same way. This is what is meant by "like father, like son."

Upon entering the resort, everyone learned that it was Li Shensi's first tourism project, built twenty years ago and renovated several times. It is now doing quite well.

"Mr. Li has a keen eye!" Gao Sicong couldn't help but exclaim. "He saw the potential in the tourism industry twenty years ago and invested in this land. Now it's a popular resort area, and property prices have increased dozens of times."

Su Ning listened without saying a word.

After the team building activities began, Sun Yiqiu became a celebrity.

Several colleagues from different groups came over and pulled him along: "Yi Qiu, come play basketball with us!"

"Yi Qiu, we're one short for our board game, want to join in?"

"Yi Qiu, can you swim? Let's go to the pool together!"

Sun Yiqiu was flattered and didn't know what to choose.

But unable to resist everyone's enthusiasm, Sun Yiqiu was still dragged off to play basketball.

Of course, many colleagues also invited Suning: "Suning, want to go play paintball together?"

"Suning, there's a card room over here, wanna play some cards?"

"Suning, do you know how to play billiards?"

Suning politely declined, but those who can't say no often end up in the worst situation. "Thank you, but I won't go. Have fun."

Although everyone was a little disappointed, they didn't insist...

After all, Su Ning's current status is special, and the news that Li Shensi personally delivered the porridge has already spread, so no one dares to force him.

Gao Sicong stood to the side, watching Sun Yiqiu being scrambled for by the crowd, while Su Ning, though she refused, was also enthusiastically invited. He felt a little uneasy.

Gao Sicong was a prominent figure at school and quite capable at the company, but it seems... he wasn't very popular.

Just then, Jiangnan from the technology team ran over: "Sicong, I've finally found you! Hurry back to your room, there's an urgent reply to revise, the client is pressing us hard!"

Gao Sicong paused for a moment: "Now? Team building..."

"There's no other way! The client won't wait," Jiangnan said. "It'll only take half an hour to finish the changes."

Having no other choice, Gao Sicong said to the others, "Sorry! I have to go back to work. You guys play first."

Lan Qianyi waved her hand: "Go on, go on, work is important."

Gao Sicong also left, leaving only Su Ning and Lan Qianyi among the five.

"Xiao Lan, now it's just the two of us. Where should we go?" Su Ning asked Lan Qianyi.

Lan Qianyi thought for a moment: "Let's go swimming? I heard the pool here is nice."

“Okay,” Su Ning said.

……

The swimming pool is located at the very back of the resort; it's indoors, heated, and not crowded.

The three of them changed into their swimsuits and came out.

Lan Qianyi was wearing a dark blue one-piece swimsuit, which wasn't too revealing, but it showed off her figure.

You wouldn't notice when she's wearing business attire, but now that she's in a swimsuit, her figure is sleek and she has everything she needs, attracting several male colleagues to secretly glance at her.

Suning was wearing black swim trunks.

But he does have a great physique; he's not the kind of exaggeratedly muscular man.

However, his chest and abdominal muscles are clearly defined, and his arm and calf muscles are well-proportioned and powerful.

She's the type who looks slim in clothes but has a muscular physique when undressed.

Lan Qianyi's eyes lit up when she saw Su Ning's figure.

She swam over and whispered, "My husband has such a great physique."

“You’ve seen it before,” Su Ning said.

“It’s different! The scene is different, and the feeling is different too.” Lan Qianyi said with a smile, her eyes filled with pride and love.

"Don't worry! I'll make sure you're satisfied tonight."

"Pah! You pervert!" Lan Qianyi blushed and swam away.

Lan Qianyi swam to the edge of the pool and leaned against the wall: "Today... so many people invited you, why did you refuse them all?"

“I don’t want to go,” Su Ning said. “There are too many people, and it’s too noisy.”

"Is it because of President Li's matter?" Lan Qianyi pointed out the obvious. "Now everyone treats you as a 'connected person,' and inviting you is just an attempt to get closer to you."

Suning did not deny it.

"So what are your plans for the future?" Lan Qianyi asked. "Will you continue to stay in Jinchen?"

"I'm resigning after the team building event ends."

"What? So fast?"

"I'm sure you've figured it out! I came to Jin Chen Capital to adapt to the workplace. My family is also in business, and whether I go back to inherit the family business or start my own business, it's much better than staying at Jin Chen Capital."

Lan Qianyi swam closer and took his hand: "Whatever decision you make, I will support you."

This is a simple statement, but it carries great weight.

Su Ning looked at her, water droplets sliding down her face, her eyes clear and firm.

He suddenly felt that with Lan Qianyi by his side, those worries didn't seem so important anymore.

"Thank you," he said.

"By the way, are you going to the bonfire party tonight?"

"I'll go if you go."

"Then it's settled."

The two smiled at each other and continued swimming.

The water rippled, reflecting the sunlight streaming through the roof.

At this moment, there was no workplace struggle, no identity dilemmas, only two young people enjoying a rare moment of relaxation in the pool.

All of this was observed by Gao Sicong, who was not far away...

Having just finished revising the documents, I stood at the pool entrance, watching Su Ning and Lan Qianyi's intimate interaction, my gaze filled with complex emotions.

In the end, he wisely turned and left.

...(End of chapter)