However, a turning point came a few days later when a notice in the group announced that a team-building activity would be organized to enhance camaraderie among colleagues.
The destination was a scenic outdoor training base on the outskirts of the city.
On Saturday, the sun was just right, and the breeze was gentle.
The bus was filled with laughter and chatter. Li Meili, for once, didn't put on airs and was organizing everyone to sing. Wei Jiaxin seized every opportunity to tell lame jokes, which mostly fell flat but still had everyone rolling with laughter. Even the usually shy Zheng Shuhui was infected by the atmosphere and quietly hummed along.
Sunlight streamed through the windows, warm and cozy.
Tao Xinrou sat by the window, watching the scenery whiz by, her mood lifting slightly.
She glanced sideways at Fang Rong, who was sitting diagonally behind her, chatting casually with a senior colleague.
His profile in the light looked innocent and honest.
Tao Xinrou mentally plotted how to keep an eye on him later.
Upon arrival, everyone wore matching sportswear. Tao Xinrou and Zheng Shuhui walked side by side in the middle of the group, chatting and laughing about the upcoming activities.
Zheng Shuhui occasionally teased her: "Look at Fang Rong. He looks pretty handsome in sportswear too."
Tao Xinrou followed her gaze. Among the colleagues, Fang Rong stood out with his height and physique.
The sportswear gave him an unexpectedly fresh, youthful vibe.
As if sensing someone watching him, Fang Rong turned back and looked straight at Tao Xinrou, flashing a clean, gentle smile. Tao Xinrou felt like a thief caught red-handed and quickly snapped her head back, her neck tingling with heat.
The team-building kicked off with fun games: three-legged race, balloon stomping, puzzles. One after another, the initially awkward atmosphere was completely ignited.
Everyone temporarily forgot their ranks, playing with full engagement and joy.
After the morning activities, lunch was an outdoor barbecue. Everyone cooked their own food, leading to plenty of laughs—someone burned chicken wings, someone was tear-gassed by smoke, and everyone teased each other.
Fang Rong, however, was skilled, mastering the heat perfectly.
Soon, the aroma from his grill attracted a crowd of "hungry" colleagues.
They gathered around him, praising his cooking.
Fang Rong accepted modestly, but Tao Xinrou didn't dare to taste it. She certainly wouldn't dare to be disrespectful to the president again.
But though she didn't intend to eat, the cook had other plans.
Fang Rong directly handed her a grilled sausage and asked, "Want to try my handiwork?"
Tao Xinrou politely declined: Was this something she could eat?
But overwhelmed by the other colleagues' praise, she steeled herself, closed her eyes, and took a bite.
Sorry, President Ying. Next time, if you tell me to go east, I won't go west!
But...
Tao Xinrou's eyes flew open: "Wow! It's amazing!"
Her taste buds had betrayed her reasoning.
"See? I told you Fang Rong's grill is super delicious," Zheng Shuhui said, even reaching out for another one. Fang Rong didn't hesitate and picked one for her.
Was this really the president's cooking?
Tao Xinrou squinted, finding President Ying more unfathomable than ever.
After the lunch break came the outdoor high-altitude activity—the aerial walkway.
The walkway was made of wooden planks, with a two-meter-high safety net below and ropes on both sides. It looked thrilling but had sufficient protection, making it one of the most anticipated activities.
Zheng Shuhui was timid and kept refusing to step onto the walkway, clutching Tao Xinrou's arm tightly: "Xinrou, c-can I just cheer you guys on from below? I'm afraid of heights."
"Supervisor Wei said everyone has to go. No one can be left behind," a colleague reminded them from nearby.
Zheng Shuhui's legs went weak with fear.
Tao Xinrou patted her shoulder and comforted her: "Don't worry, I'll walk behind you."
"Then I'll take the rear, to be safer," Fang Rong said, appearing out of nowhere.
It turned out only the three of them were left to start.
Zheng Shuhui, hearing their words, was almost in tears with gratitude.
Thus, the trio formed: Zheng Shuhui leading, Tao Xinrou in the middle, and Fang Rong at the back.
The enthusiastic members of the main group had already rushed ahead, screaming with excitement, while their group had just begun a snail's pace.
The planks wobbled underfoot, each step eliciting a short shriek from Zheng Shuhui. Tao Xinrou kept comforting her but was also nervous, her palms sweating. She secretly glanced down—the two-meter height now felt like an abyss.
Midway, Zheng Shuhui had adapted a bit and sped up slightly.
Tao Xinrou sighed in relief, her gaze habitually scanning the safety gear beside her. She noticed that the connection between the main safety rope on the right and the metal clasp seemed a bit loose.
A flicker of unease crossed her mind.
Just then—
*Bang—Crack!*
A clear breaking sound rang out.