Chapter 34.1

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After He Cuizhen left, Qiao Ziman resumed her usual busy routine. On one hand, she helped Chi Yin wrap up the company’s previous quarter projects, while on the other hand, she prepared the project plan for Master White Fox, which was set to launch in September. In her spare time, she even had to organize the company’s team-building activities.

Each day was so hectic that she barely had time to catch her breath, but things weren’t going as smoothly as expected.

Although Qiao Ziman had done plenty of research on yuri games in advance, when it came to execution, she still struggled with some of the finer details—such as background settings, balance, and game mechanics. The original creator wasn’t satisfied, and the higher-ups were even more displeased.

As a result, doubts started circulating within the company.

For example, Is she really up for this?

And, Wouldn’t it be better to let Liu Dahai take over?

Qiao Ziman was feeling overwhelmed, her head spinning with stress. But besides that, there was another matter troubling her—her relationship with Chi Yin.

Ever since her mom left, Qiao Ziman and Chi Yin had entered a strange state. Chi Yin no longer mentioned the confession at all. During the day, she reverted to being that swift and serious boss. But once they got home, behind closed doors, they became polite and distant, like landlord and roommate with clear boundaries.

It felt as if everything had gone back to how it was before. And yet, something seemed different.

Sometimes, Qiao Ziman thought, Isn’t this great? Isn’t this exactly what I wanted? But whenever this thought crossed her mind, or whenever someone mentioned the name “Chi Yin,” an indescribable emotion would stir inside her. It was like a thorn, subtly pricking at her, leaving her with a faint ache and a growing sense of irritation.

The last three days of August were the company’s annual team-building event. Attendance wasn’t mandatory, but it was fully covered by the company—food, lodging, transportation—all included, and employees could even bring their families. Initially, Qiao Ziman had chosen a resort in a nearby city, but the idea was unanimously rejected due to the long travel time.

Afterward, several more locations were suggested, but they were all rejected for various reasons—either the venues were too small, the facilities were too basic, or the weather was a concern. To sum it up: the distant places were too far, and the nearby ones were too dull. Pleasing everyone was impossible.

Suddenly, Qiao Ziman had an idea—she resorted to the oldest method: drawing lots. Let luck decide, and no one would have room to complain. Everyone agreed.

Qiao Ziman wrote down a few relatively good locations, tossed the slips into the air, and out came a familiar name—Yuanshan Resort.

She remembered that this resort was near her hometown, just a thirty-minute drive away. She had gone there a few times as a child with her parents. The facilities were a bit outdated, but the fresh air, mountain views, and proximity to water made it a perfect summer getaway for those wanting to be close to nature.

Qiao Ziman added the resort owner on WeChat, discussed the group size, timing, and pricing, and the owner thoughtfully sent a video tour of the place.

Over the years, the resort had expanded quite a bit. It now offered board games, card games, BBQ facilities, karaoke, and even new outdoor activities like rafting, horseback riding, and bungee jumping. It was an unexpected delight. Surrounded by negative emotions lately, Qiao Ziman started to feel a bit of excitement for this place tied to her childhood memories.

On the day of the team-building event, the weather was perfect—not as stiflingly hot as usual. A gentle breeze blew under a cloudless sky, making it an ideal day for an outing. Qiao Ziman waited at the company entrance for Ji Yun, wondering where her friend had wandered off to.

When asked why Ji Yun decided to join, she responded in her usual cheeky manner: Well, if the company is paying, why not? Only a fool would pass up a freebie. So, she agreed to come along.

Qiao Ziman held a checklist in hand, marking off each person as they arrived. When Ji Yun showed up, she gestured toward the bus. “Go ahead and grab any seat.”

After saying that, her peripheral vision casually swept over the direction behind Ji Yun, but she quickly pulled her gaze back without drawing attention.

“Okay, sure,” Ji Yun replied.

Ji Yun tossed Qiao Ziman a bottle of sunscreen, then boarded the bus, stowed her bag, and came back down. “Is anyone else still missing?”

Qiao Ziman’s hand paused mid-check, the pen leaving a deep ink blot on the paper. After a brief silence, she muttered softly, “President Chi.”

“Oh, just wait for her inside. It’s not like she’ll get lost, right?”

Seeing a familiar figure approaching in the distance, Qiao Ziman quickly turned her head and gave Ji Yun a light shove on the shoulders. “Let’s go.”

Once on the bus, Qiao Ziman noticed there were only two pairs of adjacent empty seats left. Her steps instinctively slowed. Ji Yun headed straight to the last row. Looking back, she saw Qiao Ziman lingering and waved. “Qiaoqiao, come on!”

Qiao Ziman didn’t move, her gaze locked onto the door. Not long after, Chi Yin appeared, accompanied by a vice president and an unfamiliar girl. The three of them were chatting and laughing. Qiao Ziman narrowed her eyes, straining to catch their conversation, her ears perked up attentively.

“President Chi, I’m really sorry, something came up for me today,” someone said.

Chi Yin responded, “No problem, I’ll take care of… what’s your name?”

The sweet-looking girl affectionately hooked her arm around Chi Yin’s. “Sister, I’m Jiang Zaozao. You can just call me Zaozao.”

Chi Yin discreetly pulled her arm away, smiling politely. “I’ll take care of Miss Jiang.”

“Zaozao, don’t call her ‘sister,’ call her ‘President Chi.'”

“My apologies, President Chi. Zaozao’s spoiled and doesn’t know her manners.”

Qiao Ziman thought to herself, Spoiled, indeed.

Chi Yin smiled. “It’s fine, she’s cute.”

Qiao Ziman: Cute?!

She whipped her head around, glaring at Jiang Zaozao’s restless hand, her tone icy. “President Chi, better hurry up and get on board—it’s getting late.”

Zaozao my foot.