Duan Jiayu held my hand, feeling my slight tremble.
A few days later, a notice was posted on the company bulletin board, announcing that there would be an outdoor team-building event over the weekend, encouraging all employees to participate actively, relax, and strengthen relationships among colleagues.
"Team building? The company hasn't organized such an event in a long time," Qian Fei said, looking at the notice with a hint of surprise.
"Yeah, who proposed this event?" another colleague asked, curiously glancing at Qian Fei.
"I heard it was planned by Manager Duan himself, apparently to celebrate the company recently landing a big project," Qian Fei said mysteriously, lowering her voice intentionally.
"Wow, Manager Duan is really generous!" the colleagues exclaimed, filled with anticipation for the event.
I felt uneasy hearing their discussions. I knew that Duan Jiayu had organized this event for her sake, but I didn't want to cause him any trouble because of my own issues.
"What's wrong? You look troubled," Duan Jiayu said as she walked over to me, concern evident in her voice.
"I'm fine, just thinking about where we will go for this event," I forced a smile, trying to mask my inner anxiety.
"Don't worry, I've already made arrangements. I guarantee you'll like it," Duan Jiayu said, ruffling my hair with a gentle and affectionate tone.
On the weekend, the company chartered a large bus to take all employees to a resort in the countryside.
Upon arriving at the destination, the employees were captivated by the scenery before them. Nestled between mountains and water, it was picturesque and refreshing, making one feel invigorated.
"Wow, this place is beautiful!"
"Yeah, I never expected there would be such a great spot near the company."
Colleagues marveled and eagerly expressed their desire to explore this beautiful land.
Duan Jiayu arranged a series of colorful activities, including live-action CS, kayaking, bonfire parties, and more. He even designed some game segments to subtly guide employees in discovering my hidden talents.
For instance, during the painting competition, I showcased my excellent painting skills by creating a vivid landscape that earned me rounds of applause.
"Wow, I didn't expect you to be such a great painter!"
"Yeah, you could totally enter a competition!"
My colleagues praised me, their gazes filled with admiration.
During the English Corner activity, my fluent English once again amazed everyone, even the Marketing Manager, who usually had some criticisms about me, looked at me with newfound respect.
"Your English is really good; where did you learn it?" the Marketing Manager asked, a hint of admiration in her tone.
"Thank you for the compliment. I've been interested in English since I was young and have kept learning," I replied modestly.
At the bonfire party, Duan Jiayu organized a game of Truth or Dare. When it was my turn, she drew a "Truth" card.
"Who is the person you most want to thank?" the host asked.
I paused for a moment as Duan Jiayu's figure flashed through my mind. Over the years, he had quietly protected me, helped me, and encouraged me to keep moving forward on my path of growth.
Taking a deep breath and summoning my courage, I said, "The person I most want to thank is... Duan Jiayu."
Her voice was soft but clearly reached every ear present.
The campfire illuminated her flushed cheeks and also brightened Duan Jiayu's gentle eyes. He stood up, walked in front of her, and said affectionately, "Thank you for appearing in my life. You are like a light that brightens my world. I have liked you for a long time, and I appreciate your feelings for me."
As soon as he finished speaking, enthusiastic applause and cheers erupted around them.
I looked at the passionate man before me, tears streaming down my face uncontrollably. I nodded and choked out, "I do."
Duan Jiayu embraced her, and under the blessings of everyone present, he tenderly kissed my lips.
Duan Jiayu's face broke into a radiant smile as he stood up and gently held me in his arms.
"I know I am much older than you, and we have gone through many ups and downs together. But please believe that my feelings for you are sincere. I will spend my life protecting you and bringing you happiness."
All eyes were on Duan Jiayu, including mine. I stared at him in a daze, my heart racing as if it would leap out of my chest.
A wave of enthusiastic applause filled the air as everyone celebrated us.
My eyes became moist as I looked at this affectionate man before me, filled with emotion and happiness.
In the crowd, Sang Yan watched the two of us embrace with a satisfied smile. He knew that Duan Jiayu truly loved me and would bring me happiness.
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, several years had passed.
After graduating from university, I smoothly entered a foreign company to work, while Duan Jiayu's company thrived.
This day marked the birth of our child.
"Congratulations, Mr. Duan, it's a boy, and both mother and child are safe," the nurse said with a smile as she held a baby wrapped in a blue blanket, addressing Duan Jiayu.
Duan Jiayu excitedly took the child, gazing at the baby's delicate little face, filled with tenderness.
"Thank you, dear. You've worked hard," Duan Jiayu said, leaning down to gently kiss my forehead.
I smiled weakly and replied, "You've worked hard too."
Outside the hospital room, Sang Yan and Jiang Ying stood together, looking through the glass window at the happy scene of the three of us inside, both wearing satisfied smiles.
"Time flies; in the blink of an eye, Xiao Zhi's child has grown so much," Jiang Ying remarked.
"Yes, we are getting old," Sang Yan said with a smile.
"Who says we're old? We're still young!" Jiang Ying replied, linking her arm with Sang Yan's and resting her head on his shoulder.
As the sun set, golden sunlight poured into the hospital garden. Sang Yan and Jiang Ying walked side by side along the garden path, with two happy families behind them.
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