"Lily, what's wrong? What happened?" Rayal asked with obvious concern and urgency. His voice sounded particularly abrupt in the quiet apartment.
"Oh, oh, oh, Rayal, don't be so nervous. I have good news to tell you," Lily said cheerfully on the other end of the phone, as if she were a captivating storyteller.
"Today in the afternoon, as you know, the company has a very important meeting," Lily's voice was full of playfulness, "All eyes in the planning department are fixed on the door of the meeting room, waiting for that moment to arrive."
Rayal's heart couldn't help but speed up. The afternoon meeting is a crucial one that will decide the direction of the projects for the next quarter. Everyone has presented their own plans, hoping to win the boss's favor. Rayal remembers trying a bold concept in his proposal, but considering the company's conservative decision-making history, he knows his plan is likely to be overlooked.
"I wouldn't say it's a big deal, but it's definitely... quite important," Lily's voice was interrupted by Rayal's silence.
"I guess the boss has probably already decided which project to proceed with," Rayal tried to remain calm, but his voice still revealed a hint of anticipation and unease.
"Um, not only that," Lily lowered her voice as if sharing a secret, "your proposal, you know, the one you thought only had a 40% chance of success."
"Yes, that one," Rayal felt a surge of emotion. His proposal was a bold attempt in his work, and he had passionately presented his vision at the proposal meeting, but he always felt his creativity might be too avant-garde.
"You really can't guess, your 40% chance actually became 100%." Lily almost cheered, "The boss loves your proposal, he decided to make your project the focus of the next quarter!"
Lily's words were like distant thunder in Rayal's ears, but his mind was blank. He could hardly believe that his imaginative proposal had actually been approved. He had always thought the company would choose safe, risk-free plans, not his creative yet somewhat risky proposal. Rayal's heart raced, each beat confirming this exhilarating reality.
He tried to focus on Lily's words, but her voice sounded like it was coming from underwater, muffled and distant to him. Rayal's breathing became rapid, and he felt a surge of intense joy, a passion that seemed to threaten to overwhelm him. This sense of accomplishment, this unprecedented recognition, was what he had always longed for.
Suddenly, Lily's voice became clear, cutting through the fog of Rayal's joy. She shouted, "Rayal, are you listening? We did it! Your proposal stunned them all, the boss even said it's the most creative idea we've heard this year!"
Rayal finally reacted, his throat tightened, and the surge of emotions made it almost impossible for him to articulate. "Yes, yes, we did it!" he responded with a smile and a hint of disbelief. Rayal stood up from the sofa, suddenly feeling an unprecedented vitality. His proposal not only passed, but it also received praise and anticipation. His thoughts, his efforts, finally received the recognition they deserved.
Lily's voice at the other end of the phone seemed to carry the lingering victory, her words were like a spring breeze brushing over Rayal's cheeks, sweeping away his fatigue. "Alright! Anyway, I've already informed the other members of the group. Everyone is waiting for you at Drifting Bistro and Wine Bar. As the group leader, you should be generous and properly reward everyone for today's gathering, right?" Lily's voice was filled with excitement and anticipation.
Rayal felt the expectations from his partners and couldn't help but laugh heartily, "Alright, alright! Today, I won't return until I'm drunk!" His mood was ethereal, as if he could already see the scene filled with laughter and blessings.
"Alright then, don't be late at 7 o'clock, at Piaopiaoo! Bye bye!" Lily's voice carried a hint of playfulness, then she quickly hung up the phone.
Lily hung up the phone, and the room fell into a brief silence. This quiet moment seemed to compress all the joy and excitement until he could no longer contain it. His emotions erupted like a volcano, and the intense inner turmoil made him shout loudly, the sound reverberating between the walls. It was his outburst after weeks of walking on thin ice in the workplace. "Damn! That feels great!" His words carried a wild roughness, but also revealed deep satisfaction and freedom. It was a profound sense of liberation, allowing him to feel unprecedented ease and happiness in his own little universe.
His mood was like the clear sky after a storm, pure and bright. Rayal stared at the screen of his phone, seeing the hands of the clock mercilessly approaching the agreed-upon seven o'clock. It was now half past six in the evening, and he knew he couldn't afford to hesitate any longer; every minute and every second felt precious.
He swiftly pulled out his proudest shirt from the wardrobe, its fabric shimmering delicately under the light. This shirt was specifically prepared for such an occasion, and now it was finally being put to use. Standing in front of the mirror, he skillfully tidied his hair, being careful not to mess up the just-buttoned buttons. After a few careful strokes, his hair looked just right, neither too meticulous nor too casual.
In the mirror, Rayal seemed to be full of anticipation for the upcoming evening, his eyes shining with the pursuit of dreams. Then, he expertly brushed his teeth, and the fresh minty flavor burst in his mouth, another preparation for the upcoming interaction.
Finally, Rayal chose a coat that complemented the style of his shirt. It was thick in texture but still elegant, enough to resist the possible cool breeze that might come in the evening. He put it on lightly, then checked his phone again to make sure there were no unanswered messages, emails, or notifications that needed his attention. Once ready, he took a deep breath, pushed open the door, and walked out of his apartment with brisk steps.
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