Chapter 43 Unintentional Success

Bian Xiaoqi looked at Huang Qiong, estimating her to be around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, about one meter sixty-three tall, with a well-proportioned figure. Her eyes were not large, but when she smiled, it gave people a very comfortable feeling. She thought Huang Qiong could be considered a pretty girl.

After Guo Qiuyun left, Bian Xiaoqi asked with a smile, "Manager Huang, if I may be so bold as to ask, how old are you this year? Do you have a boyfriend?"

Huang Qiong did not mind Bian Xiaoqi's inquiry and smiled as she revealed her age: "Director Bian, I am definitely older than you. I am already twenty-seven. I am still single at present."

"Manager Huang, I am two years younger than you. I think we should just address each other by our first names in private; otherwise, it seems too formal. From now on, I will call you 'Sister Qiong', and you can just call me 'Xiaoqi'." Seeing that Huang Qiong was also straightforward, Bian Xiaoqi said directly.

"Xiaoqi, I would love nothing more. I was actually worried that you might mind," Huang Qiong said with a smile.

"Sister Qiong, are you familiar with the areas around Beijing? Tomorrow is the weekend, and I want to organize a group of ten people to spend the weekend in the outskirts of Beijing. Let's find a place with mountains and water, and go hiking together. We should also find a place to stay overnight, light a campfire in the evening, and roast a whole lamb. Don't worry about the cost, as long as we can get receipts," Bian Xiaoqi said.

"Xiaoqi, wait a moment. I'll make the arrangements right now and give you an answer soon." With that, Huang Qiong immediately walked out of Bian Xiaoqi's office.

After Huang Qiong left, Bian Xiaoqi called Yu Chuan and Zhang Fang, inviting them to participate in the weekend field trip, and specifically mentioned that they could bring their girlfriends along. Although Yu Chuan and Zhang Fang had only interacted with Bian Xiaoqi once, she had left a very good impression on them. Since both of them were young men and loved lively gatherings, they readily accepted Bian Xiaoqi's invitation and mentioned that they were still single at the moment. Bian Xiaoqi added that she had also invited several young people from Company C to join the excursion together, and stated that she would personally drive to pick them up and gather at Xintong Building.

She then called Feng Gaocheng, asking him to arrange a minibus with a capacity of over ten seats and have the driver bring the vehicle to the entrance of the Xintong Building in Zhongguancun before 8:00 a.m. tomorrow. Feng Gaocheng said he would arrange it immediately and promised the vehicle would arrive on time.

An hour later, Huang Qiong returned to Bian Xiaoqi's office to report: "Xiaoqi, I've already made the arrangements. Tomorrow we're going to Yunmeng Mountain, west of the Miyun Reservoir. The drive will take a little over two hours. In the evening, we'll stay at a guesthouse near Yunmeng Mountain. The guesthouse will prepare a campfire for us and roast a whole lamb. We'll hike Yunmeng Mountain in the morning and have a simple lunch on the mountain. This evening, I'll go buy some food and drinks. Do you think that's okay?"

"Sister Qiong, that's wonderful. There will be about ten to twelve of us in total. I've already asked Director Feng Gaocheng to arrange a minibus. Follow the vehicle and gather in front of Xintong Building in Zhongguancun before 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, and we will depart promptly at 8:00. The two of us need to pay special attention to the two single gentlemen, Yu Chuan from T University and Zhang Fang from P University," Bian Xiaoqi said with a smile, putting heavy emphasis on the word "single".

"Xiaoqi, I understand," Huang Qiong said with a smile, also putting heavy emphasis on the word "understand".

"Sister Qiong, please also get two bottles of Wuliangye and two bottles of red wine from Director Feng Gaocheng and bring them along."

Before leaving work, Bian Xiaoqi called Qin Ke: "I've organized a hiking trip to Yunmeng Mountain for tomorrow, and we'll spend the night in the mountains. There will a campfire, roast whole lamb, and we can sing and dance. I've already arranged a minibus that will depart from the entrance of your company at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow. It will comfortably seat all five or six of you from Company C. The three-thousand-yuan bonus your team won can come in handy. Also, tell the people at your company to bring any musical instruments they can play. They'll need to perform later."

At that moment, Lin Haidong and Fu Sichen were sitting right next to Qin Ke, discussing where to go for fun tomorrow. Upon receiving Bian Xiaoqi's call, Qin Ke immediately said, "The few of us were just discussing where to go tomorrow. That saves us the trouble. I'll notify the others right away."

Hanging up the phone, Qin Ke shared Bian Xiaoqi's plan and arrangements with Lin Haidong and Fu Sichen. Lin Haidong said happily, "That's fantastic! We get to eat roast whole lamb and drink alcohol."

Fu Sichen gave Lin Haidong a sideways glance and said, "You only ever think about eating and drinking. We have to prepare performances too."

"I'll carry my guitar on my back. I can play and sing, and I guarantee I won't embarrass you," Lin Haidong laughed.

Fu Sichen said to Qin Ke, "Supervisor Qin, your girlfriend has so many resources. She's impressive!"

Qin Ke smiled and said, "Classmate Fu, not only is my girlfriend strong in her work capabilities, but her talents will also utterly astonish our self-proclaimed talented classmate Lin Haidong."

Hearing Qin Ke say this, Fu Sichen became even more eager to witness Bian Xiaoqi's talents firsthand.

Qin Ke promptly notified Tao Jianmin and Jin Chen as well. Not wanting to be left behind, both of them immediately agreed to participate.

Just then, Zheng Yutong happened to pass by Qin Ke's workstation. Seeing the three of them chatting and laughing, she stopped in her tracks and asked with a smile, "Supervisor Qin, the three of you look so happy. Is there some good news?"

Seeing Zheng Yutong, Lin Haidong and Fu Sichen remained silent.

Feeling there was no need to hide anything from Zheng Yutong, Qin Ke shared the plan for their group outing the following day.

After listening, Zheng Yutong said, "Hiking and staying at a guesthouse. Sounds nice."

She glanced at the silent Lin Haidong and Fu Sichen, hesitated for a moment, and then continued, "Supervisor Qin, I'm also free tomorrow. May I join your activity as well?"

Fearing that Fu Sichen might say something displeasing, Qin Ke did not wait for Fu Sichen or Lin Haidong to speak and immediately replied, "If Director Zheng can join, we would all welcome it."

Lin Haidong, seeing that Qin Ke had already spoken, secretly tugged at Fu Sichen's sleeve and also smiled as he said, "It will certainly be much livelier if Director Zheng comes along on our excursion."

Not knowing whether Zheng Yutong had any artistic talents and wanting to take the opportunity to give her a hard time, Fu Sichen said, "We are very much looking forward to Director Zheng's wonderful performance."

Zheng Yutong did not mind Fu Sichen's attitude and said with a smile, "Don't worry, I won't take up any of your bonus share. We're bound to have a great time."

At eight o'clock in the evening, Bian Xiaoqi called Tian Ge. Her aunt Jiang Sulan answered the phone, and recognizing Bian Xiaoqi's voice, immediately said, "Xiaoqi, tomorrow is the weekend. You should bring your boyfriend and come over to play at the house."

Bian Xiaoqi smiled and said, "Auntie, I already have plans for tomorrow, so we'll have to find another time. Is sister Tian Ge at home? I have something to discuss with her."

Jiang Sulan called Tian Ge to the phone, saying that Bian Xiaoqi was looking for her.

Tian Ge ran over immediately and said happily, "Sis, your work efficiency is truly high. Huang Qiong has already contacted me. I promise to arrive on time and not delay your plans. Does this mean I get a double gift?"

Bian Xiaoqi smiled and said, "Not a single one will be missed. Tell me what gift you want. Aren't two Samsung A188 phones a bit too much?"

"Sis, not at all, not at all. The more, the better," Tian Ge quickly said with a smile.

"Uncle has also been invited to attend the signing contract ceremony, and I will arrange a dedicated car to pick him up from home, but you cannot ride in the same car as uncle. I'll arrange for Huang Qiong to take a separate car specifically to pick you up. When the time comes, contact Huang Qiong and give her another address to pick you up. Do you understand?" Bian Xiaoqi said.

"I understand. Sis, you've thought of everything so thoroughly," Tian Ge laughed.

"There is one more thing. I've organized a trip to Yunmeng Mountain tomorrow, with food and lodging fully covered. Are you interested? If you have other arrangements, then never mind," Bian Xiaoqi deliberately teased.

"I am beyond interested. No matter what, I'll push my other plans aside. Sis, whenever there's such a good thing in the future, make sure not to leave me out," Tian Ge said immediately.

"Little sister, before 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, rush to the entrance of Xintong Building in Zhongguancun. Remember to bring your professional camera and take charge of taking pictures for everyone. Also, you must pretend not to be my sister, but simply attend the excursion as my reporter friend. It gets cold in the mountains at night, so bring some extra clothes," Bian Xiaoqi instructed.

"Sis, understood." Tian Ge grasped Bian Xiaoqi's meaning immediately and agreed.

Qin Ke was searching online for tomorrow's travel route. Seeing her finish the call, he smiled and said, "Xiaoqi, tomorrow isn't just our private trip, so we should also maintain some distance. I'll take care of my team, and you take care of your guests. If you need my help, just give me a hint. Or you can just tell me directly, and I'll follow your arrangements."

Bian Xiaoqi was very pleased that Qin Ke understood her thoughts. She cuddled up to him and said, "Most people are meeting each other for the first time tomorrow. First, we need to liven up the atmosphere and get everyone familiar with each other so they can have a truly fun and fulfilling time. I was even worried that you might feel left out and get upset."

Qin Ke gently flicked her nose and laughed, "In your eyes, is my heart really that narrow? Don't worry, tomorrow will definitely be a happy and unforgettable day for everyone. I just checked online and found that Yunmeng Mountain is a truly wonderful place. It's part of the Yanshan Mountains, featuring towering peaks, treacherous paths, deep valleys, and winding rivers. With mountains and water, the scenery must be fantastic. Autumn nights in the mountains should be quite chilly, so we should prepare some clothes too."

"Bring my pipa along," Bian Xiaoqi said.

"Before leaving work today, Zheng Yutong also asked to join our activities tomorrow. Fu Sichen didn't want her to come at first, but I agreed," Qin Ke said.

"You did the right thing. Taking this opportunity, I'd also like to see her again so that both of us can let go of the past. That's not a bad thing for either of us," Bian Xiaoqi said.

Qin Ke got up early in the morning and quickly prepared breakfast. After finishing her meal, Bian Xiaoqi applied light makeup, put on a white short-sleeved T-shirt, a pair of white athletic casual trousers, and a pair of white sneakers. She left the house first, driving to pick up Yu Chuan and Zhang Fang.

After washing the dishes, Qin Ke packed a white cashmere sweater, a pink short-sleeved T-shirt, underwear, a pair of socks, a phone charger, and two plastic bags into Bian Xiaoqi's backpack. Then, into his own backpack, he packed a sports jacket, a gray wool sweater, a blue T-shirt, underwear, a pair of socks, two umbrellas, two sun hats, a bottle of sunscreen, a bottle of mosquito repellent, a bottle of red mercurochrome, a pack of sanitary napkins, an electric shaver, a phone charger, and several large plastic bags. He also filled a thermos cup with hot ginger water and put it inside his pack. Afterward, carrying both backpacks and holding Bian Xiaoqi's pipa, he walked toward the Xintong Building in Zhongguancun.

Qin Ke arrived at Xintong Building before 7:30 a.m.

He saw Lin Haidong and Fu Sichen taking items they had bought at the supermarket the night before out of the car trunk: two large bags of snacks, a case of bottled water, and a case of Qingdao beer.

Seeing Qin Ke holding a musical instrument, Lin Haidong said in surprise, "Old Sixth, it's been a few years, and now you're starting to play music too? What instrument is this?"

"Old Fourth, don't you know me? When have I ever played an instrument? This is a pipa. I'm just carrying it for someone who knows how to play," Qin Ke said with a smile.

"It must be Bian Xiaoqi's. Tonight, I'll definitely get to thoroughly enjoy her playing the pipa," Lin Haidong said with anticipation.

"It will certainly be a treat for your ears. Did you bring your guitar? I'm going to revisit your college guitar skills. I wonder if you've gotten rusty?" Qin Ke teased.

"Tonight, you just sit back and watch," Lin Haidong said confidently.

"What performance is Classmate Fu putting on tonight?" Qin Ke asked Fu Sichen.

"It's a secret," Lin Haidong interjected before Fu Sichen could speak.

As they were chatting, a young woman ran over panting slightly. She was about one meter sixty-six tall, wearing a sky-blue athletic tracksuit and blue sneakers; she had a ponytail, bright eyes, clear brows, and a rosy complexion. She carried a large black backpack on her shoulders, held a tripod in her left hand, and a small bag in her right hand.

As soon as she saw the three of them, she asked, "Excuse me, are you also joining the excursion organized by Bian Xiaoqi?"

Qin Ke immediately knew she was Bian Xiaoqi's cousin, Tian Ge. Before he could speak, Fu Sichen spoke first: "Excuse me, who might you be?"

"My name is Tian Ge, and I'm an intern reporter for the *Beijing Times*. Entrusted by Bian Xiaoqi, I'm here to take pictures for you all," Tian Ge replied, catching her breath.

"We are all going on the excursion with Bian Xiaoqi. The three of us are from Company C. My name is Qin Ke, his name is Lin Haidong, and hers is Fu Sichen. It's nice to meet you, Reporter Tian," Qin Ke said to Tian Ge with a smile, then helped her take the heavy black backpack off her shoulders. He could feel it was quite heavy, likely filled with photography equipment.

"Thank you," Tian Ge said to Qin Ke with a smile, and then added, "I carried so many things, and she didn't even come to pick me up. I'm exhausted."

"She drove to pick someone else up," Qin Ke said.

"She has a car now? How come I didn't know? She should have personally come to pick me up. That's not very nice of her," Tian Ge said.

"Having the honor of a reporter classmate taking pictures for us means the standard of this excursion of ours is quite high. Bian Xiaoqi is something else," Lin Haidong said with a smile, sensing that the relationship between Tian Ge and Bian Xiaoqi was unusual.

"Classmate Lin Haidong, are you feeling flattered?" Qin Ke joked.

"A little," Lin Haidong laughed.

Just then, Huang Qiong led the minibus and arrived in front of Xintong Building. Tao Jianmin, Jin Chen, and Zheng Yutong also arrived one after another. Following that, Bian Xiaoqi drove up in her Jetta. At this point, it was a quarter to eight.

Bian Xiaoqi introduced Yu Chuan, Zhang Fang, Tian Ge, and Huang Qiong one by one to Qin Ke and the others.

Qin Ke also introduced Zheng Yutong, Lin Haidong, Fu Sichen, Tao Jianmin, and Jin Chen one by one to Bian Xiaoqi and her group.

Observing the outfits of the female participants, Qin Ke saw a riot of vibrant colors, each showcasing their youth and beauty. It was as if they had discussed it beforehand, as none of them wore the same color. Bian Xiaoqi wore a white casual sportswear outfit, looking like a drifting fairy, pure and flawless. Tian Ge wore a sky-blue casual sportswear outfit, appearing free and fresh. Zheng Yutong wore a purple casual sportswear outfit, looking noble and elegant. Fu Sichen wore a fiery red casual sportswear outfit, appearing passionate and unrestrained. Jin Chen wore a dark green casual sportswear outfit, appearing composed and tranquil. Huang Qiong wore a light yellow casual sportswear outfit, appearing bright and cheerful.

Looking at the male side, the clothing colors were far more monotonous. Qin Ke, Zhang Fang, Yu Chuan, and Tao Jianmin all wore dark blue and black casual sportswear, looking steady and calm. Only Lin Haidong wore a red casual sportswear outfit, looking enthusiastic and flamboyant. He seemed terrified that people wouldn't know he and Fu Sichen were a couple, making Qin Ke want to laugh out loud.

The girls were youthful and radiant, and the boys were full of vigor. Since they were all young people of similar ages, they quickly got acquainted and began chatting and laughing with one another.

After Qin Ke, Lin Haidong, and Tao Jianmin loaded the snacks and drinks they had prepared onto the minibus, Huang Qiong invited everyone to board.

The driver, Shan Guoqiang, was in his thirties. Qin Ke asked him if he was familiar with National Highway G234 from Huairou Liuli庙 to the Yunmeng Mountain Scenic Area. Shan Guoqiang said he was very familiar with the routes from Beijing to Huairou and Miyun, but he had never driven on National Highway G234. Qin Ke said he had already studied the route and could guide him. Thus, he automatically took the front passenger seat.

Bian Xiaoqi arranged for Huang Qiong to sit with Yu Chuan, Tian Ge to sit with Zhang Fang, and herself to sit with Zheng Yutong. Lin Haidong naturally wanted to sit with Fu Sichen. That left Tao Jianmin and Jin Chen, who automatically sat together.

At eight o'clock, the minibus set off toward the Yanqi Lake area in Huairou.