It's just The Sims, how did it become my ideal love story?

Chapter 36 Are you a child?

Chapter 36 Are you a child?
They didn't walk into the office together; they went in one foot and the other foot.

While in the elevator, the two didn't remain completely silent; they exchanged pleasantries, such as whether they slept well the previous night.

No one mentioned the series of events that followed their barbecue and drinks last night.

Isn't that important? Last night was actually quite unforgettable for Gu Huai, after all, such a situation is rare in life. He had some ambiguous things happen with a young and beautiful woman.

His nearly thirty years of life, even his so-called romance, were witnessed through short videos and other people's lives.

Who would have thought it might happen to me, even though it probably isn't exactly romantic?

It's understandable that the topic shouldn't be brought up, since many things can't be taken seriously after drinking, and creating a good atmosphere requires cooperation from both parties. Once one party returns to sobriety, they shouldn't continue to dwell on it or try to relive the past.

Moreover, a woman like Cai Yan, who is usually able to remain rational.

Of course, the simulated Cai Yan is not so rational, but that Cai Yan has a unique charm.

Cai Yan went to her office, while Gu Huai returned to his small workstation.

As soon as he sat down, Old Lin came over.

"You're pretty good, kid."

"what happened?"

Gu Huai looked at him strangely, and Old Lin squinted and smiled, "I heard about what happened last night. Zhong Xinyang messed things up, and you came to put out the fire and achieved good results. I knew you would definitely be able to handle this."

It's not fair to say that Lao Lin was just being wise after the event, since he had mentioned it to me during dinner yesterday. As for what he said to Zhong Xinyang, I don't know, but that's not my concern.

Gu Huai understood that, compared to his so-called abilities, what was truly rare in this era was a platform and opportunity. It was no longer an era where talent would inevitably shine.

If Cai Yan hadn't been willing to temporarily hand over this opportunity to him, there would have been no chance for him to make any progress.

"It's alright, it just happens to be nearby. Otherwise, I would never have come here if I had really gotten home."

"You're still being modest, kid. The team leader will definitely reward you handsomely this time. You're finally going to make it big, Gu Huai."

award?

Gu Huai inexplicably thought of Cai Yan's long, slender legs encased in black stockings. Wait, he couldn't think about it anymore. He needed to...wait?

Is this also one of the effects of numerical improvement?

While it's not fair to say that 28 is a terrible age, many men in modern life do experience a decline in physical function at this age, especially in that area. The difference between taking off several times a day and only once every few days is quite noticeable.

"It's not that exaggerated, it's just a small matter."

"Everyone in Group Two, let's have a quick meeting."

Almost everyone had arrived at the work area, and Cai Yan then called everyone to the conference room.

As he walked, Gu Huai pondered.

What does it feel like to finally succeed? Actually, it's impossible to say that you've succeeded just because of this one opportunity. We're not children anymore, and we won't feel like we've received some precious treasure just because of a teacher's praise.

I also realized that most of the praise from leaders is just words and doesn't really mean anything. The real reward is when you actually receive it, such as a promotion or a bonus.

So he didn't have high expectations. When he entered the conference room, he saw Zhong Xinyang, who had come in with him.

Compared to his high spirits yesterday, his confidence has been rekindled.

Zhong Xinyang was noticeably depressed today. He looked listless, and even his usually well-tied tie looked loose.

As the youngest person in the office, his attire was always the most appropriate. The fact that he was in this situation could only mean that he had a mental problem, but Gu Huai had no sympathy for him.

Just because someone seems pitiful now doesn't mean you can ignore all their previous unpleasant behavior. You can be overflowing with sympathy, but you can't expect everyone to forgive. Even if they didn't do anything truly heinous, you can't deny that they were once a source of your anxiety and irritability.

Now, he doesn't even dare to look me in the eye.

Gu Huai felt no sympathy, nor was he particularly proud; he simply felt he could now stand up straighter.

Everyone was seated in the conference room.

Cai Yan, who has a very clean and efficient personality, also holds meetings in this style.

They got straight to the point.

"As you all know about last night's live stream, although there were some issues at the beginning, Gu Huai, who worked overtime to help out, did a fantastic job. The sales figures for last night's live stream were excellent, and the department head is very satisfied with them. Gu Huai has been specially commended, so let's give him a round of applause."

The pace is very fast.

"Clap clap clap!"

When the applause began, Gu Huai was almost lost in thought. He found it unbelievable when he realized the applause was for him. He had never done anything earth-shattering in his life, nor had he gained much recognition from others.

Looking at them now, those who applauded themselves all seem to have smiles on their faces.

He didn't really care what they were thinking at that moment, even though Zhong Xinyang was clapping with a straight face.

But he saw the smile on Cai Yan's face.

Does she feel gratified because of herself? But what right does she have? That's just how people are; they want things and yearn for them.

But once you get it, you feel so unworthy.

Gu Huai displayed rare politeness, humbly thanking everyone for their support.

After the applause subsided, Cai Yan continued to speak.

"Gu Huai's reward will be reflected in his salary. And for this live stream, all the staff in our team two also provided behind-the-scenes support; it's a mutually beneficial relationship. I hope everyone can continue to help each other, help me, and help team two carry out their work better in the future. So let's not work overtime today, let's have a meal together. Does everyone have time?"

When Cai Yan brought this up.

Even those who were previously indifferent to the live broadcast now had their eyes wide open.

"A get-together? Really?!"

"Our team leader is so generous! If the team leader invites us to a get-together, we'll definitely go!"

"Besides, Team Leader Cai is new, and we haven't properly welcomed him yet. Isn't this a great opportunity?"

"I have time! I have time!"

Old Lin excitedly raised his hand.

Cai Yan, with a faint smile, glanced at everyone before finally settling on Gu Huai's face.

Where is Gu Huai?

".some."

To be honest, he's really not interested in company gatherings or anything like that. After going a few times, he realized that these kinds of events can shatter all your illusions.

It's better to go home, rest early, and then enter the simulation to earn R coins.

However, after what happened last night, he found himself finding it hard to resist the other person's gaze.

Besides, this gathering was nominally held because of me, so there was absolutely no reason for me to refuse.

There's no other way but to go through fire and water. "Alright, everyone can go back to work now. I'll send you your locations later."

"okay!"

As they left the office one after another, Gu Huai did not stay behind to show that he had a special relationship with this woman.

In fact, Gu Huai was thinking about other things now.

Life has indeed changed, and good things are happening; it's a subtle feeling.

But who should I share these feelings with without seeming abrupt? Xu Cheng? I just called him this morning, so it seems strange now. Besides, there are many ways I can thank him for his companionship during these difficult times. Men, after all, it's just a big drink.

Isn't Cai Yan having a gathering tonight? Wouldn't it seem overly sentimental to express gratitude separately?
His parents gave up; he didn't even have the urge to glance at his phone.

So, what about Lin Jiang?

Wait!

I haven't replied to the message yet!

Gu Huai realized that he had completely forgotten about the matter after receiving Xu Cheng's call that morning, which was a bit unreasonable. Even if what Xu Cheng said seemed a little strange, it would be impolite not to reply.

Besides, we just reunited yesterday after a long separation, and today they're already not replying to my messages.

He turned on his phone, but there were no new messages from the other party. He thought for a moment.

It took me a while to reply to the other party.

Gu Huai: [Sorry, I was probably still half asleep and made that joke without thinking. Don't mind it.]

That's quite polite.

And wasn't it sincere?
Why do I still feel uneasy replying to women's messages at this age?

It seems that, as Xu Cheng said, never having been in a relationship is indeed a fatal flaw for him.

Because I lack real experience, and have only seen and heard countless stories of love, joy, sorrow, and dramatic twists and turns, I often give up on expectations due to doubt, concerns, worries, and fears.

Perhaps it really is like the kind of person who hesitates and dares not take the last step even after the other person has taken ninety-nine steps.

After all, are you really sure the other person took ninety-nine steps? Wasn't it just a feint? What if it was a decoy?
Just as Gu Huai was lost in thought, Lin Jiang replied to his message.

Lively Little Ginger: [You replied? I thought you disappeared, I was about to call the police.]

Seeing this message, I can almost picture her gentle face joking with me, and I can't help but smile.

It wasn't because her words were particularly funny, but because they made Gu Huai feel her gentleness and thoughtfulness.

Before he could explain why he was so late in replying, the other party sent another message.

Energetic Little Ginger: [While I don't mind that statement, since you've already apologized, you should make it up to me.]

Gu Huai: [What kind of compensation?]

Energetic Little Ginger: [You owe me a meal yesterday, so this time you owe me a movie.]

Another movie screening?
Gu Huai thought for a moment and replied: [If you really want to watch it, you probably have someone to watch it with, right? With my job, I don't know when I'll actually have time.]

And she told herself.

Energetic Xiao Jiang: [Do I really need someone to watch a movie with, or is anyone willing to go with me? Or do I genuinely love this movie? Or is it just a chance for us to meet? Think of one of these reasons, and once you've convinced yourself, tell me.]

Saw this message.

Gu Huai put down his phone in despair.

How does she know herself so well? She can see right through me, even through the screen!
Why do my cheeks even feel hot? It's a strange sense of shame.

Gu Huai couldn't figure out how to convince himself. He thought about a lot of random things that day, which caused him to make some small mistakes at work that usually went smoothly, but thankfully he corrected them all.

By the time I realized it, it was already time to leave work.

Everyone left work in high spirits and took taxis to the place Cai Yan had booked for their gathering.

Their long-standing habit prevented them from consulting Gu Huai's opinion, partly because they had few friends in the office, so they squeezed into one or two cars together.

In the end, Gu Huai was the one who ended up at the company entrance.

To cover up the embarrassment of no one inviting him to the car, even though he should have gotten used to it by now, Gu Huai lit a cigarette to make it seem like he had a car to pick him up and didn't need their concern.

There won't be much disappointment, since I'm the one who never goes to gatherings, so it's normal that they don't ask me anything. After all, I'm the one who seems out of place most of the time anyway.

I just opened the ride-hailing app.

I'm going to feel heartbroken again.
"Gu Huai?"

Before I could even enter the destination, the voice behind me rang out.

When he turned around, he found Cai Yan standing behind him with her bag.

"Team Leader Cai?"

"They're all gone?"

"yes."

"Then why weren't you with us?"

Cai Yan asked subconsciously, and then saw Gu Huai's slightly embarrassed expression, which he couldn't completely hide.

"Uh, I'm too lazy to squeeze in with them, I'd rather be by myself."

"Okay, come with me. I just hailed a taxi, we'll be there soon."

Gu Huai was taken aback when the other person spoke so naturally.