At the heart of her final endeavor, Georgia meticulously curated the contents of the gift box, striving to include the most sought-after products of the year. Yet, despite her meticulous efforts, she acknowledged the inherent uncertainty of personal preferences and tastes, acknowledging that not everyone would be pleased by her selections.
Meng Zihan's smile surfaced, followed by an unexpected inquiry that gently filled the air. "Poetry, why not share the process of how you accomplished this task individually? Let us all learn from it."
Her words reverberated, prompting a chorus of agreement from colleagues nearby, reinforcing the notion of collective learning. Amid the unity of their voices, an undercurrent of variance could be detected, some voicing encouragement while others layered their words with subtle skepticism.
Georgia stood, the center of attention, her cheeks aflame with embarrassment. She realized the dual implications of their remarks: simultaneously ridiculing her and referring to her alleged entanglement with Jack. It was as if her personal life was an open book for them to interpret.
Meng Zihan's composed smile hid a tinge of unease as she spoke. "Is it true?"
Under the scrutinizing gaze of her peers, Georgia felt as though she was standing on trial, her integrity and reputation put to the test. She clenched her lips and retreated from the stage, hurrying back to her office.
The day passed in a blur of confusion and frustration. When it was finally time to leave, Georgia deliberately lingered, allowing the mass to decrease before making her escape, hoping to avoid the weight of judgment.
As the company emptied, she finally made her way to the elevator. There, she encountered Xiao Han, a fellow colleague, and greeted her with a polite smile. The two women stepped into the elevator, finding themselves alone in its confines.
"Working late, Georgia?" Xiao Han's voice was soft and concerned.
Georgia nodded, her expression a blend of weariness and determination. "Yes, there were a few loose ends to tie up."
The elevator journey was brief but conversational, and as it neared its conclusion, Xiao Han's voice carried a question laced with genuine concern. "Georgia, those rumors in the group… Are they true?"
Meeting Xiao Han's gaze, Georgia sensed the sincerity in her inquiry. She replied in hushed tones, her voice a mixture of guilt and apprehension. "I did meet General Manager Jack, but it was purely coincidental. He helped me out of a situation, and there's nothing more to it."
Xiao Han nodded understandingly, her empathy evident. "I trust you, Georgia. But you know how gossip spreads within the company. If this continues, it might tarnish your reputation."
Silence hung between them for a moment before Xiao Han's voice resumed, her concern palpable. "And, well, it might even have repercussions for Yu Zong..."
A jolt of alarm surged through Georgia. She hadn't considered that her actions could inadvertently affect Jack. The idea of causing trouble for him felt unbearable.
Taking a deep breath, Georgia looked into Xiao Han's eyes. "Xiao Han, I assure you, it has nothing to do with Jack."
Xiao Han's demeanor softened, a warm smile playing on her lips. "I know you're telling the truth, Georgia."
The elevator dinged, announcing their arrival. The doors slid open, revealing the company's lobby. Just as they were about to step out, a male colleague, Song Hang, approached them.
"Georgia," he greeted with a friendly smile. "Leaving work as well?"
Caught off guard, Georgia hesitated before responding. "Yes, just heading out now."
Song Hang's smile broadened, and he extended a kind offer. "Would you like a ride home?"
Georgia's discomfort grew, and she subtly reached for Xiao Han's arm, intertwining their limbs. She responded with a polite smile, "Actually, Xiao Han and I have plans for dinner."
With a good-natured chuckle, Song Hang nodded. "Sure, enjoy your meal. I'll see you around."
They bid farewell to Song Hang, and as they distanced themselves, Xiao Han's voice resonated once more. "Georgia, I can see that Song Hang likes you. He's a good guy. Why do you keep turning him down?"
Georgia's emotions churned, her gaze involuntarily falling to her wedding ring. The weight of her past added complexity to the present, making it difficult to explain her choices to Xiao Han.
Sensing her hesitation, Xiao Han pressed on gently. "You know, there's a way to tackle these rumors."
Curiosity mingled with apprehension in Georgia's eyes. "What do you mean?"
Xiao Han leaned in, her voice conspiratorial. "Since people think you're obsessed with Jack, why not show them you're open to getting close to other men? It doesn't have to be romantic, just friendly interactions. That way, you can prove you're not fixated on him."
Georgia absorbed her words, recognizing a grain of truth amidst her discomfort. However, a lingering sense of unease clouded her thoughts.
"So, you're suggesting I use Song Hang to prove a point?" Georgia's tone was contemplative.
Xiao Han nodded affirmatively. "Exactly. He likes you, and by building a friendship, you can disprove the rumors without any romantic implications."
Though she harbored doubts, Georgia found herself considering Xiao Han's proposal. After all, she was desperate for a solution, a way to quell the whispers that had begun to define her every interaction.
In the midst of her uncertainty, the passage of time carried her forward, urging her to consider this unconventional approach. As the days marched on, Georgia's life seemed to take a new turn, guided by an unexpected strategy to regain control of her narrative.