Jack stood there, holding his mobile phone tightly, his knuckles turning white as he contemplated the call he just ended. It was a conversation that weighed heavily on his mind, a responsibility he couldn't easily dismiss. After a few seconds of deep thought, he finally spoke, his voice carrying a sense of duty. "OK, I'll let you know when there's a shortage here."
His phone conversation concluded. Jack felt as though a heavy burden had settled upon his shoulders. The air around him seemed to grow denser as if he had just pressed a massive stone onto his chest, leaving him with a palpable sense of melancholy.
With a sigh, he walked through the door and into the room, where Aunt Rong and Georgia were busy unpacking a pile of gift boxes. Their laughter and camaraderie filled the space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Whatever Aunt Rong had said to Georgia had caused the younger woman to blush and giggle, radiating a charm that tugged at Jack's heartstrings. She appeared so delicate and bashful, and his entanglement with his emotions deepened.
Recalling the initial stages of their relationship, he couldn't help but acknowledge that he had entered into it with ulterior motives, a calculated plan that had led to their marriage. Yet, as he watched Georgia's joyful expression, he found himself unable to utter those facts, especially not when she looked at him with such innocence and trust.
Standing at the doorway, Jack hesitated for a long while, struggling to find the right words. Georgia noticed his prolonged silence and couldn't help but step closer, her voice filled with concern. "Is something wrong? What's bothering you?"
Jack's brows furrowed, and he whispered, "I need to talk to you."
Georgia tilted her head, offering him a sweet smile. "Go ahead, I'm listening."
Looking at the woman before him, her eyes filled with genuine curiosity and affection, Jack found himself at a loss for words.
As moments stretched into minutes, his expression grew increasingly troubled, and Georgia's concern deepened. She asked gently, "Is something the matter? Are you feeling unwell?"
With a natural instinct, she reached out and placed her hand on his forehead, checking for any signs of fever. "You don't seem to have a fever."
Jack's fingers gently caught hers, and his voice softened. "It's nothing, really."
Georgia couldn't help but feel puzzled, but she decided not to press him further. Instead, she inquired softly, "What did you want to tell me earlier?"
Jack took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering as he replied, "It's about the upcoming anniversary of the company. The senior management has decided to grant everyone a two-day break for a team-building retreat."
Upon hearing the words "anniversary of the company," memories of their past team-building activities flooded Georgia's mind. She recalled the exhausting mountain climbs and wondered if they would embark on a similar adventure this time.
Her voice held a tinge of disappointment as she asked, "Will it be another mountain climb?"
Jack's lips curled into a small smile as he shook his head. "No, this time it's different. We'll be heading to a lakeside manor in the suburbs."
"Lakeside manor?" Georgia's eyes sparkled with interest, her excitement evident. Subconsciously, she reached out and took Jack's arm, a hint of anticipation in her voice. "Will you be joining us?"
In previous company team-building activities, senior managers rarely participated directly with the employees, maintaining a certain distance. Georgia couldn't help but wonder if Jack would make an exception this time.
As she gazed into his eyes, he replied softly, "If you want me to come along, I will."
Jack acknowledged the debt he owed her and considered this a small way to repay it. He was willing to fulfill her request.
Georgia's face lit up with joy at his response. She had never seen Jack engage in employee games before, and this opportunity excited her. "Thank you! I'd love for you to be there."
The next morning, as Georgia arrived at work, she received an email notification from the president's office. The subject line read "Company Anniversary Team-building Retreat," and she eagerly opened it to discover the details of their upcoming adventure.