28

Sun Yunchao was eventually saved. The cause was acute myocardial infarction, most likely triggered by excessive sleep deprivation. Since the incident happened at work, it is definitely a work-related injury.

That evening, Wu Meng held an online meeting with HR at the hospital, confirming that the company would cover all medical and rehabilitation expenses. He instructed HR to develop a detailed compensation plan the following day based on the actual situation and from a humanitarian perspective. He also agreed to publicly commend all those involved in the emergency rescue, especially Shen Ning and Zhang Xinjie, and to establish a reward mechanism.

When Han Wenqing arrived at the hospital, Wu Meng had just finished comforting the family members and came out. The two of them sat down in the hospital garden.

Exhausted, Wu Meng leaned back on the bench, picked up a cigarette and was about to light it when Han Wenqing stopped him.

"You've been working just as much as him, so don't smoke now."

"When did you start paying attention to this?"

"You only have one life, and your child is just in elementary school."

Wu Meng stared blankly, thinking of his son who had just celebrated his 10th birthday, and his wife who had always supported him. He chuckled to himself and put the cigarette back in the pack.

Han Wenqing asked, "What's the specific situation with Sun Yunchao?"

"They said the rescue was timely, but he still needs to be observed in the ICU for 48 hours. If there are no problems, he will be transferred to a regular ward. It is estimated that he will be hospitalized for observation for half a month, and then he will need half a year to recover after discharge. His heart is not easy to recover from."

Han Wenqing nodded: "What did the family say?"

“His parents are both out of town and will have to come tomorrow. They were crying on the phone…sigh…they only have one child.” Wu Meng loosened his tie to let himself catch his breath. “I’ve already spoken to HR, and the company will cover all the expenses. You don’t need to worry about this.”

"It was my dereliction of duty."

"Anyway, some of the bonus will definitely be deducted, but it can't be blamed on you. This sudden public opinion storm... I thought we would definitely meet our performance targets this year after playing so well in the World Invitational Tournament. Who knew that two bombs would hit us like this... It's really hard to say whether this is a blessing or a curse."

Let's take it one step at a time.

"Luckily, these two girls are here. You know, when Shen Ning first came, you didn't like her at all, you were always finding fault with her. Now you're quiet, aren't you?"

Han Wenqing glared at him: "Are you ever going to stop?"

"Okay, let's not talk about her. How's your wife?"

Thinking of Xu Xinnuan crying and trembling, Han Wenqing's voice softened: "It's alright, she was just a little frightened."

“Who wouldn’t be scared in this situation? I felt my liver tremble just looking at that door in the emergency room, let alone actually trying to save someone.” Wu Meng took out a bulging envelope from his bag. “Please give this to her for me, as a personal thank you.”

Han Wenqing merely glanced down at it and said, "Take it back."

“The company can give Shen Ning a reward, but your partner works for an external unit, so we can’t give her one through the proper procedures, and it’ll be difficult to get past the audit… We can only send her a letter of thanks to her unit.” Wu Meng spoke up, feeling a little guilty. “The main issue is that the public opinion surrounding the cheating incident hasn’t died down yet. If we were to have a sudden death incident, it would only add fuel to the fire… I was thinking, could we postpone sending the letter of thanks for a while… I really feel bad for her…”

Wu Meng felt that Xu Xinnuan was worth it from the bottom of his heart, and continued, "Besides, she really did save my life. Otherwise, with cheating and a life at stake, I would have ended up here."

Han Wenqing understood that if the person couldn't be saved, the impact on Batu would be immense, and both Wu Meng and he would be held responsible, not to mention the many people under him.

"I'll convey your feelings for you, but you can take the money back; she won't want it."

Han Wenqing knew Xu Xinnuan's temper. Not only would she definitely not accept it, but if he actually handed her a bag of cash, she would be so scared that she would turn around and run away.

"You..."

"Then you can save it up, and we'll give the money as a wedding gift when we get married."

"...How can you be so cunning? Wedding gifts are marital property, and you're still taking half of it for free."

"Get lost."

Wu Meng was already used to Han Wenqing's banter with him, so he laughed it off and wasn't angry at all. He then turned around and asked, "I'll think about how to give it to you later. By the way, is Chen Ning alright? I saw her crying back then too."

Han Wenqing snorted again and showed Wu Meng the chat history on his phone.

Just 15 minutes ago...

Chen Ning: Captain, I think our unit needs to strengthen first aid training in the future; at least everyone should learn it.

Chen Ning: And what about AEDs? Could you put one on each floor? Only having one on the first floor is too time-consuming.

Chen Ning: How about I come up with a simple plan, and your office will mention it?

"That's a good suggestion. We really need to pay attention to training. I'll have HR contact the Red Cross to organize it." Wu Meng didn't realize there was a problem. "Why aren't you replying to my messages?"

Han Wenqing snapped, "What's there to talk about? Look at her eyes, what else is there besides work? You're worried about her? If this keeps up, she might be the next one in the hospital! And even then, she'll probably still be thinking about work!"

"Look at you, they helped us so much, and you still have this attitude."

"Even with this attitude, you can't control her."

"Okay, okay, you're right about everything..."

"What else can you do besides trying to smooth things over?"

"Do you think it's so easy to smooth things over..."

Han Wenqing was too lazy to have any more pointless conversation with him. She went to the ICU to ask the doctor about the situation again, and after confirming that the situation was stable, she shared the news with Zhang Xinjie.

Thinking of Chen Ning's message, given her style, she might really be working overtime again to write a proposal. She might even faint at home without realizing it. After thinking about it, I decided to reply to her message anyway.

Han Wenqing: Wu Meng understands, you don't need to write anymore.

Han Wenqing: I'll give you half a day off tomorrow morning, you can come back in the afternoon.

Chen Ning: I rested on time today, and I'll be able to come on time tomorrow.

Han Wenqing: Just rest when I tell you to. This is a notification; I didn't try to negotiate with you.

Chen Ning: Oh, so you're giving Zhang Xinjie half a day off too?

Han Wenqing: What does this have to do with him?

Chen Ning: Let's go on a date!

Han Wenqing felt like he was about to vomit blood.

Han Wenqing: It's up to you whether you want to stay or leave.

Chen Ning: Okay, I'll definitely be on time tomorrow.

Damn, I really want to block him.

Han Wenqing angrily threw his phone in the car and drove back to his workplace to continue his shift.

Although it was after get off work hours and there weren't many people in the club, the next day everyone gradually learned that someone in the online gaming department had almost died suddenly, and also learned about Shen Ning and Han Wenqing's girlfriend saving the person.

Because of the rumors, most people in the company who had never met her actually had a stereotype of her, thinking that she got the job through connections.

This public relations and emergency rescue incident has indeed made many people aware of her abilities.

In the following days, the incident completely subsided, and the company issued a notice to all employees to commend Shen Ning. For a time, she became a celebrity again, and people greeted her wherever she went. There were no more whispers and pointing fingers behind her back. She was quite moved.

"I'm finally enjoying the same treatment as you and the captain," Chen Ning said to Zhang Xinjie in the captain's office, having just delivered some documents, while Han Wenqing was not around.

“This is what you deserve,” Zhang Xinjie said, taking a few sheets of paper from the drawer. “Fill this out.”

Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a formal employment application.

"Didn't you say you wouldn't give me an early promotion?"

“The situation is different now. You have excellent professional skills and have made significant contributions to the company. If we don’t give you a permanent position early, there will be gossip.”

"Does that mean my salary will increase?"

"Yes, it used to be 80%, but after becoming a full-time employee, it's the full amount."

Shen Ning smiled broadly: "Then I'll have to treat you to a meal."

"I'd like to treat you to dinner tonight, are you free?"

"……Dating?"

"Um."

Thinking about it carefully, she and Zhang Xinjie hadn't had any other interactions since they started dating that day.

He was busy with a competition he couldn't afford to lose, and she also had to continue to ensure the successful implementation of the "Transparent Factory" project. Their daily interactions were no different from usual.

It seems they haven't discussed many things openly and honestly.

"How about hot pot?" November was noticeably colder, and Shen Ning didn't want to be so formal in a high-end restaurant. "Any recommendations?"

Zhang Xinjie is known as a "human food map" because he knows the surrounding restaurants like the back of his hand. After a little thought, he recommended: "There is a place with good food. The location is so-so that it is not crowded. It is about a 20-minute drive away and has small private rooms."

"Okay, shall we split up?"

"I'll call a car for you. You go first. I want a mushroom soup base, and you can have whatever you want. Order whatever you like first. The captain and I are going to the hospital to see Sun Yunchao. I'll be there after we're done."

"OK."

The restaurant was indeed in a rather out-of-the-way location, and it was fortunate that Zhang Xinjie was able to find it. However, the interior was quite elegant, with small square tables for four people in the private rooms, which was perfect for small private gatherings.

She ordered a hot pot with mushrooms and tomatoes, as well as her favorite vegetables. The hot pot and vegetables had just been served when Zhang Xinjie arrived.

Seeing him walk naturally towards the seat opposite her, Shen Ning called out to him, "Sit over there, it'll be easier to talk. How is Sun Yunchao?"

Zhang Xinjie sat down next to Shen Ning, his arm occasionally brushing against her before he immediately withdrew, clearly not used to this kind of contact with the opposite sex.

He tried to calm his thoughts and replied, "The recovery is going well. I can be discharged after another week of observation. Is that all you ordered?"

"I love these, you can order whatever you like."

Zhang Xinjie nodded, scanned the code, and selected a few items.

Shen Ning rested one hand on the table, supporting her chin, watching him from outside.

This person is truly handsome, with delicate features, refined manners, and elegant demeanor. He is particularly suited to the image of a classical scholar or literati, and is very pleasing to the eye.

Seemingly sensing the intense, focused gaze, Zhang Xinjie asked, puzzled, "What's wrong?"

With a smile playing on her lips, she said, "I just think you're beautiful."

He adjusted his glasses: "Thank you."

"Pfft." Shen Ning chuckled. "I used to think you were really boring, but now I think you're really interesting."

Zhang Xinjie remained calm and composed: "Thank you."

Seeing that she couldn't make him laugh no matter what she did, she stared at him blankly for a few more times, then said softly, "You're not my first love, are you?"

Zhang Xinjie was taken aback by these words, and seemed somewhat embarrassed: "Why do you ask that?"

"This doesn't feel like a date; it's too formulaic." Shen Ning was curious about Zhang Xinjie's avoidance of the question. "Tell me about it, or should I go first?"

"I'll go first," Zhang Xinjie said, not wanting the girl to speak first. "She's my first love."

"Really? That's a bit dangerous... They say first love doesn't last."

"That's because for many people, their first love is just a simple emotional impulse."

“Emotional impulse… Hmm, that’s right.” Shen Ning recalled her previous relationship and didn’t intend to hide it from Zhang Xinjie. “I had a relationship when I was in school. He was the kind of person who liked art and literature. At the time, I thought it was very romantic and novel, so we got together. But as time went on, I found that we didn’t have any common topics and we couldn’t talk to each other anymore, so we broke up.”

"You're suited to someone who can walk alongside you," Zhang Xinjie commented calmly, without any other emotion.

"Like you?"

"Um."

"How confident you are," Shen Ning said with a smile, her eyes narrowed. "But I like it."

Zhang Xinjie smiled slightly, watched the soup begin to boil, picked up the serving chopsticks and started to cook the meat: "Eat up."

Shen Ning then withdrew her gaze from her and, in a rather pleasant mood, began to eat. She put half of the beef into the tomato broth, picked up the other half, and asked, "Do you mind if I order it under your broth?"

"put."

Chen Ning happily cooked the mushroom soup, asking as she did so, "Would you like to try some?"

Zhang Xinjie declined, saying, "The tomato soup base is a bit too sweet."

“Then you and my mom have similar tastes. She doesn’t like it either. My dad and I like sweet and sour flavors.”

"My parents love spicy food. They say mushroom food doesn't have much flavor, so when we eat out, we always order a half-and-half drink."

"You must eat bland food, no wonder your skin is so good, so smooth and delicate, so many girls can't compare to you."

Is this considered 'flirting'?

After taking a bite of the hot pot meat, Shen Ning changed the subject, saying, "The mushrooms are quite fresh."

Zhang Xinjie chuckled, scooped all the cooked meat into her plate, and began to talk about his family situation: "My father is a pharmacist, my mother is an administrator in a state-owned enterprise, I have no other siblings, and my family is harmonious. Although it can't compare to your family background, it's considered pretty good by general social standards."

Shen Ning stared at him with wide eyes, only to see him continue talking about his situation.

“My financial situation is good. As you know, I currently own a 138-square-meter house that I paid for in full, a car, no bad credit history, and 23 million yuan in savings. Apart from 5% in free-float funds, I invest evenly in funds, gold, and bonds, ignoring short-term market fluctuations, with an average annual return of about 10%-15%.”

"I personally have no bad habits, I don't smoke, I don't drink alcohol due to my job, my annual physical examination results are normal, and I have no criminal record."

Shen Ning listened attentively, realizing that he had noticed she was intentionally or unintentionally trying to learn a lot about him, such as his romantic history and family. So she simply told him everything without any secrets.

The key point is that he explained things in great detail, like he was on a blind date, listing out his own situation one by one for the other person to choose from. His serious demeanor actually made Shen Ning find him quite adorable.

Finally, Shen Ning sat up straight and began to introduce the topic, mimicking his manner.

"I won't go into detail about my dad, but my mom isn't an employee of the group; she's a lawyer at a law firm specializing in economic litigation. We also have a housekeeper who has taken care of us since I was a child, so she's practically family."

"My financial situation is also good. Excluding the group's shares and the real estate and other assets I have purchased, I have 3.7 million yuan in savings. I bought a car. In addition to the investment directions you mentioned, I also invest in some stocks and overseas assets, with an annualized return of about 20%."

"I don't have any bad habits, I don't smoke, I drink alcohol for social reasons, and as for the physical examination... I have mild anemia, you know, but I take my medication on time, and I don't have any other bad records."

The two men were completely open and frank with each other. After speaking calmly, one of them tilted his head and smiled, asking Zhang Xinjie, "Comrade Zhang Xinjie, although my earnings are only a fraction of yours, I will continue to work hard. So, are you satisfied?"

"If you keep pushing yourself like this, the captain will fire you. I've seen him lose his temper several times already."

Shen Ning nodded slyly: "Okay, I will humbly accept the criticism. I will try my best not to fight in front of him and will secretly roll the papers when I get back."

Zhang Xinjie shook his head helplessly, not intending to argue with her any further: "Then do you still have any questions for me?"

“Very satisfied, definitely a top performer.” Shen Ning was naturally very satisfied with Zhang Xinjie, but considering their current situation, she hesitated for a moment and asked, “There’s one thing… about how we address each other. Can we keep using our full names as we do now? I’m afraid if we get used to calling each other by our full names in private, we might accidentally give ourselves away.”

"So you mean it won't be made public?"

"Well. Actually, it's mainly because of me. You know, there are some complicated relationships within the upper echelons of large corporations. If we make them public now, there will be too much speculation, which would be a bit troublesome."

"Understood." Zhang Xinjie knew Shen Ning's predicament, and besides, he himself didn't want to go public at this time, so he nodded in agreement: "From the team's perspective, it's indeed better not to have any romantic topics."

"Then... if there are no problems, our relationship is now officially established," Shen Ning asked.

"It's settled." With that, Zhang Xinjie reached into his pocket and took out a small square box made of velvet.

Shen Ning was caught off guard: "Don't tell me you're going to propose now?"

Zhang Xinjie opened the small box, and inside was not a diamond ring, but a four-leaf clover gold bracelet, which sparkled under the light and was quite exquisite.

"Now that we're officially a couple, I need to give you something."

What was supposed to be a romantic affair suddenly became a bit funny after Zhang Xinjie said that: "As expected of you, you didn't skip a single step of the process, and you even added a token of your love."

Give me your hand.

Shen Ning reached out her left hand in cooperation, and Zhang Xinjie carefully put the bracelet on her wrist. The length was just right, neither too loose nor too tight.

"It fits perfectly. When did you take your measurements?"

"By observing more, you can make a rough estimate."

Chen Ning raised her arm and waved her wrist in front of the light, making it twinkle beautifully like a star.

She smiled broadly: "It's so beautiful. You have such good taste. It seems that gold jewelry isn't a popular gift among young people. It's more common for people over 30 to start liking it."

Zhang Xinjie explained logically and with evidence: "Currently, only gold retains its value and can appreciate in value over the long term; nothing else can."

This unusual answer left Shen Ning speechless, then she chuckled: "Then why didn't you just give me gold bars?"

Zhang Xinjie actually thought about it seriously: "Of course you can if you like it."

Chen Ning was completely speechless: "...You, don't talk to me."