Chapter 18 Team Expansion
She said, "You shouldn't talk about people behind their backs, whether it's day or night!"
Not long after I started gossiping with Xi Yingying about the departure of the legendary Fang Qihang (and some other random things), the person in question called!
Looking at the name on her phone screen, driven by intense curiosity, Xu Nian hesitated for a few seconds before answering the call.
"Hello? Xu Nianyi?" A cheerful male voice came from the other end of the phone, tinged with a hint of probing, "Is it a convenient time for you to take the call?"
It's only 10 p.m., which is early for Xu Nianyi, a night owl who is used to staying up late to edit videos, so it's naturally convenient.
"Is it convenient? Is there anything I can help you with?" She tried to make her voice sound calm and natural, as if it were just a casual greeting between former colleagues.
"Oh, that's convenient," Fang Qihang said with a hint of ease, then he got straight to the point, "I know you're a travel blogger now, traveling around China. I saw in one of your videos that it was at Sayram Lake? Could I request to join your trip?"
"Huh?" Xu Nianyi was shocked and almost bit her tongue. "You're giving up your perfectly good, high-paying job?"
This is completely illogical! This salary is what so many people dream of! This is completely inconsistent with her understanding of the career path of someone who studied at a top foreign university and is a super algorithm genius!
"I resigned. I just finished all the formalities today," Fang Qihang said definitively. He seemed to have anticipated Xu Nianyi's shock, since his superiors had reacted in the same way when he resigned.
"Actually, after seeing your post on WeChat Moments looking for travel companions to travel around China, I had the urge to do the same, and I even told my supervisor I was going to resign. But I hadn't finished my project and the workdays weren't set yet, so I was too embarrassed to tell you."
He paused for a moment, then said, "Before college, I was so focused on my studies that I spent six years in the United States for both my undergraduate and graduate studies. I didn't have a chance to really see the beautiful landscapes of my motherland. So when you posted that update, I really wanted to join. I felt it was a great opportunity."
Xu Nianyi held her phone, unsure how to respond, feeling conflicted.
To be honest, she wasn't narcissistic at all, and she hadn't originally thought about it that way. But now, thinking about Xi Yingying's ambiguous analysis tonight, and then Fang Qihang saying he'd given up a million-dollar annual salary to come find her, she did feel that Fang Qihang might treat her a little differently.
But she hasn't even sorted out the messy situation with Tan Chen, her protector—it's "protection, not love"—and her mind is already in turmoil. How can she add another guy who might be interested in her? Wouldn't this complicated relationship just become a complete mess?
Fang Qihang, who was on the other end of the phone, seemed to sense her hesitation and immediately began to "sell" himself.
"Didn't you say on your WeChat Moments that you welcomed like-minded people to join your industry? Let me tell you, I'm an amazing driver! During my years studying in the US, I often went on road trips, covering several states! Plus, I love photography and have all the equipment. I can use a drone to shoot aerial video footage for you, absolutely cinematic quality! Seriously, you won't regret it if you take me along!"
Xu Nian was moved.
The words "drone aerial photography" hit her sweet spot perfectly.
Actually, she had wanted to study drones for a long time, and she was extremely envious of the beautiful scenery that others captured from a God's-eye view in their videos.
But she had done her research and heard that the machine was difficult to operate and that beginners could easily crash it.
They either crash into trees or poles, or their controls malfunction and they fall into rivers or valleys.
She would be heartbroken if she ruined thousands of dollars worth of equipment because of her clumsiness, so she never dared to try.
Now a photographer has come knocking on our door, complete with his own equipment and claiming to be quite skilled.
The temptation is simply too great for someone like me who is currently a video content creator.
However, she couldn't selfishly consider only her own needs. This journey had started with just her and Tan Chen. The team consisted of two people, and any changes needed to take Tan Chen's wishes and his consent into account.
She took a deep breath, and the other party said, "That's because there's another person in my team, my travel partner. I need to ask for his opinion tomorrow and respect his thoughts. I can't make a decision alone."
“No problem! I completely understand!” Fang Qihang seemed very straightforward and open-minded, not wanting to put her in a difficult position. “Then you should discuss it with your friend tomorrow. If he also thinks it’s feasible, I’ll immediately buy a plane ticket and fly to Yili Airport to meet you. If it doesn’t work out, that’s fine too. Just give me a simple summary of your itinerary from the past two weeks, and I’ll drive around according to your route!”
After hanging up the phone, Xu Nianyi tossed and turned on the bed with mixed feelings, both expectant and apprehensive. It felt like two little people were arguing in her mind.
A little figure waves a flag of "rationality" and shouts excitedly: "Say yes! Say yes! Cameraman! Drone! Your video quality will definitely be upgraded significantly! Your followers will definitely skyrocket!"
A little figure waved a "sentimental" flag, anxiously reminding, "Calm down. Look at your current situation. You haven't even figured out Tan Chen yet, and now Fang Qihang has come along! Do you think this is reasonable? Think about your behavior. Isn't it a bit like the behavior of a scumbag woman?"
Xu Nian shook her head violently, trying to shake off these chaotic thoughts.
No, I'm in the prime of my career right now! I'm focused on my career! Making money! Just like Tan Chen, I'm not talking about relationships!
Tomorrow I will analyze this openly and honestly with Tan Chen, purely for the sake of video output!
He agreed and allowed Fang Qihang to join, thus expanding the team!
If he disagrees, then it's still just the two of us, and I'll work hard to learn photography!
After making up her mind, Xu Nianyi felt a little more at ease, but a sliver of secret expectation still lingered in her heart: "I hope that Fang Qihang's appearance can bring about a turning point in my relationship with Tan Chen."
The next morning, while having breakfast at the hotel, Xu Nianyi carefully chose her words and brought up the matter with Tan Chen.
"Tan Chen, there's something I want to tell you. Last night I received a call from a former colleague named Fang Qihang... he..."
Tan Chen, who was listening attentively to her, paused almost imperceptibly when he heard Fang Qihang's name. However, Xu Nianyi did not notice the slight movement.
He overheard Xu Nianyi's best friend saying in the car that Fang Qihang had given up his high-paying job and resigned...
So, he came to find her.
An indescribable, bittersweet feeling quietly crept into Tan Chen's heart.
He could almost imagine that once a man with superior qualifications, outstanding abilities, and a clear purpose joined the group, the delicate balance that the two had painstakingly achieved would be broken.
But isn't this exactly what I wanted to see?
There are more suitable men to accompany her, bringing her joy and happiness. He can simply stay behind her and silently protect her.
He lowered his eyelashes, subtly concealing the complex emotions in his eyes.
After listening to Xu Nianyi's analysis that Fang Qihang's addition would improve the video output, he raised his eyes, looked at Xu Nianyi calmly, and gave a seemingly relaxed and open-minded smile. He said in as natural a tone as possible, "Sure, let him come. There's enough room in the car. Having someone else to help drive and film will make things much easier for you."
Fang Qihang acted with surprising speed. Xu Nianyi had just finished talking to him at noon when he immediately said that he had bought a non-Urumqi flight for that evening, with a layover overnight, and would arrive at Yili Airport at 15:20 the next day.
The following afternoon, Xu Nianyi and Tan Chen arrived at the airport ahead of time to wait for Fang Qihang's flight to land.
Xu Nianyi felt inexplicably nervous. She kept looking towards the exit and then secretly glanced at Tan Chen, who stood silently beside her, wearing sunglasses and whose emotions were unreadable.
When Fang Qihang appeared at the exit pushing his suitcase, wearing a bright-colored casual jacket and light-colored cargo pants that were completely different from the stereotypical image of a programmer, Xu Nianyi immediately waved.
“Here!” she called out.
Fang Qihang grinned, revealing a set of white teeth, and strode over.
He was tall and had a good posture, looking more like a sunny, athletic guy than a tech geek who spent all his time coding.
"Xu Nianyi! Long time no see!" His voice was cheerful, and then his gaze naturally fell on Tan Chen.
Xu Nianyi took a deep breath, trying to make the introduction sound natural. "Fang Qihang, this is my travel partner Tan Chen. He and I were classmates in junior high and high school." She then turned to Tan Chen. "Tan Chen, this is the former colleague I mentioned to you, Fang Qihang."
Tan Chen nodded slightly as a greeting, his expression remaining as aloof as ever.
Fang Qihang smiled brightly and extended his hand, "Brother Tan, right? Hello, hello! I often see you in Xu Nianyi's videos. Thank you for taking care of her all this way!"
He said this very naturally, as if he were very familiar with Xu Nianyi.
Tan Chen paused for a moment, then finally reached out and gently shook his hand, saying in a calm voice, "Hello."
Standing in the middle, Xu Nian felt the air thin out, so embarrassed that she could dig her toes out of her skin.
She quickly smoothed things over, saying, "The car is in the parking lot. Let's go to the hotel to drop off our luggage first, and then you can rest. We have a big business deal to do at 6 pm!"
On the way to the hotel, the atmosphere became even more lively, with Fang Qihang talking more than Su Xiaoxiao had back then.
He kept talking, saying how difficult it was for him to quit his job. His boss made him finish the projects he was working on, so he stayed up all night every day. He even leaned close to Xu Nianyi and said in an exaggerated tone, "Xu Nianyi, can you take a look at me? Is my hairline receding? Are there any signs of balding? This is the price I paid for my freedom!"
He then mentioned that his only source of spiritual sustenance was Xu Nianyi's videos, which sustained him through completing the project and successfully leaving the company.
Fang Qihang's performance completely overturned Xu Nianyi's stereotype of programmers. He was also completely unlike the reserved image she had seen in the company before, who was focused on technology and only occasionally spoke a few words to her.
"Ugh! I have to put on a little act at the company!" Fang Qihang started boasting, "I'm afraid other people will be jealous of me. I'm younger than them, and my skills are better than theirs. If I show my true personality, they'll feel inferior to death!"
He spoke rapidly, his natural Northeastern accent full of humor, making Xu Nianyi laugh. Even Tan Chen, who was silently focused on driving, seemed to smile slightly; he was indeed a little jealous.
"Nianyi, you have a good eye for Tank 300! Tan-ge, your modifications to this car are really impressive! The idea of a bar in the trunk is brilliant! I thought it was so cool when I saw it in the video. When you set up your stall tonight, I'll have to observe and learn from you, and maybe even help you out!" Fang Qihang steered the conversation back to Tan Chen, his attitude warm and sincere, making it hard for anyone to have any ill intentions towards him.
After arriving at the hotel, dropping off their luggage, and resting briefly, the three of them met in the lobby and drove to Liuxing Street, the most famous street in Yili, to the designated location for the trunk market.
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