The CEO has been particularly fond of the electric company lately, visiting three times in half a month. It's hard to recall seeing him once a year in the company before.
Vice President Gao was preparing to show him the new products developed by the technical department. Zhan Beijue seemed uninterested and casually asked about other matters, pretending to casually bring up the northwest project.
"How is the northwest project going recently?"
"No one in the group has requested support, so I assume everything is fine."
Normally, Zhan Beijue wouldn't even bother listening to such a minor project, but today he unusually instructed Vice President Gao.
"The conditions there are tough. Make sure you actively check in on them more often."
Vice President Gao nodded, "Yes, CEO Zhan, you are right. I will check in on them more when I have time."
After a series of pointed remarks, there was finally some activity in the project group at three in the afternoon.
Vice President Gao asked everyone how they were doing these past few days. Engineer Li explained what they were busy with, their work plans, and attached a work photo.
Zhan Beijue, as if he had found rain after a drought, hurriedly clicked to enlarge the picture. He then spotted Jiang Nanfang, bundled up tightly, in the corner.
She was leaning over a worn-out desk, holding a pencil and an engineering ruler, seemingly drawing.
Her facial expression was unclear, but her posture and demeanor indicated her seriousness.
Zhan Beijue wondered curiously, "Is this woman really that professional? After several years, has she truly evolved into an engineer who can stand on her own?"
"The temperature difference between day and night here is too great. We wear cotton-padded clothes in the morning and evening, and short sleeves at noon. We still need to boil water for showers at night. Several colleagues have caught colds, and some have frostbite on their hands. We'll probably have to take a day off tomorrow to buy medicine in town."
It was almost summer in Nancheng, with young people wearing light clothing everywhere. He hadn't expected them to get frostbite there.
Vice President Gao was very sympathetic. "I'll have someone buy some medicine for bruises, sprains, headaches, and colds, and air-drop hats, scarves, and masks for you. There's still a long way to go, and everything has just begun. You must take care of yourselves."
Engineer Li thanked them on behalf of everyone and then added, "Can we ask for some skincare products? We men don't mind, but Engineer Jiang is a young girl with delicate skin. She's exposed to wind and sun every day here. I'm afraid her skin will be damaged over time."
"Help her buy a set of skincare products. Consider it a personal request for a daigou, and I'll transfer the money to you later."
The group immediately became lively. Everyone chimed in, saying Engineer Li was clever and trying to gain Engineer Jiang's favor by showing off to Vice President Gao.
Jiang Nanfang, who had never spoken in the group since it was created, finally spoke up.
"Haha, Engineer Li, you're thoughtful. I didn't expect you to remember that casual complaint I made to you. You're a good friend."
"However, it's not necessary. My face is fine. The skincare products I brought are enough for a while. It's my hair that's troublesome. I really need Vice President Gao to help buy some."
"The wind and sand are too strong here. The shampoo from town makes my hair dry and frizzy. I'll send you the name later. Remember to buy me a couple more bottles."
Vice President Gao agreed. After some polite exchanges, the group gradually quieted down.
Zhan Beijue reread the few sentences Jiang Nanfang had posted. Looking at them repeatedly, he realized she was living a fulfilling and happy life, but couldn't discern any other meaning.
Was her face and hands scraped raw by the strong wind and sand?
Just then, Ah Zhong came in to report on his work. Zhan Beijue put down his phone and pretended to casually mention it.
"How have you and your girlfriend been lately?"
Without any preamble, he suddenly blurted this out, startling Ah Zhong. "CEO Zhan?"
"I overheard you arguing on the phone the other day."
"..."
Ah Zhong thought his recent behavior had been too obvious and affected his work, so he quickly tried to explain.
Zhan Beijue, without even looking up, guessed what he was about to say. He raised a hand to stop him, his tone indifferent. "There's no need. I'm not that harsh. You haven't sold yourself to me, so you shouldn't be denied even the time to date."
He was so unusually kind, gentle, and considerate today that Ah Zhong was almost moved.
However, what moved him even more was yet to come.
After saying this, Zhan Beijue added, "Go buy her a set of high-end skincare products. I'll pay for it."
"???"
"Don't misunderstand. Based on her taste, buy me another set separately. From head to toe, everything a woman might need. Buy it all."
"!!!"
"Also, what skincare products do you usually like to use? Buy six sets according to your preferences. Keep one for yourself, and the rest, along with the one just mentioned, take them to Vice President Gao tomorrow morning."
Ah Zhong could no longer contain himself and finally dared to ask, "CEO Zhan, you are...?"
"Giving employee benefits."
Zhan Beijue replied frankly and naturally. "What? Do you have an opinion?"
Ah Zhong naturally didn't dare to have an opinion. His girlfriend loved shopping and never had enough time to accompany her. He was overjoyed!
"I guarantee the mission will be completed! CEO Zhan, shall I go now?"
Seeing him practically bouncing with excitement, Zhan Beijue lowered his eyes and waved his hand. "Go ahead."
After all, the boss was rich, and it was a waste not to spend it. Ah Zhong's girlfriend chose a high-end skincare set from France that she had never been able to afford before, costing over ten thousand yuan.
Including shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, hand cream, lip balm, lipstick, eyeshadow, foundation... all the makeup combined, they prepared a whole box for Jiang Nanfang, worth over thirty thousand yuan.
Two days later, the items arrived swiftly. Jiang Nanfang looked at the large box of skincare and makeup and was so grateful she wanted to kneel before Vice President Gao.
This was too thoughtful! He promised to help send some medicine, but ended up making Vice President Gao spend so much.
Jiang Nanfang messaged Vice President Gao in the group, "Is the company reimbursing you, or did you buy this for us privately? Such a large set must have cost tens of thousands. You've spent too much."
Vice President Gao, handing out roses, had fragrance on his hands. "Oh, you've all worked hard and made great contributions. These items are nothing. As long as you find them useful, that's good. It's all CEO Zhan's kind gesture. Use them with peace of mind."
Jiang Nanfang thought Zhan Zong's kind gesture meant the company would reimburse him, so she accepted it readily.
Zhan Beijue watched their conversation in the group, and Jiang Nanfang's mundane reaction left him seething with frustration.
After all the effort I went through to send this for your sake, and this is the reaction I get? Not even a polite word to me?
Ungrateful woman, I shouldn't pay attention to her movements or care about her anymore!
At home, Zhan Jingrui, who had already learned about Jiang Nanfang's business trip, was also paying attention to her movements every day.
Although he couldn't send her messages to offer direct warmth, he was fully aware of the weather conditions there and what outdoor activities were suitable.
The magic of blood relation was such that even separated by thousands of miles, even though Jiang Nanfang had never taken care of him for a single minute since childhood, the child loved her.
Today was the weekend. The siblings were painting in their respective rooms. Bored, he checked the real-time weather for Wangquan County and hurried to Zhan Jingge's room.
"Ge'er!"
"What is it, brother?"
"It's not good. The weather where Mommy is staying is about to change."
Zhan Jingge asked confusedly, "So, will Mommy be in danger?"
"She's in the desert. Even a slight change in weather can bring a devastating disaster, let alone such a huge one."
"...Since the change is so significant, wouldn't Mommy know?"
Zhan Jingrui said with deep concern, "You don't know how poor it is there. There are no weather stations, not even electricity. I'm really afraid she won't know."