Outside the office, Gu Qichen's eyes held a smile.
Following tradition, Qin He bowed to the founder, then to her master, and finally offered tea.
Liu Xing'an bestowed upon her a professional name. After a moment's thought, he chuckled, "How about Sui Feng?"
After the discipleship ceremony, Qin He abandoned her serious demeanor and frowned, thinking, "Sui Feng? It sounds like an ancient name."
"Your given name is He, and isn't 'Sui Sui Feng Shou' (year after year of abundant harvest) fitting?" Liu Xing'an smiled.
"Actually, a formal discipleship ceremony requires three kowtows and the presence of your mistress, but people don't do that anymore. This is already very good."
Liu Xing'an had gained a most agreeable and cherished disciple. The smile in his eyes was undeniable, and he couldn't help but adopt the magnanimity of a master.
Qin He mused, "Alright, since a master is like a father for life, I'll take care of your and Mistress's retirement."
Liu Xing'an's eyes relaxed into a smile.
He suddenly felt that settling down in Qingcheng wasn't so bad. With a disciple now, a disciple was like half a child.
And with Young Master Gu around, his twilight years wouldn't be too bleak.
Master and disciple chatted for a while. Qin He held the thick book as if it were a treasure, gazing at it.
Only then did Gu Qichen step forward and knock on the door.
Liu Xing'an glanced over, "Come in." The young man had been standing at the door for a while, peeking at his disciple.
Liu Xing'an, who had initially been pleased by the unfolding situation, now, having accepted Qin He as his disciple, began to scrutinize Gu Qichen with a protective sentiment.
He was acceptable as a match for his disciple.
Gu Qichen looked at Qin He, "It's after work. We can leave for the Yelan Clubhouse now."
Qin He, holding the book, thought for a moment and placed it in the drawer.
"Master, I have to go to a gathering. There might be people drinking there. I'll leave this book with you to keep it from being tainted by smoke and alcohol."
She seemed to cherish it.
Gu Qichen's lips curved slightly, "No one will be smoking or drinking today."
"Aren't we going to the Yelan Clubhouse?" Yan Chen's properties were precisely the kind of places for drinking and gatherings.
Qin He followed Gu Qichen out of the United Department.
Yu Jing drove them to the clubhouse.
The gathering place today was on the first floor. The Yelan Clubhouse's first floor had a large private room specifically for large gatherings.
The moment Qin He entered, she fell silent.
In the spacious area, two long tables were set up in a buffet style.
There were some tables and chairs in the middle, as well as a dance floor, resembling a banquet hall with added rows of tables.
"How did Yan Chen agree to let you be so extravagant here?" Qin He whispered.
Gu Qichen's eyes twinkled with amusement, "I brought him back from Haicheng. He's probably very grateful to me."
By this time, most of the staff from the United Department had arrived. Seeing the setup, they were quite pleased.
However, on the wall nearby, a large sign read: No Smoking, No Drinking!
No smoking was understandable, but no drinking?
Someone tentatively reached for a glass that looked like champagne.
Hmm... iced black tea?!
Soon, everyone discovered that the tall glasses contained various colored beverages.
Those who enjoyed good wine started to feel a bit uneasy.
"I thought we could have a good drink today. After working so hard, a good drink to relax."
"Drink less, you almost came in late last time after getting drunk!"
Murmurs arose.
Qin He chuckled, "Why no smoking? Is it because of me? Then I'd rather not participate. How can such a big gathering be enjoyable if everyone isn't having a good time?"
Whether it was the desserts or the buffet dishes, they were prepared by hired chefs using select ingredients.
Each item was valuable, making those who loved wine even more regretful about the alcohol-free occasion.
Gu Qichen smiled, "It's alright, they'll be happy soon enough."
Qin He, not understanding why, followed Gu Qichen to a small two-person table in the corner.
This table was secluded but offered a perfect view of the main stage not far away.
Soon, someone took the stage.
Qin He's eyes widened, "Who is this person?"
The man, dressed in a host's suit, smiled broadly, "Hello everyone, I am your host for tonight."
People eating small snacks became animated, "There are even performances!"
The host introduced the event briefly. There were no other programs, only a lucky draw.
The staff of the Western District United Department had been working very hard recently. Gu Qichen had no intention of just treating them to a meal.
The first prize was a car, followed by numerous second prizes, and even the least valuable third prize was worth over ten thousand.
Qin He gasped, "Mr. Gu is truly generous. This makes me seem stingy for only hosting a meal."
Gu Qichen smiled faintly, "I can have Yu Jing give you the bill. Then you can say it was the Qin Corporation's generosity."
Qin He smiled politely, "No need then!"
Tangible money and gifts brought more joy than alcohol.
Especially when the prizes were grand and numerous.
The lucky draw was held in several rounds, and almost everyone had one or two small boxes by their side.
The winner of the car took the car keys with immense joy.
Standing on stage, he delivered his acceptance speech, "I will live for the United Department and die for the United Department! I will dedicate all my efforts until my last breath!"
The atmosphere below the stage had become jubilant.
Qin He recognized him as a very steady employee of the Qin Corporation.
When her gaze fell upon the car's logo on the keys, she understood his excitement.
"You're not trying to poach people from our Qin Corporation, are you?" Qin He asked suspiciously.
"The Gu Corporation is not so short of people that it has to resort to this," Gu Qichen said calmly.
"Then what is this?"
Even with a lucky draw, this scale was immense.
Gu Qichen looked at Qin He, his deep eyes unfathomable, his thin lips curved upwards, his voice hoarse and prolonged, "I've been in a good mood lately."
Qin He replied, "Alright."
She didn't need to concern herself with Gu Qichen's affairs, but she couldn't shake the feeling that his statement about being in a good mood carried a hint of ambiguity.
As the evening concluded, the employees of the Western District United Department dispersed, each one beaming like a blooming flower, as if they had all had a few drinks.
"Overtime tomorrow!" someone shouted enthusiastically.
"Overtime!"
Qin He remained silent for a moment.
"I'll drive you home." Turning, Gu Qichen had already thoughtfully opened the car door.
Watching Qin He get into the car naturally, he felt his good mood deepen.
Gu Qichen drove Qin He back to the Qin residence. He looked at her belly and, with concern, instructed, "Be careful during this period."
Qin He patted her lower abdomen and smiled, "Thank you for your concern."
Shortly after arriving home, she received a call from Old Mrs. Gu.
"Grandma Gu." Qin He checked the time, "It's already ten o'clock. Why aren't you resting yet?"
Old Mrs. Gu's voice held a childlike complaint, "When was the last time you came to see me?!"
"Yes, yes, Grandma, I'll come see you tomorrow."
Old Mrs. Gu was satisfied and then grumbled, "Come early tomorrow. I'll have someone cook your favorite fish for you."
"Okay," Qin He smiled.
After her bath, Qin He lay in bed and looked at her schedule.
She would visit Grandma Gu tomorrow. As for her brother's medical plan, some test results were still needed.
Qin He glanced at WeChat and sighed, Wan Wan still hadn't replied to her message.