Zhan Zong seemed to favor the electrical company recently, visiting three times in half a month, whereas it was difficult to see him even once a year in the past.
Vice President Gao prepared to show him the new products developed by the technical department, but Zhan Bei Jue was unenthusiastic. He casually asked a few other questions before feigning indifference and turning the conversation to the northwest project.
"How is the northwest project going lately?"
"No one in the group has requested support, so I assume everything is fine."
Normally, Zhan Bei Jue wouldn't bother listening to such a minor project, but today he uncharacteristically instructed Vice President Gao.
"The conditions there are harsh. You should proactively check on them more often."
Vice President Gao nodded, "Yes, Zhan Zong is right. I will check on them more when I have time."
After a series of subtly pointed remarks, there was finally some activity in the project group at three in the afternoon.
Vice President Gao inquired about everyone's recent days, and Engineer Li detailed what they were busy with, their work plans, and attached a work photo.
Zhan Bei Jue, as if a long drought had ended, eagerly clicked on the photo to enlarge it, and then spotted Jiang Nan Fang, 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 Bei Jue wondered strangely, "Is this woman really that professional? After several years, has she truly evolved into an engineer who can stand on her own?"
"The diurnal temperature variation there is too great. We wear cotton-padded clothes in the morning and evening, short sleeves at noon, and still need to boil water for showers at night. Several colleagues have caught colds, and some have frostbite on their hands. Tomorrow, we'll likely have to take a day off to go to town to buy medicine."
It was almost summer in Nan Cheng, with young people dressed lightly everywhere. He hadn't expected them to suffer from frostbite there.
Vice President Gao felt distressed, "I'll have someone buy medicine for bruises, sprains, headaches, and colds, and air-lift hats, scarves, and masks to you. There's still a long way to go, and everything has just begun. Please take care of yourselves."
Engineer Li thanked them on behalf of everyone and added, "Can we request some skincare products? We men don't mind, but Engineer Jiang has delicate skin. She's a girl, and with the constant wind and sun here, her skin might get damaged over time."
"Buy her a set of skincare products. Consider it a personal purchase through a personal shopper. I'll transfer the money to you later."
The group immediately became lively, with everyone saying Engineer Li was thoughtful, trying to gain Engineer Jiang's favor by showing off to Vice President Gao.
Jiang Nan Fang, who had never said a word in the group since it was created, finally chimed in.
"Haha, Engineer Li, that's very thoughtful. I didn't expect you to remember my casual complaint and hold onto it. You're a true 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's help with a personal shopper."
"The sandstorms here are too strong. The shampoo bought in town makes my hair dry and frizzy after washing. I'll send you the name later. Please buy me a couple more bottles."
Vice President Gao agreed. After a few polite exchanges, the group gradually fell silent.
Zhan Bei Jue reread Jiang Nan Fang's few messages. Looking back and forth, he couldn't discern anything other than that she seemed to be living a fulfilling and happy life.
Was the wind and sand so strong that it had damaged her face and hands?
Just then, Ah Zhong came in to report on his work. Zhan Bei Jue put down his phone and casually mentioned,
"How are things between you and your girlfriend lately?"
Abruptly, he blurted out such a question, startling Ah Zhong, "Zhan Zong?"
"I heard it all. You two were arguing on the phone that day."
"..."
Ah Zhong thought his recent behavior had been too obvious and was affecting his work, so he hurriedly tried to explain.
Zhan Bei Jue, without looking up, could guess 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 I can't even deny you time to date."
He was so uncharacteristically gentle and considerate today that Ah Zhong was almost moved.
However, what moved him even more was yet to come.
After saying this, Zhan Bei Jue added, "Go buy her a set of high-end skincare products. I'll pay."
"???"
"Don't misunderstand. According to 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 previous set, take them to Vice President Gao tomorrow morning."
Ah Zhong could no longer hold back and boldly asked, "Zhan Zong, what is this..."
"Employee welfare."
Zhan Bei Jue replied frankly and naturally, "What? Do you have an opinion?"
Ah Zhong naturally dared not have any objections. His girlfriend loved shopping the most, and he usually didn't have time to accompany her. He was overjoyed!
"I guarantee the mission will be completed! Then, Zhan Zong, should I go now?"
Seeing him almost jumping with joy, Zhan Bei Jue lowered his eyes and waved his hand, "Go ahead."
Since the boss had money, it was better to spend it than not. Ah Zhong's girlfriend picked out a high-end French skincare set that she had never been willing to buy before, costing over ten thousand yuan.
Including shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, hand cream, lip balm, lipstick, eyeshadow, foundation... all the makeup items combined, they prepared a whole box for Jiang Nan Fang, costing over thirty thousand yuan.
Two days later, the items arrived express. Jiang Nan Fang, looking at the large box of skincare and makeup, was so grateful she wanted to kneel to Vice President Gao.
This was too thoughtful! They had promised to help send some medicine, but instead, Vice President Gao had incurred such a significant expense.
Jiang Nan Fang sent a message to Vice President Gao in the group, "Is the company reimbursing this, or did you buy it for us privately? Such a large set must have cost tens of thousands. You've spent too much."
Vice President Gao, giving roses, had fragrance in his hand, "Oh, you all work hard and contribute greatly. These things are nothing. As long as they are useful, that's good. It's all Zhan Zong's thoughtful gesture. Use them with peace of mind."
Jiang Nan Fang thought Zhan Zong's thoughtful gesture meant company reimbursement and accepted it with equanimity.
Zhan Bei Jue watched their conversation in the group. Jiang Nan Fang's indifferent reaction made his heart blacken with frustration.
"After all the effort I went through, traveling a thousand miles for your sake, and this is the reaction? Not even a polite word addressed to me?"
"Unappreciative woman, I shouldn't pay attention to your movements, nor should I care about you anymore!"
At home, Zhan Jing Rui, who had already learned of Jiang Nan Fang's business trip, was also monitoring her movements daily.
Although he couldn't send her messages to offer warmth directly, he was fully aware of the weather there and what outdoor activities were suitable.
Blood ties are truly magical. Even separated by thousands of miles, even though Jiang Nan Fang had never taken care of him for a minute since childhood, the child loved her.
Today was the weekend. The siblings were drawing in their respective rooms. Idly checking the real-time weather in Wangquan County, he hurried to Zhan Jing Ge's room.
"Ge'er!"
"What is it, brother?"
"It's bad. The weather where Mommy is staying is about to change."
Zhan Jing Ge asked, confused, "So, will Mommy be in danger?"
"She's in the desert. Even a slight change in weather can bring disaster. Let alone such a drastic change."
"...Since the change is so significant, wouldn't Mommy know?"
Zhan Jing Rui said worriedly, "You don't know how poor it is there. There's no weather station, not even electricity. I'm really afraid she won't know."