Blue Xin successfully secured the half-project bid. Chen Rui enthusiastically proposed a company-wide dinner to celebrate, with the venue set at the music-themed bar where the department often gathers. Of course, Chen Rui also deliberately contacted Zhou Xingjin via WeChat, sending the time and location as a tentative invitation, expressing gratitude for the opportunity given by the company and inquiring about his availability to join. As expected, Zhou Xingjin responded with a "no." Chen Rui replied with three smiling emojis, repeatedly expressing apologies for bothering him, to which Zhou Xingjin replied, "It's okay, you're busy." However, on the evening of the company dinner, just before it was about to end, Chen Rui saw Zhou Xingjin. He caught up to him, reaching him and extending

