Verve Capital, being a major shareholder in Hengyue Technology, meant that the employees from both companies were well-acquainted. They often worked together, and whenever there was a team-building event, Tom Wilson would invite the Verve Capital folks along. As a result, the employees from both companies got along like one big happy family. Olivia and Ryan were all in for the picnic organized by Hengyue Technology, and Michael Garcia was also excited to join. So, Grace Li happily accepted Tom Wilson's invitation.
April in New York was perfect for outdoor activities. The weather was just right—not too hot or too cold. Central Park was lush with greenery, and flowers were in full bloom, making the whole place vibrant and alive.
The picnic was held in a grassy area near a small stream. Tom Wilson had picked this spot himself—it was a place he loved from childhood. He had fond memories of coming here to play.
After a year of growth, Hengyue Technology now had over fifty employees, and with the four people from Verve Capital, they were a group of sixty. When they arrived, everyone jumped right in. Some set up the sunshades, others prepped the food, and some went off to collect dry branches for firewood.
Grace Li wasn't just standing around. She walked over to the stream, planning to help clean the food, but a guy cleaning the cookware quickly said, "Ms. Li, I've got it covered. You go relax for a bit." Grace Li smiled and rolled up her sleeves. "No worries, I'm just looking for something to do anyway."
"Grace Li," Tom Wilson called, walking over. "I know a spot nearby where we can pick strawberries. Want to join me?"
"Pick strawberries?" Grace Li asked, intrigued.
Tom explained, "There's a farm just down the road. They grow a ton of strawberries, and it's the perfect time to pick them. I thought it'd be nice to grab some for everyone."
Grace Li smiled, recalling how she used to pick fruit when she was a kid. It had been a while since she'd had that experience. "That sounds fun. Let's go!"
Tom invited Ryan and Olivia to join, and the four of them walked along the path by the stream for about ten minutes before reaching the farm. The farmer, a friendly older man, greeted them warmly and explained all about the different strawberry varieties and how to pick them.
The strawberry plants were low to the ground, with bright red berries nestled underneath the green leaves, looking like little treasures. Olivia excitedly pulled out her phone and snapped a picture. "Wow, these strawberries are gorgeous! This is my first time picking them."
Ryan teased, "You're such a city kid. It's just strawberries, not a big deal."
Olivia puffed out her cheeks, pretending to be upset. "What's wrong with being impressed?"
Seeing Olivia get worked up, Ryan quickly backtracked. "Okay, okay. You're right, it's amazing."
Meanwhile, Tom plucked a big, juicy strawberry and handed it to Grace Li. "Try this. These strawberries are super sweet."
Grace Li took a bite, the juicy, fresh flavor bursting in her mouth. "Wow, it's really good."
Tom smiled. "We should pick more. If you like them, we can take some back for the team."
Grace Li laughed, "No need. Let's pick enough to share with everyone."
Ryan wasn't about to let Tom steal all the fun. He bent down and picked a big strawberry, handing it to Olivia. "Here, for you."
The farmer brought over some baskets, and the four of them quickly divided the work. Grace Li and Olivia focused on picking the lower-hanging strawberries, while Tom and Ryan worked between the plants, reaching down to grab the ripe ones hiding beneath the leaves.
About ten minutes later, their baskets were full. On their way back, Grace Li carried one basket, and Tom Wilson carried two. They walked ahead, casually chatting.
Tom, noticing how heavy Grace's basket looked, said, "Grace Li, let me carry that for you. I'll take both baskets."
Grace Li looked at the two baskets he was carrying. "You've already got two, I'm fine with this one. It's not that heavy."
Tom chuckled. "I've got the strength for it. I can carry more."
Grace Li smiled. "I'm not fragile. I can handle it."
Ryan and Olivia each carried a basket behind them. Olivia glanced at Grace Li and Tom walking ahead and whispered to Ryan, "I'm guilty, but I kind of think Grace Li and Mr. Wilson make a perfect couple."
"That's a dangerous thought," Ryan said with a smirk.
Olivia giggled. "What's more dangerous, though? Mr. Thompson's got to be worried. If Grace keeps staying away, it could get tricky."
Ryan rolled his eyes. "Thompson's got everything going for him. Don't you think he's got the edge over Mr. Wilson?"
Olivia shrugged. "Well, Thompson is great, but Mr. Wilson's always around."
Ryan raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, but Grace and Thompson have something solid. I'd bet on them."
Back at the picnic site, Tom Wilson called everyone over to enjoy the strawberries. The sixty of them gathered around a large picnic table made by piecing together several blankets. The table was loaded with food they brought, along with the fresh strawberries they'd picked. Those who could cook showed off their skills, and Tom Wilson, ever the host, had made a delicious roasted chicken and pasta.
As they dug in, laughing and sharing stories, the atmosphere was light and cheerful. Tom's roasted chicken and pasta were a big hit. "Mr. Wilson, you're an amazing cook! This chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside—it's perfect!"
"Yeah, the pasta's amazing too. Didn't expect the boss to have such cooking skills," another coworker said.
Tom Wilson smiled and waved it off. "Glad you like it. I like to try out new recipes in my free time."
One of the new hires asked, "Mr. Wilson, do you cook often?"
"I used to cook a lot when I lived alone, but lately, I've been so busy with work, I don't do it much. My mom cooks for me when I can't."
"Your cooking is so good. Any girl who ends up with you is lucky," the new hire joked.
Tom Wilson glanced over at Grace Li.
The new hire caught the look and turned to Grace Li, teasing, "Ms. Li, what do you think?"
Grace Li, who had been enjoying a strawberry, was caught off guard. After a beat, she responded, "Well, Mr. Wilson really does make delicious food."
The new hire laughed. "So, are you interested in eating his cooking forever? He's still single, you know."
The group laughed, but Grace Li felt a little awkward. Smiling, she quickly defused the situation. "I'd better not let my boyfriend hear that. He's a bit jealous, and he'd probably be upset for days if he found out."
Some of the newer employees didn't know Grace Li had a boyfriend and assumed she was single, especially given how well she and Tom Wilson got along. Once Grace Li explained, everyone got the message, and the mood stayed light and fun.
The group continued chatting about various topics. Meanwhile, Ryan secretly texted Aiden Thompson, sharing a picture of the team-building day. In the photo, Grace Li was happily chatting with the group, her back to the camera.
Ryan: The Hengyue people were joking around, trying to set up a match between the boss and Mr. Wilson. You might want to be careful.
Aiden Thompson: What's going on?
Ryan: Grace Li said her boyfriend's a bit jealous and would probably be upset for days if he heard about it.*
Aiden Thompson: Well, she's not wrong. I can be a bit possessive.
Ryan: I'm just saying, you might want to watch your back. This could get tricky.
Aiden Thompson: Don't worry, I'm on it. I'll make my move when the time's right.