Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups-Chapter 1165 - 566

The countryside at dusk is especially tranquil, lacking the hustle and bustle of the city.

Only a few occasional barks from dogs in the distance, and the calls of birds returning to their nests.

As several cars arrived one after another, the previously quiet Yunlin Cottage suddenly became lively.

Two large barbecue grills had already been set up in the yard, the charcoal just lit, still emitting wisps of black smoke.

Xiao Shuai rolled up his sleeves to his elbows and was squatting by the grill, frantically fanning with a palm fan.

He was the first to arrive here after receiving a call from Fang Cheng.

Clearly, he had put a lot of thought into participating in this team-building activity.

He had specially styled his hair into a shiny slicked-back look, wearing a neatly pressed dark blue suit and shoes polished until they shone.

In this crowd of people dressed in casual or even bandage outfits, he seemed out of place, like a real estate agent just off work.

But he didn’t feel the least bit embarrassed, instead, he was particularly diligent, eagerly taking on the role of head chef.

Even when he was coughing from the smoke, he grinned at Fang Cheng, who came over to help:

"Chairman, I can handle this little thing, you take a rest!"

On the other side, Xu Hao had already gotten chummy with Fatty Hu, Fei Ying, and a few other rough guys.

This kid, with a cavalier demeanor, was holding two freshly opened beers, boasting spit flying about his "legendary" tales from the underworld.

Fatty Hu was listening intently, bursting into fits of laughter like the sound of barbells at times, clearly appreciating this rogue vibe.

The women were gathered around the long table, preparing ingredients.

Lin Chuqiao, Jiang Yun, and Xiao Ya were busy picking vegetables, cutting meat, plating, and skewering.

Bean was a bit uncomfortable with such a boisterous occasion.

She shrank tightly behind Jiang Yun like a startled little quail, only showing her big eyes to sneak glances at the strangers around.

Just then, the roar of an engine came from outside.

A red convertible sports car smoothly parked at the entrance of the yard.

Bai Ling jumped out of the car, seemingly having hitched a ride.

This girl had her hair tied up in a high ponytail and was clad in sportswear, resembling a happy little bird, chattering incessantly as soon as she stepped through the door.

She first greeted Fang Cheng and the Professor, then her eyes lit up, and she went directly over to Jiang Yun’s side.

"Wow, a new face at last!"

She wasn’t the least bit shy, curiously eyeing Jiang Yun and the timid Bean behind her:

"Sister, your skin is so fair! And this little girl, she’s so cute, just a bit too thin."

"Don’t worry, I’ll buy you lots of snacks from now on to make you plump and cute!"

Immediately after, the driver’s door of the sports car opened, and a sturdy young man stepped out.

He was wearing a limited edition trendy brand, with a Patek Philippe sky full of stars on his wrist. As soon as he got out, he removed his sunglasses, revealing a handsome yet somewhat rakish face.

It was Lin Chuqiao’s cousin, Pan Wendi.

"Whoa! So this is our Illuminati’s new base? Pretty discreet!"

Pan Wendi glanced around, finally resting his gaze on Lin Chuqiao, and exaggeratedly complimented:

"Cousin, should I call you Minister now?"

"This is just a temporary outpost."

Lin Chuqiao rolled her eyes at him.

Fang Cheng stepped forward with a smile and greeted:

"You made it?"

"Of course!"

Pan Wendi bumped fists with Fang Cheng, his gaze sweeping to the barbecue, immediately lighting up with excitement:

"I turned down two engagements for this barbecue, even skipped a date with a hot young starlet. So, is tonight an all-you-can-eat?"

After saying that, he didn’t consider himself an outsider, instantly blending into the group of men.

"Bro, your muscles are pretty impressive! Were you in the army or a professional fighter?"

Though Pan Wendi was a second-generation rich kid, he wasn’t pretentious.

And being a natural chatterbox, he quickly got along well with Xu Hao, Fatty Hu, Fei Ying, and the others.

Before long, a half-old pickup truck splattered with mud arrived next, parking at the yard’s gate.

As soon as the vehicle stopped, the door was pushed open, and Li Dingjian jumped out from the driver’s seat.

He wore a gray jacket and carried a basket of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Following him were two people, each holding a jug of rice wine.

It was Big Hammer and Monkey, who were responsible for surveillance at the tubular building.

Earlier, Li Dingjian had stopped by the Old Factory Street to fetch the two of them along.

"Uncle."

Fang Cheng hurried forward to take the heavy basket.

"Ah Cheng."

Li Dingjian patted Fang Cheng’s shoulder, his eyes scanning him up and down.

Seeing no signs of injury, a smile appeared on his face:

"I brought some home-grown vegetables along the way, freshly picked, fresher than store-bought ones."

"Chairman!"

Big Hammer and Monkey greeted as well.

Fang Cheng nodded at the two of them, replying warmly:

"Thanks for your hard work, head on inside."

With everyone finally present, Yunlin Cottage became thoroughly lively.

As they spent time together, everyone gradually became familiar with each other.

Each person seemed like a member of one big family, naturally getting busy.

Xu Kuan wasn’t much of a talker, but he was quite handy, quietly setting up various party equipment, organizing the scene in an orderly manner.

Jiang Yun and Xiao Ya surrounded the sink, washing fruits and vegetables, the sound of splashing water mixed with occasional soft whispered chats.

Xiao Shuai was the busiest one.

He shuttled between the crowd in formal attire, tending to the grill, and then running to the kitchen for seasoning.

Sweat formed a fine layer on his forehead, which he didn’t bother wiping off.

As dusk fell, several strings of yellow camping lights were strung up in the yard.

Under the dim yellow light, the charcoal burned a bright red.

Cumin and oil dripped onto the charcoal, sizzled, and released an aroma that wafted far away on the evening breeze.