Chapter 5 - Chapter 5: Turmoil by the Pool

With the Stellar Center proposal finalized, the project entered the critical phase of preliminary design. Three consecutive weeks of intense work had left the team exhausted, dark circles under everyone's eyes. Noticing the frequent yawns echoing through the office, Creative Director Lin Man made a decision: a team building retreat that weekend at Yunqi Lake Resort on the outskirts of the city. It would allow everyone to relax and draw inspiration from the natural surroundings for the subsequent design work.Early on Saturday morning, a bus carrying over twenty people departed the city, winding along mountain roads toward the resort. Su Wan leaned against the window, watching the greenery blur past. Her tightly wound nerves finally relaxed. Beside her, Designer Xiao Li flipped excitedly through a resort brochure: "I heard their infinity pool is amazing! At night, you can see stars reflected in the water—we have to check it out this afternoon!"Su Wan nodded with a smile, her fingers unconsciously brushing the edge of her phone case. Since their late-night conversation at the café, she and Lu Chengyu had only interacted about work, with no private contact. She thought of his approval of her revised proposal and the stories he'd shared about his past, a faint, indescribable flutter stirring in her chest.When the bus pulled into the resort, the midday sun blazed brightly. Nestled along the lake, Yunqi Lake Resort featured buildings with gray tiles and white walls tucked among lush trees. The distant lake shimmered like scattered gold. After checking in, the team enjoyed a authentic farm-style meal at the lakeside restaurant. During the afternoon free time, most of the group headed straight for the outdoor pool area.Su Wan changed into a light blue swimsuit and stepped toward the pool, instantly captivated by the view. The infinity pool seamlessly merged with the distant Yunqi Lake, sky and water blending into one. Several egrets glided leisurely across the surface. Xiao Li and their colleagues were already playing water volleyball in the pool; spotting Su Wan, they waved enthusiastically: "Su Wan, come join us! The water's so cool!"Su Wan waded slowly into the pool, the cool water rising from her ankles to her knees, finally enveloping her entire body. The summer heat vanished in an instant. She swam to the edge, resting against the pool wall as she watched her colleagues laugh and play, occasionally passing the ball. Smiles gradually spread across her face.As the sun set, lights around the pool flickered to life. Dinner was an open-air barbecue, the sizzle of grilled meat mingling with the scent of grass and trees in the evening breeze, making everyone's mouths water. Lin Man raised her juice glass: "You've all worked so hard these past weeks. I hope this retreat recharges you. Next, let's work together to make Stellar Center a true urban landmark!""Cheers!" everyone echoed in unison, the crisp clink of glasses ringing pleasantly in the night.After dinner, a bonfire party kicked off on the lawn by the lake. Staff lit a large bonfire, its dancing flames reddening everyone's faces. Someone picked up a guitar, and the group gathered around the fire to sing classic old songs—from Friends to The Brightest Star in the Night Sky. Singing and laughter intertwined, warm and vibrant.Su Wan hummed along, occasionally glancing up at the starry sky, her heart unusually peaceful. By nine o'clock, exhaustion washed over her. She said goodnight to Lin Man and Xiao Li, planning to head back to her room early to rest.The path from the lawn to the accommodation area wound along the lake, lined with streetlights casting soft warm glows. Frogs croaked gently from the lake. Su Wan walked slowly, savoring the rare tranquility. As she passed the pool area, she glanced inside instinctively—the once-bustling pool was now empty, only the faint glow of emergency lights illuminating the water, which shimmered darkly in the night.Just as she turned to continue walking, her foot suddenly slipped. An evening drizzle had left moss growing on the stone slabs, robbing her of her balance. She stumbled forward with a splash, plunging into the pool.Ice-cold water engulfed her instantly. Su Wan panicked, choking on several mouthfuls. She had been afraid of water since childhood and couldn't swim at all. Her limbs flailed wildly in the water, but she only sank deeper. Fear coiled around her heart like vines. She struggled to shout: "Help! Is anyone there... Help!"The shore was deserted. Her cries sounded faint and helpless in the empty pool area, quickly drowned out by the wind and frog croaks. As her consciousness blurred, thinking she would drown in the icy water, a rush of rapid footsteps suddenly came from the distance."Don't move! I'm coming!"The familiar male voice jolted Su Wan partially awake. She strained to lift her head, making out a tall figure darting toward the pool before leaping in without hesitation. The cold water didn't seem to hinder him—he swam swiftly toward her like a fish, his strong arms wrapping around her waist and lifting her toward the surface."Hold onto me, don't be afraid." The deep voice echoed beside her, carrying a reassuring warmth. Su Wan clung instinctively to his collar, burying her face in his shoulder. A faint cedar scent lingered at her nose—it was Lu Chengyu!She never expected to run into him here.Lu Chengyu swam with Su Wan to the shore, lifting her out of the water with both hands. The stone path was still slippery; fearing she might fall again, he half-carried her toward the accommodation area. Soaked to the bone, her hair clinging to her cheeks, Su Wan shivered uncontrollably, yet she could clearly feel the warmth of his palms and the steady beat of his heart against her."Why are you here?" Su Wan's voice trembled with tears and lingering fear."Our company has a cooperative project here—I'm here for an inspection. I heard your team was having a retreat, and I planned to say hello to Director Lin tomorrow," Lu Chengyu replied, slightly out of breath, clearly exhausted from the rescue. "I just left the meeting room when I heard a commotion by the pool."They reached Su Wan's room door. Lu Chengyu swiped her card to unlock it, supporting her as she stepped into the living room. "Go take a hot shower first. I'll find you a towel." He rummaged through the wardrobe.Watching him busy himself, Su Wan felt a surge of mixed emotions. The serious, composed investment president she knew from meetings was now standing before her in a soaking wet shirt, bending down to fetch a towel for her. Water dripped from his forehead, yet he looked anything but disheveled—instead, he exuded a rare warmth and approachability."Thank you," Su Wan whispered, her voice as light as a feather. "Today... if it weren't for you, I don't know what would have happened."Lu Chengyu frowned at her pale face. "Go shower first—don't catch a cold. I'll wait in the living room. Afterward, I'll take you to the nearby clinic for a checkup. I'm worried about you."Su Wan nodded, grabbing the towel and heading into the bathroom. Warm water cascaded over her, chasing away the chill and calming her chaotic thoughts. She thought of the terror in the water, Lu Chengyu's leap into the pool, and the warmth of his embrace—her heart raced uncontrollably.When she emerged from the bathroom, changed into dry clothes, she found Lu Chengyu had also changed into clean casual wear—likely fetched from his own room. He held a cup of hot ginger tea, offering it to her immediately: "Drink this while it's hot to ward off the cold."Su Wan took the cup, the warmth spreading from her fingertips to her heart. "Your clothes..." She glanced at his folded wet shirt on the sofa, feeling embarrassed."It's fine—I have spares in my room," Lu Chengyu waved it off, his gaze lingering on her face. "How do you feel? Any discomfort?""Much better. I was just really scared earlier," Su Wan sipped the ginger tea slowly, the warmth soothing her throat and stomach.Lu Chengyu fell silent for a moment before speaking: "From now on, don't walk alone on remote paths at night—especially near water. If you ever find yourself in a situation like this again, stay calm and try to keep your body afloat. Let me teach you a few simple self-rescue moves..."He explained earnestly, a hint of barely detectable anxiety in his tone. As Su Wan looked at his focused profile, she suddenly realized that the intimidating Mr. Lu also had a gentle, attentive side.After finishing the ginger tea, Lu Chengyu insisted on taking Su Wan to the clinic. The doctor took her temperature, confirming she was unharmed—just shaken—and prescribed some calming medication. On the way back, they walked slowly along the lake, moonlight glistening on the water's surface."Don't tell anyone about tonight," Lu Chengyu suddenly said. "I don't want people to get the wrong idea and affect your work."Su Wan froze for a moment, then understood. He was worried that rumors about their private interaction might cause unnecessary trouble for her. A warm, soft feeling tugged at her heart. "I understand," she replied quietly.They stopped at her room door. "Get some rest. Call me anytime if you need anything," Lu Chengyu pulled a business card from his pocket, printed with his personal phone number. "This is my private line—it's on 24/7."Su Wan took the card, her fingers brushing his accidentally. Both froze for a split second before pulling away quickly. The air seemed to thicken with an ambiguous tension; under the moonlight, their eyes darted away from each other."I'll go inside now. You should rest too," Su Wan said, turning to open the door."Su Wan," Lu Chengyu called out suddenly.She turned back to find him standing in the moonlight, his gaze unusually sincere. "Take good care of yourself from now on."Su Wan's heart skipped a beat. She nodded vigorously, pushing open the door and slipping inside. By the time she closed it, her cheeks were burning. Leaning against the door, she stared at the business card in her hand, her fingers tracing the phone number gently. Memories of the night replayed in her mind—the rescue in the pool, the warmth of his palms, and his earnest gaze under the moonlight.The moonlight outside remained soft. Su Wan knew that from tonight onward, something had quietly changed.