C260 Training Facility

At Lucia Goods, the morning's tense atmosphere had gradually settled. The employees moved about the building carrying documents and discussing projects as the lunch hour finally arrived. I glanced at the clock hanging on my office wall. "It's already lunchtime." Remembering how exhausted Alicia had looked earlier that morning, I decided not to let her skip another meal.

I picked up my phone and ordered several dishes from the company cafeteria before making my way to the director's office. A few minutes later, I knocked gently. "Come in." I pushed the door open with a smile. "Good afternoon, Wife." Alicia looked up from the mountain of documents spread across her desk. The moment she saw the food containers in my hands, a warm smile appeared on her face. "Husband."

She stretched her arms before letting out a small sigh. "Is it already lunchtime?" I placed the food on the coffee table. "It is." "And I had a feeling you were too busy to remember." She laughed softly. "You know me too well." "I probably would've continued working until evening." "I know." "That's exactly why I came." Alicia stood up and walked over. "You even brought food for me." I smiled proudly. "Of course." "If I don't take care of my wife, who will?"

She shook her head while laughing. "You've become quite sweet lately." "I've always been sweet." "You just never noticed." She rolled her eyes playfully. "Really?" "I think prison changed you." "It definitely did." "It taught me never to take family for granted." For a brief moment, neither of us spoke. Instead, we quietly unpacked the lunch boxes. The rich aroma of freshly cooked food quickly filled the office.

As we began eating, Alicia suddenly put down her fork. "Husband..." "I've been thinking about something all morning." I looked up. "What is it?" She hesitated for a moment before speaking seriously. "I've been thinking..." "What if we convert some of the unused rooms into training facilities?" I blinked. "Training facilities?" She nodded confidently. "Yes." "A shooting range." "A physical fitness room." "A boxing and self-defence training room." "Everyone willing to participate could receive basic training."

I couldn't help laughing. "Wife..." She frowned. "What?" "This is a technology company." "Not a military academy." She folded her arms. "So?" "I know that." "But technology doesn't stop bullets." Her words made me pause. She continued calmly, "Our programmers..." "Our accountants..." "Our cleaners..." "Our receptionists..." "They're all ordinary people." "If something ever happens, none of them would know how to defend themselves."

I slowly nodded. "When you put it that way..." "It does make sense." She smiled faintly. "I haven't decided yet." "I'll discuss it with Father and everyone else tonight." "I want to hear their opinions first." I thought for a moment. "Maybe instead of making it compulsory..." "We could make it voluntary." "Those interested can attend after working hours." "That way no one's job is affected." Alicia's eyes brightened. "That's actually a good idea." "And perhaps we could invite professionals instead of trying to train everyone ourselves."

I nodded. "Exactly." "We should leave dangerous work to professionals." She smiled warmly. "I knew discussing it with you would help." I chuckled. "I've earned at least one point as your husband today." "You've earned several." We both laughed. The tense mood from earlier finally eased. After finishing our meals, I packed the empty containers back into the bags. Then another thought crossed my mind. "So..." "What about Leon and Adam."

Alicia nodded. "They've already reported for duty." "I spoke with both of them this morning." "They seemed excited." "They understand how important their new positions are." I smiled. "I hope they live up to your expectations." "So do I." She looked toward the window. "There will definitely be resistance." "Some employees won't like being inspected." "But eventually they'll understand why these changes are necessary."

I nodded in agreement. "You've already changed this company more in a few days than some directors manage in years." She laughed. "Don't praise me too much." "I'll become arrogant." "You already are." She picked up a pen from her desk and pretended to throw it at me. "I heard that." I laughed and stood up. "Alright." "I should head back to my office." "We've both got work waiting."

She looked at me with an amused expression. "You're leaving already?" "Yes." "Unless my director has another order." She folded her arms dramatically. "I do." I raised an eyebrow. "And what would that be?" She smiled mischievously. "Aren't you forgetting something?" I looked around the office. "My documents?" "No." "My phone?" She shook her head. "My laptop?" She couldn't hold back her laughter anymore. "Husband..." "I only asked for a hug." I laughed loudly. "So today my wife is taking the initiative for the second time?"

She stood up and walked toward me. "Maybe." Without another word, I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around her. She rested her head gently against my chest. For several peaceful seconds, neither of us spoke. The silence itself was comforting. I leaned closer and whispered into her ear. "I love you, Wife." A deep blush immediately coloured her cheeks. She lightly pinched my arm. "I only asked for a hug." "I didn't ask for a confession."

I grinned. "The kiss is for my unborn child." She shook her head helplessly. "You really have changed." "I'll take that as a compliment." "It is." She smiled sweetly. "Now go before people start wondering why the Vice Director spends so much time in the Director's office." I laughed. "They already know." "They'll just assume we're discussing company matters." She rolled her eyes. "Go." "Yes, Director." I gave a playful salute before walking toward the door.

Just before leaving, I turned back one last time. Alicia was already sitting behind her desk again, reviewing another stack of files with complete concentration. Looking at her, I couldn't help smiling. No matter how heavy the challenges ahead became... I knew we would face them together. With that thought in mind, I quietly closed the office door behind me and returned to my own office, ready to begin the rest of the day's work.