In the "Qiumingshan" group chat, someone always pops up every now and then to chat—jumping from parenting headaches to travel tips, from code bugs to world affairs. This group, originally created to compete on "coding skills", has been around for five or six years now. Most members no longer work at the same company, but the bonds we formed back then are like a fine aged tea: the longer it steeps, the richer the flavor becomes.
This year's gathering was set at a teahouse called "Sleepless Marquis". Knowing this group's habit of running late, I decided to take it easy myself. The meetup was scheduled for 2 PM; I rolled into the parking lot around 2:30 PM, just in time to run into Lydia and her two-year-old daughter, Yami. Turns out, we were the first "eager" ones to arrive.
Unexpectedly, we chatted for a full hour before the third friend showed up. You could say this group has a strong sense of time… because braving the cold to meet up at all shows real dedication, even if no one arrives on the dot.
During that hour, Lydia and I covered a lot of ground. I truly admire her seemingly endless energy. Her day job is demanding—overtime is common—yet on weekends, on top of caring for her child, she's also pursuing a postgraduate degree and working part-time as a university lecturer. It's like she's stretching every hour into two.
When I mentioned trying freelancing, she said very seriously, "That takes courage". She told me she's been reading my articles and hopes I find the view I'm looking for. She also admitted frankly, "I can't seem to stop. I'm like a bird that can't land; any free moment must be filled".
Her daughter, Yami, was wonderfully well-behaved. The two-year-old played quietly by herself, exploring here and there, never fussing or interrupting. I said, "Your kid is so easygoing. If mine were here, this place would be upside down in ten minutes".
Coincidentally, she was also brushing up on her English. We swapped study tips, and I added her to an English corner I've been joining lately, suggesting we practice together sometime.
After Liu arrived, the conversation shifted to a different perspective on Sany Group. Outsiders say it's a "sweatshop among sweatshops", but her department hasn't worked overtime in two years, and leadership is reasonable. I said, "That's rare—finding a good manager is like winning the lottery". I also recalled interviewing for their international department once but decided commuting across the entire city from southwest to northeast wasn't worth it.
People trickled in slowly, and the familiar vibe instantly returned—like the group chat had come to life:
- Old Jiang, you're living the dream—no pressure, great benefits. Office workers envy you.
- Ahem, true… but honestly, this comfort zone makes you lazy. It's Old Sun who's got guts, living the life many of us coders wish for.
- Old Zhang, your career's been a roller coaster—every recent job hit a rough patch.
- It's alright, I got severance each time. No real loss.
- Akun, you sly fox! With your crosstalk background, no wonder you slid from coding into sales so smoothly. New car, good income, glowing complexion—and you've filled out a bit!
- Oh, come on! I still miss coding with everyone, trading jokes and showing off our "programming chops."
- Sorry I'm late—parking was insane! Saw Old Sun's Mini and thought about calling you to move it so I could squeeze in. Haha!
- Only you'd dare…
- Why not? This is Old Sun we're talking about. Don't worry, I didn't actually do it.
- *Old Sha, you made it! Why so quiet in the Qiumingshan group lately? *
- Wish I could chat more, but company restrictions are tight—WeChat's blocked at work. Once I log in, I basically go MIA.
During dinner, as glasses clinked, I felt a wave of nostalgia. This kind of camaraderie is much like the name "Sleepless Marquis"—not intense or clingy, usually just sitting quietly in the contact list. But over a pot of tea, we slip right back into heart-to-heart conversation, no reservations needed.
Someone at the table joked: "Good thing we don't work together anymore. No competing interests—just pure, easy gatherings, right?" Everyone laughed, as if that simple truth was the very foundation holding this warmth together.
Suddenly, my phone buzzed—a call from home. The "major project" of childcare needed backup. I packed up my mood and said an early goodbye. Everyone was understanding: "Next time, then. Drive safe on your way home."
On the road, I chatted with my AI language partner about the day, replaying those warm moments. Streetlights streamed past the window, carrying the glow of old friends in my heart.
And so, a simple, fulfilling day came to a close.
I'll end with an AI-assisted poem, "Record of Gathered Around the Hearth," to bookmark this little piece of happiness:
Record of Gathered Around the Hearth
Once we shared cubicles, side by side,
Now scattered like stars, far and wide.
Some ride business tides, some tech's swift race,
While I tend my own hearth, at a quieter pace.
Once we debated tasks, deadlines in tow,
Now we reunite where warm feelings still grow.
In winter's chill, this yearly accord,
Gathered around the fire, heart to heart, restored.
This article was originally written in Chinese and machine-translated into English.It has been reviewed for accuracy.