The winter of 2024 seemed milder than usual, but the company's administrative offices were already filled with an atmosphere of anxiety and excitement. With two weeks left until the annual party, this place had become the busiest place in the entire company—the rustling of printers churning out process sheets, the footsteps of the purchasing team shuffling around with sample gift boxes, the murmur of the planning team debating over stage designs—like a pot of boiling water, bubbling with anticipation for the year-end feast.

At the preparatory meeting, the boss had decided to give everyone a big surprise. As soon as he finished speaking, the office erupted in cheers. Planning specialist Xiao Huang immediately opened the design software and dragged the four artistic characters "Annual Koi" into the background design.

On the afternoon of the annual meeting, the banquet hall was already a different scene. The administrative staff stood at the door, clutching the sign-in book, watching their colleagues arrive one after another—the men from the technical department, usually dressed in work clothes, changed into suits, and the women wore exquisite makeup.

At 5:30, a long line formed in front of the sign-in table. As each person accepted their gift, they smiled and said, "Thank you for your hard work!" to Xiao Lin. The warm atmosphere, like the banquet hall's pre-heated heating, gradually dispelled the chill outside the window.

At 6:00, the host walked onto the stage to the music, and the audience instantly fell silent.

"Dear family, the 2024 year-end dinner begins now!" As the words fell, cold fireworks erupted on either side of the stage, illuminating everyone's face.

The boss, Mr. Tan, followed immediately. He spoke without a manuscript in hand, his voice booming and full of emotion: "This year, our market share has doubled. These achievements aren't just mine; they're the result of the hard work of everyone here." ... Applause erupted from the audience, and some quietly pulled out their phones to jot down the boss's words.

As soon as Mr. Tan finished his speech, the boss's wife, Sister Sun, came onto the stage, her skirt lifted. Unlike the boss, she didn't talk about work; instead, she engaged in casual conversation: "I know everyone's busy." She smiled and gestured to the table. "And single young people, take note! There's a surprise game later, so don't just focus on eating."

This remark elicited laughter from the entire audience, and the once somewhat solemn atmosphere suddenly lightened. Many people had already picked up their chopsticks, eager to try the newly arrived hot dishes.

As the dinner officially began, the aroma of delicious food quickly filled the air. The tenderness of the steamed sea bass, the sweet and sour taste of the squirrel mandarin fish, and the steaming Buddha Jumps Over the Wall delighted everyone. After three rounds of drinks, the games began as expected.

"Telepathy" tested the team's chemistry. Two girls from the marketing department guessed ten words using only hand gestures and won a set of skincare products.

"Stool Grabbing" was the most exciting game. Seven boys and girls circled around six chairs. When the music stopped, the usually polite boys and girls started fighting over the chairs, both of them falling to the floor in laughter. After five rounds of drinks, the most exciting part finally arrived: the raffle. The administrator in charge of the raffle took the stage, carrying the raffle box. The first prize was drawn—the third prize. The person whose name was called trotted up, their face radiating joy. Upon receiving their prize, they high-fived everyone around them.

The atmosphere intensified when the second prize was drawn. The winner leaped from his seat, nearly knocking it over. He returned to his seat clutching the prize, surrounded by colleagues, all begging for their blessing.

Before the first prize was announced, the room was so quiet you could hear your own heartbeat. When Mr. Tan pronounced "her name," the entire banquet hall erupted in excitement. What a stroke of luck! Some in the audience enviously asked, "Why not me?" Others were genuinely happy for her.

Those who didn't win the grand prize seemed somewhat disappointed. They had hoped for a big prize, but ended up with only a consolation prize—a set of custom thermoses. He quietly tucked the cups into his bag.

As the dinner drew to a close, the river view outside the window was already ablaze with lights. Mr. Tan, holding a glass, walked around the tables, toasting, clinking glasses with everyone at each table and saying, "Keep going next year." Some began packing up their leftover snacks, while others took out their phones to take photos with colleagues, their background atop the stage's "2024 Thank You."

As we left the hotel, the night breeze was exceptionally soft. Some carried prizes and gifts, saying "See you next year" to one another; others, arms entwined, continued to discuss the hilarious game.

2024 The year ended with laughter and joy. This year brought its share of exhaustion from working late into the wee hours, and the frustration of failed project negotiations. But even more so, it brought the exhilaration of overcoming obstacles, the joy of receiving bonuses, and the warmth of the lovely people around us.

As the boss said, achievements belong to the past, and the future still requires hard work. But at least on this night, everyone can temporarily put their work aside and savor the glory that belongs to those who strive. What will next year's annual meeting look like? No one knows the answer, but everyone is filled with anticipation, ready to fight again and laugh again in the new year.