It was about eight years ago when I first met him. I couldn’t help smiling the moment I saw on him. He looked just like Santa! He was in his 50’s, chubby, with a big belly, soft white hair and mustache, gentle smile. Just gather around the reindeers and he’s ready to go.

He was a high level manager in another group. My good friend works for him. Sometimes when I went over to talk to my friend, I would see him. He would always chat with me a little bit. He’s got a cheerful personality and a great sense of humor.

Remember once I was having lunch with him. My cell phone rang. He said, “Cell phones are used too much nowadays.”

“Last time, I went to the bathroom …” he continued,
“Right after I sat down, someone in next stall said, ‘Hi, how are you?’.
I was a little surprised and didn’t answer at first.
‘Hi, what’s up?’ the man went again.
There seemed nobody else in the bathroom but me and him.
Didn’t want to be rude, so I replied, ‘I am ok …’
‘What are you doing over there?’ the man went on.
Now I was astonished, looking down on myself …
‘Hey, why not answer me?’ he asked again.
Reluctantly I started to murmur, ‘I am making a …’
After a while, I got out from the stall, found he was getting out too, talking on his cell phone!”

“Ha-ha …” everyone on the table fell down laughing.

He was such a jolly fellow. Once, he told me, he’s been married three times, devoiced the first two times. On average, each marriage lasted for ten years. I said to him, “Then it’s about time for this one.” Immediately I regretted being such a big mouth, but he answered joyfully, “Ha, let’s see how it goes!”

Another time, I saw him in the hallway. He approached me, lowering his voice, speaking secretively, “I want to ask you a question.”
“Sure.” I was expecting something serious.
“Why are you so happy everyday?”
“That’s because I can see you everyday!”
“Ha-ha …”

My good friend had a baby. He was always a nice boss. He bought gifts for the baby and asked me to bring them to my friend. They are baby clothes. He teased like usual, “Now are you going to put them on eBay tomorrow?”
“Why? I will save them for my next baby.”
“Ha-ha!” again.

Talking to him is always fun. Sometimes it also feels like answering riddles.

He joined the firm almost the same time as I did, both as contractors initially. He got promoted fast, but his friendly and pleasant manners never changed. No wonder people all want to work for him. It does seem in workplace, skills and personalities are both important!

以上翻译是女朋友文的杰作. 真是不得不佩服她的英文! It's such a good one and she expresses my thoughts completely!

记得公司以前每年都会做一次问卷调查, 其中的一个问题是:
Do you have a best friend at work?
我每年都很生气地填上 "NO". 也不知道这气从何来, 反正对这个Working Enviornment有不满......
自从认识文到我们成为好朋友后, 我都会高高兴兴地写上"YES!"

眨眼, 已五年有多......