Chapter 2 — 3500 Currency And A Slap In The Face Of The Whole Company

Is it a stepping stone for a giant child who refuses to grow up? Are they "comrades" so they can drain their flesh and blood? Or is it a money-making machine that later has to bear the burden of changing the lives of the whole family? An indescribable feeling of nausea rolled from my stomach. I'm not angry. Don't get mad either. All emotions in that moment disappeared, leaving only coldness and boredom that penetrated to the bone. I calmly moved the mouse and turned off all working software. Then open a blank Word file. The sound of the keyboard rang out crisply and decisively. Application for resignation. I only wrote exactly three lines.

"I'm Lam Mac. Due to personal reasons, I have to quit my job. I hope the company approves."

No resentment. No questioning. There wasn't even a single superfluous polite sentence. I don't want to continue to be involved with this company, with those people... even for just one more second. When the printer spit out that thin, light A4 paper, it was already dawning outside. I packed up my few personal belongings. Just a glass of water and a tiny pot of plants. I went to director Vuong Hai's office door. I stuffed my resignation letter through the crack in the door. Then take out your employee card from your pocket. The blue card had my name and photo printed on it. I looked at the person in that photo. There is still light in my eyes. I placed the card next to the firebox. Having done it all, I didn't look back. I don't greet anyone. Like a ghost that never existed, quietly leaving the building I had fought for countless nights. The elevator door slowly closed, reflecting my expressionless face. Must be... never see each other again. The next day, I slept until I woke up. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, leaving a bright streak of light on the floor. No more calling calls. There are no longer tons of messages urging progress like bombs exploding continuously. I spent the whole morning cleaning the rented room. Throw away a lot of things that are outdated and useless. It's like cleaning up three years of my career. In the afternoon, I sat on the balcony with my laptop and started updating my resume. I wrote down three years of project experience and technical achievements item by item. But every time I type another line... The number 3,500 yuan appears like an unjust ghost, mocking my stupidity. Finally I turned off the file, deciding to let myself rest a bit. At that moment, the phone rang. It's a strange number. I hesitated for a few seconds then picked up the phone.

"Miss Lam? I'm To Tinh..."

The girl's voice on the other end of the line was soft and cautious. Among the interns I have led, she is the most capable and hardworking.

“Is something wrong?”

My voice was very calm.

"Miss Lam, why didn't you come to the company today? Director Vuong... he is looking for you everywhere, his face is very unsightly."

To Tinh's voice was filled with worry.

“I quit my job.”

I replied leisurely. Obviously she was scared to death.

"Why? Why so suddenly? Is it... is it because of the salary?"

Her voice lowered to a whisper. I don't answer.

"I have some business at home. Let's talk later when we have a chance."

I don't want to drag that simple girl into this mud. Not long after hanging up, the phone rang again. This time it was “Director Vuong”. I looked at those three words, my eyes without any waves. Then turn off the device directly. Then pull Always add that number to the block list. The world is finally quiet. But that quiet didn't last long. My WeChat started showing notifications like crazy. It's a friend invitation from Director Vuong. I just ignore it. Then, someone tagged me in the company group. I opened it to see. It's an angry recording of director Vuong Hai.

"Lam Mac! What do you mean? You disappeared without saying a word? Do you know this behavior is extremely irresponsible? Call me back immediately!"

The tone was still full of familiar condescension as usual. I looked at the recording, the corners of my lips curled up into a cold smile. Lack of responsibility? When I was alone up all night fixing system errors, where was he? When I had to replace Truong Hao and bow my head to apologize to the customer for his mistake, where was he? Now he still has the face to blame me? I quit the entire work group without hesitation. Right after that, To Tinh texted me privately.

"Miss Lam, something big happened! At this morning's meeting, Director Vuong was so angry that he broke a glass, and said you were unorganized and undisciplined, and wanted to announce a criticism to the entire company!"

“What about from there?”

I replied.

“Then… then the customer called.”

Client. The person in charge of the new energy bidding project worth 50 million yuan. I have worked directly with him several times before. He is an extremely serious person, especially appreciating techniques and details. My eyes moved slightly.

“What did he say?”

"I was standing a bit far away so I couldn't hear clearly. I only heard Director Vuong keep saying 'yes yes yes, don't worry, it will definitely be done'. His attitude changed very quickly, after hanging up the phone his face turned pale."

Even through text messages, I still felt To Tinh's confusion and tension.

"After that, he went crazy looking for you. Now the whole room is forced to call you."

I can almost imagine Director Vuong's face. From red to white. Then from white it turned blue. Truly unique. I texted back:

"I know. Don't worry about me, just do your job well."

After sending the message, I switched my phone to silent mode. I don't want to continue being bothered by these nonsense anymore. I reopened my application, completed the final part, and pressed send. Recipients are some of the leading companies in the industry. I need a fresh start. A place that truly respects my values. In the evening, I make a simple meal. While eating, the doorbell suddenly rang. I looked through the cat's eyes and my heart suddenly sank. Director Vuong Hai. He actually found his way to my house. He stood outside the door, his face impatient, his forehead covered with sweat, completely lacking his usual high and noble leadership appearance. There was no one next to him.