Chapter 1 — The entire department's salary is 39,000 yuan, just me 5,800 yuan

Whole Department Average Salary 39,000 Yuan

“Let's talk about contract extension…”

She hasn't finished her sentence yet. I directly presented the resignation letter that I had prepared a long time ago. She was stunned for three seconds. Then he immediately panicked and said:

"Don't rush, we can discuss your remuneration."

I smiled.

“No need.”

“I have found a new job.”

“Monthly salary 25,000 yuan.”

My desk is located in the most hidden corner of the department, like a forgotten betel pot. Five twenty-nine p.m. Only one minute left until work ends. The other people in the room had already started packing their things. The sound of typing on the keyboard gradually subsided, replaced by the sound of high heels tapping on the floor and the rustling sound of zippers on designer bags. My eyes were still glued to the computer screen. I'm working on a project report that was pushed to me at four-thirty in the afternoon. The original owner of that report was Ly Vy, who sat across from me.

"Chu Nhien, the customer is rushing this report. I have a very important appointment tonight, please help me complete it. Love you so much!"

Having finished speaking, Ly Vy did not wait for me to answer before leaving with a strong scent of perfume. On the table, there was only the sweet smell of perfume and a messy Word file with messy formatting and data errors everywhere. Something like this has happened countless times in the past three years. Three years ago, I was recruited into this department under the social recruitment category, holding the title of "project assistant". Monthly salary 5,800 yuan. Meanwhile, this is the company's core business department, where the average salary per person is up to 39,000 yuan per month. This number is not my guess. One time during a company party, the girl in the administrative office had drunk too much and pulled my hand, half pitying half boasting, and accidentally said:

"Chu Nhien, in your entire department, your salary is the lowest. Ms. Vuong Le really knows how to save costs."

At that time, I just smiled lightly, helped my drunk colleague, and said nothing. Of course I know. Every month when my salary slip is sent to my email, I open it and take a look. The number 5,800.00 appeared both dazzlingly and calmly. I also know that Ly Vy's salary is three times my salary. But two-thirds of the work completing her monthly reports is done by me. I also know that Trieu Vu, the department's sales champion, every time he raises a glass to celebrate, he brags about the contracts worth millions of yuan he signed. But at least a third of the support data and customer research behind those contracts was compiled by me staying up at night. I just never said it. In meetings, I always sit in the last row. During discussions, I never expressed my opinion. Every time there is a party, I am always the one who pours tea and cleans up the mess for everyone. I am like the atmosphere in the office. Everyone needs me. But no one saw me. Vuong Le walked out of the office and looked around. Her eyes scanned the empty desks, finally stopping at the corner of the room, the only place still lit. She frowned slightly and walked over. The sound of high heels echoed loudly in the quiet office especially jarring.

“Chu Nhien, are you still working?”

I raised my head and pushed up my glasses.

"Yes, Ms. Vuong. Ly Vy's report is a bit urgent, so I'll handle it."

Vuong Le glanced at the dense tables on the screen, her tone carrying a matter-of-fact tone as if she was teaching:

"You have to improve your work efficiency. It's good for young people to work a little more, but you also have to pay attention to the method."

She didn't ask why Ly Vy's report needed me to do it. Never cared about that either. In her eyes, I was just a screw with the highest cost-effectiveness ratio. Wherever needed, screw it there. Docile. No need for maintenance.

“I know, Ms. Vuong.”

My voice didn't carry any emotion. Vuong Le nodded with satisfaction and turned to leave.

“Ah yes.”

As if suddenly remembering something, she turned her head.

"This weekend, the department went to team building and to the neighboring city to soak in hot springs. The company pays all expenses, you can go too."

My fingers that were typing on the keyboard stopped.

“Sister Vuong, I might have some work this weekend…”

Vuong Le's face immediately darkened.

"What's the matter? It's a group activity organized by the company and you want to make an exception?"

"This is a very good opportunity to bond with colleagues. Normally, I'm already too introverted and not sociable at all."

A hat called "unsociable" was placed on my head. I lowered my eyes and looked at the screen.

“Yes, I know.”

“Um, that's correct.”

Only then did Vuong Le leave satisfied. In the office, I was alone again. I quietly completed the rest of the report. Compare data. Edit format. Until every detail is perfect without any flaws. The clock hands pointed to exactly nine o'clock in the evening. I turned off the computer, stood up, and gently rubbed my stiff neck from sitting for too long. The whole floor was in darkness. Only my place still has a little light. I picked up the phone. The screen lit up. On the screen lock interface, a calendar notification appears extremely prominently.

“Contract expiration date: 5 days left.”

I looked at that text, my face didn't change emotion at all. Turning off the phone screen, I carried the cloth bag I've used for the past three years. Then step straight into the deep night ahead.