Chapter 12 — The entire department's salary is 39,000 yuan, just me 5,800 yuan

Then turn on the computer. Reopen the previously completed document 《Work Handover List》. Final check. Inside are clearly written twelve daily work items. Thirty-four things happened. Links to all related documents. Operation instructions. Contact information of person in charge. Even the phone number of the drinking water supplier. Or printer cartridge code. I also wrote down clearly without missing a single item. I attached that document along with the entire SOP repository. Email everyone in the department. The email subject is: 【Job Handover】Chu Nhien – Project Assistant Position Done everything. I started packing my things. Actually, there aren't many things. One cup lasts three years. A pen. A notebook. And that betel pot. When I stood up holding the cardboard box. Ly Vy stepped forward. On his face was an extremely complex expression. And a little pleading too.

“Chu Nhien…”

“Do...do you really have to go?”

I looked at her. Gently nodded.

“Report by Hoa Thinh...”

“I still can't do the recipe part.”

“Can you... help me one last time?”

The voice was almost pleading. I looked at her. Don't reply right away. The whole office was silent. People stop working. Listen secretly. My eyes left Ly Vy. Slowly scanning the office that I have been in for three years. Scanning the once familiar faces. But now it feels so strange. I said softly:

“In the handover email I just sent.”

“There is a PDF file named 《Instructions for Operating Quarterly Data Summary Report V3.0》.”

“Pages 17 to 22.”

“Explains formula logic and error handling in great detail.”

I don't look at her anymore. Grab the cardboard box. Walk towards the door. Ly Vy stood dumbfounded on the spot. His face was sometimes red, sometimes white. My meaning is very clear. I have taught it all. Even documented each step. If you still can't learn. That's your problem. When passing by Vuong Le's office. The door suddenly opened. Vuong Le stood there. The face is haggard. Eyes bloodshot from staying awake. Look at the carton in my hand. Her lips moved slightly. Seems like he wants to say something. But my steps never stopped. I didn't even look at her once. Just calmly passing by. Exactly like the past three years. Vuong Le has passed by me countless times. See me as air. Grab the cardboard box. I walked through the long work area. Head towards the elevator. Behind is an eerie silence. I don't turn around. When stepping out of the company building. Stand in the sun. I took a deep breath. Fresh air filled my chest. Three years of pressure. Three years of self-pity. Three years of patience. In that moment. It all disappears cleanly with the breath. I'm free. I took out my phone. Enter a series of numbers. The other end of the line quickly picked up the phone.

“General Manager Tran, I have completed the resignation procedures.”

“I'll go over now.”

On the other side, cheerful laughter rang out.

“Everyone is waiting for you.”

“Future Team Leader of the Phoenix Project.”

I laughed. Then turned his head to look back at the gray office building behind him. Last. Then turn around. Don't look back anymore. Step by step, go to the other side of the road. Where there is a whole new world. And also the place that truly belongs to me. Cong's office building Lap Tan Technology is located right in the heart of the city's busiest CBD area. Transparent glass walls reflect sunlight. The hall is spacious and bright. In the air there was the scent of coffee and quiet technical discussions. Everything is completely different from my old company. No more cramped cubicles. Instead there is a modern open space. Discussion areas appear everywhere. Everyone is busy. But everyone's face showed concentration and enthusiasm. General Director Tran. Full name is Tran Lap Tan. One of the company's founders. He personally waited for me in the lobby. About fifty years old. Wear casual office clothes. Mental clarity. His eyes were sharp but gentle.

“Tieu Chu, welcome.”

He proactively reached out his hand.

“General Manager Tran, you are too polite.”

I shook his hand. Warm and strong hands.

"No."

“We don't hire employees.”

“But looking for future partners.”