Chapter 3 — The entire department's salary is 39,000 yuan, just me 5,800 yuan

Three days before the contract expires. The atmosphere in the office started to become a bit strange. The news that I was about to quit my job was like a stone thrown into a lake. Doesn't create big waves. But each ripple still spreads silently, enough for everyone to feel. No one knows how that news spread. Perhaps that day, Trieu Vu passed by the meeting room and accidentally heard a few words. It is also possible that Vuong Le, during a meeting with other department heads, casually complained a few words. Lately, Ly Vy's attitude towards me has been much more polite. She no longer conveniently threw the report to me. Even took the initiative to buy me a cup of coffee.

"Chu Nhien, I heard you're about to quit your job? How will we live in the future?"

Ly Vy's tone was half joking and half probing. I took the cup of coffee and leisurely replied: Other than that, I won't explain anything further. Trieu Vu also asked in a roundabout way:

"Chu Nhien, have you found a new job? What company is it? What are the benefits?"

I just shook my head.

“Still undecided.”

My calmness and attitude of neither confirming nor denying made everyone unpredictable. They were so used to a Chu Nhien who was patient, resigned, and had almost no feeling of existence. This unexpected resistance made them both surprised and uneasy. Four o'clock in the afternoon. The internal phone on my desk rang. It was Vuong Le calling.

“Chu Nhien, come into my office for a moment.”

The voice sounded very calm. Even a little gentler than usual. In the department, everyone's eyes seemed to be directed towards me. Everyone knows this is the final "contract extension negotiation". In their eyes, my resignation was just a step back to take two steps forward. What kind of trouble can a bottom-level employee with a salary of 5,800 yuan create? At most, they just want a raise. As long as Vuong Le raises another thousand or two yuan, draws a few more promotion cakes, this matter will be over soon. I stood up, adjusted my clothes and walked towards the department head's office. Push the door and step in. Vuong Le is sitting behind the desk. There was a familiar social smile on his face.

“Come here, sit down.”

She pointed to the chair opposite. Even personally poured me a glass of water.

“Chu Nhien, you've been in the company for three years, right?”

“Time goes by really fast.”

Vuong Le started with familiar opening sentences.

“Over the past three years, I have seen your efforts and dedication.”

"You work hard and are diligent. If the department lacked you, many tasks would be difficult to carry out."

I listened quietly. Don't interject a single sentence. I know well. These words are just a stepping stone. Vuong Le's tone quickly changed.

"My contract is about to expire. Regarding the extension, let's discuss..."

She hasn't finished her sentence yet. I took out a neatly folded A4 piece of paper from the folder I was carrying. Then gently put it down in front of her. The movement is not big. The sound is also very quiet. But it was like someone pressed the pause button. All the words that Vuong Le had prepared were stuck in her throat. The smile on her face stiffened. She bowed her head and looked at the paper. Above, the three words "Resignation Application Form" printed clearly. The air in the office immediately froze. Vuong Le was stunned for three seconds. Absolutely did not expect things to turn out like this. In the script that she has prepared. She should have first confirmed my abilities. Afterwards I was moved and grateful. Then she took the opportunity to give a few reminders. Finally, both soft and tough discussed the terms of contract extension. But not like now. The words haven't been finished yet. The other party directly submitted his resignation letter. The entire rhythm is broken. The feeling of losing control made Vuong Le's face immediately become unsightly. She suddenly raised her head. His voice also lost its previous gentleness and became urgent and sharp.

“Chu Nhien!”

“What do you mean?”

I looked straight into her eyes. First time without avoiding it. My eyes are calm. The corner of his lips even hinted at a faint smile.

“Ms. Vuong.”

“The meaning is exactly as it appears on the letter.”

“The contract has expired, I don't intend to renew it anymore.”

Vuong Le's chest rose and fell violently. She's panicked. Not because of how important I am. But because my departure will bring a series of problems that she cannot solve immediately. Who will assign the odd, dirty and tiring jobs that no one wants to do? Personnel costs have been squeezed to the lowest level. Where else would she find a cheap replacement like me? The next quarterly budget report is about to be submitted. She has absolutely no time to recruit and train a new employee.

“Don't rush!”

Vuong Le's voice unconsciously became a few points higher. She held out her hand as if to keep her resignation letter.

“We can discuss any problem!”

“Compensation is not impossible to adjust!”

“If you feel that the salary of 5,800 yuan is too low, I can ask for your help…”

“Please help me raise 7,000 yuan!”

“No, 8,000 yuan!”

“How about 8,000 yuan?”

She was like a market seller frantically haggling. Panic gave his final price. Looking at Vuong Le's panicked appearance, I burst out laughing. It was a genuine smile that came from the bottom of the heart. It was as if the burden that had been weighing on my shoulders for the past three years had finally been lifted.

“No need, Ms. Vuong.”

My voice is not loud. But every word fell clearly into Vuong Le's ears.

“I have found a new job.”

Vuong Le was stunned.

“New job?”

I slowly stood up. Looking down at her from above. Just like that day in the office, when she stood looking at me with superior eyes. I looked straight into her eyes. Each word rang out:

“Monthly salary…”

“25,000 yuan.”

Vuong Le's pupils immediately shrank. Her eyes widened. The expression on his face changed from panic to utter disbelief.

“25,000 yuan?”

She almost blurted out. It seemed unacceptable that an employee whom she had always considered to be at the lowest level of the department could receive such a high salary. Right at that moment. The office door is not completely closed. Outside the door. Trieu Vu just passed by. And he just happened to hear those words that were like lightning striking a clear sky. His steps immediately stopped. Gape. His eyes stopped looking at Vuong Le, whose face was pale in the office. Look at me again. The person from whom He had never really paid attention until now. The person who always sits in the most hidden corner. Always work quietly. Always seen as a character that can be replaced at any time. But at this time. My body seems to be radiating a light that makes it impossible for others to ignore. The light of confidence. Of recognized competence. And of a person who finally decided to leave a place that never appreciated him.