Wen Ran turned to watch Yan Wangshu's retreating figure until he disappeared into his office.The surroundings fell silent, with only a faint breeze stirring.Wen Ran steeled herself, confronting the fear gnawing at her heart.This fear stemmed from her realization: without her mentor or family, she was nothing.Though capable, she had no outlet to prove herself.Relying solely on her own strength, she might never survive in this industry.What a cruel reality.
Suddenly, her phone vibrated in her pocket.Pulling it out, she saw a message from Ai Wei:[Come back quickly. Ding Yao's looking for you. I told her you're in the restroom and will return soon.]
Wen Ran wasn't one to avoid confrontation. After steadying her emotions, she returned to the office.Ai Wei pointed toward the conference room: "She's waiting for you there."
The conference room door stood ajar. Wen Ran entered directly: "Mona, you wanted to see me?"Ding Yao leaned back in her chair, scrolling through her phone. She tilted her chin up: "Sit. Wait a moment."Wen Ran took a seat beside her.Ding Yao continued using her phone unabated, ignoring Wen Ran's presence.
Shortly after, Wu Yunshan and Xiang Xiaoyue entered.Ding Yao motioned for them to sit.Setting her phone down, she fixed her gaze on Xiang Xiaoyue: "Explain."Xiang Xiaoyue kept her head lowered, fingers twisting beneath the table: "I forgot to include it in the document folder. When I went back to retrieve it, the wax mold had a deep crack. To avoid responsibility, I blamed Wen Ran."She placed a cracked ring wax mold on the table.
Ding Yao glanced at the mold, then at Wen Ran.Wen Ran remained silent, awaiting further remarks.Ding Yao first assigned accountability: "Xiang Xiaoyue, you bear full responsibility."Next, she reprimanded Wu Yunshan: "This task was Xiang Xiaoyue's duty. Regardless of who assisted, she remains accountable for any errors."Finally, she addressed Wen Ran: "Xiang Xiaoyue will write a formal accountability statement in the department group chat and forfeit 30% of this year's annual bonus. As for you—whether to involve the police, stay, or leave, the choice is yours."
The measured approach balanced strictness with leniency.Before Wen Ran could respond, Ding Yao added: "Don't decide impulsively. Take tonight to reconsider."Wen Ran shook her head: "No need. I'll resign."
Ding Yao raised an eyebrow but didn't dissuade her: "Very well. Hand over your tasks and visit HR for offboarding.""Thank you.""All of you may leave now."
Wu Yunshan wordlessly guided the subdued Xiang Xiaoyue out.At the doorway, Wen Ran paused.Ding Yao: "Something else?""Why did Xiang Xiaoyue confess? She resisted even when I threatened legal action."
Ding Yao's lips curled upward: "I couldn't break her. But someone understands her weaknesses...and knows how to make her talk."Wen Ran's thoughts shifted—the "someone" must be Wu Yunshan.She nodded courteously: "Understood. Thank you."
Returning to her desk, Wen Ran surveyed her belongings.No tasks required handover—most items were personal. Only company accounts and devices needed returning.
"Wen Ran!" Ai Wei exclaimed excitedly, "Check the department group chat!"Likely Xiang Xiaoyue's accountability statement. Wen Ran ignored it.
Two seconds later, Ai Wei grabbed her arm: "Will you participate?""???" Wen Ran realized she'd misinterpreted the excitement. Opening her phone: "Participate in what?"Ai Wei hurried off without explaining.
The group chat showed a document from Ding Yao:Future department projects would be equitably distributed among three teams for fair competition.Promotion protocols were revised to increase merit-based opportunities. Notably, the prestigious Apollo Jewelry Design Competition—a career-defining platform—would now offer expanded slots accessible to all designers regardless of seniority.
Wen Ran's mind blanked momentarily.Her trance broke when Ding Yao added:[It's late. We'll discuss details in tomorrow's meeting.]
The office buzzed with exhilaration. For junior designers, this was their fastest path to recognition.Li Wan rushed over, elated: "Wen Ran! Let's enter the Apollo competition together!"
"..."Seeing Wen Ran's daze, Li Wan explained: "Top ten entries get featured in industry magazines! Isn't becoming an independent designer our ultimate goal?"
"...""Wen Ran? Please?" Li Wan shook her shoulders eagerly.
Enter the Apollo Jewelry Design Competition?An actual chance to compete!!!
Blood surged to Wen Ran's head. She sprang up, embracing Li Wan: "Yes! Let's do it!"Li Wan laughed, spinning them both.
After celebrating, Li Wan tempered the mood: "But you'll need to earn a slot first!"Wen Ran nodded resolutely.
After Li Wan left, Wen Ran's excitement hadn't subsided.What was called "willows shading bright flowers" and "soaring straight to the heavens" - Wen Ran felt it now.
Suddenly, the smile froze on her face, looking rather comical.Me!I think!!!Resigned!!!!Aaaaaaah!!!!!
The sensation of plummeting from the heavens to the abyss - she'd experienced that too.
In her agitation, Wen Ran bumped her knee against the desk edge.Bending over with teary eyes from the pain, her mind raced: What to do? Help!
The phone on the desk began vibrating.Wen Ran saw it was Zhai Xinyi calling.
She answered with a tearful tone: "Weren't you sleeping?"Zhai Xinyi's voice sounded more awake now, though still drowsy: "I dreamed you called me, then woke up!"
"And realized it wasn't a dream, right?"Zhai Xinyi giggled playfully before asking: "Ranran, is something wrong?"
"Nothing now." Wen Ran paused. "Wait, actually yes.""Hmm?"
Wen Ran hesitated: "I... made an impulsive decision earlier. Now I want to take it back. What should I do?"Zhai Xinyi couldn't help retorting: "You? Impulsive?"
Wen Ran herself found it hard to believe, yet it had happened."Stop teasing. Several things piled up and I... acted rashly."
Zhai Xinyi suppressed laughter while comforting: "This isn't serious! Just be shameless - you can retract anything if you're thick-skinned enough."
Thick-skinned?Wen Ran frowned.
Zhai Xinyi yawned: "Anything else? I'm exhausted.""Go back to sleep!"
After hanging up, Wen Ran stared at the conference room door murmuring: "Thick skin! Thick skin?"She tugged her hair - impossible!
While brooding, Ding Yao emerged from the conference room, waving at colleagues: "It's quitting time. Everyone not busy should go eat or date!"
People responded politely but stayed put.Ding Yao didn't press further, striding out of the office.
Wen Ran closed then opened her eyes, gritted her teeth, clenched her fists, and dashed out.The main hall was sparse with early leavers.
Catching up to Ding Yao's pace, Wen Ran stammered: "Mona, I... I..."Her face burned before she even spoke.
Ding Yao glanced at her and stopped: "Let's discuss tomorrow, alright?"Tomorrow?Would that be too late?
Resolved, Wen Ran channeled Zhai Xinyi's past antics in her mind.Never done it herself, but seen enough.
Rattling off borrowed phrases rapidly: "Mona, I regret it! I don't want to resign! 'Carlisle' is an outstanding company. Under your leadership, I believe I'll gain invaluable experience to enrich my ordinary life! I promise never to repeat today's rash behavior. I'll work hard and conduct myself properly!"
Both hands clenched unconsciously, she panted slightly after the speech.Ding Yao looked stunned, then grinned widely after two seconds: "Why the sudden change?"
Wen Ran swallowed, deploying Zhai Xinyi's classic line: "I'm still young. Please forgive my immaturity.""..."
Every second of waiting felt like years to Wen Ran.Though puzzled by the abrupt reversal from earlier determination, Ding Yao shrugged: "Then don't be late tomorrow."
Wen Ran felt like parched earth suddenly drenched by spring water.She wanted to blossom.
Bowing gratefully: "Thank you."Repeating thanks, she turned back smiling while returning - noticing Ding Yao leaving with the Director.
Back in the office, some colleagues were packing up while muttering whether Ding Yao's prompt departure was just a new-manager act.
When Wu Yunshan suddenly emerged from her office, everyone tactfully silenced.Returning to her desk, Wen Ran was pulled by Aiwei for gossip: "Limited time, limited intel."
True to form - she'd been digging.Wen Ran played along: "What did you find?"
"Ding Yao attended the same university as President Yan. She previously worked at the same company as the Director. The Director personally flew abroad for over a month to recruit her."
So that's the connection.Aiwei smirked: "Do you think she came to Carlisle because of the Director or President Yan?"
"Probably the Director," Wen Ran guessed, having seen them leave together."Why?"
"Just a hunch." Wen Ran avoided speculation.
That night, lying in bed reviewing the day's events, Wen Ran marveled:The old Wen Ran would never have imagined this - persistently arguing publicly, swallowing shame to act shamelessly.
Next morning, shortly after arrival, Ding Yao convened a department meeting.The Director attended too.
Wen Ran and Aiwei sat in back. Aiwei shielded her mouth with a notebook: "Your hunch was right.""Hmm?"
"Must've joined Carlisle because of the Director."Wen Ran: "..."
As the slideshow readied, Ding Yao checked her watch instead of starting - waiting.Suddenly the door opened.
Yan Wangshu entered under collective surprise, apologizing: "Sorry I'm late."Ding Yao responded: "Perfect timing."
As the CEO sat in the back row, the lights dimmed via remote. Ding Yao began presenting department reforms.
Wen Ran caught a whiff of pine scent.Her back straightened rigidly.
After moments, she glanced sideways at the man's casually crossed long legs beside her.Inner monologue: Why did he have to sit exactly next to me?