After the whirlwind of misunderstanding that had swept through the entire company finally subsided, the truth had emerged as clearly as clouds parting to reveal the sun. Lu Xue, the instigator, had received the severe punishment she deserved for her despicable actions. Lu Ran—Lin Xiao's once most trusted superior and friend—had bowed his proud head before her countless times, offering sincere apologies and exhausting every means to mend the invisible rift. Yet, some wounds, once inflicted, are as difficult to erase as a brand. The deep, bone-chilling wound in Lin Xiao's heart could not be easily healed by a few words of apology or material compensation. The accusations and doubts that had once rained down on her like hailstones, the icy, piercing stares, and the hushed whispers, had long transformed into sharp, venomous daggers. They had pierced through her layered defenses with cruel precision, leaving crisscrossing, unhealable scars in the softest, most hidden corners of her soul. Every recollection made the pain constrict like poisonous vines, suffocating her.
In the office, the Lin Xiao who had once been full of vitality and bright-eyed seemed to have vanished. In her place stood an exquisite marionette, stripped of its soul. She still arrived punctually at her workstation, her fingers mechanically tapping on the keyboard, completing her daily tasks. But the eyes that had once sparkled with passion and intelligence were now hollow and dull, as if covered by a layer of gray film. She merely executed instructions passively, like a programmed machine, devoid of the warmth of thought or the spark of initiative.
On a dull afternoon, the office hummed with the low drone of the air conditioner and the rustle of turning pages. Lin Xiao sat alone at her desk by the window, overlooking the city's hazy skyline. Her unfocused gaze rested on the flickering computer screen, where dense data and charts twisted and morphed before her eyes into Lu Xue's malicious face, Lu Ran's initially suspicious and questioning eyes, and the gazes of her colleagues—some sympathetic, some probing, some gloating. Fragments of painful memories uncontrollably flashed back and collided in her mind, giving her a splitting headache. Subconsciously, she tightened her grip on the cold mouse, her knuckles turning white.
"Lin Xiao?" A cautious voice tinged with concern broke the suffocating silence. Colleague Xiao Wang had approached unnoticed, keenly sensing her distress. He hesitated for a moment, then reached out and gently patted her slightly trembling shoulder. "Don't be too upset. It's all over, isn't it? The truth is out, everyone understands now."
Lin Xiao started as if jolted from a nightmare. She slowly, laboriously raised her head, meeting Xiao Wang's sincere, worried face. She struggled to curve her lips into a smile meant to convey "I'm fine," but it shattered like broken glass—stiff and bitter, wilting before it fully formed. "Thank you, Xiao Wang," her voice was dry and raspy, like sandpaper. "I know... it's over. But..." Her gaze drifted into the distance, filled with deep exhaustion and confusion. "That feeling of being wronged by someone you trusted, of being scrutinized by everyone with strange looks... it clings to me like a parasite. It... it hasn't passed."
Just then, the steady click of high heels approached. Department Manager Zhang Jie, a capable, experienced middle-aged woman, walked purposefully towards Lin Xiao, a thick folder tucked under her arm. Her usual sternness was gone, replaced by undisguised concern and a hint of hidden expectation. "Lin Xiao," her voice was gentle yet firm, carrying a reassuring strength. "Perfect timing. There's a new project here, quite challenging but with huge potential. I've thought it over, and I believe you're the best person for it." She placed the folder gently on Lin Xiao's desk, her gaze intense. "I trust you can handle it brilliantly, just like your previous outstanding projects."
Lin Xiao's eyes fell on the deep blue folder, its cover emblazoned with the project's bold name. This had once been the stage she craved to prove herself. Yet now, as she reached out to touch its smooth surface, her fingertips trembled involuntarily. She opened the file; dense text and complex charts filled the pages. The thrilling sense of challenge that once ignited her enthusiasm had vanished without a trace. An immense emptiness and powerlessness seized her. She looked up, meeting Zhang Jie's trusting gaze, her voice laced with a timidity and lack of confidence she despised. "Zhang Jie, thank you for your trust... but... after what happened before, I... I really have no confidence in myself now. I'm afraid... I'm afraid I'll disappoint you."
Zhang Jie's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, but her gaze grew even more resolute, anchoring itself on Lin Xiao like bedrock. "Lin Xiao," her tone intensified, brooking no argument, "I know you suffered an immense injustice. The hurdle in your heart is difficult to overcome. But precisely because of that, you absolutely cannot let this defeat you completely! Falling down isn't scary; what's terrifying is staying down! What you must do is grit your teeth and stand back up! Use your strength, your actions, your impeccable results to prove to everyone—that underestimating you, wronging you, was their biggest mistake! Your value, Lin Xiao, should never have been obscured by a vile slander!"
These forceful words struck Lin Xiao's heart like a hammer blow. She abruptly lowered her head, her hands clenching the file so tightly her knuckles turned white. The sharp edges of the folder bit into her palms, bringing a sharp sting of pain that strangely cleared her muddled thoughts for a moment. Only the hum of the air conditioner and the heavy thud of her own heartbeat remained in the office. After what felt like an eternity, she spoke in a voice barely audible, "Zhang Jie, I know you mean well. I understand the logic of what you're saying... But the heart... it doesn't obey reason. Right now, I'm truly lost. I can't find my direction..."
Zhang Jie looked at her bowed head and trembling shoulders and sighed silently, a sound filled with helplessness and pity. She reached out again, patting Lin Xiao's thin shoulder with a warm, firm pressure that conveyed encouragement and solace. "Think it over carefully, Lin Xiao," her voice softened, taking on a tone of elder wisdom. "Calm your mind and think it through. Don't rush any decisions. I believe in you. I believe you can figure out what you truly want." With that, she gave Lin Xiao one last deep look and turned away, leaving her alone with the weighty file and an even heavier heart.
Finally, quitting time arrived. The office instantly filled with a relaxed atmosphere. The clatter of keyboards ceased, replaced by the scraping of chairs, the shuffling of files, and the light-hearted chatter and laughter of colleagues. People called out to each other, gathering in twos and threes, chatting and laughing as they surged towards the elevators, discussing evening plans. The mundane warmth of life momentarily dispelled the weekday gloom. Yet, all this liveliness seemed separated from Lin Xiao by a thick pane of glass. She remained motionless in her seat, like a frozen statue. The setting sun cast its last rays on her, stretching a long, lonely shadow onto the cold wall.
Lu Ran, having finished his last document, habitually glanced towards Lin Xiao's office. Through the half-open blinds, he saw the solitary figure silhouetted against the dusk. A sharp pang of heartache gripped him, followed by a flood of remorse. He took a deep breath and pushed open the door.
"Lin Xiao," his voice was soft, spoken with extreme caution, as if afraid of disturbing something fragile. "Haven't left yet? Let's grab dinner? I know a nice new private kitchen nearby, very quiet. We... we can talk properly?" His eyes were filled with pleading and hope.
Lin Xiao seemed pulled back from distant thoughts by his voice. She slowly raised her head. Those eyes that had once shone like stars were now brimming with an exhaustion so profound it was almost tangible, and a kind of cold, resolute detachment. Her gaze swept over Lu Ran's face without lingering. "Lu Ran," her voice was calm, devoid of inflection, yet carrying an icy chill to the bone. "I'm tired. Truly tired. Right now, I just want to be alone... quietly. I don't want to go anywhere. I don't want to talk about anything." Her words were ice picks, effortlessly puncturing Lu Ran's fragile hopes.
The anticipation on Lu Ran's face instantly froze, then dissolved into deep disappointment and helplessness. He opened his mouth, but could only manage a heavy sigh. "Then... alright," his voice lowered. "You... get some rest. But I want you to know," he stepped forward, his tone carrying a near-pleading insistence, "I'll always be here. Waiting... waiting for the day you're willing to open your heart again." He gave Lin Xiao one long, deep look before slowly, reluctantly turning and leaving, his back slightly stooped in the dim light.
Night fell, the city's neon lights flickered on one by one, weaving a tapestry of illusory prosperity. Lin Xiao dragged her heavy steps back to her rented apartment. The empty room was cold and silent, only her own breathing audible. She collapsed onto the soft bed but felt no comfort. The ceiling loomed indistinctly in the darkness, like a vast, silent net. She stared wide-eyed into that void. All the emotions she'd suppressed during the day now burst through the dam of reason like a flood. The colleagues' hushed discussions in the restroom, the ambiguous glances drifting from the break room, Lu Ran's momentary hesitation and doubt when first confronted with the accusations... countless tiny fragments now churned like sharp shards in her mind, bringing waves of piercing pain. Tears slipped silently, wetting her temples and the cool pillowcase. Pale moonlight filtered through the gap in the unclosed curtains, falling precisely on her pallid face, clearly illuminating the glistening tear tracks winding down from the corners of her eyes.
"Maybe..." a faint, nasal voice murmured in the deathly quiet room, light as a sigh yet carrying a clarity like settled dust, "leaving... is the best choice." In the darkness, she curled into herself, wrapping her arms tightly around her body as if to fend off the boundless chill and loneliness welling up from the depths of her heart. Once this thought took root, it grew like weeds, impossible to suppress.
Early the next morning, as the first faint light of dawn began to dispel the deep night, Lin Xiao was already standing at the foot of her company building. Her face was still pale, but her eyes held a resolute determination, almost tragic in its intensity, that hadn't been there yesterday. The exhaustion of a sleepless night couldn't mask her all-or-nothing resolve. She didn't go to her workstation. Instead, she walked straight to Zhang Jie's office and pushed open the heavy wooden door.
"Zhang Jie," her voice wasn't loud, even a little hoarse, yet it was exceptionally clear and steady, carrying undeniable weight. "I've made my decision." She placed a pristine white envelope gently on Zhang Jie's file-laden desk. "This is my resignation letter."
Zhang Jie, who had been reviewing documents with her head down, looked up. When her eyes met the stark characters "Resignation Letter" on the envelope, her face instantly flooded with shock and disbelief. "Resign?" she nearly exclaimed, bolting up from her chair. "Lin Xiao! Why so sudden? Was what I said yesterday too harsh? Or..." Her gaze searched Lin Xiao's face urgently for an answer. "The company needs talent right now! Your project skills are evident to all! Won't you calm down and reconsider? Is the pressure too much? We can talk!"
Lin Xiao shook her head slowly, meeting Zhang Jie's anxious eyes with calm determination. "Zhang Jie, I've thought it through very clearly. It's not you. It's not the pressure." She paused, a slight tremor in her voice quickly overcome by deeper resolve. "Too much has happened these past months. Good, bad, trust, betrayal... This place, which once filled me with drive and belonging, now only leaves me with exhaustion and... heartache. I can't find that pure passion and motivation anymore. Staying on, for me and for the company, probably isn't the best choice." She bowed slightly, her tone sincere. "Thank you, Zhang Jie. Thank you for your care, your trust, and your guidance all this time. I'll always remember your kindness."
Seeing the unshakeable resolve in Lin Xiao's eyes, Zhang Jie knew further pleas were futile. She took the envelope, her hand almost trembling—it felt feather-light yet weighed a thousand pounds. Her expression was complex, filled with regret, incomprehension, and profound heartache. "Sigh..." she exhaled a long, heavy breath, seeming to age instantly. "Lin Xiao, I... I respect your decision. Though I hate, truly hate, to see you go. You're rare talent..." She rubbed the edge of the envelope, her voice dropping low. "But as someone who's been through more, I still hope you'll give yourself a little more time, think it over carefully. Sometimes in life... a turn isn't the end." Her gaze was imploring.
The news of Lin Xiao's resignation dropped like a boulder into a still pond, instantly sending massive ripples through every corner of the company at astonishing speed. When it reached Lu Ran, he was chairing an important project meeting in the conference room. The moment his assistant whispered the news in his ear, the color drained from his face, leaving it deathly pale. He shot up from his seat, not even bothering to explain to the room full of bewildered executives, and stumbled out of the conference room, racing like a whirlwind towards Lin Xiao's office.
"Lin Xiao!" He practically slammed the door open, breath ragged, beads of sweat dotting his forehead, eyes wide with panic and urgency. "Why?! Why resign?!" He rushed to Lin Xiao, his hands instinctively reaching for her shoulders but freezing mid-air when he met her icy stare. "Is it because of me? Because I haven't done enough? Is it?! Lin Xiao, please give me one more chance! One last chance! Let me make it up to you! Whatever you want me to do, I'll do it! Don't go!" His voice cracked with emotion, thick with tears and desperation.
Lin Xiao had been packing her personal belongings methodically. Hearing him, she stopped and turned, looking calmly at the man who had once been so familiar yet now caused her such heart-wrenching pain. A flash of deep sorrow crossed her eyes, quickly replaced by deeper resignation and detachment. "Lu Ran," her voice was soft, yet as sharp as an icicle, "Some hurts, once inflicted, are there forever. They can't be wiped away with an 'I'm sorry' or a few gestures. I tried. I really tried to pretend nothing happened, to start fresh. But..." She gave a bitter half-smile. "I found I couldn't. Every time I see you, see this office, those images, those voices... they jump out uncontrollably. Like nightmares. I need to breathe. I need to leave this suffocating place, away from these... sources of pain. I want to restart my life. Start clean." Her gaze drifted past Lu Ran, out the window to the gray sky, carrying a sense of longing for release.
Lu Ran's heart felt clenched by an invisible fist, the pain almost unbearable. He reached out desperately, trying to grasp Lin Xiao's wrist, as if that could hold her back. "Lin Xiao! Don't do this! The company needs you! This project can't proceed without you! I... I need you too! I can't live without you! All the past mistakes were mine! I was an idiot! A fool! But I know I was wrong! Give me a chance! Let's face this together, overcome these difficulties together, okay? Let's go back to how it was..." His words were chaotic, frantic, filled with despairing entreaty.
Just then, a discordant voice dripping with sarcasm cut in. "Hmph, good riddance!" Lu Xue's close friend, Li Na, was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, a sneering smirk on her face, her eyes raking over Lin Xiao like knives. "Saves her hanging around here being an eyesore, always looking like she's carrying the world's sorrows. Leaving clears the way for someone with real ability. Some people, after all, only got this far by playing on others' pity. Real skill? Hah!" Her words were venomous, filled with malicious speculation and contempt.
This sudden malice was like a bucket of ice water, instantly dousing the last ember of Lin Xiao's attachment to this place and igniting her long-suppressed fury. She whipped her head around, her gaze blazing as she glared at Li Na, her voice rising with anger. "Li Na! Enough! Stop spouting nonsense! You know nothing! All you can do is stir up trouble and kick people when they're down!"
Lu Ran, too, was enraged by this inflammatory provocation. He spun around, shouting at Li Na with a voice that seemed to make the whole office vibrate. "Li Na! Shut your mouth! Get out! This is none of your business! Lin Xiao's affairs are not for you to meddle in or comment on! Now! Immediately! Get out of here!"
Li Na flinched at Lu Ran's unprecedented fury but maintained a defiant expression, muttering, "Tch... hit a nerve, didn't I? Playing the victim, fishing for sympathy..." But under Lu Ran's murderous glare, she pursed her lips resentfully, turned on her heel, and stalked off, throwing one last hateful glance at Lin Xiao before disappearing.
This ugly scene severed the last thread of Lin Xiao's hesitation and reluctance. She ignored Lu Ran, ignored everything around her, and resolutely turned back to packing. She neatly stacked the scattered papers on her desk and placed them in a cardboard box at her feet. She gently took down the team photo from the wall capturing a moment of shared laughter, her fingertip tracing her own once-radiant smile on the picture before decisively closing the lid. She placed her water cup, the small potted plant that had accompanied her for years, and a few professional books from the drawer into the box. Every movement was calm yet carried an irrevocable, resolute power.
Lu Ran stood nearby like a puppet whose strings had been cut, watching helplessly as Lin Xiao erased every trace of her existence in this space. His heart was being carved by knives; immense regret and powerlessness engulfed him like a tide. He wanted to help, wanted to say something, but his feet felt nailed to the floor, his throat choked. He could only watch, feeling the most important thing in his life slipping away, piece by piece, with absolute finality. The air in the office seemed frozen, filled only with the faint sounds of Lin Xiao packing, each one hammering against Lu Ran's heart.
Lin Xiao picked up the cardboard box, not particularly heavy but bearing the weight of her years in this career. She straightened her back and walked, step by firm step, out of the glass tower that had once held her countless dreams and inflicted her deepest wounds. The midday sun was bright and harsh, pouring down on her unreservedly, trying to dispel the chill around her. Yet, that light seemed unable to penetrate the thick layer of ice encasing her, unable to warm the heart already pierced a thousand times, numb and cold. The sunlight cast a long, solitary shadow at her feet.
"Lin Xiao!" Lu Ran finally caught up, disheveled and frantic, blocking her path. Seeing her holding the box, seeing the icy distance on her face, his heart felt gripped by a giant hand, the pain stealing his breath. His voice held a near-pleading desperation, his eyes filled with a final struggle. "At least... at least let me see you off. Let me... take you to the station, or... or wherever you're going? I'll drive you?" He was incoherent, desperate to grasp these last moments with her.
Lin Xiao stopped. She lifted her head, her gaze resting calmly on Lu Ran's face etched with pain and entreaty. There was no hatred, no resentment in that look, only a detached weariness that seemed to see through everything. Slowly, clearly, she uttered a few words, each falling like ice pellets:
"No need, Lu Ran."
She paused, as if gathering all her strength for the final, severing sentence:
"From now on... let's just wish each other well."
With that, she decisively raised her hand and hailed a passing green taxi. She opened the door, placed the box securely on the back seat, got in herself, and gently closed the door. From start to finish, she didn't look back once at the man standing rigidly, petrified, in place.
The taxi engine gave a low hum, started smoothly, and merged into the river of traffic. Lu Ran stood like a soulless statue under the scorching sun, his eyes desperately following the receding green car until it vanished completely at the end of the road, swallowed by the city's steel tide. At that moment, he felt his heart had been taken away by that car, leaving only a vast, empty black hole whistling with cold wind. An unprecedented, overwhelming sense of loss and despair consumed him completely. He knew he might have lost her forever.
Unfamiliar Soil, Arduous Growth
Lin Xiao arrived in a completely unfamiliar southern city. There were no familiar streets, no known faces. The air carried the damp, faintly salty tang of the sea breeze. Tall, lush trees with fiery red flowers lined the streets. Everything was new, strange, carrying a hint of unease, yet also harboring a sense of liberation from the past.
She rented a small attic room in the old district on the city's outskirts. The room was cramped and simple: a slanted roof, a narrow window, slightly peeling walls, and old wooden floorboards that creaked underfoot. But it was quiet, the rent was cheap, and most importantly, it felt like a cocoon isolated from the world, offering her a long-missing sense of safety—a safety born of anonymity, where no one knew her past wounds.
The first task after settling in was to start anew. She unpacked her suitcase, hanging a few simple garments in the tiny wardrobe, placing the handful of private photos—free of former colleagues—on the small desk. Then, she opened her laptop, connected to the landlord's spotty Wi-Fi, and began scouring online job boards frantically. The days that followed became a cycle: rising at dawn, trying to look presentable in the small vanity mirror, then sitting before the computer screen, sending out resumes from sunrise to sunset. The screen's glow reflected on her focused, slightly anxious face. Each click of the "Send" button carried a sliver of hope and immense trepidation.
Finally, she received interview invitations from a few companies. Each interview was an ordeal, a reopening of barely healed wounds.
One interview left a particularly deep impression. The interviewer was a middle-aged man named Chen Qiang. He sat behind a large desk, his back to a bright floor-to-ceiling window, his silhouette imposing and aloof. He wore gold-rimmed glasses; his eyes behind the lenses were sharp and cold, radiating a condescending scrutiny. He flipped casually through Lin Xiao's resume, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk with a dull thud.
"Ms. Lin," his voice was devoid of warmth, like a cold machine, "I see from your CV that your last job was at XX Company, quite influential in the industry, a good platform with promising prospects." He suddenly looked up, his gaze like a spotlight focusing intensely on Lin Xiao's face, his tone abruptly turning sharp. "Why leave during what should be your career ascent? And so abruptly? Is it... because of inadequate ability, unable to handle work pressure? Or... did you make some mistake?" He emphasized the word "mistake," lacing it with naked suspicion.
This blunt, malicious question struck Lin Xiao's heart like a sledgehammer. Painful memories she'd barely suppressed surged back. Her hands, resting on her knees, clenched tightly, nails digging into her palms, the sharp pain forcing her to stay composed. She took a deep breath, struggling to keep her voice steady and confident. "Mr. Chen, leaving was primarily due to some... personal reasons. Involving personal changes and adjustments." She chose a vague but relatively safe explanation, straightening her spine and meeting his gaze. "But I assure you, it absolutely wasn't due to any lack of work ability. In fact, at my previous company, I independently managed and successfully completed several key projects. Project X even won the Annual Innovation Award. My professional competence and resilience are proven by practice." She tried to validate herself with past achievements.
However, Chen Qiang merely curled his lips into a scornful, contemptuous smirk. "Personal reasons?" he scoffed, leaning back in his chair, crossing his arms defensively. "Hmph, Ms. Lin, we're all adults here. Spare me the vague excuses. Young people nowadays, hit a little difficulty, a little setback, and they just quit and run. Always finding grand-sounding reasons to justify their failures. 'Personal reasons'? I doubt it's that simple. Was it poor interpersonal skills? Or... a falling out with superiors or colleagues?" He pressed relentlessly, trying to tear down her facade.
Lin Xiao felt hot blood rush to her head. Anger almost made her slam the table. She clenched her fists, using every ounce of willpower to restrain the surging emotions. Staring into his eyes filled with superiority and distrust, she spoke, enunciating each word clearly. "Mr. Chen, I understand your concern. But I implore you not to dismiss a person's entire ability and worth based on one career move. I am very interested in this position at your company and have researched it thoroughly. I crave a new platform to apply my skills. If you are willing to give me a chance, I will integrate into the team as quickly as possible and prove my value through tangible actions and results!" Her voice trembled slightly with emotion, but her gaze remained unwavering.
Chen Qiang's sneer deepened. He slowly shook his head, the gesture carrying a verdict-like finality. "I'm sorry, Ms. Lin. Our company requires stable, reliable employees with clear backgrounds. Your reason for leaving is ambiguous. There's a clear 'gap' and instability in your record. This makes it difficult for me, and for our company, to have sufficient confidence in your professionalism and reliability. I regret to say I don't believe you currently meet our requirements for this role." He picked up her resume and tossed it dismissively onto the corner of the desk as if it were scrap paper.
The sound of the office door closing behind her was a dull thud. Lin Xiao practically fled the oppressive office building. Outside, the southern noon sun blazed blindingly, bleaching the entire street white. Yet, this fierce radiance couldn't penetrate the thick gloom shrouding her heart. An immense wave of despondency, cold as ice, instantly submerged her. She stood on the bustling street, watching the traffic and crowds, feeling utterly isolated and helpless for the first time. It seemed the whole world was against her, mocking her failure and disgrace. She blinked hard against the stinging in her eyes, forcing back the tears threatening to fall.
Glimmers and Thorns
Yet, Lin Xiao's innate stubbornness and refusal to admit defeat wouldn't allow her to succumb. She told herself she absolutely could not be beaten down. She steeled her resolve, continued searching job sites, meticulously polished her resume, and tailored her approach for different positions. Like a resilient cockroach, she was knocked down repeatedly but always got back up.
At a crowded job fair, while Lin Xiao was being grilled by a particularly harsh HR representative, a voice bright with sunshine chimed in beside her:
"Hey, buddy, that question's a bit harsh, isn't it? Give the lady a break!" It was a friendly tease. Both Lin Xiao and the HR rep turned. The speaker was a young man in a clean white T-shirt, his smile open and cheerful. He appeared around Lin Xiao's age and was grinning at the HR rep, revealing a row of even, white teeth, his eyes bright and genuine.
The HR rep coughed awkwardly. The young man turned to Lin Xiao, seeing the poorly concealed weariness and dejection on her face. His smile softened with understanding and warmth. "Hi there. You look like you just survived an interrogation," he said, half-joking, nodding towards the HR rep. "Interview not go well either?"
Lin Xiao was momentarily disarmed by his light tone, her tense nerves relaxing slightly. She managed a wry smile. "Yeah, job hunting is tough. Feels like running in circles in a maze, always hitting walls, can't find the exit."
"Fellow sufferer!" The young man extended his hand, giving Lin Xiao's shoulder a natural, friendly pat that felt familiar but not intrusive. "Don't lose heart! I'm Zhao Lei, also drowning in the 'sea of misery' that is job hunting. Let's cheer each other on! Who knows, maybe around the next corner is our 'dream company'? Fate works in mysterious ways, right?" He winked, his smile like a little sun, dispelling some of the shadows in Lin Xiao's heart.
Zhao Lei's optimism was like a clear spring, unexpectedly refreshing Lin Xiao's parched spirit. They exchanged a smile, finding a temporary haven in the sea of strangers. They swapped contact information, shared their "war stories" and interview tips, exchanged job leads and experiences. In the subsequent job hunt, they became each other's staunchest "battle buddies." Zhao Lei would analyze Lin Xiao's failed interviews, dissolving her discouragement with his unique humor. Lin Xiao, with her finer attention to detail, helped Zhao Lei refine his resume wording and pointed out areas for improvement in his mock interviews. In this mutual encouragement and support, a warm, solid friendship quietly blossomed, becoming Lin Xiao's first precious glimmer of light in this strange city.
New Battleground, Old Shadows
Persistence paid off. After countless applications disappearing into the void and dispiriting rejections, Lin Xiao finally received a job offer email from a mid-sized tech company with strong growth potential! When she saw the email titled "Offer of Employment" in her inbox, her heart nearly leapt out of her chest. She checked the sender and contents repeatedly, her fingers trembling with excitement, tears welling instantly. That long-missing feeling of being recognized, of being needed, nearly made her cry with joy. Filled with anticipation and the joy of rebirth, she embarked on her new career journey.
At the new company—Ruichuang Tech—Lin Xiao poured in two hundred percent effort. She knew this opportunity was hard-won. She was always the first to arrive and the last to leave. No matter how big, small, easy, or difficult the assigned tasks, she tackled them meticulously, striving for perfection. She proactively learned new technical knowledge in her field, humbly sought advice from senior colleagues, and quickly familiarized herself with the company's processes and culture. Her diligence, efficiency, and professional competence soon earned her the recognition of colleagues and the appreciation of her superiors.
"Lin Xiao, the client feedback this time was excellent! They specifically praised the solution you designed—clear logic, meticulous details, it addressed their core pain points!" the project team lead publicly praised her during a team meeting, his face showing undisguised admiration. "Keep up this momentum; you have great potential!"
A genuine smile spread across Lin Xiao's face. It was the first time since leaving her previous company that she felt pure joy derived solely from professional achievement. "Thank you, Team Lead! I'll keep working hard. I'm very happy and more motivated to have your recognition." Her voice brimmed with drive and anticipation for the future.
However, the soil of the workplace seemed perpetually fertile ground for the thorn of envy. Just as Lin Xiao was gaining her footing and beginning to shine, trouble quietly found her.
There was a female colleague, Sun Yao, who had joined the company six months before Lin Xiao. Sun Yao was attractive, seemed to come from a comfortable background, and carried an air of self-importance. She had been the relatively noticed newcomer in the department until Lin Xiao's arrival, particularly Lin Xiao's evident competence and the supervisor's obvious favor, which Sun Yao perceived as a serious threat. A twisted sense of rivalry took root.
"Hey, have you heard?" Sun Yao murmured conspiratorially during a lunch break in the break room, a coffee cup in hand, addressing a few close colleagues. A hint of mystery and barely concealed smugness played on her face. "Lin Xiao gets to work on core projects so quickly, even gets praised by the team lead. Do you really think it's just her ability?" She paused deliberately for effect. "I heard... she might have some 'special connection' with Manager Wang... Otherwise, how could a newbie like her get that? Think about it, she left her last job under a cloud..." Her words dripped with insinuation and malicious speculation, spreading like poison.
Rumors travel fast. These venomous conjectures quickly reached Lin Xiao's ears. Fury ignited her blood instantly! She could endure hard work, accept questions about her ability, but she absolutely could not tolerate this slander against her character and professional integrity! She marched straight to Sun Yao's desk, barely containing her anger, and confronted her. "Sun Yao! Why are you fabricating rumors and slandering me behind my back? I, Lin Xiao, act with integrity! Every piece of work I've done since joining this company has been through my own effort and skill! What do you mean by this?"
Sun Yao, clearly unprepared for such a direct confrontation, flashed a moment of panic, quickly replaced by deeper jealousy and wounded pride. She looked up, meeting Lin Xiao's glare defiantly, and sneered, her voice shrill. "Ha! Meaning? Struck a nerve? Stop pretending to be so high and mighty! Who asked you to steal my thunder? Don't think I don't know—you're just good at sucking up to the bosses, playing the game! Always first in, last out—who are you performing for? Real skill? Who knows if someone 'helped' you with those solutions?" Her voice rose, drawing the attention of nearby colleagues.
"Sun Yao!" Lin Xiao trembled with rage, her voice rising. "Show some respect! My work output—every report, every line of code, every communication record—can withstand anyone's scrutiny! I earned recognition through my professional ability and hard work! Aren't you ashamed to use such underhanded tactics to maliciously attack a colleague? If you have the guts, let's compete fairly on work ability! Not hide behind dirty tricks!" Lin Xiao's voice was firm and resonant, carrying an undeniable, righteous force.
Their argument grew louder, the tension palpable, attracting the attention of the entire office area. Just as the situation threatened to spiral out of control, an authoritative voice cut through:
"What's all this shouting?! This is a company, not a marketplace! What's going on?!" Department Manager Wang (not Zhang Jie) strode over, his face stern, his sharp gaze sweeping over the two adversaries.
Seeing the supervisor, Lin Xiao immediately calmed somewhat, though her anger still simmered. She pointed at Sun Yao, her voice laced with grievance and fury. "Manager Wang, Sun Yao has been spreading baseless rumors among colleagues, slandering me, accusing me of obtaining work opportunities and project resources through improper means! It's severely damaged my reputation!"
Sun Yao tried to defend herself. "Manager, I didn't! I only—"
"Enough!" Manager Wang cut her off sharply, his face livid. His piercing gaze swept over the silent, watchful colleagues before settling on Sun Yao with intense pressure. "Sun Yao! I don't care what personal grudges you have! But spreading rumors, maliciously slandering colleagues within the company is absolutely unacceptable behavior! It severely damages team atmosphere! Write a thorough self-criticism immediately and submit it to my office before the end of the day! Detail what happened and your understanding of your mistake!" He paused, his voice icy. "If there's a next time, or if I hear any similar gossip," he added, "face the consequences! This company has no place for troublemakers!"
Sun Yao's face instantly turned ashen. Under Manager Wang's stern gaze, she wilted like a defeated rooster. She shot Lin Xiao one last venomous, resentful glare before hanging her head and scurrying back to her workstation, thoroughly deflated.
Manager Wang turned back to Lin Xiao, his tone softening slightly but still carrying a warning. "Lin Xiao, you were wronged. Innocence speaks for itself. The company will protect every employee's legitimate rights. But next time something like this happens, report it to me immediately for handling. Don't argue in the work area; it creates a bad impression."
"Yes, Manager, I understand. Thank you for upholding justice." Lin Xiao nodded gratefully, finally feeling the pent-up anger release somewhat. Although this storm had passed, it deeply impressed upon her that the workplace was a battlefield; shadows always lurked beneath the sunlight. She had to be more vigilant, not only doing good work but also learning to protect herself.
Forged in Fire and the Unexpected Guest
After this turmoil, Lin Xiao grew more mature and resilient. She learned how to protect herself in complex interpersonal dynamics, how to express her views more strategically, and how to identify and counter potential malice. She still worked hard, but no longer just buried her head in tasks; she consciously began building her professional network and showcasing her value. Her competence and tenacity earned the respect of more colleagues and helped her gradually establish deeper roots in this new environment. The soul that had once been shaken and wounded by betrayal was slowly gathering its strength again through these challenges and trials, becoming more confident and resilient. She was like a sapling battered by storms, striving to sink roots deep into this new soil, to grow upward, stretching its branches towards the sun.
Meanwhile, in the city she had left behind, within the building she once knew, Lu Ran was not faring well. Since Lin Xiao's resolute departure, immense loss and self-reproach had coiled around him like two icy serpents, day and night. His office remained imposing, files piled high, yet he often found himself staring blankly at his computer screen or standing for long periods by the huge floor-to-ceiling window, gazing down at the ant-like people and cars below, his eyes vacant. The bustling cityscape outside now seemed only shades of gray to him.
He couldn't suppress the memories of working alongside Lin Xiao: her focused profile as she worked late on proposals, her excited smile after cracking a tough technical problem, her laughing face during team-building activities... and, when the misunderstanding occurred, those eyes filled with shock, grievance, and disbelief. He regretted! He hated himself! Why hadn't he stood firmly by her side from the very first moment? Why had he been blinded by appearances, harboring even a shred of doubt? Why hadn't he given her the support and trust she desperately needed? It was his stupidity, his impulsiveness, his lack of trust that had pushed away the girl who had once illuminated his work like sunshine. Profound remorse gnawed at his insides, robbing him of sleep and appetite.
Time didn't dilute this pain; it intensified it like aged wine, growing more bitter and potent. Lu Ran finally realized that without Lin Xiao, his work and life felt soulless, reduced to hollow busyness. He could no longer endure this torment. A powerful conviction solidified in his mind—he had to find her! He had to tell her in person that he was wrong, terribly wrong! He had to do everything in his power to win her back!
He resolutely set aside all his important work, temporarily delegating company affairs to his deputy. Mobilizing every connection and resource he could think of, he searched for the girl who had deliberately vanished, like finding a needle in a haystack within a nation of tens of millions. The process was arduous and protracted, hopes rising and falling repeatedly. Finally, perseverance paid off. After months of painstaking inquiries and immense effort, he obtained a vague address—a coastal city in the south.
With a heart full of trepidation, as if heading to his own judgment, Lu Ran boarded a southbound plane. He paid no attention to the sea of clouds outside the window, his mind filled only with the impending reunion. Following the address, he found the somewhat dilapidated apartment building in the old district. Climbing the narrow, dimly lit stairs, he stood before the door adorned with faded New Year couplets. He took several deep breaths, mustering his courage, and pressed the doorbell.
The door opened. When Lin Xiao saw the dust-streaked, weary face etched with anticipation on the other side, she froze completely. Shock, confusion, and a hint of long-suppressed panic surged within her. "Lu Ran?" Her voice was dry with disbelief. "You... how did you find me here?"
Lu Ran devoured the sight of her with his eyes. She looked thinner, perhaps a little tanned, but her eyes were brighter than when she left, carrying a newfound independence and resilience he hadn't seen before. An overwhelming wave of sorrow and longing shattered all his emotional defenses. He stepped forward, his voice choked with emotion, his eyes brimming with thick, almost abject, layers of guilt, longing, and pleading:
"Lin Xiao... I've finally found you!" His voice trembled. "I've thought long and hard... thought until my heart shattered... I can't live without you! I truly can't!" He spoke urgently. "I know I was a bastard! I was stupid! Blind! I caused you immense suffering! I wish I could strangle the man I was then!" His words were jumbled, but the pain and regret were utterly genuine. "But Lin Xiao, I've changed! I've truly changed! I know how hard it is to rebuild trust once it's broken, but I'm willing to spend my whole life making amends! Rebuilding! Please, give me a chance! Come back with me! The company needs you, the tech team is hitting bottlenecks, everyone misses you! More importantly..." He looked deep into her eyes, as if trying to etch his feelings there. "I need you! Lin Xiao, I love you! I can't imagine a future without you! Give me a chance to prove my love, to prove I've changed! I swear, from now on, I will protect you with my life! I will never, ever let you suffer the slightest harm again!" He reached out eagerly, wanting to touch her, yet afraid of overstepping, his hand hovering mid-air with a cautious tremor.
Lu Ran's sudden, fervent, and anguished confession was like a boulder crashing into the newly calmed waters of Lin Xiao's heart, instantly stirring up towering waves. The painful memories she had deliberately sealed away, the midnight grievances and heartaches, the difficult moments endured alone with gritted teeth—all flooded back, mingling with Lu Ran's present remorse and passion. She looked at this man who was both familiar and strange, saw the genuine pain and desire in his eyes, and felt a tumult of enormous conflict, confusion, and an indescribable sting. "Lu Ran, I..." Her voice was thick with struggle and hesitation. "I don't know... right now... I have a new job here, a new rhythm of life..." Her gaze instinctively drifted towards the window, to the new world she was just beginning to know.
Just then, a young male voice, filled with protectiveness and wariness, sounded from the stairwell. "Lin Xiao? What's up? Who's this...?" Zhao Lei was coming up the stairs, a bag of fruit in hand. Seeing the tense standoff at the door, especially Lu Ran's visibly agitated state, he immediately frowned, quickened his pace to Lin Xiao's side, and fixed Lu Ran with a scrutinizing look, his body subtly leaning forward in a protective stance.
Lin Xiao seemed to grasp at a momentary anchor. She quickly introduced him, a note of awkwardness in her voice. "Zhao Lei, you're here. This is... Lu Ran, my former boss." She deliberately stressed the word "former."
Lu Ran instantly understood the newcomer's role. Suppressing his complex emotions, he swiftly composed himself, extending a hand towards Zhao Lei with a forced but earnest smile. "Hello, you must be Zhao Lei. I'm Lu Ran. Sorry for the sudden intrusion. I came here to win Lin Xiao back. I know it's abrupt, but I hope... you can understand, and I hope you can support me." His tone held sincere entreaty.
Zhao Lei didn't immediately shake Lu Ran's hand. He looked at the complex expression on Lin Xiao's face, then back at Lu Ran, his brow still furrowed, his eyes filled with distrust and concern. He remained silent for a few seconds before speaking, his tone polite but distinctly cool and rejecting. "Mr. Lu, hello. Lin Xiao is doing very well here now. Her work is just getting on track, her life has settled down. She's finally managed to step out of the shadows of the past and start anew. As her friend, I believe..." He paused, his gaze direct on Lu Ran. "...you shouldn't come here disturbing her. Past hurts aren't erased by a few apologies."
Lu Ran's heart sank heavily, but he didn't retreat. He met Zhao Lei's gaze, his own eyes blazing with unwavering determination, as if trying to imprint his resolve onto the other man's mind. "Zhao Lei, I understand your position, and I thank you for looking out for Lin Xiao. But please believe me, my feelings for Lin Xiao are real! My regret is real! I know I hurt her deeply, but I'm willing to give everything to make amends! I will do my utmost to give her happiness! A stable, trusting future! I beg you, give me a chance to prove myself!" His words rang with conviction, carrying the weight of a last-ditch effort.
The atmosphere in the small stairwell instantly became heavy and charged with tension. Lin Xiao stood between the two men. On one side was her former superior and friend, who had once deeply hurt her but now returned bearing profound remorse and passionate love. On the other was the new friend who had offered her warmth, support, and genuine friendship during her most difficult time. Old wounds and unresolved feelings, newfound peace and precious friendship—like two immense forces—collided violently within her heart, tearing her apart. She looked at the near-despairing plea in Lu Ran's eyes, felt Zhao Lei's silent support and concern, and was seized by overwhelming confusion and helplessness. Which path should she choose? To believe a broken mirror could be mended whole, bravely offering the past—and each other—a chance for rebirth? Or to sever all ties to the past, cherishing this hard-won new life and the warm affection before her? This agonizing choice pressed heavily on her heart, almost suffocating her. The future stretched before her like a road shrouded in thick fog, full of unknown variables. She needed time. She needed space. She needed to listen to the truest voice deep within her heart.