Zhongcheng Group headquarters, 6th floor, Food and Beverage Business Department.

Stairwell.

Zhang Lei put away his mobile phone and took out a crumpled cigarette from his pocket to light it up.

Amidst swirling smoke, he slumped on the cold concrete steps, staring at the ashes left on the ground, feeling utterly lost.

Yesterday afternoon, he suddenly received a conversation notice from HR, informing him that he had failed the probationary period. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

The reason given was "business skills do not match the job requirements."

This reason was utter nonsense.

He wasn’t a rookie fresh out of school; after years of struggling in the workplace, he knew exactly what this meant.

Last night he specifically went to find the department manager, Liu Huixiang, someone who was considered an "insider" because his uncle had used connections.

But all Liu could do was sigh, pat him on the shoulder, and say it was the decision from the higher-ups and he couldn’t do anything about it.

If Liu Huixiang said there’s nothing he could do, it really meant there’s nothing he could do.

After probing for a while, Liu vaguely revealed that the newcomer, Ding Furong, who joined at the same time, was recommended directly by the president’s office.

Extremely powerful, not someone to mess with.

This feeling was akin to being slapped hard, with a fiery pain on his face.

He had worked so hard to stay at the Yan City headquarters, drinking countless rounds with clients, and taking so many pointless trips.

Hehe, he thought having someone like Liu Huixiang, a friend of his uncle, as the leader would...

Unexpectedly, he was kicked aside so decisively and swiftly within just a little over a month, without even a chance to be transferred back to the Quan City Branch.

Ultimately, it was because his background wasn’t strong enough.

Having finished a cigarette, Zhang Lei stood up, not bothering to brush off the dust on his suit pants, and turned toward the office.

As soon as he turned into the corridor, a few figures came toward him.

Zhang Lei’s pupils shrank suddenly, instinctively pressed against the wall, standing respectfully with bowed head.

Leading them was Finance Director Tian Guowen.

This prominent figure within the group was said to be the direct nephew of Executive Chairman Tian Chengye, a hot favorite to be the next CEO.

Alongside him, walking with a charming smile, was Qin Hua, the Administrative Supervisor from the president’s office.

It’s heard that her father is the newly appointed Chairman, Qin Decang, and she has been quite close to Tian Guowen lately.

With talents and beauty, they caused quite a stir of rumors throughout the company.

Looking at these high-ranking leaders he usually only saw through company emails and executive meetings, Zhang Lei didn’t dare to even breathe.

Only as they passed did he softly say, "President Tian... Supervisor Qin..."

Yet, they walked straight past, laughing and chatting, without even giving him a glance.

Watching them go by.

Only then did Zhang Lei let out a breath, but couldn’t help self-mocking.

Really, kneeling too long, still being so humble considering he’s about to leave the company.

But that’s normal too. His first job when his family declined was at Zhongcheng’s branch office.

He had an innate reverence for this colossus.

Inside, every leader seemed to be someone he must look up to.

If only he could have associated with any one of them, he wouldn’t be in such a plight.

Setting aside those absurd thoughts, Zhang Lei returned to the workstation that, come next week, would no longer be his, deeply dejected.

Tomorrow was the last day.

Coincidentally, on the 10th, salary would be paid, so at least he’d earn his first and last full month’s wage at the headquarters.

"Clack, clack, clack—" Rapid footsteps drew near.

An intentionally enthusiastic voice came from behind, "Leizi, make sure to organize the KA client files on the handover list for me quickly, I need to visit them tomorrow."

Zhang Lei turned around, seeing Ding Furong standing next to his workstation.

He leaned against the partition, arms folded.

Zhang Lei glanced at him but said nothing, simply opened the folder on his computer, continuing to organize client information.

Yet, Ding Furong remained by his side, earnestly inquiring about various handover details.

His questions getting more detailed.

Appearing remarkably diligent and friendly, it was obvious he was acting for other colleagues around.

...

Six thirty in the evening.

Zhang Lei did not work overtime, he clocked out on time and left the company.

He walked along the familiar street straight toward "Tian’s Barbecue Restaurant."

With the night fully set, the road was busy with traffic, neon lights flickering.

The barbecue restaurant had just hit its peak, bustling with people, lively and noisy.

This famous chain barbecue restaurant in Yan City was located in popular commercial areas.

Not only serving barbecue, but also stir-fried dishes and hot pot, it was a designated place for many local companies’ team-building gatherings.

In the corner, he found a booth and sat down.

Skillfully ordered a dozen chilled beers and some usual dishes, then sent Tang Song a WeChat message, quietly waiting alone.

Despite having quite a few friends in Yan City, with Quan City so close.

But during times of misfortune and life’s lows, there were only a few with whom he could sit down, talk quietly, and pour out his feelings.

Tang Song was one of them.

Also, he knew that nowadays Tang Song had undergone significant changes, started a business, and became a boss.

He was actually harboring a glimmer of hope, hoping his old classmate might provide some help or advice.

After all, during their last meeting in Quan City, Tang had subtly suggested something of this sort.

Soon enough, a dozen chilled Yanjing beers were served.

Zhang Lei opened a bottle with a pop sound, tilted his head back, and took a big gulp.