Chapter 2

They were thrilled, not expecting I'd agree.

Out of caution, I asked about compensation and benefits.

She immediately replied:

"Don't worry. As long as you perform well, name your salary."

Reading this message, I let out a long breath of relief.

All afternoon, I continued working conscientiously, but without bathroom breaks, my work efficiency dropped significantly.

It couldn't be helped—the company had new rules after all!

At five o'clock, someone came to ask me to help negotiate a deal.

They said this client was difficult, and it had to be me.

Before, I would have agreed without hesitation.

I used to think the company was a collective—if it did well, I'd do well.

So whenever anyone asked for help, as long as it benefited the company, I'd assist, even if it exhausted me.

But after being singled out by the new rule, I gradually realized I was just an employee.

Who would care if I worked myself to death?

Now I wouldn't be that foolish.

I pretended to be worried: "Sorry, I can't help."

"Why not?"

"Didn't you hear this morning? Bathroom breaks get fined. What if I go out with you and she thinks I'm slacking off at the company?"

"My monthly salary is already so little. Any more deductions and it'll be negative."

"I may not have a family to support, but I need to feed myself first."

Hearing my explanation, she fell silent and left without saying anything more.

At 7 PM, I shut down my computer right on time.

Without cleaning up others' messes, my workload dropped dramatically. It was so easy.

Turns out not having to worry feels this good!

With long strides, I walked out of the company.

The breeze on my face felt comfortable.

I didn't need to take a cab anymore, leisurely walking toward the market.

I couldn't help but reflect—in five years of work, this was one of the rare times I could go home at a leisurely pace.

I really didn't know what kind of suffering I'd been enduring before.

After getting home, I cooked dinner and took a nice hot bath.

After finding a show to watch, I started eating.

Food I made myself suited my own taste.

In previous years, trying to close deals, I often drank at business dinners. My eating schedule was extremely irregular, and I'd developed stomach problems.

But now, I was going to take care of myself.

After dinner, I was about to order ingredients for tomorrow when I noticed my phone had exploded with messages.

Video calls, work groups, colleague messages, even text messages—all showing 99+.

I randomly opened a group where everyone was urging me to call back.

"Urgent! Urgent! Urgent!"

"Manager Ruth is furious, call back quick!"

Just then, Manager Ruth's call came through.

After thinking it over, I decided to answer.

The moment I connected, a barrage of cursing came through:

"Sarah!!!"

"Where did you go?! You dared to leave work without finishing your tasks—$1,000 deducted!"

I spoke slowly:

"Manager Ruth, let's be clear. I completed my work. All the lists were sent to everyone—they can all attest to it."

"Besides, out of respect for you as my supervisor, I even stayed a few extra minutes."

"But that little contribution doesn't need to be paid. No need for extra compensation."

"I've always been very reasonable, you know."

After saying this, I instantly felt much better.