After Liang Yufeng left with Mai Xuanfeng, Lan Lan felt a void in her heart. She used to cherish the quiet solitude of her apartment, but now it felt tinged with loneliness. Accustomed to living alone, such thoughts rarely surfaced. It was likely Mai Xuanfeng's boisterous presence that had filled her days, making her accustomed to a certain level of noise.
The next morning, Liang Yufeng returned with breakfast and Mai Xuanfeng. Just like on Saturday, he spent the day cooking and left after dinner. Their interactions were much the same as usual. Liang Yufeng hadn't discussed Jiang Wan with her, but his attitude spoke volumes. Without needing to ask, Lan Lan knew his answer: even if Jiang Wan objected, he wouldn't give her up.
Therefore, the future of their relationship rested entirely in her hands. As she realized this, her contemplation became more serious. Over the weekend, she still couldn't come to a decision.
On Monday, when Lan Lan went to work, she received some news: she had been advised to resign by the company. Her direct supervisor, Manager Liu, had personally spoken with her.
Manager Liu was reluctant to let Lan Lan go. She had been under his supervision since joining the company. He had personally taken her under his wing from a pool of new employees and nurtured her. No one understood her work capabilities better than he did. If it weren't for the higher-ups' demands, Manager Liu would never have let her leave.
In the office, Manager Liu looked at Lan Lan with a face full of guilt and regret. "Lan Lan, I'm sorry about this. I wasn't capable enough to keep you."
Lan Lan had already received an email. Although Manager Liu was her superior, there were higher leaders above him. She didn't blame Manager Liu. "It's alright, I know this isn't your decision."
She suspected that Xu Zhengxi or Xu Zhouyue had intervened, using this method to remind her to separate from Liang Yufeng sooner rather than later.
Manager Liu sighed. "You probably know whose decision this is, right?"
"The Xu family. I know," Lan Lan replied.
"You and President Liang... alas, I shouldn't interfere in your private lives. But President Liang's position within the Xu family has always been awkward. Now that he's no longer with Xintai, the Xu family is targeting you because of him. If you were to separate from him..." Manager Liu stopped short of being too explicit.
"Thank you for telling me this," Lan Lan smiled. "Manager Liu, you know my temper. If someone threatens me, I'm even less likely to compromise. Besides, after working for so many years, I think I could use a break."
Her implication was clear: even if she had to separate from Liang Yufeng, she wouldn't compromise just to keep her job.
Manager Liu couldn't help but ask, "Do you like President Liang very much?"
Lan Lan didn't answer. After a few polite words with Manager Liu, wishing him success in his future endeavors, she left.
News of Lan Lan being advised to resign spread quickly. Colleagues who were close to her came to ask about it, and her subordinates were indignant on her behalf. In contrast, Lan Lan, the person involved, appeared remarkably calm, as if the person being asked to resign wasn't her.
The company was required to provide her with compensation according to the Labor Law. Lan Lan would receive a considerable sum this time. She wasn't so proud as to refuse it; it was her due. She had also applied for her bonus for the current quarter.
It had been over five years since she graduated with her master's degree and joined Xinhui. She had once thought she would spend most of her life there, but now they were parting ways. There were many things in her office, and thankfully, colleagues helped her.
Her belongings filled an entire car trunk. Lan Lan closed the door, but as she was about to leave, Xu Zhouyue blocked her path.
Lan Lan and Xu Zhouyue had a brief entanglement some time ago, but at that time, she had done it to separate from Liang Yufeng. Her feelings were different now. She suspected Xu Zhouyue had played a significant role in her resignation, so she couldn't afford to be pleasant to him.
"I didn't expect that you would be willing to approach me to separate from him back then, and now, two years later, you're willing to give up your job for him," Xu Zhouyue said with a half-smile. "It seems his charm is indeed great."
Lan Lan glanced at Xu Zhouyue but didn't respond. Xu Zhouyue blocked her path and asked pointedly, "I just don't know if giving up your job for him is worth it."
"As far as I know, his mother disapproves of your relationship. Who do you think he'll choose between the two of you?" This line of questioning was clearly an attempt to sow discord.
Lan Lan couldn't help but show a look of disgust. "To correct you, it wasn't me giving up my job for him. It was the Xu family forcing the company to dismiss me so that we would separate. When you try to sow discord, don't treat people like fools."
She couldn't believe someone would come to her with such a low-level attempt at manipulation. She wasn't a middle school student to be swayed by such words.
In an instant, Xu Zhouyue's composure faltered. But he quickly smiled again. "Then let's wait and see."
Lan Lan bypassed him and got into her car, speeding away. She didn't have time to wait and see. Did their relationship with Liang Yufeng concern them enough to dictate their actions?
Liang Yufeng soon learned that Lan Lan had been advised to resign. He immediately took Mai Xuanfeng to Lan Lan's apartment. When they arrived, Lan Lan was in the process of moving items from her trunk upstairs.
Lan Lan wasn't particularly surprised to see Liang Yufeng. The Xu family's actions were meant to be seen by Liang Yufeng, and they would undoubtedly inform him immediately.
Lan Lan saw the worry and guilt in Liang Yufeng's eyes. She smiled. "You've come at the right time. Help me move these things."
Liang Yufeng replied with an "Mm," rolled up his sleeves, and helped Lan Lan move her belongings into the apartment. The items were temporarily placed in storage boxes in the living room. Liang Yufeng glanced at them and asked, "Do you want me to help you unpack?"
"No need, just leave them there for now." Lan Lan handed him a bottle of water, and they sat together on the sofa.
Liang Yufeng's gaze never left Lan Lan. She clearly sensed the growing guilt in his eyes, which eventually turned into words. "Are you alright?"
"Are you talking about being fired?" Lan Lan was very direct, almost carefree. "It doesn't matter."
Liang Yufeng knew her ambition and her dedication to her career. After so many years at Xinhui, how could she truly be indifferent?
"I really don't care," Lan Lan saw Liang Yufeng's concern but wasn't pretending. "I thought I would be quite upset, but I'm really not. I even feel a sense of relief."
Liang Yufeng still didn't quite believe her. "Why?"
"I haven't had a break since graduation. If I hadn't been fired, I might not have had the time to stop and enjoy life," Lan Lan stretched. "I'm not short on money anyway, so I'll just take a break."
A blessing in disguise, perhaps. By stopping, she could organize her thoughts and set off better. Moreover, she now had more time to seriously consider her future with Liang Yufeng.
Wait... why was she using the word "future"?
It was interesting. In her past relationships, she never considered these things so deeply. She must have been influenced by Liang Yufeng subtly.