C1 I Want to Resign!

In the Planning Department of Middle Distance Group, Faang Yu sat at his desk, lost in thought. Moments earlier, an idea of a 'System Shop' had popped into his mind. Out of curiosity, he tried the shop's Lucky Gift Bag feature and, to his surprise, a crumpled yellow paper with odd patterns materialized in his hand.

The System Shop described this item as a 'True Word Talisman,' crafted with a Heavenly Spirit Brush. It was safe, could merge with one's body, and for ten minutes, it would compel the bearer to answer any question truthfully.

The talisman was impressive, no doubt, but Faang Yu wasn't a detective; its abilities seemed pointless for him. After all, success in the Planning Department where he worked was based on intellectual prowess, not on simply speaking the truth.

"Let's take a break from our tasks, everyone. I have an announcement to make!" announced a middle-aged man in a brown suit with a fuller figure, as he entered the Planning Department accompanied by a young woman clad in a sleek black business suit and stockings.

This was Shea Rongfan, known as Manager Shi, the head of the Planning Department and a senior executive at Middle Distance Group. With fifteen years under his belt, his tenure spoke volumes; the company itself had only been around for a few decades.

The young woman following him was unfamiliar to Faang Yu and the rest of the staff, but that wasn't unusual. Middle Distance Group was a massive enterprise with thousands of employees; not recognizing one another was simply part of working in such a large organization.

Yet, with Manager Shi's arrival, it was clear that an important update was forthcoming.

The Planning Department's former team leader, Xie Hong, had recently resigned for personal reasons, leaving the role vacant for a week. As per company tradition, the next leader would be selected from within the department—a motivational gesture for the staff.

Now, it was down to individual achievements and capabilities. Although the Planning Department was a small team of just thirty, the team leader role was a significant step up, a middle management position with a salary and benefits far beyond those of the average employee.

Many employees in the Planning Department had their eyes fixed on the coveted team leader position. Yet, when it came to performance, Faang Yu was the undisputed frontrunner. Over his two-plus years with the department, he had aced both annual performance reviews, consistently ranking first. It seemed a foregone conclusion that he would be the one promoted to team leader.

Faang Yu maintained his usual stoic demeanor, betraying no sign of concern. But the faint tapping of his fingers on the desk hinted at the nerves he was trying to conceal.

"The Planning Department's team leader spot has been open for a week now, and today, the company's personnel decisions have been handed down. Ms. Wan Li here will take on the role!" Shea Rongfan's announcement sent shockwaves through the room, as all eyes turned to Faang Yu.

Despite their reluctance to acknowledge it, everyone in the Planning Department had assumed Faang Yu would be the natural choice for team leader.

But what seemed a sure bet took an unexpected turn.

The team leader position, seemingly within Faang Yu's grasp, had slipped away. The employees' gazes varied—some were outraged on his behalf, others showed pity or sympathy, and a few couldn't hide their schadenfreude.

Faang Yu alone remained composed and unflappable. It was unclear whether he hadn't heard Shea Rongfan's announcement or simply didn't care.

Even Shea Rongfan shot Faang Yu a surprised look. As manager of the Planning Department, he was well aware of the dynamics within. Since joining the department, Faang Yu had proven himself an exceptional talent, topping the annual assessment charts for two consecutive years.

The team leader role was meant for Faang Yu, but for some reason, Wan Li had been elevated instead.

Shea Rongfan had expected Faang Yu to voice his discontent, providing an opportunity to put him in his place and ensure his future compliance with Wan Li's directives. However, Faang Yu's untroubled facade, seemingly unaffected by the turn of events, left Shea Rongfan puzzled about what the young man might be thinking.

Shea Rongfan, having navigated the business world for over a decade, was the epitome of tact. Keen to ensure Faang Yu harbored no hard feelings, he decided a few reassuring words were in order. With a warm smile, he approached Faang Yu, "Faang Yu!"

Faang Yu returned the gesture with a professional smile, "Manager!"

"Don't dwell on the recent appointment for the department head. Your skills are evident to us all. Though you weren't promoted this time, your talents will surely open up many more opportunities. Plus, it's always wise for young professionals to gain a few more years of experience," Shea Rongfan said earnestly, his gaze offering just the right amount of encouragement. Regardless of his true intentions, he was a master at keeping them hidden.

"Manager, you flatter me. The company makes its decisions for good reason. If Miss Wan Li has been chosen for the department head, she must have her strengths! I'm just a regular member of the team, so why would I take it personally?" Faang Yu's response was smooth and courteous, devoid of any resentment, as if he was above any worldly concerns.

"Hehe, I'm glad to hear you say that," Shea Rongfan said, visibly relieved by Faang Yu's understanding.

"However, Manager, there's something I need to ask your permission for," Faang Yu spoke up.

"What is it? Speak freely. If it's within my power, I won't hesitate to help," Shea Rongfan assured him, his words as polished as ever.

"I want to resign," Faang Yu declared, stunning everyone.

The Planning Department staff were taken aback. This was hardly a sign of someone who wasn't affected; it seemed more like a significant grievance. But wasn't this an overreaction?

Middle Distance Group was a leading state-owned enterprise in East Wind City, even across the entire East Province, spanning numerous industries with enviable benefits. Many clamored for a chance to join, yet here was Faang Yu, ready to walk away.

The smile vanished from Shea Rongfan's face as he looked at Faang Yu, "You're joking, right?"

Though Middle Distance Group was brimming with talent, and losing Faang Yu wouldn't be catastrophic, the timing of his resignation raised eyebrows. The Planning Department staff could speculate, but what about Shea Rongfan? Surely the old fox had his suspicions.