The intelligent robot project I led in development secured one hundred fourty-two million dollars orders. The company promised a million two hundred thousand dollars bonus and a promotion to Director of the Technical Department.
To my utter surprise, three days later, the bonus was claimed by an intern.
A transfer order from the HR Department plunged me from the heights of success into the depths of despair. "Lucius, effective today, you are being transferred to the Logistics Department, responsible for cleaning the restrooms from the first to the seventh floor."
I gripped the thin piece of paper, my fingertips tingling with cold.
"Where's Ms. Andrew? I need to see her!"
The HR Manager, William Abelard, adjusted his glasses and said in flat tone. "She's on a business trip. It was an unanimous decision by senior management."
"The company will reassess your salary and benefits based on your new position."
I stormed into the CEO's office.
Joana Andrew, as expected, was there leisurely brewing tea.
"Ms. Andrew, tell me, why?" I slammed the transfer order on the coffee table.
She leisurely poured herself a cup of tea, saying, "Lucius, I admit you're very capable, but you have a problem with your attitude."
"A problem with my attitude?" I repeated.
"You used to work very hard, but now you've become arrogant."
"You clock out on time every afternoon and you rarely speak up at regular department meetings."
"Look at Mark — he works overtime till midnight every day and even comes to the office to learn on weekends. That's what dedication means."
I was so furious that I laughed instead. "Mark Rousseau?"
"That intern who's only been here for three months, someone who can't even recognize all the code?"
"Enough!" Joana interrupted directly. "The company's decisions are not for you to question. If you're not satisfied, you can resign."
My heart, like it had been doused with ice water, chilled to the bone.
Before turning to leave, I gave her a cold glance and said, "Ms. Andrew, if there are any issues with the project you can't handle in the future, please go find that Mark Rousseau, who's working overtime, to solve them. Don't bother me."
"Because from today on, I'm just a toilet cleaner."
She raised the corner of her mouth disdainfully and smiled. "Don't worry, the company can still run smoothly without you."
——
The afternoon plenary meeting was held in the large conference room, which was full of people -- from the regular staff, senior manager to the director of each department.
I chose a seat at the back, yet I could still feel the gazes from all directions.
Joana stepped onto the stage in high heels with a composed demeanor.
She first provided a brief summary of the success of the smart robot project, then shifted the topic to discuss "the company's future development and talent pipeline construction."
The setup was complete and she smiled, her gaze sweeping over the entire room. It ultimately fell upon the somewhat awkward and shy figure at the front row.
"Following a decision by the company's management, Mark Rousseau is hereby appointed as the new Director of the Technical Department, responsible for all aspects of the department's work and subsequent project development."
A moment of silence fell over the room as the words fell, followed by a flood of whispers. Countless gazes flickered between me and Mark.
I looked ahead expressionlessly.
"Sure enough, it's Mark. The information is accurate."
"Lucius must be dumbfounded now—once so prominent, only to be replaced by an intern."
In the first few rows, some people snickered, but their voices were not deliberately lowered.
"So what if he's a senior? Just because he's got seniority, he runs off at five every day—like he owns the company?" A sharp female voice rang out, laced with unmistakable disdain.
"Exactly! Look at him in meetings, isn't he always silent? Not a single constructive suggestion. I think he's reached his limit, his talent has run dry."
"If the project succeeds, all the credit goes to him. Everyone else works themselves to the bone, while he goes off on time, enjoying life."
