Wang Xia walked back to her desk lazily, but the bitterness in her heart did not go away, whenever those words replayed in her mind. She knew she was wrong, but the man was equally at fault for always targeting her. It was only yesterday afternoon when he had handed her a report to go over, make amends and all that, and informed her she should prepare to present the following day, which was today. She knew he was deliberately making things difficult for her but the real question was why.
She sat down at her desk and leaned her forehead on the edge. She then whispered inside her heart, "Tang Jun, do you really hate me that much? All I have done is…"
Her words trailed off as a heartache spread across her chest, pressing down on her. She instantly blocked the images of the past that were about to flood in. She refused to let them win over her today. Taking in a long, deep breath, she whispered to herself, "I won't give you the satisfaction you want. I'll complete my internship. It's not like three months is a long time, right?"
She paused with a sigh, staring at the mess of papers on her desk before adding, "But it has only been two weeks. Aaah! Hope I won't lose my mind before then."
Her voice cracked softly at the end and she quickly pressed her lips together. After that little turmoil that left her chest tight, she forced herself to calm down, pressing her palms against the desk and pushing her body upright. She raised her head just in time to see someone standing in front of her desk.
It was Secretary Wu, dressed in an all–black suit that seemed to swallow him whole, giving him that sharp intimidating presence, but not as intimidating as their heartless boss. Seeing him there, Wang Xia felt an immediate headache coming on. Of all the people she wanted to see right now, he was last on the list. Because she knew brought news she was not ready for.
Before she could even ask what he needed, the man handed her a piece of paper. Wang Xia hesitated for a moment before finally taking it from him.
As soon as she did, Secretary Wu spoke in his even voice, "Mr. Tang has arranged the tasks for you today. Everything is written down there and the time frame they need to be completed. He said there should be no mistake and should you not finish, you are not allowed… to leave the office."
With that, Secretary Wu turned and walked away without a second glance, leaving her frozen with the paper in her hand. Wang Xia stared after him, mouth opening but no words came out.
Finally, she lowered her gaze and began to read the paper. At first, her eyes narrowed in confusion, but as she went down the list, her expression grew darker and darker until her face was clouded like a storm.
Her fingers tightened around the paper. She could no longer contain the fury rising inside her. Slamming her palm down on the desk, she stood up with a loud bang that echoed across the quiet office floor.
Everyone turned to look at her, their eyes curious, some even startled. Realizing she was disturbing them, Wang Xia immediately bowed her head and apologized with an awkward smile, "Sorry for that."
Her voice was strained and now pink, not from a blush but anger. She sat back down quickly, and forced herself to reread the tasks carefully, as if maybe her eyes had played tricks on her the first time. But no, it was all there in bold letters:
1. Make my coffee, RIGHT NOW!
2. Rewrite the presentation from earlier in three formats (Summary, detailed and presentation style) – before noon.
3. Deliver signed papers to all departments and bring back acknowledgments – Any time needed throughout the day.
4. Collect weekly reports from every department by hand – before 4pm.
5. Get me a steak sandwich from J&K, a fresh mango smoothie with no ice, and a slice of blueberry cheesecake. Don't mix them up – 12:30pm sharp!
6. My evening coffee – 4pm.
Wang Xia's jaw tightened. She blinked once, twice, then lowered the paper onto the desk slowly like it might burst into flames in her hands.
Her throat tightened and her eyes stung. She felt like crying.
"What have I done to deserve this?" she whispered under her breath.
She bit her lip, her fists clenching on her lap. Every nerve in her body screamed with hatred for that so–called boss of hers.
Inside, she let out a silent, endless cry. "Tang Juuuuuun!"
*****
By the time Wang Xia was completing everything, it was already a quarter to 7 p.m. Everyone else had left. She glanced at the report she was supposed to hand in before noon and sighed. Was he going to reprimand her again?
"I'm too worn out to listen to any of his insults right now," she said to herself and picked up her handbag. As soon as she handed over the documents, she could finally leave.
Her boss' office was only a few steps away to the left. She stood outside the door and, with one deep breath, knocked. She waited for a few seconds, and when no answer came, she knocked again. This time, there was a "come in" from inside. She instantly opened the door quietly and walked in.
"The presentation. I'm done with it," she said, placing the document on his desk.
She did not leave immediately but waited for him to examine it as usual. To her dismay, the man did not even glance at it, let alone take it. She blinked and blinked, but he still remained focused on his laptop.
"Uhm... I'll be leaving now," she added and was ready to do so when his voice came along.
"I recall you were supposed to hand it in before noon."
Wang Xia closed her eyes and gulped. She then looked at him with a smile that did not reach her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Tang," she simply apologized, knowing that if she started defending herself, it would not end any time soon.
With that, she turned around and had already held the door handle when his voice came again, but this time it tore through her patience.
"You want to run again, coward that you are. I told you, if you can't handle a little pressure, then it's better you quit."
Wang Xia felt her eyes sting a little. She clearly understood the meaning behind his words but did not dwell on it.
Still with her back turned, she spoke, "Mr. Tang, if you want me out of you Company so badly, then you just have to say it. No need to treat me like a... lackey. At least we're past that stage, or have you forgotten?"
With that, Wang Xia stomped out while fishing her phone from her handbag.