At 3 PM, sunlight streamed in from the west-facing glass wall. Many colleagues brewed steaming cups of coffee and began their usual slacking off. The entire office area felt quiet and warm.

Suddenly, a new message appeared in the technical department's work group.

[Director Chen Yunteng: "@Backend Developer Tang Song is officially leaving the company today. Thank you for your efforts over the past few months."]

At first, only a few people saw it. Soon, the entire technical department became noisy.

"Tang Song is leaving!?"

"What's going on!? He just got regularized not long ago. Why is he leaving?"

"Tang Song, have you found another job?"

"Could the company be restructuring and targeting our technical department?"

"Are they laying off people? Don't scare me. My wife just lost her job!"

Tang Song's departure news came so suddenly and without warning, instantly stirring up this otherwise ordinary Tuesday afternoon. Some were concerned about his situation, some feared it might affect them, and some gloated.

At that moment, the balding director, Chen Yunteng, walked out of his office. Everyone immediately fell silent, staring at their computer screens. Chen Yunteng glanced in Tang Song's direction and said calmly, "Chaoyang, do a handover with Tang Song. A new colleague will join after the May Day holiday, and you can transfer the project to them."

"Okay, Director Chen," Wang Chaoyang quickly responded. Chen Yunteng nodded slightly and turned to leave. Colleagues exchanged glances, sensing something was off. Although Director Chen hadn't said anything extreme, his attitude and behavior clearly indicated that Tang Song had offended him. Normally, when a colleague left, Director Chen would organize a farewell dinner, but this time, he was unusually indifferent, merely arranging a brief handover.

Suddenly, the department group chat received another message.

[Director Chen Yunteng: "Everyone, focus on your work and don't overthink. The company is in a period of rapid development and has started restructuring major departments. The technical support department will announce specific plans after the May Day holiday. This is a great opportunity for everyone, so keep it up!"]

After a moment, colleagues responded one after another.

[Developer Du Shaokai: "Got it! Keep it up!"]

[Frontend Zhao Yue: "Got it! (#Keep it up)"]

[Frontend Hu Mingli: "Got it!"]

This reassured everyone that there wouldn't be any layoffs, and many sighed in relief. Jinxiu Commerce was a large company with good benefits, and many had been working there for years, settling into their comfort zones. They were very concerned about potential layoffs. Glancing at the messages in the group chat, Tang Song left the chat and then exited all other work groups. On WeChat, colleagues with whom he had good relationships asked him why he was leaving. Tang Song briefly mentioned the pay cut and layoffs but didn't detail his conflict with Du Shaokai.

Just before the end of the workday, HR Liu Huihui came over. Tang Song handed over the company's access card, laptop, mouse, and other office supplies, signing off on everything. The resignation process was complete. He opened his backpack and packed his personal items like his water cup, tissues, snacks, and charger. Looking at the empty desk, he felt a mix of melancholy and excitement for the future.

"Little Song, let's go out for a meal," Guo Peng patted his shoulder with a sigh, "I'll miss you. You're great both personally and technically. Without you, I won't have anyone to watch the servers when I leave."

Tang Song smiled at Brother Peng, stood up, and said, "Comrades, thank you all for your support. I'll treat everyone to a meal at Lanting Teppanyaki Buffet. Sign up now if you're coming."

Hu Mingli quickly said, "Are you quitting or winning the lottery? 299 yuan per person for the buffet is too extravagant. Let's go to the nearby Northeastern restaurant for a hot pot. It's lively and warm."

Guo Peng added, "Don't overdo it. You just bought a car, and now you're leaving your job. How will you manage?"

Tang Song shook his head with a smile, "We won't see each other often after I leave. Treating everyone to a good meal is the least I can do. Don't worry, I can afford it."

"Um, I'm not feeling well today, so I won't go," a colleague suddenly said.

"I promised my wife we'd take the kids out shopping. Can't make it."

"I'm on a diet, and you guys go ahead. Little Song, let's catch up for drinks another day."

Others also started giving various excuses to decline the dinner invitation. Zhao Yue hesitated long and apologized, "Brother Song, I have some bugs to fix. I'll join you if I can finish by 7, but it doesn't look promising. You guys enjoy, and take lots of pictures to share."

Her impression of Tang Song had just changed, and she thought about getting to know him better, but now he was leaving and had offended Director Chen. Despite feeling sorry, she made the right choice. Tang Song glanced around, noticing many colleagues avoiding eye contact. He could guess why. Chen Yunteng always organized the technical department's farewell dinners. His absence this time clearly showed his displeasure with Tang Song. At this critical moment of department restructuring, everyone had promotion opportunities. Nobody wanted to risk losing this chance by being associated with Tang Song. After all, they were just colleagues, and since Tang Song was leaving, they didn't want to take any risks. Read full story at noᴠelfire.net

Human feelings, warm and cold, were evident.

Tang Song pursed his lips and smiled indifferently. "It's okay. Those who are busy can keep working. Those who want to join, let's get ready to go."

Guo Peng closed his laptop, stood up, and said, "Let's go. I've always wanted to try Lanting Teppanyaki Buffet. Today, I can finally do it."

"I'm coming too. I haven't ridden in your Wuling Hongguang yet. We live nearby, so I can hitch a ride back," Hu Mingli said, waving her bag.

Only two of the 16 people in the technical support department were going, making the atmosphere a bit awkward.

Du Shaokai waved his arm and laughed, "Old Song, don't forget to come back and visit us! I'll miss you."

Beside him, Wang Chaoyang scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed, and stood up to help Tang Song with his lumbar support, "Tang Song, I'll see you off and help carry some things."

He and Tang Song had joined the company at the same time, were around the same age, and had always gotten along well. Now that Tang Song was leaving, he couldn't let him go without at least seeing him off.

Hu Mingli patted Zhao Yue's shoulder, "Little Yue, aren't you going to see him off? He helped you a lot."

Zhao Yue looked at Hu Mingli and Tang Song. She bit her lip and stood up, saying, "I'll see you off too, then come back to fix the bugs."