CHAPTER 310: ROUND 1_1

After the first quarter work plan meeting, Yan Xixi received an inter-office call from Huang Ying. As she made her way there, she felt a bit uneasy. Should I raise the matter of resignation now?

As soon as Yan Xixi walked in, Huang Ying greeted her with a beaming smile. "Xixi, the headquarters’ performance appraisal standards for this year have been released. Effective this month, your salary will increase by twenty percent. Actually, the salary itself isn’t the most critical part. The company has introduced a very humane new policy. Any mid-level employee who has worked continuously for our company for over ten years will receive a lifelong pension. Additionally, if they pass away while employed, their spouse will receive a lifelong basic living allowance."

A high salary, generous benefits, and a pension after just ten years of work!

Yan Xixi was both surprised and delighted, and the thought of resigning vanished from her mind.

Huang Ying smiled and took out several boxes of pastries. "Xixi, these are handmade by artisans from our hometown. They’re delicious; you should try them."

Yan Xixi was taken aback. "Director Huang, I didn’t even bring any New Year gifts for you. How can I accept these?"

"This isn’t from me; it’s from my aunt. Ever since her daughter died, she has been quite confused, even showing signs of mild mental distress. But when she learned that uncouth, portly Liang was being investigated and jailed, she instantly snapped back to reality. During the family reunion dinner at New Year, she was completely normal, talking and laughing. When she heard me mention you, she was incredibly grateful and insisted I bring these pastries for you to try."

Yan Xixi did not refuse further and accepted them readily. "I’ll visit your aunt in your hometown someday."

Huang Ying was overjoyed. "Really?"

Yan Xixi nodded, whispering, "When my mother passed away, I felt like my entire world was collapsing. I thought I wouldn’t be able to survive on my own. So, I deeply understand how your aunt must have felt—losing her only daughter... the impact must have been enormous."

Huang Ying looked at her with a meaningful gaze. She had known about Yan Xixi’s ’orphan’ status for a while, initially feeling a touch of pity for her. But now, she understood that this young woman no longer needed anyone’s sympathy.

She said sincerely, "If you’re willing to visit my aunt, she would be overjoyed."

"Director Huang, pick a weekend, and I’ll go with you. I’m usually free on weekends, so you can just arrange it."

Huang Ying readily agreed. "Alright then, I won’t stand on ceremony. I’ll let you know once I’ve set a time."

Yan Xixi smiled and departed gracefully, the matter of her resignation once again slipping her mind.

Just as she was about to enter the elevator, she received a call from Huang Xiaojue. She immediately went to the rooftop terrace on the 18th floor.

Huang Xiaojue was already waiting there, grinning from ear to ear. He immediately embraced her. "Xixi, I want to make our relationship public in the company..."

She instinctively protested, "Don’t..."

"Why not?"

She responded quietly, "Director Huang said I’m getting another raise... Xiaojue, can I delay my resignation until just before we get married?"

Huang Xiaojue sighed inwardly. She was already reluctant to resign, and now with this new company policy, she’ll likely be even more unwilling. It’s not that I absolutely insist she quits. However, there’s always been an unwritten rule in the company: if two employees are a couple, one has to leave. We’ve been putting this off, but we can’t hide it forever—the truth will come out eventually.

But seeing Yan Xixi’s eager expression and knowing how much she truly loved her job, he couldn’t bring himself to pressure her. He said gently, "Xixi, I’m not forcing you to resign. I just want to help you consider what you would do afterward."