Chapter 55: The Warmth and Coldness of Human Relations

3:00 PM.

Sunlight streamed in through the glass curtain wall on the west side.

Many colleagues rushed to grab steaming cups of coffee and began their daily procrastination.

The entire office area felt quiet and warm.

Suddenly, a new message popped up in the Technical Department's group chat.

【Director - Chen Yunteng: "@Backend Developer - Tang Song, you are officially leaving the company today. Thank you for your hard work over the past few months."】

At first, only a few people saw it.

Soon, the entire technical department office became noisy.

"Tang Song is leaving!?"

"What happened!? Didn't he just pass his probation not long ago? Why is he leaving so suddenly?"

"Tang Song, did you find a new job already?"

"Could it be that the company is seeking financing and is going to target our tech department?"

"Are there layoffs coming? Don't scare me, my wife just lost her job!"

...

Tang Song's departure news came too suddenly, almost without warning.

It instantly ignited this ordinary Tuesday afternoon.

Some were concerned about his situation, some feared being affected themselves, and of course, some were gloating.

Just then, the thinning-haired Director, Chen Yunteng, walked out of his office.

Everyone immediately shut their mouths and stared intently at their computer screens.

Chen Yunteng's gaze swept toward Tang Song's direction, and he said in a flat tone, "Chaoyang, you handle the handover with Tang Song first. A new colleague will join after the May Day holiday; you can transfer the projects to him then."

"Understood, Director Chen," Wang Chaoyang replied hurriedly.

Chen Yunteng nodded slightly and turned to leave directly.

The colleagues exchanged glances, sensing that something was wrong.

Although Director Chen hadn't said anything extreme, his attitude and mannerisms made it clear that Tang Song had definitely offended him.

Normally, when a colleague left, Chen Yunteng, as the director, would take the initiative to organize a farewell dinner or drinks after work.

But this time, he was exceptionally indifferent, merely arranging a simple handover.

For a moment, the entire office became very quiet; no one dared to discuss the matter anymore.

*Ding-dong—* another message arrived in the department's main group.

【Director - Chen Yunteng: "Everyone, please focus on your own work and do not overthink. The company is in a period of rapid development, and structural adjustments for major departments have already begun. The Technical Support Department will announce the specific plan after the May Day holiday. This is a very good opportunity for everyone. Keep it up!"】

After a moment, colleagues began to reply.

【Developer - Du Shaokai: "Received! Let's go!"】

【Frontend - Zhao Yue: "Received! (#Fighting)"】

【Frontend - Hu Mingli: "Received!"】

...

This served as a reassurance to everyone that the company would not be implementing layoffs, and many breathed a sigh of relief.

Jinxiu Trading was a large company with good benefits and compensation.

Many people had worked there for several years and had entered their comfort zones, so they were very worried about being laid off.

Glancing at the messages in the group, Tang Song left the chat.

Then, he left all the other work group chats as well.

On WeChat, colleagues with whom he had a good relationship occasionally messaged him to ask why he was leaving.

Tang Song didn't go into detail about his conflict with Du Shaokai; he only briefly mentioned the pay cuts and the rumors of layoffs.

Just before the end of the workday, HR Liu Huihui walked over.

Tang Song handed over all company property, including his access card, laptop, and mouse, and signed for confirmation.

The resignation process was complete.

He opened his backpack and packed his personal belongings, such as his water bottle, tissues, snacks, and charger.

Looking at his empty desk, he felt a strange sense of loss, though more than that, he felt a surge of ambition for the future.

"Xiao Song, let's find a place to get together," Guo Peng said, patting him on the shoulder with a sigh. "I'm really going to miss you. You're a good guy with great skills. If you leave, I won't have anyone to help me watch the servers when I take leave."

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

Hu Mingli quickly spoke up, "Are you resigning or did you strike it rich? A 299-per-person buffet is too extravagant. If you ask me, let's just go to that Northeast cuisine restaurant next door for some iron pot stew; it'll be lively."

Guo Peng chimed in, "Don't try to show off, kid. You just bought a car and now you're quitting your job. Are you trying to ruin your life?"

Tang Song shook his head and laughed. "We'll have fewer chances to meet after I leave, so it's only right to treat everyone to a good meal. Don't worry, I can afford this much."

"Uh, I'm not feeling well today, so I won't be going," a colleague suddenly said.

"I promised my wife I'd take the kid shopping, so I can't make it either."

"I'm on a diet lately, you guys go. Xiao Song, I'll find you for a drink another day."

...

Others followed suit, offering various excuses to decline the dinner.

Zhao Yue hesitated for a long while before saying apologetically, "Song-ge, I have a few bugs to fix here. If I can finish them before 7:00, I'll join you guys, but I doubt I can. You guys eat and drink well, and take lots of photos to post in the group so I can live vicariously through you."

Her impression of Tang Song had just begun to shift; she had originally thought about pursuing something deeper, but she hadn't expected him to leave so suddenly and even offend Director Chen.

Although it felt like a pity, she still made the most correct choice.

Tang Song scanned the room and noticed that most colleagues were avoiding eye contact.

He could guess the reason.

Farewell dinners for the technical department had always been organized by Chen Yunteng. The fact that he hadn't spoken up this time clearly meant he had a major grievance against Tang Song.

Right now was a critical juncture for the technical department's restructuring, and everyone had a chance for promotion.

If they were noticed by Chen Yunteng because of this, they might lose that precious opportunity.

At the end of the day, they were just colleagues, and since Tang Song had already left, they were unwilling to take the risk.

Such is the nature of human relationships—warm one moment, cold the next.

Tang Song pursed his lips and smiled nonchalantly. "It's fine, keep busy if you have work. Those who are coming, let's get ready to head out."

Guo Peng closed his laptop and stood up. "Let's go, let's go. I've always wanted to eat at Lanting Teppanyaki. Today's finally the day."

"I'm coming too. I haven't sat in your Wuling Hongguang yet. We live close by, so I can hitch a ride back," Hu Mingli said, grabbing her bag and waving at him.

In a 16-person Technical Support Department, only these two were going, making the atmosphere momentarily awkward.

Du Shaokai waved his arm and said with a grin, "Old Song, don't forget to come back and visit us when you have time! I'll miss you."

Beside him, Wang Chaoyang scratched his head and stood up somewhat sheepishly to help Tang Song pick up his lumbar support. "Tang Song, let me walk you out and help you carry some things."

He and Tang Song had joined the company in the same batch, were around the same age, and had always been on good terms.

Now that the man was leaving, it was one thing not to attend the dinner, but not even seeing him off made him feel uneasy.

Hu Mingli patted Zhao Yue on the shoulder. "Xiao Yue, aren't you going to see him off? He's helped you plenty in the past."

Zhao Yue looked at Hu Mingli, then at Tang Song.

After a moment of hesitation, Zhao Yue stood up. "Then I'll go see him off too, and I'll come back to fix the bugs later."

(End of Chapter)