The next morning, Chen Xu walked into the building where the company was located, still yawning.
Ever since he discovered he had a talent for "precise throwing," he spent the entire night tossing things nonstop. His excitement kept him up until past three in the morning.
He almost couldn't get up in the morning, yawning all the way.
In this state, whenever he saw something handy, he felt an urge to grab it and throw it.
He walked to the elevator and saw a few company colleagues ahead, chatting in low voices, seemingly discussing the establishment of a new department.
He was still a bit sleepy and didn't pay attention.
Before long, the elevator arrived. As he entered, those colleagues greeted him.
"Morning," he replied with a smile.
The elevator door slowly closed.
Colleague A asked, "Chen Xu, did you hear that the company is establishing a new department?"
Chen Xu nodded, "Yeah, I heard."
Colleague B chimed in, "Is there something behind this new department? I see many people trying to get transferred there."
Colleague C whispered, "I heard that the new department was proposed by Mr. Liu at the annual strategy meeting. He persuaded other top executives to make it a key strategic project for the next year, with Mr. Liu personally in charge. Of course, the new department is popular."
Colleague A added, "I heard from a friend in HR that to show support for the new department, once you're transferred, your salary increases by over twenty percent."
Colleague B said enviously, "No wonder so many people want to transfer. A twenty percent salary increase, that's such a good benefit."
Colleague A sighed, "Yeah, a salary increase once you move; who wouldn't want to go? Unfortunately, it's unlikely for us. Those with connections have probably already reserved their spots."
"That's not necessarily true."
Colleague C, who seemed more informed, said, "I heard that the final candidates are screened by Director Luo. It's not easy to get past her. Maybe, we really have a chance."
Chen Xu, initially drowsy, felt a stir of emotion when they mentioned Director Luo and became more alert.
"Is she back from her trip?"
In the company, there was only one director with the surname Luo, and the Director Luo they mentioned was naturally Luo Xiyun.
This week, she had been on a business trip. The two hadn't met yet.
As more details about the dream came back to him, his emotions became somewhat complex.
With a ding, the elevator arrived.
He set aside his thoughts and followed his colleagues out of the elevator.
...
Chen Xu walked into the office and saw everyone gathered, discussing the new department enthusiastically.
Obviously, the news about the salary increase after transferring had spread, sparking enthusiasm among colleagues.
He didn't join in but instead arranged his things, took out some tea leaves, and went to the hot water dispenser to make a cup of tea. Just as he sat back at his desk, the entire office suddenly went quiet.
He found it odd, wondering why everyone had suddenly stopped talking.
Looking up, he saw everyone gazing toward him from behind.
Behind him was the corridor.
Before he turned around, he heard the tapping sound of high heels on the floor.
An incredibly familiar figure immediately popped into his mind. As he turned, he saw Luo Xiyun walking in, clad in a black trench coat. She wore light makeup, and her auburn hair proudly fluttered with her steps.
"Morning, Director Luo,"
the office staff enthusiastically greeted.
She waved gently, her eyes not glancing in this direction, walking straight into her office.
She became that unattainable Director Luo once again.
Feigning nonchalance, Chen Xu withdrew his gaze, raised his cup, gently blew away the tea leaves floating on top, and took a sip.
The slightly bitter taste slowly spread throughout his mouth.
Seeing her in person completely shattered the last illusion he had.
No miracle occurred; her attitude was no different from before, treating him like air.
"Let's just consider everything that happened in the dream a dream," he thought silently.
Deep down, he was a pragmatic person.
He had already experienced how hard it was to pursue Luo Xiyun in the dream. Even if the world consisted only of the two of them, she initially found him unappealing, let alone in reality.
Knowing it was impossible, he was unwilling to waste time, money, or emotions.
He let out a long breath, put down his cup, and focused his attention on work.
Right now, the most important thing for him was to make money and improve his and his family's life. Everything else could wait.
...
"Chen Xu, come out for a moment."
Approaching noon, Old Wang suddenly called Chen Xu over, "Come on, Mr. He from HR wants to see you."
Mr. He was the HR supervisor, in his early forties, tall and thin, wearing glasses. He had a somewhat serious expression when he met Chen Xu.
"I've reviewed your resume. You've been with the company right after graduation, working for almost two years. Supervisor Wang speaks highly of you. The company intends to assign you to a new department. Now, the company plans to establish a new department and transfer you there. Are you willing?"
Mr. He got straight to the point.
Chen Xu replied straightforwardly, "I'm not sure about the adjustments in terms of benefits in the new department."
Mr. He showed a trace of displeasure in his eyes. He dealt with salary discussions with employees frequently due to his HR work, but he disliked the young man's attitude, seemingly uninterested in the new job's content and directly asking about benefits, which left a bad impression.
His tone turned colder, "Considering the new department's heavy workload, the company generally offers a twenty percent raise on the existing salary for employees transferring to the new department."
Chen Xu nodded, "Then I have no issues."
Mr. He frowned slightly, "Aren't you curious about the new department's work?"
Chen Xu said, "I follow arrangements."
Mr. He's opinion of him declined further, unwilling to talk more, "You can leave now. Pack your things and report to the new department this afternoon."
Chen Xu left the office. He had noticed Mr. He had issues with him, but he simply didn't care. After discovering that the talent for "precise throwing" had appeared in him, his thoughts shifted.
He realized he could gain more talents and learn more skills from the dream world, not necessarily needing a job. Once conditions were ripe, he could fully embark on entrepreneurship or choose a better profession.
With this mindset, he didn't want to fuss anymore. Changing jobs would lead to a host of troubles. It was better to stay for now, especially with a salary increase opportunity, which reinforced his intent to stay.