When Weiwei stepped into her old office, she felt like she had entered an unfamiliar place. She knew everything around her, yet after what had happened since she cried on the rock and met Qi, it all seemed so distant and foreign that she doubted whether she had actually spent time working there.
She looked at the shabby desks and drab walls and shuddered. What could've possessed her to sink so low?
I had nothing and no one to turn to.
That was true. But was that a sufficient explanation? Could she have tried harder?
Weiwei looked with sadness at the women working at their desks, which were strewn with papers.
Or did I not try to turn to anyone for help? How is it possible that a stranger did more for me than anyone I had ever known? Maybe there are more kind people in the world, and I had just stopped looking?
"Where have you been?" Jingjing came up to Weiwei. "Mr. Bai has been looking for you. This time you're in huge trouble."
Weiwei smiled. "No, Jingjing, I'm not. I'll be fine. I've never been better."
Jingjing stared at Weiwei like she was insane.
"Is that your file?" asked Jingjing, pointing at the papers Weiwei was carrying. "That can't be."
"No," Weiwei nodded reassuringly. "It's much more than that dreaded file. It's my future."
Jingjing didn't look convinced. Her glance clearly conveyed concern for Weiwei's mental health. "What are you talking about? Are you okay?"
Weiwei nodded. "Yes, Jingjing, I'm fine. I'm more than fine! This is my resignation letter."
The words "resignation letter" reverberated around the hushed room. Jingjing gasped. Another couple of women approached Weiwei.
"What is it? You're leaving?"
Weiwei felt both happy and sad at the same time. She was happy that she was leaving this terrible place and moving on with her life. She was happy that she believed in good in people again. But she was very sad that these women had to remain in this basement, carrying on with their work not seeing the daylight and enduring only disrespect and abuse from Mr. Bai.
Speak of the devil.
Mr. Bai appeared out of his room drawn by the commotion.
"You're back! Do you think you can skip work for hours and then distract others and expect to be paid?" he bellowed.
"No, Mr. Bai, I don't expect that."
"That's right – what?"
Mr. Bai halted and blinked. His expression betrayed complete surprise.
Weiwei held out the letter. "Mr. Bai, I'm resigning my position effective immediately. I also want to say that you've been a very poor boss, and I sincerely hope that you are going to reconsider your behavior and treat your employees with respect in the future."
Mr. Bai looked pale. He opened his mouth a couple of times as if searching for words.
"And ladies," Weiwei turned to her co-workers. "I hope you will not tolerate being abused and disrespected anymore. Please take care of yourselves. I believe that if you mean well and work hard, you are going to be able to find a job that not only pays well, but that you are proud of, and where you are treated with respect and support."
Even though no one spoke up, Weiwei could see the women's faces brighten.
"Stop your preaching!" exclaimed Mr. Bai finally finding his voice again. "Who said I'm going to accept your resignation?"
Weiwei frowned slightly.
"I think you will. Because you didn't sign a formal contract with me, I'm entitled to leave without any notice period. And if you're not in agreement, I'm ready to take it to the Employment Tribunal. I'm sure there is enough for them to look into in the office."
Mr. Bai looked around the room. His eyes were angry, but his face grew increasingly helpless.
"Just give it to me." He snatched the paper from Weiwei's hands and briskly walked away.