Weiwei felt encouraged by Qi's initial reaction to Lántiān's CFO email screenshot she sent him. "Well, at first glance it means I won't have to stay here for much longer," he said. That was some confidence, with the company's destiny on the line, so Weiwei felt a huge relief.
Fingers crossed. I hope he calls me soon to tell me everything is signed and done.
She couldn't wait.
It would be so nice if this nightmare were finally over. I don't even need my job back – as long as he's able to close his negotiations successfully.
Instead of a message from Qi, Weiwei received a text from Director Zhang. He was the last person on Earth she was expecting to hear from. She'd probably be less surprised if Uncle Gu called her. Director Zhang also asked Weiwei for lunch.
What is going on? Why all of a sudden does everyone want to talk to me? Oh well, I'll go. As long as I won't get any more surprising revelations, like that of Chengli.
She huddled on the sofa hugging her knees and thought some more of right and wrong.
***
Director Zhang invited Weiwei to a nicer place than Ruxuan and Chengli. It forced Weiwei to consider what to wear and to apply a bit of makeup before going out.
It sounds like a fancy place. I don't want to look scruffy, even if he's no longer my director.
Weiwei found Director Zhang in good spirits. She didn't know what she was expecting, but she didn't expect him to be as content as he appeared.
It doesn't look like losing his job impacted him that much.
"It's so nice to see you, Weiwei," he said, shaking her hand. "And to see that you're keeping well, aren't you?"
"I am, thanks for asking."
When the pleasantries were over and they ordered food, Director Zhang got more serious.
"Weiwei," he said solemnly, "I mainly asked you to come to apologize to you."
Apologize? Is this for real?
"I know I was harsh on you when you were working on my team, especially with the Lántiān file. I dismissed your valid concerns and directed Yihan to sign off on it instead. I'm sorry I didn't take the time to speak with you about it," he continued, periodically lowering his gaze in apology. "You can probably understand how much pressure all of us were to get this audit completed, but it's no excuse. I'm sorry."
Well, enough of this show already.
"That's okay," Weiwei said when he took a breath, finally managing to interject. "I understand."
Director Zhang shook his head. "I'm even more sorry about giving in to Su Yihan's argument and firing you on that day. I could've avoided doing that."
"I was part of the team," said Weiwei politely. "I should share the responsibility with the rest. The TTT Group must be in the wrong, not you."
Director Zhang smiled courteously. "You are a very reasonable person, Weiwei. I apologize that as your boss I wasn't as reasonable as you are now. However," he raised his finger and paused. "However, I wanted to make at least some amends."
Weiwei felt worried. What exactly did he have in mind?
"I spoke with the management and requested that they make an extra payout to you to compensate at least to some extent for all your effort."
I can't believe it. I never expected such a thoughtful gesture from a self-absorbed and conceited person like him.
"I'm happy to tell you, Weiwei, that they have agreed, and you should be receiving the payment in the next few days. I know how hard it is for a young person to lose a job, especially when there are no family members around to lend a hand."
How did he find out about my parents? He never asked.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Zhang," said Weiwei. "You didn't have to do it, but I really appreciate it."
"Of course, I had to!" exclaimed Director Zhang. "Of course, I did. Don't be angry with me, Weiwei, I'm genuinely trying to correct my mistakes and do better in the future."
Weiwei stared.
Am I dreaming? Or is actually saying these things in front of me? Is today a day of miracles?
"I thank you very much," was all she could say out loud, still not quite believing what she heard.
"It's nothing, Weiwei," huffed Director Zhang. "I'll do whatever I can."
As Weiwei and Director Zhang were leaving the restaurant, he returned to the topic of correcting mistakes.
"Weiwei, I'll tell you this: don't stress too much about unemployment. TTT's payout should help for the next little while, and I'll make sure to put in a good word for you wherever I can. I'm sure you'll be doing fine before you know it."
Wide-eyed Weiwei followed him down the pathway from the restaurant through a big park, listening in disbelief.
What happened to the man? Has Director Zhang been reborn?
At that moment, Director Zhang grabbed his phone and sighed.
"Weiwei, I'm sorry, I have to take this call. I'd walk you to the station, but I have to take it."
"No worries," said Weiwei.
"Just follow this path, and turn left down there," he pointed.
"Sure."
Director Zhang disappeared, and Weiwei walked slowly down the path looking at the sky and thinking about what she just heard.
There are small miracles in this world!
Suddenly, Weiwei heard a weak voice calling for help and looked around. On a bench next to the path sat an old man clutching his chest.
"Miss, could you please help?" he called again.