In the past, Su You would never have dared to speak like this.

But now that the apocalypse was drawing near—if she didn’t go mad, who would?

Hearing Su You’s words, Manager Qu was so furious that his face turned red and his neck swelled, almost smashing his phone in anger.

“Su You, do you even know what you’re saying? What kind of tone is that to use with your superior? You’re rebelling against the heavens!

“And now you dare to ask for sick leave? What about your mortgage payments, huh? Let me tell you, the company is your lifeline. Without the company, you’re nothing!”

Su You shot back without the slightest politeness:

“I’ve worked with a clear conscience. I’ve always been diligent and careful, never once sloppy. I’ve never made a mistake in any project. I’ve devoted myself to this company, and everything I’ve earned is what I rightfully deserve.”

Heh—mortgage. Sure enough, the old man was trying to use that to threaten her.

But now she was debt-free.

In her previous life, Su You had been terrified of losing her job, terrified of defaulting on her loan, so she had swallowed her anger and endured his exploitation and workplace gaslighting.

But now? She wasn’t going to indulge him anymore.

Manager Qu was livid. “Oh, so you think you’ve read enough nonsense online and now you can try to ‘rectify the workplace’? Let me tell you something, Su You—if you want to work, then work. If you don’t, then get the hell out!”

Su You’s lips curled coldly. “Fine, I’ll leave. But according to the company’s legal termination process—with 2n+1 severance pay.”

“You wish! Dream on. That’s never going to happen!”

He was raging, the atmosphere thick with gunpowder.

But soon after, he realized something odd. Normally, Su You was meticulous to the point of rigidity, and never dared to offend him. Why was she like this today?

Before the thought could settle, his anger drowned out his moment of reason. “If you want to go, then go! But don’t even think about getting a single cent in compensation!”

“Oh?”

“By the way… that new intern—is she really your relative?”

In her previous life, Su You had always avoided such conflicts for the sake of appearances among colleagues. But now that the mask was off, she no longer had any scruples.

As expected, when he heard her words, it was as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over Manager Qu. His fury instantly went out.

“Y-you… how do you know about that?”

He had been extremely discreet—how could she possibly have found out?

Su You didn’t answer, instead continuing:

“Suppose I tell your wife about this—don’t you think she’d be very interested? Or maybe I should post the evidence in the company chat group, let the other leaders and colleagues see what kind of man you really are?”

“I’ve heard the company has been laying people off recently. Even higher-ups haven’t been spared. If a scandal like this broke out now, I bet plenty of people would happily fan the flames.”

“Manager Qu, tell me—would you still be able to keep your position then?”

Before she even finished speaking, Manager Qu panicked. “You—you were testing me just now, and now you’re threatening me?”

At that moment, Su You smiled. “I only want the severance I’m owed, nothing more. No need to be nervous, Manager Qu.”

Sometimes, acting crazy really was the most effective strategy.

In his office on the other end of the line, the obese man clutched his phone tightly, mind racing while sweat poured down his forehead.

“Fine… name your terms. As long as you keep quiet and don’t expose this, I’ll agree.”

“Of course. After all, I only want to resign smoothly.”

By the bright window, under the blue sky and bustling streets, Su You smiled—but a cold glint flashed in her eyes.

Manager Qu hadn’t expected her to be so easy to talk to. He thought she would at least haggle for more leverage.

But she had simply asked to resign.

A shrewd old fox like him felt there had to be something fishy about this.

He hesitated for a moment, then tested her: “You really want to leave? No other requests?”

“None. I just want the proper severance for a layoff. Once I get the money, I’ll leave.”

Now that was strange.

This job was solidly mid-tier in the industry, with decent salary and benefits.

He knew Su You had a mortgage, unmarried, with no family support, and a somewhat unruly personality.

He had always disliked women like her—thinking women should be gentle, obedient, and marry early—so he often made things hard for her.

Could it be that she had already found another job lined up?

Nervously, he feared she might change her mind. “Alright, we’ll do as we said. Tomorrow morning, first thing at work, you’ll process your resignation.”

“No problem.” Her voice over the phone was calm and indifferent.

Manager Qu let out a sigh of relief, though he still didn’t feel secure. He probed further: “What evidence do you really have?”

Su You answered with interest: “That night I came back to the office to work overtime. I happened to take a few things with me. I heard everything you said—and recorded it.”

At once, he realized when it must have happened, and his face turned awkward. “Hahaha… that night you had already finished your work. Who knew you’d come back?”

Then it dawned on him. That very night, he had insisted Su You correct a tiny error in a PPT, demanding she stay late to fix it.

He thought she’d work from home. Who knew she’d actually return to the office?

Instantly, he felt bitter regret. He had brought this disaster on himself.

If not for that, none of this would’ve happened.

Now to be caught by a mere young girl—it was a humiliating blow.

His palm clenched tightly, and inwardly he sneered.

They were in the same industry after all. If this girl wanted to be ruthless, then she shouldn’t blame him for being merciless in return.

---

For now, the matter was settled, and Su You had one less headache.

She knew that although Qu Xiangdong had spoken nicely, the sly old fox might well try something shady behind her back.

In her previous life, she had been cautious, afraid of making an enemy of such an old veteran in the industry.

But with the apocalypse approaching…

She had money, supplies, and a safe base. Whatever Qu Xiangdong did from here on out—it no longer mattered to her.

With that problem shelved, Su You returned to her unfinished business.

She contacted several coal factory owners to negotiate coal purchases.

It was only early autumn, so coal prices weren’t too high yet. But experienced farming families had already begun stockpiling coal while it was still cheap, preparing for winter.

The early autumn coal wasn’t too expensive, but Su You wanted high-quality briquettes, which cost around 2,000 yuan per ton.

An average household might buy five or six tons for the winter.

Su You estimated she could buy at most around fifteen or sixteen tons—any more might attract suspicion.

So she placed orders with five different coal factories, twenty tons from each, about 2,000 yuan per ton. A total of 100 tons, costing her 200,000 yuan.

Just then, Manager Wang from the supermarket messaged her:

“Miss Su, the goods you ordered have already been delivered to the designated location. I’ll send you a photo.”

A moment later came a picture of a warehouse stacked full of supplies.

Followed by another message:

“Also, about the supermarket purchase—you wanted me to ask. The boss seems open to the idea. Would you have time this afternoon to come discuss the price?”