Chapter 5: The President and the Massage Chair 05

“Landmines? Grenades? What are those?”

Tang Bin, who had only recently turned into a Spirit, had never heard of such things before. However, he searched through the original owner’s memories and saw images and uses of them in his mind, though it was still too vague. It was clear that the original owner didn’t know much about these things either.

System: 【Landmines and grenades can be exchanged for currency, which can be used for the host’s current and future living expenses.】

Tang Bin: “Hmm!”

Previously, the Peach Blossom Spirit had mentioned that the system had a very comprehensive plan for their future, allowing them to earn money while completing tasks, which would be useful when they eventually became fully human.

Of course, this currency could also be used in the task world. From the moment rewards were earned, that money would belong to him.

Tang Bin was very excited about this. Influenced by the original owner, he had always placed a high value on money.

So, he asked, “How can I get more landmines and grenades?”

System: 【The host’s current level does not grant access to the answer for this question.】

Tang Bin: “Oh… Okay.”

He sighed.

System: 【…】

According to human societal rules, situations where rewards could be earned should be based on equal information for both parties. Normally, the host would have the right to know how to obtain these rewards.

However, in their system, low-level hosts indeed did not have permission to know the answer to this question.

But the system had expected that its host would ask more questions or at least express dissatisfaction with this system.

But nothing happened. There was nothing.

In fact, the naive Tang Bin didn’t even realize that there was an imbalance between him and the system.

He simply sighed for a few seconds before quickly forgetting all about it.

The elevator arrived at the designated floor, and the elevator door opened, revealing an office filled with scorching sunlight.

Tang Bin quickly immersed himself back into work.

He hadn’t mentioned meeting with Shang Chengjun to anyone, but since he hadn’t been careful when answering the phone and hadn’t checked for familiar faces when getting into Shang Chengjun’s car, the fact that he had gone out to lunch with him quickly spread around the small office.

“You see, I told you he knew Shang Chengjun. Otherwise, how would he have been specifically appointed as the project leader? There’s no way anyone else would have been chosen.”

“You didn’t know, right? I heard from a friend working at Ruida that President Shang Chengjun’s decision to offer us a discount wasn’t discussed with anyone beforehand. Even the two senior executives at Ruida didn’t know, which means President Shang Chengjun decided on a whim, worried that our General Manager Yu wouldn’t give the project to Le Yang.”

“Sigh, so it turns out Le Yang has a powerful backer. I think he’ll probably change jobs soon, and this little company of ours will never be able to keep him. We can only envy him now.”

“Of course, President Shang Chengjun could easily find him a place…”

“What are you guys talking about?” Pang Yuqing’s voice came from nearby, accompanied by his cold, piercing gaze. The group of people who had been gossiping immediately scattered, like birds and beasts fleeing.

Pang Yuqing slowly scanned the room, then called out the two people who had spoken the most: “Are you sure Le Yang went out to eat with President Shang Chengjun from Ruida at lunch?”

Gossiping was one thing, but since they all worked in the same office, no one wanted to stir up trouble. However, Pang Yuqing was their supervisor, and since he had overheard them, they could no longer deny it. The two of them nodded, confirming that they had seen Le Yang get into Shang Chengjun’s car during their lunch break.

“It’s obvious something’s going on.” Pang Yuqing narrowed his eyes and then revealed a smug smile as he walked towards Yu Mingcheng’s office.

When Tang Bin returned, he knew nothing about it. By the time he was working around two or three in the afternoon, Pang Yuqing suddenly dropped a stack of thick files on his desk.

“Le Yang, the loopholes mentioned in these files need to be addressed immediately. Get to work on it.”

Tang Bin picked up one of the files and glanced through it. “…These don’t seem to be related to the Ruida project, though?”

“These are not part of Ruida’s project, of course,” Pang Yuqing chuckled. “But aren’t you in charge of the Ruida project now? We can’t live by relying solely on Ruida, can we? You’ve taken so many of our engineers to work on their project that collaborations with other companies have piled up. Now clients are starting to complain, so we need to fix this urgently.”

“…”

Tang Bin lowered his head and flipped through the files one by one. They were related to the post-project maintenance for companies they had signed contracts with in the past. While not difficult, going through them all would be quite time-consuming.

He reluctantly said, “…I can’t do these tasks.”

“What did you say?” Pang Yuqing didn’t seem surprised by the refusal. Instead, his tone turned more vicious as he sneered, “Although you’re responsible for Ruida’s project, don’t forget that I’m your supervisor! Apart from Ruida’s project, you’ll do whatever I tell you to do. If not, then get out!”

The implication was that Tang Bin was responsible for Ruida’s project, and if that project wasn’t completed on time, he would take the blame. But since Tang Bin was also under his management, he was expected to complete the tasks assigned by his superior, even while handling Ruida’s project.

His voice was loud and domineering, just like in the past. In the otherwise silent office, where only the sound of typing could be heard, his words rang out, harsh and oppressive.

In stark contrast to his aggressive tone, the thin and weak Tang Bin seemed especially fragile, barely able to withstand the pressure.

This body was naturally timid, with shallow eye sockets.

Although he didn’t feel that being scolded by his superior in public was something shameful, Tang Bin still felt like crying.

It was because of this fear of being yelled at or humiliated that the original owner had gradually isolated himself, living a life where he only interacted with his computer. It was also the reason he was afraid to refuse or argue with others.

But now that this situation had fallen on Tang Bin, he knew he had to stand up and resist. He couldn’t compromise.

Tang Bin clenched his fists tightly, gritting his teeth, trying not to cry in front of this hateful person.

He couldn’t accept these tasks.

It wasn’t about being overworked or staying late, it was because taking on these tasks would mean he couldn’t fulfill the promise he made to Shang Chengjun earlier.

Aside from wanting to get closer to the male lead, after today’s lunch, Tang Bin genuinely wanted to do something to repay Shang Chengjun. So, no matter what, he had to complete the Ruida project as quickly as possible.

Tang Bin clenched his teeth, silently tightening his small fists, holding back tears until his facial expression became rigid.

But as long as he calmed down… just a little bit… he could loudly tell Pang Yuqing that he wasn’t going to do the task, and even if they fired him, he still wouldn’t do it!

However, before he could speak, Hu Xiaobing, who was sitting diagonally across from him, stood up and coldly faced Pang Yuqing. “Apart from the five engineers working on the Ruida project, there are three more engineers. The post-project maintenance work is tedious but not difficult. As long as those three people handle it promptly, how did it pile up like this?”

As soon as he spoke, the office fell into complete silence.

“You… you…” Pang Yuqing was taken aback by Hu Xiaobing’s sudden outburst and took a step back. He didn’t expect Hu Xiaobing to speak up for Le Yang at this moment.

Hu Xiaobing had always kept a cold and aloof demeanor with people he wasn’t familiar with, but his technical skills were excellent, he was good-looking, and his mannerisms were gentlemanly with a unique charm. Although Pang Yuqing had never paid much attention to him, he actually had a pretty good impression of Hu Xiaobing.

In fact, many times when Pang Yuqing assigned tasks, he felt like Hu Xiaobing was watching him, observing him, which made Pang Yuqing feel a sense of pride. He thought Hu Xiaobing admired him in some ways.

But he never imagined that one day Hu Xiaobing would publicly oppose him like this…

The fact, however, was clear—Pang Yuqing had been too narcissistic all along and had read too much into things.

Hu Xiaobing wasn’t afraid to offend anyone as he continued, “We’re already working overtime to finish Ruida’s project, and now you want us to clean up after others? So, Mr. Pang, what exactly do you want us to work on? If Ruida’s project isn’t urgent, just say the word. Everyone in the office is here, and we can stop rushing this project right now.”

“I… I…”

Pang Yuqing felt that Hu Xiaobing had misunderstood him. He must have thought that Pang Yuqing had added more tasks to this team.

However, Pang Yuqing had only intended to give Le Yang tasks, not to involve others in these trivial jobs.

But he couldn’t say that.

If he said it, it would be obvious that he was making things difficult for Le Yang, and he would likely lose even more support in the future.

So, he could only awkwardly smooth things over, “The company is short-handed, and the workload is heavy. I just thought Le Yang might be able to lend a hand. Fine, you guys continue with Ruida’s work, and I’ll find someone else to handle these tasks.”

After saying this, Pang Yuqing pulled all the folders from Tang Bin’s desk, shot him a cold glare, and stormed off.

“Pfft.”

It wasn’t clear who laughed first, but the atmosphere in the office instantly lightened. Everyone had long been frustrated with Pang Yuqing for repeatedly causing trouble, but no one dared to speak up, fearing the trouble that would come from confronting such a petty person.

Now that Pang Yuqing had been driven off, people began praising Hu Xiaobing for his bravery, calling him a hero who wasn’t afraid to stand up against a bully.

Tang Bin was also amused by the sight of Pang Yuqing being taken down. He slyly winked at Hu Xiaobing to thank him, completely ignoring the fact that his eyes were still red, with tears still lingering in them.

Another favor to return, Tang Bin thought.

Hu Xiaobing twitched the corner of his mouth and said, “Alright, don’t thank me. Getting teary-eyed over this, how much do you like crying?”

Tang Bin: “…”

Well, I guess the favor’s gone now.

But what should he do? It seemed like he was about to cry again!

“But it’s so strange, everyone is working their butts off, that’s obvious to all, so why is Mr. Pang acting so arrogant today, pushing these unreasonable conditions onto Le Yang?” one of their colleagues, who often freeloaded on their food and drinks, scratched his chin and wondered aloud.

Hu Xiaobing’s gaze shifted towards the direction where Pang Yuqing had left—there was the office of their boss, Yu Mingcheng.

He couldn’t help but fall into deep thought as well.

Pang Yuqing, although usually arrogant, also knew his limits. If this wasn’t something that Yu Mingcheng had agreed to at this critical moment…

Hu Xiaobing’s eyes then fell on the person who had returned to his work.

—In just this short time, the person had already started humming some strange tune under his breath, happily tapping away at his keyboard.

It seemed like he had completely forgotten everything.

The old Le Yang didn’t talk much, but you could tell he was quite emotional.

Every time Pang Yuqing made things difficult for him, he looked like he was about to cry.

But he never used to refuse work so decisively like he did now. The old Le Yang would probably cry while working overtime…

Hu Xiaobing couldn’t figure out when this person had changed.