Around 2 p.m., our group arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. We stepped out of the cars one after another and walked towards the departure hall with Mi Cai and others. At this point, there were about 20 minutes left before Mi Cai and her team were scheduled to board their flight.
Mi Cai was still having a final discussion with Mi Lan and other senior executives of Zhuo Mei, when I suddenly recalled someone. Instinctively, I looked around, only to find that he had not come to the airport to see Mi Cai off.
I turned to Chen Jingming, who was standing next to me, and asked, “Mr. Chen, why didn’t Mr. Wei Ran from ZH Investment Group come to see off Ms. Mi today? After all, he is the biggest investor in Zhuo Mei; he should have been here both emotionally and logically.”
Chen Jingming shook his head and replied, “I don’t know the exact reason. Perhaps he had some other important matters to attend to.”
I responded with a nod and didn’t press further. Then I looked again at Mi Cai, who was still talking with others. At this moment, what concerned me most was Fang Yuan’s job situation. I knew that Mi Cai would definitely give a resolution regarding Fang Yuan before leaving.
Finally, Mi Cai walked towards us. Instantly, Fang Yuan’s expression turned serious. As Mi Cai approached, Fang Yuan took out the resignation letter I had returned to him from his pocket, ready to hand it to Mi Cai for her final decision.
“Ms. Mi, I am very sorry that I cannot accompany you to the United States this time, and I hope you can understand. Honestly, I really cannot leave my family at this moment, but I have therefore violated the spirit of Zhuo Mei’s employees. I hereby formally submit my resignation to you.”
Fang Yuan’s words immediately drew everyone’s attention at the scene. However, no one spoke; all held their breath, waiting for Mi Cai’s decision.
Mi Cai took the resignation letter from Fang Yuan’s hands. Fang Yuan’s face became even more rigid, and my palms instinctively started to sweat. I felt that the current situation was developing in an unexpected direction.
Finally, Mi Cai asked Fang Yuan, “Do you want me to sign this resignation letter?”
This question caught Fang Yuan off guard. He paused for a moment before replying, “Of course not. During the time I worked at Zhuo Mei, I felt I had grown a lot. To me, Zhuo Mei is fertile ground where I can realize my self-worth, and I look forward to creating more value for the company with my personal worth… Of course, I will respect any decision you make, Ms. Mi!”
Mi Cai nodded, her gaze quickly sweeping over the people present. She said, “From a personal perspective, I cannot accept an employee who goes against the company’s needs. In my judgment, your value in going to the U.S. with me would be far greater than staying here domestically. Therefore, what I need from you now is a promise: promise me that you will create more value staying here than you would following me to the U.S. Take back this resignation letter for now. When I return from the U.S., I will inspect your work results immediately. I hope you can prove through actions in the next phase that my judgment was wrong. Can you do that, Mr. Fang?”
Fang Yuan looked at Mi Cai, his expression shifting from despair to surprise. With trembling fingers, he took back the resignation letter from Mi Cai’s hands and nodded, saying, “Yes, thank you for this opportunity, Ms. Mi. I will strive to create value and wait for your return to evaluate my work. However, I disagree with your statement regarding right and wrong because all your decisions are based on the company’s interests, which is inherently correct. It was my mistake and negligence not to support you due to personal family matters. In short, I am truly grateful for your understanding, thank you…”
Looking at Fang Yuan, who sincerely bowed to her, Mi Cai softly replied, “I actually wish my judgment were wrong. I also hope you remember that this is the promise you made to me today in front of all the senior executives of Zhuo Mei, just before I boarded the plane.”
Fang Yuan bowed to Mi Cai once again, and at this moment, my heart, which had been hanging in anxiety, finally settled. Although Mi Cai exuded the authority of a career woman in the business world, she was ultimately kind at heart. I was certain that this time she had set aside her professional assertiveness and, through her personal kindness, gave Fang Yuan the opportunity to remain at Zhuo Mei. I was even more convinced that Fang Yuan would cherish this opportunity and contribute more of his self-worth to Zhuo Mei.
…
As the boarding time approached, the atmosphere of parting grew heavier. I saw tears forming in Mi Cai’s eyes—this was the first time she had looked at me with tears during our many farewells. My heart was pierced by her tears, and I opened my arms and hugged her tightly, whispering softly in her ear, “Once you arrive there, no matter how busy you are, please make time to chat with me every day… because I will definitely miss you!”
Mi Cai’s voice was slightly choked, “Okay… you also take good care of yourself. Try not to smoke if possible…” She then took a box from her handbag and handed it to me, adding, “This is some soft candy I asked a friend to bring back from abroad. It can help you quit smoking and refresh your mind. When you feel tired from work, you can use this instead of cigarettes.”
I nodded and took the box from her hands. My heart suddenly felt hollow, making me even more reluctant to see her leave. I tightly held her right hand, not wanting to let go…
The airport announcement system began playing the boarding reminder. I released Mi Cai, exhaled deeply, and finally managed a slight smile as I said to her, “Go now… I’ll be waiting for the day you return in triumph.”
“Yes, I also look forward to seeing your artistic path becoming more and more successful… I believe we can realize the dreams in our hearts!”
“Actually, what I care about more is life after achieving our dreams… By then, we can have our own family, and I will refuse all work-related transfers just to stay by your side and take care of you while you’re pregnant… I think family and my wife are the most important!”
Mi Cai smiled, “Even now you’re still making jokes!”
I replied earnestly, “I’m not trying to imply anything about your request for Fang Yuan to go to the U.S. with you. I mean this from the bottom of my heart… One day you will realize that I’m not as wild and free-spirited as I appear. I’ve always longed for a sheltered home in this city… Wait for me to come back!”
As Mi Cai was about to respond, a figure quickly ran toward us and soon stopped in front of Mi Cai. He was panting, and I took this opportunity to get a clear look at him—it was Wei Ran. He had finally arrived at the airport just before Mi Cai’s departure.
Mi Cai looked at him in surprise, seemingly trying to guess his intentions. This also proved that Wei Ran had come to the airport to see Mi Cai off unexpectedly, without any prior arrangement between them.
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