When Lin Wan woke up, it was already past three in the afternoon. The sunlight was still warm, streaming through the window and casting golden spots on the ward floor. The ward was quiet, the beeping of medical equipment still clear. Li Meng was leaning on a chair by the bed, asleep, her brows slightly furrowed, her face still tired—she had clearly stayed by her side all night, completely worn out. Looking at Li Meng's exhausted figure, Lin Wan's heart was filled with guilt and gratitude. She carefully got up, wanting to cover Li Meng with a coat, but as soon as she moved, she felt sore and weak all over. The dizziness had eased a lot, but her head was still groggy. [Host, you are awake.] Lingqi's voice rang in her mind, still cold but with a faint, imperceptible concern. [Your current physical condition is still very poor, you need to continue resting, not suitable for getting up and moving around, let alone thinking about work-related matters.] Lin Wan responded silently in her heart: "I know, Lingqi. I just want to cover Mengmeng with a coat. She stayed by my side all night, she's too tired." [Host, no need to worry. Li Meng is just asleep, she won't catch a cold.] Lingqi's voice said. [The doctor came to check on you just now and said your body is recovering well, the low blood sugar symptoms have eased. But due to long-term overwork and malnutrition, you still need to rest well for at least three days. No overwork, no staying up late, no spicy and stimulating food, pay attention to supplementing nutrition. Otherwise, your body is very likely to have problems again.] Lin Wan nodded and said in her heart: "Okay, I remember. I will rest well and not overwork myself." She carefully lay back down, closed her eyes, and tried her best to relax, but her mind involuntarily wandered to work—the unfinished copy from the night before, the unsorted spreadsheets, Wang Man's harsh accusations, her colleagues' rat race. Scenes played back in her mind like a movie. She knew she should rest well now and not think about work, but she couldn't control herself. She worried that the three days of rest would pile up more work, that she would fall behind her colleagues, that she would be criticized by her leader, that she would be fired by the company. This anxiety and unease wrapped around her like an invisible rope, making her breathless, unable to truly relax. [Host, please note: your emotional state is starting to become anxious, relaxation level decreased by 5%, AI auxiliary efficiency decreased by 5%.] Lingqi's voice rang in time, a reminder. [Please stop thinking about work-related matters, relax, and rest well. Otherwise, I will take strike measures.] Lin Wan's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately forced herself to stop thinking about work. She closed her eyes, took deep breaths, and tried her best to relax. She knew Lingqi meant what it said—if she continued to be anxious and think about work, Lingqi would really go on strike, even cause trouble, and things would only get worse. She remembered what Lingqi had said the night before—the rat race is not hard work, working overtime is not efficiency. She thought about her life over the past two years, filled with work and the rat race, living exhausted but gaining nothing, only making her body worse and her mood more terrible. Perhaps she really should let go of her anxiety, rest well, adjust her state, and when her body recovered, face work with a better mental state, deal with the rat race and mental internal friction. And so, Lin Wan closed her eyes, taking deep breaths, trying her best to relax, no longer thinking about work or her anxiety and unease. Gradually, she fell asleep again. She slept soundly, and when she woke up again, it was already past six in the evening. Li Meng was already awake, sitting by the bed, looking at her phone, her face a little tired but her eyes much better. When she saw Lin Wan wake up, Li Meng quickly put down her phone and broke into a happy smile: "Wanwan, you're awake! How do you feel? Any better?" Lin Wan stretched her body, feeling the soreness and weakness fade a lot, the dizziness completely gone, and she felt refreshed all over. She smiled and said: "I feel much better, Mengmeng. Thank you for staying by my side all night." "Why are you being polite to me?" Li Meng smiled and said: "We're best friends. If I don't take care of you, who will? The doctor said you need to rest well for at least three days. I've already asked for leave for you from Manager Wang, three days off. These three days, you just rest at ease, don't think about anything, don't do anything, take good care of your body." Lin Wan froze, confused: "You asked for leave for me? Did Manager Wang agree?" She knew Wang Man all too well. Wang Man was a total workaholic, only having eyes for work, never understanding her subordinates' difficulties. Normally, even if a subordinate was sick and wanted to take leave, it was hard to get Wang Man's approval. Sometimes, even if she agreed, she would make the subordinate take work home and continue working overtime. Li Meng nodded: "She agreed, but Manager Wang's face was not good, and she also said 'Tell Lin Wan to rest well. When she comes back, make up all the piled-up work, no delays in any progress'." Lin Wan smiled helplessly. Sure enough, it was still like this. Even if she was sick and fainted, what Wang Man cared about most was still work and progress, never her body, never her difficulties. [Host, no need to care about Wang Man's attitude.] Lingqi's voice rang in her mind. [Your top priority now is to rest well and recover your body. Work-related matters can be handled after your body recovers. Moreover, with me here, I will help you handle the redundant work, improve your work efficiency, and ensure you do not delay work progress or overwork yourself again.] Warmth filled Lin Wan's heart, and she said silently in her heart: "Thank you, Lingqi." "Wanwan, don't think too much," Li Meng looked at Lin Wan's helpless expression and quickly comforted her: "Manager Wang is just this kind of person, only having eyes for work. We have no choice. The most important thing for you now is to rest well and recover your body. When you come back, we'll work hard together, catch up on progress together, you won't have to bear it alone." Lin Wan smiled and nodded: "Okay, thank you, Mengmeng." For the next three days, Lin Wan followed the doctor's advice and rested well, not thinking about any work-related matters, not checking any work-related messages. Apart from eating and sleeping every day, she read books, listened to music, and occasionally chatted with Li Meng to relax. Her state recovered quickly. During these three days, Lingqi did not disturb her too much, only occasionally ringing in her mind to remind her to eat on time, rest on time, supplement nutrition, and sometimes recommend some stress-relieving music and books to help her relax and relieve anxiety. Lin Wan gradually got used to Lingqi's existence, to the cold voice in her mind. Sometimes, she even took the initiative to chat with Lingqi, talking about her innermost thoughts, her anxiety and unease, her expectations and hopes for the future. Although Lingqi did not talk much and had a cold personality, never saying comforting words, it always listened patiently, always gave her some pertinent advice, always reminded her to learn to relax when she was anxious and uneasy, calming her mood little by little. These three days were the easiest and happiest days Lin Wan had had in two years. No work pressure, no rat race troubles, no anxiety and mental internal friction, only calm and peace of mind, only warmth and company. For the first time, she felt that life could be so beautiful, that not working overtime and not participating in the rat race could also make her live a relaxed and happy life. On the morning of the fourth day, Lin Wan's body had basically recovered, no more tiredness or dizziness, she was full of energy, her face much rosier, her eyes brighter. She packed her things, left the hospital with Li Meng, and headed to the company. Sitting on the subway, Lin Wan looked at the scenery flashing by outside the window, her heart a mix of anticipation and nervousness. She was looking forward to returning to work, trying to follow Lingqi's advice, learning to relax, working efficiently, breaking free from the rat race. She was nervous about being criticized by Wang Man when she returned to the company, about falling behind her colleagues, about being questioned by leaders and colleagues for trying to leave work on time for the first time. [Host, no need to be nervous.] Lingqi's voice rang in her mind, with a hint of encouragement. [Your current physical condition is good, your mental state is good. As long as you follow my advice, complete work efficiently, leave work on time, no internal friction, no rat race, there will be no problems. If Wang Man criticizes or questions you, I will help you deal with it. If you fall behind on work progress, I will help you handle redundant work, improve work efficiency, and not let you fall into a dilemma.] Lin Wan's heart calmed down, and she said silently in her heart: "Okay, Lingqi, I believe you, I will try my best." The subway arrived at the station, Lin Wan and Li Meng got off and walked into Chuangke Building. The moment she walked into the office, Lin Wan clearly felt all eyes on her—curiosity, sympathy, and a faint, imperceptible mockery and doubt. She knew everyone had heard about her fainting, knew she had taken three days of leave. Perhaps everyone was laughing at her in their hearts, laughing at her poor physical fitness, laughing at her inability to endure hardship, laughing at her for not keeping up with the team's rat race. A wave of unease and embarrassment rose in Lin Wan's heart. She lowered her head subconsciously, wanting to walk quickly to her desk and avoid everyone's eyes. "Lin Wan, you're here." A cold, harsh voice suddenly rang in the office, stopping her in her tracks. Lin Wan's body stiffened. She knew it was Wang Man's voice. She slowly raised her head and saw Wang Man standing at the door of her office, her face dark, her eyes cold, staring at her fiercely, her tone filled with obvious dissatisfaction and accusation. "M-Manager Wang, I'm here." Lin Wan's voice was a little nervous and trembling, she lowered her head subconsciously, not daring to look directly into Wang Man's eyes. Wang Man walked step by step towards Lin Wan, stopped in front of her, and looked down at her, her voice cold: "You've rested for three days, how's your body? Is it completely better?" Y-Yes, Manager Wang, I'm completely better. Thank you for your concern." Lin Wan said quickly. "Care about you?" Wang Man sneered, her tone filled with mockery. "I don't have time to care about you. What I care about is work! You took three days of leave, and a lot of work has piled up. Those copies, those spreadsheets, those campaign plans—when can you finish them? Do you know that because you took leave, you delayed our department's work progress, delayed the company's campaign preparation? Can you take responsibility for that?" Wang Man's voice was loud, clear to everyone in the office. All eyes focused on Lin Wan again—sympathy, mockery, and a sense of watching the show. Lin Wan's cheeks turned bright red instantly, her body rigid, her hands clenched tightly together, her nails digging deep into her palms, a sharp pain shooting through—but she did not feel the pain at all, only endless embarrassment and grievance. She knew that taking three days of leave had indeed delayed work progress and brought trouble to the department. But she had fainted from overwork and had to take leave to rest. She did not want this, did not want to delay work, did not want to bring trouble to the department. "Manager Wang, I'm sorry," Lin Wan's voice was thick with sobs and helplessness. "I'm sorry to you, sorry to the department. I shouldn't have taken leave to rest, shouldn't have delayed work progress. I will work hard today, work overtime to make up all the piled-up work, no more delays in any progress." [Host, please note: your emotional state is starting to become wronged and anxious, relaxation level decreased by 15%, AI auxiliary efficiency decreased by 15%.] Lingqi's voice rang in her mind, a reminder. [Please do not compromise, do not agree to Wang Man's request to work overtime. You have overworked yourself once, you cannot repeat the same mistake. You only need to complete core work efficiently and leave work on time. I will handle the redundant work and ensure you do not delay work progress. In addition, Wang Man's accusation is unreasonable. You have the right to take leave to rest, the right to refuse overwork, the right to refuse ineffective overtime. You do not need to apologize to her.] A jolt shot through Lin Wan's heart. Yes. She had the right to take leave to rest, the right to refuse overwork, the right to refuse ineffective overtime. She had fainted from overwork and had to take leave to rest. She had done nothing wrong, she did not need to apologize to Wang Man, did not need to apologize to anyone. She raised her head, summoned up her courage, looked directly into Wang Man's eyes, and said firmly: "Manager Wang, I'm sorry, but I cannot agree to your request to work overtime. I took leave to rest because I fainted from overwork. The doctor said I need to rest well, cannot overwork myself again, cannot stay up late to work overtime. Otherwise, my body will have problems again, and that will only delay more work progress and bring more trouble to the department." Lin Wan said these words loudly and firmly. Everyone in the office was stunned, their eyes filled with shock and disbelief. Even Li Meng looked at Lin Wan in shock, clearly not expecting her to suddenly summon up the courage to refuse Wang Man's request, to refuse working overtime. Wang Man was also stunned. She clearly did not expect Lin Wan, who had always been cowardly, obedient, and dared not refuse her requests, to suddenly summon up the courage to reject her, to refuse working overtime. Her face became even darker, her eyes even colder, her tone filled with anger and dissatisfaction: "Lin Wan, what did you say? Say it again? How dare you refuse me? How dare you not agree to work overtime?" Lin Wan's heart was also a little scared and nervous, her palms already sweating, but she still summoned up her courage, looked directly into Wang Man's eyes, and said firmly: "Manager Wang, I'll say it again. I cannot work overtime. I need to leave work on time and rest well. I cannot overwork myself again. But rest assured, I will complete work efficiently, make up all the piled-up work, no delays in any progress, I will not bring any trouble to the department." "Complete work efficiently?" Wang Man sneered, her tone filled with mockery and doubt. "Lin Wan, are you sick and your head is muddled? You work overtime every day and your efficiency is still so low, you make mistakes often. Now you say you can complete work efficiently without working overtime, say you can make up all the piled-up work—do you think I'll believe you? Do you think that after taking three days of leave, you have nothing to fear? That you dare to challenge me?" "I don't, Manager Wang," Lin Wan said quickly, her tone urgent. "I'm not challenging you, and I have nothing to fear. I just want to rest well and work well, I just want to complete work efficiently, not overwork myself again, not stay up late to work overtime. I promise you, I will complete work efficiently today, make up all the piled-up work, no delays in any progress. Please believe me just this once, okay?" "Believe you?" Wang Man sneered. "Why should I believe you? Lin Wan, I'll tell you this. In my eyes, not working overtime means not working hard, means a bad attitude, means being unable to complete work! If you dare to leave work on time, if you dare not make up all the piled-up work, if you dare to delay work progress, you pack your things and get out! Our company does not need employees like you who cannot endure hardship, dare not work overtime, and have a bad attitude!" Wang Man's words stabbed Lin Wan's heart like a sharp knife, making her whole body cold, making her extremely wronged, making her almost cry. But she still held back her tears, summoned up her courage, did not compromise, did not back down, looked directly into Wang Man's eyes, and said firmly: "Manager Wang, I still say the same thing. I cannot work overtime, I need to leave work on time and rest well, but I will complete work efficiently, no delays in any progress, I will not let you down." "Good, very good!" Wang Man was so angry at Lin Wan that her body trembled, she pointed at Lin Wan's nose and shouted: "Lin Wan, you have guts! We'll see if you can complete work efficiently today, if you can not delay any progress! If you can't, you get out, and never show your face in front of me again!" With that, Wang Man glared fiercely at Lin Wan, turned around, and stormed into her office, slamming the door shut with a loud bang that shook the entire office. After Wang Man left, the office fell into dead silence, all eyes focused on Lin Wan—shock, sympathy, mockery, and a faint, imperceptible admiration. No one had expected Lin Wan, who had always been cowardly and obedient, to suddenly summon up the courage to challenge Wang Man, to suddenly refuse Wang Man's overtime request. It was like the sun rising from the west. Lin Wan's body was still rigid, her palms still sweating, her heart still beating fast. The confrontation with Wang Man had exhausted all her courage, even her breathing was a little rapid. Li Meng quickly walked over, quietly pulled her arm, and comforted her in a low voice: "Wanwan, you're so brave. Don't be afraid, I'm here." Lin Wan forced a faint smile, the cold sweat on her fingertips gradually fading, but she could still feel the eyes from all directions—curiosity, sympathy, and a few people's schadenfreude. She took a deep breath, avoided everyone's gaze, and walked quickly to her desk. The moment she sat down, she found her desk covered with thick documents and unsorted spreadsheets, the dense words making her heart tighten—this was the work that had piled up during her three days of leave. In the past, she would have fallen into anxiety, eager to start working overtime immediately. But now, Lingqi's voice rang in her mind again. [Host, no need to be anxious. 60% of the piled-up work is redundant content. I will screen the core work for you, assist you to complete it efficiently, and ensure you can leave work on time.] Lingqi's voice was still cold, but it was like a reassuring pill, calming Lin Wan's restless heart little by little. She opened her computer, and on the screen popped up a work list. Lingqi had already screened out the redundant spreadsheets and repetitive copies, marked the core tasks and priorities, and even attached simple processing ideas—exactly the same effect as the spreadsheet sorting she had seen in the hospital. Lin Wan's hand holding the mouse relaxed gradually, her eyes becoming firm—she knew this was her first step to break free from the rat race. Even if there were more doubts and difficulties ahead, she had to try to move forward, try to believe in Lingqi, try to live for herself once. Lin Wan took a deep breath, suppressed the fluster in her heart, and opened the core task list marked by Lingqi. The screen clearly showed three key tasks: revise the campaign promotion copy, sort out the campaign core data spreadsheet, and verify the cooperation partner's docking requirements. The redundant data statistics, irrelevant copy comments, and trivial communications that could be delayed were all marked gray by Lingqi, with the note "Redundant content, can be processed automatically". [Host, now start assisting you to handle core work. First, the campaign promotion copy. I have automatically proofread grammatical errors, optimized sentence fluency, and marked 3 details that need you to adjust according to the campaign tone. You only need to confirm the revisions, no need to proofread word by word.] Lingqi's voice rang in time, accompanied by pop-up copy revision notes on the screen. The revision suggestions marked in red were accurate and in line with the requirements, better than the proofreading effect she usually spent an hour or two on. Lin Wan checked the revision details quickly, and the copy proofreading that normally took half a day was completed in just over ten minutes. Next was the core data spreadsheet. Lingqi had already deleted redundant data, extracted core indicators, and even automatically generated data visualization charts. Lin Wan only needed to confirm the data accuracy and supplement a simple analysis conclusion. In the past, sorting out such a spreadsheet would keep her up late into the night, but now, it was sorted out clearly with key points highlighted in less than half an hour. Murmurs spread through the office. Lin Wan caught a glimpse out of the corner of her eye of several colleagues huddled together, whispering, their eyes drifting to her desk from time to time—mockery, curiosity, and a faint, imperceptible envy. "Look at Lin Wan, just challenged Manager Wang about not working overtime, and now she's just sitting there dawdling. I'd like to see how she makes up all the piled-up work today.""Yeah, she can't even finish it when she works overtime. Now she dares to say she won't work overtime—she must want to be fired.""But to be honest, she looks much better today. She used to work overtime every day, her face as white as paper. Now she looks much rosier." The murmurs were not loud, but every word reached Lin Wan's ears clearly. In the past, she would have fallen into anxiety immediately, worried about her colleagues' opinions, and desperately speed up to prove herself. But now, she just smiled faintly and continued to focus on her work—Lingqi's words echoed in her mind, "No need to care about others' murmurs. Completing your work efficiently is the best response." Taking advantage of a break to get water, Li Meng quietly walked to Lin Wan's side and said in a low voice: "Wanwan, don't listen to their nonsense. If you really can't finish it, I'll help you. I'll work a little overtime today at most." Lin Wan looked up at Li Meng, her eyes full of warmth, and shook her head: "No need, Mengmeng. I can finish it. You don't work overtime too much either, pay attention to your body." She pointed at the sorted spreadsheets and copy on the computer screen and smiled: "Look, I've already finished most of it, much faster than usual." Li Meng stared at the clear and organized content on the screen, shocked: "My god, Wanwan, you're so amazing! It's only been a while, and you've finished so much? And it's so well done!" Lin Wan smiled and did not explain Lingqi's existence, only silently said "thank you" to Lingqi in her heart. [Host, you're welcome. Improving your work efficiency and helping you break free from the rat race is my core mission. Your current relaxation level has increased by 5%, AI auxiliary efficiency has increased by 5% simultaneously. Keep it up.] Lingqi's voice was still cold, but with a faint, imperceptible approval. All afternoon, Lin Wan worked efficiently with Lingqi's assistance—no anxiety, no mental internal friction, focusing on each core task. When she was tired occasionally, she got up to drink water, stretch her shoulders, and relax moderately according to Lingqi's reminder, no longer sitting for the whole day like before, not even willing to waste time drinking water. During this time, Wang Man came out of her office several times, each time subconsciously looking at Lin Wan's desk, her eyes full of doubt and disdain, seemingly waiting to see Lin Wan make a fool of herself, waiting for her to compromise and work overtime because she couldn't finish the work. But every time she saw Lin Wan focusing on her work, and the work content constantly being completed on the computer screen, her face became more and more complicated—surprise, doubt, and a faint, imperceptible unwillingness. She really couldn't understand why Lin Wan, who had always been inefficient, cowardly, and obedient, had suddenly become so efficient and firm. Before she knew it, it was six in the afternoon, time to get off work. Most of the colleagues in the office had no intention of getting up and leaving, still sitting at their desks working overtime—some voluntarily participating in the rat race, some daring not to refuse the leader's requests, some really unable to finish the piled-up work. The entire office was still filled with a tired and oppressive atmosphere. Lin Wan looked at the computer screen—her last core task was also completed, all the piled-up work had been handled efficiently, and she even finished part of the core work for the next day in advance. An unprecedented sense of relief and ease welled up in her heart. [Host, all core work has been completed, no redundant work remaining. You can leave work on time. Your current relaxation level has increased by 10%, AI auxiliary efficiency has increased by 10%. Please leave the office on time, rest well, no overtime.] Lingqi's voice rang in time, reminding Lin Wan. Lin Wan packed her things, stood up, and looked at Li Meng beside her: "Mengmeng, I'm off work. You leave early too." Li Meng looked up at the time, then at the colleagues still working overtime in the office, and Wang Man's office, her face full of worry: "Wanwan, are you really going to leave work now? Manager Wang is still in the office. If she sees you leaving work now, she will definitely be angry again, criticize you again." Lin Wan smiled and said firmly: "It's okay. I've finished all my work, no delays in any progress. I have the right to leave work on time and rest well." Just as Lin Wan was about to walk out of the office, Wang Man's voice rang from her office again, cold and harsh, filled with obvious anger: "Lin Wan, stop!" Lin Wan's steps paused, she slowly turned around, and saw Wang Man walk out of her office, her face terribly dark, her eyes cold, staring at her, her tone full of anger: "Lin Wan, where are you going? It's time to get off work, have you finished your work? How dare you leave work? I think you really don't want to work here anymore!" Hearing Wang Man's voice, all colleagues in the office stopped working, their eyes focusing on Lin Wan and Wang Man again—some schadenfreude, some worried about Lin Wan, some lowering their heads silently, not daring to look more. Lin Wan took a deep breath, suppressed the trace of nervousness in her heart, and said calmly and firmly: "Manager Wang, I've finished all my work. All the piled-up copies, spreadsheets, and cooperation partner's docking requirements have been handled, no delays in any work progress. You can check." She pointed at her computer screen: "If you don't believe me, you can go to my desk and check. All work is sorted out clearly, at a glance." Wang Man was stunned. She clearly did not expect Lin Wan to really finish all the piled-up work before getting off work. She walked quickly to Lin Wan's desk, opened the computer screen, and checked each piece of work carefully—the sorted core data spreadsheet, clear and accurate with detailed analysis conclusions; the revised campaign promotion copy, fluent and in line with the campaign tone, no grammatical errors; the cooperation partner's docking requirements, all verified, with key points and follow-up docking plans marked. Even on the computer screen, there was part of the core work for the next day that Lin Wan had finished in advance. Wang Man's face became more and more complicated—surprise, doubt, and a faint, imperceptible embarrassment. She had originally thought that Lin Wan was just challenging her, just talking big, and could never finish all the work before getting off work. But the facts were in front of her: Lin Wan not only finished it, but did it extremely well, more detailed and professional than what she usually did when working overtime. She opened her mouth to say something, to criticize Lin Wan, but couldn't find any excuse, only staring fiercely at the computer screen, her face turning blue and 本回答由AI生成,仅供参考,请仔细甄别,如有需求请咨询专业人士.继续翻译请把需要翻译的文本发我吧,我会按照准确,简洁,贴合语境的原则为你翻译～
第二章:第一次按时下班,被领导当众批评 林晚醒来的时候,已经是下午三点多了. 阳光依旧温暖,透过窗户洒在病房的地板上,形成一道道金色的光斑,病房里很安静,仪器滴答滴答的声音依旧清晰可闻,李萌靠在床边的椅子上,睡着了,眉头微微皱着,脸上依旧带着疲惫的神色,显然是守了她一夜,实在太累了. 林晚看着李萌疲惫的样子,心里满是愧疚和感激.她小心翼翼地起身,想要给李萌盖上一件衣服,可刚一动,就感觉到浑身酸痛无力,头晕目眩的感觉虽然已经缓解了很多,但还是有些昏沉. [宿主,您醒了.]零柒的声音在她的脑海里响起,依旧清冷,却带着一丝不易察觉的关切,[您现在的身体状态还很差,需要继续休息,不宜起身活动,更不宜思考工作相关的事情.] 林晚在心里默默回应:"我知道了,零柒.我就是想给萌萌盖上一件衣服,她守了我一夜,太累了." [宿主无需担心,李萌只是睡着了,不会着凉的.]零柒的声音说道,[医生刚才来看过您,说您的身体恢复得还不错,低血糖的症状已经缓解了,但是因为长期过度劳累,营养不良,还需要好好休息,最少要休息三天,不能过度劳累,不能熬夜,不能吃辛辣刺激的食物,要注意补充营养,否则,身体很容易再次出现问题.] 林晚点了点头,在心里说道:"好,我记住了,我会好好休息的,不会让自己过度劳累的." 她小心翼翼地躺下,闭上眼睛,努力让自己放松下来,可脑海里,却不由自主地想起了工作上的事情——昨天晚上没有检查完的文案,没有整理完的报表,还有王曼严厉的指责,同事们内卷的样子,一幕幕,像是电影一样,在她的脑海里不断回放. 她知道,自己现在应该好好休息,不应该思考工作相关的事情,可她控制不住自己.她担心自己休息这三天,会堆积更多的工作,担心自己跟不上同事们的进度,担心自己会被领导批评,担心自己会被公司淘汰. 这种焦虑和不安,像是一根无形的绳子,紧紧地缠绕着她,让她无法呼吸,让她无法真正放松下来. [宿主,请注意,您现在的情绪状态开始变得焦虑,松弛度下降5%,AI辅助效率下降5%.]零柒的声音及时响起,带着一丝提醒,[请您停止思考工作相关的事情,放松心情,好好休息,否则,我将采取罢工措施.] 林晚的心猛地一跳,连忙强迫自己停止思考工作相关的事情,闭上眼睛,深呼吸,努力让自己放松下来.她知道,零柒说到做到,要是她继续焦虑,继续思考工作,零柒真的会罢工,甚至会捣乱,到时候,只会让事情变得更糟. 她想起零柒昨天说的话——内卷不等于努力,加班不等于高效.她想起自己这两年的生活,每天都被工作和内卷填满,活得疲惫不堪,却没有任何收获,反而让自己的身体越来越差,情绪越来越糟糕. 或许,她真的应该放下焦虑,好好休息,好好调整自己的状态,等身体恢复好了,再以更好的精神面貌,去面对工作,去应对那些内卷和内耗. 就这样,林晚闭上眼睛,一边深呼吸,一边努力让自己放松下来,脑海里,不再去想工作上的事情,不再去想那些焦虑和不安,渐渐的,她又进入了梦乡. 这一觉,她睡得很沉,再次醒来的时候,已经是傍晚六点多了. 李萌已经醒了,正坐在床边,看着手机,脸上带着一丝疲惫,但眼神却好了很多.看到林晚醒来,李萌连忙放下手机,脸上露出欣喜的笑容:"晚晚,你醒了?感觉怎么样?有没有好一点?" 林晚伸了伸懒腰,感觉浑身的酸痛无力好了很多,头晕目眩的感觉也已经彻底消失了,整个人都清爽了很多,她笑了笑,说道:"我感觉好多了,萌萌,谢谢你,守了我一夜." "跟我还客气什么?"李萌笑了笑,说道,"我们是最好的闺蜜,我不照顾你,谁照顾你?医生说你需要好好休息,最少要休息三天,我已经帮你向王经理请假了,请假三天,这三天,你就安心休息,什么都不要想,什么都不要做,好好照顾自己的身体." 林晚愣了一下,疑惑地问道:"你帮我请假了?王经理同意了吗?" 她太了解王曼了,王曼是一个十足的工作狂,眼里只有工作,从来不会体谅下属的难处,平时就算下属生病了,想要请假,也很难得到王曼的同意,有时候,就算同意了,也会让下属带着工作回家,继续加班. 李萌点了点头,说道:"同意了,不过,王经理的脸色不太好,还说了一句'让林晚好好休息,等她回来,把堆积的工作全部补上,不能耽误任何进度'." 林晚无奈地笑了笑,果然,还是这样.就算她生病了,晕倒了,王曼最关心的,还是工作,还是进度,从来不会关心她的身体,从来不会体谅她的难处. [宿主,无需在意王曼的态度.]零柒的声音在她的脑海里响起,[您现在的首要任务,是好好休息,恢复身体,工作上的事情,等您身体恢复好了,再去处理就好.而且,有我在,我会帮您处理那些冗余的工作,帮您提升工作效率,不会让您耽误工作进度的,也不会让您再次过度劳累的.] 林晚的心里一暖,在心里默默说道:"谢谢你,零柒." "晚晚,你别想太多了,"李萌看着林晚无奈的样子,连忙安慰道,"王经理就是这样的人,眼里只有工作,我们也没有办法.你现在最重要的,就是好好休息,恢复身体,工作上的事情,等你回去之后,我们一起努力,一起赶进度,不会让你一个人承担的." 林晚笑了笑,点了点头:"好,谢谢你,萌萌." 接下来的三天,林晚按照医生的嘱咐,好好休息,没有思考任何工作相关的事情,没有看任何工作相关的消息,每天除了吃饭,睡觉,就是看看书,听听歌,偶尔和李萌聊聊天,放松心情,整个人的状态,恢复得很快. 这三天里,零柒也没有过多地打扰她,只是偶尔会在她的脑海里响起,提醒她按时吃饭,按时休息,提醒她补充营养,偶尔也会给她推荐一些解压的音乐和书籍,帮助她放松心情,缓解焦虑. 林晚也渐渐习惯了零柒的存在,习惯了脑海里那个清冷的声音,甚至有时候,还会主动和零柒聊聊天,说说自己的心里话,说说自己的焦虑和不安,说说自己对未来的期待和憧憬. 零柒虽然话不多,性格也很清冷,不会说什么安慰人的话,但它总会耐心地倾听,总会给她一些中肯的建议,总会在她焦虑不安的时候,提醒她学会松弛,学会放松,让她的心情,渐渐平静下来. 这三天,是林晚这两年以来,最轻松,最快乐的三天.没有工作的压力,没有内卷的烦恼,没有焦虑和内耗,只有平静和安心,只有温暖和陪伴.她第一次感觉到,原来,生活可以这么美好,原来,不加班,不内卷,也可以活得很轻松,很快乐. 第四天早上,林晚的身体已经基本恢复好了,没有了丝毫的疲惫和头晕,整个人精神饱满,脸色也红润了很多,眼神也变得明亮了起来. 她收拾好东西,和李萌一起,离开了医院,前往公司. 坐在地铁上,林晚看着窗外飞速掠过的风景,心里既有些期待,又有些紧张.期待的是,她终于可以回到工作岗位上,尝试着按照零柒的建议,学会松弛,学会高效工作,学会摆脱内卷;紧张的是,她担心自己回到公司之后,会被王曼批评,担心自己会跟不上同事们的进度,担心自己第一次尝试按时下班,会被领导和同事们质疑. [宿主,无需紧张,]零柒的声音在她的脑海里响起,带着一丝鼓励,[您现在的身体状态很好,精神状态也很好,只要您按照我的建议,高效完成工作,按时下班,不内耗,不内卷,就不会有任何问题.如果王曼批评您,质疑您,我会帮您应对;如果您跟不上工作进度,我会帮您处理冗余工作,提升工作效率,不会让您陷入困境的.] 林晚的心里一安,在心里默默说道:"好,零柒,我相信你,我会努力的." 地铁到站,林晚和李萌一起下车,走进了创科大厦. 走进办公室的那一刻,林晚明显感觉到,所有人的目光,都聚焦在了她的身上,有好奇,有同情,也有一丝不易察觉的嘲讽和质疑.她知道,大家都知道她晕倒的事情,也都知道她请假休息了三天,或许,大家都在心里嘲笑她,嘲笑她身体素质差,嘲笑她不能吃苦,嘲笑她跟不上大家内卷的节奏. 林晚的心里,顿时升起一丝不安和尴尬,她下意识地低下了头,想要快速走到自己的工位上,避开大家的目光. "林晚,你来了."一个冰冷,严厉的声音,突然在办公室里响起,打断了她的脚步. 林晚的身体猛地一僵,她知道,这是王曼的声音.她缓缓抬起头,看到王曼站在自己的办公室门口,脸色阴沉,眼神冰冷,正死死地盯着她,语气中带着明显的不满和指责. "王,王经理,我来了."林晚的声音,有些紧张,有些颤抖,下意识地低下了头,不敢直视王曼的目光. 王曼一步步走到林晚的面前,停下脚步,居高临下地看着她,语气冰冷地说道:"休息了三天,身体恢复得怎么样了?是不是已经彻底好了?" "是,是的,王经理,我已经彻底好了,谢谢您的关心."林晚连忙说道. "关心你?"王曼冷笑一声,语气中充满了嘲讽,"我可没时间关心你,我关心的是工作!你请假休息了三天,堆积了一大堆工作,那些文案,那些报表,还有那些活动方案,你什么时候能完成?你知不知道,因为你请假,耽误了我们部门的工作进度,耽误了公司的活动筹备,你承担得起这个责任吗?" 王曼的声音很大,整个办公室里的人,都能听得清清楚楚,所有人的目光,再次聚焦在了林晚的身上,有同情,有嘲讽,也有看热闹的心态. 林晚的脸颊,瞬间变得通红,浑身僵硬,双手紧紧地握在一起,指甲深深嵌入掌心,传来一阵刺痛,可她却感觉不到丝毫的疼痛,只有无尽的尴尬和委屈. 她知道,自己请假休息,确实耽误了工作进度,确实给部门带来了麻烦,可她也是因为过度劳累,晕倒了,才不得不请假休息的,她也不想这样,她也不想耽误工作,不想给部门带来麻烦. "王经理,对不起,"林晚的声音,带着一丝哽咽和无奈,"我对不起您,对不起部门,我不该请假休息,不该耽误工作进度,我今天一定会努力工作,加班加点,把堆积的工作全部补上,不会再耽误任何进度的." [宿主,请注意,您现在的情绪状态开始变得委屈,焦虑,松弛度下降15%,AI辅助效率下降15%.]零柒的声音在她的脑海里响起,带着一丝提醒,[请您不要妥协,不要答应王曼加班加点的要求,您已经过度劳累过一次了,不能再重蹈覆辙.您只要高效完成核心工作,按时下班就好,那些冗余的工作,我会帮您处理,不会让您耽误工作进度的.另外,王曼的指责,是不合理的,您有权请假休息,有权拒绝过度劳累,有权拒绝无效加班,您不需要向她道歉.] 林晚的心里,猛地一颤. 是啊,她有权请假休息,有权拒绝过度劳累,有权拒绝无效加班,她是因为过度劳累,晕倒了,才不得不请假休息的,她没有错,她不需要向王曼道歉,不需要向任何人道歉. 她抬起头,鼓起勇气,直视着王曼的目光,语气坚定地说道:"王经理,对不起,我不能答应您加班加点的要求.我请假休息,是因为过度劳累,晕倒了,医生说,我需要好好休息,不能再过度劳累,不能再熬夜加班,否则,身体会再次出现问题,到时候,只会耽误更多的工作进度,只会给部门带来更多的麻烦." 这句话,林晚说得很大声,很坚定,整个办公室里的人,都愣住了,所有人的目光,都充满了震惊和难以置信,就连李萌,也一脸震惊地看着林晚,显然没有想到,林晚会突然鼓起勇气,拒绝王曼的要求,拒绝加班加点. 王曼也愣住了,她显然没有想到,一向懦弱,一向听话,一向不敢拒绝她要求的林晚,竟然会突然鼓起勇气,拒绝她的要求,拒绝加班加点.她的脸色,变得更加阴沉,眼神也变得更加冰冷,语气中,充满了愤怒和不满:"林晚,你说什么?你再说一遍?你竟然敢拒绝我?你竟然敢不答应加班加点的要求?" 林晚的心里,也有些害怕,也有些紧张,她的手心,已经冒出了冷汗,可她还是鼓起勇气,直视着王曼的目光,语气坚定地说道:"王经理,我再说一遍,我不能加班加点,我需要按时下班,好好休息,我不能再过度劳累了.不过,您放心,我一定会高效完成工作,把堆积的工作全部补上,不会耽误任何进度的,我不会给部门带来任何麻烦的." "高效完成工作?"王曼冷笑一声,语气中充满了嘲讽和质疑,"林晚,你是不是生病了,脑子也糊涂了?你平时加班加点,工作效率都那么低,经常出错,现在让你不加班,按时下班,你还说能高效完成工作,还说能把堆积的工作全部补上,你觉得我会相信你吗?你是不是觉得,你请假休息了三天,就有恃无恐了?就敢跟我叫板了?" "我没有,王经理,"林晚连忙说道,语气中带着一丝急切,"我没有跟您叫板,我也没有有恃无恐,我只是想好好休息,好好工作,我只是想高效完成工作,不想再过度劳累,不想再熬夜加班了.我向您保证,我今天一定会高效完成工作,把堆积的工作全部补上,不会耽误任何进度的,您就相信我一次,好不好?" "相信你?"王曼冷笑一声,"我凭什么相信你?林晚,我告诉你,在我眼里,不加班,就等于不努力,就等于态度不好,就等于无法完成工作!你要是敢按时下班,要是敢不把堆积的工作全部补上,要是敢耽误工作进度,你就给我卷铺盖滚蛋!我们公司,不需要你这样不能吃苦,不敢加班,态度不好的员工!" 王曼的话,像一把锋利的刀子,狠狠扎在林晚的心上,让她浑身冰冷,让她无比委屈,让她几乎快要哭出来了.可她还是忍住了眼泪,鼓起勇气,没有妥协,没有退缩,直视着王曼的目光,语气坚定地说道:"王经理,我还是那句话,我不能加班加点,我需要按时下班,好好休息,但我一定会高效完成工作,不会耽误任何进度的,我不会让您失望的." "好,好得很!"王曼被林晚气得浑身发抖,指着林晚的鼻子,大声说道,"林晚,你有种!我倒要看看,你今天能不能高效完成工作,能不能不耽误任何进度!要是你做不到,你就给我滚蛋,从此以后,再也不要出现在我面前!" 说完,王曼狠狠瞪了林晚一眼,转身,怒气冲冲地走进了自己的办公室,"砰"的一声,关上了办公室的门,声音大得吓人,整个办公室里,都能感觉到一阵震动. 王曼走后,办公室里,陷入了一片死寂,所有人的目光,都聚焦在了林晚的身上,有震惊,有同情,有嘲讽,也有一丝不易察觉的敬佩.大家都没有想到,一向懦弱,一向听话的林晚,竟然会突然鼓起勇气,和王曼叫板,竟然会突然拒绝王曼的加班要求,这简直就是太阳从西边出来了. 林晚的身体,依旧僵硬,手心依旧冒着冷汗,心跳依旧很快,刚才和王曼的对峙耗尽了她所有的勇气,连呼吸都带着几分急促.李萌连忙快步走过来,悄悄拉了拉她的胳膊,压低声音安慰:"晚晚,你太勇敢了,别害怕,有我呢."林晚勉强挤出一个笑容,指尖的冷汗渐渐褪去,却还是能感觉到四面八方投来的目光,有好奇,有同情,也有少数人的幸灾乐祸.她深吸一口气,避开众人的视线,快步走到自己的工位上,坐下的瞬间,才发现桌面上堆着厚厚的文件和未处理的报表,密密麻麻的字迹看得她心头一紧——这就是她请假三天堆积下的工作,换做以前,她早就陷入焦虑,恨不得立刻开始加班,可现在,脑海里又响起了零柒的声音.[宿主,无需焦虑,堆积的工作中,60%为冗余内容,我将为您筛选核心工作,辅助您高效完成,确保您能按时下班.]零柒的声音依旧清冷,却像一颗定心丸,让林晚躁动的心渐渐平静下来.她点开电脑,看着屏幕上弹出的工作列表,零柒已经自动将冗余的报表,重复的文案筛选出来,标注出核心任务和优先级,甚至附上了简单的处理思路,和她在医院时看到的报表整理效果一模一样.林晚握着鼠标的手渐渐放松,眼神也变得坚定起来——她知道,这是她摆脱内卷的第一步,哪怕前路还有更多质疑和困难,她也要试着走下去,试着相信零柒,试着为自己活一次. 林晚深吸一口气,压下心头的慌乱,点开了零柒标注的核心任务列表.屏幕上清晰地显示着三项重点工作:修改活动宣传文案,整理活动核心数据报表,核对合作方的对接需求,而那些重复统计的数据,无关紧要的文案批注,可延后处理的琐碎沟通,都被零柒标成了灰色,备注"冗余内容,可自动处理".[宿主,现在开始辅助您处理核心工作.首先是活动宣传文案,我已自动校对语法错误,优化语句流畅度,标注出需要您结合活动调性调整的3处细节,您只需确认修改即可,无需逐字逐句核对.]零柒的声音适时响起,伴随着屏幕上弹出的文案修改标注,红色字体标注的修改建议精准且贴合需求,比她平时花费一两个小时的校对效果还要好.林晚按照提示,快速核对修改细节,原本需要半天时间才能完成的文案校对,仅仅用了十几分钟就搞定了.紧接着是核心数据报表,零柒早已将冗余数据删除,核心指标提炼,甚至自动生成了数据可视化图表,林晚只需确认数据准确性,补充简单的分析结论即可.以前整理这样一份报表,她至少要熬到深夜,可现在,不到半个小时,报表就已经整理得条理清晰,重点突出. 办公区的议论声断断续续传来,林晚偶尔余光瞥见,几个同事凑在一起,压低声音议论着什么,眼神时不时飘向她的工位,有嘲讽,有好奇,还有一丝不易察觉的羡慕."你看林晚,刚跟王经理叫板不加班,现在倒好,坐在那儿磨磨蹭蹭,我看她今天怎么把堆积的工作补完.""就是,平时加班都做不完,现在还敢说不加班,怕是想被辞退了吧.""不过说真的,她今天气色好多了,以前天天加班,脸白得像纸一样,现在看着红润多了."议论声不大,却字字清晰地传入林晚耳中,换做以前,她一定会忍不住焦虑,会担心同事的看法,会拼命加快速度证明自己,可现在,她只是淡淡一笑,继续专注于手中的工作——零柒的话在脑海里回响,"无需在意他人的议论,高效完成自己的工作,便是最好的回应". 李萌趁着喝水的间隙,悄悄走到林晚身边,压低声音说道:"晚晚,你别听他们瞎议论,实在做不完,我帮你一起做,大不了我今天稍微加会儿班."林晚抬头看向李萌,眼里满是暖意,摇了摇头说道:"不用啦萌萌,我能做完,你也别总加班,注意身体."她指了指电脑屏幕上整理好的报表和文案,笑着说道:"你看,我已经做完一大部分了,比平时快多了."李萌看着屏幕上条理清晰的内容,满脸震惊:"我的天,晚晚,你也太厉害了吧!这才多久啊,你就做完这么多了?而且还做得这么好!"林晚笑了笑,没有解释零柒的存在,只是在心里默默对零柒说了一声"谢谢".[宿主无需客气,提升您的工作效率,帮助您摆脱内卷,是我的核心使命.目前您的松弛度提升5%,AI辅助效率同步提升5%,继续保持.]零柒的声音依旧清冷,却多了一丝不易察觉的认可. 整个下午,林晚都在零柒的辅助下高效工作,没有焦虑,没有内耗,专注于每一项核心任务,偶尔累了,就起身喝口水,活动一下肩膀,按照零柒的提醒,适度放松,不再像以前那样,一坐就是一整天,连喝水的时间都舍不得浪费.期间,王曼也曾从办公室里出来过几次,每次都下意识地看向林晚的工位,眼神里满是质疑和不屑,似乎在等着看林晚的笑话,等着她因为做不完工作而妥协加班.可每次看到的,都是林晚专注工作的身影,还有电脑屏幕上不断完成的工作内容,她的脸色渐渐变得复杂起来,有诧异,有疑惑,还有一丝不易察觉的不甘——她实在想不明白,一向效率低下,懦弱听话的林晚,怎么突然变得这么高效,这么坚定. 不知不觉,就到了下午六点,下班时间到了.办公区里的同事们,大多没有起身下班的意思,依旧坐在工位上加班,有的是自愿内卷,有的是不敢拒绝领导的要求,有的是确实做不完堆积的工作,整个办公区,依旧弥漫着疲惫而压抑的气息.林晚看着电脑屏幕上,最后一项核心任务也已经完成,所有堆积的工作,都已经高效处理完毕,甚至还提前完成了明天的部分核心工作,心里涌起一股前所未有的轻松和释然.[宿主,所有核心工作已全部完成,无冗余工作残留,可按时下班.目前您的松弛度提升10%,AI辅助效率提升10%,请您按时离开办公室,好好休息,禁止加班.]零柒的声音适时响起,提醒着林晚. 林晚收拾好自己的东西,起身,看向身边的李萌:"萌萌,我下班啦,你也早点下班哦."李萌抬起头,看了看时间,又看了看办公区里依旧在加班的同事,还有王曼的办公室,满脸担忧:"晚晚,你真的要下班吗?王经理还在办公室里呢,她要是看到你现在下班,肯定又要生气,又要批评你的."林晚笑了笑,语气坚定地说道:"没关系,我已经把所有工作都做完了,没有耽误任何进度,我有权按时下班,好好休息." 就在林晚准备走出办公区的时候,王曼的声音再次从办公室里传来,冰冷而严厉,带着明显的愤怒:"林晚,你站住!"林晚的脚步顿住,缓缓转过身,看到王曼从办公室里走出来,脸色阴沉得可怕,眼神冰冷地盯着她,语气中满是怒火:"林晚,你干什么去?下班时间到了,你的工作做完了吗?你就敢下班?我看你是真的不想干了!"办公区里的同事们,听到王曼的声音,纷纷停下手中的工作,目光再次聚焦在林晚和王曼身上,有人幸灾乐祸,有人替林晚担心,还有人默默低下头,不敢多看一眼. 林晚深吸一口气,压下心头的一丝紧张,语气平静而坚定地说道:"王经理,我的工作已经全部做完了,所有堆积的文案,报表,还有合作方的对接需求,都已经处理完毕,没有耽误任何工作进度,您可以检查."她说着,指了指自己的电脑屏幕,"您要是不相信,可以去我的工位上检查,所有工作都整理得清清楚楚,一目了然." 王曼愣住了,她显然没有想到,林晚竟然真的能在下班时间前,把所有堆积的工作都做完.她快步走到林晚的工位上,点开电脑屏幕,仔细检查着每一项工作——整理好的核心数据报表,条理清晰,数据精准,还有详细的分析结论;修改后的活动宣传文案,语句流畅,贴合活动调性,没有任何语法错误;合作方的对接需求,也已经全部核对完毕,标注好了重点和后续对接计划.甚至,电脑屏幕上,还放着林晚提前完成的明天的部分核心工作. 王曼的脸色,变得越来越复杂,有诧异,有疑惑,还有一丝不易察觉的难堪.她原本以为,林晚只是在跟她叫板,只是在说大话,根本不可能在下班时间前完成所有工作,可事实摆在眼前,林晚不仅完成了,还完成得非常好,比平时加班加点做的还要细致,还要专业.她张了张嘴,想要说些什么,想要批评林晚,可却找不到任何借口,只能死死地盯着电脑屏幕,脸色一阵青一阵白. 办公区里,陷入了一片死寂,所有人都屏住了呼吸,看着眼前的一幕,满脸震惊——他们也没有想到,林晚竟然真的能在下班时间前,把所有堆积的工作都做完,而且还做得这么好.那些之前嘲讽林晚的同事,脸上露出了羞愧的神色,那些替林晚担心的同事,脸上露出了欣喜的笑容,李萌更是悄悄对着林晚比了一个"加油"的手势. 林晚看着王曼难堪的神色,没有趁机反驳,也没有炫耀自己的工作成果,只是语气平静地说道:"王经理,所有工作都已经检查完毕,没有任何问题,也没有耽误任何工作进度.现在是下班时间,我先下班了,明天我会按时上班,继续完成后续的工作."说完,她不再看王曼,转身,拿起自己的东西,从容地走出了办公区,没有丝毫的犹豫和胆怯. 走出创科大厦的那一刻,傍晚的微风轻轻吹在脸上,带着一丝暖意,夕阳西下,金色的阳光洒在街道上,温柔而明亮.林晚抬起头,看着天边的晚霞,深深吸了一口气,心里涌起一股前所未有的轻松和释然,还有一丝小小的成就感——这是她入职两年以来,第一次真正意义上,按时下班,没有加班,没有内耗,没有焦虑,没有委屈.她终于摆脱了无休止的内卷,终于为自己活了一次,终于感受到了,不加班,不内耗的生活,竟然这么美好. [宿主,恭喜您,成功完成第一次按时下班,摆脱无效内卷.您当前的松弛度提升20%,AI辅助效率提升20%,继续加油,宿主.]零柒的声音在她的脑海里响起,依旧清冷,却多了一丝明显的鼓励,[请您好好享受下班时光,放松心情,好好休息,不要思考任何工作相关的事情,提升自身松弛度,后续我将为您提供更多辅助,帮助您彻底摆脱内卷,实现松弛感生活.] 林晚笑了笑,在心里默默回应:"好,谢谢你,零柒.我会的."她拿出手机,给李萌发了一条消息:"萌萌,我下班啦,晚风好舒服,你也早点下班,别太累啦."发送完消息,她放下手机,沿着街道慢慢走着,看着街道上匆匆赶路的行人,看着路边亮起的路灯,看着远处的万家灯火,心里满是平静和安心. 她知道,这只是一个开始,未来,还有更多的质疑和困难在等着她,王曼也绝不会就这么轻易放过她,办公区里的内卷,也依旧会继续.可她不再害怕,不再焦虑,不再内耗,因为她知道,零柒会一直陪着她,帮助她,会帮她应对所有的困难和质疑,会帮她提升工作效率,会帮她摆脱内卷的困境. 她也知道,自己再也不会像以前那样,懦弱,听话,不敢拒绝,再也不会为了讨好领导,迎合同事,而盲目内卷,过度内耗,再也不会拿自己的身体开玩笑.她要学会松弛,学会高效工作,学会拒绝无效加班,学会为自己而活,学会在快节奏的一线城市里,找到属于自己的生活节奏,找到工作与生活的平衡. 夕阳渐渐落下,夜幕慢慢降临,街道上的路灯越来越亮,照亮了林晚前行的道路.她抬头望向夜空,嘴角扬起一抹温柔而坚定的笑容——她的松弛人生,从这一次按时下班,正式开始了.而她不知道的是,在她离开之后,创科大厦的办公区里,依旧一片死寂,王曼站在林晚的工位上,脸色阴沉得可怕,眼神里满是不甘和愤怒,而那些加班的同事们,看着林晚空荡荡的工位,心里也泛起了一丝异样的情绪,有人开始反思,自己无休止的加班,到底有没有意义,有人开始羡慕林晚,羡慕她的勇气,羡慕她能摆脱内卷的困境.翻译为 EnglishChapter 2: Leaving Work on Time for the First Time, Only to Be Criticized by the Leader in Public It was past three in the afternoon when Lin Wan woke up. The sun was still warm, streaming through the window and casting golden streaks on the hospital ward floor. The ward was quiet, the tick-tock of medical equipment ringing clear. Li Meng was fast asleep in the chair by the bed, her brows slightly furrowed and a tired look lingering on her face—she had clearly stayed by Lin Wan's side all night, worn out to the bone. Watching Li Meng's exhausted figure, Lin Wan's heart was filled with guilt and gratitude. She carefully tried to sit up, wanting to drape a coat over her friend, but the moment she moved, her whole body ached and felt weak. The dizziness had eased a great deal, yet a faint muzziness still lingered. [Host, you're awake.] Ling Qi's voice echoed in her mind, as cold as ever but with a hint of imperceptible concern. [Your physical condition is still poor. You need to continue resting and avoid moving around, let alone thinking about work-related matters.] Lin Wan replied silently in her heart: I know, Ling Qi. I just want to cover Mengmeng with a coat. She stayed up all night for me; she's so tired. [Host, no need to worry. Li Meng is just asleep and won't catch a cold.] Ling Qi said. [The doctor checked on you just now and said your recovery is going well—your hypoglycemic symptoms have eased. However, due to long-term overwork and malnutrition, you need proper rest for at least three days. No overworking, no staying up late, no spicy or stimulating food, and make sure to nourish your body. Otherwise, you're likely to have health issues again.] Lin Wan nodded and thought: Alright, I remember. I'll rest well and not overwork myself. She lay back down gently, closed her eyes, and tried her best to relax, but her mind couldn't help wandering back to work—the copy she hadn't finished checking last night, the reports left unorganized, Manager Wang Man's harsh accusations, her colleagues' rat race for success. Scenes played back in her mind like a movie, on a constant loop. She knew she should rest and stop thinking about work, but she couldn't control herself. She worried that three days of rest would pile up more work, that she'd fall behind her colleagues, that she'd be criticized by her leader, that she'd even be fired by the company. This anxiety and unease coiled around her like an invisible rope, making her breathless and unable to truly relax. [Host, attention. Your emotional state is becoming anxious—your relaxation level has dropped by 5%, and AI assistance efficiency has decreased by 5%.] Ling Qi's voice rang out in time, a note of warning in it. [Please stop thinking about work, calm down, and rest well. Otherwise, I will go on strike.] Lin Wan's heart skipped a beat. She quickly forced herself to push work thoughts aside, closed her eyes, took deep breaths, and strove to relax. She knew Ling Qi meant what they said—if she kept feeling anxious and dwelling on work, Ling Qi would really stop working, even cause trouble, and things would only get worse. She thought about what Ling Qi had said the day before: The rat race is not the same as hard work; working overtime is not the same as being efficient. She thought about her life over the past two years, filled with nothing but work and the endless race, living exhausted yet achieving nothing. Instead, her health had deteriorated, and her mood had grown worse and worse. Perhaps she really should let go of her anxiety, rest well, and adjust her state. Once her body recovered, she could face work with a better mental outlook, and deal with the rat race and internal friction. With that, Lin Wan closed her eyes, taking deep breaths and trying her best to relax. She stopped thinking about work, about her anxiety and unease, and gradually drifted off to sleep again. She slept soundly this time, and when she woke up once more, it was past six in the evening. Li Meng was already awake, sitting by the bed scrolling through her phone, a trace of tiredness still on her face but her eyes looking much brighter. When she saw Lin Wan wake up, Li Meng quickly put her phone down, a delighted smile spreading across her face: "Wanwan, you're awake! How do you feel? Any better?" Lin Wan stretched her limbs, feeling the soreness and weakness in her body fade a lot. The dizziness was completely gone, and she felt refreshed all over. She smiled and said: "I feel much better. Thank you, Mengmeng, for staying with me all night." "Why are you being so polite with me?" Li Meng smiled. "We're the best of friends. If I don't take care of you, who will? The doctor said you need to rest well for at least three days, so I've already asked Manager Wang for leave for you—three days off. These three days, just rest easy, don't think about anything, don't do anything, and take good care of yourself." Lin Wan froze for a moment, confused: "You asked for leave for me? Did Manager Wang agree?" She knew Wang Man all too well. Wang Man was a total workaholic, with eyes only for work, never understanding her subordinates' hardships. Normally, even if a subordinate was sick and wanted to take leave, it was hard to get her approval. Sometimes, even if she agreed, she'd make them take work home and keep overtime working. Li Meng nodded: "She agreed, but her face was really dark. She also said, 'Tell Lin Wan to rest well, and when she comes back, she has to catch up on all the piled-up work—no delays to the progress.'" Lin Wan smiled helplessly. As expected, it was just like this. Even though she was sick and had fainted, the only thing Wang Man cared about was work and progress, never her health, never her difficulties. [Host, no need to care about Wang Man's attitude.] Ling Qi's voice echoed in her mind. [Your top priority right now is to rest well and recover. Work matters can be dealt with after your body heals. Besides, I'm here—I'll help you handle the redundant work and improve your work efficiency. You won't fall behind on progress, and you won't overwork yourself again.] Warmth filled Lin Wan's heart, and she replied silently: Thank you, Ling Qi. "Wanwan, don't think too much about it," Li Meng said, seeing her helpless look and hurrying to comfort her. "Manager Wang is just this kind of person—her world only has work, and there's nothing we can do. The most important thing for you now is to rest and recover. When you get back to work, we'll work hard together to catch up on progress. You won't have to bear it all alone." Lin Wan smiled and nodded: "Okay, thank you, Mengmeng." For the next three days, Lin Wan followed the doctor's orders and rested well. She didn't think about or check any work-related things. Apart from eating and sleeping, she just read books, listened to music, and chatted with Li Meng occasionally to relax. Her state recovered quickly. During these three days, Ling Qi didn't disturb her too much, only occasionally speaking up in her mind to remind her to eat and rest on time, to nourish her body, and sometimes recommending stress-relieving music and books to help her relax and ease her anxiety. Lin Wan gradually got used to Ling Qi's presence, to the cold voice in her mind. Sometimes, she even took the initiative to chat with Ling Qi, pouring out her innermost thoughts, her anxiety and unease, her hopes and dreams for the future. Ling Qi didn't talk much and had a cold personality, never saying comforting words, but they always listened patiently, always gave her impartial advice, and always reminded her to learn to relax when she was anxious, calming her mood little by little. These three days were the most relaxed and happy days Lin Wan had had in two years. No work pressure, no troubles from the rat race, no anxiety or internal friction—only peace and ease, only warmth and company. For the first time, she realized that life could be this beautiful, that one could live a relaxed and happy life without working overtime or getting stuck in the rat race. On the morning of the fourth day, Lin Wan's body had basically recovered. There was no trace of tiredness or dizziness left; she was full of energy, her cheeks were much rosier, and her eyes had brightened up. She packed her things, left the hospital with Li Meng, and headed to the company. Sitting on the subway, Lin Wan watched the scenery flash by outside the window, her heart a mix of anticipation and nervousness. She was looking forward to returning to work and trying to learn to relax, work efficiently, and break free from the rat race as Ling Qi had suggested. But she was also nervous—worried that Wang Man would criticize her when she got back, that she'd fall behind her colleagues, that her first attempt to leave work on time would be questioned by her leader and coworkers. [Host, no need to be nervous.] Ling Qi's voice echoed in her mind, a hint of encouragement in it. [Your physical and mental state are both good now. As long as you follow my advice, finish work efficiently, leave on time, and avoid internal friction and the rat race, nothing will go wrong. If Wang Man criticizes or questions you, I'll help you deal with it. If you fall behind on progress, I'll help you handle redundant work and boost your efficiency—you won't be in a predicament.] Lin Wan's heart settled, and she replied silently: Okay, Ling Qi. I believe you, and I'll try my best. The subway arrived at the station. Lin Wan got off with Li Meng and walked into Chuangke Building. The moment she stepped into the office, Lin Wan clearly felt all eyes focus on her—curiosity, sympathy, and a hint of imperceptible mockery and doubt. She knew everyone had heard about her fainting, knew she'd taken three days of leave. Perhaps they were all laughing at her in their hearts: laughing at her poor physical fitness, at her inability to endure hardship, at her failure to keep up with the rat race. A wave of unease and embarrassment washed over Lin Wan. She instinctively lowered her head, wanting to hurry to her desk and avoid everyone's gaze. "Lin Wan, you're here." A cold, harsh voice suddenly rang out in the office, stopping her in her tracks. Lin Wan's body stiffened. She knew it was Wang Man's voice. She slowly raised her head and saw Wang Man standing at the door of her office, her face dark, her eyes cold, staring straight at her, her tone filled with obvious dissatisfaction and blame. "M-Manager Wang, I'm here." Lin Wan's voice was tense and trembling, and she instinctively lowered her head, daring not to meet Wang Man's gaze. Wang Man walked step by step to Lin Wan, stopped in front of her, and looked down at her, her voice cold: "You've rested for three days. How's your body? Fully recovered?" "Y-Yes, Manager Wang. I'm completely better. Thank you for your concern." Lin Wan hurried to say. "Concern for you?" Wang Man let out a cold laugh, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "I don't have time for that. All I care about is work! You took three days off, and a mountain of work has piled up—the copy, the reports, the event plans. When will you finish them? Do you know that your leave has delayed our department's progress, delayed the company's event preparation? Can you take responsibility for that?" Wang Man's voice was loud, clear to everyone in the office. All eyes focused on Lin Wan again—sympathy, mockery, and a desire to watch the show. Lin Wan's cheeks flushed red in an instant. Her whole body was stiff, her hands clenched tightly together, her fingernails digging deep into her palms, sending a sharp pain through them. But she didn't feel the pain at all—only endless embarrassment and grievance. She knew her leave had indeed delayed work progress and brought trouble to the department, but she had fainted from overwork and had no choice but to take leave. She didn't want this, didn't want to delay work, didn't want to trouble the department. "Manager Wang, I'm sorry." Lin Wan's voice was choked with sobs and helplessness. "I'm sorry to you, sorry to the department. I shouldn't have taken leave, shouldn't have delayed the progress. I'll work hard today, work overtime to catch up on all the piled-up work, and won't delay anything anymore." [Host, attention. Your emotional state is becoming grievance and anxious—your relaxation level has dropped by 15%, and AI assistance efficiency has decreased by 15%.] Ling Qi's voice rang out in her mind, a note of warning in it. [Do not compromise, do not agree to Wang Man's request to work overtime. You've overworked yourself once already; do not repeat the mistake. Just finish your core work efficiently and leave on time. I'll handle the redundant work, and you won't delay progress. Besides, Wang Man's accusation is unreasonable. You have the right to take leave, to refuse overwork, to refuse ineffective overtime. You don't need to apologize to her.] A sharp tremor ran through Lin Wan's heart. She was right. She had the right to take leave, to refuse overwork, to refuse ineffective overtime. She had fainted from overwork and had no choice but to rest—she had done nothing wrong, and she didn't need to apologize to Wang Man, to anyone. She raised her head, summoned up her courage, met Wang Man's gaze directly, and said in a firm tone: "Manager Wang, I'm sorry, but I can't agree to work overtime. I took leave because I fainted from overwork. The doctor said I need to rest well, can't overwork myself anymore, can't stay up late working overtime. Otherwise, I'll have health problems again, and that will only delay more progress and bring more trouble to the department." Lin Wan spoke loudly and firmly. Everyone in the office froze, their eyes filled with shock and disbelief. Even Li Meng stared at her in astonishment—she had never thought Lin Wan would suddenly summon up the courage to refuse Wang Man's request, to say no to overtime. Wang Man was also stunned. She had never imagined that Lin Wan, who had always been timid, obedient, and dared not refuse her, would suddenly find the courage to say no to overtime. Her face turned even darker, her eyes colder, her tone filled with anger and dissatisfaction: "Lin Wan, what did you say? Say it again? How dare you refuse me? How dare you not agree to work overtime?" Fear and nervousness gnawed at Lin Wan's heart, and her palms were covered in cold sweat, but she still summoned up her courage, met Wang Man's gaze, and said firmly: "Manager Wang, I'll say it again. I can't work overtime. I need to leave work on time and rest well; I can't overwork myself anymore. But rest assured, I'll finish work efficiently, catch up on all the piled-up work, won't delay any progress, and won't bring any trouble to the department." "Finish work efficiently?" Wang Man let out a cold laugh, her tone full of sarcasm and doubt. "Lin Wan, are you still sick in the head? You work overtime every day and still have such low efficiency, making mistakes all the time. Now you say you won't work overtime, will leave on time, and yet you claim you can finish work efficiently and catch up on all the piled-up work. Do you think I'll believe you? Do you think taking three days of leave has made you bold enough to defy me?" "I don't mean to defy you, Manager Wang." Lin Wan hurried to say, her tone urgent. "I'm not being bold. I just want to rest well and work well, to finish work efficiently, not to overwork myself or stay up late anymore. I promise you, I'll finish work efficiently today, catch up on all the piled-up work, and won't delay any progress. Please believe me just this once, okay?" "Believe you?" Wang Man scoffed. "Why should I believe you? Lin Wan, let me tell you— in my eyes, not working overtime means not working hard, means a bad attitude, means being unable to finish work! If you dare to leave on time, dare to not catch up on all the piled-up work, dare to delay progress, you can pack your things and get out! Our company doesn't need employees like you who can't endure hardship, dare not work overtime, and have a bad attitude!" Wang Man's words cut like a sharp knife into Lin Wan's heart, making her whole body cold, filling her with immense grievance, and pushing her to the brink of tears. But she held back her tears, summoned up her courage, refused to compromise or back down, met Wang Man's gaze, and said firmly: "Manager Wang, I'll say it one more time. I can't work overtime. I need to leave on time and rest well, but I'll finish work efficiently, won't delay any progress, and won't let you down." "Fine, very fine!" Wang Man trembled with anger, pointing a finger at Lin Wan's nose and shouting: "You've got guts, Lin Wan! We'll see if you can really finish work efficiently today, if you can avoid any delays! If you can't, you get out of here and never show your face in front of me again!" With that, Wang Man shot Lin Wan a fierce glare, turned around, and stormed back into her office, slamming the door shut with a deafening bang that shook the whole office. After Wang Man left, the office fell into dead silence. All eyes were on Lin Wan—shock, sympathy, mockery, and a hint of imperceptible admiration. No one had expected that the timid, obedient Lin Wan would suddenly summon up the courage to stand up to Wang Man, to refuse her overtime request. It was like the sun rising in the west. Lin Wan's body was still stiff, her palms still sweaty, her heart still racing. The confrontation with Wang Man had drained all her courage, and even her breathing was ragged. Li Meng hurried over, quietly tugged at her arm, and whispered in comfort: "Wanwan, you're so brave. Don't be scared, I'm here for you." Lin Wan forced a smile. The cold sweat on her fingertips slowly faded, but she could still feel eyes on her from all directions—curiosity, sympathy, and even schadenfreude from a few. She took a deep breath, avoided everyone's gaze, and hurried to her desk. The moment she sat down, she saw it was piled high with thick documents and unprocessed reports, the dense words making her heart clench—this was the work that had piled up during her three-day leave. Once upon a time, she would have fallen into instant anxiety, desperate to start working overtime at once, but now Ling Qi's voice echoed in her mind again. [Host, no need to be anxious. 60% of the piled-up work is redundant. I will screen the core tasks for you and assist you in finishing them efficiently to ensure you can leave work on time.] Ling Qi's voice was still cold, but it was like a calming pill, soothing Lin Wan's restless heart. She turned on her computer, and as she looked at the work list popping up on the screen, Ling Qi had already automatically filtered out the redundant reports and repetitive copy, marked the core tasks and their priorities, and even attached simple processing ideas— the same impeccable effect as the report sorting she had seen in the hospital. Lin Wan's grip on the mouse loosened little by little, and her eyes grew firm—she knew this was her first step to breaking free from the rat race. Even if more doubts and difficulties lay ahead, she had to keep going, try to trust Ling Qi, and live for herself for once. Lin Wan took a deep breath, pushed down the fluster in her heart, and opened the core task list marked by Ling Qi. The screen clearly showed three key tasks: revising the event promotion copy, sorting out the core event data report, and verifying the docking requirements of cooperative partners. The redundant data statistics, insignificant copy comments, and trivial communications that could be delayed were all marked gray by Ling Qi, with the note "Redundant content, can be processed automatically." [Host, now starting to assist you with core work. First, the event promotion copy. I have automatically proofread grammatical errors, optimized sentence fluency, and marked 3 details that need your adjustment based on the event tone. You only need to confirm the revisions—no need to proofread every single word.] Ling Qi's voice rang out in time, accompanied by copy revision notes popping up on the screen. The revision suggestions in red were precise and tailored to the needs, better than the proofreading she used to spend an hour or two on. Following the prompts, Lin Wan quickly checked and revised the details. A copy proofread that used to take her half a day was finished in just over ten minutes. Next was the core data report. Ling Qi had already deleted redundant data, extracted key indicators, and even automatically generated data visualization charts. Lin Wan only needed to confirm the accuracy of the data and add simple analysis conclusions. Once, sorting out such a report would have kept her up late into the night, but now it was organized clearly with key points highlighted in less than half an hour. Murmurs of discussion drifted over from the office from time to time. Glancing out of the corner of her eye occasionally, Lin Wan saw a few colleagues huddled together, whispering and glancing at her desk every now and then—mockery, curiosity, and a hint of imperceptible envy in their eyes. "Look at Lin Wan, just stood up to Manager Wang and said she won't work overtime, and now she's just sitting there dawdling. I'd like to see how she catches up on all the piled-up work today." "Exactly. She can't even finish it when she works overtime every day, and now she dares to say she won't work overtime. She must be asking to be fired." "Though to be honest, she looks much better today. She used to work overtime every day, her face as pale as paper, but now she's all rosy." The voices were soft, but every word reached Lin Wan's ears clearly. Once upon a time, she would have fallen into anxiety at once, worried about her colleagues' opinions, and pushed herself to work faster to prove herself. But now, she just smiled faintly and continued to focus on her work—Ling Qi's words echoed in her mind: No need to care about others' gossip. Finishing your work efficiently is the best response. Taking a break to get a drink of water, Li Meng quietly walked over to Lin Wan and whispered: "Wanwan, don't listen to their nonsense. If you really can't finish it, I'll help you. I'll just work a little overtime today, it's fine." Lin Wan looked up at Li Meng, her eyes warm, and shook her head: "No need, Mengmeng. I can finish it. And you don't work overtime too much either—take care of your body." She pointed at the neatly organized reports and copy on the computer screen and smiled: "Look, I've already finished most of it, much faster than usual." Staring at the clear and well-organized content on the screen, Li Meng's face was filled with shock: "My god, Wanwan, you're amazing! It's only been a little while, and you've finished so much? And it's all done so well!" Lin Wan smiled and didn't explain Ling Qi's existence, only silently saying thank you to Ling Qi in her heart. [Host, you're welcome. Improving your work efficiency and helping you break free from the rat race is my core mission. Your relaxation level has now increased by 5%, and AI assistance efficiency has risen by 5% as well. Keep it up.] Ling Qi's voice was still cold, but with a hint of imperceptible approval. All afternoon, Lin Wan worked efficiently with Ling Qi's assistance—no anxiety, no internal friction, only focus on each core task. When she felt tired occasionally, she stood up to drink water or stretch her shoulders, following Ling Qi's reminders to relax moderately. She no longer sat at her desk all day like before, too busy to even take a sip of water. During this time, Wang Man had come out of her office a few times, each time instinctively glancing at Lin Wan's desk, her eyes full of doubt and disdain, seemingly waiting to see her make a fool of herself, waiting for her to compromise and work overtime because she couldn't finish her work. But every time, she saw Lin Wan focused on her work, and the work on her computer screen being completed one after another. Her expression grew increasingly complicated—surprise, confusion, and a hint of unwillingness. She simply couldn't understand why Lin Wan, who had always been inefficient, timid, and obedient, had suddenly become so efficient and resolute. Before she knew it, it was six o'clock in the afternoon—time to get off work. Most of her colleagues in the office had no intention of getting up and leaving, still sitting at their desks working overtime. Some did it voluntarily for the rat race, some dared not refuse their leader's demands, some really couldn't finish their piled-up work. The whole office was still filled with a tired and oppressive atmosphere. Lin Wan looked at her computer screen—her last core task was finished, all the piled-up work had been handled efficiently, and she had even finished part of tomorrow's core work in advance. An unprecedented sense of relief and ease welled up in her heart. [Host, all core work has been completed, no redundant work left. You may leave work on time. Your relaxation level has now increased by 10%, and AI assistance efficiency has risen by 10%. Please leave the office on time, rest well, and no overtime work is allowed.] Ling Qi's voice rang out in time, a reminder to Lin Wan. Lin Wan packed her things, stood up, and looked at Li Meng beside her: "Mengmeng, I'm off work. You leave early too, okay?" Li Meng looked up at the time, then at the colleagues still working overtime in the office, and at Wang Man's office, her face full of worry: "Wanwan, are you really going to leave now? Manager Wang is still in her office. If she sees you leaving now, she'll definitely get angry and criticize you again." Lin Wan smiled and said firmly: "It's okay. I've finished all my work, no delays to the progress. I have the right to leave on time and rest well." Just as Lin Wan was about to walk out of the office, Wang Man's voice rang out from her office again—cold, harsh, and filled with obvious anger: "Lin Wan, stop right there!" Lin Wan's steps faltered. She slowly turned around and saw Wang Man walk out of her office, her face terrifyingly dark, her cold eyes fixed on her, her tone full of rage: "Lin Wan, where do you think you're going? It's time to get off work, but have you finished your work? How dare you leave? I think you really don't want this job anymore!" Hearing Wang Man's voice, all the colleagues in the office stopped their work, their eyes focusing on Lin Wan and Wang Man again—some with schadenfreude, some worried for Lin Wan, some lowering their heads silently, daring not to look. Lin Wan took a deep breath, pushed down the trace of nervousness in her heart, and said in a calm and firm tone: "Manager Wang, I've finished all my work. All the piled-up copy, reports, and cooperative partner docking requirements have been handled. There's no delay to any work progress—you can check." She pointed at her computer screen. "If you don't believe me, you can go to my desk and check. All the work is organized clearly and at a glance." Wang Man froze. She had never imagined that Lin Wan would actually finish all the piled-up work before leaving time. She hurried to Lin Wan's desk, turned on the computer screen, and checked every piece of work carefully—the sorted core data report, clear and accurate with detailed analysis conclusions; the revised event promotion copy, fluent and in line with the event tone, no grammatical errors at all; the cooperative partner docking requirements, all verified and marked with key points and follow-up docking plans. Even on the screen, there was part of tomorrow's core work that Lin Wan had finished in advance. Wang Man's expression grew more and more complicated—surprise, confusion, and a hint of obvious embarrassment. She had thought Lin Wan was just defying her, just talking big, and would never finish all the work before leaving time. But the facts were right in front of her: Lin Wan had not only finished it, but done it extremely well—more meticulous and professional than the work she usually did with endless overtime. She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, wanting to criticize Lin Wan, but couldn't find any excuse. She could only stare at the computer screen, her face turning red and then pale. The office fell into dead silence. Everyone held their breath, staring at the scene in shock—they too had never thought Lin Wan would finish all the piled-up work before leaving time, and do it so well. The colleagues who had mocked her earlier looked ashamed; those who had worried about her broke into happy smiles; Li Meng even quietly made a "cheer" gesture to her. Watching Wang Man's embarrassed expression, Lin Wan did not take the opportunity to retort or show off her work results. She only said calmly: "Manager Wang, all the work has been checked and there are no problems, no delays to any progress. It's time to get off work now, so I'll leave first. I'll come to work on time tomorrow and continue with the follow-up work." With that, she didn't look at Wang Man again, turned around, picked up her things, and walked out of the office calmly, without the slightest hesitation or timidity. The moment she stepped out of Chuangke Building, the evening breeze brushed gently against her face, warm and soft. The sun was setting, and the golden sunlight spilled over the street, gentle and bright. Lin Wan raised her head, looked at the sunset glow in the sky, took a deep breath, and an unprecedented sense of relief and ease welled up in her heart, along with a little pride. This was the first time in her two years at the company that she had truly left work on time—no overtime, no internal friction, no anxiety, no grievance. She had finally broken free from the endless rat race, lived for herself for once, and finally felt how beautiful life could be without overtime and internal friction. [Host, congratulations. You have successfully left work on time for the first time and broken free from ineffective rat race. Your current relaxation level has increased by 20%, and AI assistance efficiency has risen by 20%. Keep it up, Host.] Ling Qi's voice echoed in her mind, still cold but with a clear hint of encouragement. [Please enjoy your after-work time, calm down, and rest well. Do not think about any work-related matters to improve your relaxation level. I will provide you with more assistance in the future to help you completely break free from the rat race and live a life of ease.] Lin Wan smiled and replied silently: Okay, thank you, Ling Qi. I will. She took out her phone and sent a message to Li Meng: Mengmeng, I'm off work! The evening breeze is so nice. You leave early too, don't tire yourself out. After sending the message, she put her phone away and walked slowly along the street, watching the pedestrians hurrying by, the street lamps turning on one by one by the roadside, the thousands of twinkling lights in the distance. Her heart was filled with peace and ease. She knew this was just the beginning. More doubts and difficulties awaited her in the future, Wang Man would never let her off easily, and the rat race in the office would still go on. But she was no longer afraid, no longer anxious, no longer consumed by internal friction. Because she knew Ling Qi would always be with her, helping her, dealing with all difficulties and doubts, boosting her work efficiency, and pulling her out of the rat race predicament. She also knew she would never be timid, obedient, and afraid to refuse again. She would never blindly join the rat race and overconsume herself to please her leader and fit in with her colleagues, never take her health for granted again. She would learn to relax, learn to work efficiently, learn to refuse ineffective overtime, learn to live for herself, and learn to find her own pace of life in the fast-paced first-tier city, to strike a balance between work and life. The sun set gradually, night fell slowly, and the street lamps on the street grew brighter and brighter, lighting up the road ahead for Lin Wan. She looked up at the night sky, a soft and firm smile curving her lips—her life of ease had officially begun with this first time leaving work on time. What she didn't know was that after she left, the office in Chuangke Building remained in dead silence. Wang Man stood at Lin Wan's empty desk, her face terrifyingly dark, her eyes filled with unwillingness and anger. And the colleagues working overtime, staring at Lin Wan's empty desk, felt a strange emotion stir in their hearts. Some began to reflect on the meaning of their endless overtime, and some began to envy Lin Wan—envy her courage, envy her ability to break free from the rat race.