A Perfect Day for a Single Person: The Second Day After Resigning

I’m not talking about a book.

From gloomy clouds to shallow grass not reaching the hooves, then to bright sun and blooming flowers full of vitality—the transition of seasons from winter to summer seems like just an instant, so fast that there’s no time to take off thick clothes. I slammed on the brakes of my electric bike at the crossroads, feeling the sting of sunlight on my body.

Let me first talk about what happened a few days ago. It was Wednesday morning this week, not long after starting work. I asked administrative assistant Jiajia for a resignation application form. I thought she wouldn’t be surprised, because on Monday I was the only one in the entire company still wearing sloppy casual clothes to work and participating in the company business exam decided by President Wang. This was a sign of resignation. I said to her: “If I can’t pass the exam, forget it. Setting the resignation line at 40 points is a bit low. 60 points failing and leaving is best. Also, deduct however much for not wearing work uniform—I don’t care!” This scoundrel attitude probably hurt her feelings. I felt sorry, but at that time I was also extremely clear that I really didn’t like the rigid work system and any conditions the leaders used resignation as a threat to impose. The work uniform system is a rule in the financial industry—at least I can accept that. But “threatening” is a manifestation of ruthlessness and meanness. No matter what, don’t have too high expectations of such people. Even a bit earlier, during last Friday’s monthly meeting, I had already considered resigning. It was just that the factors constituting resignation weren’t numerous enough yet. I had to weigh resignation versus staying to make the best judgment. On Tuesday I went to interview at the next company. The compensation was slightly better, and the atmosphere of having lunch with them was also good. So I decided that same day. The next day was Wednesday, exactly the day I had completed three months of probation. Wenwen from HR sent me a regularization document. It was quite a joke—Jiajia’s resignation application form had just been sent over too. One regularization form, one resignation form…

I printed the resignation application form. While filling it out, the sunlight outside the window, refracted through the glass, covered my desk for the first time—a field of brightness. At that moment, how I wished I had religious faith. Whether revelation or omen, my future should be bright and promising. Many years later, if I succeed, I will miss this magical moment immensely. In the afternoon, I also talked with the general manager for over an hour. I told her all the places where I thought the company’s business was unreasonable and the systems unsatisfactory. She is a leader full of personal charm and persuasiveness. She hoped I would stay. But she is a person who thinks emotionally and could never clearly understand what I actually needed at that time: future salary. When I left the company yesterday, I felt very reluctant to part with my colleagues here, especially the girls here.

Back to the moment when I was all hot and bothered at the crossroads. After waiting for the red light, I sped forward. It was just past one in the afternoon. I had just gotten off work at my new company. My younger brother hadn’t eaten lunch yet. I was going to take him to eat at Dicos.

Afterward, I fell into weekend boredom again. I didn’t want to meet up with my buddies—they’re all a boring bunch. Besides singing and eating, they can’t come up with any new ways to have fun. Lack of money is the main reason. And I feel that if I keep hanging out with this group of men, none of us can solve the single problem. I want to find a girl to ride bikes with or go read books, chat—anything. But this kind of idea is even harder to realize. Better to just go out wandering alone, ride my bicycle like a cat, along the rural fields. I can also be very comfortable by myself. Sitting on the rocks by the lake, feeling the gentle breeze whispering in my ears, watching the rippling water, watching the quiet uncle fishing, watching couples taking photos of willow trees, watching old men exercising, watching young people playing cards… I feel nothing. I am a free cat, enjoying the good weather. Meow~