章節 33: Chapter 33: Being Human is an Art
"Knock, knock!"
Outside Ma Chengkun's office, Wu Neng took a deep breath and mustered the courage to knock on the door.
"Come in!"
After a cold voice came from inside, Wu Neng pushed open the door and stepped in, closing it behind him.
As soon as he entered, Wu Neng saw his boss, Ma Chengkun, sitting behind the desk. Ma Chengkun's eyes were narrowed, fixed on Wu Neng, making Wu Neng's legs tremble with fear.
Guilt made him weak!
"Come here." Ma Chengkun said emotionlessly, gesturing for Wu Neng to approach.
Though Wu Neng was reluctant, he moved closer to Ma Chengkun's desk. Seeing the familiar newspaper on the desk, his heart sank.
"Have you seen this?" Ma Chengkun threw the newspaper in front of Wu Neng, his gaze unwavering.
"Yes," Wu Neng swallowed hard and said quietly.
"Good. Then do you have anything to say?" Ma Chengkun said flatly.
Despite Ma Chengkun's calm demeanor, Wu Neng's heart raced. He doubted the boss would call him in for such trivial matters and couldn't read Ma Chengkun's expression, which only increased his fear.
His lips felt dry. He fumbled to speak, "Boss, I... I..."
He stuttered, unable to continue.
"Enough, don't bother!" Ma Chengkun interrupted him coldly.
Ma Chengkun was a seasoned veteran. Seeing Wu Neng's reaction confirmed that what Tian Guang had said was true. Wu Neng had indeed rejected *The Qin Chronicles*, and the crisis facing *The Oriental Daily* was caused by him.
Unexpectedly, the issue lay with one of his editors.
"Step forward!" Ma Chengkun said in a cold voice.
"Smack!"
"Ah!"
As Wu Neng stepped closer, Ma Chengkun suddenly slapped him hard across the face, causing Wu Neng to fall to the ground.
Watching Wu Neng on the floor, clutching his face in agony, Ma Chengkun's anger, which had been building up for days, erupted.
He approached Wu Neng and kicked him forcefully, indifferent to Wu Neng's cries. Ma Chengkun continued to vent his fury.
At this time, Tian Guang was hiding not far from Ma Chengkun's office, listening to the sounds of pain. He shivered and muttered, "Fortunately, the boss didn't direct his anger at me. But I wonder if Wu Neng will be beaten to death."
Thinking about the rumors about the Ma family, Tian Guang silently worried for Wu Neng. Despite his desire for revenge, he only wanted to get back at Wu Neng, not cause him serious harm. If Wu Neng were severely injured or worse, Tian Guang would feel guilty.
After all, Tian Guang wasn't inherently malicious; he just resented Wu Neng's prolonged oppression, but the hatred wasn't severe enough to want Wu Neng dead.
"I just hope he can survive this. From now on, the grudge is settled," he thought to himself.
In the office, Ma Chengkun continued to release his anger on Wu Neng, cursing him while hitting. "Wu Neng, your father really didn't give you the wrong name—you're a useless fool!"
"Not only are you useless, but you also caused this trouble for me. Damn it, I'd like to throw you into the sea to feed the fish!" Ma Chengkun spat hatefully.
Hearing Ma Chengkun's words, Wu Neng, already in agony, was terrified. Ignoring his pain, he knelt and begged, "Boss, I'm sorry. Please spare me. I have an elderly parent and a family to support. Please, boss, have mercy..."
Seeing Wu Neng's pitiful state, Ma Chengkun remained unmoved. He was accustomed to such situations and had long since become immune to them.
...
After a long while, seeing Wu Neng's battered face and bleeding mouth, Ma Chengkun's anger subsided considerably.
He had no intention of killing him. After all, the crime didn't warrant death, and throwing Wu Neng into the sea would only create panic within the company, which was counterproductive.
Furthermore, the Ma family was already under scrutiny from the Hong Kong government. Adding a murder charge would only give them more trouble and could become uncontrollable.
"Get out of here. Don't let me see you again!" Ma Chengkun straightened his clothes and regained his composure.
Hearing Ma Chengkun's words, Wu Neng, dazed, quickly gathered his wits and bowed gratefully.
It wasn't that Wu Neng was excessively afraid of Ma Chengkun, but he knew all too well how ruthless the Ma family could be. Being beaten and let go was already fortunate.
"Get out!" Ma Chengkun shouted in frustration.
"Yes, yes, I'm leaving now..." Wu Neng hurriedly got up and left the office.
Once outside, Wu Neng ignored the curious stares of his colleagues and quickly packed up his things. He didn't want to stay any longer, fearing Ma Chengkun might change his mind and beat him again.
Soon, he had packed everything and walked quickly towards the exit.
However, as he passed Tian Guang's office, he stopped and grimaced, "Tian Guang, it was you, wasn't it?"
Though it was a question, his tone was certain. After all, only Tian Guang knew about his rejection of *The Qin Chronicles* at *The Oriental Daily*.
"Why?" Wu Neng asked in pain.
Tian Guang remained silent. Seeing Wu Neng's current state, all his hatred dissipated.
Sighing, Tian Guang looked away, feeling guilty. "Think about how you've always treated me."
"Haha, I deserve this! Haha!" Wu Neng, hearing Tian Guang's words, was first stunned, then closed his eyes, and laughed bitterly.
He had come to realize that he had been abusing his seniority to oppress Tian Guang over the years. He hadn't paid attention, and never expected Tian Guang would stab him in the back. In the end, the fault lay with him.
Wu Neng dared not show anger. He was frightened and did not want to linger in the Oriental Daily Group any longer.
As the saying goes, those who are about to die speak kindly.
Though Wu Neng wasn't facing death, he had genuinely thought Ma Chengkun would kill him, making him feel death was near.
He now understood that his shortcomings in dealing with people were to blame. If he had been more patient and open-minded when reviewing *The Qin Chronicles*, he would have recognized its quality and avoided this predicament.
If he hadn't used his seniority to oppress Tian Guang, he wouldn't have been backstabbed.
Everything was due to his own shortcomings in dealing with people.
"I brought this upon myself; it's my just deserts!" Wu Neng murmured in pain.
Then, he picked up his belongings, enduring his injuries, and walked slowly towards the exit.
As he passed by his colleagues, he bowed deeply.
Seeing Wu Neng's current state, and reflecting on his past behavior, everyone felt a pang of empathy and silently warned themselves.
After leaving the Oriental Daily Group building, Wu Neng looked back one last time, filled with regret.
"If heaven gives me another chance, I would never look down on others again…"
"I definitely won't…"
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票