Why didn't you tell me earlier that my little sister is still waiting for me?

Yang Tao smiled slightly, leaning forward imperceptibly, her hands folded on her knees. Her posture remained elegant, but her tone carried a hint of understanding: "Mr. Huang, thank you for your affirmation. However, I believe that you specifically asked me to come here today, it shouldn't just be a few compliments, right? Is it... related to my contract that is expiring next month?"

Huang Li's smile froze for a moment before returning to normal. She gently pushed her glasses up on her nose, leaned back in her chair, and said with a somewhat deliberate sigh, "Manager Yang is indeed a smart man, quick to speak. Then... I'll just speak my mind."

Huang Li paused, picked up the coffee cup on the table, and took a sip of water slowly, as if to organize her words. Then she slowly said, "Indeed, your current contract has only one month left. As usual, we need to start discussing renewal intentions now. Everyone has seen your performance in the hotel over the years. Your ability and sense of responsibility are beyond reproach. It's just..."

Huang Li changed the subject and looked at Yang Tao with a look of concern and scrutiny: "Manager Yang, we are all women, and there are some practical issues that we have to consider. Look, your age... If I remember correctly, you are already thirty..."

Yang Tao didn't shy away from the age question and answered directly, "Thirty-two!"

Huang Li nodded and continued, "At this stage, personal issues often come to the fore. I'd like to ask, are you single now? Have you considered getting married or having children in the near future?"

Yang Tao understood, but she maintained a respectful smile, even more composed than before. She replied clearly, "Thank you, Mr. Huang, for your concern. I'm not single now, and I do have aspirations of getting married and having children. If all goes well, that should be on the agenda."

Huang Li obviously didn't expect Yang Tao to admit it so directly. After all, even the dumbest person would know what she was going to say next, and would have to cover it up or try to get something out of it.

Huang Li coughed lightly, trying to steer the conversation in the intended direction. "Manager Yang, don't misunderstand. This hotel absolutely doesn't discriminate against women. This is purely from the perspective of job stability and team management. You see, once you get married, become pregnant, and have children, there will be at least a year or two before and after. Your energy will inevitably be scattered, and the continuity of your position will also be affected. The position of lobby manager requires constant availability and full commitment. It's stressful and prone to unexpected situations... We are also considering your future personal development and the actual situations you may face..."

"Mr. Huang," Yang Tao said gently, interrupting Huang Li's meaningless words. "I understand the realities you're talking about. Why don't we just... speak frankly?"

Huang Li didn't seem overly embarrassed by the interruption. Having worked in human resources for many years, she was already well versed in handling similar situations. She adjusted her glasses, leaned forward slightly, and folded her hands on the table, adopting a more formal negotiating posture.

"Okay, Manager Yang is straightforward, so I won't beat around the bush." ​​Huang Li's tone became more businesslike. "After comprehensive consideration, the company's management believes that the key position of lobby manager requires long-term, stable commitment and focus. However, marriage and childbirth are, after all, major life events. The hotel cannot and will not ask employees to make sacrifices for this. This is both unrealistic and violates relevant laws and regulations."

However, considering the special nature of this position and the uncertainty in working hours and energy that may arise from childbirth and childrearing in the future, the company has decided not to renew your labor contract after your contract expires this month.

Of course, the company will strictly follow the provisions of the Labor Contract Law regarding all necessary procedures and compensation. Doesn't your contract officially expire in a month? During this time, you don't need to clock in, allowing you to focus on personal matters or look for new job opportunities.

Huang Li finished speaking, pulled out a document she had prepared long ago from a folder, and gently pushed it in front of Yang Tao. "This is the 'Notice of Termination of Employment Contract' and the relevant compensation plan details. You can take a closer look. If you have no objections, please sign here. The finance and human resources departments will handle the subsequent procedures and payments for you as soon as possible."

The office suddenly became quiet, with only the slight sound of air from the central air conditioner.

Huang Li looked at Yang Tao, her face still professional and expressionless. She was indeed used to such scenes.

What surprised Huang Li was that Yang Tao remained calm and composed from beginning to end. Upon hearing the company's decision not to renew her contract, she showed no surprise, anger, or resentment, not even a single word of protest or defense. This surprised her, and she couldn't help but wonder: Had she already found a new employer? Or... had she known the news in advance and mentally prepared herself for a possible contract renewal?

Yang Tao picked up the "Notice of Termination of Employment Contract" and the compensation plan and carefully read through them. After confirming that the terms were clear and the compensation amount was in full compliance with legal requirements, without any traps or ambiguities, she picked up a pen from the table and neatly signed her name in the designated space.

"Mr. Huang, I have signed. Is there anything else that I need to handle or confirm? If not, I will leave first." Yang Tao gently pushed the signed document back in front of Huang Li with a calm tone.

Huang Li watched Yang Tao's quick and decisive actions, her curiosity growing. Having worked in human resources for so many years, she'd dealt with countless cases of contracts expiring and not being renewed. Even if most people accepted it outwardly, their eyes inevitably revealed a sense of loss and reluctance. Some even passionately argued to stay, offering to reduce their salary or transfer them. It was rare to see someone as calm, almost relieved, as Yang Tao.

"Manager Yang...oh no, it's Yang Tao now." Huang Li leaned forward slightly with a probing smile on her face. "Can I ask a question?"

Yang Tao raised her eyebrows slightly and made a "please speak" gesture.

"I've dealt with many similar situations," Huang Li said, choosing her words carefully. "Most colleagues, upon hearing the decision not to renew their contracts, will experience some emotional fluctuations, even if they've been mentally prepared, or... at least try to explore other possibilities. It's rare to find someone as calm and straightforward as you. Have you already found a better job, so... you don't care at all?"

Yang Tao hadn't expected Huang Li to be curious about this. She smiled softly, a smile that held a hint of relief and ease. "Well, I do have other options. One... a choice related to my childhood dream. I was actually a bit hesitant and couldn't make up my mind before. Now it seems that the company's decision has helped me make up my mind and given me a push."

Yang Tao didn't explain further, but just confirmed again: "Mr. Huang, if everything is fine, I'll go back and pack my personal belongings."

Huang Li saw this and knew she couldn't ask any more questions, so she stopped trying to persuade him and nodded. "Okay, a colleague will contact you about the formalities later. I wish you... a bright future."

"Thank you, Mr. Huang, and I wish you good luck in your work."

Yang Tao stood up, nodded slightly to Huang Li, then turned around and walked out of the Human Resources Director's office calmly.

The door closed gently behind him, isolating him from the air-conditioning and the slightly oppressive atmosphere inside the office. Yang Tao walked alone in the softly carpeted corridor of the executive floor, her steps unconsciously becoming lighter.

She didn't return to her office immediately, but instead went to the staff lounge and poured herself a glass of warm water. Holding the glass, she walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window and looked out at the familiar city scene.

The sunlight filtered through the glass, casting a warm glow on her. She exhaled softly, feeling as if the long-held anxiety in her chest about her career prospects and age had been lifted along with the breath.

Although she was "fired," strangely, she didn't feel lost or confused at all. Instead, she felt an indescribable sense of relief and a faint anticipation for the future. Lin Bufan's words from yesterday were still ringing in her ears—"You just need to answer me, do you want to or not?"

Now, the answer is crystal clear.

She drank the warm water in the cup, turned and walked towards her office, ready to pack up her things and get her mind ready to welcome the new life that belonged to wedding dress designer Yang Tao.

Lin Bufan naturally didn't know what was happening with Yang Tao. After dropping Yang Tao off at the hotel, he watched her disappear through the revolving door, but he didn't leave immediately. He sat in the car, tapping his fingers lightly on the steering wheel a few times, as if thinking about something. After a moment, he picked up his phone, found Lan Weiwei's number in his address book, and dialed it.

The phone rang seven or eight times before it was picked up. Lan Weiwei's voice came from the other end, with obvious surprise and a barely perceptible hoarseness: "Hello? Lin...Lin Bufan?"

"What's the matter, Coach Lan? Are you so surprised to receive my call?" Lin Bufan said in a relaxed tone with his usual smile.

"I... I didn't mean that." Lan Weiwei's voice was a little low, with a hint of alienation and embarrassment: "It's just... I thought... after what happened before, you and Taozi... you wouldn't contact me again."

Lin Bufan seemed oblivious to the complex emotions in her words, and continued with his nonchalant tone, "Why wouldn't I contact you? Don't forget, I'm a serious VIP client of yours. I've paid the money, and the course hasn't even finished yet. Coach Lan, you're not planning to run away with the money, are you?"

Lan Weiwei was choked for a moment. "Are you crazy? This just happened, and you didn't scold me or comfort me, it's fine, but you still want me to teach you. What are you thinking?"

Besides, with such a big thing happening, do you think people are in the mood to go to class?

Also, do you think I have the nerve to go to that gym?

No empathy at all, right?

There was silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds before Lan Weiwei's low voice came: "I'm feeling a little unwell, so I won't be going to class. Mr. Lin, if you want to continue with the class, you can go directly to the gym. I've already told the manager that a new, excellent coach will be taking over my membership. She's very professional, so you don't have to worry about the quality of the class..."

Lin Bufan immediately interrupted Lan Weiwei, his tone implying that no room for negotiation: "That won't work. Coach Lan, I signed up for the membership and bought lessons because of you. How can I expect the same feeling if I change anyone else to teach me now? I don't agree."

Lan Weiwei seemed a little helpless, trying to maintain a polite tone: "My replacement, Coach Wang, is really good. Many members recognize her and she has more teaching experience than I do. You'll know after trying one class..."

"No need to try." Lin Bufan interrupted again, his tone firm: "I want you to teach me. I don't recognize others."

There was another brief silence on Lan Weiwei's end. When he spoke again, his voice was tired and resigned. "Mr. Lin, I understand what you mean. How much did you spend on the membership card and the course? I'll refund you the money. I'm really sorry for the inconvenience."

Lin Bufan raised his eyebrows slightly, as if he was waiting for this question, and continued smoothly, "Refund? That's fine. Then where are you now? I'll find the receipt, and we can settle it in person. You can just give me the money directly."

Lan Weiwei seemed to have not expected that Lin Bufan would ask for a refund in person. After hesitating for a moment, she still gave an address - the address of the apartment she rented.

"Okay, I'll be there in about half an hour." Lin Bufan said and hung up the phone neatly.

Half an hour later, Lin Bufan rang the doorbell to Lan Weiwei's apartment. The door quickly opened, and Lan Weiwei stood behind it. She was wearing simple home clothes, her hair casually tied back, and her face bare of makeup. The faint dark circles under her eyes showed that she hadn't rested well in recent days. She looked haggard, drained of energy, but her mood had clearly stabilized compared to the previous few days.

She saw Lin Bufan and stepped aside: "Please come in."

Lin Bufan walked into the apartment. The living room was relatively tidy, but the half-filled glass of water casually placed on the coffee table and the somewhat messy sofa blanket still revealed the owner's mood in recent days.

Lan Weiwei didn't exchange many pleasantries. She walked straight to the coffee table and pulled out an envelope from the drawer. It looked quite thick. She handed it to Lin Bufan, her tone calm and collected. "Here's ten thousand yuan. I estimated the cost of your card and the course. It's no more, no less. Just count it. If there's no problem, we'll be even."

Lin Bufan looked at the envelope handed to him, but didn't reach out to take it. He put his hands in his trouser pockets and looked at Lan Weiwei leisurely, with an inscrutable smile on his lips.

Lan Weiwei held the envelope and waited for a few seconds. Seeing that Lin Bufan didn't react and just looked at her, she couldn't help but frown and asked in confusion: "What's wrong? Is the money wrong?"