She had worked so hard to learn accounting knowledge, even ruining her health—what was it all for? It was precisely for better treatment and benefits.
Now they were telling her she didn’t qualify?
Then what was she even studying for?
Was it worth suffering like this?
She might as well work a few more years at another factory—even earning thirty-five a month was better than enduring this humiliation!
Lin Miaomiao turned and left without hesitation.
Manager Liu was stunned by her sudden outburst of profanity, pointing a finger at Lin Miaomiao and stammering “you… you… you…” without managing to form a complete sentence.
“Your situation isn’t as favorable as others, but if your assessment results are outstanding, there are other benefits we can apply for on your behalf.”
Lin Miaomiao turned back in shock to look at Lu Yanzhou: Did he think he was being kind?
Was she supposed to thank him for giving her this opportunity?
Clenching her fists, she gritted her teeth and said, “No need!”
With that, she left the factory manager’s office without looking back.
…
“How did it go? Was the application approved?” Seeing her return, Yu Meijing hurried over to ask.
“No. They said I need outstanding assessment results to qualify for the benefit.”
Lin Miaomiao was seething with anger. Time and again, they gave her hope only to dash it. She finally understood—that damn male lead was doing it on purpose.
She hadn’t interfered with him and the female lead, hadn’t pestered him—what more did he want?
Did she have to die for him to vent his hatred?
Lin Miaomiao’s chest ached fiercely, almost leaving her breathless.
“Oh my! Why so strict? I thought…” Yu Meijing had assumed that anyone with difficult family circumstances could apply. She had thought it was a great opportunity and was delighted.
She never expected it to come with such conditions.
It was even stricter than before.
They were using Lin Miaomiao’s lack of education to trample on her dignity.
“How outrageous!” she said angrily. “We might as well just rent a place. It’s not like we have to live in the dormitory.”
At that moment, Yu Meijing didn’t like the new factory manager at all—she thought he was going too far.
If there were so many requirements, why even mention that those with difficult family conditions could apply?
Giving people hope only to disappoint them.
Wang Xiulan and the others merely had the advantage of education. Even though their homes were nearby, they could apply for single dormitories just to rest at noon. Why couldn’t those in more difficult situations do the same?
Yu Meijing was furious.
Lin Miaomiao wanted to tell Yu Meijing that she didn’t want to work anymore—she wanted to resign.
But seeing the genuine concern and worry on her face, she didn’t know how to bring it up.
Yu Meijing had helped her so much. Even securing her current position was thanks to Yu Meijing speaking highly of her in front of the manager. As soon as she heard they needed someone to fill the vacancy, she immediately recommended her.
And now, before she had even settled into the role, she was thinking of quitting.
The person she felt most guilty toward was Yu Meijing.
If she had known it would be like this, she might as well have stayed on the assembly line.
At least she wouldn’t be stuck in this impossible situation now.
“Don’t worry, I’ll teach you everything I know. You’ll definitely do well on the assessment!”
Yu Meijing encouraged her.
The words on Lin Miaomiao’s lips were swallowed back down.
On the other side, Wang Xiulan watched the two of them with gloomy expressions, feeling smug.
Hmph, did they think an apology would settle things?
Lin Miaomiao was only favored because she had a good relationship with the manager.
She had relatives in the factory too. How could Lin Miaomiao, someone who was merely promoted, expect the same treatment as them? What a joke!
“Some people still think they’re special just because they’ve curried favor with the manager. Too bad our factory director has sharp eyes.”
“Exactly. All that wasted effort trying to show off in front of others.”
A few people whispered among themselves, not daring to let Lin Miaomiao hear. They heard she was still going to participate in this round of accountant interview assessments—let’s see how much longer she can keep up her arrogance!
They were all waiting for her to be humiliated.
…
That afternoon, at the hospital.
When Liu Huihui saw Lin Hai arrive, her expression turned sour.
“What are you doing here again? Are you happy to see how badly your sister has harmed me?”
“Lin Hai, I’m telling you, if my brother isn’t released for a day, I won’t leave this hospital for a day! At worst, I’ll just get rid of this child!”
Lin Hai’s face darkened. “Your brother did something wrong and deserves the punishment. He’ll be released after just a few days of detention. Why threaten me with the child?”
“He’s my brother, my family. He was falsely accused by your sister for no reason, and you even hit him. No one in our family has ever laid a hand on him! When has he ever suffered like this?”
“Anyway, I’m putting it out there: if you don’t bail him out today, I won’t keep this child.”
“You…” Lin Hai was so angry his face turned ashen.
…
When Lin Miaomiao returned home, she saw Liu Huihui and her brother sitting on the sofa.
Her own brother was in the kitchen cooking.
Her expression instantly darkened.
After being detained for a few days, Liu Hang had lost weight all over. His hair had been shaved, and although the swelling on his face had gone down, it was still bruised, with some new wounds added. He looked utterly disheveled.
Seeing Lin Miaomiao return, his expression turned ugly, his hands clenched into fists, veins bulging.
His eyes fixed on Lin Miaomiao like a cold, venomous snake coiling around her, sending shivers down her spine.
But she didn’t back down. Meeting Liu Hang’s gaze, her presence remained undiminished.
Liu Hang was the first to look away.
Liu Huihui was seething with hatred but feared Lin Miaomiao would report her brother again. She forced a smile and said, “Miaomiao, you’re back. What happened before was all a misunderstanding. Xiao Hang, hurry up and apologize to Miaomiao.”
Liu Hang reverted to his usual demeanor, but his apology was half-hearted. “Sorry.”
Lin Miaomiao asked, “Who bailed you out?”
Liu Hang replied smugly, “My brother-in-law, of course.”
Lin Hai walked out and met his sister’s icy gaze, his heart heavy.
“Miaomiao, Liu Hang is, after all, your sister-in-law’s brother. The people in detention centers are too complicated. Your sister-in-law was worried he might be bullied by others inside, so…”