Awake

The next morning, Chen Xu was still yawning when he entered the office building.

Ever since discovering that he possessed the "Throwing Precision" talent, he had spent the entire night throwing things nonstop. He simply could not stop. Too excited, he had not fallen asleep until after three in the morning.

He had nearly failed to get up that morning and had yawned all the way to work.

Even in that state, whenever he saw something handy, he felt the urge to grab it and throw it.

When he reached the elevator, he saw several coworkers from the company chatting quietly ahead of him. They seemed to be discussing the New Department that was about to be established.

Still somewhat sleepy, he did not pay attention to what they were saying.

Before long, the elevator arrived. As they entered, those coworkers saw him and greeted him.

"Morning." He smiled in response.

The elevator doors slowly closed.

One coworker asked, "Chen Xu, have you heard? The company is setting up a new department."

Chen Xu nodded. "Yeah, I heard."

Another coworker chimed in, "Is there some insider information about this New Department? I've seen quite a few people making moves, trying to transfer over there."

A third coworker lowered his voice. "I heard Director Liu proposed this New Department at the annual strategy meeting and convinced the other executives to make it a key strategic project for next year. Director Liu will be personally in charge of it. Of course it's popular."

The first coworker added, "A friend in the Personnel Department told me that, to show support for the New Department, anyone transferred there gets at least a twenty percent raise."

The second coworker said enviously, "No wonder so many people want to transfer. A twenty percent raise? Those benefits are incredible."

The first coworker sighed. "Yeah, who wouldn't want to go if they could get a raise? Too bad it probably won't be our turn. The people with connections have already reserved all the spots."

"Not necessarily."

The well-informed third coworker said, "I heard Director Luo will make the final call on the candidates. She isn't easy to get past. Maybe we really do have a chance."

Chen Xu had already been drowsy, but hearing them mention Director Luo stirred something inside him and woke him up a little.

"She's back from her business trip?"

There was only one director in the company with the surname Luo. The Director Luo they were talking about was naturally Luo Xiyun.

She had been away on business all week. The two of them had not run into each other yet.

As he recalled more and more details from the dream, his feelings became somewhat complicated.

With a ding, the elevator arrived.

He gathered his thoughts and followed the other coworkers out of the elevator.

Chen Xu entered the Office and saw everyone gathered together, discussing the New Department with great enthusiasm.

Clearly, word had already spread that transferring to the New Department came with a pay raise. It had stirred up everyone's excitement.

He did not join them. After putting down his things, he took out some tea leaves and made himself a cup of tea at the hot water dispenser. The moment he returned to his seat and sat down, the entire Office suddenly fell silent.

He found it strange. Why had everyone suddenly stopped talking? Looking up, he saw that everyone was staring behind him.

Behind him was the hallway.

Before he even turned around, he heard the click, click, click of high heels against the floor.

An extremely familiar figure instantly appeared in his mind. When he turned around, he saw Luo Xiyun walk in, dressed in a black trench coat. She wore light makeup, and her long chestnut-red hair danced proudly with every step.

"Good morning, Director Luo."

The coworkers in the Office greeted her warmly.

She gave a slight wave, her gaze never turning in their direction, and walked straight into her Office.

She had become that unattainable Director Luo again.

Chen Xu casually withdrew his gaze, picked up his cup, gently blew on the tea leaves floating on top, and took a sip.

The slightly bitter taste slowly spread through his mouth.

Seeing her in person had completely shattered the last sliver of fantasy in his heart.

No miracle had occurred. Her attitude was no different from before. She treated him as though he were air.

Everything that happened in the dream should be treated as nothing more than a dream.

Deep down, he was a very practical person.

He had already experienced firsthand in the dream how difficult Luo Xiyun was to pursue. Even when they had been the only two people left in the world, she had not thought much of him at first. Let alone in reality.

Since he knew it was impossible, he did not want to waste time, money, or feelings.

He let out a long breath, set down his cup, and focused his attention on work.

For him now, the most important thing was making money and improving the lives of himself and his family. Everything else could wait.

"Chen Xu, come out for a moment."

Near lunchtime, Old Wang suddenly called Chen Xu over. "Come on, Old He from the Personnel Department wants to see you."

Old He was a supervisor in the Personnel Department, a tall, thin man in his early forties who wore glasses. His expression was somewhat stern when he saw Chen Xu.

"I've looked over your résumé. You joined the company right after graduation, and you've been working here for nearly two years. Director Wang thinks highly of you. The company intends to send you to the New Department. We're establishing a new department now and want to transfer you there. Are you willing?"

Director He got straight to the point and immediately brought up the matter at hand.

Chen Xu answered just as directly. "What adjustments will there be to the compensation package in the New Department?"

A flicker of displeasure crossed Director He's eyes. As someone who worked in personnel, he often discussed compensation with employees, but he disliked the attitude of the young man before him. Chen Xu showed no concern whatsoever for the new job itself and immediately asked about pay. It left a poor impression.

His tone became much colder. "Considering that the New Department's workload will be relatively heavy, in principle, employees transferred there may receive a salary increase of twenty percent based on their current pay."

Chen Xu nodded. "Then I have no problem with it."

Director He frowned. "You're not going to ask about the work you'll be doing in the New Department?"

"I'll follow the company's arrangements," Chen Xu said.

Director He's opinion of him dropped even further. Unwilling to talk any longer, he said, "You may leave now. Pack up your things and report to the New Department this afternoon."

After leaving the Office, Chen Xu was not unaware that Director He had taken issue with him. He simply did not care. Ever since discovering that the "Throwing Precision" talent had appeared in him, his way of thinking had changed.

He could obtain more talents from the dream world and learn more skills. He did not necessarily have to work a regular job. Once the conditions were right, he could start his own business or choose a better career.

With that thought in mind, he did not want to bother with all the hassle. Changing jobs came with far too many troublesome matters. He might as well stay here for now. A chance to get a raise had come along at just the right time, further solidifying his decision to remain.