The air in the office froze for two seconds.
Yao Wei's smile stiffened. She stared at Cai Jingwen for several seconds, trying to read something in her face. Was the pressure too much? Had someone poached her? Or was she unhappy with the company?
But Cai Jingwen looked calm. There was no hurt, no hesitation, only the quiet certainty of someone who had thought things through.
"Jingwen, why are you suddenly resigning?" Yao Wei came around her desk and walked up to her, her voice softening. "If you don't want to stay in Pengcheng, you can come back. I've been keeping the East China Region's deputy general manager position open for you."
Cai Jingwen shook her head. "That's not it, Ms. Yao. It's not an issue with the company. It's for personal reasons."
"Personal reasons?"
"I'm going to start a business."
Yao Wei was taken aback. She had considered plenty of possibilities—being poached by a competitor, dissatisfaction with her pay, wanting some time off—but starting a business had never crossed her mind.
Cai Jingwen had worked under her for almost eight years, rising from an intern to a branch general manager. Her professional abilities were beyond question.
But starting a business was another matter. It took money, resources, connections, and luck.
"Jingwen, you're still young." Yao Wei guided her to the sofa and sat down with her, speaking earnestly. "Starting a business isn't easy. If that's what you want, I'd suggest spending a few more years gaining experience at the company and building your connections. When you're ready, I'd even be willing to invest."
Cai Jingwen looked at Yao Wei, warmth welling up inside her. Yao Wei was decisive and forceful in her dealings with outsiders, but she had always looked after her staff. In their eight years together, she