Ch73 - (II). Abusing one’s power to bully others

Because Rong Jun had returned to the city without permission two days earlier, he was summoned to Councilor Feng’s office first thing Monday morning.

Although the weekend technically fell outside his working hours, leaving before the matter was fully resolved could easily be labeled dereliction of duty.

When Feng received Rong Jun’s message that day, he had nearly crushed his phone in anger. It wasn’t that anything critical had been delayed, the work there had already been nearing completion and didn’t strictly require Rong Jun’s presence.

It was the defiance. Rong Jun had crossed a line. He had challenged authority outright.

And no one willingly kept a piece that had slipped out of their control.

Still, Rong Jun was valuable, exceptionally so. Others could replace him, but none would match him. If he were to be discarded, his worth had to be fully weighed. Besides, Rong Jun himself bore some responsibility for how things had developed.

So Feng chose a middle ground, he only partly wanted to reprimand him, leaving him a way out.

“It’s been a demanding period,” Feng said in a calm voice. “But I don’t want this happening again.”

Rong Jun didn’t answer immediately. He paused, considering his words before speaking.

“I’m sorry, Councilor. This was my mistake. But I’d like to revisit my working hours.”

“How do you propose we do that?”

Feng’s expression remained composed, but his fingers tapped twice against the desk, a subtle habit that betrayed his displeasure.

Rong Jun noticed, but didn’t falter. With a faint, controlled smile, he said, “We follow the contract. Nine to five, Monday to Friday. No weekends.”

Feng chuckled softly, though there was no warmth in his eyes. “You understand what era we’re living in.”

“You have many senior secretaries,” Rong Jun replied calmly. “You’ve already been very generous to me.”

“You were doing just fine before. Why the sudden change?”

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“How many people your age achieve what you have? Wouldn’t it be a pity to throw it away for momentary comfort?”

Rong Jun understood every word. He had always believed in sacrifice. He had never doubted his ability to reach the top.

But if the price was Yan Chen… That was different.

He stepped aside, calmly avoiding Feng’s hand.

“I’m sorry, Councilor,” he said. “I don’t think it’s a pity at all.”

His voice remained steady.

“I know the road ahead will be difficult. But I’m certain I won’t regret the choice I’m making today.”

Feng stared at the empty space where his hand had been, a flicker of displeasure crossing his face.

He couldn’t understand. Rong Jun had come this far, he was ambitious, relentless, and yet now he changed. It felt almost… ungrateful.

When he looked up again, his gaze had turned cold.

“I don’t need an employee who works regular hours,” he said flatly. “And if I don’t need someone, no one else will dare to hire them.”

Rong Jun stilled. His eyes darkening instantly.

“Are you threatening me?”

Feng smiled faintly, the arrogance in it unmistakable. “Yes.”

“Then you’ve chosen the wrong person.”

All softness vanished from Rong Jun’s expression. He had always been proud, stubborn, just, and no matter how often it cost him, he never learned to bow his head.

Feng seemed to consider something, then said slowly, “I may not recall how long it’s been since the Senate was abolished… but I do remember the Rong family has had quite a few recent developments.”

Rong Jun’s expression shifted, barely. but his gaze turned icy.

“The Rong family alone might not be enough,” he said quietly. “But the Third Prince should be.”

Feng’s composure cracked. “What?”

“When you recruited me,” Rong Jun said, a faint, cutting smile forming, “didn’t you bother to find out who my partner is?”

Silence fell.

“If there’s nothing else,” Rong Jun added calmly, “I’ll return to work.”

He turned and left without another glance, his back straight, unyielding.

…

But the moment he returned to his office and locked the door, he stopped.

One minute.

Two.

Three.

Then he slowly crouched down, letting out a long, quiet groan.

“Ah…” His face twisted with regret.

Damn it. His pride had gotten the better of him again.

If Yan Chen found out he had used his name like that… he definitely wouldn’t be happy. Would he be disappointed? Would he think less of him?

How could I do something so stupid…

The thought lingered the entire day.

Though Rong Jun handled his work flawlessly, his expression remained strained, his fatigue heavier than any overtime shift. By the time he finally sent Yan Chen a message at the end of the day, even his hands trembled slightly.

…

At the usual time to clock out, Yan Chen glanced at his phone… Then abruptly stood.

The chair beneath him screeched violently as it toppled backward, slamming into the desk behind him.

His coworkers froze, startled, turning just in time to see him move in a blur.

Before anyone could react. He was already gone.

All that remained was the automated voice from his terminal:

“Check-in successful. Have a nice day.”