Chapter 3

Confused, I deliberately glanced at the application date. It read November 23rd, which was yesterday.

Wendy quickly finished processing the paperwork and handed it to me to sign. I picked up the pen and shifted my gaze away from the reimbursement form.

It wasn't that the policy had been abolished after all. Mr. Hurst simply never intended to honor it.

Not long after, a notification popped up on my phone, informing me that 500 dollars had been deposited into my account. It was listed as a bonus from the company, which felt like a slap in the face.

Noticing my reaction, Wendy sighed.

"Jonah, you've been here three years. You know what Mr. Hurst is like. Trying to get some kind of benefit from him is as hard as squeezing water from a rock.

"You're the top salesperson, so he had to give you a little something just to keep up appearances. Had it been anyone else, they wouldn't have even gotten 50 dollars from him.

"I know you were aiming for that apartment, but as long as Mr. Hurst refuses to sign off on your application, there's no chance you'll ever get it. Just keep up the good work and wait out the year. Maybe once Mr. Hurst gets transferred, you might have a chance to get what you want."

Wendy quietly confided that she'd overheard Mr. Hurst talking to his superior. As long as he could guarantee that the year-end sales targets were met without any issues, he'd get a promotion and be transferred back to headquarters.

Gripping the pen tightly, I thanked her before leaving her office.

Back at my desk, I began sorting through my work and reviewing my schedule for the next few days.

Just then, Mr. Hurst stepped out of his office with a serious expression and reminded everyone, "In two days, someone from HQ will come to assess the branch's year-end sales performance. Make sure all your reports are ready, and finalize any pending orders. Don't drop the ball at a critical moment like this!"

Then, he deliberately singled me out.

"Jonah, as the top salesperson, you need to run a thorough check of everything and make sure it's all recorded. Don't miss a single order."

He was casually giving me an order as if nothing had happened.

At my silence, he took the initiative to say, "After HQ evaluates our year-end sales, I'll apply for an additional bonus for those who have performed exceptionally, just to give you guys a little encouragement.

"But remember, everyone, you need to keep your feet on the ground and stay humble. Aside from improving your ability as a salesperson, you also need to familiarize yourself with the company's policies and values.

"Don't assume that just because you've done well, you can demand benefits from the company. That just shows poor character and a lack of perspective. I won't single anyone out here, but let this be a warning."

When he finished, the surrounding employees started whispering among themselves. Though no one said it outright, everyone was clearly gossiping about me.

Yet, the occasional curious glance that seemed to land on me by chance from time to time felt like a burning fire that threatened to reduce me to a pile of ashes.

I clenched the mouse in my hand, my face cold as ice. I kept my eyes fixed on the computer screen, ignoring everyone's reactions.

Just then, a notification popped up. It was an email from Frederick Anderson, a client I'd been negotiating with for a while now.

Mr. Anderson had persistently voiced his skepticism over our product quality, repeatedly deferring things whenever I pressed him for a decision. Yet after all the back-and-forth, he'd ended up deciding to place an order with us after all.

I opened the email.

"I'm willing to place an order worth eight million dollars, but you need to guarantee that the inventory will be delivered to me within three days."

I checked the inventory at the company's nearest warehouse. There was under a million dollars' worth of the product Mr. Anderson wanted. Needing to grab stock from other warehouses would make the three-day delivery window nearly impossible to meet.

No one else in the company could fulfill this order. But I could. I had the ability to ensure that the inventory would be delivered on time.

I'd already mapped out the fastest logistics flow and optimal delivery routes. With careful planning and sufficient cooperation from the staff, this shipment could definitely be delivered within the required timeframe.

Over the years, my mind had practically transformed into the city's transport network. I could confidently say I was more reliable than any GPS in that respect.

But just as I was about to accept the 8-million-dollar order, Mr. Hurst's voice echoed in my mind. I recalled the lecture he gave me in his office.

It wasn't good to constantly hog the spotlight. It was important to be humble and know one's place.