Chapter 4

In the past, I voluntarily worked overtime without pay, staying up late to prepare every document in advance, just so I would not disrupt finance's workflow.

But now?

Only a fool would repay resentment with kindness.

Another red, urgent notification popped up in the office automation system.

"The sales department must immediately organize all order documents. This concerns tax filings and other critical matters. Put aside all other tasks and handle this at once!"

The bold red letters and oversized exclamation mark made me laugh out loud.

Unhurried, I pulled out every single order from this month.

One by one, I checked them against my records. Then, following the Sales Submission Guidelines to the letter, I traced each document back to its source, verifying authenticity down to the smallest detail.

I was not in a rush, but someone else was.

Early the next morning, Seymour burst into the Sales office like a hound chasing prey.

He stormed straight toward me, fury written all over his face, and jabbed a finger at my nose.

"Alex, you bastard! You're doing this on purpose, aren't you? You know how important month-end order entry is, so you're deliberately holding the files back just to watch me take the fall! Who the hell do you think you're scaring? Let me tell you: if the boss finds out, the blame will land squarely on you, not me!"

I kept my eyes on the documents, unbothered, and let out a soft laugh.

"Oh? Is that so? Then don't be in such a hurry."

With that, I tossed the Sales Submission Guidelines onto the desk in front of him.

"Mr. Landon, I'm sure you'd understand, right? I was criticized by management before. So now, I'm simply following the guidelines to the letter. Someone as rigorous as you wouldn't hold that against me, would you?"

He opened his mouth but could not get a word out.

The look in his eyes, though, was pure venom.

After Seymour stormed off, I carried a thick stack of confirmation forms to the head of Finance.

"Mr. Ward, according to company procedure, I've compiled the total number of orders for this month. Once you verify them, please sign them off. After I get your signature, I'll personally visit each partner and review every single order."

I then added, "Don't worry. Once the verification is complete, I'll deliver everything to the Finance office immediately."

Harold Ward cut me off before I could finish.

"Alex, we can't do things like this! It's already the end of the month. Without those files entered, the company can't file taxes. This is a major issue! Special cases require special handling! Just give them to me now!"

I glanced at him, my expression unchanged.

"No. According to the Sales Submission Guidelines, month-end order files must go through these verification procedures. If something goes wrong, no one can shoulder that responsibility."

Harold was momentarily speechless.

In the end, he had no choice but to sign the forms and hand them back.

For the next three full days, aside from clocking in and out at the office morning and evening, I spent my time carrying the order files around to various client locations, taking my own sweet time.

Harold was practically on fire with anxiety.

He called me eighteen times a day, asking about progress.

Until the 28th of the month.

I just clocked in and was preparing to head out with the files when Harold showed up at my desk in person.