The day began with the usual passive-aggressive jabs from Qin Feng's mother and sister-in-law during breakfast.
Bai Ning, unfazed, treated them as background noise, a small performance she watched with detached amusement. Her resilience, however, wouldn't be tested at the breakfast table. The true battleground lay in the office.
Her morning at work flowed smoothly. She was efficient, completing her tasks with ease. The quiet confidence she exuded, however, was a stark contrast to the storm brewing on the horizon – a storm orchestrated by Xia Xingxing.
The mountain of files appeared on Bai Ning's desk like a sudden avalanche, precisely timed for her return from the restroom. Xia Xingxing, standing nearby, wore a smug smile. The thinly veiled attempt at sabotage was transparent. Bai Ning, though inwardly seething, remained outwardly calm. This was a game, and she wasn't about to let Xia Xingxing win.
The request was simple: enter all the data into the computer by the end of the day. A tedious task, designed to eat away at her time and energy, especially since a colleague who had usually shared the burden had conveniently taken the day off.
Bai Ning, however, didn't buckle under the pressure. She methodically sorted the files, her photographic memory allowing her to quickly grasp the overarching data requirements. Her fingers flew across the keyboard, a blur of motion that drew the curious stares of her colleagues. Whispers circulated. Some admired her speed and efficiency; others predicted her imminent downfall, highlighting Xia Xingxing's influence and the office's general dislike of her. Bai Ning remained focused, undeterred by the gossip.
She worked steadily, taking breaks for sustenance and brief rests, never allowing herself to be overwhelmed. As the clock ticked towards seven, Bai Ning finished the last entry, a sense of quiet satisfaction washing over her.
Xia Xingxing's fury was palpable when Bai Ning returned from dinner. The accusations flew, the criticisms sharp and pointed. Bai Ning, however, had anticipated this reaction. She calmly but firmly shut down Xia Xingxing's attempts to derail her, countering each accusation with quiet determination.
Xia Xingxing's frustration boiled over, but Bai Ning stood firm. Her unwavering response silenced the other office workers, some of whom were already packing up to leave. This unexpected display of strength left Xia Xingxing fuming. She stormed out, leaving behind a simmering resentment and a quiet declaration of war.
Just as Bai Ning began to pack up, Xia Xingxing called, pretending there was additional data that needed immediate input, claiming it was too complex to send electronically. The timing was suspiciously convenient. Bai Ning, initially hesitant, agreed. However, more than an hour passed with no sign of Xia Xingxing, prompting a call. Xia Xingxing's tale of traffic woes and bureaucratic delays was laced with such obvious fabrication that Bai Ning's suspicions solidified.
Bai Ning subtly contacted a friend to track Xia Xingxing's location. The location revealed: Xia Xingxing was home, enjoying a face mask and a leisurely snack. The betrayal stung.
Bai Ning, ready to confront Xia Xingxing, was stopped by a sudden power outage. The office plunged into darkness. The ensuing panic was a stark contrast to Bai Ning's controlled demeanor throughout the day. Claustrophobia gripped her as fear and darkness enveloped her. This unexpected turn of events was a chilling reminder of the vulnerability she couldn't always control, even when she was ready to fight back. The chapter ends with her trapped in the dark, the unsettling silence broken only by the frantic thumping of her own heart.