That Morning
Sitting in the office, Johny Lee secretly downloaded a stock market analysis tool on his computer.
In truth, how could Johny not want to make money for himself?
However, after thinking it through, he still felt that trading stocks wasn't a viable path to wealth for him right now. Setting aside his lack of capital, the rules of the stock exchange prohibited "day trading", selling stocks on the same day they were bought. One had to wait until at least the next trading day (the so-called T+1 rule).
Johny's "BACK" ability could only reverse time by one minute. While he could guarantee a stock would rise within that sixty-second window, he couldn't predict the closing price of the day or the opening price of the next morning. The risk was too high.
Take the Hainan Rubber stock he had picked for Director Zane the other day. Yes, it had broken out of its limit-down state and risen significantly within a minute, making Zane extremely happy. But near the market close, it had dropped back down. Coupled with a lower opening the next day, they basically broke even and almost suffered a loss.
The only financial instruments that allowed same-day trading (T+0) were warrants. But currently, the market was dry, and the few available warrants were like dead fish—dropping a few cents every day with zero volatility for swing trading.
Therefore, Johny could only give up on the idea of getting rich quick through stocks. He would focus on analyzing them for Director Zane instead. He couldn't guarantee profit, but at least he could provide the thrill of a good entry point, which would help him get closer to the leader.
Johny, oh Johny... work hard!
Everything is for the sake of a promotion!
"Hehe, Johny, you're quite early today?"
"Morning, everyone."
"Good morning."
The colleagues trickled into the office one after another. Johny greeted them cheerfully and quickly closed his stock software.
A moment later, Jack arrived last.
Seeing a few specks of dust on the floor near the door, he frowned. "The floor was just mopped yesterday; how is it dirty again? There's a hygiene inspection today!"
Because Director Zane hadn't been feeling well lately and often arrived late, Paul had become too lazy to put on a show by cleaning. Recently, Johny had been doing it all.
Jack tossed his designer bag onto his desk and glanced at Johny. "Johny, sweep the floor."
Me again? For fuck's sake.
Johny wasn't afraid of hard work; what was a little sweeping compared to the years of poverty he and his mother had endured?
He just couldn't stand Jack's arrogant attitude. He couldn't swallow this insult!
Being suppressed and bullied by Jack time and time again, Johny was nearly driven mad with anger.
However, thinking about how he had just joined the team, and how a newcomer shouldn't oppose a veteran with powerful backing, Johny gritted his teeth and endured it.
He rolled up his sleeves, strode behind the door, picked up a broom, and started sweeping.
Johny sensed that Jack had found him increasingly annoying over the past two days. The reason was obvious: as a newcomer, Johny had stolen the veteran's thunder by solving the speech draft problem when Jack couldn't.
Jack was jealous.
Jane and Paul pretended not to see the bullying, keeping their heads down.
Tammy and Samson (Moose) couldn't bear to watch anymore. They stood up and grabbed a dustpan and rag to help Johny clean.
Jack looked at the three of them, curled his lip in disdain, and started browsing forums online.
Johny was truly exhausted today. As he bent over to sweep the corners, his back began to ache. These past few days, he not only had to handle the office's hygiene but also his own workload and the drafts that Jack pushed onto him. He didn't have a single moment of rest.
"Johny, go take a break. I've got this," Samson said, his voice deep and honest.
Johny straightened up, massaging his aching lower back. He gave a forced smile. "I'm not tired. Thanks, Moose."
Tammy quietly gestured with her chin toward Jack and whispered, "Him? He just can't stand to see others doing well."
Although Tammy had a big mouth and dared to say anything, she still had a sense of self-preservation. She was furious at Jack's bossy attitude, but on the surface, she couldn't openly defy him. Jack had seniority and connections with the Commissioner; no one wanted to offend him if they could avoid it.
Ten minutes later, Johny finally finished the cleaning. Panting slightly, he sat down in his office chair, preparing to type out a draft he hadn't finished yesterday.
To his surprise, before Johny could even catch his breath, Jack walked to the water cooler. He tapped the empty plastic jug.
"We're out of water. Johny, go bring a new jug."
Jack was very dissatisfied with Johny's growing popularity with Director Zane. His father had a good relationship with the Bureau Commissioner, and even Section Chief Lee and Director Zane were polite to him. Who did this nobody, Johny Lee, think he was?
Johny instantly flared up.
Move the water?
You just won't stop if I ignore you, will you?
Jack looked at him coldly. "Did you hear me?"
Old Quinn felt that Jack was going a bit too far. Frowning, he put down his newspaper. "Johny is tired. Just call Old Wang the janitor. Doesn't he usually refill it?"
Forget the Commissioner; Old Quinn had offended leaders two levels higher than that years ago. He wasn't afraid of offending a petty tyrant like Jack.
Without even looking back at Old Quinn, Jack said dismissively, "Old Wang is busy cleaning the hallways at this time. How could he have time to come over?"
Johny snapped. "How do you know he's busy without even calling?"
"What about it?" Jack glared, his voice rising. "What's wrong with asking you to move a jug of water? Can't I even order you around? Do you even know the rules? This kind of manual labor is supposed to be done by newcomers! What? You expect me, Paul, or Old Quinn to haul water for you?"
Jane tried to smooth things over. "I think Director Zane is about to arrive. Both of you, say less."
Tammy gave Jack a look of disgust. She tried to divert him. "By the way, Jack, do you have the documents Section Chief Lee asked for? I ran into him this morning, and he said to deliver them ASAP."
Jack gave a faint hum of acknowledgment and pulled a kraft paper envelope from his desk.
Then, with a dark expression, he looked at Johny. "I don't believe I can't order you around. No one is allowed to help him; let him move it himself."
As he brushed past Johny on his way out, Jack whispered harshly, "If that water isn't replaced by the time I get back, you'd better watch out!"
"I'm waiting!" Johny had completely reached the end of his patience. He sneered openly. "I'm not fucking changing it today! What are you going to do about it? Bite me, huh you motherfucker."
Jack laughed out of extreme anger. "Fine. If you have the guts, then just try it!"
Bang!!!!
The office door was slammed shut by Jack as he left to deliver the documents.
The tense atmosphere lingered in the room. Just as Tammy and the others were about to say something, the door opened again.
"Hmm? What's going on?"
Director Zane arrived at work, his briefcase tucked under his arm. He looked around at the strange energy in the room.
Jane hurriedly said, "It's nothing, it's nothing. Hello, Director Zane."
Zane nodded, not interested in petty squabbles. Just as he was about to turn into his private office, he remembered something.
"By the way, Johny.....come to my office for a moment."
Authors Note:-
Well that's chapter 26.
Hope you guys are enjoying it.
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