The following days, an internal email is issue to all staff about the music standard in the office. No one is to switch on their private music. The building speaker will play a popular radio station from nine to five. After five, if they are working, they are allow to play their own music within an acceptable volume. The cafe at the ground floor will not be accepting cash from staff as long as they show their work badge. Thus there is no need for them to walk out of the buildings for high tea. After reading this, she look up and see her staff all look at her. They are chatting in their own chat room.
'it sounds like the HR is targeting on our boss.'
'i think she is being targeted.'
'See i told you guys. Being too close with the top floor is no good news.'
'That bitch Gan is always a bad news.'
'I heard yesterday that she wants to deduct the pay on Lisa for not applying the paper work for taking leave.'
"Our boss always do the paperwork in proper.'
They continue ro chat over the computer while Lisa is still reading the email. She knows that HR is targeting at her and changing the work conditions. She feels bad for them and there is nothing she can do. She close the email and start to work on other projects.
Two weeks later, another email comes in regarding about slippers in the office. No one is allow to wear it as consider a danger in the office. Anyone found wearing it will be fine.
Simon goes downstairs to the HR and ask why there is a sudden change of things around without his knowledge.
"Mr Han, all the while HR is handling all things in the internal office. We have the raise the working attitude that these staff must have in the office."
"Ok but why did you go to Peter and ..."
"That is the safety measurements. You office is locked up with all the important contracts. If there is an industrial spy within our company, the dealing will be leak out. I am thinking for you."
"In any case, next time you ask my permission before those rules and warning to be mail out!"
In his anger, he march out and head to the elevator. Ms Gan sit on her desk with her staff all trying to mind their business. She pinch her lips and look at her computer. She ignore her staff and start working.
At tea break, Simon message Lisa for a drink at the ground floor. Lisa decline as she have a few paper work to clear. He got disappointed that he hangs his head between his arms that are raise up on the table. Peter seeing this make a cup of coffee for him and put it on the table. He quietly walk away to his desk.
He pick her up as usual from the bus stop, however she did not talk much. Simon turn on the music to kill the silence in the car. Each goes in their apartment and sit on their sofa. Lisa is wondering why in the world make Ms Gan say those strange sentences to her on the last conversation with her. Did she see something strange?
A month pass and Simon have his ring in a box. It is two flat top that liked like sn X merge to a circle at the same time. A diamond is buried in the flat top since she is afraid of loosing it. One side he had the master inscribe her name and the other side his name. They have an unusual relationship. Just like the two squares who is united by a circle. It takes three years for him to notice her. It takes her a longer time to like him. Lisa who is always running away from boys since young. She have seen her sister got into trouble because of the opposite sex thus she rather be left alone. This time, she is trap in a contract marriage and she have to get along with him till the five years is up. However now, everyday seeing him feels like a strange new world to her. Lisa is getting use to his presence in her daily life. She cannot deny there is something about him that she likes.
On the day that the snow falls on the ground, Lisa goes up personally to the HR department and hand in her leave application form. She have about another eighteen more days of leave to clear before the end of the year. Thus she wants to go on a vacation before the Christmas. She hand over tot he staff and HR and ask politely to process it.
"Why didn't you do it online. Such a hassle for me to process the paperwork."
"Oh i have done it in the past, online but the last application did not get through and seems like no one notice till manager Gan called me to inform me that i did not do the application of leave thus my pay is deducted. Now i personally handle it over to HR is better this way so that ..."
"What do you mean by that Ms Yang?! Am i accusing you?"
Manager Gan appear suddenly with her coffee mug in hand. She stare at Lisa with those fierce eyes.
"No i am not saying that. Technology fails us sometimes, so i think the old way sometimes is safer. Please help me to process."
"Why are you taking holiday?"
"It is my dad's birthday and christmas is around the corner."
"To where?"
"Do i need to tell you this?"
"Why not? I see if it is reasonable or not. I can reject the application."
"I have eighteen days of leave..."
"Yes and so? Do you think the company cannot pay you for those days that you did not use your leave?"
"I am not saying that..."
"And so?... Manager Yang, let me tell you this. The leave is just an extra entitlement . Every year you use your leave i don't care as long as you do your work. However it seems that your department is ... lacking of a good head. Maybe it's time to clear those trash... what do you think, manager Yang."
Lisa stare at her and understand what she mean. While the other staff in the room become uncomfortable. They know their boss is bossy but when a manager and another manager argue is unbearable. Slowly they leave one by one.