On the eve of the review
Relaxed days are always short-lived. A few days later, Mo Zhichi returned to his work, and Mo Xiaochi began submitting resumes and interviewing, searching for a suitable design job. Lan Tongtong's life also returned to normal, busy at the construction site during the day and continuing to study technical specifications at night. Her days were fulfilling and peaceful.
A crucial milestone was approaching within the project department: the first review of the "Staff Evaluation System," promoted by the client's General Manager, Tang Hao, was scheduled for this Friday afternoon. This, in turn, created a subtle sense of tension in the air.
The most obvious change came from Liu Feng.
The supervisor, previously so demanding and arrogant, seemed like a completely different person. These days, he wore a slightly forced smile whenever he met anyone from the construction company. During on-site inspections, he stopped nitpicking and even addressed minor issues that could be fixed with a simple "No problem, passed!" His politeness was a bit off-putting.
"Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Lan! This template was installed very well and to the standard!"
"Mr. Zhang (referring to Zhang Biao), you are really strong and you did a great job!"
He even took the initiative to offer a cigarette to the project manager Liu Chao, saying politely, "Please cooperate and communicate more in the future."
At noon that day, Liu Feng happened to sit next to Lan Tongtong and several colleagues from the Engineering Department while eating in the cafeteria. He sighed and began to talk heart to heart:
"Alas, I was young and impulsive before, and I may not have done enough in some areas. I offended you brothers, so please forgive me." He looked heartbroken. "This review is about mutual promotion. I have a straightforward temper and a good heart. I am absolutely serious and responsible in my work. When the time comes, I hope you brothers will say a few good words and give me high scores."
Although he was speaking to everyone, his eyes occasionally glanced at Lan Tongtong, his meaning obvious. He hoped to ease the relationship, especially with Lan Tongtong, whom he had deliberately made things difficult for, hoping to "show some mercy."
Zhang Biao was listening at the side, curling his lips in disdain, and whispered to Lan Tongtong: "The weasel is paying New Year's greetings to the chicken." Lan Tongtong signaled him with her eyes to stop talking nonsense.
To be fair, Liu Feng's "performance" in recent days was indeed impeccable. But Lan Tongtong knew that this change didn't stem from genuine repentance, but rather from the pressure of the review system. She recalled the injustices she had suffered and Liu Feng's unbearable insults, and it was impossible not to feel a pang of resentment.
However, Mo Ge's previous words echoed in her ears: "The purpose of the review is to promote work, not to punish people. Be objective and fair."
After get off work, Lan Tongtong couldn't help but send a message to Mo Zhichi: "Brother Mo, Engineer Liu has been very cooperative these past few days. It's obvious that he wants to get a high score in the review."
After a while, Mo Zhichi replied. His reply was simple yet profound: "Yes, I see. The ruler is in your hand, measuring the work and the impartiality. Just measure according to what you see."
Lan Tongtong pondered the message. Mo Ge was reminding her not to be swayed by personal emotions or be fooled by the other person's temporary performance. The key to reviewing lies in "truthfulness."
She opened her computer and looked at the blank electronic evaluation form. It required scoring and filling in specific examples for various dimensions, including work ability, communication and coordination, professional ethics, and integrity and self-discipline.
How would you rate Liu Feng's performance over the past few days? And how would you evaluate his previous behavior?
This wasn't just an evaluation of Liu Feng; it was also the first test of the new system's seriousness. The "ruler" in her hand wasn't just measuring a person's temporary transformation, but also her own ability to set aside prejudice and maintain an objective and impartial professionalism.
How would she handle this crucial moment of weighing right and wrong at the Friday afternoon review meeting? This matter concerned not only Liu Feng but also whether this system could truly function as intended. Lan Tongtong felt a heavy responsibility resting on her shoulders. This time, she had to use her inner "ruler" wisely.
On the last day before the review, near the end of the afternoon, Lan Tongtong was alone in the office sorting out documents, preparing to leave. Liu Feng took advantage of this opportunity, quietly slipped in, and gently closed the door behind him.
"Mr. Lan, are you busy?" Liu Feng said with a smile on his face and a low voice.
Lan Tongtong's heart tightened, and she had a bad feeling. She remained calm on the surface and said, "Engineer Liu, what's the matter?"
"Hey, it's nothing serious." Liu Feng rubbed his hands and moved closer, his tone deliberately familiar. "It's just that there will be a review tomorrow. There were some minor misunderstandings and frictions between us before. I, your brother, have a quick temper, and I may have done something inappropriate. Please bear with me."
He paused, observing Lan Tongtong's expression, then changed the subject slightly, carrying a subtle threat: "Well, this review is supposedly a three-party process, but ultimately, it's more important between us, the owner and the supervisor. As a technician from a construction company, your evaluation, to be honest, is just a formality and won't cause any significant waves."
These words were like a fine needle, accurately piercing Lan Tongtong's self-esteem. Her fingers holding the pen tightened slightly, and she raised her head and looked directly at Liu Feng: "Mr. Liu, what do you mean?"
"My point is very simple," Liu Feng said with a forced smile, "Let bygones be bygones. Tomorrow during the review, raise your hand, give me a high score, and write something nice. I'll definitely take good care of you on the construction site in the future. Let's make money together. Otherwise..."
He deliberately prolonged his tone and didn't continue, but the contempt in his words, "You should think about it," was not concealed at all.
It wasn't a request, it was a deal, and even more of a humiliation. He seemed to be saying: Your opinion is insignificant, but I'm giving you a chance to show some kindness to me in exchange for peace. You'd better know what's best for you.
A surge of blood rushed to Lan Tongtong's head, and her cheeks burned with humiliation and anger. She remembered the injustice of being bullied by him and scolded in front of the boss, and the foul language he used at the banquet. Now, he could actually put on such a condescending face, looking down on her and insulting her!
Lan Tongtong took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down. She looked at Liu Feng's calculating eyes and suddenly felt that the man in front of her was extremely ridiculous and pathetic.
She slowly stood up, her tone calm, yet with an unyielding firmness: "Engineer Liu, the review system was promoted by President Tang for the sake of fairness and justice. How I evaluate you is my right and my responsibility. I will evaluate you objectively based on your performance over this period, including your previous work performance. As for whether my evaluation is important..."
She paused and spoke clearly, "The system has the final say, not you and me. If there's nothing else, I'm leaving get off work."
After she finished speaking, she no longer looked at Liu Feng's face which had turned ugly in an instant. She picked up her bag, walked straight to the door, opened it and walked out, leaving Liu Feng and his hypocritical and arrogant words completely behind her.
Walking back to the dormitory, the evening breeze blowing on her face, Lan Tongtong's heartbeat slowly calmed down. She didn't regret her response, and even felt a sense of relief. Liu Feng's threats and contempt had only aroused her pride.
Yes, she might be just a "small technician," and her evaluation might indeed be insignificant in the balance of power. But that's no reason for her to abandon her principles and succumb to threats. As Mo Ge said, the yardstick is the public spirit. If even she considers her evaluation insignificant and fills it out casually, then this system has failed from the outset.
The ruler in her hand may be light, but she must make it measure straight.
This time, she would not only give an objective evaluation but also include Liu Feng's attempt to influence the review tonight as a specific example in her review form. This wasn't revenge; it was fulfilling her duty. She wanted to let everyone know that even a "small technician" has the bottom line and integrity to uphold rules and fairness.
The review arrived as expected, but the undercurrent beneath the calm surface surged even more violently.
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