Just as I was about to place my phone back on its stand, Sophie's call came through again."I'm telling you, I quit. I don't want that month's salary anymore," I said, secretly pleased to finally rid myself of that tyrannical boss. After finishing my sentence, I decisively hung up and promptly blocked her number.

The phone rang once more—it was the manager's number. I suspected the manager had informed her, or perhaps the manager was right beside her. I thought to myself, well, no need to answer; it's better to avoid hearing her shrill complaints. At that moment, another call came through from a number I didn't recognize. I answered it, and before I could speak, Sophie's voice came through,"Ryan, are you trying to get yourself killed, even blocking my number?"

I quickly pulled the phone away from my ear, her shrill voice almost making my eardrums burst. Since she wasn't in front of me, I casually responded,"Why aren't you being gentle anymore? So fiery—how can your boyfriend stand it? Be careful, you might get dumped. A woman should be a bit more gentle." With that, I ended the call and blocked her again, wondering how many phones she had that could still reach me.

I went on to accept more orders, driving the car to deliver goods. After completing several deliveries, I made over forty after deducting gas expenses. A day of this work was far more profitable than any office job. I thought to myself, why bother working in an office when I could just focus on driving? At noon, I stopped for gas, then grabbed a quick meal at a noodle shop.

My phone rang again—it was the manager, so I didn't bother answering. A text followed:"It's me, Vincent, pick up."

The phone rang again, and I answered,"Manager, is there something else?"

"What do you think? The boss told me to bring you back. You're not coming, so I might as well get fired. Do you think I wouldn't call you?"

I couldn't help but laugh and teased,"Manager, I think you should find a new job. That woman must be going through menopause; she's difficult to get along with. You'd be better off leaving sooner rather than later."

Before I could finish, a furious shout rang out from the other end,"Ryan, who's going through menopause?!" The sound was so jarring that my ear rang. I quickly hung up, muttering to myself,"That was terrifying."

Just as I hung up, the phone screen lit up, and another text appeared:"Where are you?" I glanced at it, coldly smirking, too lazy to reply. That woman was like a live volcano, ready to erupt at any moment.

I finished my noodles and continued driving. The neon lights outside flickered, and the streets became sparsely populated as the night deepened. By 10 PM, I returned home, having earned over two hundred today, though much of it went toward gas. I thought about switching to a gas cylinder for natural gas—it should yield more, explaining why vehicles dedicated to this job run on it. After a quick calculation, I figured I could earn at least a hundred more a day. I planned to inquire about the conversion tomorrow.

As I was deep in thought, the manager called again."Ryan, you've really caused me a lot of trouble today. You've relieved yourself of stress, but now we're the ones taking the brunt."

I sighed and smiled wryly."I did tell you to find a new job, didn't I?"

"You're young, it's easier for you. I'm over 40, pushing 50—it's not so easy to find something new. Look, I'm telling you, if I don't bring you back, she'll fire me for real. Ryan, please, at least come back and talk to her. Just because you can't be a couple doesn't mean you have to be enemies."

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

"Manager, you don't understand the situation. I can't face her. Did you not hear me hanging up on her nonstop today? That woman is far too formidable right now. I've made up my mind—I'll stick to driving. It's better than working an office job."

"Ryan, you don't get it. No, you're like a brother to me. I'm begging you, just go back and clear the air. You don't know—today, when you blocked her number, she smashed her phone! It was terrifying."

I was taken aback—she was definitely not someone to be trifled with. Her phone wasn't cheap either."Bro, I can't go see her. I'm afraid she'll snap and kill me."

"Ryan, stop making fun of me. A night of love is worth a hundred days of grace. You two just had some quarrels back then. Just listen to me, meet her and talk it out. If she wants to kill you, I'll protect you."

I muttered to myself, thinking, if she were to stab me a few times, it would be no matter—I'm tough-skinned and hearty, a few blows wouldn't be enough to take my life. But the real problem was that she probably wouldn't resort to such drastic measures; she was the type who excelled at torturing people with words and psychological tactics. To break the spirit was far more terrifying than taking a life. My internal unrest grew, my thoughts in turmoil.

However, on second thought, the manager, despite his advanced years, had once promoted me from the production line to a supervisor position. I still felt a measure of gratitude toward him. After pondering these things, I asked,"Manager, so I'll just meet her tomorrow?"

"Thank you, Ryan. You're like a brother to me," the manager said, his voice full of heartfelt gratitude, as though he were clapping his chest.

Since I wasn't working anymore, I decided to take a good rest and clear my mind by driving. Before I had even risen the next morning, the manager's call disturbed my sleep."Ryan, have you come yet?"

I rubbed my eyes, still half-asleep, and murmured,"I might be late. I plan to inquire about the gas conversion first."

"Ryan, just come over, we can't hold up any longer," came the manager's voice, tinged with urgency.

"Manager, with her causing all this chaos, do you think her boyfriend can stand her?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"I don't know, but both of them are a bit off. The woman's strong-willed, and the man's effeminate—totally out of balance," the manager replied, his voice carrying an excited tone, as if reveling in the gossip.

I yawned lazily,"Alright, Manager, I'm on my way."

Twenty minutes later, I parked my car on the side of the road outside the company. Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself for what I anticipated would be a tough confrontation. The entire company was buzzing about Sophie's explosive outburst the previous day, and the moment people saw me, their eyes filled with curiosity and intrigue, as if I were an alien. I did my best to act nonchalant, walking straight to the manager's office, hoping to find an ally to face Sophie's wrath.

However, when I reached the office, it was empty. My plan was dashed. It seemed I would have to face this alone. I sighed inwardly and, with a determined step, approached Sophie's office, knocking on the door.

"Come in." Sophie's voice rang out from inside, firm and commanding, tightening my chest with unease.

I pushed the door open and peeked inside, only to find Sophie seated behind her desk, her brow furrowed. I instantly sensed this wasn't going to be easy.

"Get in here. What are you staring at?" Sophie's voice was cold and filled with an unyielding authority.

I stepped inside, taking a deep breath, striving to appear composed."Sophie, I'm here today to let you know that I'm quitting. I don't want that salary either. I'll be leaving now."

Sophie looked up, her gaze sharp as a blade."You're leaving? Where do you think you're going?"

"I've told you already, I'm quitting!" I blinked in confusion, staring at her.

"I haven't approved your resignation yet, and you think you can just quit?"

"Sophie, you can't be serious! Do you think you have the right to decide whether I work or not?"

"What do you think?" Her voice was frigid, but laced with an unmistakable threat.

"What do I think? I think whether I work or not is none of your business," I replied, growing impatient.

"You owe me. How are you going to repay me?" Her voice dropped to a low, dangerous tone.

"Repay you? What do I owe you?" I asked, utterly bewildered.