NOVEL NEXT Chapter 27: Chapter 26: The Waning of Rumors and the Rebuilding of Trust
Chapter 26: The Waning of Rumors and the Rebuilding of Trust
Time: Several weeks into the project's progression
Location: Various locations related to the project, both inside and outside the company
In the days following the project's advance, Zhang Liang worked tirelessly, like a diligent ox plowing the field, leaving early and returning late, devoting himself wholly to the task at hand. His figure frequently moved between the office, partner companies, product research and development bases, and market research sites, as if his world held no space for anything other than this project.
Every morning, before the first rays of sunlight fully pierced the morning mist, Zhang Liang stood below the company building. He gazed upward at the towering skyscraper, which, in the dawn light, seemed like a silent giant, solemn and austere. His eyes were filled with determination and persistence, silently repeating to himself, "Today is another tough battle, but I will not retreat. These rumors are mere stumbling blocks on the road, and I will kick them aside. The success of this project will silence them all." He straightened his clothes with resolve, a gesture akin to a soldier donning his armor before heading into battle. With purposeful strides, he entered the company, his every step brimming with the confidence of a man who had made up his mind to conquer the challenges of his career.
Inside the office, Zhang Liang sat before his computer, his eyes fixed unwaveringly on the project data. The numbers on the screen no longer seemed like dry symbols; they had become the keys to success. He occasionally furrowed his brow in concentration, his face drawn as if he were deep in thought, the faint sound of his fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk, as though engaged in a silent dialogue with the data. Then, in a flash of realization, a barely noticeable smile would tug at his lips, like the first glimmer of dawn after a long night, a fleeting warmth that hinted at hope.
His colleague, Xiao Wang, passed by his desk and noticed his focused demeanor. A sense of doubt quietly began to waver in his mind. Gently patting Zhang Liang's shoulder, Xiao Wang said with a touch of remorse, "Zhang Liang, I was swayed by those rumors before and misunderstood you. But seeing your dedication now, I realize I was wrong." Zhang Liang looked up in surprise, then broke into an honest smile, "Xiao Wang, it's alright. I know everyone was confused back then, but now, the most important thing is for us to work together and make this project a success." Their brief exchange was like a spring breeze, dispersing the barriers between them and subtly shifting the atmosphere in the office.
When negotiating with partners, Zhang Liang demonstrated exceptional professionalism and calm composure. Dressed in a sharp suit, which fit him as perfectly as a second skin, his steps exuded confidence and ease, like a general preparing to face the battlefield. At the negotiation table, he spoke fluently, aware of every detail of the project. The various reports and proposals flowed effortlessly from his hands, earning nods of approval from the partners. On one occasion, a partner questioned a particular clause, but Zhang Liang remained unfazed. He picked up the folder, pointing to the data and charts within, explaining with clarity, "Think of this as building a bridge together. If this clause is unreasonable, it's like a shaky foundation, and the entire bridge could collapse. However, the proposal we have is thoroughly validated and tested, like a solid pillar, ensuring the strength of this partnership." His analogy was vivid and convincing, immediately dispelling the partners' doubts. Throughout the process, Zhang Liang was like a skilled helmsman, expertly steering the negotiation ship through treacherous waters toward a successful partnership.
Yet, despite the visible efforts Zhang Liang put in, a few persistent whispers still circulated behind his back, the rumors like restless ghosts that reappeared to haunt him. Every time Zhang Liang heard these malicious murmurs, a pang of bitterness rose within him, like chewing on an unripe fruit that lingered on his tongue. However, he steadfastly remembered the wisdom of Laozi: "The highest good is like water, which benefits all things without contention." He told himself, "I am like water—moving forward, nurturing all without fighting the groundless slanders. I will use my actions, like water flowing through the earth, to change people's perspectives."
One day, while struggling with a critical part of the project in the office, the system's voice suddenly resonated in his mind: "Zhang Liang, 'Not to self-display, and thus clarity; not to self-assert, and thus recognition; not to self-promote, and thus achievement; not to self-conceit, and thus growth.' Your quiet dedication in the project needs no forceful exhibition. Time will reveal all. Your achievements are not earned through boasting but through steady, grounded action. Just like a tree rooted deeply in the earth, its foundation firm, it needs no fanfare—it simply grows, providing shelter for all. You need not worry about those still gossiping. Focus on perfecting every detail of the project. Like an artisan refining a masterpiece, the final results will speak for themselves." After hearing this, Zhang Liang felt a surge of clarity. He focused entirely on his work, unburdened by the remnants of the rumors. He revisited his tasks with the meticulousness of an artist perfecting a painting, ensuring every detail was flawless.
As the project neared completion, the fruits of Zhang Liang's labor began to show. The company's product received enthusiastic reception in the market, sales soared, and customer feedback flooded in. Those who had once doubted Zhang Liang were now forced to acknowledge his abilities. In a department meeting, his superior beamed with pride, announcing the project's success and praising Zhang Liang's contributions: "Zhang Liang, you played a pivotal role in this project. Your expertise, dedication, and calm under pressure are qualities for all of us to emulate. The rumors, as it turns out, were baseless." Applause erupted, loud and resounding, and the looks from his colleagues were filled with admiration and respect. Those eyes were like a warm spring breeze, sweeping away the last traces of doubt in Zhang Liang's heart. At that moment, Zhang Liang stood as if he had ascended a mountaintop after enduring hardships, gazing at a wide, beautiful landscape with a heart full of satisfaction and pride.
Standing up with a humble smile, Zhang Liang surveyed the room, his gaze meeting each colleague's. He said earnestly, "Thank you all for your trust and support. The success of this project is not mine alone—it is the result of our collective efforts. I've always believed that as long as we work together, no difficulty is insurmountable. Like a flock of geese, we can only navigate through storms if we fly in unison. Each goose has its role, and I am but one who strives to flap my wings." His words were met with even louder applause, and in that moment, he had fully restored the trust of his colleagues.
"The highest good is like water, which benefits all things without contention." This phrase means that the highest form of virtue is like water—nurturing all things without striving. In this chapter, Zhang Liang, facing the lingering effects of rumors, chose not to argue or rebut, but instead, like water, quietly focused on his work, letting his actions advance the project and create value for the company. Gradually, his colleagues and superiors came to recognize his true abilities and character, just as water nourishes the earth without being noticed, ultimately dispelling the rumors and earning their trust. Even when confronted with doubts from partners, he resolved them calmly and with guidance, embodying the principle of "non-contention" that led to a smooth partnership.
"Not to self-display, and thus clarity; not to self-assert, and thus recognition; not to self-promote, and thus achievement; not to self-conceit, and thus growth." This means that true recognition comes not from self-promotion, but from genuine effort. Throughout the project, Zhang Liang never sought to flaunt his achievements but stayed focused on his work, allowing his results to naturally speak for themselves. He maintained humility, which elevated his image within the team and laid the foundation for his eventual success. His silent dedication was like a seed growing quietly in the ground, unnoticed yet full of vitality, eventually becoming a towering tree for all to see.
Summary: In this chapter, Zhang Liang continues to move forward, adhering to the principles of "The highest good is like water" and "Not to self-display, and thus clarity" as he faces the aftermath of rumors. His unwavering effort and excellence in the project rebuild trust, leading to emotional breakthroughs and reconciliation with his colleagues. As the project advances, what new opportunities and challenges await him? How will he continue to write his legendary story in the workplace? Stay tuned for the next chapter.