"You can't mark me absent! I was ten minutes early when I got to the lobby, but the elevator was too crowded..." Wei Yuan was desperately explaining to a stern-looking middle-aged woman in front of him.
The woman gently adjusted her thin gold-rimmed glasses, squinting slightly, her speech rapid, enunciation clear, and devoid of any emotion: "The elevator has been crowded for days. Did you just find that out today? Since you know it's crowded, why not be twenty minutes early? Also, let me remind you of the company culture one more time: no excuses, just results!"
"Alright, I'll make sure to keep that in mind next time."
"There won't be a next time! Company policy is to dismiss anyone absent three times. You're still in your probation period, so for you, it's two times. You can leave now; your work schedule is already in your email."
Wei Yuan wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, left the office, and, following his instincts, headed towards his workstation.
