Xiao Zhu has been the head of the technology department in a company for many years. He has achieved excellent results and contributed a lot to the company, receiving numerous awards and honors. He is known for his hard work and dedication. However, one day the company announced that there would be a selection process for the position of the technology department head. To avoid suspicions, the company fabricated a reason, stating that the department needed reform and a suitable candidate had to be chosen.

Xiao Zhu participated in the competition along with other members of the technology department. He believed in his abilities and thought he would maintain his position as the department head.

 On the day of the competition, a new candidate suddenly emerged to compete for the position. Many people were curious about this new candidate, unaware of their identity and true abilities.

Despite others' lack of attention, Xiao Zhu closely observed this person and considered them to be extraordinary. The competition consisted of six levels, each with different assessment topics. As the competition progressed, only five people remained on the field. The intensity of the competition increased as it reached the fifth level, leaving only three participants. 

Finally, in the last round, only Xiao Zhu and the newcomer remained. When the competition ended, everyone anxiously awaited the results. The final scores of the two candidates were the same, surprising everyone. While some expected the possibility of having two department heads, the company's top leadership finally announced that the selected candidate was the newcomer. 

Xiao Zhu was devastated by the result and couldn't believe he had been rejected. Soon after, it was revealed that the newcomer was a relative of the company's leadership, and they had used their influence to ensure their selection. Unable to accept this unfairness, Xiao Zhu resigned. He left, taking all his belongings with him. The next day, he received a message on his phone, informing him that his departure with all the awards and honors had caused a collaboration to be canceled due to the absence of the technology department's achievements.

The company wanted Xiao Zhu to return as the head and leave the awards behind. Upon reading the message, Xiao Zhu remained silent, contemplating his next steps. 

In evaluating this situation, it becomes apparent that both relationships and abilities are crucial in the workplace. While relationships may provide certain advantages, one's own abilities are essential for long-term success.

It is important to understand and navigate the dynamics of the workplace, recognizing favorable and unfavorable circumstances. Decisions on one's position are always influenced by abilities. If one lacks the necessary skills, they will inevitably fall from their position. Moreover, it is crucial to recognize that abilities are the driving force for progression in the workplace. Without them, one's career will continue to decline unless a matching skill set is developed.