Chapter Eight: Arrangements
591 Words
The next day, Xue Che rose early to prepare breakfast for Lin Peipei and Qin Yuanhao. She applied light makeup and donned a pink ruffled chiffon blouse that complemented her fair complexion. Though she wore jeans and canvas shoes, she exuded a fresh, understated elegance.
"Where are you off to?" Lin Peipei blocked her path, her face etched with hostility.
"I'm going to look for a job. I can’t just stay home forever."
"If you don’t find a job today, don’t bother coming back! I have no money left to buy your father’s medicine! Are you trying to starve us all to death?"
"Auntie, my father has always treated you well. Please, show some decency in your speech."
"You! Wasn’t yesterday’s slap enough?"
"Auntie, out of respect for my father, I don't want to argue every day. I also wish for a peaceful home. But don't think you can endlessly insult and mistreat me. I respect you as my elder, but you must understand, there are limits to everything." Xue Che rarely spoke to Lin Peipei with such firmness. Lin Peipei stared at her in disbelief—how had this girl grown a backbone?
Ignoring Lin Peipei’s taunts, Xue Che left the house. If all went well today, she could finally hold her head high in front of Lin Peipei.
Arriving at Jun Yue Tianxia Group’s building, Xue Che took a deep breath and made her way to the HR department on the seventeenth floor. As expected from a top global company, the exterior was all glass with panoramic windows, and the interior featured sleek glass and metal decor, perfectly reflecting the company's grandeur and mystique.
"Hello, miss. Whom are you here to see? Do you have an appointment?" The receptionist smiled warmly, her sweet voice almost melting Xue Che.
"Hello, I’m here to see Manager Huang. I had an appointment yesterday. Could you check your records, please?" Xue Che replied.
"Please wait a moment, I’ll check."
"Thank you." Xue Che responded politely.
"Excuse me, are you Miss Qin?" The receptionist asked gently.
"Yes, that's me."
"Manager Huang is in a meeting. Please wait over there. I’ll call you when he's available." The receptionist’s fluttering eyes were mesmerizing.
"Alright. Thank you."
As Xue Che waited, she couldn't help but notice how out of place her simple attire looked among the well-dressed employees. Despite her modest lifestyle, she recognized many high-end brands.
Would Manager Huang be disappointed by her appearance and send her away?
Time dragged on, yet Manager Huang still hadn’t emerged.
Meanwhile, unseen by Xue Che, someone was watching her intently through a surveillance camera. "Qin Xue Che, this is the price for your rudeness."
Was this woman insane? Or just a lunatic? Didn’t she realize that she might have to wait all day without food? What was she thinking? Did this job mean that much to her?
"Manager Huang, it’s Butler Shen."
"Hello, Butler Shen. Do you have any instructions?" Manager Huang asked seriously.
"Now, you can meet with the girl named Qin Xue Che. Remember to place her in the position of the president’s assistant."
"But, Butler Shen, this doesn’t comply with company policy. I’m worried the president might hold me accountable." Manager Huang was anxious.
"You needn’t worry. Just follow my instructions." Butler Shen's authoritative tone left no room for further questions. Indeed, Butler Shen’s words were tantamount to the president’s orders. Since the president took office, all directives had come through Butler Shen. Manager Huang had only seen the young, arrogant president at important meetings.
"Understood."
- Writer
