King of Soldiers: The Hunter

The First Interview

Perhaps it was due to Zhang Ziwen’s striking appearance that Miss Xu Ying, the clerk, gave his form an extra glance. When she noticed the position he applied for was an internal staff role, a trace of surprise flickered in her clear eyes. She looked him over again—his demeanor and attire seemed more suited for a managerial post. It was unexpected that he had chosen such a modest position.

Zhang Ziwen smiled at her and said, “Is there something wrong with the form I filled out?”

“No, not at all,” Xu Ying replied, blushing faintly. “I was just having a look. Please wait here; I’ll call you when it’s time for the interview.” Flustered, she hurried off to collect forms from other applicants.

Zhang Ziwen watched her retreating figure—slim and elegant in her business suit. It was clear this was a well-established company; even the way its employees walked seemed polished. As he mused on this, he also realized something: Xu Ying had only looked over his form, and she hadn’t spoken much to anyone else. It seemed she intended to personally inform him of his interview time—an honor no one else appeared to receive.

There were so many candidates. Judging by the crowd, he figured he’d have to wait quite a while. Feeling the urge for a cigarette, he headed to the stairwell, lit one, and inhaled deeply. As smoke curled around him, he began organizing his thoughts, hoping to avoid being caught off guard in the interview.

The cigarette was quickly finished. Stepping out of the stairwell, his lungs soothed, Zhang Ziwen saw Xu Ying scanning the area where he had previously stood. When she spotted him approaching, she pouted slightly, saying, “Where did you go? It’s your turn for the interview. I thought you’d left.” Her tone was almost like that of a lover playfully scolding.

“It’s my turn already?” Zhang Ziwen blinked in surprise. “I thought I still had a long wait. I just went to the restroom.”

“Alright, stop talking. Come with me,” Xu Ying urged. “I moved your resume to the top of the pile. If the interviewer hadn’t seen it, you might’ve lost your chance.”

Just as they reached the door, a voice inside called, “Zhang Ziwen, please come in.” Xu Ying gestured for him to hurry, flashing an encouraging “OK” sign. Zhang Ziwen smiled gratefully and tossed her a thankful glance.

Once he’d entered, Xu Ying gently shook her head. What’s wrong with me? Why am I being so attentive to him? She glanced again toward the stairs. The restroom is clearly in the other direction… what’s he up to? Ugh, why do I care? He’s not even anyone to me. With a self-deprecating shake of her head, she drifted back toward her office, her mind elsewhere.

Inside, Zhang Ziwen found a middle-aged woman seated behind a desk, dressed professionally, around forty years old, wearing thin-rimmed glasses. She looked up as he entered and motioned toward the chair opposite her. “Please, have a seat.”

After he sat down, she picked up a form and read softly, “Zhang Ziwen, age 24, ethnicity—” She paused, lifting her gaze. “You are Zhang Ziwen?”

He nodded. “Yes, that’s me.”

Glancing at the position field, she remarked, “Oh, you’re applying for an internal clerical role?” A flicker of doubt danced in her eyes.

“Yes, I am.” Zhang Ziwen couldn’t help but notice the similarity between her reaction and Xu Ying’s. Why does everyone seem surprised I’m applying for this position?

The woman studied him more closely. “Do you really believe this role suits you?”

Zhang Ziwen nodded earnestly. “I reviewed the positions your company posted in the newspaper. Among all of them, this one seemed the most fitting for my qualifications.”

She raised an eyebrow as she glanced at his resume. “You have a high school diploma. So, you’re sure this is the role you want?”

“I am. I sincerely hope to be given the opportunity.” The interview atmosphere reminded Zhang Ziwen of a police interrogation—face-to-face, question and answer.

The woman looked at him meaningfully. “This job usually suits meticulous women. It involves detailed and repetitive tasks. You're the first man to apply for it today. Do you truly believe you’re capable of handling it?”

Zhang Ziwen flushed, slightly embarrassed. Was this job intended for women? Have I made a blunder due to inexperience?

“I—wasn’t aware there was a gender preference for the role. The newspaper ad didn’t specify. I’m sorry if I misunderstood,” he replied awkwardly.

The interviewer’s gaze softened. “There’s no formal gender restriction. It’s just that, traditionally, these roles are held by women. Few men apply. But there’s no need to apologize.” She smiled faintly. “It was just a question. Perhaps a man might perform just as well.”

Zhang Ziwen nodded silently, unsure how to respond. A man might also be suitable for a woman’s job?

Seeing his silence, she smiled again. “If the company decides to hire you, are you certain you can take on this role?”

He paused, then replied, “If given the chance, I’m confident I’ll fulfill the role’s demands—no less capably than any woman.”

“Very well. That’s all for today,” she said, rising with a polite smile. “Please wait for our notification. We’ll respond within three business days.”

Zhang Ziwen stood and returned the courtesy. “I’ll look forward to your response. Thank you for your time today.” He shook her hand respectfully before taking his leave.

Out in the hallway, Xu Ying was nowhere to be seen. He had hoped to say goodbye, but could only abandon the thought.

As he exited the elevator, he caught a glimpse of a familiar-looking figure— a young woman entering the elevator across from him. Before he could get a better look, the doors closed.

That silhouette… why does it feel so familiar? he mused. Could I have seen her somewhere before?

His phone suddenly rang. It was Tang Shu.

“Hello?”

“Wen-ge, where are you?” Her sweet voice came through the line.

“I’m in the Haidong District. What’s up?”

“Oh, you’re not home? I’m near your place right now. Just thought I’d check if you were in.” Her tone held a hint of disappointment.

“I just finished something. I’m on my way back. Are you waiting for that classmate of yours near here again?”

“Yeah, but she just left for home. Wen-ge, are you coming back soon?”

“Probably in about forty minutes.”

“Great! I’ll wait nearby, and we can have dinner together, okay?”

“Hmm…” Zhang Ziwen hesitated, remembering his plan to meet Pang Dahai for drinks.

“What’s wrong, Wen-ge? Do you have plans already? If you’re busy, I’ll head home,” Tang Shu said gently, sensing his hesitation.

“It’s nothing urgent. Just a friend invited me for drinks.” After a moment’s thought, he added, “Tell you what, if you can wait for me, I’ll rush back now. Let’s have dinner together tonight.”

Touched by her thoughtfulness, Zhang Ziwen found it hard to refuse her.

“Really?” she said, clearly delighted. “I’ll wait for you at the corner near your place. Don’t be late!”

“Alright. I’ll be there.” Her happiness warmed his heart.

Determined not to keep her waiting, Zhang Ziwen hailed a taxi—much faster than the bus. In about twenty minutes, he arrived at Xiangheli. Stepping out of the car, he saw Tang Shu in the distance, scanning the road for him. The moment she spotted him, a bright smile lit up her face as she hurried over.