Chapter 3: Hired by the Past

Bai Mengqi felt a slight wave of relief wash over her as the other party finally ceased their persistent questioning.

With cautious steps, she approached Zi Yanran and slowly settled into a seat before her.

Inside, Bai Mengqi’s emotions were a tumultuous mix, like a jar of spices overturned.

She had already recognized Zi Yanran, and the memory of their shared past made her feel profoundly awkward and restless in this very seat.

She secretly glanced up at Zi Yanran, only to quickly drop her gaze, a silent question forming in her mind: ‘Has she recognized me?’

Meanwhile, Zi Yanran calmly perused the resume on her computer, her expression detached and unreadable, offering no clue as to her thoughts.

The entire office fell into a profound silence, broken only by the faint hum of the computer tower.

The atmosphere abruptly turned peculiar, and for Bai Mengqi, each passing second stretched into an eternity, the oppressive weight clinging to her relentlessly.

As time slowly ticked away, Bai Mengqi felt as though she were sitting on a bed of nails, the discomfort utterly unbearable.

Unable to endure the suffocating, strange silence any longer, she mustered her courage and spoke up, “Um, President Zi, aren’t we supposed to have an interview?”

Hearing this, Zi Yanran slowly lifted her gaze, her beautiful eyes briefly sweeping over Bai Mengqi’s face.

That look seemed to possess a power capable of piercing one’s very soul, causing Bai Mengqi’s heart to skip a beat.

Then, Zi Yanran spoke unhurriedly, “Miss Bai, is my office particularly warm? You seem to be perspiring.”

Bai Mengqi froze, completely taken aback by Zi Yanran’s unexpected question. Instinctively, she raised a hand to her forehead.

Sure enough, her fingertips met with a distinct dampness.

“Ah? It’s likely just nerves,” Bai Mengqi quickly responded, “This is my first time meeting a leader from such a prominent company face-to-face.”

A barely concealed tremor of panic laced her voice.

Truly, she had never experienced such profound nervousness.

After observing Bai Mengqi for a moment, Zi Yanran’s gaze sharpened. She then straightened her posture, her expression turning utterly serious as she looked at Bai Mengqi, as if about to deliver news of utmost importance.

With deliberate, measured words, she announced, “Miss Bai, after careful consideration by our company, we believe you are qualified for the position of Executive President’s Secretary. The internship period will be three months, with a guaranteed salary of 5,000. Upon full employment, your base monthly salary will be 10,000, with commissions calculated separately. Are you willing to accept this offer?”

Upon hearing this, Bai Mengqi was utterly stunned, her mouth agape and unable to close for a long moment.

‘This is far too sudden, isn’t it?’ she thought.

She had been mentally preparing for the interview, contemplating how it would unfold and what questions she might face, only to be offered the position before any formal discussion even began.

“What? I’m… I’m hired already? But, we haven’t even begun the interview, have we?” Bai Mengqi stammered, her eyes wide with confusion.

Observing her reaction, Zi Yanran offered a faint smile, one that seemed to hold a deeper, subtle meaning. She continued, “The role of a secretary primarily involves serving the manager personally. If the manager finds you suitable, that’s what matters most; work ability, in this context, is secondary.”

There was truth to her words. In their day-to-day duties, secretaries rarely held decision-making power. Their primary function was to provide support, assisting managers with various tasks, scheduling appointments, and managing itineraries.

While Bai Mengqi acknowledged the logic in Zi Yanran’s explanation, her heart remained deeply conflicted.

Three distinct dilemmas plagued her mind.

Firstly, she pondered whether to accept the position at Zijing Group while presenting as a woman. This, she knew, would be an immense challenge.

A large corporation like this was bound to have intricate interpersonal dynamics, significant work pressure, and numerous potential complications.

Her second point of contention stemmed from recognizing Zi Yanran and recalling their incredibly intimate past, which left her feelings for Zi Yanran profoundly complicated.

While part of her wondered if this was a strange twist of fate, an overwhelming worry gnawed at her: what if Zi Yanran recognized her?

She desperately wanted to avoid any awkwardness between them arising from this employment. This apprehension loomed over her, a persistent shadow in her heart.

The third point was a pragmatic one: if she rejected this offer, would she be able to find a more suitable position elsewhere?

Moreover, she was reluctant to completely disrupt the tranquility of her current life.

While this job opportunity presented numerous internal conflicts, forsaking it could mean a prolonged period of job searching, with no guarantee of finding another company as substantial as Zijing Group, offering comparable benefits.

After carefully weighing the advantages and disadvantages, and considering multiple factors, Bai Mengqi ultimately made her decision.

Taking a deep breath, as if solidifying a profound resolve, she nodded solemnly. “Alright, no problem,” she declared. “I am willing to accept this position, and I am confident in my ability to excel.”

Upon hearing Bai Mengqi’s acceptance, Zi Yanran inexplicably let out a soft sigh of relief, a subtle smile playing on her lips.

That smile seemed to convey a hint of satisfaction, yet it was also tinged with other ineffable emotions.

She then rose, extending her hand once more towards Bai Mengqi. “Excellent, Miss Bai,” she said congenially. “Welcome to the Zijing Group family. As long as you serve the company with sincerity, the Group will undoubtedly treat you well in return.”

Seeing this, Bai Mengqi rose somewhat timidly, her heart fluttering as she nervously touched Zi Yanran’s outstretched hand.

That light touch, like a subtle jolt of electricity, caused Bai Mengqi’s heart to quicken its beat once more.

Four years prior, she had been an innocent, largely oblivious to the complexities of male-female relationships. Now, with a deeper understanding, recalling the events of that night evoked an entirely different sensation.

Having concluded their business, Zi Yanran suddenly checked her watch, letting out a soft exclamation. “Oh! It’s lunchtime,” she announced. “Secretary Bai, why don’t you join me for a meal? After lunch, I’ll take you to complete your onboarding procedures. How does that sound?”

“Ah! This?” Bai Mengqi was utterly taken aback. Being invited to lunch by her boss immediately after being hired felt undeniably strange.

If her new superior were a male CEO, her immediate thought would surely be of ulterior motives.

Countless dramatic scenarios from television series flashed through her mind, causing her heart to pound uncontrollably.

Her lips parted, poised to speak.

However, Zi Yanran seemed to anticipate Bai Mengqi’s unspoken question. She calmly clarified, “As the Executive President’s Secretary, you are expected to accompany the President wherever they go, outside of nighttime sleeping hours and official leave. This is a fundamental part of your daily duties.”

Bai Mengqi quickly reviewed this in her mind. Although she had never been a secretary herself, she had watched numerous business dramas. According to how secretaries were depicted in those shows, Zi Yanran’s words rang true.

Indeed, the secretaries in those dramas were perpetually by their bosses’ sides, managing various trivialities, organizing schedules, and even occasionally accompanying them for meals.

“Alright,” Bai Mengqi conceded with a reluctant nod, though a lingering sense of awkwardness persisted within her.

With that, Zi Yanran picked up her bag and exited the office, her steps imbued with a distinct air of pride.

Her gait was light, yet carried an undeniable aura of authority.

Bai Mengqi hurried to follow, her steps a little flustered, anxious not to fall behind Zi Yanran’s pace.

Upon entering the outer office, the other secretaries promptly rose to greet Zi Yanran.

The secretary named Zhou Xiaodie inquired with a touch of curiosity, “President Zi, has this Miss Bai passed her interview?”

Her gaze, brimming with curiosity, was fixed intently on Bai Mengqi, as if trying to discern some hidden detail.

Under the scrutiny of so many eyes, Bai Mengqi’s nervousness intensified, and she instinctively lowered her head.

Zi Yanran simply smiled faintly and addressed the group. “Yes, Miss Bai has successfully passed her interview and is now officially a member of our Zijing Group,” she announced. “From this point forward, she will be my dedicated secretary, so please extend her your full support and care.”

As her words concluded, every person present froze, their gazes wide with disbelief, as if they had just heard something truly astonishing.