Chapter 4: The Dedicated Secretary and a New Perspective

The atmosphere in the secretary’s office immediately grew inexplicably tense after Zi Yanran uttered those words.

She had just dropped a bombshell: the newly arrived Bai Mengqi was to be appointed as a dedicated secretary, rather than the general office secretary everyone had anticipated.

Though both were secretaries, the roles of a dedicated secretary and a general office secretary were worlds apart.

After speaking, Zi Yanran turned and left decisively, offering no opportunity for anyone to question or confirm. She simply left a room full of people staring at each other, their faces etched with astonishment.

Seeing Zi Yanran depart, Bai Mengqi also hurried to follow her.

Her steps were slightly rushed, her high heels emitting a rapid ‘clack-clack’ on the polished floor, mirroring her current anxious state of mind.

Only after they had left did the other women seem to awaken from a sudden dream, slowly regaining their senses with a bewildered air.

“I—I didn’t mishear, did I? CEO Zi said ‘dedicated secretary,’ not ‘general office secretary.’” A female secretary asked, her voice hollow.

Her eyes were wide, filled with utter disbelief.

All the other secretaries nodded in agreement, their expressions equally perplexed.

In their view, the position of dedicated secretary was not one to be bestowed lightly; it demanded extremely high qualifications and very specific responsibilities.

Zhou Xiaodie’s reaction, however, was particularly pronounced. She already harbored some dissatisfaction and jealousy toward Bai Mengqi, the newcomer who was clearly a recent university graduate, and now found the entire situation utterly preposterous.

“You must have misheard. A newcomer, clearly a fresh graduate, how could she possibly be competent for this role? It’s quitting time. Let’s go eat.”

Zhou Xiaodie clenched her fists, her face grim as she stormed out of the office.

Her footsteps carried a hint of pique, her high heels stomping loudly on the floor, as if venting her inner displeasure.

Indeed, while the titles ‘dedicated secretary’ and ‘general office secretary’ might sound similar, the two roles were truly vastly different.

A CEO’s dedicated secretary, also known as an executive secretary, was a high-level employee who had the most direct access to the core of the group’s power.

Zhou Xiaodie had initially been the most promising candidate for this very position.

****

Meanwhile, Bai Mengqi and Zi Yanran had already stepped into the elevator.

As soon as Bai Mengqi entered, Zi Yanran’s peripheral vision subtly scrutinized her from head to toe.

Zi Yanran’s gaze was sharp and discerning; she immediately noticed Bai Mengqi’s unsteady walk and couldn’t help but inquire.

“What, have you never worn high heels before? Not used to them?” These words, reaching Bai Mengqi’s ears, made her feel as though the other woman was testing her.

‘My heart skipped a beat,’ she thought nervously. ‘Have I already revealed some flaw right after joining?’

Yet, she tried her best to maintain her composure, replying, “Ah? This, well, when I was studying, I didn’t wear such shoes.”

Her voice trembled slightly, and her gaze involuntarily darted away.

Zi Yanran merely nodded in response, her expression revealing little emotion.

“Oh! You’ll get used to it. You’re probably wondering why we women bother ourselves like this, aren’t you?” Zi Yanran sighed softly, speaking as if moved by a sudden thought.

Bai Mengqi had indeed been pondering this very question.

She often observed women gracefully swaying in high heels and would inwardly muse about them. While high heels certainly made one appear taller and more elegant, they were undeniably tiring to walk in.

So, hearing Zi Yanran’s words, she instinctively responded, “Yes, I have thought about it.”

As the elevator swiftly reached the underground parking lot, Zi Yanran stepped out, leaving a remark behind her.

“It’s actually quite simple. It’s to compensate for women’s lack of height. For us women who often deal with men, a lack of height always makes us feel like we’re looking up to them.” Zi Yanran explained as she walked.

Her posture was upright, and she walked steadily in high heels, showing none of Bai Mengqi’s discomfort.

“Think about it, why are all those men in sales tall and well-built? It’s essentially the same principle,” Zi Yanran continued to elaborate.

Her voice echoed in the somewhat empty parking lot, carrying the tone of someone with extensive experience.

Bai Mengqi was momentarily stunned. To be honest, this was entirely new information for her.

She had never considered the purpose of high heels from this perspective before, and hearing Zi Yanran explain it now, it seemed to make perfect sense.

Upon reaching the parking lot, Zi Yanran pressed her car key, and soon her luxury sports car appeared in their view.

Bathed in light, the car gleamed with an alluring luster. Its sleek lines and cool design were incredibly beautiful; Bai Mengqi was captivated by just a glance.

“Wow! This, this is a Lamborghini, isn’t it?” she exclaimed involuntarily, her eyes wide with admiration and envy.

Such a high-end sports car was a dream for most men. She never imagined she would have the chance to see one up close, let alone potentially sit inside.

Zi Yanran, observing Bai Mengqi’s expression, couldn’t help but ask with a smile, “Can you drive?”

Bai Mengqi shook her head, a little embarrassed.

“Then you’ll have to find time to learn. As an executive secretary, you can’t always have the CEO drive you when you go out, can you?” Zi Yanran said, her tone carrying a hint of teasing, but also stating a clear fact.

This statement was indeed faultless.

The two then got into the car. Zi Yanran skillfully started the engine, driving Bai Mengqi slowly away from Zijing Group.

The car moved smoothly and swiftly along the road, the scenery outside the window constantly blurring past.

“By the way, do you have any siblings?” Zi Yanran asked again, just after leaving Zijing Group.

She asked casually, yet her gaze occasionally flickered to Bai Mengqi’s reaction in the rearview mirror.

Bai Mengqi would certainly not hide anything she could directly answer.

Although she felt a little puzzled by Zi Yanran’s successive questions, she still answered honestly, “No, I’m an only child.”

“Which high school did you graduate from in Lantian County? Maybe we were high schoolmates,” Zi Yanran continued to ask, a slight curve to her lips, wearing a seemingly friendly smile.

Bai Mengqi started to feel uneasy. ‘Why does this feel like a background check?’ she thought. ‘It shouldn’t be. I shouldn’t have left any clues back then. Has she detected something but isn’t sure, so she’s asking repeatedly to confirm?’

Her brows subtly furrowed, a flicker of worry in her eyes, but she forced herself to remain calm and replied, “Oh, I graduated from Lantian County First High School.”

Hearing this, Zi Yanran’s face immediately broke into a smile.

“Really? What a coincidence, we truly are high schoolmates! Based on our ages, I’m five years older than you, so five grades ahead. And we’re from the same hometown. From now on, you can call me Sister Yanran privately. It’ll be more cordial.”

Zi Yanran’s tone grew increasingly friendly, as if genuinely delighted by the coincidence.

Zi Yanran was clearly trying to build rapport, and her approach was so flawless that Bai Mengqi found no reason to refuse.

Bai Mengqi could only force a smile and say, “Alright, Sister Yanran.”

Yet, her heart remained unsettled, wondering about the deeper meaning behind Zi Yanran’s series of actions.