Chapter 17: A New Secretary and a Familiar Shadow

Within the Human Resources department, Zi Yanran followed behind Bai Mengqi, her arms casually crossed.

The other employees couldn’t help but steal glances at Zi Yanran, for to them, she was undeniably an unapproachable iceberg.

On a normal day, she always maintained a serious, unsmiling demeanor, her icy gaze seemingly capable of dropping the ambient temperature by several degrees.

Consequently, everyone was always cautious in her presence, never daring to relax their guard, nor would they ever dare to initiate conversation.

Today, however, a subtle shift seemed to have occurred.

Zi Yanran appeared significantly more approachable than usual. Her previously furrowed brows had subtly eased, and a faint, almost imperceptible smile occasionally played at the corners of her lips.

This sight prompted secret astonishment among the employees accustomed to her icy demeanor. They quietly wondered what had brought about such a change.

After completing the basic onboarding procedures, Director Zhou led Bai Mengqi and Zi Yanran to a room specifically designated for uniform selection.

The Zijing Group boasted unique regulations in many aspects. Uniforms, for instance, were uniformly provided by the company to all employees, with the exception of a few technical personnel and high-ranking executives in decision-making positions.

Furthermore, these uniforms were categorized into various tiers based on an employee’s status. The differences were stark, ranging from the fabric quality to the meticulousness of their craftsmanship.

Bai Mengqi’s new position was far from ordinary. She was considered among the highest tier of employees, second only to the management.

With steady, measured steps, Director Zhou approached a massive wardrobe and gently slid open its doors.

Neatly arranged sets of uniforms were revealed within, presented before their eyes.

The uniforms boasted a rich palette of colors, encompassing every imaginable shade.

As for their craftsmanship and fabric, they were of the highest, first-rate quality. The sheer texture alone hinted at their exorbitant value; it seemed any single set would easily cost thousands, perhaps even tens of thousands, of yuan.

“Please select a set for yourself. These are company uniforms, and personal attire is not permitted within the office,” Director Zhou said with a peaceful smile.

Bai Mengqi nodded subtly, her gaze swiftly sweeping across the array of uniforms.

In moments, her eyes settled upon a pristine white uniform.

Perhaps influenced by the Great Immortaless, she had harbored a fondness for white clothing since childhood.

“Yes, this set will do,” Bai Mengqi said softly.

Director Zhou promptly reached for the chosen uniform, her movements precise and efficient, before handing it to a subordinate.

The subordinate, clearly well-trained, accepted the uniform and immediately, referencing the precise measurements taken from Bai Mengqi moments earlier, swiftly moved towards another storage room.

They had long since prepared uniforms in a multitude of sizes, ensuring every employee would find a perfectly tailored and appropriate fit.

Before long, the selection was complete. Clutching her new uniform, Bai Mengqi entered the changing room, and in short order, shed her original, somewhat modest attire.

When she re-emerged, her entire presence seemed to radiate a distinct brilliance, now truly resembling a high-ranking professional.

“Absolutely stunning.” A radiant smile spread across Zi Yanran’s face as she saw Bai Mengqi in her new uniform, unable to resist offering her appraisal.

She circled Bai Mengqi, scrutinizing every detail with eyes full of admiration.

“With this high-end uniform on, Mengqi, your entire presence has been elevated considerably. Just look at this skirt—while still a pencil skirt, it’s longer than your previous one, making you appear even more elegant and poised. Though, it might restrict your stride even further,” Zi Yanran teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

Bai Mengqi simply shot Zi Yanran a pointed look.

Finally, Director Zhou produced an identification badge and gently clipped it to Bai Mengqi’s chest.

Emblazoned on the badge were the prominent words: CEO’s Exclusive Secretary.

It was crucial to remember that Zi Yanran was no ordinary CEO; she held the title of Executive CEO, bearing multiple significant identities and responsibilities.

Moreover, Bai Mengqi’s role as the CEO’s Exclusive Secretary was utterly unique within the entire corporation, a position held by only one individual.

Beyond the identification badge, there were naturally access cards for entering and exiting the company, along with other pertinent items—all essential for Bai Mengqi to smoothly carry out her duties within the Zijing Group in the days to come.

“Alright, welcome to the Zijing Group officially. Everything that needed to be said has been covered; your work will be personally arranged by Director Zi when the time comes,” Director Zhou concluded with a gentle yet formal smile.

Upon hearing this, Bai Mengqi couldn’t help but let out a pent-up breath, a look of profound relief washing over her face.

“Ah, it’s finally over. This onboarding process was truly cumbersome, but at least it’s completed now.”

“Let’s go, my grand secretary.” Zi Yanran, however, maintained her cheerful demeanor. She enthusiastically took Bai Mengqi’s hand, preparing to lead her out.

“Hey! Don’t drag me like that. Can’t we be a bit more discreet?” Bai Mengqi suddenly felt a surge of shyness. She spoke softly, a hint of helplessness in her eyes.

She certainly didn’t want to draw such high-profile attention right after starting her new job. After all, this was a company, a place with many eyes and ears, and she preferred to remain as inconspicuous as possible.

Zi Yanran, however, cared little for the opinions of others. Her nature was to always act as she pleased, prioritizing only her own happiness.

Bai Mengqi, in contrast, was quite different; she deeply cared about how those around her perceived her.

“Hey! When we’re in public, can we just act normal?” Feeling the peculiar gazes from all directions, Bai Mengqi grew increasingly embarrassed.

‘Isn’t this just like a scene straight out of a novel with a domineering CEO and their delicate little wife? It’s utterly mortifying!’ she thought.

“Don’t worry, it’s just a little bit of intimacy; no one will think too much of it,” Zi Yanran replied nonchalantly.

Still holding Bai Mengqi’s hand tightly, she strode forward with confident, sweeping steps.

Bai Mengqi felt helpless. Knowing she couldn’t win against Zi Yanran, she could only let her have her way, using the opportunity to also grow accustomed to her new attire.

Thus, the two walked all the way to the vicinity of the elevator bank. Yet, just as they prepared to step inside, Bai Mengqi abruptly halted.

“What’s wrong?” Zi Yanran asked, her expression puzzled.

Bai Mengqi didn’t answer immediately. Instead, her gaze drifted to a particular spot outside the company building.

Following her gaze, they saw a man in black standing on the opposite side of the road outside the Zijing Group building. Clad entirely in black, he stood out conspicuously amidst the bustling crowd.

His eyes remained fixed on the Zijing Group building, or more precisely, on Bai Mengqi and Zi Yanran themselves.

“It’s that persistent shadow again. How utterly tiresome. I think we should just deal with him,” Bai Mengqi said, her brows furrowed with a hint of palpable annoyance.

Indeed, this black-clad man who had been shadowing them was far from a new sight.

Since morning, he had been an inescapable shadow, constantly lurking in their vicinity, creating a profound sense of unease.

“He’s likely from a rival company, but I believe we shouldn’t act in broad daylight. We have an agreement with the Bureau of Paranormal Abilities; our conflicts are to be kept as discreet as possible.”

Zi Yanran narrowed her eyes slightly, her gaze fixed on the man in black, her expression growing considerably serious.

Over the years, their family had faced no small number of assassination attempts.

Their various enemies always sought ways to harm them, but they had consistently thwarted these plots through their innate abilities and sharp intellect. Hence, being tracked and monitored was a familiar occurrence.

The Bureau of Paranormal Abilities, which she mentioned, was naturally the national law enforcement agency specifically tasked with managing ability users.

This agency functioned somewhat like a police department, yet exclusively handled cases involving those with supernatural abilities.

In this seemingly ordinary world, in many unseen corners, individuals tirelessly strived to maintain national stability, and the staff of the Bureau of Paranormal Abilities were a vital part of that effort.

“Alright, we’ll discuss it tonight then.” Bai Mengqi listened to Zi Yanran’s words, still respecting her opinion, knowing the stakes involved and that impulsive actions could lead to significant problems.

Subsequently, the two entered the elevator, which ascended smoothly, quickly reaching the floor where the CEO’s office was located.

The moment the elevator doors opened, Zhou Xiaodie and the other secretaries, who had been waiting outside the CEO’s office, immediately rose to their feet.

They had been conversing in hushed tones, but their chatter ceased as the doors opened, their gazes uniformly fixed on Zi Yanran and Bai Mengqi as they emerged.

“Director Zi, you’re back, this…?” Zhou Xiaodie and the others began to speak, but upon seeing the official badge pinned to Bai Mengqi’s chest, they were instantly rendered speechless.

The prominent words “CEO’s Exclusive Secretary” on the badge were unmistakable, instantly clarifying Bai Mengqi’s status and position.

“Allow me to introduce you. This is Bai Mengqi. From now on, she will be my exclusive secretary. Should I be absent for any reason, she will handle matters on my behalf. Is that clear?” Zi Yanran introduced Bai Mengqi’s identity and authority with a poised and confident air.

This caught Bai Mengqi completely off guard. She had anticipated merely familiarizing herself with the business after joining, not being instantly entrusted with such significant responsibilities.

Yet, she understood nothing at the moment. A sense of unease stirred within her, making her wonder if she could truly live up to the demands of this position.