[BL] Turning Omega

XI

Mr. Alfonso and Mr. Tan returned from their shopping task. They both enter the boss' office.

"We are back, Mr. CEO." Mr. Tan informs their return.

Sevastian quickly looks up from his desk, anticipating that Zen's attire has changed which the reality only disappoints him.

He sternly coughs, obviously looking very unamused by what he saw. "Mr. Tan, have I not been clear enough?"

Mr. Tan gives a quick look at Zen who has his head already bowed down a little. "About that... We have already bought pre-made suits and ordered some more as per your orders but Mr. Alfonso has stated that he'd like to wear his... um... suit for a personal reason."

The CEO then looks at his trembling new secretary. "Is that true, Mr. Alfonso?"

"Yes, sir."

"And what could that personal reason be?"

This time, Zen looks back at the boss to maintain eye contact so that he can deliver his message well.

"This suit was my father's. He used to proudly wear it each opportunity he got until he... got sick."

Sevastian suddenly remembers a similar statement Zen shared during the interview for the job application. Mr. Claude was personally there during the interview but he sat on the corner and wore a face mask and a cap.

If he remembers it correctly, Zen's exact words during that interview were:

"I am well aware that there are far more deserving applicants. But I firmly believe that I fit all your job criteria and am suitable for this role for I understand the importance of responsibility better than anyone. Ever since my father got hospitalized, I realized that the responsibility for the financial situation of our household is passed onto me. Although there were undeniable hardships that I had gone through, the consistency of  managing my responsibilities well is what brought me here today with you."

His words were concise and well-thought that they became stuck in Sevastian's mind for a long time. And it didn't help either when Zen seemed like the person who he was familiar with. He couldn't quite put a finger on why Zen was so familiar to him.

In the end, he chose Zen to be hired even though the other panelists had chosen someone else. Mr. Claude is the boss, so his words are to be followed no matter what.

Just like during the interview, Zen never wavered and was confident in each word he spat. He's being like that now which sort of infuriates Sevastian because now, he wouldn't be able to retaliate.

I mean Zen just stated that it's a sentimental item, Mr. Claude wouldn't want to appear as petty and heartless for a single suit.

"Fine. Do as you wish."

Zen's eyes brightened not expecting that his boss would quickly surrender. Meanwhile, Mr. Tan looked taken aback and even stared back and forth between the two.

'Did the CEO just let a mere secretary be?'

"Thank you, Mr. Claude."

The CEO didn't bother replying to Mr. Alfonso's gratitude and faced Mr. Tan with a firm expression.

"Mr. Tan, you can proceed with training him for his role. And he needs to be honed to perfection. I don't want a fool standing next to me during meetings with clients."

"Noted, Mr. CEO." Mr. Tan now takes back his thoughts from earlier. He must have been mistaken. There's no way the rude boss he used to work for suddenly changes his personality for someone.

"You can now both leave."

Both Mr. Tan and Mr. Alfonso bow their heads and leave the room.

Mr. Tan has already planned the complete schedule for Zen's training and he also outlined the objectives that should be achieved in each session they will have.

"Wow... You are pretty much like most secretaries from the movies I watched as a kid." Zen genuinely complimented after Mr. Tan finished discussing all the necessary details needed to share.

This is Mr. Tan's first time hearing an odd compliment so he couldn't help but break from his usual composure and chuckled a little. "Thank you. But don't you think I'll forget to ask the review questions for the session just now?"

"Haha, you got me." Zen jokes.

"Okay, let's now proceed with the questions..."

Mr. Tan was strict in asking questions because he needed to ensure that Zen would wholeheartedly understand his role.

Being a secretary isn't just about scheduling meetings. It includes the strong mental stability to be patient with an indecisive boss and to deal with proud clients who think their unnecessary opinions matter more than the actual plan or solution.

Although Zen made a few minor errors in answering, Mr. Tan let him be because he had only started the training. And there is still room for progress.

"Alright, I'll end today's training. You did fine today Mr. Zen, considering it was only your first training."

"Thank you, Mr. Tan. Do you have any tips on how I can improve?"

Mr. Tan scratches his chin a little. "Well, other than your errors that I have already corrected, I have no more suggestions as of now. I'll be able to provide tips on our next training. For now, you can go home and rest for the day." Mr. Tan admires it when someone is interested in learning their job role. But he still shouldn't conclude yet whether Zen is actually up to be Mr. Claude's secretary.

Zen goes home satisfied that he finished his first training with little errors. He hopes that he maintains the good work for the rest of the training sessions.

Meanwhile, Mr. Claude sends a text message to Mr. Tan with a message saying, "Go to my office. Now."

Mr. Tan quickly makes his way to the office. He arrives fast and politely greets the boss with a bow upon his entry.

"Good evening, Mr. CEO. It's dinner time already, what would you like to eat so I can order now online."

"I'm not hungry yet. Rather than that, tell me all about it."

Mr. Tan raises his eyebrow a bit. "About... what sir?"

"The training... for my new secretary."

Mr. Tan gives a short, "Ah," expression  before replying, "He did considerably well despite him not having any related work experience before."

"I know, right?" The boss' comment sounds a bit enthusiastic for someone who said he didn't want a fool next to him earlier that day making Mr. Tan tilt his head a little.

"Ahem. Anyway, keep me updated on his regular training with you."

"Alright, sir."

"But if I'd say, I am better than those actors. After all, what I do is the real thing."