Zhan, like many recent college grads, was browsing for job listings when he noticed an ad from Lan Engineering. They were looking for an executive secretary.
At first, he thought about skipping it since he figured he wouldn't stand a chance. After all, executive secretaries typically aren't newbies; they usually get promoted from other departments.
If they're putting out ads, he can bet they're hiring people with experience, particularly from other large companies.
But he was intrigued by what was mentioned—experience is a plus, but not necessary. Seeing the company name again made him think it sounded familiar.
With his phone in hand, he quickly made his way to the next house where his cousin Ziyi resided. Ziyi's mom and his dad are siblings, and their homes are only separated by a fence that's about chest-high.
"Auntie, is Ziyi there?" Zhan called out to his aunt, who was busy trimming the plants.
"She's inside chatting on the phone with her boyfriend for nearly two hours. You should go in there and tell her to hang up, or that phone's gonna burst into flames."
Zhan headed straight to the living room. His cousin was lounging on the couch, legs draped over the backrest. And just as his aunt said, that phone looked like it was about to go up in flames.
He took a seat next to Ziyi and motioned for her to finish her call. Ziyi covered the mouthpiece and whispered, "Why?"
"Just hang up and you'll find out." Ziyi rolled her eyes in response. "Alright, I'm hanging up, Cheng," she said on the other line. "Zhan's here, so it must be something important."
Zhan chuckled.
"Oh, what else are you going to show me?" Ziyi said after hanging up the phone. "Sale items ad again?"
"Not this time, cousin," Zhan replied with a laugh, nudging her toward the sofa so she could sit down comfortably.
Ziyi is three years older than him and currently works in a call center. She even offered him a job there, claiming he'd earn more than he would at any other position like a clerk, receptionist, or secretary.
But he didn't like the idea of working the graveyard shift, which is common in such jobs. Besides, his dad won't agree. He'll just keep insisting that he should take a job at their garment factory. Which in fact his dad also offered to Ziyi. But just like him, Ziyi is not keen on working so close to home.
"Gossip about an actor?"
"Hello?" Zhan rolled his eyes at his cousin. "You're the only one who cares about that stuff." He then pointed to the ad on his phone.
"Oh, I get it, this is about work!"
"Finally, you got it," he said with a grin. "Weren't you at Lan Engineering before?" asked Zhan.
Ziyi's face soured when she heard the name of the company he mentioned and she quickly averted her eyes from his phone, feigning interest in her nails instead.
"So?" Ziyi answered.
"They're looking for a secretary again, Ziyi. Executive secretary. I'm thinking about applying. Give me a tip so I can easily get through the exams and interviews."
Ziyi paused for a second, then shrugged. "You're going to ace the exams, especially the interview. But I advise you you should consider applying elsewhere. Just don't go for Lan Engineering." Zhan looked puzzled. "Why's that? Did something happen there? Is that why you left so quickly?"
