"Sir, I don't know what happened, but only one person showed up." Mr Li tried explaining.
"How many were supposed to be here?" Gu Yuxuan asked.
"Fifteen sir."
Gu Yuxuan swallowed a gulp of saliva. Trying to say something, but his words got lost in his mouth.
He had never been stood up by anyone. They didn't dare to. And for that matter… interviewees? He couldn't believe his ears.
The one person who actually showed up, turned. Neatly dressed in a light blue suite - business casual. His wavy hair in a messy slick back, and his lips formed into a gentle smile.
Gu Yuxuan straightened himself and walked into his office, ignoring the man's presence.
Mr Li signaled him with a hand to enter.
The interviewee went to sit opposite Gu Yuxuan at the desk. His gaze was unwavering. So was Gu Yuxuan's deadfast eyes.
"Since you're the only one here, what's your name?" Gu Yuxuan asked in a low tone. Uninterested but trying to keep it professional.
"Zimo", the guy answered.
"Is that your first or last name?"
"I only go by that name. Whether you want to take it as a surname or name, is your choice."
Gu Yuxuan slightly jerked back, completely caught off guard that even his lips separated a bit. He cleared his throat and continued. "What makes you interested in this position?"
"I've long heard about your remarkable reputation. Working for you would do me a great honour."
Gu Yuxuan chewed his lips, trying to hide his smirk. Regaining his confidence, he stretched his chest slightly and opened his arms on the desk.
"As my bodyguard, you will be required to do more than just guarding me against danger. You'll also be involved in matters of the business. Are you aware of that?"
"I read the job description. I know exactly what I have to do." Zimo said with a smooth tongue.
Gu Yuxuan looked at him with a sharp stare. He had never felt intimidated by anyone, but Zimo was able to reach his ego with just a few words. Words that weren't even offensive.
"Fine", Gu Yuxuan said. "We'll let you know whether you'll get the job… OR NOT." A smirk formed on his lips as he looked at him.
Zimo smiled with his teeth. "I look forward to hearing from you."
They both stood up. Keeping eye contact while they shook hands. Zimo walked out and Gu Yuxuan's smile left like it was never there.
Mr Li entered soon after.
"Find out what happened to the other candidates." Gu Yuxuan said.
Mr Li nodded and went out again. A chuckle escaped Gu Yuxuan's lips and he slightly tilted his head in disbelief. He sat down and leaned back in the chair. Tapping his index finger on his left hand.
"Tsh… how arrogant."
After an hour of searching for workers on the web, no one qualified. Mr Li came in and Gu Yuxuan looked up, expecting good news.
"All the candidates rejected the job, sir", Mr Li said.
"Why?" Gu Yuxuan asked.
"No specific reason was given. Also… all the candidates that I removed from the shortlist, are suddenly not interested anymore."
"Looks like you'll have to stay for another year."
"Sir…"
Gu Yuxuan looked at him, waiting for him to continue but he went quiet.
"Why don't you consider Mr Zimo?" He asked
"Him? He's not fit for this job" Gu Yuxuan said annoyingly.
"Actually, he was the best candidate among them." Mr Li said hesitantly.
"Huh?" Gu Yuxuan asked, widening his eyes.
"Although he only managed to do part time jobs, he has two degrees and is well-knowledgeable in the business world given his age. He even knows martial arts. I'm sure he'll be able to assist you better than I ever could."
"You think he's great?" Gu Yuxuan asked.
"I think he'll be great at assisting you."
"I think he's just arrogant. If I give him this job, I might just lose my own position tomorrow."
"Sir, are you scared he'll outsmart you?"
"How dare you? You think you can run your mouth now, since you're retiring?"
"Sorry. I spoke out of turn." Mr Li said, lowering his head.
Gu Yuxuan took a deep breath and went to the wall, looking to the outside. Placing his right hand on his chin, he found himself in deep thoughts. His eyes moved from building to building as his brain moved from idea to idea.
"Fine. Let's give him a test run."
Mr Li smiled from relief.
"But you'll have to train him for three weeks."
"No problem." Mr Li said. "I'll make the necessary arrangements. I'll take my leave now."
The door closed behind Mr Li.
Gu Yuxuan kept his focus in front of him. His left eye slightly twitched and his face muscles tightened.
* * *
The next morning Gu Yuxuan went to work in his normal routine. He walked right past Mr Li who was showing Zimo around.
"Good morning, sir!" Zimo shouted, but was ignored by Gu Yuxuan. He smiled like it didn't bother him at all.
"Mr Zimo", Mr Li started. "You weren't Mr Gu's first option, so it will require you to work extra hard to gain his recognition. You have to be more…"
"I understand", Zimo interrupted him. "Tell me first, what is his routine and where I'll be needed most of the time."
"Okay", Mr Li said and continued explaining all the details.
The secretary brought a small stack of papers to Gu Yuxuan's office. He took it and immediately started going through them.
He took his pen out and started signing where his signature was required.
A knock on the door made him lift his head for the first time after getting the documents. The secretary went to open it and Zimo behind it gave a gentle smile before peeking in to see if Gu Yuxuan was there.
"Come in." Gu Yuxuan said. He gave the papers back to the secretary and said, "you can bring me the rest later." She left and closed the door.
"Sit", Gu Yuxuan said, pointing to the chair in front of the desk. "Are you settled in?"
"I'm doing fine." Zimo said.
"I believe Mr Li has already covered all the important points, so I'll only add a little"
"Alright".
Gu Yuxuan stood up, picked up a huge file from his desk and walked over to Zimo. Zimo stood up at his approach and Gu Yuxuan placed the file in his arms.
Standing face to face. Their same height made eye contact effortless.
"This will cover everything else you need to know", Gu Yuxuan said.
Zimo looked down, dumbstrucked at the file covering both his arms. "This is… the little you were going to add?"
"Regret already?" Gu Yuxuan asked.
"No. I just didn't expect you to be this sarcastic." Zimo said, in a subtle tone.
Gu Yuxuan smirked. "Next time you assume something, just keep quiet. I work with facts, not assumptions. Better to learn that soon or you'll be dismissed just as fast as you were hired."
"That's a bit cruel, don't you think?"
Gu Yuxuan felt the irritation scratching against his bones. But he just smiled with his eyes. Forcing himself not to say anything else.
Zimo swallowed a chuckle and looked down at the file before bringing his gaze up again. "I didn't mean to offend you sir. I apologise."