The company building was bustling with activity that morning.
Hui Lin entered, clutching her bag tightly, trying to appear calm despite the flutter of nerves inside her.
She approached the reception desk.
Hui Lin: Good morning, I'm here for a job interview.
The receptionist looked up and gave a polite, formal smile.
Receptionist: Your name, please?
Hui Lin: Hui Lin.
The receptionist started searching through the list in front of him, then gestured to a chair.
Receptionist: Please have a seat for a moment.
Before she could sit, the office door suddenly opened.
A tall man with calm features and a sharp gaze reflecting clear strictness stepped out.
The receptionist whispered upon seeing him:
Receptionist: Mr. Kang Xiao…
Kang Xiao stopped at the desk and glanced quickly at the papers.
Kang Xiao: No interview is necessary.
The receptionist looked flustered.
Receptionist: Sir?
Kang Xiao: We don't need new employees.
A short silence followed.
Hui Lin lifted her head and looked him directly in the eyes.
Hui Lin: Wait a moment.
Kang Xiao paused slightly and looked at her.
Hui Lin: I can prove myself.
He studied her for a few seconds, as if evaluating her confidence.
Then he said coldly:
Kang Xiao: Write an article about the latest news.
A detailed one… without repeating common news.
She didn't hesitate.
Hui Lin: I can do that.
Kang Xiao: Good.
I'll see you in a week.
He turned and left without another word.
The receptionist smiled lightly.
Receptionist: Don't worry… Mr. Kang Xiao is strict with everyone.
Hui Lin smiled faintly.
Hui Lin: That's fine.
A whole week passed…
The nights were long, and papers piled up on her desk at home.
But she didn't stop until she finished the article.
On the appointed day, she returned to the company carrying a thick file.
Hui Lin: Good morning… is Mr. Kang Xiao here?
One of the employees shook his head.
Employee: Unfortunately, no. He's busy at the moment.
She hesitated for a moment and then said:
Hui Lin: Can I get his phone number?
The employee looked hesitant, but finally gave her the number.
Hui Lin stepped into the hallway and made the call.
The phone rang… then his calm voice came.
Kang Xiao: Yes, who is this?
Hui Lin: Hello… Mr. Kang Xiao.
Kang Xiao: Yes?
Hui Lin: I'm Hui Lin.
A second of silence.
Kang Xiao: Hui Lin…
Ah, I remember you. I'm busy right now, Miss Hui Lin.
She tightened her grip on the file.
Hui Lin: Wait… I won't take much of your time.
I just want to give you the file.
He replied coldly:
Kang Xiao: Send it to the company email.
She responded immediately:
Hui Lin: No.
A short silence followed over the phone.
Kang Xiao: What?
Hui Lin: I worked on it for a whole week.
I won't send it… I'll give it to you personally.
Seconds of silence passed.
Finally, he said:
Kang Xiao: Fine.
Wait for me at the company… I'll be there in an hour.
Hui Lin slowly hung up the phone.
She looked at the file in her hands… smiling.