บท 4: GOOD KARMA
Zhong Feng did not look forward to his morning meeting. He had a fully packed schedule and did not have time to meet nonessential people. However, his father had insisted that this interview must be conducted in person and by him. Though he had been mildly annoyed by the old man, he had acquiesced to the request. In addition, his expectations for the meeting were quite high, based on the constant prattling of the old Zhong.
Unfortunately, his anticipation for the meeting ended in an anti-climax when he saw the petite girl framed like a little pixie by his enormous office door.
As an experienced businessman, he did not place much importance in looks. However, he could not ignore the compactness of the female figure entering with minute measured steps. She seemed to disappear in the spacious room. Moreover, there was uncertainty and timidity in her aura. He frowned as he watched her approach slowly, almost as if she wanted to leave.
His sharp eyes brushed over her with detached objectiveness. He could not help lingering on that face. He had to admit that her youthful appearance was far from what he had imagined. Her countenance could be described as, for the lack of a better word, cute. Her peach blossom eyes were wide and clear and worked well with her small nose and little mouth to create an almost doll-like appearance.
She did not look like any of the countless women that his father had attempted to set him up with in the past. Though the old man was a romantic, he always favoured tall and confident beauties. This girl did not have the air of a refined socialite or a corporate professional.
His father had only intimated that he owed a favour to her father, and he had to treat her with utmost care and regard.
At first, he had assumed that it was another ploy to force him to settle down. However, looking at the little white rabbit, he could not help thinking that he was wrong.
Perhaps there was no hidden meaning behind his father's words.
His emotionless eyes remained on the girl who was taking a hundred years to walk from the door to him.
Hu Lei observed the imposing man as she intentionally walked slowly to his desk. She wanted to make a judgement before faced him head on. Her conclusions did not comfort her. The daunting man looked like an emperor judging a small subject. His unfeeling gaze and powerful demeanour was that of a man who held power and was not afraid to wield it ruthlessly. She could not help feeling like she was being looked down upon by this man. She bristled in anger at that belittling look in his eyes.
Still, she understood her place.
"Good morning, Mr Zhong. I am Hu Lei. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to see me." She spoke out politely.
She bowed slightly even as she noticed the lack of regard in his eyes. She felt that he had judged her based on her appearance and dismissed her. It was not uncommon for people to look down on her because she had a youthful face and a short stature.
Zhong Feng looked at the woman with a glint in his eyes. It seemed that she was not a white rabbit, but a kitten. He could see her little claws.
The girl obviously held some anger towards him, but she was attempting to put on a play of politeness. Though he did not know about her source of anger, he could not help feeling amused. She did not hide her displeasure well. He could not help picturing a kitten baring her fangs with bristling fur.
"Are you displeased to be here, Miss Hu?" he asked.
Hu Lei felt like she had been struck by lightning. She had read everything about preparing for an interview and common questions. However, she had definitely not expected this type of query. She riffled through her wealth of knowledge for an answer.
"How could that be possible Mr Zhong? Working in Etude Technologies must be as a result of the good karma that I have accumulated over eight lifetimes." She replied with a smile.
Zhong Feng's lips twitched when he heard the words. He could not find the correct response to this unusual and somewhat disturbing answer.
Hu Lei could not be blamed for her words when faced with the unexpected question. She had never been involved in an office interview before, and her knowledge did not extend to socialising in a business setting. Moreover, her understanding of the local culture came from fictional novels. After all, as a citizen who had not lived in the country for over a decade, she was almost the same as a foreigner.
Her beautiful response was the kind that was often used in novels by small subjects before the almighty emperor. She did not find anything wrong particularly with her words except for the slight edge of dramatic flair.
After a short period of silence, Zhong Feng still could not find an appropriate reaction to the words. Therefore, he simply indicated to the large chair before his desk, allowing her to sit.
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