GOOD MORNING, AUNTIE

Two weeks later, Hu Lei found herself walking into a high rise building. The commercial structure was home to Etude Technologies, the most prominent software business in Supreme City. She paused for a moment outside before entering. She consulted the receptionist in the lounge and was directed to the lift directly.

Alone in the elevator, she could not help looking at her image in the reflective surfaces. Her primary focus was her clothes. She had never worn official business attire in the past because of the nature of her life. Her outfits consisted primarily of practical trousers, sensible t-shirts and boots.

She did not like those clothes. She was the type of girl who preferred pretty dresses and designer shoes. However, she could hardly accompany her father through jungles, deserts and hidden villages in such clothes.

Seeing her little skirt suit once again, she could not help nodding in approval. It was not a high fashion dress, but it was a hundred steps away from camouflage fatigues. She could see the appeal of business formal wear. Her lips stretched into a smile.

When the elevator doors opened, her heart rate accelerated in excitement. Also, a small part of her could not help the thread of fear. There was something about the cold clean rooms and silence that terrified her.

For a moment, her mind flashed back to her childhood. The dark clouds in her mind seemed to rise again, threatening to overtake her. She took a deep breath and placed her hand over her heart. She pushed the fear away and centred her mind.

After posing for a moment outside the lift, she walked to the receptionist manning the floor.

The woman was beautiful as most individuals in the profession are, especially for her age. There was a hint of arrogance as she looked at Hu Lei walked to her.

This receptionist had seen numerous women approach the floor in an attempt to get closer to the boss. Unfortunately for them, she had been instructed not to allow these women beyond her and to call security personnel if a bold one managed to reach the floor. She had chased away numerous women who had sneaked in, including some small celebrities and proud socialist. This little girl would be nothing.

It should also be noted that this female doorman felt quite special and looked down on most because she was the only woman who worked on the highest floor. Granted, there were only two other people working on the level, but it was still something.

Though she was quite certain that the five-foot nothing girl was not an important guest, she did not dare turn her away. She had not gotten the job by being stupid. She allowed her to approach with confidence.

Hu Lei did not know the dramatic imaginations going on in the receptionist's mind. However, she could see the slight sneer that betrayed her contempt for her.

"Good morning, auntie. I am here to see Mr Zhong." She spoke with a smile.

The receptionist was not that old. Her true age was thirty seven, and she was quite well-preserved. Moreover, her name was indicated on the desk. Hu Lei had intentionally called 'auntie' because she could see the evil intentions lurking in her eyes.

She had been in some of the worst places around the world and could detect negative emotions quite easily. It was not like she was wrong about calling her auntie. She was much older.

The petty Hu Lei smiled prettily at the woman whose face changed shades in anger. She felt like laughing and her mind calmed down. Unfortunately, the auntie could not do anything to a guest.

"Do you have an appointment?" the receptionist inquired through gritted teeth.

"Of course, I do. I was invited by Assistant Chen." She replied.

The fuming receptionist had no choice but to be civil. She indicated for Hu Lei to sit down and wait. Without another word, she called Assistant Chen's office to confirm the appointment. If it was true that this Hu Lei was contacted by Mr Chen, she was obviously an important person. The person on the other end apologised for failing to inform her. He had wanted to meet Miss Hu in person. The woman could only be relieved that she had not acted irrationally towards the annoying girl.

After four minutes or so, a young man with a slight build and a friendly smile walked up to Hu Lei. She stood up quickly and bowed in greeting.

"I am Assistant Chen, Miss Hu. We spoke on the phone. Please come with me." He spoke in a measured but friendly tone.

Hu Lei clutched her handbag tightly in her hands and followed him.

As she walked towards the inner parts on the office, her heartbeat accelerated exponentially. The fear of the unknown coupled with excitement made her feel almost dizzy. She could also feel her breath became thinner. She took another deep breath. There was nothing to worry about, and it was not like she needed this job desperately. She did not even know why she felt a sense of apprehension.

Her steps remained measured and steady as she walked. She would not stress over her meeting with Mr Zhong. Unfortunately, she could not force the flow of her mind or control her concerns. As she followed Assistant Chen, she decided to reframe her situation with logic, but she left herself hanging in between two uncertain facts.

On one hand, she did not want to throw her father's face. Therefore, she wanted to impress his old friend and show her worth. On the other hand, the stiff atmosphere of the building and the office did not seem like it was made for her.

She felt like an imposter in her neat little designer suit, playing a role in a big production. It was not only Etude Technologies. Even Supreme City did not feel like home. How could she present herself in a favourable light when she felt that she did not belong? She had felt more at home in the countless hotels she had lived in in the past.

An inner part of her wanted to turn back and leave without another word. However, the larger part of her suppressed the urge. She did not want to keep running.

Assistant Chen posed before an imposing mahogany door and looked at her. He knocked and opened the door softly. With a wave of his hand, he indicated for her to enter. He did not follow, only backing away from the open entrance.