NOT VERY DIFFERENT

The gala held on Friday evening by the committee of the tech conference was the highlight of the week. Not only did it signal the end of a stressful period for the participants, it was also the best place to make connections, both business and personal.

More importantly, the glamorous event was hosted in Demesne Hotel owned by the prestigious Zhong family. The hotel was the most lavish and exclusive spot in the city, so most people had not had the opportunity to step through its doors.

Unlike Maven Resort, Demesne was not a place that one could enter with just money or a little reputation. This hotel housed only the most elite of the world, including head of states. If they allowed normal celebrities and general upper class people, the prestige and security of the hotel would lose its standing.

However, an exception had been made for the gala. For this one night, commoners would be allowed to grace the halls of Demesne. The generosity of the Zhong family had been lauded in the city. However, many could not help speaking in private about the involvement of Zhong Feng in this decision.

Of course, the man had not been involved in asking Zhong Industries to host the event. After all, he was not a member of the committee, and his family had not consulted him. When he had gotten the news, he had shaken his head and frowned in annoyance because he knew the culprit.

Unfortunately, the slots for the gala attendance were limited. So, some people could only watch sadly as they were left behind by their colleagues. If the Demesne management allowed all related people to come to the event, they might have difficulties managing the crowd and its movement. This could compromise the safety of the very important guests in the hotel.

As luck would have it, there was no discrimination by class or wealth for the gala. Each participating company was given a specific number of tickets, five or less, to distribute to the select few. The distribution would be at their discretion. This meant that even a low class employee could come. However, when had the world ever been so simple? In almost all the businesses, the people at the top could not resist the opportunity to be in Demesne. So, they hogged all the spots.

Etude Technologies was not very different in this regard. However, the management, at least, took into account the work done during the week. It would be unfair to give a ticket to an administration manager if they did not do much in direct relation to the conference. The goal was to ensure that each of the contributors felt represented.

The ignorant Hu Lei was not concerned about these matters involving the big party. In fact, she did not know anything about the fight for the tickets. Her gala pass was already in her hands. She had received it on Wednesday from Assistant Chen so that she could prepare on time. It seemed that the man was still afraid that her presence would embarrass the big boss.

Unfortunately, the managerial staff in charge of deciding on the tickets did not know about this. They were deliberating in the office, hoping to come up with the most satisfactory solution. Their desire was to have at least a representative from each of the departments. If they did not do this, some employees would feel wronged, and their dissatisfaction could compromise company morale.

Etude had the highest number of tickets of all other companies: five. The small board of managers on the tenth floor wanted one ticket to go to the important participating divisions: marketing, international relations, research and development and legal. But this plan left a single ticket unclaimed.

The marketing manager felt that her department deserved one more ticket because they had been the foot soldiers during the fair. However, Lin Man wanted the additional ticket to go to Hu Lei. Though she was not her subordinate, she felt that the girl had contributed as much as an entire department. How could they deny her this chance?

The marketing manager, Chu Heng, had never gotten along with Lin Man. They were always at loggerheads because of their natures. Chu Heng was a true marketer at heart and did not hesitate to use her feminine wiles to achieve her purposes. Her quick wit, beauty and charm had allowed her to be revered in her department.

Naturally, Lin Man did not like her way of doing things. She felt especially angry about the other woman's flirtatious conduct because they were the same age. How could a grown-up conduct herself like a teenager? Still, even though she was dissatisfied, Chu Heng was not despicable and did not do anything out of the line. So, she could only bear with the situation.

As the two women argued heatedly, no one could know that deep inside each admired the other. Lin Man wished that she knew how to relax and get along with others naturally like Chu Heng. On the other hand, Chu Heng wanted to be tough and smart like Lin Man.

In the long run, the gathering of managers had to vote on the issue. They decided that Hu Lei technically belonged to the international relations group and the marketing department did deserve one more ticket for their efforts. Lin Man felt angry at the smug look on her rival's face, and she could not deny the outcome.

The international relations ticket should have naturally gone to Lin Man. However, as a righteous person, she decided to give it to Hu Lei. She did not dare to hesitate in case she changed her mind. After all, she also wanted to enter Demesne.

"Hu Lei, are you still in the building?" She called and asked directly.

"Sorry, Manager Lin. I have already left." The sweet voice of Hu Lei replied.

"Can you come back for a short moment? The distribution of the gala tickets has been decided, and I feel that you deserve one. You have really accomplished so much this week." Lin Man explained quickly.

"Oh, thank you, Manager Lin. I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused you with all my questions. Well, and the thing is I already have a ticket."

Lin Man felt like she should hug and strangle the girl through the phone. Why had she not informed her of this important matter? She would not have had the moral dilemma. She shook her head. What mattered now was that she could go to the evening gala with a clean conscience.

"I am glad then. I will see you at the gala later."

With that, she ended the call and smiled like a little girl.