NEW UNDERSTANDING
The appropriate procedures for her engagement as a short-term contractor were completed half an hour after the awkward ending to the meeting. Once the agreement was signed, Assistant Chen led Hu Lei to the elevator while explaining the general operations of Etude Technologies.
As a complete newbie in the company, Hu Lei listened keenly to the concise young man.
The elevator stopped at the tenth floor and Assistant Chen allowed her to walk out first.
"The tenth floor is home to the top managers of sales and marketing. There are three other floors dedicated to marketing." He continued talking while walking.
Hu Lei looked at the modern space with interest. She did not know much about interior design, but she had to admit that the place looked good. From the common space with modern décor to the individual offices, everything seemed to tie together into a perfect environment for work.
She could see some people through the glazing of their offices. Most of them did not notice them. Those who did, they looked with mild interest before turning back to their work.
"These people look very serious." She could not help saying with a small nervous laugh.
"The company is highly competitive and the evaluations conducted will influence the fate of everyone, including the managerial staff. Poor work ethic will lead to demotion." Assistant Chen explained.
Hu Lei looked at the office with a new understanding. Since she was young, she had been used to her freedom. She could not imagine the pressure of working so relentlessly. However, she would not back down from the challenge. Her eyes became brighter.
Assistant Chen led her to an office with an 'International Relations' nameplate on the door. He knocked lightly and opened the door.
Inside the spacious room was a beautiful woman, seemingly in her thirties. When she looked up and saw them, she stood up smoothly and walked from behind her desk.
"Assistant Chen, what brings you here?" She asked with an elegant smile.
Hu Lei felt dwarfed by the Amazonian before her. At the height of 150 cm, she was shorter than most people. However, this already tall woman was wearing high-heeled shoes, making her seem even shorter. But the most important point was that she completely ignored her.
"Manager Lin Man, this is Hu Lei." Assistant Chen said.
"Oh, I didn't see you there." The woman spoke with a dishonest smile.
Hu Lei wanted to roll her eyes. She was not that short. However, she held in her criticism and smiled in an equally fake manner towards her.
As an International Relations manager, Lin Man was not usually an unpleasant person. In fact, she could convey politeness and grace to people even when she could not speak their language. In addition, she could judge people quite fast and respond appropriately. She was an ace marketer and manager who had helped Etude Technologies expand to new markets.
Unfortunately, she was not in the best mood. And, looking at the little woman beside the big boss' assistant, she could not help feeling more sour and annoyed.
The reason for her bad mood was not simple. Lin Man had been dumped by her boyfriend of seven months. She was not overly attached, but no woman liked to be left. The worst part was the reason for the breakup. The man had claimed that she was too overbearing and her height was too much for her.
When she looked at Hu Lei, her anger seemed to be renewed.
The new woman was small and cute, the type that all men liked. On the other hand, Lin Man stood tall above most men. Under normal circumstances, a tall lady like would not wear high shoes. However, she loved beautiful shoes and as a self-proclaimed feminist, she refused to be a woman who compromised to accommodate men.
Lin Man was also irritated by the Hu Lei's guileless eyes showed that she had an innocence that was not yet tainted by the corporate world. If the two of them stood together, one could see that they were complete opposites.
"Hu Lei will be working as the official interpreter for the coming conference." Assistant Chen continued ignoring her former statement.
"This change is sudden and quite late if I might say. Training a new person would be difficult, and I have already made arrangements for interactions with our foreign interests." Manager Lin said with a sharp look in her eyes.