Tour and Whipers

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"And this is the storage room. Here, we keep basically everything. Even spare capables for computers if needed. Moving on, we have the printing room. We also shred unwanted documents here too."

Mei Xing nodded as she went along with the enthusiastic female HR representative giving her a tour of the company. The company was considered big amongst other architectural firms she has heard about.

It was a ten floor building with modern infrastructural designs. They stopped by an open space with an amazing creative work area. It was the design department.

"This is the floor where you will work," the lady spoke.

Mei Xing let out an inaudible gasp as her eyes took in the environment that would soon foster her creative mind. She was captivated by the walls adorned with different concepts of sketches and mood boards.

Each workstation showcasing the unique flair of its occupants and also displaying a blend of creativity and functionality. The atmosphere surged with collaboration as employees engage in animated discussions about whatever project they have going on.

They strolled through the area, where architects gathered around fine desks adorned with blueprints and digital design tablets. Amongst them was Longwen. He smiled upon seeing her and walked to meet them halfway.

"Mei Xing. Is good to see you made it here. Welcome on board," he said.

Mei Xing nodded and let her eyes scan the area once more before she spoke up. "This place must be a dream to many architects. It's brimming with creative magic."

Longwen chuckled and agreed. "You can go on with your work now. I will take it from here. Thank you," he said to the HR lady standing beside Mei Xing.

"Oh, you don't have to leave what you are doing to accompany me on the tour," Mei Xing quickly and politely declined. "Besides, she is doing just fine," she added.

Longwen waved her off and insisted. "I just came to check on a few things. Besides, I'm done with my work here. So let's go."

The HR lady nodded and went away. Longwen held his hand out in the direction they were proceeding to next. "Shall we?" He asked with lifted brows.

Mei Xing awkwardly smiled and nodded in agreement.

"The next place we are heading to is the engineering department. There, precision meets innovation."

On getting there, Mei Xing observed the engineers fin e-tuning structural plans and indulging in virtual simulations. Next they got the materials and construction department.

Longwen shows her a materials library displaying a variety of textures and finishes,an evidence of the firm's commitment to detail.

As they proceeded on the tour, Mei Xing could not help but notice he stares she was getting from the employees. Soon people began to lean towards each other as they spoke in relatively low voices while their eyes remained on her and Longwen.

"Will you look at that. Boss, himself is giving a tour to that lady."

"I heard she is a new hire."

"Me too. But I didn't get a whimp of an interview for any available position at the company."

"Me neither."

"But she must be someone special to have our boss acting as a tour guide."

Mei Xing soon began to feel uncomfortable and tense. She wasn't one who loved the limelights. So hearing that she had become the subject of discussion brought back a feeling of nostalgia.

As if sensing her discomfort, Longwen paused to express his concerns. "Is something the matter, Mei?" He called her name in a low voice just the two of them could hear.

Mei Xing gulped as her eyes met with a few shameless on-lookers. She looked away and directed her gaze to the man standing before her. "I think we are gaining quite the attention already," she replied.

Longwen's eyes lifted and scanned the area. Indeed, he caught a few stares from his employees. Turning his attention back to her he said, "It is normal for employees to be curious about a new face in their place of work. Don't let yourself be bothered by them."

Mei Xing exhaled a shaky breath. Her tongue swept over her bottom lips as she aired her concerns. "I know it is normal. But I do not think that is the main cause of attraction."

"What do you mean?"

"Look Senior. I know you mean well, but I do not think you personally giving me a tour was a good idea. People are finding it strange and they are talking. I don't want that kind of attention when I haven't even started working. I've not proven myself yet," she said.

Longwen was taken aback for a quick second before he masked it with a smile. His facial expression then contorted into that of understanding as he now realized the meaning behind her words.

He cmme to understand that Mei Xing was trying to avoid a rumor about her pulling strings or sleeping with someone to get her a job in the company. That alone can disturb her confidence or focus on her job and efficiency.

He understood that she wanted to work here not only because she was offered but she wanted to prove that she was capable of her job, her passion.

"Listen very closely to what I am about to say, okay?" Seeing Mei Xing nod, he started. "I did not offer you this job because we've known each other since college. I offer you this job because I saw the potential in you. You were the best amongst your colleagues. And even now, after being under the radar for two years, you still bagged a deal with one of the biggest companies in China."

"But I haven't even started that project yet," Mei Xing voiced.

Shaking his head, Longwen shifted on his feet and countered her doubts. "If there is anyone who deserves this job, it's you, Mei. No one else. And I have a really good eye when picking who and who will work in my firm."