Ivy was used to awkward situations, but this was something else entirely. She shifted in her seat, trying to process what she'd just walked into. Six women, all stunningly beautiful, were eyeing her like they were sizing up the competition. They had a certain air of confidence that screamed, "I've already won."
Ivy glanced down at her sensible outfit, professional blazer, blouse, and tailored pants. In comparison, these women looked like they were about to strut down a runway, not sit through a job interview. One was wearing a red dress so tight it seemed like a second skin, and another had a blouse that might as well have been made out of mist.
'Great,' Ivy thought. 'Here I am, about to meet the CEO, and I look like I'm about to give a PowerPoint presentation.'
She mentally kicked herself again, reminding herself that she wasn't here for a beauty pageant. She was here for the job. And besides, none of those women came out of the interview room looking remotely victorious. In fact, one of them had emerged wiping tears, mascara streaking down her cheeks.
'Alright, Ivy,' she gave herself another pep talk. 'Maybe they look like they belong on magazine covers, but if they're leaving in tears, maybe this is about more than just looks. Maybe this guy actually wants someone who can do the job.'
That tiny glimmer of hope faded quickly when the door opened again, and the next woman strutted out with a devastated expression. Ivy gulped. Maybe she wasn't cut out for this. But before she could let herself spiral, the woman with the severe bun at the front desk called her number: "Number 7, please come in."
Ivy walked into the room, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum solo. The office itself was intimidating, floor-to-ceiling windows with a panoramic view of the city, sleek furniture, and an air of authority that practically demanded respect. She felt like she was walking into the lair of a Bond villain.
But the CEO wasn't facing her. Instead, he had his back turned, sitting in a chair that looked like it belonged in a high-tech spy movie.
He's masked, again?! Seriously? She stifled a nervous laugh. Was this some kind of dramatic entrance for effect? Maybe she was on a hidden camera show, or worse, maybe she was about to meet some eccentric billionaire who thought this was cool.
"Please, have a seat," said Han Rou, a woman who looked like she'd walked straight out of a fashion magazine editorial on 'How to Be Intimidating in Business.'
Ivy sat down, trying to maintain her composure, but her mind was spinning.
"My name is Xu Xiao. I came for the interview yesterday, and I was told to report for training today." She spoke calmly, even as her inner monologue went into overdrive. 'Is this guy really going to stay masked the whole time? What is this, a masquerade ball?'
Han Rou gave her a polite smile, though Ivy could sense the intensity behind it.
"Miss Xu, as the CEO's chief secretary, I will be conducting your training. It will be more of an informal interview to see if you're a good fit."
Ivy nodded, her stomach doing flips.
"Now, let's get to it," Han Rou began.
"According to rumors, what do you think of our CEO?"
'Oh great, let's just dive right into the minefield,' Ivy thought sarcastically. But instead of dodging the question, she went for it.
"Well, the rumors say he's strict, arrogant, aloof, and cold. Also, there's talk that he might hate women and, well... that he might be gay."
There was a stunned silence in the room. The masked CEO didn't flinch, but Ivy could feel the tension thickening. Han Rou raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.
"And what do you think, Miss Xu?"
Ivy thought for a moment, then decided to be honest.
"I think it's easy to believe rumors, but I haven't worked for him yet. So, I'm reserving judgment. However..." She paused dramatically, eyeing the CEO's back.
"I do think it's a little strange that he hasn't even turned around to meet the person interviewing for his assistant."
Han Rou's lips twitched, clearly amused. "You don't believe he's the cold, arrogant man the rumors say he is?"
Ivy hesitated, then gave a small shrug.
"I mean, I've seen people act worse in customer service lines at Starbucks, so maybe? But to be fair, this whole 'mystery CEO' act is giving 'dramatic villain in a soap opera' vibes."
Another beat of silence, and then... the CEO's chair slowly began to turn. Ivy's heartbeat quickened. She watched as the chair turned, inch by inch, her mind racing.
'Please don't let him be wearing some kind of weird mask,' she prayed.
The chair finished its slow, dramatic rotation, revealing... a man wearing a black mask. Of course.
He reached up to remove it, and Ivy's eyes widened. It was him. The man who'd interviewed her before. The one she couldn't stop thinking about. He grinned like a Cheshire cat as he peeled off the mask.
"Fancy meeting you again," he said with a chuckle.
Ivy blinked. This guy was definitely enjoying himself. She could almost hear the imaginary applause from some invisible audience.
"Nice to see you again, Mr. CEO," Ivy replied, giving him a saccharine smile, internally screaming. She thought she'd been prepared for anything. Clearly, she wasn't ready for this kind of boss.
The CEO leaned back in his chair, still smiling like a man who had all the cards. "So, Miss Xu, still think I'm aloof, cold, and arrogant?"
Ivy flashed him a daring look, feeling her confidence surge. "Well, you haven't exactly proven me wrong yet."
The room went silent for a beat, and then, much to her surprise, the CEO laughed, a deep, rich laugh that echoed through the office.
"I think we're going to get along just fine, Miss Xu," he said, eyes glinting with amusement.
'What have I gotten myself into?' Ivy thought, smiling back, already imagining the rollercoaster ride this job was going to be.
Unknowingly to her. It was not her boss she met.