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"What is going on here"
The voice emanated authority as everyone froze, the click of heels approaching me while the crowd parted with nods of acknowledgement.
Finally in front of me, two bodyguards in black suits behind her, I studied her figure.
A perfect body figure, the branded clothes consisting of dark brown suit pants with a light brown dress shirt underneath the tight brown blazer and brown heels.
Her short, brown hair falling on her chiseled jaw, thin lips a soft brown with a button nose and piercing brown eyes.
In short, she was intimidatingly beautiful and stunning as she equally studied me.
"Ms Shin" the once raging, now meek receptionist cleared her throat to speak but was cut off by a stern voice.
"It's Secretary Shin, 'receptionist'!" The woman scorned, making sure to emphasize on the 'receptionist' before directing her curious gaze back to me.
"I apologize, Secretary Shin" the receptionist corrected, bowing slightly "this low class barged in here and demanded to see Mr. Shen with a stolen card"
"Technically" Secretary Shin's sturdy voice corrected "she found it"
And I couldn't hold back the whisper of "That's exactly what I said" from escaping my mouth causing the woman to glance at me before facing the receptionist, taking slow but towering steps towards her.
"And....
".. Do I really have to remind you about your days of being a street rat, before you slept your sleazy way to minimal wealth that has clouded your dormant brain.....
....at least Ms. Moon here still has her dignity in one piece, unlike yours that perished in the gutters"
This time, I was the person left gaping with three questions swirling in my mind, number one, why did she defend me?. Number two, who is this woman? And number three, how does she know my name?!
Secretary Shin's attention once again moved to me as she lazily glared at the guard still holding my arm.
"Step away from her" one word from her had them taking several steps away before she eyed me one more time and finally spoke to me.
"Walk with me"
She walked off, her bodyguards escorting her and I stood, contemplating on my spot until she noticed my absence, turning and calling for me.
"Ms. Moon, come with me"
I blinked, and did again before getting over my shock and waddling after her to the elevator.
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Although already the smallest in the elevator, I tried to make myself even smaller in the midst of the bodyguards and Mrs. Secretary, and I could finally breathe in relief when it dinged, stopping at the 20th floor.
I trailed behind Shin to a brown door as she scanned her fingerprints, gesturing for the two bodyguards to stand outside as we both went through the open door that shut behind us.
I took in the interior of the office.
Brown couches, brown walls, brown floors, brown ceiling, brown desk, chair and PC. Everything was a shade of brown and I could safely conclude the Secretary was obsessed with the color brown.
"Please sit" her voice pulled me out of my reverie as she stood above the coffee machine.
"Tea or coffee?"
"None, thanks" I brushed off but she faced me to glare before focusing on the mug and concluding.
"Coffee then, with extra caramel"
Serving the hot drink on the table and sitting opposite me, I started.
"Uhh, Secretary Shin...." But was cut off
"Stick with Ms. Shin"
Ignoring her comment, I continued "... I would like to return these" I dropped the cards on the table and she stared at me with hidden surprise.
"You couldn't drop it with the receptionist and you're easily giving it to me?" She quizzed , sitting up.
"You" I pointed out " you, I trust"
She picked up the cards, twirling the Shen card between two fingers as she spoke.
"The Shen card is like a brand of it's own, stating you're either a Shen, or have a close relationship with them. With this, you could land a job at any high class company and have access to any advantage that comes with the 'Shen' name"
She drops it, repeating the same process with the black card.
"And this black card, unlimited, you could buy whatever you wanted and use this credit card to your satisfaction"
She picks up both cards "you had these for a month and you never made use of it, not even once" she pauses.
"I'm wondering, are you a saint, or are you straight up stupid"
It was my turn to glare "what's your point?" I feigned offense.
"You've earned my respect, only a few people have, and now, I understand Mr. Shen's obsession" she relaxed in her seat.
"What can I help you with?"
"My way out!" I stood up "I wouldn't wanna be harassed again"
"You don't want anything else?" Her surprise was clear as daylight this time.
"I only came here to return those cards, and they seem to be in safe hands" I pulled my hood on.
"So, if you'll excuse me, I have to go part time job hunting, also, tell your boss I appreciate him getting rid of the articles, they must have bothered him more than they did me, besides, he's the one with the reputation".
"I can help you with a job" her reply froze my slowly navigating steps to the door as I turned to face the Secretary, giving her the cue to continue.
"I could get you a full time job with a decent pay" she declared "please sit back down".
I obediently took my seat as if under a spell, full attention on her as she asked.
"What are your qualifications?"
"I never graduated college, so.., but I can work as an assistant, run errands and all" I tried convincing her.
"That's too small" she clicked her tongue in reply "what are you really good at?"
"Uhhhh, I can cook?" My answer came out more of a question and she smiled, sitting up.
"Lucky you, Mr. Shen runs a food industry"
"Congratulations Ms. Moon, you're hired"