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The very next day, Mei Xing went to Lu Aotian's company. She had hopes of getting a view of what she will be working to remodel in the near future.
As soon as she stepped out of the cab, her head lifted as her eyes traced the deliberate path along the unique structure of the building. The facade was adorned with one-way glass, casting a seafoam green hue that danced with the changing light.
The architectural wonder boasted an overhead structure, a graceful flow complementing the slanting lines below. The fleeting impression suggested an oval shape, yet sharp edges carved a well-defined outline against the skyline.
A flight of stairs leads toward the entrance, adding a touch of grandeur to the innovative design.
Adjacent to the stairs stood another structure. A mesmerizing display of several crossed rings suspended effortlessly atop a pedestal. Each element combined into a visual harmony, captivating Mei Xing's gaze.
The building stood not just as a structure but as a testament to architectural creativity- something she wished to be recognised with her worfs down her career path. Each detail an invitation to be admired and appreciated.
If the exterior could be so impressive, Mei Xing could only imagine how the interior would turn out to be.
She took calm steady steps across the flight of stairs, and as soon as she stepped into the building, past the automatic sliding doors, her breath ceased in awe.
The view of the outside was refreshing. Chairs and tables were neatly scattered around the large space, holding people either waiting or chatting. Fancy chandeliers hung down from the decon, casting a warm glow of light everywhere.
The long black marble reception desk with a scattering of gold sparkles, accommodated four receptionists throwing kind and genuine smiles at customers before them. The atmosphere was lively, professional and also welcoming.
Feeling more rejuvenated, Mei Xing stepped towards the reception desk with a small smile plastered on her face. "Hello, good morning," she said, getting the attention of the receptionist typing swiftly on the keyboard.
"Hello, good morning, ma'am. How may I help you?" The receptionist asked politely.
Mei Xing's smile remained intact as she answered. "I'm Mei Xing. I have an appointment with Mr Lu scheduled for eleven o'clock, today."
"Alright. Please give me a moment to check."
Waiting for brief seconds, the receptionist's face lifted from the computer screen, her smile stretching a bit more. "Your details have been confirmed, ma'am. Please take the next turn to your left down that passage to get to the elevator. Then take the elevator to the thirtieth floor. It's the last floor up. You'll meet with his secretary. She'll let him know of your arrival."
"Thank you," Mei Xing nodded at the set of directions given to her and walked off.
She did all that she was told and ended up in a small lounge area. She walked briskly to the woman behind the desk. After a while of being unnoticed by the woman engrossed in the week's gossip magazine, Mei Xing slightly cleared her throat.
The woman jumped up fright. She heaved out a sigh after seeing it was just Mei Xing. "Phew. You scared me nearly half to death," the woman exaggerated.
Mei Xing forced her eyes to not roll at the remark. The woman had a pile of what seemed like unsorted papers and yet she was busy being nose-deep in weekly gossip. How serious.
Seeing as Mei Xing remained quiet as she busied herself in arranging her pretense of seriousness, the woman asked a little less nicely. "What do you want?"
Mei Xing shifted her weight on her left leg and said, "I have a meeting scheduled at eleven o'clock with Mr Lu. Please let him know Mei Xing is here."
After another delay, the woman finally answered Mei Xing. "Mr Lu is in a meeting as of this moment. Please go over there and wait," she gestured to the setting of comfy chairs and a table.
Mei Xing nodded and went to sit. There were still five minutes before the scheduled meeting, so she didn't mind waiting. She took out her phone and quickly shot Yi Chuhua a text.
Mei Xing: I'm at the company. Wish me luck.
Chu: Best of luck, baby girl. Go kick some ass *arm emoji* I love you.
Mei Xing: Love you too. See ya later.
Tucking her phone away, Mei Xing checked her watch to see that it was time for her meeting with Lu Aotin. But the secretary had not said anything to her. So she decided to give it a little more time.
'A meeting can run a few minutes late if it's urgent,' she justified internally.
15 minutes passed.
30 minutes passed.
One hour had successfully run by and there was still no sign of Lu Aotian showing up. Mei Xing walked to the secretary and cleared her throat again for attention.
Mission accomplished because the woman gave her just that.
"Can you please remind Mr Lu about our meeting? I've waited just like you asked and I'm afraid an hour has gone by and still, nothing is happening," Mei Xing let out in one go.
The woman sighed and said, "Please exercise a bit more patience, okay?"
Mei Xing waited for almost another hour. She had contemplated leaving but her treacherous mind had to remind her that she had nothing better to do anyway. So she sat still and swallowed her annoyance.
If Lu Aotian was in her good books, he was quickly making his way off of it. And fast.
As she tried to keep herself seated, she heard consecutive footsteps heading towards the reception area.
Lifting her head, she saw Lu Aotian speaking to a man walking by his side- listening closely to what Lu Aotian was saying. As soon as she stood, she caught Lu Aotian's attention and a look of shock washed over his features.
"Ms. Mei Xing?" His voice sounded in question. "What are y-"
"I've been waiting two whole hours for you Mr Lu."
Lu Aotian's eyes widened at her words. "Two hours? I had no idea you have been here."