As the alarm clock went off, Ren Ying found herself already wide awake, a result of her disciplined body clock that knew precisely when it needed to wake her up. Five in the morning didn't strike her as particularly early; in fact, it was the latest she could permit herself to wake nearly every single day.
Nevertheless, waking up at this hour paled in comparison to the myriad responsibilities that awaited her as a professional secretary.
An irregular schedule, late-night hours, perpetual sleep deprivation, and a scarcity of weekends or quality personal time with loved ones—these were but a few of the demanding realities that confronted a dedicated secretary like Ren Ying each and every day.
The role of a personal secretary constituted a formidable undertaking, demanding unwavering commitment and dedication to individuals who, despite their occasional lack of acknowledgment, could sometimes muster a modicum of appreciation. Nonetheless, it remained an occupation coveted by many, and Ren Ying counted herself among the fortunate few who had secured such a prestigious position.
Despite today being yet another routine weekday, devoid of any exceptional promises, an air of something unusual permeated the crisp morning atmosphere as Ren Ying prepared to leave for work.
Why? Because today marked her thirtieth birthday.
The sheer number of years might have seemed daunting to some, but Ren Ying's excitement outweighed any concerns about the number of candles adorning her cake. Her excitement derived from a simple truth—she had miraculously secured a free evening seven months in advance, a rare concession from her demanding boss. This evening was entirely her own, complete with a dinner reservation at one of the city's fanciest restaurants. And most importantly, it might just be the night she had been waiting for.
Tonight held the potential for a rather important occasion: the night when her boyfriend might finally ask the question they'd both contemplated for five years.
'Yan Mei insisted she saw Wen Jie leaving the jewelry store... Why else would he be there? After all, we've had those discussions before and today seems like the perfect occasion...'
Taking a moment to smooth out her elegant black skirt, Ren Ying critically assessed her carefully chosen ensemble in the bedroom mirror. Her gaze then shifted to her sleeping boyfriend, snugly clutching her pillow, evoking an affectionate smile.
Even in the midst of her demanding lifestyle, this day granted her an unexpected sense of serenity.
Despite the sheer insanity of her schedule, Ren Ying's job commanded respect and consistently rewarded her with a stable, substantial paycheck. In addition to her career, she boasted a circle of close-knit friends and cherished the fact that she wasn't navigating the world of singlehood. Sure, her boyfriend might be an artist struggling to monetize his art, constantly relying on her financially, but he loved her with unwavering devotion—a priceless solace that never failed to warm Ren Ying's heart.
Now, embarking on a new phase in her adult life, marked by Wen Jie's proposal on this profoundly significant occasion, she couldn't help but view it as an invaluable fresh start she had yearned for.
'Alright, Ren Ying, let's embrace another day with your head held high!'
With a tender kiss planted on Wen Jie's soft cheek, she swiftly gathered her big leather bag and left the apartment, poised to confront the day ahead.
As she got inside a taxi, her most frequented means of transportation, she mentally prepared herself for the customary routine that lay ahead. This included procuring a fresh breakfast from her boss's favored coffee shop, meticulously organizing the day's paperwork and correspondence, tending to the myriad errands delegated by her employer's wife, and, of course, ensuring that Mr. Yang hadn't stirred up any avoidable trouble the previous night.
And if he did, it was her responsibility to clean up the mess he left behind him.
Ren Ying was on the verge of closing her eyes, seeking just a few precious minutes of additional rest when her phone emitted a loud ping. Instantly, her posture straightened, driven by an almost involuntary reflex, and she promptly checked the new message notifications that cluttered her lock screen.
"What the hell does he want from me now?"
She tapped her finger on the notification banner and began to read,
"I need a replacement dress shirt ASAP! Lipstick mishap, it's urgent! Purchase it from the same store, or she will be suspicious again!"
"Ugh, seriously?!"
Ren Ying couldn't help but emit a loud groan, her fingers instinctively finding the spot between her furrowed eyebrows—a habitual expression that consistently graced her face upon receiving messages from her boss. It was the kind of reaction that, more often than not, aged her appearance beyond her actual years.
Mr. Yang, the Chief of the Marketing Department at WXL, one of the nation's largest tech conglomerates, was far from the ideal boss any secretary might wish for. In truth, he likely ranked among the most challenging bosses one could ever encounter.
Why, you might ask? Well, not only was he manifestly unqualified for his managerial role, but he had also cultivated quite the notorious reputation as a womanizer who liked to sleep around despite being married to the very woman responsible for securing his prestigious position.
And, as Mr. Yang's personal secretary, Ren Ying bore the responsibility of ensuring his discreetness, particularly in avoiding any damning evidence of infidelity that might arouse the suspicions of his perpetually jealous and ever-watchful wife.
This, without a doubt, ranked among her most challenging tasks.
With a fresh dress shirt securely tucked beneath her right arm and a handful of additional bags clutched tightly in her left, Ren Ying hurriedly walked through the wide automatic doors of the towering corporate building, offering a polite nod to the familiar security guard stationed there.
Unfortunately, the store she typically frequented for her boss's wardrobe needs had failed to stock shirts in his specific size, resulting in an additional forty-minute sprint to another shop located a few blocks away. Now, she found herself dangerously close to being late for work for the first time in her entire life.
Marching resolutely through the expansive seventh-floor corridor, heading towards the glass doors guarding Mr. Yang's office, Ren Ying couldn't help but detect curious glances directed her way. Each passing colleague seemed to possess a secret knowledge that had somehow eluded her own awareness.
Finally, she spotted Liu Xin Yi, a dear friend from the secretary department, who practically leaped in front of Ren Ying, her round face etched with apprehension and fright.
"Xin Xin, what's going on?"
Ren Ying paused while Xin Yi's hands landed atop her friend's shoulders, her demeanor fraught with trepidation. She then looked right into Ren Ying's eyes before finally delivering the grave news in a rather trembling voice,
"Ying Ying... She is here. The Director's wife is here!"