"Actually making Victoria your secretary, what were you thinking?"
In the morning, Jessica storms into the office in a rush. Her disgruntled voice reverberates through the walls, but the employees on this floor are unsurprised.
It isn't new to them—perhaps they wouldn't even find it strange if one day they learned that these two colleagues in the office had suddenly got married.
"What else could I do, stop her and make her give up the idea?" Sebastian rubs his temples and replies, "Do you think I enjoy the complications in this matter?"
Jessica raises an eyebrow and says, "Pretty Generation's Victoria being called a complication by you—if that gets out, you might as well close down your studio."
"Whose side are you on, exactly?" Seb asks, unsatisfied.
"I'm on the side of—" Jessica speaks, kicking off her shoes and sitting down, pouting, "Food. I'm hungry."
"Do you really think this is a cafeteria?" Sebastian, not sure whether to laugh or cry, goes to the door and calls out, "Secretary Chelsea, could you please help me grab a breakfast set from the café?"
"Eat whatever you want, it would be great if this was actually the company's cafeteria."
Jessica sighs, "Unfortunately, I probably won't be able to come over for the next two weeks."
"Why?" Sebastian closes the door, feeling a bit of loss upon hearing her words.
"I am a celebrity; I have to work!" Jessica rolls her eyes, "Otherwise, are you going to feed me?"
"Sure!" Sebastian sits down, chuckling, "Although you eat quite a bit and have a bad temper, it might actually be interesting to have you around."
"Forget it, I'd probably end up beating your ass eight times a day," Jessica brandishes her fist in a show of mock strength.
"You..." Sebastian is at a loss for words, and naturally draws a pair of feet closer, cradling them in his lap.
"What are you doing now?" Jessica eyes him warily.
If he doesn't touch now, he might never get another chance— Would Sebastian ever speak out such thoughts? Obviously not.
"Foot massages can help improve blood circulation, and better metabolism can improve your skin," Sebastian says, his eyes filled with sincerity.
"Really?" Jessica is skeptical, questioning, "Do you, Sebastian, ever do anything without any benefit for yourself?"
"There is some benefit."
"What benefit?"
"Science has proven that when people are doing things they enjoy, it is beneficial for their mental and physical health," Sebastian says seriously.
"But your enthusiasm on feet also makes you a pervert," Jessica laughs, her face tickled by the situation, a radiant smile spreading across her face.
One hour later. Food boxes are all over the table in the office.
"Alright, well-fed and ready to go, let's get to work!" Jessica puts down her chopsticks, looking satisfied.
Soon, as she approaches the door, she turns to Sebastian, who is working in front of his computer, and reminds him, "Don't miss me too much, I will be back in less than a month, tops."
"Sure, just take care of yourself on the road!" Sebastian replies without turning his head.
"I almost forgot," Jessica says as she opens the door, "Your chairs are too hard. Get a comfortable one while I'm away on my business trip." With that, she walks out the door.
In the office, Sebastian continues his work, unaffected.
Half an hour later, "Secretary Chelsea?"
"Yes, Mr. President."
"Change the office furniture for me please. Get a more comfortable sofa set. The current ones are too hard, I'm going to end up with an injured back."
"Understood, I'll take care of it!"
The next day.
"This design proposal is poor, go back and rethink it."
"Expecting a one-million budget for a paper leaflet campaign, did you not wake up properly this morning?"
"Adult toys? Who said we are making adult toys?"
"Has no one briefed you about the future direction of K&G since your induction?"
...
"Everyone! May I have your attention!" In the meeting room, Sebastian taps the whiteboard, drawing everyone's attention before emphasizing seriously, "The future direction for K&G is to align with the fashion industry, not adult products, and certainly not toys. I want everyone to remember this clearly."
At the entrance of the meeting room, Victoria shrinks a little upon seeing Sebastian's demeanor.
She had always known Sebastian as a gentle and humble person, who never lost his temper even when misunderstood or pestered. This is the first time she had seen Sebastian's professional side at work.
His poise and authority seem to befit a seasoned leader, an image hard to associate with someone who had just come of age.
Quickly, she asks someone nearby, "Has President Vanderbilt always been like this?"
"He is usually very nice, caring towards the staff, and has a sense of humor. But when it comes to work, he becomes exceptionally serious," Secretary Chelsea replies. "To use Mr. Vanderbilt's own words, if we think of K&G studio as a pack of wolves, if he, the lead wolf, were to lose his ferocity and fangs, it would be a catastrophic disaster for the pack."
"Did President Vanderbilt really say that?" Victoria blinks, somewhat surprised.
"Just a friendly reminder, when dealing with his matters, forget his age and interact with him formally," Secretary Chelsea says with a smile. "You'll find that you can gain many valuable life experiences."
"Really?" Victoria is momentarily taken aback. "At the age of eighteen, sharing life experiences?"
"Alright, that's enough chatting for now. After you finish greeting, come find me in the secretarial office," Secretary Chelsea smiles and then leaves.
She has said all she needed to say.
Whether Victoria can comprehend or is willing to, it is no longer her concern.
"Lead wolf, huh?" With that thought, Victoria's gaze shifts through the glass, watching Sebastian inside the room. After a while, a playful smile appears on her face. "The lead wolf that got bitten by a dog?" Victoria blinks, a mischievous thought crossing her mind.
The meeting that day seems especially long. Seeing that there is no sign of anyone coming out by noon, Victoria goes to find Chelsea.
"Although President Vanderbilt's demands aren't high, as a secretary, you must have a sense of responsibility, even if it's only for three days," Chelsea explains.
"Basic tasks like serving drinks or packing his documents without him asking."
"Also, good communication and coordination are essential." Chelsea hands her a document, continuing, "If you feel overwhelmed, call me for help. Don't attempt to handle things beyond your capability. President Vanderbilt dislikes incompetence; he cannot stand any unnecessary complications, no matter how trivial."
"Understood, I'll remember that," Victoria nods, accepting the advice while asking curiously, "What is this document?"
"It's the studio's financial report for October. Take it to President Vanderbilt later when you see him," Secretary Chelsea instructs.
"Understood," Victoria agrees, taking the document.
The meeting lasts from dawn till dusk.
In the evening, Vanderbilt, returning to the office, sees Victoria coming in and suddenly remembers this new arrangement.
"How was your first day on the job? Good experience?" Sebastian asks with a smile.
"Yes, Secretary Chelsea was very helpful," Victoria nods.
"Then—" Vanderbilt stands up, extends his hand, and says with a smile, "I'm looking forward to working with you for the next two days, Secretary Victoria Gianna?"
"Yes, I hope you would enjoy my service, Mr. Vanderbilt," Victoria responds, reaching out her hand in return.