Weiwei took a sip, savoring the warmth of the tea, and stole a quick glance at the chivalrous stranger. There was an air of sophistication about Qi, his tailored suit and an immaculate haircut.
Must be an office worker. And not a regular one.
He didn't seem inclined to rush the conversation, content to observe Weiwei unobtrusively as she drank her tea.
I should say something.
"I won't steal your hiding place, don't worry," said Weiwei carefully.
Qi's smile widened. "Oh, please do. I don't mind at all. As long as it makes you feel better, not worse."
Weiwei looked down quickly, recalling how just a few minutes ago she had cried into the man's shoulder.
"I'm sorry about – about that. I really am," she said.
Qi shook his head. "Why are you sorry? We all feel sad sometimes. I just wish I could help make you feel a little bit better," he said, looking at her thoughtfully. "Is it something personal?" He stopped himself. "I don't mean to pry."
"Not a problem at all," Weiwei rushed to clarify. "It's not like that."
I have nothing personal in my life.
"It's… it's my work."
"I see," Qi seemed somewhat relieved. "Well, work is just work. You shouldn't let it affect you that much. You don't like your work?"
Weiwei chuckled sadly.
I don't like my work. That's such an understatement! I hate my work, I wish I never had it.
"There's not much I can do about it," she mumbled.
"Of course, you can!"
Qi spoke so forcefully that he made Weiwei look up again, and she found his strong stare irresistible.
"You can always find a better job. Is it your boss or your coworkers?"
Can he see right through me?
Weiwei hid her eyes in embarrassment again. What should I say?
Qi's demeanor softened again. "What field are you in?"
"Accounting," Weiwei exhaled without thinking.
"Really? In that case, I can tell you with certainty that you definitely have options. In fact, I happen to know an excellent company that's hiring right now. I promise you, you'll never cry working there."
Weiwei didn't know what to say or do. For some reason, she was certain that what Qi was telling her was correct. But she was also scared of trying anything new. After what she's been through in the last few years, she couldn't believe anything good could ever come her way. Wasn't it unreal that she was sitting across from a handsome caring man who very likely just saved her from taking her own life?
How can it even be possible that he's talking to me about my problems?
"Do you happen to have your resume?" Qi asked.
Weiwei nodded involuntarily once again.
"Let me give you the email address."
Weiwei still couldn't believe what she was seeing. She mechanically handed Qi her phone and was watching in awe how he typed something with his long, delicate fingers.
Am I dreaming?
Weiwei secretly pinched one of her fingers under the table. It hurt.
Then it must be actually happening. He has to be real.
"Here, you can send it now," said Qi, handing her back the phone.
"What was it?" she asked after following his instructions.
"It's the recruiting team I know that's currently trying to fill several accounting roles." He quickly typed something on his phone, put it back in his pocket, and smiled softly at Weiwei again. "Just give them a chance, please."
Give them a chance? You have no idea what a chance you're giving me.
"But what if…"
Qi stopped her with a gentle wave of his hand. "Could you trust me, Weiwei? and believe in yourself?"
When he pronounced her name, Weiwei felt shortness of breath and an odd warmth right above her stomach.
What's happening to me? What is this feeling?
"I will," she replied.
Early the next morning, Weiwei found herself sitting in a meeting room on the 10th floor of a big office building, admiring the breathtaking view of the sun-filled harbor. The weather had completely changed, and Weiwei was also full of renewed hope and energy.
After parting with Qi and picking up her files from the office to continue her work from home, Weiwei received a call. It was a recruiter who wanted to discuss her resume. Fifteen minutes later, the woman on the phone asked Weiwei to come in for an interview first thing the next morning.
That's how Weiwei found herself across from the elegantly dressed, extremely thin Zhu Meili at 8:30 in the morning, wishing she could pinch herself again to ensure everything happening around her was real. Weiwei was interviewed by a couple of very friendly employees and was now waiting for Ms. Zhu to finish typing and printing something.
"Here is your offer letter," said Zhu Meili warmly, handing Weiwei the document. "I hope you review it as soon as you can and decide to join our firm."
An offer letter? Already? Are they really ready to hire me? Is this a dream? And how could I possibly turn it down?
Weiwei started reading. The letter was relatively short, and Weiwei skimmed the standard terms. But when she got to the compensation section, she almost exclaimed out loud.
"Excuse me, Ms. Zhu," she said, her cheeks flushed. "May I ask you a question? These numbers - are they correct?"
"Yes," said Zhu Meili moving her gaze from the computer screen to Weiwei. "Why?"
"Isn't it…Isn't it too much?" Weiwei felt her cheeks burning.
Zhu Meili smiled politely. "That's what the position pays. It's perfectly in order."
No way! Is it possible I'll make that much? Omg!
"Oh, I see," Weiwei mumbled. "Ms. Zhu?"
"Yes?"
Weiwei braced herself for another embarrassment.
"Would it be okay if I signed the document now?"
Zhu Meili smiled again. "Of course."