Weiwei was working late again. There were two reasons for it.
For one, she didn't want to go back home and be alone in the tiny apartment she had just moved into from Susu's place. Weiwei was extremely proud to be able to afford her own place, but it also made her feel much lonelier again. Even though Susu was far from an ideal roommate, their disagreements were something that had kept Weiwei's mind busy during late nights and excruciatingly dull uneventful weekends.
Second, Weiwei wanted to finish the two audits she was working on ahead of schedule to prove her abilities to herself, Yihan, and her managers. The work wasn't too complex, but there was a lot of it, so it was simply a question of putting in extra hours and working as quickly as she could. She worked at full steam during the day, but the quiet office in the evening presented the perfect opportunity to finish up a few extra pages without any interruptions.
When Weiwei heard someone's voice nearby, she lifted her head only to realize that it was already dark outside, and the office was entirely empty. Except for Director Zhang, who was pacing between desks, speaking frantically on the phone.
What could be so urgent at this hour?
Director Zhang saw Weiwei and exclaimed. "Yes, I found someone to bring it over!" he shouted into the phone. He rushed to Weiwei only pausing to look up her name on the side of the cubicle.
I thought he knew who I was.
"Weiwei, you're such a diligent employee, I'm sure you can help me with an urgent task: you need to take these two documents and the USB stick to the Third Tower. I'm running late for my flight and can't take it myself, but it's extremely urgent!"
Weiwei didn't hesitate. "Of course, Director Zhang. Who do I give them to?"
"Ask for Vice-President Hu. Take a cab as quickly as possible. You can expense it later. Thanks!"
Director Zhang, still talking on the phone, disappeared before Weiwei could ask any further questions.
Who is Vice-President Hu? How do I find him in the Third Tower?
She thought of following Director Zhang to get the information, but decided against it.
He's rushing out the door to catch his flight. It'll slow him down. I'll just figure it out myself as I go.
Weiwei grabbed her bag and hurried downstairs.
The security guards at the Third Tower looked very busy. A surprising number of people were coming and going for such a late hour, and Weiwei figured that an important event was in progress. When it was her turn, she showed her office ID and explained her task to the guards.
"We can't let you in. You don't have a special pass," one of them said warily.
"But this is really urgent! I need to give these materials to Vice-President Hu right away," she protested.
"Let us take it upstairs," another guard extended his hand.
Weiwei thought about it for a second. It was probably okay. On the other hand, Director Zhang had emphasized that the documents were very important, and she had to make sure to hand them to the Vice-President personally.
After a moment of hesitation, she shook her head. "No, I must deliver it myself and confirm everything is in order."
The guards were persistent. "But you can't go in with your current pass."
Weiwei glanced at the clock. She had to complete her task quickly.
"Contact Vice-President Hu. Let him know I'm here. This is extremely important!" she exclaimed in desperation. Am I really giving orders to security? She was a little impressed with herself.
The guards conferred among themselves. A few minutes later Weiwei was escorted by one of them to the 30th floor.
They stopped at the entrance to a large, nicely decorated, and brightly lit hall. It looked like a reception was taking place inside. Neatly dressed men and women mingled, some with glasses in their hands, and the company logo was projected onto a huge screen on the inner wall of the hall.
While the guard quietly debated something with a man at the desk by the entrance, wide-eyed Weiwei studied the room. She didn't realize an accounting firm could afford such luxury. At least, everything inside the hall screamed opulence to Weiwei, who had never mingled with the rich.
That's why people in the office revere the Third Tower. Now I understand what they meant.
Fancy chandeliers and waitstaff in crisp uniforms impressed Weiwei the most.
While surveying the room, her eyes stopped on a strangely familiar man.
I must be imagining things now. I couldn't possibly know him. In this suit, he looks like a prince.
At that moment, the man turned, and their gazes met.
Weiwei almost dropped the papers she was carrying. She was looking at Qi.