Chapter 12

 

After everything was basically settled, Ming Xi called Cai Ni to let her know she was safe.

Cai Ni had never been to Haigang City before. Over the phone, her tone was full of curiosity as she asked what it was like there. Ming Xi thought for a moment and summed it up in one sentence: “Just like on TV, I guess.”

The people on the streets were full of energy—stylish, modern, sophisticated. There were restaurants with English names everywhere, and cars filled the roads. Unlike Yicheng, where only a few streets were lively while the rest were full of drab, old, low buildings.

There were also shabby houses and narrow alleys here, but they were hidden beneath towering modern skyscrapers.

Just like the small hotel she was staying in—she found it through a flyer pasted on an electric pole.

Hearing her description, Cai Ni was instantly filled with yearning. But Ming Xi quickly cut off her friend’s excitement: “If you really want to come, wait until I have a stable place to live first!”

Having experienced the unease of wandering in a strange city by herself, she didn’t want Cai Ni to go through the same.

Back at the hotel, Ming Xi let her weary body and soul rest for a while. She had found the cheapest little inn within three kilometers—this one. Each room was a tiny cubicle partitioned by thin wooden walls, narrow and bare.

There was no heating inside—

Late that night, Ming Xi curled up on a one-meter single bed, her ears clearly picking up footsteps and chatter in the hallway outside, and even the greasy sounds of physical intimacy between men and women.

Moans, shuffling, then soft whispers. The whole process felt like a crude, greasy lesson in human physiology—and she didn’t like it one bit.

What she felt most clearly, though, was cold.

The bedding was too thin; her north-facing room let in drafts. She nestled her icy feet against the hollow of her legs, and only slowly did her body warm enough to stretch out.

The first night sleeping alone in a foreign city, she felt like the little match girl. Ming Xi put on headphones and listened to the English dialogues on her Walkman, and imagined herself at a bright, glittering New Year’s ball. With that small, beautiful fantasy in mind, she finally drifted into sleep.

The next morning, Ming Xi woke up refreshed in the small inn, packed her things, and set out for her interview at Haiou Foreign Trade.

Sometimes, she thought, dreams alone could fill you with energy.

…

That morning, Ming Xi donned the best outfit from her suitcase and confidently sat in the conference room of Haiou Foreign Trade Company, waiting for the interview.

Haiou wasn’t as big as she’d imagined, with only three offices and perhaps twenty staff at most. She had already come by yesterday to register her information; the receptionist had told her to return today for the interview. If the boss approved, she could start immediately.

Ming Xi was confident about the interview.

The two people interviewing her today were Mr. Huang, the slightly chubby man she’d met before at the Bomei Hotel in Yicheng.

The other was Mr. He, who was slimmer and looked more refined.

Judging by their demeanor and conversation, Ming Xi could tell that Mr. He was the real decision-maker in the company.

They offered her the position of sales assistant, with the option of becoming an independent sales representative after being familiar with foreign trade process. Of course, she would need to earn the professional export agent qualification certificate first—that was the basic requirement.

“Assistants don’t get commissions, just a base salary. If you’re capable of becoming a sales representative, you’ll receive a base salary plus commissions, calculated based on your order volume. Our company is very proper; we offer the most fair commission rates in the industry.” Mr. He spoke gracefully and confidently, “After three months, there are also transport subsidies and paid leave benefits.”

To be honest, Ming Xi didn’t mind being a sales assistant. Starting as an assistant was the best way to gradually improve her business capabilities. But the practical problem remained. The base salary for sales assistants at Haigang was too low, and it could barely cover her basic living expenses.

So…

After the interview, they told her they wanted to hire her — but Ming Xi hesitated.

“Miss Ming, is there anything else you don’t understand or want to ask?” Mr. He looked at her warmly and asked her proactively.

An idea flickered in Ming Xi’s mind. She decided to act like a bold newcomer and asked directly, “Isn’t there another foreign trade company upstairs?”

Mr. He’s brows twitched slightly, a trace of calculation in his gaze. Could it be that the company upstairs was also interested in recruiting her?

Compared to Mr. He, Mr. Huang was much more outspoken. He laughed disdainfully and directly attacked the competitor with rude words: “How can that new company compare with us? It seems that Miss Ming doesn’t know much about us Haiou! Our Mr. He used to work for the Haigang Foreign Trade Bureau — our company’s connections and resources are the best in Haigang! We hold more exclusive agency rights than anyone else in the city.”

“Oh?”

Ming Xi’s eyes gleamed with interest, but she no longer in a rush.

“Of course,” Mr. Huang replied affirmatively.

Mr. He asked, “Why did Miss Ming inquire about Xinghai Foreign Trade upstairs? Are you also considering them?”

“Not really,” Ming Xi said calmly. “Even if I were, that’s quite normal. Since there are two foreign trade companies in the same building, whichever one I work for, it’s only smart to understand the competition.”

Mr. He smiled, as if amused by her words. He looked her over and said, “The boss upstairs is a returnee who relies on his own client network. Even with a small company, he has big requirements.”

Ming Xi nodded without further comment.

Since Mr. He had opened the topic, Mr. Huang made it plainer: “Miss Ming, to be honest, your education doesn’t really meet our company’s standards. We’re willing to give you a chance because of your English and your image — we think you’re worth training. But that’s just our company. If you try elsewhere, you’ll probably only get a receptionist job.”

Ming Xi smiled broadly, undeterred by Mr. Huang’s words. She spoke crisply, her tone full of self-assurance: “I’m good at English and pretty. Aren’t those advantages enough? Isn’t foreign trade all about selling our fine domestic products to foreigners? The ability to close a deal is what really matters. Education may not be my strength, but I don’t think it’s an advantage for success in foreign trade either.”

Mr. He was taken aback but did not refute. Most university graduates these days were cautious and modest, especially those new to the workforce, who were mostly just following orders. Some were also confident and poise, likely from wealthy families with a reluctance to endure hardship. In their industry, they had to admit that confident and articulate beauties were well-suited to attracting sales.

Just like Maggie above.

“You’re not wrong. Once you start the job, I hope you’ll retain that confidence,” He Yuan said.

“Of course. I’ll do my best.” “Ming Xi’s eyes were bright, without a trace of timidity.

…

So what if she performed well in the interview? After the interview, she was not as happy as before. The reason was simple. The salary that Haiou paid to the sales assistant was terrible, and they did not provide dormitory and meal allowance. The rent in the Haigang was very expensive, and the monthly salary of the sales assistant was barely covered the cost of a single room.

If there was a commission, the salary would fluctuate. But she couldn’t take clients for the time being.

And besides, while Haiou had plenty of resources, both bosses handled the major accounts themselves…

Ming Xi stood at the elevator, hesitating whether to go to Liang Jiancheng’s company to take a look. The elevator doors slid open, revealing a woman with curled hair, arms full of files. She glanced up briefly, her face cool and impassive, then looked away.

Ming Xi stepped inside and pressed the button for the ninth floor. Only then did the woman glance at her again. When they both entered the office of Xinghai Foreign Trade, realization dawned on the woman’s face.

“You must be the one here for the interview…” The beautiful woman straightened immediately, handed Ming Xi the stack of documents, and said, “Byron told me that if a girl with short hair comes by, I should show her around. He’s talking about you, right?”

It was her! Ming Xi immediately put on a bright smile, extended her hand like a professional, and said, “Hello, I’m Ming Xi… Mr. Liang recommended me.”

“I’m Jiang Meiqian. You can call me Miss Jiang, or my English name, Maggie, but don’t call me by my Chinese name—remember that.” Her tone was brisk, almost commanding.

Ming Xi’s eyes flickered with curiosity, but she didn’t pry.

Maggie had already walked ahead of her, and Ming Xi followed closely behind, taking a quick look at Liang Jiancheng’s Xinghai Foreign Trade.

Haiou had been small enough, but Xinghai was even smaller. Aside from Maggie, there was only one young man in black-rimmed glasses, typing furiously at his computer without once looking up.

“Our company structure is simple. Business isn’t very active right now, and we’re not short of staff. The only available position at the moment is receptionist-cum-office clerk.”

Receptionist? Could Mr. He downstairs had been right?

Ming Xi deliberately reacted slowly, murmuring a drawn-out “hmm” as she continued to look around. Xinghai had three offices and a meeting room; the main workspace held about a dozen desks.

Maggie explained the office’s sparse staff: “There’s a lot of year-end events, and everyone’s out on the road.”

Ming Xi nodded as if she understood, still unsure of Maggie’s exact role.

“Since Byron already mentioned you, you can start next week, and I’ll train you myself.” Having completed her assignment, Maggie stood with her arms crossed, a bit condescendingly saying, “The internship period is three months, and once you become a full-time employee, you’ll get full company benefits.”

Ming Xi didn’t look particularly thrilled. Keeping her tone composed, she asked, “What’s the salary?”

Maggie replied: “800 for the internship, 1,200 for the full-time position.”

Both the internship and full-time positions were significantly higher than the one downstairs.

Ming Xi smiled softly, indicating she understood.

Maggie looked her straight in the eye. Lips curling faintly, she said, “Byron is notoriously picky. Miss Ming must have some outstanding qualities!”

Ming Xi instantly caught the undertone. After a brief pause, she answered with quiet modesty: “What outstanding qualities can a recent graduate like me have? I still need to rely on the company’s guidance. As for my small advantages, they’re all written on my résumé. If there’s anything else I haven’t listed… well, I’ve got thick skin and a strong tolerance for setbacks.”

“…”

Such a pretty face could actually say that she was thick-skinned in a pleasant manner. Maggie was also a woman who was eloquent and had a unique aura. She didn’t respond for a while.

“In my opinion, Miss Ming’s greatest strengths are her looks and her frankness,” Maggie said.

Ming Xi pretended not to catch the sarcasm. Her temper remained steady, and her smile grew even more sincere — almost bashfully so. She said, “Beauty is subjective. My nickname as a child was ‘skinny face monster,’ but now that my face is rounder, I look more likeable than when I was little. As for being too frank — I’m sure you’re kindly reminding me, Miss Jiang. I’ll keep that in mind and be more careful with my words and actions. Thank you for the advice.”

Maggie: “…”

Neither Mr. He’s nor Mr. Huang’s words had shaken Ming Xi’s confidence — and Maggie’s half-praise, half-sneer certainly couldn’t, either. Ming Xi’s composure was steady; she rarely showed her feelings, especially not in moments that mattered.

“I can’t believe Miss Ming is just a TVU graduate. None of the graduates from the Haigang University School of Business this year are as confident as Miss Ming,” Maggie “praised” her again.

She had guessed correctly that Maggie had a prejudice against her academic credentials.

Presumably, Maggie must have quite the academic pedigree herself. Ming Xi didn’t get angry or embarrassed; instead, she cast her a look of polite admiration.

“Maggie, can I have your phone number? I’ll think over the offer and get back to you.” There was no need to stay longer. She said she’d think it over, but it was just to give some face for Liang Jiancheng.

“Okay, I’ll wait for your call.”

Don’t worry, there won’t be a call.

Ming Xi smiled and handed the documents over. Maggie reached out and took the documents from her arms, continuing to walk forward in her high heels. Then, as if remembering something, she turned back and asked, “Would you like some coffee before you leave? Our coffee is pretty good.”

“No, thank you,” Ming Xi replied lightly. Her lips curved naturally as she added, “I don’t know how to drink coffee.”

When going outside, you might not brag, but you at least try not to show your shortcomings. Who admits they don’t know how to drink coffee? “Then you’d better learn. Once you’re in sales, you’ll have to treat clients to coffee now and then,” Maggie reminded her.

Ming Xi simply smiled, nodded slightly, and walked out of Xinghai Foreign Trade.

She had thought that getting an interview through a personal connection would mean a bit of courtesy — but the reality was, the boss downstairs had been far more polite. Compared to Maggie, the two “Old Huang and He” from Haiou suddenly seemed almost adorable.

Growing up in a complicated environment had sharpened her sensitivity to people’s tones and moods. Even if Maggie was somewhat reserved towards her, she could sense it; Maggie clearly didn’t welcome her, this “favor hire.”

Did she think I got in through connections — just to be a receptionist?

In the elevator, Ming Xi finally lost control of her temper and shook her head in frustration at the floor-to-ceiling mirror. The rage within her stomach gradually rose, filling her chest.

Why was she so angry, almost pettily mad?

Ming Xi suddenly realized that her anger might not have stemmed from Maggie’s attitude towards her, but from Liang Jiancheng…

She came from a humble background, yet possessed a self-righteous intelligence. People like her, with a gentle exterior, concealed a vain and lofty soul. She’d assumed Liang Jiancheng’s call was a genuine admiration and appreciation for her, but she’d never expected it to be just—

Sympathy and pity.

And she had mistaken it for something else — and now felt humiliated for it.

Back on the street, filled with prancing pedestrians, Ming Xi stepped on a dead leaf and made her way again to Anteng Internet Cafe.

“Two hours of internet access.”

“The interview didn’t go well?” the beautiful boss asked, giving her an internet card.

Ming Xi shook her head, unusually listless, and silently sat down on the soft sofa. The boss lady kindly poured her a glass of water. After confirming it was free, Ming Xi took the glass and drank it with confidence.

Calm now, she gathered her focus again — ready for another round. Ming Xi pulled a notebook from her bag, intending to write down the key points of the two interviews that morning.

Perhaps she could look for a job online. This was also why she came to Anteng Internet Cafe to surf the Internet. No matter what, job hunting in Haigang had to be better than in Yicheng….

Ming Xi mentally encouraged herself and tried to forget about that infuriating man.

Five minutes later, her phone in in the pocket suddenly rang.

It was also an unfamiliar number.

She picked up instantly, snapping into alertness: “Hello, this is Ming Xi—”

Five minutes later, she rushed out of the Internet cafe, only to stop at the door, and turned to the boss lady, asking: “How do I get to Longmao Parkway?”

“Longmao Parkway is very close. Turn left and go straight. It’s less than a kilometer.”

“Thank you! I’ll pay you when I get back!” Ming Xi’s voice rose with excitement, and she rushed out again.

The boss lady of the Internet cafe smiled knowingly and shook her head… Ah, the restless, reckless energy of young job seekers.

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