3 GOOD MORNING, AUNTIE (1/2)
Two weeks later, Hu Lei found herself walking into a high rise building. The commercial structure was home to Etude Technologies, the most prominent software business in Supreme City. She paused for a moment outside before entering. She consulted the receptionist in the lounge and was directed to the lift directly.
Alone in the elevator, she could not help looking at her image in the reflective surfaces. Her primary focus was her clothes. She had never worn official business attire in the past because of the nature of her life. Her outfits consisted primarily of practical trousers, sensible t-shirts and boots.
She did not like those clothes. She was the type of girl who preferred pretty dresses and designer shoes. However, she could hardly accompany her father through jungles, deserts and hidden villages in such clothes.
Seeing her little skirt suit once again, she could not help nodding in approval. It was not a high fashion dress, but it was a hundred steps away from camouflage fatigues. She could see the appeal of business formal wear. Her lips stretched into a smile.
When the elevator doors opened, her heart rate accelerated in excitement. Also, a small part of her could not help the thread of fear. There was something about the cold clean rooms and silence that terrified her.
For a moment, her mind flashed back to her childhood. The dark clouds in her mind seemed to rise again, threatening to overtake her. She took a deep breath and placed her hand over her heart. She pushed the fear away and centred her mind.
After posing for a moment outside the lift, she walked to the receptionist manning the floor.
The woman was beautiful as most individuals in the profession are, especially for her age. There was a hint of arrogance as she looked at Hu Lei walked to her.
This receptionist had seen numerous women approach the floor in an attempt to get closer to the boss. Unfortunately for them, she had been instructed not to allow these women beyond her and to call security personnel if a bold one managed to reach the floor. She had chased away numerous women who had sneaked in, including some small celebrities and proud socialist. This little girl would be nothing.
It should also be noted that this female doorman felt quite special and looked down on most because she was the only woman who worked on the highest floor. Granted, there were only two other people working on the level, but it was still something.
Though she was quite certain that the five-foot nothing girl was not an important guest, she did not dare turn her away. She had not gotten the job by being stupid. She allowed her to approach with confidence.
Hu Lei did not know the dramatic imaginations going on in the receptionist's mind. However, she could see the slight sneer that betrayed her contempt for her.
”Good morning, auntie. I am here to see Mr Zhong.” She spoke with a smile.
The receptionist was not that old. Her true age was thirty seven, and she was quite well-preserved. Moreover, her name was indicated on the desk. Hu Lei had intentionally called 'auntie' because she could see the evil intentions lurking in her eyes.