3 GOOD MORNING, AUNTIE (2/2)

She had been in some of the worst places around the world and could detect negative emotions quite easily. It was not like she was wrong about calling her auntie. She was much older.

The petty Hu Lei smiled prettily at the woman whose face changed shades in anger. She felt like laughing and her mind calmed down. Unfortunately, the auntie could not do anything to a guest.

”Do you have an appointment?” the receptionist inquired through gritted teeth.

”Of course, I do. I was invited by Assistant Chen.” She replied.

The fuming receptionist had no choice but to be civil. She indicated for Hu Lei to sit down and wait. Without another word, she called Assistant Chen's office to confirm the appointment. If it was true that this Hu Lei was contacted by Mr Chen, she was obviously an important person. The person on the other end apologised for failing to inform her. He had wanted to meet Miss Hu in person. The woman could only be relieved that she had not acted irrationally towards the annoying girl.

After four minutes or so, a young man with a slight build and a friendly smile walked up to Hu Lei. She stood up quickly and bowed in greeting.

”I am Assistant Chen, Miss Hu. We spoke on the phone. Please come with me.” He spoke in a measured but friendly tone.

Hu Lei clutched her handbag tightly in her hands and followed him.

As she walked towards the inner parts on the office, her heartbeat accelerated exponentially. The fear of the unknown coupled with excitement made her feel almost dizzy. She could also feel her breath became thinner. She took another deep breath. There was nothing to worry about, and it was not like she needed this job desperately. She did not even know why she felt a sense of apprehension.

Her steps remained measured and steady as she walked. She would not stress over her meeting with Mr Zhong. Unfortunately, she could not force the flow of her mind or control her concerns. As she followed Assistant Chen, she decided to reframe her situation with logic, but she left herself hanging in between two uncertain facts.

On one hand, she did not want to throw her father's face. Therefore, she wanted to impress his old friend and show her worth. On the other hand, the stiff atmosphere of the building and the office did not seem like it was made for her.

She felt like an imposter in her neat little designer suit, playing a role in a big production. It was not only Etude Technologies. Even Supreme City did not feel like home. How could she present herself in a favourable light when she felt that she did not belong? She had felt more at home in the countless hotels she had lived in in the past.

An inner part of her wanted to turn back and leave without another word. However, the larger part of her suppressed the urge. She did not want to keep running.

Assistant Chen posed before an imposing mahogany door and looked at her. He knocked and opened the door softly. With a wave of his hand, he indicated for her to enter. He did not follow, only backing away from the open entrance.