Chapter 10, Experience.

Zhang Rou gestured for Jian Si to sit down. Jian Si felt somewhat nervous, as Zhang Rou's expression was as serious as it had been during her interview. She flipped through the folder in her hands and glanced up at Jian Si's anxious demeanor. "Jian Si, do you know what your biggest problem is?"

She sat back down and began to tidy up the items spread out on the table. A person leisurely took a seat in the position just vacated by Vice President Wei across from her. She looked up in surprise, momentarily stunned.

"Today I have an appointment with Vice President Wei of Qisheng to discuss the details of this project, you go," Zhang Rou said decisively

When Zhang Rou walked in, she displayed an expression of amazement and approval, smiling generously and naturally saying, "It looks really good, Si Si." Being directly complimented by her made Jin Si a bit shy, but Zhang Rou's calm demeanor relieved her. After all, this dress was said to be a gift... It did carry a sense of charity. If Zhang Rou had pretended to be indifferent to avoid making her uncomfortable, it would have made her feel even worse.

She stood up, not being adept at engaging with others, even when the opponent was him

Zhang Rou was touched by her sincere tone and immediately smiled slightly, saying, "It's nothing, everyone is like this when they first start working"

Vice President Zhang tightened his grip on the document and said, "Thank you."

Jian Si's brow twitched slightly. Before she could respond, Zhang Rou's voice came from the open office door, calling her in. Qian Ruina rolled her eyes in annoyance as she watched Jian Si enter the vice president's office

Do not be nervous, I am confident in letting you handle this matter. First, regarding this project, we have basically reached an agreement with Qisheng over the phone; this time it is merely to explain the details. If there are any disagreements, just record them in detail and report back to me. Second, Vice President Wei is a very nice person and has a generous attitude towards newcomers. Therefore, make good use of this opportunity to gain some experience

Jinsi's hand trembled slightly, and her face turned pale. Did she do something wrong?

As she stood up to see Vice President Wei, who was leaving with a beaming smile, Jian Si also smiled. It turned out that the feeling of having completed a task satisfactorily was so delightful. How long had it been since she last felt this way about herself... satisfied

Her gaze, which had originally been drifting over the decorative flower fence in the café, slowly returned to him. He looked at her without a hint of guilt, even a faint smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. At such a close distance, she could see him clearly; it was he who had been living well these past years! His confident eyes, casual smile, and the calm yet intense aura of a decisive leader quietly radiated from him. He must have grown accustomed to being high and mighty, giving orders as he pleased. The man who used to look at her with such affection, calling her 'Sisi' in a low voice, and would frown deeply whenever she was sad, had already vanished. She smiled, he had long since disappeared.

Jian Si gently nodded her head, feeling grateful towards Zhang Rou, as she understood that she was helping her

Zhang Rou pushed the folder in front of her, "Confidence also needs to be cultivated. It is not the case that just because I told you today, you will become confident tomorrow. First of all, Jian Si, when you speak, you must look at the other person. This is my first requirement of you. If you cannot even do this... I will have no choice but to hire another secretary, and you will only be able to serve as an assistant"

The place arranged with Vice President Wei is a high-end café very close to Qishi Sheng Company. Before leaving, Zhang Rou reminded her to ensure that the bill is covered by Haitu, and made an exception to give her the office expenses in advance. Vice President Wei is an elderly man nearing fifty, with a friendly appearance and a gentle manner of speaking. Seeing that the other party is a shy young girl, he naturally becomes even more amiable. Zhang Rou had practiced the specific steps and etiquette with her, and she was thoroughly familiar with the project proposal. When she actually began to explain, she was not as nervous as during the small talk. Vice President Wei was quite satisfied and only offered suggestions on a few minor issues, which Jian Si promptly recorded with great seriousness.

You should take a closer look, and then come to me to explain it as if I were a client. This way, you will feel less nervous. Remember, you must not just keep your head down and speak continuously; you should occasionally look up and smile politely at the other person. This will leave a very good impression. Practice this, and remember what I said.

Doing well

Qian Ruina is always in a hurry when she comes to work. When she saw Jian Si, she stopped in her tracks, astonished and clearly taken aback. Qian Ruina stared at her for too long, prompting Jian Si to lift her head and smile. Qian Ruina pouted, not walking away, but instead leaned in to scrutinize Jian Si's outfit. "Oh? All designer brands. You..." She squinted her eyes, "Have you hooked up with a wealthy man?"

"You have been doing well these years," he said with a mocking smile. The events of the past seemed to have little impact on her; she still knew how to dress herself elegantly. Her carefully chosen attire complemented her sweet and graceful demeanor. After five years, she was no longer the naive and innocent girl; her eyes held a darkness that he found unfamiliar. Five years ago, she was a delicate flower in a greenhouse, but now... The tender petals had been weathered by the elements. She had entered the workforce and was no longer the girl sheltered under her parents' wings.

They are each other's memories, very painful memories

Jian Si looked at the document in front of her, feeling somewhat afraid, but she knew that she had to take this step. She also hated her current self, didn't she? To change, this is the first step. Meeting Zhang Rou was her fortune

Trust oneself? ... Jian Si lowered her eyes, she ...? ... can she still do it?

Hmm. She nodded and surprisingly smiled, "It is indeed good." It is truly wonderful to be able to smile, even though this smile feels like a sharp knife cutting into her heart. After so many years of suffering, it is indeed enough, at least it has allowed her to no longer harbor even the slightest expectation of him. Now, facing him, she can remain so calm and unperturbed.

Your biggest problem is a lack of confidence!" Zhang Rou tapped the table with her finger, "If you want to be my assistant and gain the trust of clients, you must first trust yourself.

He still gazed at her like that, remaining silent for a long time. She used to like it very much, but now... she could not articulate her feelings, which were both bitter and painful. In the past, she would smile sweetly at his attentive gaze, believing that he liked her so much, and would even playfully wrap her arms around his neck, kissing his handsome face. Now, however, she could not meet his gaze; she feared that she would not be able to hold back her tears. No, she did not want to cry in front of him. Once, she had cried all her tears before him, and he had not even blinked... Now, she could not meet his gaze; she feared that she would not be able to hold back her tears. No, she did not want to cry in front of him. Once, she had cried all her tears before him, and he had not even blinked... Her tears... had long since lost all meaning to him.

Dressed in new clothes, Jian Si sat in her seat with a hint of unease, thinking that it would be somewhat awkward when Zhang Rou came in and saw her.

Jian Si nodded again and picked up the folder

Seeing her doing well, he found himself without even a reason to keep her. In fact, he should not have appeared before her just now; allowing her to continue living at her own pace should have been the last thing he could do for her. Yet in that moment, he could not restrain himself; he wanted to hear her speak, even if it was just a single word

He let her wipe herself off and leave, feeling... guilt towards her? Resentment? In fact, it all seems quite pointless

Xi Chenghao leaned against the back of the chair, staring intently at the woman across from him. He recognized her almost immediately upon entering the café; after all these years, she had not changed at all. She hadn't even permed her hair, looking much younger than her actual age. She was calmly explaining something to the man opposite her, and inadvertently revealed her unique shyness. Her large, beautiful eyes would widen in earnestness as she focused on the words pointed out by the other person, softly fixating on a certain point. When she was deep in thought, she would habitually tilt her head slightly, looking as adorable as a little kitten. When she looked up and smiled, her eyes sparkled with a watery sheen, pure yet incredibly charming. Back then, it was her smile that effortlessly captured his heart.

But now, when she looked at him, it was as if she were gazing upon a cold and tranquil surface of water; a mere touch would pierce like ice.

With him, victory or defeat holds no significance

Xi Chenghao furrowed her brows, how could she have such a cold smile? How could she look at him so stiffly? The memory of her was one of shyness in response to the gazes of others. Even when it was him, if he stared at her for too long, she would pretend to act coy and snuggle into his arms, avoiding his gaze, or give him a reproachful glare, blaming him for making her feel embarrassed. At that time, her eyes always made his heart tighten with a tingling sensation.