Chapter 2, The Perfect Male Secretary

They chose a table in the corner of the hall, where the lighting was somewhat dim and not very good. Huang Wan happily took the brochure and went to the corridor to look for a while, then returned in a mix of surprise and joy, almost shouting: "So there are recent works by Mr. Li among the exhibits? Ah, I am so excited; it has probably been four or five years since he had new works! I must go see it, I am so excited."

Huang Wan smiled apologetically: "I hope everything goes smoothly from now on"

Xue Yuan smiled without speaking

Ding Yinan barely held back a laugh: "Are you surprised? You haven't seen anything yet when we were sleeping together under the same blanket."

It was already quite late for them, and both the bus and subway had stopped operating. With no other choice, Xue Yuan had to take a taxi back.

With a myriad of emotions swirling in her mind, she returned to her room, kicked off her high heels, and collapsed onto the bed to sleep. It was time to rest well, for if memory serves, she would officially start work next Monday

Yet in this unadorned appearance, the feeling of déjà vu he experienced upon first seeing her once again wrapped around his heart like a spider's thread. Though delicate, it lingered in the most subtle corners of his heart. This sensation reminded him of a certain month, day, and hour many years ago when he had encountered this young girl. He grasped at that fragile thread, yearning to uncover more, but it suddenly snapped—plunging him back into the void.

Xue Yuan said, "Hey, are you complimenting me or criticizing me?"

Not only will there be new works, but as far as I know, he himself will also be present. Xue Yuan paused before speaking

Ding Yinan, brimming with confidence, tossed her clothes back to the sales assistant and said, "Wrap it up." She then strode over to Xue Yuan, who was seated on the sofa in the store, and boldly lifted her chin with her delicate finger in front of the crowd. She leaned down inch by inch until their cheeks were almost touching, and then moved her lips to Xue Yuan's ear, laughing softly.

They scrutinized her from head to toe, as if to confirm that she was unharmed. Behind her was the night of this metropolis, adorned with lights that sparkled like a starry sky, resembling a velvet curtain embellished with jewels, resplendent in its grandeur. She stood before this curtain, every gesture and movement akin to that of an actor on stage, measured and unhurried

At that time, it was quite crazy, " Xue Yuan said with a self-deprecating smile, her fingers brushing against her forehead, " As a result, after all that hard work, in the end, nothing at all ... ... "

After dinner, which they finished after 8 o'clock, Xue Yuan was taken by Ding Yinan to go shopping at the mall. Ding Yinan, with great generosity, bought several pieces of clothing and hats, and her lavish spending truly made Xue Yuan envious.

Xiao Zhengyu watched her leave, the information on her resume floating before his eyes—aside from being older than the other recent graduates, there seemed to be no issues at all. He gradually furrowed his brows, until he could no longer see her figure, and finally departed.

"Wait a moment," Xiao Zhengyu called out to her, "Are you Xue Yuan?"

The saying that a secretary is a reflection of the boss is eternally true. It is widely known that there is an old saying, "The King of Chu favored slender waists, and many starved to death in the palace." Zhang Lingli, as a perfectionist, naturally chose a secretary who can also be deemed perfect.

I think it is not impossible. During this period, I have observed that some artists signed by Boyi do not necessarily produce excellent works. Their fame does not match their actual abilities. Sometimes, nurturing an artist is akin to nurturing a star; as long as they are obedient, it suffices, while the quality of their skills becomes less important. However, for now, Huang Wan's grounded approach to painting is certainly commendable. " Xue Yuan said, taking out two tickets and a brochure from her bag. "The day after tomorrow, Boyi will hold a modern art exhibition. If you have time, you can go and take a look. It is quite large in scale, and many renowned artists will be present."

A teasing remark, laced with a hint of humor, reached Xiao Zhengyu's ears, snapping him back to reality. He responded, half-jokingly and half-seriously, "I am worried about you. How will you manage your work in the future? You have to wear high heels every day."

When I saw her during the day, she wore light makeup and a well-fitted suit. A few casual exchanges were enough to determine that she was the type of articulate professional woman. Now, she is bare-faced; although she is still joking, there is always a hint of subtle bitterness in her expression, far from the vibrant spirit of the day. The only thing that seems unchanged is perhaps her calm demeanor in handling the situation.

I apologize, I may have mistaken you for someone else," Xiao Zhengyu said as he opened the drawer and handed her an envelope: "Here are two tickets for the modern art exhibition the day after tomorrow, which Mr. Zhang just instructed me to give to you.

The shy demeanor made both women laugh. It is indeed unusual for someone studying art to be so bashful, which is also the reason why Ding Yinan likes him. Fortunately, he comes from a well-off family, and no one expects him to earn a living, allowing him to smoothly pursue his path in art, chasing after the most idealistic carrot known as "painter".

Ding Yinan bit her ear: "I have always felt that you are searching for something. From the books you usually read and the interests you express, it is clear that you are a person with a strong sense of purpose. What exactly are you looking for?"

Looking around, Ding Yinan contentedly stroked her chin and then tugged at Huang Wan's arm, which was almost fossilized: "It's one thing for others to be surprised, but why are you so shocked? Is this your first time seeing two women hugging each other?"

Xue Yuan began to space out: "What?"

"Not long, not long, I haven't even received half a penny in wages," Xue Yuan said jokingly, "The only benefit is that I am relatively well-informed"

At the moment these words were spoken, the two individuals' gazes briefly met in the air. Xue Yuan was momentarily lost in thought. Xiao Zhengyu's office, while not particularly large, was also not small; standing at the doorway of the office, the two exchanged silent glances, and even though it lasted only a second or two, an emotion known as awkwardness was palpable in the air.

I went to have a meal with my classmates and came back at this time" Xue Yuan slowly put on her leather shoes with a slight smile and asked, "What about you? Just getting off work now?

She rested her chin on her hand, gazing into the distance, yet could see nothing before her. Until two dazzling beams of headlights came to a stop in front of her. She squinted her eyes, waiting for the car to disappear on its own, but it seemed that things were unexpected; amidst the bright white light, a tall figure was walking towards her direction. She still couldn't be bothered to think about who was in the car; at such a time and in such a place, there probably wouldn't be anyone who recognized her.

Although he did not understand a single word of what the two said, the ambiguous posture had already left his jaw nearly on the ground, and even after they parted, he maintained a wide-eyed expression with his mouth agape.

This statement is the truth, and cannot be more correct

In the bustling shopping mall, the dazzling white lights illuminated Xue Yuan's complexion, which was as fine as white porcelain, without a trace of ripples, calm as before: "Yi Nan, I think we can make it to a less crowded place to discuss this topic. Look, everyone is staring at us, including your Ah Wan."

The warm air she exhaled while speaking, mingled with gentle whispers, was as sweet as poison: "Although you never bring it up yourself, I still know. You initially did not study fine arts; you were actually a top student in the Foreign Language Department of the Diplomatic Academy. You dropped out in your junior year to retake the college entrance examination, which is how you entered the Academy of Fine Arts, making you two or three years older than us. Not everyone can give up such a prestigious university." You initially did not study fine arts; you were actually a top student in the Foreign Language Department of the Diplomatic Academy. You dropped out in your junior year to retake the college entrance examination, which is how you entered the Academy of Fine Arts, making you two or three years older than us. Not everyone can give up such a prestigious university.

On that day, she walked too much, and wearing high heels, after getting out of the taxi, she felt as if her soles were leaden. She simply took off her shoes, wrapped the laces in her palm, and walked back step by step

The reason for this dinner invitation is quite simple: several oil paintings from Huang Wan's series titled "Youth" have been sold for the first time, and the price is quite considerable. The amount of money is far beyond their expectations, and the two of them stared at the stack of money in astonishment for a while, feeling that it is better to share joy than to enjoy it alone, so they invited Xue Yuan out for a meal

Xue Yuan put on her shoes and looked up to call her: "Secretary Xiao?"

She quickly stood up and put on a gracious smile: "Secretary Xiao, I didn't expect to see you here"

Due to the matter of finding a job, Ding Yinan has greatly helped her, and this favor cannot be easily declined. After changing her clothes, she went out.

Secretary Xiao, something happened to my face

"Then doesn't that mean you have the advantage of being close to the water and can catch the fish first?" Ding Yinan propped her chin up and said, "I remember you seemed quite infatuated with him, right? Was it during your freshman or sophomore year when he held a national touring art exhibition? You skipped a month of classes, chasing the exhibition all over China. We all said you were crazy. I still remember how you looked when you came back, as if you had been disfigured."

Xiao Zhengyu felt a chill in his heart, and for some unknown reason, he actually took a step back

His inquiry was neither rude nor abrupt; it was still polite and refined. However, Xue Yuan felt uncomfortable, as if his gaze had penetrated through her.

Xiao Zhengyu looked utterly confused and asked, "What are you doing here?"

This is naturally good news, as Xue Yuan raised her cup of cola to toast with Huang Wan: "Congratulations, congratulations. I have always said you are a thoroughbred, and there will always be someone like Bo Le who appreciates you"

"It is getting late, I will head back first. Secretary Xiao, you drive back carefully along the way." Xue Yuan bent down to pick up her handbag from the ground and walked back slowly.

At that time, Xiao Zhengyu had just arrived at the office, set down his briefcase, quickly scanned the note, and nodded to her: "Thank you."

Mr. Zhang mentioned that you may invite your friends to visit, and there will be a grand ceremony at that time. If they wish to attend, it is essential to choose the first day.

Xiao Zhengyu is someone whom Xue Yuan had heard of before, and in fact, it is nearly impossible for any employee of Boyi, especially the female staff, not to know him. According to the descriptions from the women: only after seeing him do they first feel a sense of jealousy towards Zhang Lingli, who completely monopolizes him, wishing they could also become Zhang Lingli, making him run around and cater to them. This man does not need to work; with his looks, he could easily live off others.

"When did we meet?" Xue Yuan was taken aback for a moment, then smiled again, "I don't have any impression of it."

Accompanying Ding Yinan is her boyfriend Huang Wan, a male student from the same school and grade, majoring in oil painting in the Fine Arts Department. With only half a month left until their official graduation, the three chose to dine at a nearby restaurant known for its good quality and reasonable prices, which has a solid reputation. Since they frequent the place, the owner is familiar with them and immediately found a nice table for the three.

Xue Yuan exclaimed "Oh," with a smile, saying, "I am all ears and listening attentively."

Although he displayed a professional smile, it still brought a sense of tranquility to those who saw it, showing no trace of jealousy towards the usurper after his work was taken away. Xue Yuan looked at him and, unable to hold back, the corners of her mouth lifted into a gentle arc: "No need to be polite"

Correct. She turned her half-turned body back again.

Surprised, she raised her head and squinted her eyes to discern for a moment, and finally realized that the person who was hurrying towards her and looking down at her was Xiao Zhengyu. She never expected to encounter someone she knew at this time and place; the first thought that crossed her mind was, "Oh no, I actually lost my composure in front of a colleague," and the next thought that followed was, "I must act quickly to remedy the situation"

"One will eventually get used to it," Xue Yuan teased, "A living person will certainly not be suffocated by high heels."

She walked slowly, her mind wandering to many things. There was a similar lake in her previous university, where the lotus flowers bloomed brilliantly in the summer, a pure land and source of inspiration for scholars and poets; her classmates at that time were all either pursuing research or working... Those memories seemed too distant, and she soon recalled today's move, having completely vacated the dormitory she had lived in for four years. She had little emotional attachment to that dormitory, yet still felt a strange sense of loss; her already muddled mind was stirred by the lake breeze, causing her steps to falter. She simply threw off her shoes, leaned against the railing of the artificial lake, and sat down on the grass. Soon, she remembered today's move, having completely vacated the dormitory she had lived in for four years. She had little emotional attachment to that dormitory, yet still felt a strange sense of loss; her already muddled mind was stirred by the lake breeze, causing her steps to falter. She simply threw off her shoes, leaned against the railing of the artificial lake, and sat down on the grass.

Thank you for your concern," Xue Yuan laughed out loud, exaggeratedly sighing, "How should I put it, I still am not accustomed to wearing high heels. It looks quite awkward, and I have embarrassed myself in front of you.

Xiao Zhengyu realized that his mind was wandering, and he quickly focused his thoughts, responding: "Yes, I was handling a few documents and just finished now. I happened to see you sitting by the lake while driving out, so I stopped to ask."

The person before her resembled the rumors, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, with an ever-present gentle and refined smile, and as he approached, a refreshing scent of perfume wafted towards her. Indeed, seeing is believing. Xue Yuan murmured this to herself, putting a smile on her face, and respectfully handed over the note with both hands.

Xue Yuan immediately cursed the damned allure of men in her heart and blamed her insufficient cultivation. After explaining the matter, she politely inclined her body and smiled: "Secretary Xiao, I will take my leave now"

A strange warmth rolled through my heart, and I felt immensely grateful for Zhang Lingli's attentiveness. I gained a new understanding of how Zhang Lingli could manage such a large gallery. Although I clearly knew that these two tickets were merely a small trick to win people's hearts, their timely presentation had an extraordinary effect. It was like a bullet piercing through the heart, unfailingly accurate, with a hundred percent effectiveness

Ding Yinan smiled with a radiant face, even her head full of red hair seemed overshadowed: "Ah Yuan, don't you think this is quite a coincidence? I remember you commented on Ah Wan's paintings a long time ago, saying 'the technique is skilled, but it is too realistic and lacks imaginative space.' Today, that agent said the same thing. Looking back over the years, although your painting skills are not great, your ability to appreciate art is remarkably accurate."

"This is not the first time; our school has all kinds of people, and I have seen it before," Huang Wan still looked puzzled, "However, seeing how close you two are really surprised me"

Ah, when we stepped into the commercial art industry, you had already entered the realm of fine arts," Ding Yinan patted Xue Yuan's shoulder, laughing with pride, "How long have you been in Bo Yi? You are already able to benefit the public.

Xue Yuan

We, "Xiao Zhengyu leaned against the desk, his face devoid of a smile for the first time, deep in thought as he stared at her, "Have we met before?"

"I praise you, but I see that you have never cared about your major course grades. Why are you suddenly so sensitive?" Ding Yinan said with a smile, "Actually, when can we get Boyi to sign a contract to represent Awan's paintings? That would be the real achievement."

In fact, that day Xue Yuan still could not get a proper rest. After meeting with Xiao Zhengyu, she returned to her room to sleep, feeling too exhausted. She did not even organize the scattered luggage on the floor, but simply collapsed onto the bed, turned on the air conditioning, pulled the blanket over her head, and fell into a deep sleep. It was not until her phone rang incessantly that she woke up, and when she looked outside, the sun had just set.

Ah, the friendship among women cannot be expected to be understood by these men, " Xue Yuan pushed her a little and took over the topic, " Alright, alright, let's hurry up and settle the bill.

"You should also find a boyfriend who can earn money," Ding Yinan said while trying on a new outfit, looking at Xue Yuan in the mirror. "If you lowered your standards a bit, you would be much more popular. Don't talk to me about generational gaps; you are only two or three years older than us, not twenty or thirty. I don't believe our differences are that significant. After four years of university, the more I get to know you, the less I understand what you are holding onto. I have said this many times, but I want to emphasize it once more: you are not like us—" After four years of university, the more I get to know you, the less I understand what you are holding onto. I have said this many times, but I want to emphasize it once more: you are not like us—

Her voice gradually lowered, the last few words became indistinct, ultimately extinguished at the tip of her tongue

Indeed, Xue Yuan paused for a moment and expressed, "I am very grateful to General Zhang, and also to Secretary Xiao, thank you very much."

The night can also exist without the moon, and the wonders created by industrial civilization are sometimes no less impressive than the beauty of nature. On one side of the road stands the Boyi Gallery, a four-story building with a considerable footprint, quietly towering in the night. It houses artworks within, while its exterior appears more like a naturally formed piece of art. On the other side of the road lies the largest artificial lake in the city, with clear waters and willow branches gently resting on the fence, creating a picturesque scene that harmoniously blends with the fashion-forward essence of this metropolis.

The restaurant was mostly filled with students from nearby universities, chatting and laughing, creating a lively atmosphere. Ding Yinan expressed her feelings about graduation and finally got to the main topic.

On the other end of the phone was my roommate Ding Yinan, who excitedly shouted, "Come out, come out, I will treat you to a meal. Same place."