The transition was jarring. As Lin Xia reached the heavy revolving doors of the Lu Group Headquarters, the sky did something cruel: it cleared. The gray, oppressive clouds parted just enough for a weak, mocking sun to glint off the glass monolith. The rain vanished as if it had never been there at all.
For Xia, this was a disaster. She stood in the middle of the gleaming marble lobby, a walking relic of a storm that no longer existed. In the now-bright light, she looked even more out of place. She was clutching a massive, soaking wet black umbrella with a silver handle that bore the Lu family crest—a crest that seemed to glow under the lobby’s spotlights. Carrying a heavy, high-end umbrella when the sun is out was like wearing a neon sign that read: I was with the CEO.
She approached the reception desk, her cheap, water-damaged flats squeaking on the pristine floor. The receptionist’s eyes went wide. It’s sunny outside, the woman thought, her brain short-circuiting. Why is she holding the CEO's personal umbrella? Is this a public statement?
"I... I have an appointment," Xia stammered, feeling the weight of the 'weirdness' settling on her. "For the filing clerk interview." "Of course, ma'am," the receptionist whispered, her voice trembling. She didn't even ask for a name. You don't ask for credentials from someone carrying the Ice King's personal protection. "Right this way. I'll inform HR that... the guest has arrived."
The Interview Room
Xia was led to a small, glass-walled interview room on the fourth floor. She felt exposed, like a butterfly pinned to a board. She carefully took off the coat and draped it over the back of the chair, trying to hide her wrinkled blouse. She set the wet umbrella against the wall and placed her bundle of jasmine on the table. The white petals were bruised from the rain, but their scent was still heavy and sweet.
Mr. Tan, the HR Manager, walked in. He looked at the window, where the sky was a perfect, taunting blue. Then he looked at the umbrella. Then he looked at the coat. "Miss Lin," he began, his voice barely a squeak. "It’s... it’s a beautiful day outside. Why the umbrella?" "The rain... it stopped very suddenly," Xia said, her face burning.
"Right. It stopped." Tan swallowed hard, his eyes darting to the Lu family crest on the silver handle. In this building, the CEO’s property was more than just an object; it was a symbol of favor. He looked at her resume, then back at the $10,000 coat. "Miss Lin, we aren't hiring a filing clerk today. We have an urgent vacancy on the 88th floor. The CEO's Personal Secretary. The salary is..."