Genius Club

“I don’t mean to make you my full-time secretary,” Zhao Ying Jun quickly clarified, seeing Lin Xian’s initial surprise.

She looked earnest as she explained, “I’ve thought about this quite a bit. You’re financially independent. Your quarterly income surpasses that of many large companies’ annual earnings. It wouldn’t be right to just have you as a secretary. That’s why I’ve hesitated to bring this up.”

“Though you’re technically under me at MX Company, you might as well be the real boss considering everything you’ve contributed. I’ve wondered what we’d do if you left… how the company would evolve. But that’s a separate issue.”

“We’ve discussed your ambitions to start your own business, to learn business strategies, gain experience, and avoid needless mistakes. It’s crucial, and I support you. The best way to learn is undoubtedly as a CEO’s secretary.”

“A secretary, like a CEO, handles tons of business data, including confidential information. You’d be involved in decision-making and strategic planning. Often, a minor decision could dictate the company’s future. You can’t learn this stuff in any other role… only through hands-on experience. Even I and Chu Shan He learned by constantly trying and failing.”

“Since I’ve brought this up today, I want to give you some advice from the heart. You’ve been a huge help recently, so sharing my insights and experiences with you is only fair to help you on your entrepreneurial path.”

“Think about this proposal. If you’re interested, maybe you could try being my part-time secretary. It wouldn’t disrupt your daily activities.”

Zhao Ying Jun spoke sincerely. Lin Xian had never heard her speak so extensively at once. It was clear she had mulled over this conversation for a long time.

She made a compelling point. From an outsider’s view, asking someone as wealthy and skilled as Lin Xian to be a secretary might seem ridiculous. That explained her hesitance and concern about his potential misinterpretation or feeling undervalued.

A part-time secretary. Zhao Ying Jun had indeed thought this through. She wouldn’t demand all his time, mostly needing help with confidential tasks, allowing him flexibility. Recognizing his desire to learn and advance, Zhao Ying Jun offered him this role.

Lin Xian had been anticipating an opportunity like this.

“I’d be honored,” Lin Xian responded with a smile. “I appreciate your trust, and I’m confident I’ll perform well.”

Zhao Ying Jun smiled softly, turning to view the colorful night scene across the river, visibly relieved. She relaxed her arms, resting them on the riverbank railing.

“I thought you might say no.”

“I might have before,” Lin Xian confessed quietly. “But now, I see things differently. I want to acquire genuine skills, and working as your secretary is definitely the quickest way to learn. What should I start with?”

“Just keep up your current duties,” Zhao Ying Jun answered, facing him. “But I might need you more often. With the company growing, I can’t handle everything myself. I’ll rely on you for many tasks.”

“I’ll also start involving you in some confidential company issues. We have an initial plan, but we’ll fine-tune the details later.”

“And if you find the time, I’d appreciate your help in organizing the office. Not constantly, just when possible. A tidy office improves the atmosphere. Just make sure it’s only us who go in there. We need to be careful.”

Lin Xian nodded. “I’ll do my best.”

“By the way, remember the office door’s password,” Zhao Ying Jun mentioned, rubbing her eyes. “It’s 32375246.”

“That seems complex. Any special significance?” Lin Xian thought about recording it on his phone but decided against it for security reasons, repeating the number internally to memorize it.

“It’s just random,” Zhao Ying Jun gave a faint smile. “Meaningful passwords are too predictable and easy to crack. An arbitrary one is much safer.”

“That’s hard to believe, but I guess you just picked it randomly.”

“Exactly,” Lin Xian repeated the number to himself a few more times. Zhao Ying Jun was correct; it was tough to remember.

This password seemed more to protect against oneself than intruders. If he didn’t review it nightly, he might forget it by morning.

“Understood,” he assured her. “I’ll keep it confidential.”

“Don’t tell anyone else, Lin Xian,” Zhao Ying Jun warned, noting the approaching storm clouds. “Only we two should know this.”

“I’ll keep it secret,” Lin Xian promised. “Come the New Year, you’ll find your office spotless.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” she replied, smiling.

Boom! A thunderclap erupted nearby, followed by a sudden downpour.

“We should head to the car,” Zhao Ying Jun suggested.

“Let’s go.”

They rushed to the car, rain pounding heavily against the windshield, the wipers barely keeping up.

“Why did it start pouring so suddenly?” Lin Xian wondered aloud.

“That’s just typical for this season,” Zhao Ying Jun answered.

For safety, Lin Xian drove cautiously. When he dropped Zhao Ying Jun off at her place, it was nearly midnight.

“Drive safely,” Zhao Ying Jun advised as she exited. “Take the car home for the holidays. It’ll be more convenient.”

“That’s too flashy for me,” Lin Xian declined. “I’ll just park it in the company garage and leave the keys in your office.”

“Do you remember where I keep the keys?” Zhao Ying Jun smiled. “As my secretary, these decisions are yours now. Help me organize the office occasionally, and keep track of everything.”

“Will do.”

The LaFerrari roared as Lin Xian drove through the storm.

“32375246,” he whispered to himself. “Finally… it’s within my reach.”

A grin spread across his face, his heart racing like the car’s V12 engine. The invitation to the Genius Club hidden in Zhao Ying Jun’s office was now accessible. The secretive organization that had been around for over 600 years was about to unveil its mysteries.

He couldn’t understand why Zhao Ying Jun was eligible for such an invitation, but now, he was just a step away from discovering why.

Screech. The Ferrari halted in the company’s underground garage, the rain washing away the dust, leaving it shining anew.

After parking, Lin Xian took the elevator to the 22nd floor.

Clang. Clang. Clang.

The midnight elevator was ominously quiet, each cable’s friction echoing loudly. It was past 12:30 AM, and the company was deserted. Even if someone was around, it didn’t matter. As Zhao Ying Jun’s secretary, it was reasonable for him to be in her office anytime. Besides, she valued privacy, so there were no cameras in the 22nd-floor corridor or her office.

No one knew his intentions.

As the elevator doors slid open, Lin Xian stepped out into the dimly lit corridor, the keypad’s blue light glowing in the darkness.

He approached the door, each step echoing on the floor. The short walk felt like an eternity, from the first time he saw the invitation to entering the password now.

He typed the eight-digit password: 3, 2, 3, 7, 5, 2, 4, 6.

Click! The double-layered door opened with a familiar thud.

Pushing open the heavy door, he stepped into the dark office, the rain drumming on the floor-to-ceiling windows, filling the space with a metallic scent.

No lights. No moonlight. Only the standby white dot on the computer monitor flickered.

Boom! Lightning momentarily illuminated the room like daylight, the rain turning the windows into a blurry screen.

Inhaling the damp air, Lin Xian walked straight to Zhao Ying Jun’s desk. He remembered the Genius Club invitation was in the right drawer.

He pulled it open, rifling through the contents.

Empty.

He tried another drawer.

Still empty.

Bending down, he opened the file cabinet beside the desk.

“Ha…” A woman’s soft laughter echoed behind him.

Boom! Another lightning strike.

Lin Xian spun around.

On the side sofa, a woman with crossed legs and swinging high heels watched him.

She wore a trench coat, her blue earrings swaying lightly, a smile playing on her lips.

“Lin Xian, what are you looking for?”

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