Pretending to Cultivate in Kindergarten

Chapter 302: Special Treatment

After being checked by security, the interview line moved in an orderly fashion into the company’s first-floor lobby.

Everyone entering Zhengshi Music for the first time couldn’t help but gasp at how grand the interior looked.

Xiao Shu chatted with Lin Xiaoli while waiting in line, catching up on what each had been doing after quitting their previous jobs.

Lin Xiaoli also mentioned how her nail salon eventually shut down. Having an old friend there helped ease some of the anxiety.

She looked toward the offices up ahead.

“Those offices must be where the interviews are, huh? Looks like there are six people in there.”

Xiao Shu, having done her homework beforehand (a must for someone with social anxiety), was well-prepared.

“This company interviews in batches. I read on some forums that after a theory test, if you pass, there’s a practical test by a makeup evaluator. You have to pass both to even be considered for selection.”

Lin Xiaoli was surprised. “You really did your re

She raised a hand to her mouth and gave a light cough.

Then she whispered to the employee:

“See that elegant woman in the ponytail and red midi skirt holding a form?”

The employee glanced over. “Mm, the one holding the interview sheet? I see her, President Jiang.”

“Yeah, that one. Go ask her...”

She whispered a few more instructions. The employee nodded. “Understood, President Jiang. Leave it to me.”

As soon as he walked off, Jiang Jingshi darted into hiding behind a nearby partition, peeking out in secret.

In the line, Xiao Shu excitedly nudged Lin Xiaoli:

“Sister Lin, did you see that? That older woman in the suit—that’s Wang Lan, the general manager of Zhengshi Music! And the other one next to her looks like the Vice President of the main company! ”

“Huh? Seriously? Even the bosses here are so young?”

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure. I’ve seen their pictures online before!”

Just then, the male employee walked up to Lin Xiaoli.

“Hello!”

It startled her. “Huh? Are you talking to me?”

He nodded and extended his hand. “Could I see your résumé?”

Everyone nearby turned to look. Lin Xiaoli, puzzled, handed it over. “Here…”

He skimmed it. “Miss Lin, you’re applying for the makeup artist position?”

“Y-yes... is something wrong?”

“Could you come with me? I need to speak with you privately.”

“Uh? Am I being cut? I’m almost at the front of the line!”

“You’ll understand in a moment.”

Lin Xiaoli, heart sinking, followed him to the side. Her thoughts were in chaos. Am I being rejected for looking too old? She hadn’t even seen the interview room yet!

They walked away from the line. Others were watching but couldn’t hear what they were saying.

Nervously, Lin Xiaoli stammered:

“Is... is there a problem with my résumé? Does it not meet your requirements? I have my makeup certificate, and HR said age was fine for this position…”

“No, no, it’s nothing like that,” the staffer said, returning her résumé.

Then, repeating Jiang Jingshi’s exact wording, he asked:

“Miss Lin, are you thirsty?”

Lin Xiaoli was totally confused. “What class? What? I didn’t hear you—could you repeat that?”

He smiled politely. “I asked—are you thirsty? Would you like some water?”

“Huh? Water?” She waved her hand. “No, no, I’m not thirsty. I just want to know why you pulled me aside.”

“Oh, no worries. Are you hungry? Did you have breakfast?”

“What do you mean?” she was totally lost.

“We have a break room. Would you like to rest there? There are snacks, drinks—if there’s anything specific you want, just tell me. I’ll go get it for you. Whatever you’d like—anything.”

He glanced at the line and added:

“I saw you chatting with that young lady earlier—is she your friend? Feel free to bring her too. You can both relax in the lounge.”

Lin Xiaoli’s brain froze. Now she was not just confused, she was scared.

“I’m sorry... I really don’t get what you’re saying. Are you mad we were talking while waiting? We’ll stop! I swear!”

The employee was sweating. “N-no, there’s no need to apologize to me! If anything, I should be the one apologizing…”

This was getting tricky. Clearly, this woman was someone President Jiang knew, and he was screwing it up.

Lin Xiaoli, now more terrified:

“Why would you apologize to me? That doesn’t make sense...”

From behind the partition, Jiang Jingshi massaged her temples. Somehow, she’d only made Auntie more confused.

Right then, Lin Zhengran finally came down from the second floor and spotted Jiang Jingshi peeking out from behind a doorway.

Curious, he walked over to see what she was doing.