The entrance door to the company opened wide as Xu Li walked in; the clicking sound of her heels filling the entire lobby. She donned a red jumpsuit, black cut out heels and black leather jacket slung over her shoulders. Her long black wavy and silky hair was styled to perfection with two dangling earrings on her ears .She wore subtle make up on beautiful ovate face and had a classy designer bag on her left hand. Her chin was held high as she walked towards the private elevator. Each step she took exuded both power and authority.
"Morning,"she waved at her secretary who was stationed at the reception table outside her office and opened the door to her office walking right in.
Five minutes went by and her secretary came in to inform her of her daily schedule.
"Miss Xu that magazine company called and asked whether you had fixed their appointment. I wasn't sure if you wanted to meet them so I told them we'll get back to them later," Zhao Rao informed.
"How is my schedule today?"
"You have a board meeting at nine and Mr Xu will be there. Then a meeting with the marketing team at eleven and in the afternoon you're... you're free."
"Get back to the magazine company and tell them we'll meet at two."
"Fine. You seem to be in high spirits today. Did something happen?"Zhao Rao asked with a teasing smile.
"Nothing happened. Get back to work or I'll fire you,"Xu Li threatened her playfully.
"I apologize Miss Xu,"Zhao Rao said sarcastically and bowed,"Haha you won't do that,"she yelled and stuck out her tongue at her CEO friend and sashayed out of the room leaving Xu Li chuckling softly at her friend's antics.
Apart from the morning coffee she occasionally served to lift the CEO's spirits Zhao Rao was charming and always had a way of making Xu Li's morning brighter than ever.
At nine, Xu Li chaired the board meeting of her company 'Lingyun Tech' and at eleven she held the designed meeting with the marketing team of the company to talk about their sales ,profits and losses. In the afternoon was when the editor-in-chief of New Horizons Media visited.
"I'm Gao Ming, editor-in-chief of New Horizons Media,"the man probably in his fifties introduced himself before the CEO.
"Take a seat."
The addressed man pulled the armchair and sat directly across from Xu Li.
"Mr Gao you must be here for a reason,right? Am I in some sort of scandal and I have to pay you guys to not expose me?"the CEO queried faking surprise.
Gao Ming chuckled, taken aback by the CEO's playful attitude. He had heard of Xu Li who was often described as the Ice Queen for her cold and stoic demeanor but meeting her today proved the rumours wrong.
"We have a section in our yearly magazine that features young CEOS it's called Bachelor of the Year and this time we'd like to add something else; Bachelorette of the Year and we would like to feature you in that,"Gao Ming said.
"Doesn't that mean you're advertising I'm single and might attract stalkers?"
"That's not our intention. We're merely trying to create inspiration for the younger generation by choosing perfect role models for them. We want a young sophisticated and successful career woman especially in the business industry which is mostly regarded as a man's world and you are the epitome of that,"he elucidated
"If you put it that way then I'm in."
Gao Ming smiled at her ,"It will be a pleasure working with you Miss Xu ."
"Then I guess I'll just be posing for photos in my office only?"
"Yes and you can add something like a story behind your success but it's optional. Here is a sample from last year's magazine,"he said handing over a stylish magazine.
Xu Li skipped the first few pages and landed on the desired section letting her eyes linger there for long while studying the details.
"This Xiao Jiayuan really suits the theme,"Xu Li complimented without raising her eyes from the magazine.
Below the pictures of the popular and handsome CEO was a brief story behind his success. Xiao Jiayuan was the 25 year old CEO of Xiao Electronics Hub,a well known company in China. He took over the company from his dying father while in college five years ago. From a nearly collapsed company he elevated its position to the top most company in China. He even won the CEO of the year prize the previous year.
"Will he be featured this year again?"
"Yes but there will be two bachelors this year,"the editor-in-chief informed.
"Who else?"Xu Li asked curiously.
"Chen Yuze of Impress Perfumes."
"Oh,"the CEO replied bluntly.
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"Is the CEO of Impress Perfumes too free nowadays?"Xiao Jiayuan asked sarcastically immediately his best friend barged into his office carrying two mugs of boba tea.
"Mr Xiao are you not pleased to see me? Do you know how hard it is to be your best friend?"Chen Yuze whined plopping himself on the comfy couch in the CEO's office.
"Then let's stop being friends,"Xiao Jiayuan deadpanned.
"Aiyoo! You're so ruthless that it breaks my heart,"Chen Yuze whined again," Even if you've rejected me I still brought you boba tea."
"I have no time for that."
"Then I'll drink for you,"Chen Yuze exclaimed dramatically and sipped from the two mugs simultaneously,"One sip for you and one sip for me,"he giggled like an excited child.
"Did New Horizons Media approach you this year?"Chen Yuze asked getting serious.
"They did ,"Jiayuan replied uninterested.
"I heard they are going to add a section for Bachelorette of the Year. I wonder who it will be. I can't wait to see her,"Chen Yuze exclaimed excitedly.
"I can't think of anyone who deserves that position,"Xiao Jiayuan commented with contempt.