Chapter 15: Guidance

Bi Qiao’an’s days flowed serenely between the university and Shen Yanming’s home. 

As graduation loomed, her class schedule thinned, and days were filled with carefree laughter echoing through hallways during breaks and leisurely study sessions spent with classmates in the library. 

Even household chores became a distant memory, thanks to Shen Yanming’s thoughtful handling of everything at home. 

Her life exuded carefree contentment, at least until Chen Jin’s final interview with the Shen Group.

“My dearest friends, celebrate with me! I passed the third round of Shen Group’s interview!” Chen Jin beamed, genuine delight replacing her usual practiced charm. Bi Qiao’an couldn’t help but admit that she looked much more beautiful in this genuine display of joy.

“Congratulations! It’s a fantastic career step,” Bi Qiao’an offered her hearty congratulations. Given Chen Jin’s knack for making a good first impression, this wasn’t a complete surprise. 

In her previous life, Chen Jin had pressured Bi Qiao’an relentlessly about landing a coveted headquarters position. This time around, however, an assignment to a subsidiary was considered the usual course.

Ever the pragmatist, Jiang Shanshan cut straight to the chase. “Did you sign the contract already? What’s the salary?”

“Yep, all done. But I’m assigned to a branch office, which means a 1K pay cut compared to the head office.” Despite the slight decrease, Jiang Shanshan understood that the compensation remained attractive. Openly envious, she sighed at Chen Jin’s good fortune.

Only now did the disparity between regional and headquarters salaries hit Bi Qiao’an. No wonder in her previous life, Chen Jin had felt such envy towards her.

“Excellent work regardless! I heard over seven hundred applicants from our school alone vied for spots. How many made the final cut?” Song Wennuan asked as she wearily removed her glasses after finally submitting her thesis draft for her professor’s review.

“Around a one percent acceptance rate, I think. I counted, and only twenty-five were hired in the end, including the nine from our school,” Chen Jin had meticulously memorized these numbers for just such an occasion, using hard statistics to showcase her brilliance.

“Awesome! Does this accomplishment warrant a celebratory treat from you sometime?” Jiang Shanshan cheekily winked, ever the opportunist.

Chen Jin simply laughed and said, “Speaking of unbelievable things I overheard during interviews… Rumor has it that Mr. Shen, the Shen Group’s major shareholder and CEO, is terminally ill and on his last legs!”

“Pfft, cough, cough,” A startled Bi Qiao’an spewed her coffee, fortunately spraying the floor instead of anyone.

“Whoa, why such a sudden reaction?” Song Wennuan quickly grabbed paper towels to clean the mess.

“Sorry, just surprised,” Bi Qiao’an stammered, wiping drips from her chin while forcing a nonchalant facade.

Lacking context, Jiang Shanshan inquired, “How old is this CEO Shen? Would his death significantly impact you in any way?”

“Apparently, he’s not even thirty. High-ranking positions come with immense pressure. I guess it’s a burden of upper management. My interviewer assured me it wouldn’t significantly affect entry-level units, and the company operations would proceed smoothly regardless.”

Jiang Shanshan nodded in understanding. “Oh, then that’s good. Remember to let me know about any suitable openings, I’m still job hunting.”

“Definitely. My schedule’s open now, so I’ll focus on getting you placed too.” Basking in her temporary power, Chen Jin offered magnanimously. “Need any help, Qiao’an?”

Bi Qiao’an waved her hands dismissively. “I’m all set, thanks to my meal ticket fiancé! Just awaiting days of lapdog luxury now, hehe.”

Song Wennuan chuckled at the image. “Look at her slackitude! I’m clearly the better punt.”

Seeing their enthusiastic chatter, Bi Qiao’an used the opportunity to slip outside with her phone for a private walk. Finding a quiet corner in the garden, she immediately called Shen Yanming.

“How are things going?” she asked.

“Bearable,” he said, “Just finished another group of curious visitors. Did you miss me already?”

“Actually,” Bi Qiao’an cut to the chase, “I overheard some concerning rumors… Are you okay?”

Shen Yanming’s chuckle echoed on the other end, “I’m fine, I’ll explain everything when you return.”

“It’s been almost a week since you sent me back here!” she said, a slight pout forming on her lips.

“Soon, very soon, I promise. I just need to tie up some loose ends. I’ll come get you personally. Take care, my dear.”

“Okay.” Reassured by his words, Bi Qiao’an hung up and headed to the bookstore for study materials before venturing to the grocery store. She filled her basket with comfort foods like yogurt, beef jerky, and chips. As an afterthought, she ordered takeout of sweet and sour pork ribs with string beans for lunch.

“Whoa, something smells amazing. Qiao’an, how could you not tell me? I’d be happy to treat you too,” Jiang Shanshan said, exaggeratedly sniffing the air wafting through the room.

“Oh, I didn’t think I could manage carrying more. Want mine instead?” Bi Qiao’an offered the untouched containers, knowing full well Jiang Shanshan was jesting.

“You know I was kidding! Chen Jin just announced she’s treating everyone to celebrate her new job, so you missed out by not coming along.”

“Ah, what a pity then,” Bi Qiao’an said nonchalantly and started to eat her lunch. “I already bought myself a meal, no worries.”

Clicking her tongue, Jiang Shanshan commented enviously, “Chen Jin’s very first treat, too. Definitely a missed opportunity!”

Shortly after lunch, Chen Jin strolled back to their dorm, content and clinging to Xiao Fei’s arm. Song Wennuan and Jiang Shanshan trailed behind with a hint of wistfulness in their smiles at the public display of affection.

Instead of taking her typical afternoon nap, Bi Qiao’an stayed engrossed in her studies.

Jiang Shanshan, noticing her friend’s diligence, approached her. “Studying for a civil service exam, Qiao’an?”

“Yep, just thought I’d give it a shot,” Bi Qiao’an said with a smile, not hiding it. Everyone would find out sooner or later anyway.

“But even passing might only offer a low-paying job. With your law degree, wouldn’t applying at big firms or seeking paralegal work be more sensible? Better pay awaits you either way.” Jiang Shanshan clucked her tongue, deeming Bi Qiao’an’s choice rather illogical.

Unfazed by the critique, Bi Qiao’an simply smiled. “Salary isn’t a concern, thanks to my personal savings and my fiancé’s income. I just hope to avoid being overloaded with work in the future, so I can enjoy my days in love!” she declared, her happiness impossible to conceal.

“Ugh, such sickeningly sweet lovebirds,” Jiang Shanshan teased, despite the genuine joy she felt for her friend’s contentment.

“Since your job hunt hasn’t been successful so far, why not try the same test? It has flexible hours and it’s close by, so it’s perfect for you,” Bi Qiao’an suggested, wanting to subtly help her friend.

“Nope! I need to rent an apartment after graduation, so saving money is a must. Only corporate salaries can cover those expenses.”

“But passing this offers local residency as a bonus! Isn’t that enticing?” Bi Qiao’an pointed out, knowing this was an advantage many corporations wouldn’t offer.

“Seriously?” Jiang Shanshan’s eyes widened with interest.

“Absolutely!” Bi Qiao’an confirmed.

“Fantastic!” Jiang Shanshan grinned. “I saw you have two review books. Can I have the other one?” She leaned in, excited. “We can share materials and study together. With your help, I’m sure I’ll ace it!”

Bi Qiao’an, who originally intended the extra copy for Shen Yanming, readily agreed to give the other to Jiang Shanshan. She could always buy a replacement later before returning home.

“What about you, Sis Wennuan? Interested in taking the exam?” Bi Qiao’an asked, tilting her head towards her other friend.

The local residency perk held less appeal for someone from a different city, but Bi Qiao’an still asked Song Wennuan.

“…Might as well give it a try. It won’t take much time anyway,” Song Wennuan said after a brief pause and gave a grateful smile in return to Bi Qiao’an.

Jiang Shanshan generously offered her review book to Song Wennuan straight away to share. “Here! We can swap and share later on. Teamwork to conquer the beast and all that.”

Song Wennuan nodded, a hint of bemusement on her face as she accepted the book. She then proceeded to curiously flip through the pages dense with information.