Shen An just thought to himself that it was a fortunate coincidence. He wasn’t surprised at all by Wang Yuqiong’s appearance.
Her poised and graceful demeanor, combined with her knack for socializing, was quite rare among girls. And since it was rare, that made it exceptional.
If Wang Yuqiong hadn’t joined this special batch of applicants, Shen An would have mocked the Art Troupe for failing to recognize talent.
The two of them locked eyes for a moment before exchanging smiles.
Wang Yuqiong pondered briefly and immediately understood the reason. This was probably another one of Zhao Qingyu’s “tests.”
Thanks to her extensive network, Wang Yuqiong had already heard from other senior sisters about how Shen An had made quite a splash at the Student Union meeting. It showed just how quickly her sources fed her information.
What she hadn’t expected was for Zhao Qingyu to be bold enough to let a freshman like Shen An handle such an important interview.
He couldn’t tell if she was recklessly audacious or brimming with confidence.
Putting away her hint of mockery, Wang Yuqiong flashed a bright, gentle smile. She tilted her head teasingly and said, “Hello, interviewer. I’m Wang Yuqiong, a freshman in Class 1 of the English Department. My intended department is the Office.”
Shen An raised an eyebrow. “No need to be so formal, Class President.”
Wang Yuqiong clasped her hands behind her back and said softly, “We can’t mix public and private matters. If Senior Sister Zhao finds out, you might get an earful.”
Hearing this, Shen An straightened up and said seriously, “Ahem, in that case, let’s begin the interview.”
“Miss Wang, could you explain why you think you’re suited for the Office?”
Wang Yuqiong stood ramrod straight, chest puffed out. “Would the interviewer like to hear the detailed version or the brief one?”
“Is there a difference?”
“There is.” Wang Yuqiong was just about to tease Shen An a little when the classroom door was suddenly pushed open.
Both of them turned their attention that way. It was Zhao Qingyu.
Wang Yuqiong quickly schooled her playful expression, while Shen An looked as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. “Senior Sister, you’ve finally arrived.”
Zhao Qingyu sauntered in. Her fox-like eyes scanned Wang Yuqiong up and down before turning to Shen An.
She pressed her red lips together and chuckled lightly. “You’ve had a tough job.”
With that, she walked right over and sat beside Shen An, picking up the notes he’d filled with dense summaries and additions. “Don’t mind me. Please continue.”
Shen An shrugged secretly, and Wang Yuqiong held back a laugh. In a soft voice, she said, “I think I’m suited for Office work. I’ve been involved in school-level organizations since junior high, so I’m familiar with the processes. I believe my adaptability and problem-solving skills are decent, and I have solid social skills that allow me to get along well with others. I can ensure smooth collaboration with colleagues on the job.”
Wang Yuqiong launched into a long introduction of her experiences and self-assessment.
Shen An nodded from time to time. He found her evaluation quite objective—no exaggeration, and even a touch of humility.
No wonder she was so adept at socializing. Her background was rich; she was the quintessential model student. She’d been class president since junior high and had served as Student Union president at both junior high and high school.
Her resume was impressive.
At that moment, Zhao Qingyu interrupted. “Hold on a second.”
Wang Yuqiong blinked in surprise.
“You say you’re good at getting along with people and can ensure pleasant collaboration with colleagues?” Zhao Qingyu rested her cheek on her hand, her gaze teasing.
Wang Yuqiong kept her smile in place, but she silently raised her guard.
“That’s my personal view, though it might not be entirely accurate. But I think it’s close enough, Senior Sister,” Wang Yuqiong replied.
“I see. So what if you encounter someone who deliberately makes things difficult for you?”
Zhao Qingyu grinned. “No offense intended. I just want to remind you that work in the Art Troupe Office can be quite challenging at times—not easy to stick with.”
“It’s not just internal matters. You often have to deal with other Student Union departments, or even organizations from other schools.”
“You know not everyone’s as easygoing as me. Some self-important fools always want to put others down to prop themselves up.”
Easygoing? Self-important?
Hmm.
Shen An listened quietly from the side, his eyes flicking toward Zhao Qingyu now and then.
She noticed his little glances and turned her head slightly, her smile widening. “Shen An, don’t you think so?”
“You just dealt with some bullying at the Student Union yourself.”
Shen An naturally played along. “It wasn’t really bullying, but yeah, it wasn’t always pleasant.”
He winked at Wang Yuqiong. “If you ran into something like that, Miss Wang, how would you handle it?”
Both Shen An and Wang Yuqiong knew Zhao Qingyu was getting at something, though they weren’t sure who she meant.
From Wang Yuqiong’s perspective, there was no sense of malice from Zhao Qingyu—just a polite reminder, perhaps to test her adaptability.
This kind of question was standard in interviews: set up a scenario first, then have the candidate devise a solution.
Wang Yuqiong was prepared and answered without needing time to think.
Her response was very official.
First, if someone was deliberately making trouble, she could yield appropriately as long as it didn’t affect work or her principles.
If it did impact work or principles, there was no room for compromise.
Zhao Qingyu asked, “What if it doesn’t affect work but clashes with your personal principles?”
“Your attitude determines success or failure. If yielding a bit smooths things over, would you prioritize your personal pride or swallow some humiliation for the sake of the job?”
Wang Yuqiong didn’t hesitate. She smiled gracefully. “Everything has limits. I’d weigh the two based on importance, but I’d lean toward the work.”
“Perfect. In that case, could you go buy me a pack of tissues right now?”
Zhao Qingyu’s lips curved up. “I need to use the restroom.”
“This should be within your tolerance, right?”
Wang Yuqiong’s smile faltered slightly. She pulled a pack of tissues from her pocket. “I have some, Senior Sister.”
Zhao Qingyu shook her head. “I’m used to a different brand.”
“Is this Senior Sister putting me in the scenario?”
“Mm, you could say that.”
Buying tissues might seem trivial, but it perfectly mirrored the conflict between work and personal principles.
The act itself was insignificant, but it carried an undertone of condescending command.
Wang Yuqiong sneered inwardly, realizing this was deliberate hazing.
But she glanced at Shen An and said softly, “What brand would you like, Senior Sister?”
Zhao Qingyu chuckled and pulled a pack from her own pocket. “This one.”
“Got it. Please wait a moment, Senior Sister.”
Wang Yuqiong memorized the brand, then turned and left the classroom.
Shen An was a bit speechless.
Zhao Qingyu turned to him. “What? Upset on behalf of your Class President?”
Oh?
Shen An said quietly, “I just think this test is a bit unnecessary, Senior Sister.”
“It is unnecessary. I just wanted to send her away.”
Zhao Qingyu stated matter-of-factly, “This is our alone time. I don’t want outsiders watching.”
Shen An ignored the flirtatious tease in her words and said seriously, “Are you planning to work me like a mule, Senior Sister?”
“Oh dear, I have no new tasks for you. Relax.”
Zhao Qingyu patted his shoulder reassuringly.
“So what did you want to talk about, Senior Sister?” Shen An asked.
“Mm~” Zhao Qingyu furrowed her brow, thought for a moment, then shook her head. “Nothing, really.”
Shen An: ?
“I just think your class president is so pretty. Pretty enough to make me a little jealous.”
Zhao Qingyu propped her chin on her hand and drawled.
“You’re pretty too, Senior Sister,” Shen An flattered.
“Of course I am, but there’s pretty and then there’s pretty—like me and Xu Yijing, right?”
Zhao Qingyu kept circling back to Xu Yijing, leaving Shen An unsure of what she was really thinking.
This fox was acting all quirky.
She’d shown up out of nowhere and sent Wang Yuqiong on a tissue run for no reason.
The most infuriating part: she had tissues herself.
And how did Zhao Qingyu know Wang Yuqiong was his class president?
Had she looked into it beforehand?
Or had she been eavesdropping outside?
“Mm, you’re quite observant,” Zhao Qingyu changed the subject, picking up the files. “Every one is detailed.”
Shen An gave a forced smile. “It’s okay.”
“Too bad the questions are so generic.” Zhao Qingyu pouted. “Most people who come for interviews here are prepared.”
“Look at these answers—one more formulaic than the last. No fun at all.”
Shen An’s mouth twitched. “Isn’t that what interviews are supposed to ask?”
“Of course not.”
Zhao Qingyu lectured him. “Those questions have standard answers and don’t reveal true thoughts.”
“Like with your class president just now—yielding when needed, prioritizing work. What nonsense is that?”
“If push came to shove, she’d probably put her own interests first.”
“And I can tell you two get along pretty well.”
Zhao Qingyu curled her lips in faint mockery. “I just told her to buy some tissues, and she was super reluctant. But after she glanced at you, she went anyway.”
“Um, I think you’re overthinking it, Senior Sister.”
Shen An explained, “The interview spot is pretty precious, right?”
“In that case,” Zhao Qingyu said with a pout, “it just proves she’s even more two-faced. She’s harboring resentment deep down but bottling it up instead of speaking out.”
“I hate people like that the most. If she doesn’t like it, she should just say so. If she’d been upfront about it, I might’ve passed her on the spot.”
Shen An was at a loss for words. “Not everyone can be as straightforward and unrestrained as you, Senior Sister.”
“Tsk, unrestrained? Are you taking a jab at me for being so willful and reckless?” Zhao Qingyu eyed him with a sly smile.
“Sigh, Senior Sister, you really do have quite the imagination.”
“Maybe I’m just a little too suspicious by nature. But if you were in my shoes, your paranoia might be even worse than mine.”
Zhao Qingyu suddenly let out a sigh.
Another riddle-spinner, huh?
Shen An couldn’t be bothered to respond.
“I only came to check things out,” Zhao Qingyu said, not waiting for him to reply. She continued on her own. “You’ve interviewed all these new students. Got any impressions?”
“A few.”
Shen An put on a serious face. “Lots of pretty young ladies.”
Zhao Qingyu let out a puff of laughter. “Exactly. Our Art Troupe has always had high standards. If they’re not attractive, they’re out.”
“That’s why I had to come. I’m worried you’ll get fooled by all these superficial illusions. Girls are really good at putting on a show.”
Shen An gave a half-smile. “The prettier they are, the better the act—sometimes playing pitiful, other times coquettish and cute. But inside, they’re thinking something totally different. You’d better watch out.”
“Thanks for the reminder, Senior Sister.”
Zhao Qingyu gave him a wistful look. “Hmm, judging by that expression, you probably despise me too.”
“I should get going, then. Wouldn’t want to hold you up.”
“What about the tissues?”
“I’ve got some.” Zhao Qingyu pulled a pack from her pocket and shook it.
“Oh, right—don’t forget to pay me back.” She turned at the door, her voice softening.
“Okay…”
Shen An nodded reluctantly.
She had come as quickly as she left. The whole visit hadn’t even lasted a few minutes.
It felt like she’d shown up just to needle Wang Yuqiong a bit.
Shen An rubbed his temple, feeling a headache coming on. Things were starting to feel serious.
Buying tissues was no big deal, of course. But the implications behind it? Infuriating.
Zhao Qingyu didn’t just want to mess with Shen An—she seemed intent on dragging everyone around him into the fun too.
No matter what their connection to Shen An was, if he knew them, she wanted them in her games.
When Wang Yuqiong got back, she was going to blow a fuse.
