Chapter 303: Surprises in the Interview Queue

After passing security checks, the interview line moved smoothly into the company’s first-floor hall.

Facing the spacious music hall, first-timers couldn’t help but gasp at the impressive decor and grandeur.

The girl named Xiao Shu chatted with Lin Xiao Li in line about past events.

They covered what she did after quitting her job and the specific reasons for leaving.

Lin Xiao Li also shared how her nail salon eventually shut down. Having an old friend along for the interview eased her nerves quite a bit.

Lin Xiao Li looked toward the office at the front of the line:

“Is that the interview office? There are six people inside right from the start?”

Xiao Shu had already researched the company thoroughly. As someone with social anxiety, she wouldn’t come without knowing the details.

“This company interviews in batches. I’ve seen posts saying there’s a theory test first, and if you pass, a specialized makeup trial follows. Only clearing both gets you to pending status.”

Lin Xiao Li was surprised: “You’ve looked into this so thoroughly. It’s not even on the websites. But even after passing two rounds, there’s still a review?”

“Yeah, because so many people are interviewing here. There are only fifteen spots for makeup artists, but hundreds are applying, no doubt about it.”

“Now that you’ve said that, I’m even more nervous.”

Xiao Shu managed a pale smile, despite her own tension, and encouraged her:

“Don’t worry, Lin Jie. With your skills, you’ll definitely make it. As for me… I still clam up when I’m nervous, and I don’t know if I’ll get through this time…”

Lin Xiao Li encouraged her: “Xiao Shu, don’t be afraid. I know your abilities. This big company values talent, so we’re both going to succeed.”

“Lin Jie, you’re so kind.”

“Ha ha.”

No sooner had the words faded than a door in the distance swung open. A middle-aged woman in a suit and a stylish woman with wavy long hair in a suit led a group out.

Many people curiously glanced at the two, clearly some high-ranking leaders.

The two were Wang Lan and Jiang Jingshi.

Wang Lan said respectfully: “Boss Jiang, why did you and Boss Lin come over so suddenly? You didn’t let me know so I could meet you.”

Jiang Jingshi laughed: “Boss Lin said he had a small matter to handle today and didn’t tell me the details. He just asked me to wait here while he quickly uses the restroom.”

She told Wang Lan: “Go ahead and get back to work. That competition is coming up soon, right? Make sure the singers stay sharp and don’t falter. You don’t need to stick around with me.”

Wang Lan smiled: “Don’t worry about the competition. I’ll head back to my duties. If you or Boss Lin need anything, just call me.”

“Okay.”

As soon as Jiang Jingshi finished, she casually glanced toward the interview line and suddenly spotted a vaguely familiar figure in the crowd.

The changed clothes and style made Jiang Jingshi not recognize her at first, even thinking she might be mistaken.

But upon a closer look at the hairstyle and face, she confirmed it was no mistake.

Auntie?!

When she realized it was really Lin Zheng Ran’s mother, her almond eyes widened in shock!

Why was Lin Zheng Ran’s mother in the interview line?

And standing there waiting in line?!

This nearly scared her to death. This was her future mother-in-law—how could she be queuing up at her own company?

Zheng Ran’s mom was basically her mom too. If she needed anything, just a word from her would fix it.

But as she started to step forward to apologize, her high heel lifted, and she suddenly remembered something.

Lin Zheng Ran had said today was about his auntie’s matters, though he didn’t specify what. Seeing her in line now…

Could Zheng Ran have known already?

That… that still won’t do!

Jiang Jingshi watched Lin Xiao Li nervously holding her interview form and waiting.

In that moment, all the tension seemed to transfer to Jiang Jingshi. She couldn’t stand the idea of her future mother-in-law waiting in line at her company.

She swallowed hard, frightened.

But Zheng Ran hadn’t arrived yet.

So she called over a nearby male employee: “You! Come here for a second.”

The employee hurried over: “Boss Jiang!”

His respectful and clear voice drew Lin Xiao Li’s attention from the line.

It startled Jiang Jingshi even more; she quickly turned her back to the auntie.

She lightly coughed into her fist.

She whispered to the employee: “Do you see that auntie in the line with the ponytail, wearing a red knee-length skirt? She’s quite pretty.”

The male employee glanced over: “Yeah, the one holding the interview form? I see her, Boss Jiang.”

“Yes, that’s her. Go ask her…”

After giving some instructions, the employee nodded: “Got it, Boss Jiang. Don’t worry, no problem.”

With that, Jiang Jingshi quickly ducked away to a spot where she could secretly observe.

In the line, Xiao Shu saw the two earlier and said to Lin Xiao Li:

“Lin Jie, Lin Jie! Did you see that? The older one in the suit is the general manager of Zheng Shi Music! And the one next to her seems to be the deputy head from the main office!”

“Really? The company heads are that young?”

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure. I saw photos online before!”

As they spoke, the employee with the task approached Lin Xiao Li: “Hello!”

The greeting made Lin Xiao Li jump: “Huh? Are you talking to me?”

The employee nodded: “May I see your resume?”

People in line all turned to look. Lin Xiao Li, confused, handed it over: “Here.”

The employee scanned it: “Miss Lin, you’re applying for a makeup artist position?”

“Yes, what’s… what’s going on?” Lin Xiao Li asked, puzzled.

“Please come with me for a moment. I need to discuss something with you privately.”

“Ah? I haven’t been eliminated, have I? I’m almost at the front!”

“You’ll find out when you come over.”

Lin Xiao Li followed him aside, feeling a bit desperate. She wondered if they were cutting her because of her age.

That would be awful—she hadn’t even seen the interview office yet.

Once aside, others still watched, though they couldn’t hear the conversation.

Lin Xiao Li stammered: “Excuse me… is there something wrong with my resume? Doesn’t it meet your company’s requirements? I have a makeup certificate, and HR said my age was fine for the interview.”

“No, no, that’s not it. I just wanted to ask you.” The employee handed the resume back.

Following Jiang Jingshi’s instructions, he asked word for word: “Miss Lin, are you thirsty?”

Lin Xiao Li was baffled, her mind not going in that direction: “Thirsty? What about class? I didn’t hear you clearly—could you say that again?”

The male employee smiled politely: “I meant, are you thirsty? Would you like some water?”

“Oh, water?” She waved it off: “No need, I’m not thirsty. I just want to know why you called me over.”

“Oh, okay. Are you hungry? Have you had breakfast?”

“What do you mean by this…?” She didn’t understand.

“We have a dedicated tea room. I’d like to invite you to sit there. There are snacks and such, or if there’s anything you want to eat or drink, just tell me—I’ll get someone to buy it. Anything at all, I can arrange it.”

The employee glanced at the line: “Oh, and I saw you chatting happily with that young lady in front. Is she your friend? You can bring her to the tea room to rest too.”

Lin Xiao Li’s mind went blank, more confused and scared:

“Sorry… I still don’t get what you’re saying. Are you upset because we were chatting in line? We’ll stop talking, I’m sorry.”

The employee wiped his brow: “No, please don’t apologize to me—I’m the one who should apologize.” This is getting messy.

This person must be someone Boss Jiang knows, but I think I messed it up.

Lin Xiao Li trembled: “Why are you apologizing? That doesn’t make sense.”

From behind the door in the distance, Jiang Jingshi overheard and rubbed her forehead. How did this end up scaring the auntie instead?

Just then, Lin Zheng Ran finally came down from the second floor and saw Jiang Jingshi hiding behind a door, wondering what she was up to.