Ailin stood on the sidewalk, staring up at the towering glass building of Huaxing Corporation, the pride of Country J's business world. The polished walls gleamed beneath the morning sun, reflecting the endless stream of people in sharp suits rushing in and out.
Her palms dampened as she tightened her grip on her bag. This is it, she told herself, drawing a steady breath before stepping forward.
She slipped into the flow of professionals and pushed through the revolving doors.
Approaching the counter, she forced a polite smile. "Excuse me, I'm here for the interview. Could you tell me where it's being held?"
The receptionist looked up smiling. "Conference Room Five, miss. Twelfth floor. Good luck."
"Thank you" Ailin murmured, bowing slightly before hurrying toward the elevators.
By the time she reached the room, several candidates were already waiting, dressed immaculately, resumes in hand. Her stomach tightened as she slid into an empty chair.
"Please take a number" an assistant said, passing her a slip of paper.
She nodded, clutching it as though it might anchor her. You've prepared for this. You can do it.
One by one, names were called. Doors opened, doors closed. Candidates went in with perfect posture and came out with unreadable faces. Then her number.
Her pulse hammered as she rose. She smoothed her skirt, inhaled once, and pushed the door open.
Inside, a panel of interviewers sat behind a long table, their expressions cool and unreadable.
"Please sit" one of them said.
Ailin straightened her back, lowering herself into the chair. "Good morning. My name is Ailin. Thank you for this opportunity."
The questions came fast, her design process, inspirations, experience. At first her voice shook, but the more she spoke about her work, the steadier she grew. Her passion carried her words.
Minutes later, the lead interviewer gave a small nod. "That will be all. Please wait outside. Results will be announced shortly."
"Alright, thank you." Ailin stood, bowed politely, and walked out with careful steps, though her heart thundered in her chest.
She rushed into the ladies' restroom, her heart still racing from the interview. She twisted the tap and splashed cold water onto her face, hoping to quiet the storm in her chest.
"Breathe… just breathe" she whispered, meeting her pale reflection in the mirror.
She was about to leave when a voice floated out from one of the stalls.
"Oh, thank god." A nervous laugh. "This is so embarrassing, but… do you have tissues? The dispenser's empty."
Ailin blinked, then quickly dug through her bag. "Yes here."
She slid a packet under the door.
A moment later, it opened, and a tall girl with long dark hair stepped out. k
"Thank you" the girl said warmly, flashing a bright smile. "You just saved me."
Ailin returned the smile, a little shy. "It's nothing."
The girl's gaze lingered, curious. "You're here for the interview too, aren't you?"
"Yes," Ailin admitted, fingers tightening on her bag strap.
"Thought so." The girl extended her hand. "I'm Ninglan."
"Ailin" she replied, shaking it gently.
Just like that, the tension eased. The two walked back together, chatting softly, and walked into the waiting area side by side.
Not long after, the interviews ended. An assistant stepped forward with a clipboard. "We'll now announce the results."
The room fell into silence, every candidate sitting stiffly, holding their breath. Names were called one by one, the air thick with anticipation.
When "Ailin" was read out, her heart nearly burst. She clapped a hand over her mouth, stunned. A moment later, Ninglan's name followed.
"We… we did it!" Ninglan beamed, throwing her arms around her.
Ailin laughed, relief flooding through her. "Yes, we passed!"
The staff addressed the group of successful candidates. "Congratulations. Please prepare to start on the official date. For now, we'll show you to your offices."
As they followed the others down the hallway, Ailin and Ninglan exchanged a glance full of quiet excitement.
Ninglan hooked her arm through Ailin's with a radiant smile.
"Since we both passed, I'm treating you! We have to celebrate."
Ailin hesitated, but Ninglan gave her no chance to refuse. Before long, they were inside Ninglan's car, heading to a restaurant she'd chosen.
When the dishes arrived, mapo tofu, cumin lamb, dumplings, stir-fried vegetables. Ninglan's face lit up, her eyes sparkled. "Finally! I was starving."
Ailin found herself laughing. Between bites, she said softly, "I need to buy a lot of things for my new apartment… furniture, decorations"
Ninglan froze mid-bite. "Interior decoration? That's my specialty!" She clapped her hands. "Come on, I'll help you. Let's hit the mall right after this."
Before Ailin could object, Ninglan was already dragging her out of the restaurant.
~~~
At the mall, Ninglan moved with confidence, pairing colors and textures like a pro. Ailin trailed behind, awestruck at how effortlessly she made everything come together.
Then Ninglan tugged her toward the clothing section. "Now, my turn. I need clothes."
Ninglan looked at Ailin and said, "You're a fashion designer, but you don't dress like one. Come on, live like the young woman you are."
Ailin shook her head. "No, I don't really"
"Don't argue." Ninglan held up a chic dress.
Reluctantly, Ailin stepped into the fitting room. When she caught sight of herself in the mirror, her chest tightened.
Her hands curled into the fabric. Then her eyes met Ninglan's in the mirror. "I… I want to be different from now on."
Ninglan's face lit up. "That's the spirit! Leave it to me, I'll pick everything."
For the next hour, they tried on outfits, shoes, and bags. Ninglan critiqued with mock severity, praising when something was perfect. Ailin couldn't stop laughing as she paraded in front of her like a model before a very stern judge.
Then came beauty.
At the salon, Ailin received a full facial, her skin glowing afterward. Ninglan stocked her up on skincare, then ushered her to the hair section.
"What kind of style do you want?" the stylist asked.
Ailin hesitated, touching her hair. "Something… that suits me"
The stylist worked carefully, reshaping her look. Her nails were trimmed and polished a soft, elegant shade. Finally, Ninglan insisted on makeup essentials.
When Ailin looked into the mirror, she froze. Her blonde hair fell in layered waves just past her shoulders, subtle highlights catching the light.
"Oh my god" Ninglan whispered. "You look amazing."
Ailin's throat tightened. "I don't even recognize myself."
She turned and hugged Ninglan tightly. "Thank you… thank you so much."
Ninglan patted her back with a smile. "No need to thank me. This is who you were meant to be."
By the time they reached Ailin's new apartment, the movers had already delivered her boxes. Together, they rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Ninglan began by arranging furniture and decorations, Ailin followed suit, adding small touches of her own.
By the time they finished, night had fallen.
Ailin wiped sweat from her forehead, grinning. "Dinner's on me. Hot pot?"
"Perfect" Ninglan replied instantly.
When the delivery arrived, the rich aroma of meat and spice filled the apartment. They laughed as they carried the dishes inside, then sat cross-legged on the floor, eating and chatting.
Later, when they finally lay down to rest, Ailin glanced at Ninglan sleeping peacefully beside her.
"Thank you… for coming into my life."