My first week at 'Obsidian Jewels' had been amazing, I hadn't ever had a job like this. Everyone had been so welcoming and none of them seemed fake. They had even given me a chance to look at some of their designs which were so good, but they surprised me when they asked for my opinion, the new guy, on how to 'improve' on what they had already done. It took my breath away, I mean, since I was the newcomer, I expected them to be critical of my work. However, when they saw my designs, they looked in awe. They thought it was so good they wanted me to make it for real. I was flattered and a little shy and I may have blushed a tiny bit. Never before had I thought I would get so lucky on my first proper job in design. A lot of my professors and visiting artists in college had said that it may take a while before you find something that really works for you and that you love.
o0o
Every morning, the receptionist would wave at me when I walked into work. I would give her a small nod and nothing more as I made my way to the elevators, hopefully soon she would get the message. As I stepped out onto the floor, Tang Cai was waiting for me, with a huge smile on his face.
"Good Morning, Cai," I greeted.
"Good Morning FuXi, I hope you enjoyed your first week? Everyone has said lovely things about you and your input in their designs," he told me, whilst walking with me to our office.
"Honestly, it went better than I thought it would, it's been great. Everyone has been really warm and welcoming. I was actually surprised," I chuckled.
"Why?" he asked.
"Well, I'm the new guy. Yet they have been asking me what I think about their work."
Tang Cai chuckled as we reached the office and my workstation. He'd stayed with me for a few hours on my first day. It had felt nice, like he was protecting me, though he needn't have bothered. Everyone was so nice.
"That's because you have a great eye for detail and I can tell you are very meticulous when designing. We aren't the only ones that have noticed either," he said cryptically.
I raised one eyebrow at him. He just smirked at me and walked away. Tang Cai left the office and I looked around. It was still fairly early and Suki was the only one in at that moment. So I decided to ask her if she knew what Tang Cai meant.
"Morning Suki, can I ask you a question?"
Suki paused and smiled up at me. Her soft brown eyes were almost encased in bright blue eyeshadow, which was pointed at one end. It gave her an almost mystical look. Her half Japanese features suited the look very well as did her short bright blue hair.
"What's up FuXi?" she asked.
"Just now, I don't know if you heard what Tang Cai said. He told me someone else had noticed my talent. Do you know who that may be?"
Suki seemed to be thinking about it for a moment before smirking at me and tapping her nose. Then she went back to work without giving me an answer. Elle and Nick were the same. They all seem to know something I didn't. That morning felt long as I couldn't stop thinking about who else may know, I tried not to let it distract me from my project.
At lunch I wasn't engaging in any conversation, I was just eating whilst staring at the wall totally zoning everything and everyone out. The guys brought me out of it. That's when Tang Cai came in to give me a message.
"FuXi, I did have another project for you, but Mr Astello has summoned you to a meeting. I expect it will be to work on a big project with him," Tang Cai started to say as he ushered me towards the elevators.
"Really? Me? But I'm the new guy!" Tang Cai nodded. "Oh wow that sounds cool. I feel privileged. When do I start?".
"Today, well now actually. You have a private meeting with Mr Astello. It is very rare that he summons people to help him, so you need to get yourself up to the twelfth floor asap. We can help by advising you on certain aspects but you will be the primary," Tang Cai finished off, letting go of the elevator door.
There were various plants and seats along the walls as I made my way to the only visible desk that I never noticed before. A young looking man sat at it as I approached. He looked up at me and smiled.
"FuXi?" he asked and I nodded. "Great, go right in. He's been expecting you."
I nervously nodded at him, there was something unsettling about him. He appeared and seemed friendly but I sensed danger too. Deciding to ignore it, I took a deep breath and knocked on the door. When I heard a gruff 'come in' I slowly opened the door with no idea what to expect. However, I don't think I was ready for what was inside waiting for me.
There was that feeling again. The one I had felt briefly during my interview and in my first week here, I didn't quite know what it was. This was still new to me and a little scary, something I had never sensed before this week. My hands were sweaty and my mouth was a little dry as I stepped further into the intimidating office.
That afternoon Mr Astello had given me a project pack and briefed me on what he wanted me to do and to consider. He wanted it to be the new era of jewellery so we shared a few common designs and ideas before we called it a night a few hours later.
As I went down the doors opened on the eleventh floor, Tang Cai and the guys stood waiting for me. My eyes widened, as the team came up to congratulate me. I couldn't get my head around it. This felt very surreal, this was only my second week.
"I still can't believe he didn't choose one of you to lead such a big project?" I stammered.
Suki bounced happily on her feet, like an energiser bunny.
"Being new has nothing to do with anything. You have a gift and the big boss recognises it, that's all that matters. He decides who gets to do what in terms of the big projects, we all get our chance to shine. He doesn't like to favour one above others. Plus we have our own small assignments to do so it's great."
Elle, Nick and Tang Cai nodded with huge smiles on their faces. I could sense the genuine pride and happiness they all felt for me.
"And besides, Mr Astello had given me specific instructions to only give you elemental related projects," Tang Cai told me confidently in front of the others.
I stared after him in shock and then at the three other faces. They were all beaming with their infectious happiness. Elle and Suki giggled at each other and I couldn't help but feel a little suspicious.
"Right, let's go home, see you in the morning. Oh FuXi, come to the workshop first thing before you go up," Tang Cai told me.