"Sir, I don't know what happened, but only one person showed up." Mr Li tried explaining.
"How many were supposed to be here?" Gu Yuxuan asked.
"Fifteen."
Gu Yuxuan's jaw tightened. He had never been stood up before. People didn't dare to. And for that matter… interviewees? He couldn't believe his ears.
The one person who actually showed up turned. Neatly dressed in a light blue suit, business casual. His wavy hair was styled in a messy slick back, and his lips held a gentle smile.
Gu Yuxuan straightened himself and walked into his office, ignoring the man entirely.
A moment later, Mr Li signaled him inside and he went to sit opposite Gu Yuxuan at the desk. His gaze didn't waver. Neither did Gu Yuxuan's.
"Since you're the only one here, what's your name?" Gu Yuxuan asked in a low tone. Uninterested but trying to keep it professional.
"Zimo", the guy answered.
"Is that your first or last name?"
"I only go by that name. Whether you want to take it as a surname or name, is up to you."
Gu Yuxuan raised his gaze, pausing for a beat of silence. "Let me make this clear", he said, keeping his voice neutral. This interview is only to test your compatibility. If I find you likeable, HR will do the full assessment. Trying to act impressive won't get you the position. On a scale of one to ten, your first impression is negative.
Zimo lowered his head as he bit his lips, hiding a smile.
"Let's continue", Gu Yuxuan said. "What makes you interested in this position?"
Clearing his throat, Zimo answered, "Your reputation is remarkable. Working for you would do me a great honour."
Gu Yuxuan didn't care, but the answer was acceptable.
"Danger wouldn't be your biggest concern as my bodyguard. Your workload goes beyond just walking with me. Are you aware of that?"
"I read the job description. Your idea of a bodyguard sounds more like an assistant", Zimo said. "Do you even need to make it a position title?"
Gu Yuxuan looked at him as if the day had already exhausted him. Though he found himself both irritated and oddly curious. Zimo was straightforward, arrogant and incompatible. His CV looked good but as a person he seemed pretentious.
Slowly shaking his head, Gu Yuxuan finally got drawn back to reality and looked down at the CV document. A sudden realisation struck him.
"Did I just stare at him the entire time?"
He looked back up, asking, "You want a bodyguard position? Why did you apply for this one if you don't find it acceptable?"
"To gain experience."
"I don't usually take people without experience. And if I do, I require you to be well educated."
A knock on the door interrupted them and Mr Li walked in. Standing next to Gu Yuxuan he asked, "Mr Gu, a client wants an incentive. What is that?"
Gu Yuxuan slowly raised his head to him with a cold stare. "A motivation", he said through clenched teeth.
"Oh, I see", Mr Li replied and walked out again.
Zimo hid his grin while Gu Yuxuan turned back to him.
"Once HR finishes their assessment, we'll let you know whether you'll get the job. Or not", Gu Yuxuan said, keeping his voice steady to make up for the awkward moment.
Zimo smiled with his teeth. "I look forward to hearing from you." Both stood up, keeping eye contact while they shook hands.
Zimo turned, giving half a glance back at him and walked out. Mr Li entered soon after.
"Find out what happened to the other candidates." Gu Yuxuan said.
Mr Li nodded and went out. A chuckle escaped Gu Yuxuan's lips and he slightly tilted his head in disbelief. He sat down and leaned back into the chair. Tapping his index finger on his left hand.
"Tsk… how arrogant."
He pulled his laptop closer and started searching the web. After an hour, he still couldn't find anyone that qualified. When Mr Li came in, he looked up, expecting good news.
"All the candidates rejected the job, sir", Mr Li said.
"Why?"
"No specific reason was given. Also… all the candidates that I removed from the shortlist, are suddenly not interested anymore."
"Looks like you'll have to stay for another year."
"Sir…"
Gu Yuxuan looked at him, waiting for him to continue but he went quiet.
"Why don't you consider Mr Zimo?" he asked.
"Him? He's not fit for this job" Gu Yuxuan said annoyingly.
"Actually, he was the best candidate among them." Mr Li said hesitantly.
"Huh?" Gu Yuxuan asked, widening his eyes.
"Although he only managed to do part-time jobs, he has two degrees and is knowledgeable in the business world given his age. He even knows martial arts. I'm sure he'll be able to assist you better than I ever could."
"You think he's great?" Gu Yuxuan asked.
"I think he'll be great at assisting you."
"I think he's just arrogant. If I give him this job, I might just lose my position tomorrow."
"Sir, are you afraid he'll outsmart you?"
"How dare you? You think you can run your mouth now that you're retiring?"
"Sorry. I spoke out of turn." Mr Li said, lowering his head.
Gu Yuxuan took a deep breath and went to the wall, looking to the outside. Placing his right hand on his chin, he found himself in deep thoughts. His eyes moved from building to building as his brain moved from idea to idea.
"Fine. Let's give him a test run."
Mr Li smiled in relief.
"But you'll have to train him for three weeks."
"No problem." Mr Li said. "I'll make the necessary arrangements. I'll take my leave now."
The door closed behind Mr Li.
Gu Yuxuan kept his focus in front of him. His left eye slightly twitched and his face muscles tightened.
* * *
The next morning Gu Yuxuan went to work in his normal routine. He walked right past Mr Li who was showing Zimo around.
"Good morning, sir!" Zimo called out, but was ignored by Gu Yuxuan. He smiled like it didn't bother him at all.
"Mr Zimo", Mr Li started. "You weren't Mr Gu's first option, so it will require you to work extra hard to gain his recognition. You have to be more…"
"I understand", Zimo interrupted him. "Tell me first, what is his routine and where I'll be needed most of the time."
"Okay", Mr Li said and continued explaining all the details.
The secretary brought a small stack of papers to Gu Yuxuan's office. He took it and immediately started going through them.
He took his pen out and started signing where his signature was required.
A knock on the door made him lift his head for the first time after getting the documents. The secretary went to open it and Zimo behind it gave a gentle smile before peeking in to see if Gu Yuxuan was there.
"Come in." Gu Yuxuan said. He gave the papers back to the secretary and said, "you can bring me the rest later." She left and closed the door.
"Sit", Gu Yuxuan said, pointing to the chair in front of the desk. "Are you settled in?"
"I'm doing fine." Zimo said.
"I believe Mr Li has already covered all the important points, so I'll only add a little"
"Alright".
Gu Yuxuan stood up, picked up a huge file from his desk and walked over to Zimo. Zimo stood up at his approach and Gu Yuxuan placed the file in his arms.
Standing face to face, their matching height made eye contact effortless.
"This will cover everything else you need to know", Gu Yuxuan said.
Zimo looked down, dumbstruck at the file covering both his arms. "This is… the little you were going to add?"
"Regret already?" Gu Yuxuan asked.
"No. I just didn't expect you to be this sarcastic." Zimo said, in a subtle tone.
Gu Yuxuan smirked. "Next time you assume something, just keep quiet. I work with facts, not assumptions. Better to learn that soon or you'll be dismissed just as fast as you were hired."
"That's a bit cruel, don't you think?"
Gu Yuxuan felt the irritation scratching against his bones. But he just smiled with his eyes. Forcing himself not to say anything else.
Zimo swallowed a chuckle and looked down at the file before bringing his gaze up again. "I didn't mean to offend you. I apologise."