Every Beat of You

Daria Ding was a little confused on the day she was transferred to the role of the CEO's secretary. After her graduation a few years ago, she had joined the WS Group, where she was employed as the secretary to the director of the business department. Now suddenly, she was directly promoted to the CEO's secretary. How could she not be thrown off by this sudden jump in designation?

On the way to her new desk, Daria Ding pestered Therese Zhuang, who was to hand over the work to her, like a newcomer.

"What does the CEO like? What are the dos and don'ts? Can you give me more details?" She was going to work right under the big boss's nose. If she goofed up, Daria Ding would be fired. She was understandably nervous and had a lot of questions.

Therese Zhuang stopped abruptly. Her large belly indicated that her due date was just around the corner. Frowning, she looked at Daria Ding up and down.

Daria Ding was dressed in the WS Group's uniform: a blue T-shirt teamed with a black knee-length skirt. She was tall and thin, and had an ordinary but delicate, oval face. Her only outstanding features were her big eyes, hidden behind a pair of thick glasses. Her long hair, which was neither permed nor dyed, was neatly tied up. Devoid of any makeup, she looked like a very average girl.

Therese Zhuang, too, felt that Daria Ding was an ordinary girl. Daria's performance wasn't extraordinary nor was her appearance or personality. If it hadn't been for the recommendation of Director Wang of the Secretary Department, Daria would have never even been a contender for this position.

"Just the same as when you served Mr. Liu," replied Therese Zhuang tersely.

Daria nodded eagerly. After hesitating for a while, she asked softly, "Will my salary increase?"

A trace of disgust flashed across Therese Zhuang's eyes. She turned around and continued to walk forward. "How would I know? The boss has the final say on the salary." Pointing at an area outside the CEO's office, Therese said, "Put your things there. This is your office from now on."

Daria nodded and walked towards the new space. Her office area was at a forty-five degrees angle to the CEO's office. In front of her was a semicircular marble table, on which there was a red telephone.