Pretending to Cultivate in Kindergarten
Chapter 302: Special Treatment

After being checked by security, the interview line moved in an orderly fashion into the company’s first-floor lobby.

Everyone entering Zhengshi Music for the first time couldn’t help but gasp at how grand the interior looked.

Xiao Shu chatted with Lin Xiaoli while waiting in line, catching up on what each had been doing after quitting their previous jobs.

Lin Xiaoli also mentioned how her nail salon eventually shut down. Having an old friend there helped ease some of the anxiety.

She looked toward the offices up ahead.

“Those offices must be where the interviews are, huh? Looks like there are six people in there.”

Xiao Shu, having done her homework beforehand (a must for someone with social anxiety), was well-prepared.

“This company interviews in batches. I read on some forums that after a theory test, if you pass, there’s a practical test by a makeup evaluator. You have to pass both to even be considered for selection.”

Lin Xiaoli was surprised. “You really did your research! I didn’t see any of that on the official site. And after those two rounds, there’s still another review?”

“Yeah. There are just too many applicants. They’re only hiring fifteen makeup artists, but by the looks of this crowd, there must be hundreds here.”

“You’re making me more nervous now.”

Xiao Shu gave a pale, tense smile. Despite her own anxiety, she still encouraged her friend.

“Don’t worry, Sister Lin. With your skills, you’ll definitely pass. As for me... I still can’t talk well when I’m nervous. I don’t know if I’ll make it.”

Lin Xiaoli comforted her:

“Don’t be scared, Xiao Shu. I know your ability. In a big company like this, it’s all about skill. The two of us can do it.”

“You’re so kind, Sister Lin.”

“Haha.”

Just then, a door in the distance opened. A middle-aged woman in a suit, alongside a beautiful woman with wavy long hair in another suit, led a group out.

Many people glanced over curiously—it was clear those two were big shots.

The women were none other than Wang Lan and Jiang Jingshi.

Wang Lan greeted respectfully, “President Jiang, President Lin—why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I would've come out to greet you.”

Jiang Jingshi smiled:

“President Lin said he had a small matter to deal with today. He didn’t give me the details—just told me to wait here while he used the restroom. He’ll be here in a moment.”

She added, “You go ahead and get back to work. Isn’t that music competition coming up? Make sure the singers are prepared. No need to stay with me.”

Wang Lan smiled back. “Don’t worry about the competition. I’ll handle it. If you or President Lin need anything, just let me know.”

“Alright.”

Just as she finished speaking, Jiang Jingshi casually glanced at the interview line—and her gaze locked on someone... familiar.

The outfit and hairstyle were different, so at first, she didn’t recognize her. She even thought she might’ve been mistaken.

But when she focused more on the face and hair... she was certain.

A-Auntie?!

Her peach-blossom-shaped eyes widened in shock.

Lin Zhengran’s mom was standing in the interview line?

Actually lining up?

It nearly gave her a heart attack. That was her future mother-in-law! How could she be made to stand in line at her company?

Zhengran’s mom was her mom too. If she needed anything, she just had to ask and it’d be done!

She was just about to walk over and apologize—her heels already lifted—when she suddenly remembered something:

Lin Zhengran had said he came here today for his mom. While he hadn’t said exactly what, this... this must be it?

Still... no way this was okay!

Jiang Jingshi looked at Lin Xiaoli, who was holding her interview form, visibly nervous and uneasy.

At that moment, all of Lin Xiaoli’s anxiety seemed to transfer to Jiang Jingshi.

There was no way a future daughter-in-law should be letting her mother-in-law stand in a long line at her company...

She swallowed nervously.

But Zhengran hadn’t arrived yet.

She had no choice but to signal to a nearby male staffer:

“You, come here.”

The employee quickly ran over. “President Jiang!”

That loud “President Jiang” was clear and respectful—loud enough to draw attention from people in line, including Lin Xiaoli, who turned to look.

Jiang Jingshi was instantly panicked and quickly turned her back on Auntie Lin.

She raised a hand to her mouth and gave a light cough.

Then she whispered to the employee:

“See that elegant woman in the ponytail and red midi skirt holding a form?”

The employee glanced over. “Mm, the one holding the interview sheet? I see her, President Jiang.”

“Yeah, that one. Go ask her...”

She whispered a few more instructions. The employee nodded. “Understood, President Jiang. Leave it to me.”

As soon as he walked off, Jiang Jingshi darted into hiding behind a nearby partition, peeking out in secret.

In the line, Xiao Shu excitedly nudged Lin Xiaoli:

“Sister Lin, did you see that? That older woman in the suit—that’s Wang Lan, the general manager of Zhengshi Music! And the other one next to her looks like the Vice President of the main company! ”

“Huh? Seriously? Even the bosses here are so young?”

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure. I’ve seen their pictures online before!”

Just then, the male employee walked up to Lin Xiaoli.

“Hello!”

It startled her. “Huh? Are you talking to me?”

He nodded and extended his hand. “Could I see your résumé?”

Everyone nearby turned to look. Lin Xiaoli, puzzled, handed it over. “Here…”

He skimmed it. “Miss Lin, you’re applying for the makeup artist position?”

“Y-yes... is something wrong?”

“Could you come with me? I need to speak with you privately.”

“Uh? Am I being cut? I’m almost at the front of the line!”

“You’ll understand in a moment.”

Lin Xiaoli, heart sinking, followed him to the side. Her thoughts were in chaos. Am I being rejected for looking too old? She hadn’t even seen the interview room yet!

They walked away from the line. Others were watching but couldn’t hear what they were saying.

Nervously, Lin Xiaoli stammered:

“Is... is there a problem with my résumé? Does it not meet your requirements? I have my makeup certificate, and HR said age was fine for this position…”

“No, no, it’s nothing like that,” the staffer said, returning her résumé.

Then, repeating Jiang Jingshi’s exact wording, he asked:

“Miss Lin, are you thirsty?”

Lin Xiaoli was totally confused. “What class? What? I didn’t hear you—could you repeat that?”

He smiled politely. “I asked—are you thirsty? Would you like some water?”

“Huh? Water?” She waved her hand. “No, no, I’m not thirsty. I just want to know why you pulled me aside.”

“Oh, no worries. Are you hungry? Did you have breakfast?”

“What do you mean?” she was totally lost.

“We have a break room. Would you like to rest there? There are snacks, drinks—if there’s anything specific you want, just tell me. I’ll go get it for you. Whatever you’d like—anything.”

He glanced at the line and added:

“I saw you chatting with that young lady earlier—is she your friend? Feel free to bring her too. You can both relax in the lounge.”

Lin Xiaoli’s brain froze. Now she was not just confused, she was scared.

“I’m sorry... I really don’t get what you’re saying. Are you mad we were talking while waiting? We’ll stop! I swear!”

The employee was sweating. “N-no, there’s no need to apologize to me! If anything, I should be the one apologizing…”

This was getting tricky. Clearly, this woman was someone President Jiang knew, and he was screwing it up.

Lin Xiaoli, now more terrified:

“Why would you apologize to me? That doesn’t make sense...”

From behind the partition, Jiang Jingshi massaged her temples. Somehow, she’d only made Auntie more confused.

Right then, Lin Zhengran finally came down from the second floor and spotted Jiang Jingshi peeking out from behind a doorway.

Curious, he walked over to see what she was doing.

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