When My Boss Called at Night

: A Teachable Student

3

I told him, "That kind of girl never needs some grand surprise. What she cares about are the small, subtle moments of warmth in daily life."

"If you want to win her over, you have to get to know her better. Once you know what she likes to eat, what she likes to drink, or the books and movies she usually enjoys, you can tailor your approach. That's how you'll slowly find your way into her heart."

Silas Sterling really was a good student, receptive to advice.

That afternoon, a questionnaire about employees' personal preferences landed in my hands.

Huh?

A jolt went through me.

'The person Silas Sterling likes is in the company?'

'Who is it?'

The gossip fiend in me began to stir.

After quickly filling out my own questionnaire, I made a point of 'caringly' looking over those of my female colleagues.

After all, if I could latch onto that golden thigh sooner rather than later, it would be all pros and no cons for me.

I praised myself internally.

'I'm such a clever little devil!'

For the rest of the afternoon, I was as giddy as someone who held the company's biggest secret.

As quitting time approached, my younger brother sent me a WeChat message.

"Sis, you must be tired after working all day, right? How about I drive over and pick you up personally?"

Tch!

'This kid, trying to play his little games with me.'

'I knew what he was up to the moment he opened his mouth.'

'But I'm in a good mood today.'

"Alright, spit it out. What do you want to eat this time?"

"You get me, Sis. I heard a new private kitchen just opened in North Kingsford. How about we go give it a try?"

'What's the point of earning money?'

'To enjoy a better life, of course.'

I made an OK gesture.

Then I quickly started packing up.

Just as I stepped into the elevator, I looked up and was surprised to see Silas Sterling.

"President Sterling."

I greeted him respectfully and stepped back to stand on one side of the elevator.

"Going home?"

'Huh?'

I froze for a second.

'Since when did Silas Sterling start practicing the art of stating the obvious?'

But, upholding my professionalism as both a good employee and an outstanding love consultant, I knew I absolutely could not let the conversation die.

"Oh, I heard there's a good new private kitchen in North Kingsford. I thought I'd go try it."

"Besides going out to eat, what other recreational activities do you do?"

'Not bad!'

'The boy is teachable!'

'He even knows to practice on someone else first.'

"I'm a bit of a homebody, so I'm not a big fan of overly crowded places. After work, I might occasionally meet up with a friend to grab a bite, see a movie, or go shopping, but most of the time I prefer to be by myself, maybe drinking coffee and reading a book."

Silas Sterling seemed to be listening very intently, nodding from time to time.

To make sure that five-figure consulting fee wasn't a complete waste, I kindly reminded him, "Of course, I'm just one example."

As I walked out of the elevator, I saw my younger brother waving enthusiastically at me from a distance.

Silas Sterling lowered his gaze, his eyes fixed on me. "Is that the 'friend' you mentioned?"

I...

'We're just boss and subordinate. I didn't owe him an explanation.'