1 The Job offers

The moon hung low in the velvet sky, casting a soft glow upon the elite neighborhood where Yin and Mu Rong strolled with purpose. The air was laced with a sense of ambition as Yin, her eyes glittering with intelligence, proposed a daring idea to Mu Rong.

"Look, why should we be taking another course when we have already graduated? It's time we applied what we've learned. Why don't we apply for the district commissioner secretary position?" Yin's words, wrapped in intellect, resonated through the elite part of the neighborhood, a realm that housed their families and aspirations.

Yin's proposition sparked a flicker of interest in Mu Rong. Her own aspirations leaned towards a financial accounting post, a role that promised a deeper understanding of the intricacies of business management which she pursued in school.

But the allure of the district secretary position, especially as presented by Yin, sparked a keen interest in Mu Rong. There were persistent rumors circulating within the elite circles, suggesting that secretaries had a faster ascent up the career ladder compared to their accountant counterparts.

This whispered notion added a strategic allure to Yin's proposal, hinting at a path to success beyond the conventional routes in their pursuit of professional advancement.

"So, how do we go about it?" Mu Rong questioned, a smile adorning her face like a guardian against the inner doubts that had began to flutter in her mind.

With an air of self-assuredness, Yin shared the job details she claimed to have gathered directly from the elusive district commissioner himself.

"The district commissioner ! Wow" Mu Rong mused, her thoughts echoing the rarity of encounters with this enigmatic figure. Suspicion lingered in her mind, could Yin truly secure such a significant offer based solely on one encounter with the highly esteemed man?

Doubt festered in Mu Rong but the offer was so good atleast it had to be true since Yin wasn't found of joking.

"But how did you meet him?" Mu Rong's curiosity surfaced, a shield against potential blunders that she was afraid would arise from the seemingly fortuitous job Connection.

"I have to maintain my father's and mother's names!" Mu Rong pondered silently, her gaze intricate as it met Yin's. Deep down, Mu Rong felt a responsibility to uphold her family's name, even in the pursuit of career opportunities.

The stroll, that had extended for a few minutes was like the scent of a sizzling duck, tantalising their senses, creating an atmosphere where ideas swirled and ambitions intertwined.

"Although he is not friends with my father, I went to his offices and consulted with him, and he said he was glad that I had reached out. He asked me to bring in both our CVs and to begin our duties on Monday, we will be getting 500 coins for the start." Yin replied, her words a litmus test for Mu Rong's commitment. The air hung with the weight of decisions, and Mu Rong, with no other offers at hand, found herself with no alternative but to accept the path Yin had paved.

"Don't worry; I have already prepared our CVs." Yin assured Mu Rong, her confidence undeterred. The girls, having graduated just two months prior, embraced their new career paths with a mix of excitement and nostalgia.

"But are you certain there's nothing more between you two?" Mu Rong persisted, seeking the complete truth. Yin, aware of Mu Rong's innocence, couldn't elaborate further.

"Regardless, he's not that old. Wouldn't hurt to be his second wife," Yin playfully replied, and both erupted in laughter, leaving onlookers curious about the inside joke.

As the month of February loomed, the realization sank in that further studies were not to be their chosen path. The rest of the evening unfolded in a cascade of memories, as Yin and Mu Rong reminisced about old flames and the vibrant times of their school lives, a chapter which was perhaps forever firmly closed.

In the quietude of that same day, as the clock neared 7 pm, Mu Qing, husband to Mok Dan and father of Mu Rong, returned home earlier than usual.

Mu Qing, despite residing in the elite neighborhood, maintained a demeanor of humility. The house, well-lit with servants winding up their chores, exuded an air of quiet prosperity. Stars adorned the sky, attempting to outshine the radiance within the household.

"Send Mu Rong to come see me," Mu Qing instructed one of the maids, eager to share the news of a job offer that had come her way. However, the maid informed him that Mu Rong had not yet returned, suggesting that she was perhaps at Marquis's residence.

"Alright. Inform me if she comes in before dinner." Mu Qing responded, adjusting the collar of his impeccably tailored suit. He made his way to the rear balcony of his resting chambers, guided by the soft melody of a flute. There, he found Mok Dan, his wife, engrossed in playing the very flute they had received as a gift on their wedding day.

Mu Qing couldn't help but boast, "I knew you were here because of this flute. Haha, my ears are still good." The banter between husband and wife was a testament to the enduring bond they shared.

The duo settled down swiftly, yet an air of anticipation lingered, driven by the pressing matter Mu Qing had to address. As they eased into a quiet conversation, Mu Qing delicately broached the subject that weighed on his mind.

"Dear, I was informed by my friend just this evening that there is a position for Mu Rong to work as as a junior accountant at the district offices. Darling, it pays a little, but it can shape Mu Rong's experience. What do you think?"

Mok Dan's eyes lit up with amazement at the unexpected opportunity. The joy reflected on her face mirrored the pride of a parent witnessing the fruition of their efforts in educating their child. A professional offer had presented itself and it came without any financial burden as times had changed and many relied on bribes to receive employment.

"Oh My Good Lord, we have been praying for this. When does she start?" Mok Dan asked eager for more details.

"He told me Monday would be fine." Mu Qing replied and Mok Dan had no other objections.