Zong Jinghao originally came to help out Qin Ya, but now that Guan Jing was gone, the burden of the company affairs fell onto his shoulders.
With the piling workload, he really had no spare time to look for a helper.
Moreover, he had never done anything like this before.
“Guan Jing, do me a favor,” Zong Jinghao called out to the man who was just about to open the door.
“What is it?”
“Can you help me get Qin Ya a maid? A reliable one, that is.”
Guan Jing noted down the request and took his leave.
Meanwhile, Qin Ya was waiting at the hospital after completing some final discharge procedures for Grandma Su. The former was unable to visit Lin Xinyan at the hospital as there was no one to look after the elderly woman, who suffered from mobility issues. Bringing Grandma Su along for the hospital visit was not ideal either, as that might disturb Lin Xinyan’s rest.
After some time, Guan Jing’s car pulled into the hospital car park. He was here to bring Qin Ya to an agency to hire a suitable maid for Grandma Su.
Approaching the pair, Guan Jing said, “Follow me; I’ll bring you to the place.”
“Sorry for the trouble,” Qin Ya replied sincerely.
After helping Grandma Su into her seat and settling down on his own, Guan Jing continued, “I know a decent agency that offers high-quality helpers. They went through training, and their services are of a high standard. I’m sure we can find a suitable maid for Grandma Su.”
Qin Ya, being unfamiliar with the region, could only thank Guan Jing for his assistance in such a matter.
Guan Jing chuckled. “Don’t fret it; I’m just fulfilling my duties. As long as Mr. Zong wants something, I’ll make sure to see to it to the best of my abilities.”
Their conversation ceased subsequently, and the car ride continued in silence. The only sounds that pierced the air were the incessant car horns and groans from frustrated drivers. Due to the jammed roads, they only reached their destination after close to an hour.
Guan Jing was evidently an esteemed customer at the company as the trio was immediately ushered into the boss’s office once they entered the building.
“What requests do you have this time?” asked the boss enthusiastically as he offered them a glass of water.
Declining the excessive formality, Guan Jing turned to Qin Ya and said, “Ms. Qin, let him know what particular requests you have in mind. He’ll help you find a suitable maid.”
Unable to give solid criteria, Qin Ya consulted Grandma Su. After all, the senior woman would be interacting with the maid the most. Thus, her personal preferences were of utmost importance.
The boss reassured the old lady, “Our helpers are all professionally trained. We’re able to handle any requests and demands.”
The old lady pondered for a moment and proceeded to give 2 simple qualities she hoped for in her helper. “Someone hardworking, but also lively.”
Since she had difficulty moving about, she would be spending the majority of her time at home. That was why a diligent and talkative maid would make the ideal company.
The boss followed up with, “As for the age, are there any particular limits?”
Grandma Su considered the question briefly and decided that age was not a matter of concern.
She only cared about the 2 qualities she had previously vocalized.
Flashing a polite smile, the boss excused himself. “Please hold on for a while. I’ll go and select a few helpers who meet your criteria, and we can continue our selection thereafter.”
Guan Jing nodded.
After a moment, the man returned with five other helpers. Four of them looked to be around their mid-forties, while the last lady in line appeared significantly younger. With lustrous coal-black hair tied into twin braids and a youthful charm, she stood out from the others.
The boss gave her a special introduction. “This girl hails from a rural area. She is the oldest sibling in the family and takes care of two younger brothers and a sister. Due to financial circumstances, she had to drop out of school to work. Although she may be younger than most other helpers, trust me – she’s very hardworking and can hold a conversation well.”
However, the elaborate description did not affect Guan Jing – he immediately waved her off. “I’ll pass.”
He was neither being deliberately mean, nor was he skeptical about the woman’s abilities. His rationale behind his rejection was simple – he did not want any possibility of an affair to occur.
After all, he was well aware of all the TV trope in which the male lead ended up cheating with the maid.
Guan Jing was not casting doubt on Su Zhan’s loyalty. To him, a young maid simply felt too inappropriate.
Grandma Su begged to differ. “She seems good to me.” She called out directly to the girl, “How old are you?”
“I’m nineteen this year.”
Her voice was crisp and clear, making Grandma Su take an even greater liking towards her upon hearing it.
“You’re very young indeed. What’s your name, dear?”
A shy smile appeared on the girl’s face. “Chen Xue.”
Grandma Su gave a pleased nod.
The boss watched on apprehensively from the side. Frankly, he did not really dare to push for Chen Xue’s employment. The girl had been introduced to the company by a friend but she suffered many rejections since then. Many customers found her way too young.
Her good looks were another great cause for displeasure. After all, families that could afford a helper were all well-off. With money came additional paranoia – they would caution against any stranger as they might be out to target their wealth. Particularly, most of them would caution against hiring someone too young – just in case an extra-marital affair happened. Thus, being young in the helper industry was a bane.
The boss had been meaning to push her out to a family as soon as possible. Chen Xue was included in every showcase when a customer arrived.
But judging from Guan Jing’s attitude, it appeared that the same concerns had arisen – the woman was simply too young. Throwing in the towel, the boss turned his attention to the other helpers, introducing them patiently. “Some of them here have experience in eldercare. They’re also equally diligent and have a talent in livening up the atmosphere.”
As Chen Xue listened on, her heart sank once again. She had originally entered the company because it was the only way she could make a living without having a degree under her belt. The company had a great reputation, and many helpers did end up with a much higher relative pay than others. She was lucky to be recruited because she had certain connections. But with her prospects of getting hired getting lower day by day, she might be expelled from the company soon.
Yet, she was a fighter. I must not give up. The fewer the opportunities there are, the more I must treasure each one.
And so, she proactively stepped forward and spoke up, “Nice to meet you. Please don’t mind me calling you Grandma – my grandma is around the same age as you. I’ve been here for almost 3 months. Many people have doubted my abilities to do chores because I’m young, but trust me! I’m very hardworking and would be glad to do anything you ask.”
The boss actually prohibited the helpers to speak during any showcase. But considering Chen Xue’s plight, he was willing to close an eye. The man desperately wanted her to be hired too, after all. Hopefully, Chen Xue’s words managed to move the old lady, he internally prayed.
Grandma Su asked for Qin Ya’s opinion.
To Qin Ya, nothing else mattered so long as Grandma Su was happy. “Grandma, we’ll be agreeable to anything as long as you like it.”
“I think it’s a pretty good idea. Moreover, we’re also doing some charity here – her family’s poor, and it’s difficult for her to find a job.”
“Okay, grandma,” Qin Ya replied.
With that, Chen Xue got the job.
Her boss heaved a sigh of relief – the company’s investments in her were not wasted after all.
Grinning from ear to ear, the boss asked, “Shall we do the paperwork?”
Both Guan Jing and Qin Ya volunteered to do it in unison.
“I’ll follow you,” Guan Jing told Qin Ya. And so, the two proceeded to settle the administrative details. However, Guan Jing still had some qualms. “Don’t you think the maid is too young? What if she’s terrible with the chores? I found the other helpers better.”
“I don’t want to go against Grandma Su’s wishes,” was her response.
Guan Jing could only concede. “That’s true… As long as she’s happy, I guess.”
The boss handed the contract over to Qin Ya.
“Let me take a look at it instead,” requested Guan Jing. After scrutinizing the terms and conditions and ensuring that nothing was amiss, Guan Jing handed the contract back for Qin Ya to sign.
The contract entailed a monthly salary of nine thousand, along with paid accommodation and meals.
The price was discounted on the account of Guan Jing – the usual salary was typically above ten thousand.
Nevertheless, Chen Xue’s pay was still an edge above her counterparts in the industry.
Once the whole matter concluded, Guan Jing drove everyone, including the new maid, back to the Su family.
