Financial freedom starts with cracked apps.

Chapter 189 A Little Quirk and the Secretary Interview (6k words, two parts combined)

It's 2 a.m.

Sunac's Riverside No. 1 Courtyard.

Room 2102, Building 8.

Wow!
The sound of a shower coming from the bathroom.

Lin Shen let the water wash away the sweat on his body, held his breath for a while, and then slowly exhaled, as if all the fatigue in his body and mind had disappeared.

He had never been this tired before.

However, tonight, he was holding a 100-pound bunny girl woman the whole time, something most people couldn't do.

Only Lin Shen can do this.

After washing his hair, he turned off the shower, stepped barefoot out of the bathroom, and went to the toilet outside.

While admiring his muscular physique in the mirror, he took out his phone.

[Lin Ping's progress: 120%]

[Task: Help Lin Ping rent a new house (Completed).]

[Task: Buy a car for Lin Ping (Completed).]

[Reward: 40, Kidney Strength +4]

[Kidney Strength: 70/95 (91+4)]

[Task: Activate a family card for Lin Ping.]

"It increased by 13% in one go?"

This was exactly what Lin Shen had expected.

But given how things are tonight, can the progress still be increased?
Lin Shen couldn't think of any other way to continue growing.

After all, Lin Ping already had three escape routes.

Recalling her alluring and sexy appearance tonight, Lin Shen couldn't help but feel a surge of heat in his heart, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

He took out a towel, casually dried his hair, wrapped himself in a bathrobe, and left the bathroom.

Back in the living room, Lin Shen found that Lin Ping had already taken a shower.

She was sitting quietly and obediently on the sofa, already dressed.

"You washed so quickly?"

Upon seeing Lin Shen emerge, Lin Ping quickly stood up, her pretty face flushed with a deep blush.

"I was thinking of quickly taking a shower so I could help you clean the room, but I couldn't find a mop..."

"We don't need that."

Lin Shen's voice suddenly rose in pitch.

"Little A, help with the cleaning."

"Okay, master, the air circulation is on, timer set for 20 minutes; the robot vacuum has started working, and cleaning the whole house is expected to take 1 hour; the indoor humidity is high, so the dehumidifier will be turned on for 10 minutes."

As soon as Little A's childish mechanical voice stopped, the various furniture items in the room began to operate autonomously.

Seeing that Lin Shen's home used such high-tech AI technology, Lin Ping felt somewhat embarrassed by her ignorance.

Especially the last sentence Xiao A said made her blush deeply.

The indoor humidity is high...

Lin Ping clearly knew what the cause was.

After all, she was too excited tonight, which led her to indulge herself a little.

What a shame!
Lin Ping pursed her lips, then suddenly seemed to remember something and asked tentatively with some urgency.

"Mr. Lin, could you please give me a ride home? I forgot I drove here, I'm so sorry!"

"no problem."

Lin Shen smiled gently, stepped forward, and stroked Lin Ping's shapely buttocks with concern.

"How about it?"

"It's a little awkward, but it's okay."

Lin Ping thanked her softly, her words filled with gratitude.

"You are very kind, thank you."

"When it's just the two of us, you don't have to be so reserved."

Lin Shen smiled and cupped Lin Ping's soft face, making her lift her alluring eyes, which were misty with tears.

He noticed that the beautiful young woman in front of him was a bit too insecure.

What kind of relationship do they have? They still can't look each other in the eye.

Even her tone of voice was soft and weak, carrying a hint of awkwardness, reserve, and aloofness.

Of course, Lin Shen understood her.

Just like the concubines who served the emperor in ancient times, serving the emperor was like walking on thin ice.

But this is the modern world now!
Is it really necessary to be so cautious?
Lin Shen smiled helplessly and teased.

"Be more confident. You were calling me 'Dad' and 'Master' just now, why are you calling me 'you' now?"

"I……"

Lin Ping's pretty face flushed red, and she stammered, unable to utter a single word, her hands twisting together in front of her.

It is precisely because she is self-aware that she knows how to cherish the hard-won life she has now.

After all, once you've had good days for too long, it's hard to go back to experiencing the poverty and simplicity of the past.

It's not just for myself, but also for An'an.

Lin Ping has become completely inseparable from Lin Shen.

"Let's go."

Lin Shen felt that Lin Ping's reserved personality wouldn't change anytime soon.

After all, being reserved and virtuous is her unique style.

It's unlikely that she'll be like a scheming woman, laughing and joking all day long.

"I'll open a family card for you then, with a monthly limit of 100,000, you can spend it however you want."

When Lin Shen took Lin Ping downstairs, he casually mentioned it, which startled her.

One hundred thousand?

This is too much!

Lin Ping originally wanted to say, "I can't afford that much," but after careful consideration, she turned all her words into a heartfelt thank you.

"Thank you, Mr. Lin!"

"You're welcome."

Lin Shen's gentle smile enveloped Lin Ping's heart in a warm feeling.

It's a lie to say that it doesn't cost money.

Instead of dwelling on this, we should think about how to thank Lin Shen next time.

Through spending time together, Lin Ping discovered several of Lin Shen's little quirks.

Firstly, he tends to prefer the latter.

Secondly, he likes to be in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows.

As long as you have this information and follow Lin Shen's preferences, you won't have to worry about not pleasing him!
Lin Ping had already begun planning her next move.

However, the top priority is definitely to take good care of Shennan Pet Club for Lin Shen.

On the way, he also emphasized several points to note before the store opens.

Lin Ping carefully memorized them.

-

2:30 AM.
Back home, Lin Ping's identity gradually changed from Lin Shen's lover to An An's mother.

Seeing that her daughter was still fast asleep, she couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

However, a strong sense of self-blame and regret immediately followed.

He left An'an alone at home while he went to have fun with President Lin.

I'm such a terrible mother!
But what can we do?

Lin Ping looked bitter.

She now depends on Lin Shen for her livelihood, so she will definitely prioritize him.

This could lead to neglecting An'an's feelings in daily life.

Fortunately, she is very sensible and likes President Lin very much.

This can be considered a shot in the arm for Lin Ping.

"Good night."

After gently tucking An'an in with a light blanket, Lin Ping left her room and went to sleep in the master bedroom.

After all, she had sacrificed too much tonight, so Lin Shen gave her a day off and told her to stay home and rest.

-

-

Wednesday, September 9, 2025.

18℃～26℃, light to moderate rain, southeast wind at level 3, humidity 65%.

8 am.

In the cramped rented room, Xu Lei slowly woke up from her bed in the bedroom.

I could faintly hear a "whooshing" sound.

The sound came from the toilet outside the house on one side and from the window on the other.

Xu Lei sat up and casually pulled back the curtains. Seeing the gloomy, overcast sky outside, her mood immediately soured.

When she was little, she longed for rain, especially the joy of playing in the rain with her friends.

But ever since she grew up and started working, Xu Lei has grown to hate rainy days more and more.

Damp and stuffy.

It's heartbreaking.

"well--!"

Xu Lei scratched her messy hair and was about to get up when her boyfriend Zhang Xu suddenly pushed open the door.

After exchanging a glance, the two simultaneously looked away, their expressions complex.

Xu Lei and Zhang Xu had a big argument last night.

It's not just a work issue, but also a marital issue.

In any case, the two have many minor conflicts and have not yet reached a consensus.

"What on earth do you think?"

Zhang Xu frowned deeply.

"Don't you know that the secretarial profession is dirty? Why would you give up being a programmer and insist on doing a job that has nothing to do with your major?"

"I want to! I'm willing! I like it! So what?"

Xu Lei retorted.

"Why can't I be a secretary? Programmers work hard and don't earn much money, why can't I change jobs?"

"Then just switch jobs."

"Dude! The computer industry is saturated now. Big companies are too hard to get into, and small companies are killing us. I only have an ordinary bachelor's degree. How am I supposed to jump ship? You make it sound so easy. If you're so capable, why don't you jump ship for me!"

"..."

Zhang Xu was rendered speechless by Xu Lei's retort, which further fueled her resentment.

"I've already said that my current company is in a mess, and I need to find a way out in advance, otherwise I could easily lose my job."

"Now that I've finally received an interview invitation, you're not happy for me, and you've been grumbling all day long. Isn't that annoying?!"

"Wasn't I just worried about you? Don't you think this is strange?"

Zhang Xu analyzed the situation logically and with evidence.

"A new company that has been established for less than a month is offering a monthly salary of 20,000 yuan to hire a secretary, and someone like you with no experience at all. Do you think that's reasonable? This is clearly a scheme to keep a mistress!"

"Whether it's a trick or not, I'll make my own decision; you don't need to worry about it."

Xu Lei crossed her arms and snorted coldly.

"If you were really concerned, you would have taken leave to accompany me to the job interview, instead of pretending to care here."

"I'm too busy with work to take time off."

"Then you should go to work right away! Don't keep loitering around me! It's so annoying!"

Xu Lei casually grabbed a pillow and threw it at Zhang Xu, leaving him quite helpless.

"Then can I come back at noon?"

"..."

Seeing that Xu Lei had turned away and ignored him, Zhang Xu had no choice but to put the pillow back on the bed and try to hug her from behind, but she ruthlessly dodged him.

"Do not touch me!"

"well--!"

Zhang Xu sighed and turned to leave. Hearing the click of the door closing, Xu Lei's eyes welled up with tears of grievance.

Why should I have to work so hard?
Other girls have boyfriends who pamper them, so why do I have to shoulder all this alone?
Work is going badly, and so is my relationship...

So annoying!

Xu Lei scratched her hair hard, venting her emotions, and then could only continue to face the hardships and troubles of life.

She got out of bed, went to the bathroom to wash up, and then carefully selected a mature-style work outfit from the wardrobe.

A simple white shirt + black pencil skirt + black stockings + high heels.

With the added touch of maturity from the black-rimmed glasses, the overall impression is that of a secretary.

After getting dressed, Xu Lei sat in front of the dressing table, straightened her hair, and then applied a delicate makeup. Only after confirming that there were no flaws did she get up and leave home.

However, the rain outside seemed to be getting heavier.

The autumn rain is pouring down, and a cold wind is blowing.

Standing at the entrance of the building, Xu Lei couldn't help but shiver and instinctively hugged her shoulders.

If only there were a car right now!

Even if not, Zhang Xu can come with me to the interview!
Is work more important than a girlfriend?

It's not like I'm asking you to take several days off!

Xu Lei felt increasingly aggrieved, so she opened her umbrella and walked into the rain. She went to the bike shed, got on her beloved electric scooter, put on her raincoat, and drove away from the community to the subway entrance.

-

10:20 am.

Xu Lei arrived at the entrance of Shennan Pet Club twenty minutes later than the agreed time.

Although it wasn't long late, it was extremely detrimental to the interview.

How can you apply for a secretary position if you don't even have a sense of time?

Xu Lei had already prepared her explanation for being rejected, and a bitter feeling filled her heart.

Especially since her body was covered in rainwater, and her stockings were partially soaked.

The dual setbacks in her physical and mental health led Xu Lei to become somewhat self-destructive.

never mind!

Destroy it!
But since we're already here, we should apologize to them.

Xu Lei closed the umbrella and placed it outside, then pushed open the door of Shennan Pet Club.

Jingle Bell--!
Accompanied by the crisp sound of bells, Xu Lei was stunned by the warm and beautiful oversized cat cafe in front of her.

The decoration is so beautiful!
The layout of the space and the small decorations that fit the atmosphere of the cat café complement the autumn rain outside.

Xu Lei's irritability was instantly relieved, and she subconsciously looked around.

Just then, a gentle laugh suddenly rang in my ears.

"welcome."

?

Why does it sound familiar?

Xu Lei glanced to the side subconsciously, and her beautiful eyes widened instantly when she saw the handsome man in front of her dressed in a suit and leather shoes.

The forest is deep!?
"Why are you here?"

"What do you think?"

Lin Shen smiled and asked in return, which made Xu Lei blink her beautiful eyes, her surprised expression turning into horror, and she covered her mouth with one hand in disbelief.

"You wouldn't happen to be the one who interviewed me, would you?"

"Replacement guaranteed."

Lin Shen gestured for Xu Lei to sit down, then handed her a towel, as if he had expected her to get wet in the rain.

"Let's dry ourselves off."

"Ah? Thank you!"

Xu Lei was somewhat flattered. After wiping her black-stockinged legs slightly with a towel, she glanced at the man sitting opposite her.

Lin Shen looks even more handsome now than when we last met, especially in his formal attire of a shirt and suit, which gives him a more mature and composed air.

Coupled with his handsome appearance, gentle words and actions, and thoughtful little details, Xu Lei was somewhat moved, and her heart suddenly started beating faster.

Could it be that he's hiring a secretary?

Xu Lei's mind stirred slightly.

"So you founded Shennan. I was wondering why it's only been established for less than a month."

"So, would you like to join?"

"Of course!"

Perhaps because they were familiar with each other, Xu Lei was much more relaxed than before, and the distressed expression on her face gradually eased, revealing a faint smile.

"After all, when we met at the company last time, I was already thinking about coming to work for you."

"why?"

Lin Shen asked with a smile, which made Xu Lei sit up straight and quickly organize her thoughts.

After all, this could very well be her first interview question!
"Because the compensation you offer is good, that's the primary factor."

Xu Lei spoke eloquently.

"Secondly, I have worked with you for two or three years and know you quite well. You have a gentle and mature personality and have taken good care of me. I really hope to work with you again."

"Finally, I think that by taking over this cat cafe and leasing office space, you've clearly made thorough preparations, and I believe you will succeed!"

"Lend your auspicious words."

Seeing Xu Lei's formal reply, Lin Shen hugged his knees and crossed his legs, a rather elegant gesture.

"But you still need to prepare seriously for this interview. I won't give you any special treatment just because we know each other."

"Ok."

Xu Lei immediately straightened up, corrected her posture, and looked serious and focused.

Seeing that she was ready, Lin Shen asked her a few questions that he had thought of in advance.

"What do you think is the core job of a secretary? In your daily work, what are the three details that you think are most important to pay attention to?"

"If your boss has three conflicting things tomorrow: a last-minute meeting with an important client, an emergency internal meeting, and a supplier negotiation scheduled a week in advance, how would you coordinate them? Please explain your approach."

"What kind of growth do you hope to achieve in your role as a secretary over the next three years?"

……

The questions above were carefully selected by Lin Shen to assess Xu Lei's job awareness, daily adaptability, and career planning skills as a secretary.

Her answers were fluent, logically clear, and demonstrated accurate language skills.

Although I stumbled over some questions due to a lack of experience, the solutions I provided in the end were all pretty good.

At least Lin Shen was very satisfied.

In addition, Xu Lei has a great image and temperament, and her voice is as soft and melodious as a lark's, which is pleasant to listen to while also being dignified.

Taking all these advantages into account, Lin Shen would give her at least a score of 70.

"...That concludes my understanding of the secretary's role."

After Xu Lei finished speaking in one breath, she couldn't help but lick her dry lips.

Seeing this, Lin Shen handed her a bottle of mineral water.

"Thank you!"

Xu Lei took the bottled water but didn't rush to drink it. Instead, she asked cautiously.

"Brother Shen, do you think my answers are acceptable?"

"pretty good."

Lin Shen's approval made Xu Lei's heart race again.

Could it be that... I passed the interview?

Seeing Xu Lei's expectant look, Lin Shen's lips curled up slightly, and then he coughed lightly a few times in a pretentious manner.

"You've passed the initial interview, but since the company isn't fully on track yet, you can use this time to learn more about secretarial skills."

"I will conduct a second interview with you once the company is running normally again."

There's a second round of interviews...

Xu Lei's expression instantly turned somber, but Lin Shen's next words cheered her up again.

"Of course, don't worry. Even if you don't pass the second interview, I will still let you come to my company and work as an employee."

"Really? Thank you so much!"

Xu Lei excitedly grasped Lin Shen's hand tightly.

"Brother Shen! Thank you for your recognition! I will work hard!"

"You're welcome."

After feeling the softness of Xu Lei's small hands, she suddenly realized her mistake and quickly let go, her pretty face flushed.

"Sorry! I was too excited!"

"It's ok."

Lin Shen maintained his calm and composed smile.

Do you have any other questions?

"If I pass the second interview, will I be your secretary?"

Xu Lei asked tentatively, which prompted Lin Shen to jokingly reply with a smile.

"What? You don't want to?"

"No, no, no, I'd love to!"

Xu Lei was genuinely happy.

She was initially worried because of Zhang Xu's words, wondering if she had really fallen into his trap.

However, the moment she saw Lin Shen, all her worries vanished.

Xu Lei trusted Lin Shen, believing that based on her years of experience with him, he wouldn't lie.

In other words... a monthly salary of 20,000 is very likely true!

This made Xu Lei admire and respect Lin Shen, and she was very curious about what had happened to him during the time after he left his job.

It's incredible how an ordinary cow or horse can be transformed into a farm owner!
Not only did he become rich, he even became more handsome!

A strange feeling welled up in Xu Lei's heart, and she finally couldn't resist her curiosity and tentatively asked.

"Brother Shen, may I ask what you've been up to all this time? You've changed so much, it's really unbelievable to me..."

"I spend most of my time improving myself."

Lin Shen was quite willing to share his secrets to success with Xu Lei.

"Besides exercising and working out, I used my savings to make some investments. Luckily, they were all in the right place at the right time, so they took off."

"This isn't just good luck, it's clearly because you have a unique eye, Brother Shen."

Xu Lei sighed, suddenly realizing that the differences between people are really quite large.

Compared to Lin Shen's ambition and drive, her boyfriend Zhang Xu is a lazy bum who lacks ambition and spends his days indulging in pleasure.

He's about to get married, but instead of thinking about advancing in his career, he just wants to count down the days.

Even though he has a better education than Xu Lei, his salary is not as high as hers!

They'd rather take a pay cut than do any work!

Bosses are not willing to give such employees important positions.

Of course, this kind of person is fine living alone, but if it comes to marriage, Xu Lei can see the future with him at a glance.

That means there is no future!
well--!
Xu Lei sighed inwardly. Seeing her helpless and dejected expression, Lin Shen asked softly.

"what happened?"

"I don't know if I should tell you, Brother Shen..."

Putting aside her role as the boss, Xu Lei was actually quite willing to confide her troubles to Lin Shen.

After all, the two are the same age and have helped each other in their previous work, so they have a relatively harmonious working relationship.

Therefore, Xu Lei slowly recounted the conflict between herself and Zhang Xu to Lin Shen.

He laughed and said after hearing this.

"Actually, you can try to be more understanding of your boyfriend."

"I may seem to have succeeded, but the risks are actually very high. If I'm not careful, I could easily fall into a trap."

"Your boyfriend's stable lifestyle is actually more suitable for marriage, isn't it?"

"Right."

Lin Shen's words of advice eased Xu Lei's mind considerably, but the most fundamental problem remained unresolved.

So, where will we live in the future?
Xu Lei definitely wouldn't agree to go back to Zhang Xu's hometown with him.

But staying in Shanghai is too costly.

If only he were as rich as Lin Shen...

Then you won't have to worry about these things.

Xu Lei stole another glance at Lin Shen sitting opposite her, a seed she herself was unaware of was slowly taking root and sprouting in her heart.

(End of this chapter)