Imperfect Desires

49 Once OR Twice

It wasn't that Darren knew that Xiu was Dylan's new Executive Assistant. He had indeed selected her and read all her details but there was a certain detail missing on Xiu's resume and that was her photo. While all the other resumes had a photo, hers didn't.

This was the first point that had intrigued Darren when he was helping Li Qi'er in the screening process. The second point was her accomplishments. And those accomplishments were enough to make him realize why she didn't attach her photo on the resume. It was a clear statement that her work would be enough to speak for her. His interest had piqued enough.

However, the deciding factor was her answer to a certain question. During the screening process, Xiu was given a sheet of paper with some questions. In fact, that was a set of questionnaire to determine the character of the employee and it was set by Darren himself.

Since Li Qi'er knew how good Darren was at determining the abilities of a person, she had said nothing about that questionnaire. And she was right, with just those answers, Darren could tell what kind of a personality each of the candidates had.

The answer that became his final deciding factor for Xiu was for the question; Write a letter to yourself.

It seemed a very simple and ordinary question but in reality, Darren knew how complex it could be. People often tried to show their ambitions through this. But he wasn't looking for ambition because ambitions often led people astray. He was looking for determination and sincerity. And that's what he found in Xiu's questionnaire sheet.

Her answer was something like this:

"Dear Xiu,

I'm sorry. I'm sorry for letting you down. I'm sorry that even after living a lifetime, I didn't care about you. I didn't spend any effort to learn about you or your wishes. I'm sorry for mistreating you and most of all, taking you for a coward. I'm sorry for not standing beside you as your strength when you needed it the most.

Xiu, I know you're strong. Stronger than anyone I've ever met. But it's time to prove this to others. It's time that we should learn about ourselves. Forgive me for prioritizing others over you. But no more, let's give ourself a chance. We have spent long enough in the paradox of past and future. Neither we can go back in past nor do we have the sight to see the future.

What we have is today. And now, we need to shape this today of ours.

Thank you for staying with my unbearable self. Thank you for not giving up. And thank you for trying your best with this second chance. This time, I want you to live to the fullest. Live your imperfect desires that you had hidden from the world. Let me give you the love that you craved for till the end. Let me make you forget the scars that are left behind.

Don't ever let anyone make you feel small again. Don't let anyone make you cry again. Forget yesterday and come, we'll find our true self together. What do you like to do? What makes you feel good about yourself? What makes you happy? Because you're never alone. I'm always there for you. And together, we can conquer the world.

Just do give up and keep fighting! Because this rollercoaster of a ride we call life has only started."

Xiu's words had touched Darren deeply. It was the sincerest letter he had read. All other candidates went along the lines of how they will do their best and achieve the heights of success. But she only asked herself for a chance to prove herself. Live one day at a time.

Obviously, he didn't know what second chance Xiu had talked about or which end she was referring to but nonetheless, the letter was very touching. It reminded him of someone whom he lost. Someone who was gone forever now.

He really wished to poach Xiu to his own company. But he couldn't snatch someone from his own best friend. Therefore, he decided to let it go.

On the other side of things...

Xiu had no clue that the words that she wrote because of her frenzied emotions were the reason for her selection. She had a dream about a bitter memory that very day and she wasn't in a good mood. Therefore when she read that question about writing a letter to yourself. She just poured her heart out.

She also had no clue, how deeply those words had affected someone. And how she had invoked someone's buried memories along with her own.

Currently,

When Xiu entered the apartment with a content smile, she heard Nora's voice, "Baby Xiu'er, why are you so late?"

And seeing Nora's concern, Xiu just spilled her heart out honestly as she kept cursing Dylan who was sneezing unceasingly in Darren's apartment and Darren even joked saying, "I think someone is cursing you."

"It must be that Ms. Bai!" Dylan answered hatefully while Darren shook his head at him.

Who knew that his guess was right on point! It wasn't in Xiu's hands otherwise she would have already smashed Dylan's head with a baseball bat.

Back on Xiu's side, she looked aggrieved as she related the story of the whole day to Nora who was equally furious now.

"How dare he! Such a despicable man! He treated you so badly and you let him? Why didn't you say anything?" Nora's temper flared up as she rolled up her sleeves ready to fight. "Let me find him. I'll give him a good lesson!"

Xiu held her back saying, "Nora darling, stop it! Do you think I can't give him a punch or two?"

"Then why didn't you?" Nora shouted at her, not satisfied with how Xiu let herself get bullied.

"He's my boss. I should bear with him once or twice." Xiu's voice was barely a whisper. "Besides, I don't want to end up with a lawsuit."

"What lawsuit? My mother is the best lawyer. Why are you worrying about a lawsuit?" Nora gave her a side hug and added, "Next time, feel free to kick his ass. We'll handle the lawsuit if we have to."

Xiu smiled at her reply wholeheartedly as she felt completely relaxed now. Nora had that effect on her. She really could brighten up her day.

"I'll definitely kick his ass," Xiu replied with determination.

"Good!" Nora patted her head proudly.