"This is a project under the Hai City Qiao family—a suburban agritainment venture in the western outskirts, covering dining, accommodation, fishing, hunting, and more. It needs a CEO now, and I think you're a great fit. Annual salary of 1.2 million, plus a 0.5% cut of the project's net profit."
Qiao Shiyue felt that with such a great job offer, Liao Zhen had no reason to refuse.
So when she spoke to him, her tone carried a hint of condescension.
But Liao Zhen's reaction was nothing like she expected. Hearing the 1.2 million annual salary, he didn't seem excited at all. Instead, he said calmly, "Sounds pretty good, but I believe there's no such thing as a free lunch. Miss Qiao, could you explain why you're hiring me?"
Qiao Shiyue's eyes widened. "What did you say?"
"Please, if it's no trouble, why are you offering me this job?" Liao Zhen said unhurriedly.
"I'm giving you a job, and I have to explain why I'm giving it to you? Is that what you mean?"
"That's exactly it. With so many scammers out there, luring people abroad with high salaries under the guise of team-building, either for fraud or to harvest their organs, it's not too much for me to be cautious, is it?"
Qiao Shiyue took a deep breath, then another.
Why had she come all this way to hire him?
To cut off Shen Yunyun's right-hand man, of course. Otherwise, why would she offer such a high salary?
With that kind of money, she could hire a returnee in Hai City. Who would come to this backwater to recruit?
What was she thinking?
But she absolutely couldn't say that.
Not only could she not say it, but she also had to come up with a plausible reason. Cursing inwardly, she plastered a smile on her face and said:
"It's only right for you to be cautious. There really are too many scammers these days, but we're a legitimate company. We won't trick people abroad for fraud under the guise of team-building, rest assured. The reason I sought you out is that I've heard about your abilities. I believe you're definitely up for this job."
"And where did you hear about my abilities?" Liao Zhen asked, half-doubtful. Was his reputation really that widespread now?
Qiao Shiyue nearly choked on her anger. She'd never met anyone so stubborn.
She'd never encountered a situation like this before. Usually, employers held the upper hand. Even though it was a two-way choice, job seekers had already made their decision when they submitted their resumes.
During interviews, it was basically the company choosing the employee.
No matter what, an employer wouldn't be grilled like this by a candidate.
Take it or leave it—if not him, she could hire someone else.
And someone this prickly, most employers wouldn't hire anyway, mainly because they'd be hard to manage once in the company.
"A friend referred me. You're not going to ask who that friend is, are you? The people you know have their own networks too."
Liao Zhen nodded. "I understand."
"So when can you start?" Qiao Shiyue asked.
"Start what? I never said I'd work for you."
"You don't want to work for me, then why did you ask all those questions?" Qiao Shiyue exploded.
What was he doing?
Was he messing with her?
Did she have time for this?
Infuriating.
"Just curious, that's all. Why are you so worked up?" Liao Zhen shrugged, genuinely puzzled by her sudden outburst.
"Too young, can't keep your cool. It's no big deal," Liao Zhen muttered to himself.
Qiao Shiyue nearly fainted. This guy was insufferable. Anyone connected to Shen Yunyun was insufferable.