As Aurora completed her onboarding process, word had already spread about her recent confrontation with Alison.
Ever since Alison got involved with Paul, she seemed overjoyed and started to dismiss everyone else, bullying the junior staff who dared not speak up. Offending her meant risking their job, as she could easily sway Paul with whispers in his ear.
Today, Aurora retaliated fiercely against her, and people especially enjoyed the moment Alison fell sprawling, which became a delightful topic among the employees. Those usually oppressed by her laughed and joked, “You all should have seen her fall; it was a complete disaster.”
“Indeed, I still could not forget her black lace,” another chimed in eagerly, gossiping further.
“She must be good in ways we know, no wonder the vice-president likes her so much,” remarked another, indicating more salacious thoughts.
The workplace was like a battlefield, where even the usually oppressed found fodder for gossip in others’ missteps.
“Absolutely, the way she struts is just nauseating,” one commented.
“Men do seem to prefer that sort, no doubt,” the group continued, drifting from one topic to another.
“By the way, who was that woman who dared to confront Alison today? We’ve never seen her before,” the conversation turned to Aurora.
“True, I’ve never seen her either. She looks young but has a presence, definitely the elite type, a stark contrast to that floozy.”
“Speaking of which, did you hear that HR is getting a new manager parachuted in today?” another woman initiated yet another topic.
“Parachuted? What do you mean?” Everyone gathered around, eager for more gossip.
“The new manager isn’t promoted from within but just returned from the U. S., supposedly younger than all of us.”
“Where did you hear that? What could someone that young even manage? Our hiring standards are quite strict. Besides academic qualifications, they ask for experience. If she’s that young-how could she have the experience? I just heard a PhD candidate failed the interview yesterday,” they doubted the newcomer, knowing their company’s stringent recruitment standards.
“Maybe she has some unique skills, or perhaps… she has connections,” they speculated, accustomed to such workplace intrigue.
“If only we all had influential fathers,” they laughed knowingly, curious about the new manager.
“I just wonder if she can be a match for that Alison?”
“Being so young and directly appointed as a manager, she must be more capable than Alison,” they laughed heartily.
The sound of high heels clicked rhythmically along the hallway, unnoticed by the group.
“I bet the new manager must have a very good look.”
“Obviously, why else would she be promoted?” they speculated.
“Is this… the Human Resources Department?” The heels stopped, and a clear, cool voice inquired.
Everyone turned to see a young, attractive woman in a white blouse and capri pants, her demeanor unmistakably superior to anyone present.
“… Yes, this is Human Resources,” someone replied softly.
Aurora clutched a briefcase and walked expressionlessly inside.
“Excuse me… who are you looking for?” Perhaps it was Aurora’s formidable presence that instinctively made the people around her step aside.
No one dared meet her gaze, as if looking at her for too long would scorch them with her stare.
“Please allow me to introduce myself, I am Anne, the new manager of the Human Resources department,” Aurora announced clearly.
When she finished speaking, everyone present was dumbfounded; the very person they had been gossiping about was now standing before them.
Had she heard everything they said? The women who had been speaking animatedly now turned pale.
It was unclear how much she had heard, but it was certain she had heard enough. Offending the manager as soon as she took office, everyone looked visibly shaken.
“Hello, very nice to meet you, Miss Anne.” Everyone stood up, surprised at how different the new manager was from what they had imagined.
Everyone thought that someone who parachuted into such a managerial position must have come through unconventional means, expecting her to be dressed flamboyantly like Alison.
But here she was, presenting a capable image with minimal makeup.
She glanced at her wristwatch. “If I’m not mistaken, it’s already working hours. Are you all free?”
Aurora’s gaze swept over the crowd. Despite being younger than them, her stare sent a chill down everyone’s spine.
“No, not at all,” responded the employees, realizing the new manager was no ordinary figure.
“HR work is complicated enough; I suppose you don’t have much free time to chat, do you? If you want to chat, shall I go get some tea for you to sit and talk?”
Her voice was indifferent, leaving no room for anyone to speak, only to look at each other.
“I’ll be in my office. Team leaders, bring the reports from the past two years to me immediately, and I’ve heard about a major recruitment drive the company is planning. I need a detailed plan by five, and preparations for new employee training should start as well.”
“I believe our department should be the busiest. If I hear anyone chatting during work hours, you might as well go home and talk.
Team leaders really should learn your responsibilities well. If this happens again, I’ll be dealing directly with you. Also, where’s my office?”
“Miss Manager, your office is that way, Heather, lead the way.” Everyone was intimidated by Aurora’s stern demeanor.
Aurora withdrew her gaze from the faces around her and walked away with her folder.
“Is she crazy? Reports from the past two years? What for?!” someone whispered.
“Shut up, the manager is no simpleton. Be careful, or she might send you home,” the group quickly dispersed, no longer daring to gossip.
What Aurora desired was not just a minor managerial position; she aspired to understand the entire company, and requesting the reports was simply a means to that end.
“Miss Manager, this is your office,” a young woman led her into a glass-walled office.
“Turns out, you’re in our department,” Aurora recognized the young woman who had been knocked over by Alison before.