The gap between her and the vice president was enormous. From the moment she joined the company, she understood exactly who he was. She liked him, but she knew her place. They weren't from the same world. Even if they crossed paths occasionally, they would eventually drift apart. Not every beautiful thing needed to be possessed. Some things were meant to be admired from afar.
For the next two days, Aria didn't see the vice president. Besides, he had mentioned earlier that his brother had taken his car. She felt too awkward to text or call him. All she could do was wait for him to reach out first.
After a few days of training in HR, Aria officially reported to the administration department. Her next phase involved training there before starting her formal duties. She trained and worked alongside Hannah Moore. Hannah was moody and easily upset, but she was also serious and responsible. So Aria followed her lead, trying to accommodate her temperament. She did more and talked less. After all, if she wanted to stay at Sterling Group long-term, cooperating with Hannah was essential. If their relationship turned sour now, it would hurt her work and her standing as a newcomer.
"Aria, I'm not feeling well today. I'll leave things to you," Hannah explained. "Okay!" Aria replied. "Sister Hannah, is it that time of the month?" "Yes, it always drains me." "I heard drinking brown sugar ginger tea helps. Want to give it a try?" "Really? I'll try it when I get home. Thanks," Hannah said. "You're welcome, Sister Hannah. I'll get started on the inventory first!" "Alright!" Hannah nodded.
Aria picked up the inventory log and began checking department by department. The inventory was done once a month to prevent company assets from being stolen or damaged. Aria's pace was a bit slow because she checked everything carefully and kept detailed records. When registering a computer, she didn't just check the model number. She also removed the cover to inspect the internal components. The company had experienced two incidents of stolen memory modules.
"New hire from admin?" someone asked with a smile. Aria straightened up, turned around, and smiled back. "Yes, I'm new to the admin department. I'm Aria." She saw a tall, thin man holding a coffee cup, looking at her with a grin. "Hello, Aria. I'm Landon Knight from the tech department," Landon replied. "Hello," Aria answered. "Are you in charge of the inventory today?" Landon asked again. "Yes," Aria nodded. "You're taking too long doing it this way. The simplest method is to check the hardware directly on the computer without removing the cover," Landon said. "Can you teach me?" Aria asked eagerly.
So Landon showed Aria how to check the computer's hardware through the system. That way, she didn't have to remove the main cover. Sometimes, when someone else was using the computer, it was inconvenient for her to inspect it physically. "Thank you. I learned a new trick!" Aria said gratefully. "You're welcome. Feel free to ask me anytime!" Landon replied. "Okay!" Aria nodded and left the tech department after finishing her check.
Back in the tech department, Landon was surrounded by his colleagues. "Landon, I've never seen you so enthusiastic before!" a colleague teased. Landon just smiled and said nothing. "Got your eye on someone?" another colleague pressed. "If she doesn't have a boyfriend yet," Landon admitted. He had seen her at the company lottery event before. She had left a good impression on him. Long, straight black hair, a dark suit, a white blouse—she looked sweet and clean. She was exactly his type. He hadn't expected to run into her in his department today.
Aria had no idea what happened after she left the tech department. She just continued her inventory work. After finishing the lower floors, she headed upstairs to check the executive-level assets. As she stepped out of the elevator, her heart started racing. Would she run into the vice president? Don't overthink it. Focus on work. Aria warned herself silently. In this world, the hardest thing to control was liking someone. But restraining yourself from showing it was even harder.
Aria kept checking. She reached the vice president's office and knocked. No response. "Aria, are you looking for the vice president?" Sophia Adams, Evan's secretary, asked. "No, I'm here for the fixed asset inventory," Aria explained. "Wait a moment. I'll open the door for you. The vice president hasn't returned from his business trip yet." "Okay," Aria replied, feeling a pang of loneliness. So he was on a business trip.
After the door was opened, Aria began checking the assets in the deputy general manager's office. Sophia didn't leave. She waited for Aria to finish so she could lock up. Finally, Aria went to the chairman's office. She knocked timidly. After hearing a response, she gently opened the door and said, "Mr. Sterling, I'm here for the fixed asset inventory." Alexander Sterling looked up at her and nodded. Aria walked into the office and started checking. She naturally didn't dare touch the chairman's computer. She checked several items listed in the inventory log one by one, then marked them off. After finishing, she informed the chairman and walked out of his office.
"Aria, isn't it?" Alexander looked up at her and asked. "Yes, Mr. Sterling!" Aria was startled for a moment. "It's fine. Go back to work," Alexander replied. "Okay!" Aria was a little puzzled but responded and left, closing the door behind her. Alexander raised his head and stared at the closed door. He had wanted to ask her how things were going with Evan. In the end, he didn't. His son's affairs were his own to handle. Although he wasn't entirely satisfied with the girl, his son liked her.
After the inventory, Aria headed toward the elevator. She stood quietly outside, waiting. Her mind wandered. She heard the ding and looked up. The elevator doors slid open, revealing a familiar figure. Almost by reflex, Aria broke into a sweet smile. "Were you looking for me?" Evan stepped out of the elevator and stood in front of her. Aria was stunned for a moment, then quickly shook her head. She waved the inventory log in her hand and replied awkwardly, "No, I was just doing the inventory!" Evan looked at her without speaking. Aria had to take the initiative. "Vice President, I heard you were on a business trip. You just got back, right?" As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt like she had said something stupid. If he hadn't come back, he wouldn't be standing in front of her. Evan glanced at his watch and asked, "What are your plans for tonight?"