Shen Feng spent two hours in his study, finally narrowing down the profiles of two individuals from over three hundred candidates. Both bore a striking resemblance to Qin Kewei; despite differences in hairstyles, their facial structures were identical, with eyebrows and noses mirroring Qin Kewei's features.
Under these circumstances, Shen Feng needed to assess their capabilities. Upon reviewing the files, he found that one woman was married but spoke Chinese and understood Chinese history. The other was unmarried but had no knowledge of Chinese culture, being an ordinary woman.
"Hmm, one married, one unmarried!" Shen Feng mused. If suitability were the sole criterion, the married woman would naturally be more appropriate. After all, she possessed some knowledge of Chinese history and spoke Chinese, which would undoubtedly facilitate conversation. However, the fact that she was married presented a complication.
Seeing Shen Feng's hesitation, Lan Zi inquired about his troubles. Shen Feng, without concealment, explained the situation. To his surprise, Lan Zi confidently stated, "Lord Shen Fuyao, please rest assured. Anyone you select, I will bring to you, regardless of whether she is already married."
With that, Lan Zi immediately left the study with the married woman's profile, her actions decisive and swift.
Shen Feng pondered, murmuring to himself, "Since I'm not the one playing the bad cop, I'll just pretend I don't know about this and continue playing games! Waiting for my injuries to heal!"
Shen Feng did not wish to know what methods Lan Zi would employ next, as he assumed they would involve coercion or enticement, with coercion being the more likely tactic.
Indeed, Lan Zi intended to do just that. She proceeded directly to a hotel owned by the Fujino family and entered the manager's office. Upon seeing their boss arrive, the manager quickly stood by, attending to her with utmost deference, daring not to show the slightest disrespect.
Lan Zi, holding the profile, addressed the manager, "I've heard you have an employee here named Anhe Sayaka. Please summon her and tell her the boss wishes to show concern for her subordinates!"
The manager dared not disobey Lan Zi's command and immediately went to find Sayaka himself. He soon returned with her. Although in her thirties, Sayaka showed no signs of aging in her face or figure, indicating excellent self-care. However, upon seeing Lan Zi seated behind the desk, she appeared considerably more timid.
Sayaka was unaware of the young girl's true identity, but judging by the manager's respectful demeanor, she surmised Lan Zi was a person of considerable influence and responded cautiously, "Excuse me, please take care of me."
Lan Zi did not immediately disclose the main purpose of her visit. Instead, she gestured towards the office door to the manager. Understanding her cue, the manager promptly exited, thoughtfully closing the door behind him and instructing others not to approach the office.
"Sayaka, don't be nervous. I just wanted to inquire about your recent situation. I heard your husband works in the tax bureau, is that correct?" Lan Zi asked with a smile.
Sayaka nodded cautiously, replying, "Yes, that's right. He's currently working at the tax bureau!"
Lan Zi continued, "How has life been recently? Are there any problems?"
Sayaka honestly answered, "No problems. My husband and I live comfortably in the city, and our work isn't strenuous. This is all thanks to your wise leadership, boss, for providing us with stable employment!"
Lan Zi was pleased with this response. Although the flattery held little personal value for her, it at least demonstrated that Sayaka understood her current circumstances, making any future threats much simpler.
Lan Zi continued, "Now, an opportunity has presented itself. I plan to promote you. You won't have to continue working as a waitress in the hotel anymore. You can come with me to a better place, with no strenuous work, no demanding customers, and a substantial salary. What are your thoughts on this?"
Upon hearing this, Sayaka's heart fluttered. Who wouldn't desire a job that offers good pay, minimal effort, proximity to home, high status, and little responsibility? The opportunity was now before her, and it was hard not to be excited, as such prospects were almost unheard of.
However, amidst her excitement, Sayaka maintained a degree of composure. After hearing Lan Zi's offer, she knew that such an excellent opportunity would not be easily bestowed upon her, especially at this time. In this era of doomsday, manna from heaven was a rarity!
"May I ask what the specific work entails?" Sayaka inquired promptly.
Lan Zi replied nonchalantly, "It's nothing extraordinary, just taking care of a patient. This patient is of great importance, so I need someone meticulous to provide care. Of course, when necessary, you will have to make some sacrifices, such as this!"
As she spoke, Lan Zi moved beside Sayaka and lightly traced her finger across the woman's cheek twice.
Sayaka's face immediately turned pale. She now understood everything. This was hardly an easy job; it was essentially asking her to become a mistress to someone of great standing. This was unacceptable; she could not do anything to betray her husband.
Therefore, Sayaka immediately stood up and declared, "No, I cannot do this job. I will not go!"
Sayaka's face was filled with dread, and she stood up, intending to leave.
However, Lan Zi's voice cut through the air, threatening, "Madam, you wouldn't want your husband to lose his job, would you? Think carefully. If you both lose your jobs, how will you survive? I'm sure you've seen how those who can't find work live their tragic lives."
Sayaka immediately stopped in her tracks. She still lacked the courage to walk out the door because she knew the dire consequences of losing her job. She had witnessed the plight of many who had lost their employment. Men who lost their jobs often resorted to heavy drinking, and even if they wanted to work, factories wouldn't hire them. As for women who lost their jobs, their only recourse for earning money was often the red-light district, waiting to be patronized.
Sayaka feared that if she lost her job, her ultimate fate would be to end up in the red-light district.
In this doomsday era, resources were no longer within the grasp of ordinary citizens. To survive, commoners had to rely on powerful factions, hence the existence of jobs. Current social welfare had long since vanished. Losing a job meant losing all means of survival; food and shelter would be gone within a day. Therefore, jobs were precious commodities, and once lost, they were impossible to regain.
"Why? Why me?" Sayaka asked with resentment.
Lan Zi shrugged, "That is the will of heaven. Perhaps this is a turning point in your destiny. Others would yearn for such an opportunity to serve."
Sayaka lowered her head with a heavy heart. Facing the coercion from above, she was powerless to resist. She had no other option but to submit, knowing that losing her job would condemn her to an endless, hellish existence.
"How long do I need to work?" Sayaka continued to ask.
Lan Zi frowned and thought for a moment, "Well, I'm not sure. Perhaps a month, perhaps two months, or even half a year. Do you have any issues with that?"
"No issues. I will definitely complete this job!" Sayaka replied, her head bowed. Her eyes welled up, and she was on the verge of tears. However, she knew that crying might anger the young girl before her, so she could only lower her head to conceal her sorrow.
"Regarding your husband, do we need to find an excuse for you?" Lan Zi inquired further.
Sayaka shook her head and said earnestly, "No need. I will call him myself to convey this news, telling him I'm going on a business trip. After I make the call, I'll leave with you immediately."
Lan Zi nodded with satisfaction and resumed her seat in the office chair, smiling, "You won't regret this decision. As long as you complete this task, you will receive generous compensation. Furthermore, your husband will also be promoted!"
Sayaka took out her phone and began to dial. "Hello, dear. I've received news that I need to travel to Tokyo on a business trip to study hotel management. This is a sign of my leader's trust. It might be for a long time, and I won't be home during these days. Take care of yourself. Yes, that's all."
After hanging up, Lan Zi praised, "Good. Your explanation is perfect. I didn't realize you had a talent for lying. It's impossible to tell you have another mission."
Sayaka felt a wave of shame. Despite being taunted so directly, she could not retort, only silently enduring the humiliation.
Next, Lan Zi prepared to take Sayaka back to the villa. However, halfway there, Lan Zi instructed the driver to stop and said to Sayaka, "Your current attire is unsuitable. With your work clothes, how can you attract men? I'll take you to get a makeover!"
With that, Lan Zi led Sayaka into a clothing store, which was also one of her family's businesses. Upon entering, the sales assistants could only bow respectfully, daring not to offend.
"You, change her clothes. Give her two outfits that will attract men's attention," Lan Zi instructed a female sales assistant. Sayaka was unable to resist and obediently followed, like a doll whose clothing was no longer her choice.
Soon, the sales assistant, following Lan Zi's instructions, dressed Sayaka in a glamorous outfit. The top was a round-neck, backless sweater, exposing her entire back. Fortunately, Sayaka had long hair, which could partially cover it. The sweater also had slits under the arms, revealing glimpses of a rounded curve. The bottom was a pair of shorts, leaving her thighs exposed. She wore black high heels. Dressed like this, it was enough to attract not only men's attention but also women's.
"I'm not comfortable wearing this. I want to change back!" Sayaka pleaded.
Unfortunately, her request was met with Lan Zi's dismissive reply, "It's no longer up to you. You will obediently complete your work, and I will reward you accordingly. However, if you speak out of turn, I can guarantee that neither you nor your husband will be able to live in this city!"
Faced with Lan Zi's threat, Sayaka had no choice but to submit. She worried about what the future held, but under the pressure of survival, she had no other option. She knew this was due to her bad luck; perhaps if she were uglier, she wouldn't have encountered such a situation.
However, if Sayaka were ugly, she likely wouldn't have been hired by the hotel. It was the doomsday era, and countless people sought employment. Without any outstanding qualities, one would inevitably be overlooked.
Soon, Lan Zi returned to the villa with the newly dressed Sayaka. Shen Feng's eyes lit up at her appearance, but he immediately noticed Lan Zi's resentful gaze and quickly turned his head away guiltily.
Next, Lan Zi led Sayaka to the living room. Yue Hengyi was lying on the sofa reading a book. Here, he could bask in the sunlight, which aided in calcium absorption and promoted the recovery of his leg bones.
"Lord Yi Hengyue, this is your dedicated caregiver. She will be fully responsible for your daily needs during this period," Lan Zi said sweetly.
With that, Lan Zi gently nudged Sayaka. Sayaka, snapping back to attention, stepped forward with a smile and said, "Lord Yi Hengyue, hello. I am your new caregiver."