Hearing Shen An’an’s somewhat helpless words and realizing she wasn’t being deceived, Yan Qi didn’t press further about the salary. After thinking for a moment, she looked up and said to Shen An’an:
“Alright, if 500 yuan a day is the best the Supernatural Affairs Bureau can offer, then so be it. At least it’s a job that pays over ten thousand a month.”
“Does that mean you’re willing to work for our Bureau?”
Hearing Yan Qi’s words, Shen An’an asked her in an expectant tone.
To this, Yan Qi quickly nodded and replied:
“Yes, I’m willing to help you and the Bureau, Sister An’an. It’s not like I have much else going on right now.”
“That’s wonderful! I’ll call the Director right now to let her know you’re willing to work with us.”
“Call her? Isn’t Auntie Bai at the Bureau right now?”
Yan Qi couldn’t help asking curiously upon hearing Shen An’an’s words.
Hearing this, Shen An’an, who had just taken out her phone to call Bai Yuling, paused her actions and answered:
“The Director isn’t at the Bureau right now. She’s personally handling a very tricky case.”
“I see. I understand. Then please go ahead and call Auntie Bai, Sister An’an.”
Confirming that Bai Yuling was indeed away and not delving into the details of the difficult case, Yan Qi urged Shen An’an accordingly.
Hearing Yan Qi’s words, Shen An’an smiled, quickly picked up her phone, and dialed Director Bai Yuling’s number.
It didn’t take long for Bai Yuling to answer Shen An’an’s call.
“Hello, Director? This is Shen An’an. I have something very important to report.”
After speaking, Shen An’an briefly organized her thoughts and clearly reported the recent events to Bai Yuling.
After listening to Shen An’an’s report, a look of surprise flashed across Bai Yuling’s face, but she quickly recovered. She then said a few words to Shen An’an, agreeing to let Yan Qi work for the Bureau.
“Understood, Director. I won’t assign Xiao Qi any highly dangerous tasks.”
After assuring Bai Yuling over the phone and knowing the Director was busy with the investigation, Shen An’an politely ended the call.
She then turned her gaze to Yan Qi and said:
“Xiao Qi, the Director has approved you working for our Bureau. Starting today, you are an esteemed temporary member of the Fengcheng City Supernatural Affairs Bureau.”
“Auntie Bai just said one thing, and now I’m a temporary worker? Shouldn’t something like this involve signing a contract?”
Although Yan Qi knew her Auntie Bai held significant influence within the Bureau, she felt that matters involving money were best handled with a formal contract. So, she asked Shen An’an accordingly.
“Xiao Qi, of course, we need to sign a contract for this. Otherwise, you wouldn’t feel at ease, and neither would we.”
“In that case, let’s go sign the contract right away.”
“Wait, Xiao Qi, there’s no need to rush the contract signing.”
“Why shouldn’t I be in a hurry?”
Not understanding why Shen An’an would say that, Yan Qi looked up at her, puzzled.
To this, Shen An’an quickly explained with a smile:
“That’s because you haven’t legally come of age yet, Xiao Qi. You can’t sign a contract with our Bureau yourself.”
“What? Sister An’an, is the Bureau really going to make an issue of my age for this?”
Hearing Shen An’an’s reply and understanding her meaning, Yan Qi asked, somewhat displeased.
To this, Shen An’an replied in a matter-of-fact tone:
“Of course. After all, our Bureau is a legitimate official organization. We absolutely cannot do anything that clearly violates the law.”
After listening to Shen An’an’s answer, Yan Qi remembered that the Bureau was indeed an official legal entity and naturally couldn’t sign a contract with a minor like herself who hadn’t reached the required age. She didn’t pursue the matter further and instead said:
“Fine, then I’ll call my mother over now to sign the contract with your Bureau on my behalf.”
“Wait, Xiao Qi, there’s no need to trouble your mother to come over right now.”
“Why?”
Confused by Shen An’an’s attempt to stop her, Yan Qi looked at her with a puzzled expression and uttered those three words.
Seeing the look on Yan Qi’s face and knowing her deep confusion, Shen An’an hurriedly explained:
“Because our Director hasn’t returned yet.”
“What does Auntie Bai not being back have to do with me not being able to call my mother over to sign the contract?”
Yan Qi continued questioning Shen An’an.
“Xiao Qi, the Bureau has very strict procedures for recruiting temporary staff from outside. If the contract isn’t signed by the Director, it’s invalid. So, since the Director hasn’t returned, we naturally can’t finalize your contract yet.”
After hearing Shen An’an’s further explanation, Yan Qi finally understood why she had said there was no need to trouble her mother to come over now. So, finalizing this temporary contract required the Director’s signature.
“I see. No wonder you said that earlier, Sister An’an.”
After this moment of realization, Yan Qi paused briefly before asking Shen An’an another question:
“Sister An’an, since we have to wait for Auntie Bai to return before I can sign the contract, when exactly will she be back?”
“If the investigation goes smoothly, the Director will probably return tonight.”
“Which means if the investigation doesn’t go smoothly, you don’t know when she’ll be back. Is that right?”
In response, Shen An’an didn’t answer directly but nodded, somewhat apologetically, confirming Yan Qi’s guess.
Seeing Shen An’an nod, a outcome Yan Qi had already anticipated, she lowered her head in thought for a moment before asking:
“Sister An’an, do you know what case Auntie Bai is working on right now?”
“I do. Why do you ask?”
After answering Yan Qi’s question, Shen An’an followed up with one of her own.
To Shen An’an’s inquiry, Yan Qi quickly replied:
“Because I want to help Auntie Bai wrap up the case quickly.”