The downpour outside intensified with a clatter, and Bai Qing walked out of the cave expressionlessly. Without looking back, she left Bai Yan's body behind her, tilting her head to gaze at the sky.
The raindrops were the size of stones, pelting her face relentlessly. Bai Qing felt no pain, extending her arms to receive the baptism of the storm, as if reborn in the rain.
While the rain hadn't stopped, Bai Qing began to walk back barefoot. The fierce ocean waves, stirred by the downpour, became tempestuous, sweeping across vast stretches of the beach and washing away their footprints.
Bai Qing, braving the rain, walked along the edge of the sand. Her clothes were soaked, dripping water, yet she felt exhilarated.
Returning to their original spot, she coldly eyed the picnic blanket, quickly packed everything up, and threw it all into the sea in one go.
The boundless ocean instantly swallowed the bundle. Bai Qing, relieved, turned and walked back to the car, returning home at the fastest speed.
The house was quiet, with thunder rumbling outside. Bai Qing emerged from the bathroom, her washed hair still steaming. She picked up the freshly brewed coffee and stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, her eyes alight with elation.
"I'm finally free!"
She had deliberately chosen a secluded beach, bought poison the night before, and scouted the location.
Bai Yan's body wouldn't be discovered too quickly, which bought her plenty of time.
Bai Qing took a satisfied sip of coffee, the rich aroma dispelling her fatigue. She opened her phone and booked a flight abroad, intending to leave the next morning.
She was not the kind of woman to wait and be caught. Moreover, she wouldn't let Bai Yan ruin her bright future!
Bai Qing's gaze turned more frenzied. She glanced at her savings, a sum sufficient for her to start anew.
Outside the floor-to-ceiling window, a bolt of lightning struck with a roar, illuminating Bai Qing's triumphant smile.
More than half a month later, an international flight landed steadily at the airport. A beautiful woman strode towards the exit, drawing the attention of passersby.
A wanted poster was being broadcast on the airport television screen, Bai Qing's photograph displayed for all to see, with a commentator explaining.
"This man died horribly! His body wasn't found for a long time."
"Exactly. But wouldn't it be great if I encountered this woman? There's a reward for reporting her!"
"Get real, you think she wouldn't disguise herself? It's not that easy..."
A crowd chattered and stopped in their tracks.
The woman stood calmly behind the crowd. She removed her glasses and looked thoughtfully at the screen. Hearing their discussion, she smirked.
"Hey, hey, hey, there's a great beauty behind us!"
"Where, let me see!"
"She's really pretty, I wonder if she has a boyfriend..."
The people who had been discussing the news were instantly captivated by the woman, their previous thoughts banished.
A bunch of idiots.
Bai Qing put her glasses back on, holding her head high like a proud peacock, and slowly departed. The pre-arranged car was already waiting outside.
She had transformed, and the city hadn't changed much. Bai Qing made her way to her new residence, surveying the neighborhood with satisfaction before heading straight to her new home.
She could never go back to her previous home. While abroad, she had rented a new place under a foreign name.
"Time is almost up."
Bai Qing glanced at her watch. She took a methodical shower, applied light makeup meticulously, and then hurried out.
Today, she had a very important interview, and she was determined to get it!
Meanwhile, at Wei Yumeng's company.
The Human Resources department was unusually busy today. Wei Yumeng, observing the scene, asked an employee beside her.
"Manager Wei, don't you know? Human Resources is holding interviews today for the boss's secretary position," the employee whispered conspiratorially, hiding their face behind a document. "I heard there's a formidable opponent coming, someone who's just returned from studying abroad, a female elite. Everyone wants a glimpse!"
"I see." Wei Yumeng smiled. No wonder everyone was so excited; they all wanted to see this international elite.
As soon as they finished speaking, a woman of imposing presence walked into the company, her high heels clicking. Her expensive attire, chic appearance, and capable demeanor drew everyone's attention.
"Are you Ms. Jessica?" the receptionist asked Bai Qing, smiling.
Bai Qing appraised the receptionist and responded coolly, as if answering her question.
"The interview is on the third floor. Please follow me," the receptionist said, quickly leading Bai Qing, her service remarkably enthusiastic.
Wei Yumeng couldn't help but frown, her gaze lingering on Bai Qing until she entered the elevator.
This Ms. Jessica seemed rather arrogant.
"She looks even more impressive in person. The interview outcome is undoubtedly hers; it has to be her," the onlookers exclaimed, crowding to get a better look at Bai Qing. "After all, she's an elite from abroad."
As they spoke, Bai Qing walked past them. She bypassed the employees, but as she passed Wei Yumeng, her eyes flicked down, casting a sidelong glance.
Wei Yumeng, we meet again.
Bai Qing's red lips curved upwards, a hint of malevolence flashing in her eyes, before she entered the interview room.
Wei Yumeng narrowed her eyes, her gaze fixed on Bai Qing's retreating figure. She raised her fair fingers, thoughtfully stroking her chin.
Jessica just looked at her. Did that woman know her?
Wei Yumeng shook her head, finding it impossible. She had never met this Ms. Jessica. Although her eyes seemed slightly familiar, the woman had returned from abroad, making a chance encounter with her virtually zero.
"It's more important to get back to work," Wei Yumeng muttered, her beautiful eyes fixed on the interview room. Through the semi-transparent glass, she could vaguely see a woman's silhouette. She looked away and turned to leave.
Bai Qing, who was being interviewed, seemed to sense something and glanced outside. Wei Yumeng's receding figure was reflected in her eyes. She smiled with amusement and silently gritted her teeth.
"So, we've happily decided, Ms. Jessica?" the HR manager asked, noticing Bai Qing's momentary distraction.
"Yes." Bai Qing snapped back to attention, nodding and offering a standard professional smile.
"Congratulations on being hired as our company's secretary. We hope you enjoy your time here. Welcome aboard!" The HR manager looked pleased. Among the applicants' resumes, Bai Qing's was exceptionally outstanding, setting her apart from the rest. The secretary position was undoubtedly hers.
"Thank you!" Bai Qing shook the HR manager's outstretched hand, an unstoppable smile on her face.
Just wait, everything you owe me, I will get back, piece by piece!