Chapter 6

From online searches, Zhang Jian found several detective agencies. Among them, the one with the best reputation, the widest range of services, the highest salary, and the best safety was the Henry Detective Agency.

The name of the Henry Detective Agency, it is said, was inspired by an American TV series from back then, which featured a super detective named Henry. The show was quite popular in the country for a while, and most people of Zhang Jian's generation had seen it.

Zhang Jian dialed the phone number listed on the webpage, and the person who answered was a sweet-sounding woman.

"Hello, Henry Detective Agency. How can I assist you?"

Just hearing her voice, which was sweet but not cloying, would naturally make anyone, regardless of gender, feel a sense of goodwill. No wonder the agency had grown so big, with franchises even in the Northeast Three Provinces.

"Hello, I saw that you are hiring investigators online. I would like to apply for a try," Zhang Jian said directly.

"Sure, are you looking for a full-time or part-time position?"

"Part-time."

"Have you had any relevant work experience? Are you more familiar with business investigations or social investigations?"

"Um, I don't have any work experience, but I am interested. I can do without a base salary, but I need the commission. I am particularly good at finding people and objects, and I have worked as a freelance entertainment reporter before." Zhang Jian started to exaggerate to get the part-time job.

"Alright, please meet our supervisor at Bai Xin Restaurant tomorrow at 7 PM. Goodbye."

"Hello? Hello? Damn."

Zhang Jian was speechless. You only gave the name of the restaurant and the interview time, but what about the specific address? Who is the person in charge of the interview? How can you be so irresponsible? How could such an outstanding company like Henry Detective Agency hire you as a receptionist?

After complaining, Zhang Jian suddenly realized that this might be a test. With the name of the restaurant, he would have to find the address himself. At the restaurant, he would need to observe and find the possible supervisor.

Damn, the test starts even before I start working. But you can't fool me; I will definitely find you. Hmph, I'll make you look good when the time comes.

Zhang Jian took out the magic mirror and recited the spell: "Magic mirror, magic mirror, let me see the receptionist from just now."

The image on the magic mirror wobbled for a moment and, in less than three seconds, showed an office scene. In the picture, a woman in a business suit was talking to a man with glasses.

"Mr. Zhao, another person just called to apply for a part-time investigator. I scheduled him to meet at Bai Xin Restaurant tomorrow at 7 PM. Who will conduct the interview?"

"Old Li and Da Zhou are busy, and Old Sun and Xiao Wang don't have time. I just finished my case, so I'll go myself tonight. Hmm, I don't want to seem too abrupt. How about you join me for dinner? If he doesn't show up, consider it a treat from me. No expense report, I'll pay out of my own pocket."

It seemed Mr. Zhao was interested in the receptionist and found an excuse to invite her to dinner.

"Alright, let's go together after work tomorrow."

Zhang Jian stared at the desk in the picture, where there was a contact list. The leader surnamed Zhao was listed as Zhao Mingsheng, with the position of Deputy Manager and his phone number.

Hmph, no matter how smart you are, you can't escape my grasp. Tomorrow, I just need to follow you by taxi and then use the phone to find out which private room you are in. But first, I need to confirm how many Bai Xin Restaurants there are.

He opened the electronic map and searched. Damn, there are actually three, in different districts. What should I do? It's too late to take a taxi, and if I make a mistake, I can't directly call Mr. Zhao's phone; that's the last resort.

Hmm, let me check which one is closest to their company. Got it, the one closest to Crystal Street in Tai Ping District, that must be it.

Holding a note with the phone number of Zhao Mingsheng from the Henry Detective Agency and the address of Bai Xin Restaurant, Zhang Jian smiled smugly.

Another boring day of work, and he was about to start a project, which would keep him busy. But now, the construction mainly depends on the weather; it's too cold for workers to work.

In the evening, he took a taxi to Bai Xin Restaurant on Crystal Street in Tai Ping District. The restaurant was quite busy, and by 6:30 PM, there were no empty tables. Zhang Jian looked around the hall but didn't see Zhao Mingsheng or the receptionist. They might not have arrived yet, or they might already be in a private room.

He stood at the restaurant entrance until 6:55 PM, but still didn't see them. They must have already entered a private room. It was time to make the call.

"Beep—Beep—Hello, is this Mr. Zhao Mingsheng?"

"Yes, who is this?" Zhao Mingsheng's voice was filled with curiosity.

"Who I am is not important. What's important is that I'm standing right outside your private room. Aren't you going to open the door for me?" Zhang Jian said mysteriously.

A private room door suddenly opened, and Zhao Mingsheng, still on the phone, poked his head out. Zhang Jian immediately spotted him, fortunately, the corridor was a straight line, allowing him to see from one end to the other.

"Hello, Mr. Zhao. Shall we go in and talk?" Zhang Jian quickly walked up to Zhao Mingsheng.

Zhao Mingsheng sized up Zhang Jian. His memory was excellent, and he could remember most people he had chatted with, at least their names, if not their faces. But he had no recollection of this person.

"Please come in." Zhao Mingsheng stepped aside to let Zhang Jian into the private room.

The private room was about ten square meters, equipped with a TV and a karaoke system, a round table with a Lazy Susan, six chairs, and an air conditioner. Of course, there was also a beautiful woman sitting at the table.

"Hi, beautiful lady, do you remember my voice? I'm here for the interview."

The woman's face showed surprise, and even Zhao Mingsheng looked astonished.

"Are you the one who called me yesterday? The one applying for a part-time investigator?" the woman asked.

"Yes, my name is Zhang Jian, Zhang as in 'bow' and Jian as in 'healthy.' I've already met Mr. Zhao. Would you like to introduce yourself?" Zhang Jian extended his right hand to the woman.

"Oh, hello, I'm Li Xinran, the company's internal affairs manager." Li Xinran stood up and shook hands with Zhang Jian.

"So, how do you two feel about my performance?"

"Satisfied, very satisfied. But I'm still curious, how did you know my name, and where did you get my phone number?" Zhao Mingsheng asked, his curiosity evident.

"Can I keep that a secret? I told you, I'm good at finding people and objects. Do you believe me now? Are you willing to hire me as a part-time investigator?"

"Part-time is a waste of your talent. How about a full-time position? A base salary of 5,000, with five insurances and one fund, a 20% commission, full reimbursement of reasonable expenses, a year-end bonus, and holiday bonuses. What do you think?" Zhao Mingsheng offered, with terms that even surprised Li Xinran.

"I told you, I have a job and only want a part-time position. But I guarantee that I will complete every case I take on, or I will compensate double. I don't need the base salary, reimbursement, bonuses, or year-end bonuses, but I would like to adjust the commission to 35%."

Zhang Jian wasn't sure what a reasonable commission was, but he thought 35% would be acceptable. After some negotiation, they settled on 30%, with a monthly reimbursement of 600 for meals, 300 for transportation, and 100 for phone expenses, which was a form of base salary benefit, but all required receipts.

This evening was a welcome dinner for Zhang Jian, arranged by Zhao Mingsheng. Since it was a part-time position, he would go to the company the next evening to complete the onboarding procedures, sign a simple contract, and meet the other employees.

Back home, lying on his bed, Zhang Jian couldn't suppress his excitement. He was about to become the detective of his dreams. When the time came, his name would be known throughout the city. And he really did achieve it. Last night, a classmate came over, so I'm sorry for the delay. I'll update five times today to make up for it. Thank you for your support, and I hope you will follow and recommend.

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