Leap OF Fate novel Chapter 22

Had Serene known that her life would be peaceful once she returned to Coast City, she would have flown back home immediately after graduation. It would probably have saved her countless days of loneliness and homesickness.

However, she had a stubborn streak and was hungry to prove something for herself, not to mention there were few opportunities available for a newcomer like her.

Thankfully, Mary had taken her under her wings. As always, she had been her savior. This time, she recommended her to her brother Albert who just started a small IT company which focused on expense management. Having had previous exposure to project implementation, she got assigned to the Implementation Department.

How she loved this job. She gets to focus on working on a specific project, helping their clients in customizing their software and in training their employees. It gave her the right balance of challenge and excitement.

She was so happy with how her career was evolving, she barely noticed that half a year had already passed since she left Hyacinth Bay. Best decision ever, she would often say.

“Shen,” Albert, Mary’s older brother and her manager called her. “I need your help with something, can you come up to my office please so we can discuss‌?” Serene nodded and followed him.

“I’m sorry it is last minute. This project was to be handled by Alex, but his wife just gave birth this morning,” the new surprised Serene but also felt happy to know about the good news. Albert just smiled at her reaction. “Since you’ve helped Alex with the research and preparation for Innovation Data Company, I’d like to ask you to take the lead on this implementation.”

Serene’s eyes shone with excitement. She has not led a project yet since she’s yet to receive her project management certification but working closely with different project managers; she knew what the job entailed.

“One more thing,” Albert cleared his throat and looked at her seriously. “You need to meet with the client tomorrow.”

Serene eyes widened. She did not expect that her job as project manager would start right away, “So soon?”. Albert just gave her a nod. “Let me know if you need any help, OK Shen?”

The following day, Serene drove early to beat the morning rush. Since Innovative Data’s office is at the center of the business district, if she left home even just 10 minutes later, she’d definitely get caught in the traffic jam and would miss her appointment.

Because they offer an expense management solution, she typically deals with people from either the Finance or the Administration department. For Innovative Data, she would work with the CFO and her staff. Madeleine, Innovative Data’s CFO, is in her late thirties. She looked and is actually very smart. So were her staff, Natalie and Rose. They did the initial meeting in less than one hour. This meeting typically aimed at gathering and preparing requirements. This team was straightforward, organized and competent, Serene surmised. It already cut half of her job out for her.

After the meeting, Madeleine insisted they go to the Italian restaurant in the neighboring restaurant. Unlike their meeting where the atmosphere was very serious, their meal was the opposite.

She never imagined that Madeleine loved to throw punchlines every once in a while. Her laughter was also infectious.

After spending an hour eating and talking, Madeleine’s team finally needed to head back to their office. They exchanged business cards and goodbyes.

She walked towards the elevator. When she saw that the opened elevator was going down, she hurried her steps.