The interview ended.
Xiaoqi walked away from Wang Yang, yet her steps were slow and unsettled.
Her mind remained fixed on the Captain’s gaze — the way his eyes had never left Zhuzhu’s back as she walked away.
Questions swirled inside her.
Why did he pay so much attention to Zhuzhu?
Why did he ask about her?
They had only met for the first time today.
Xiaoqi shook her head gently to clear her confusion, then quickened her pace toward the company car parked some distance away.
Inside, Zhuzhu waited restlessly.
As soon as Xiaoqi got in and sat beside her, Zhuzhu asked immediately: “How was it, Qi?
Did the Captain give enough information?” Xiaoqi looked at her intently for a moment, then sighed softly.
“The report is complete.
But something was strange, Zhu.
About Captain Wang Yang…” Zhuzhu’s heart seemed to stop beating for a moment.
“What about him?” “While you were spacing out earlier,” Xiaoqi said quietly yet seriously, “I saw it.
He kept watching you.
Stared at you so intently, as if trying to recall something long lost.
And after the interview ended… he asked me about you.” Zhuzhu swallowed hard.
“What… did he ask?” “He asked who you are, and why you didn’t stay for the interview.
I told him you’re Zhuzhu, my coworker who wasn’t feeling well.
Then I gathered the courage to ask him… does the Captain know you?” Xiaoqi looked straight into Zhuzhu’s eyes, then continued: “And do you know what he answered, Zhu?
He said: ‘I don’t know her… I only know her name.'” Silence fell over the car.
Zhuzhu turned away, staring out the window that began to fog with her own breath.
A tangled mix of emotion and bewilderment filled her chest.
Only knows my name… she thought.
How could that be?