Chapter 24

Hale didn't expect that he would feel an electric current when Harrison touched his shoulder. And he didn't think that man would touch him that is something they know about each other.

He is now confused and puzzled about what is happening. He is wondering why he sees Xander is on his side, and Harrison behaves like him. He believes in reincarnation but it seems impossible for Xander because he just died this year.

While he is drinking water after he finishes his lunch, he remembers that Harrison is a Fuentabella which is also the last name of Xander. He is now having an idea that Harrison might be the brother of Xander.

Since he only has thirty minutes before he goes to the company to take the job interview, he surfs the internet to get to know the background of the boss.

He types fast and reads all the articles about that guy. He did only one reaction repeatedly while getting to know the facts which is just "Wow". But he cannot stop himself from just thinking that there is really a similarity between Harrison to Xander.

While Hale is going to start his work immersion today, his boyfriend, Armando finalizes the documents as he just ended his OJT just this morning.

Since Armando is not too busy right now, he planned to visit his girlfriend since he knew that Hale might be nervous and needed to have a person who would cheer.

Twenty minutes before 1 pm, he arrived at Hale's classroom. He noticed that his girlfriend was busy paying attention to the phone. He knew that Hale was not a techie, he preferred to socialize and do physical touch with him.

"Hey, Hale. What's up? I am glad I caught you here. I was supposed to go to the company of Fuentabella since I heard that today is your first day of work immersion."

"Oh hello, you are here. Actually, I am a little bit nervous. And wait... I think you need to know something."

"What is it? Tell me."

"Don't you know that I saw the new CEO of the company where Xander became a boss? And it's killing me looking at him... Uhm it is not you think, I mean hmm I am not attracted or what."

"You mean that he is like a carbon copy of Xander?"

Hale covered his mouth and widened his eyes due to shock. "O...M...G! How did you know that?"

"I saw him during the welcome ceremony. So what is the matter with that?"

"I can't believe that he really behaves like Xander, they have the same mannerisms, physique, and eyes. Don't you think it is just a coincidence?"

"Well, according to studies, there is a big chance that most people will be look-alikes especially if they share the same genes. Why are you interested in him? You know, I am getting jealous."

"Oh come on, my Armando. Why don't you cheer me up and go with me to the company? I am getting late."

Armando smirked and cleared his throat. He is really jealous right now, he presents himself in front of Hale but the topic is all about Harrison.

They went inside the taxi they called and had a short trip.

~~~

The ABM students are now sitting in the waiting room. While their name was not yet called, they were entertained by the introduction video about the company which aired on the television in front of them.

Hale deeply sighed when she realized that she was going to be next. His boyfriend was on his side sharing a snack with him.

"You will be called within five minutes. Please be calm and be true to yourself. I was also nervous when I took an interview during my first day of OJT. Cheer up, you can do this, Hale," his boyfriend cheered him.

It's been half an hour Hale stayed there, so before she presented himself he put some makeup for his retouch.

"Applicant Hale, please come over," the HR staff called Hale's name.

Then here it is, Hale stood up and hugged Armando for a second before he entered the interview room.

He wore a smile and greeted the CEO, "Good afternoon, Sir."

"You may now take your seat," Harrison commanded.

There was a silence for two seconds before the interview started. This is one of the routines of Fuentabella Company just to test if the applicant is patient and attentive. Well, Hale passed this kind of test, he never left a single question to make a noise.

"So, as I have noticed in your resumé, I learned that you are good at inventing a recipe, that's a plus point for being creative as it is one of the skills of an entrepreneur. Next, you have knowledge of Microsoft Excel, that's nice too. And lastly, I discovered that you are a good writer, I think you will be good in the secretariat I guess," Harrison left some good points about Hale.

"Well, why we must hire you as a trainee?" he asked.

Hale nodded for a while and responded, "I believe that hiring me would leave a good impact on your company. I am a productive kind of person, I am a workaholic and know how to manage tasks. I am trustworthy in terms of clerical work. I am good at anything, you can give me tasks beyond my job description as long as you give me some details."

Harrison smirked a little bit then smiled. He wanted to show unpredictable emotion since he was conducting an interview. Hale felt terrified since he was not sure if he answered the question correctly.

"Impressive! I hope you stay to your word, I will keep an eye on you," the CEO reacted which made me blush to Hale.

"Do you think we can give your full trust in you? We are planning to give you the bookkeeping task and let access our finances."

Hale was not ready for this. He was not comfortable to access things that involve money. This company is too wealthy, he will be managing too many billionaire accounts. He was not too skilled in bookkeeping but he was trying during the first semester.

"Y-Yes, you can trust in me. I am so honest and practice integrity. No promises but I won't let you down."

"Hhmmm... I will take note of that. Well, for our last question... what are your weaknesses? Don't you know that in this company, we train anyone to turn their weakness into strength? So don't be afraid to tell them."

Hale didn't know what to answer. He didn't prepare this kind of question. He was too shy to show his true colors, but he needed to spill them while the boss was waiting for his answer.

"U-Uhmm... Sir, my weakness is doing household chores. I am living in a middle-class family and we have maids, I have never been to cleaning, washing dishes, and organizing places."

"Thank you for being honest. Before we end, how do you rate yourself from 1 to 10."

"I rate myself 8 out of 10, I believe I still have to improve, and by taking work immersion, my skills will be enhanced, and I can also discover about myself. Thank you."

When his interview with the CEO ended, he handshake and left the room silently.

When he came out the door, Armando met him and gave him a hug.

"How is the interview? Did it end well?"

"Honestly, I don't know. I was too nervous earlier, it felt awkward also as his eyes looked like Xander's. It seems like I am talking to a dead person."

"Oh my god, don't say that."

"I am sorry. Promise, I will not think about his looks anymore."

"Much better, Hale."

After a couple of minutes, the CEO called the applicants and let them into the interview room.

"Good day, applicants. So far so good, it looks like all of you will pass the evaluation. However, the interview is just a pretest. We are going to give you a task to test if you deserve to be there. You will be on probation for a week to see if you are fit to work here in the company. Any questions?"

Hale raised his right hand. "Sir, what task will you give to us?"

Harrison replied, "Good question. Well, the test will be ABM-related. Better review and practice."

Once the announcement was clear, they were invited to go to the mini restaurant to take some snacks.

Hale bid goodbye to Armando as he is not allowed to bring someone who is not an employee.

While they were taking food, Hale's friend started a chit-chat with him.

"How's your interview, Hale?"

"Awkward."

"Why?"

"Don't you know that CEO Harrison is such a carbon copy of ex-CEO Xander?"

His friend digested what he said until realized that he had a good point.

"What if Harrison is really Xander? What if he never died? The mystery is still unsolved, did you remember that he had gone missing since the bomb incident?"

Hale is totally confused right now. "Then who was the person been buried on the grave?"