109 The Job Offer

Monday, continued ...

"Jodie is it not like that.I actually met Yi here 6 months ago.As I had accepted Lu Jinhu's proposal, I had planned for nothing to happen.However we communicated on and off since then, Yi always told me that he would support whatever decision I made regarding my relationship.When I was at the Australian Embassy to complete the paperwork to Marry in Country X, when I saw Yi in passing, I realised that I could never marry Lu Jinhu."

Anna briefly paused, then quietly continued "Before I could tell Lu Jinhu of my decision, he married another woman in an arranged marriage.Yi and I had decided originally to wait between my ending of the relationship with Lu Jinhu, and our marriage, but this made us decide to immediately marry."

"So, I stand by my view, you rushed from one relationship to another."

"I have not Jodie.I had, all but admitted it to myself months ago ended my relationship with Lu Jinhu, I just could tell no one."

"Well I guess you are coming back sooner rather than later, which will be good,I do not have to deal with some of the ..."

"Do not say it Jodie.And no, I am not coming back.This is a flying visit to deal with the legal matter, sort out my belongings and for me to start the process of permanently relocating to Country X.The partners have agreed that I can remain working on a part-time basis on permanent secondment to Hou Enterprises, and the document you took to Mr William's office was that.I have a question for you, given that I will not be here, are you going to remain and be appointed as someone else's assistant, or leave?"

"Damn, Anna, so much to dump on me.When I was printing the document. I googled Hou Enterprises, and it is a massive international company.As long as he" with that Jodie was pointing at Hou Yi "treats you well, all I can do is wish you the best.As to what I am going to do, I had the thought when I believed you were marrying Lu Jinhu, that if you left the firm I would leave."

Jodie paused, as if thinking about the past."Before becoming your assistant, I had been assigned to 4 different lawyers as their assistant in 3 years.None cold stick out the job here, and I do not want to go through that again.I am going to resign from here, but I will not have an issue in getting a job elsewhere.John and I need me working, as John's employer sacked him for complaining about unsafe work practices.He is fighting the dismissal, but no one is willing to employ him, and money is tight."

"Jodie, I have an option, if you and John are interested.How about you relocate to Country X, and become my assistant there.There would be some legal work, but the full extent will depend on how much work I opt to do, and my other activities around social and charitable events and company needs.We would pay your relocation costs, and regular trips back here to see family.Additionally, we will help you secure your accommodation, and John find a job."

Hou Yi, knew that he needed to speak up"Jodie, there is a couple of things that you need to be aware of.Anna and I can sponsor your visa as you will be working for us personally, in a niche position.The only way that your partner would have working rights under a sponsored visa is if you are married.He could, if you were not married, only obtain a spousal visa which has no working rights attached to it."

"I told Yi you and John live together, Jodie"

Hou Yi continued "I confirmed with the embassy, if there is a confirmation of a marriage ceremony booking, and you subsequently provide your marriage certificate, John's working rights visa, that is linked to your visa, can be processed at the same time.Neither visa would be issued for about 5 to 6 weeks, which I understand is enough time for you to marry here.We do not want to put pressure on you, but Anna explained that John enjoys working, so we want him to have options."

"By the way, Anna did not let you know, we will personally be paying your accommodation costs, as we need to know you are safe so people cannot use you to get at Anna.Your salary would be three times your current salary, and we would pay for you to return to Australia up to three times per year for 10 days each time to visit your family and friends.Additionally due to the nature of the work, you will be provided with an annual clothing budget, as part of your position will be to attend charity events, which have a particular dress code."

"Jodie, and before you say it, we are not kidding."

"If I did not have to talk to John, I would say yes straight away.Can I let you know as soon as I have spoken to him?"

"Not a problem.It is a big step to have to consider, but I would like it if you would.One favour, as I really do not want to do it myself.Can you please arrange and pack up my office for me, today or tomorrow if possible?"

"Not a problem Anna."Jodie looked down at her watch "Damn, we have 5 minutes before that staff meeting.I guess you have to be there as well."

"Well it is called to announce a few things.Plus, I have gifts for everyone."

"Typical, you go on a holiday and bring everyone back something small," Jodie said having to get in the last word.

Anna, Jodie and Hou Yi left the office, to head inside the main office area.Hou Yi signaled that only two bodyguards should accompany them and reminding them to carry in the boxes of gifts that Anna had requested be brought earlier.