The interview for the first company was scheduled for Friday morning. She arrived very early. The multinational conglorate truly exuded grandeur with its floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a refreshnt area stocked with a wide array of beverages, and snacks served during the ten-thirty break. Eight candidates were present for the second-round interview, but only two would be hired. They sat in a line on a long bench, each with a serious expression.
Yan Xixi glanced around and noticed that the three male candidates seed at ease, while the other four female candidates appeared slightly jittery. It was evident that the won had all carefully applied light makeup and were wearing quality office attire. Nowadays, parents invested heavily to secure their children’s employnt. University graduation was no longer a guarantee of an easy path.
The candidates preceding her erged one after another, each looking sowhat troubled, likely due to the tricky questions posed by the interviewers. Finally, it was Yan Xixi’s turn.
She entered a massive hall where six interviewers sat on the main panel. They spread out her academic transcripts and reviewed her scores but didn’t ask a single question related to her profession.
"Miss Yan, why did you graduate from university at the age of 26?"
"My mother was seriously ill, so I had to drop out of school for a while. I later resud and completed my studies."
"Twenty-six is an awkward age, not too young and not too old. Do you have a boyfriend?"
"..."
"At your age, once you start dating, you’re likely looking at marriage and children. This ans long periods of maternity leave. What makes you think you are competitive compared to your peers?"
"You’re very pretty. How can you guarantee that personal relationship issues won’t affect your work?"
"Our company has always been known for its high salaries and generous benefits. What proof can you offer that you are worth this value?"
Good heavens, this was a proper interrogation.
She rembered Xu Xiaoya’s words and calmly replied, "I wonder if you’ve all heard this saying: ’Heterosexual relationships are for procreation; homosexual relationships are true love.’"
The panelists looked at each other.
Such a beautiful woman... The sole female senior executive on the panel involuntarily adjusted her clothes, took a sip from her water cup, and cleared her throat, her eyes filled with caution.
Yan Xixi laughed inwardly but maintained a perfectly composed, unflappable deanor.
The panelists had never encountered such a "frank" person before.
Well, it didn’t really matter. In the workplace, bosses generally preferred their unmarried female employees to be staunchly single, after all.
"Alright, Miss Yan, you may go ho and wait for the final-round notification."
Only three contenders remained for the final round, from whom two would be selected. Victory was within reach.
Yan Xixi exited the office and let out a long sigh of relief.
What a tough world this was; nothing ca easy.
She steeled her heart. Perhaps enduring Wan Donglin’s temper alone was better than facing the displeasure of many others. But then again, the workplace offered opportunities for promotion. If she beca a "concubine," even the primary one, she would still be just that—a "concubine."
So be it. She would continue the struggle, matching wits and courage.
On her way, she stopped to look at a potential new rental. It was a small, tastefully decorated, and fully furnished one-bedroom suite. From its second-floor window, she could reach out and touch the verdant leaves of a sumr birch tree. She was very satisfied and paid the security deposit and three months’ rent in advance.
Seeing that it was still early, she took a taxi to the city center.
She got out of the taxi so distance away and admired the giant banner advertisent outside the boutique. It was high-end, fashionable, and classy—just as Xu Xiaoya had once said, "I never dared to dream that one day I would own a boutique like this."
User Comments
0 comments from readers