Lilian was a fashion design enthusiast, fresh from her studies in France, and had an impressive collection of awards to her name. Julia felt a twinge of embarrassment, her own resume seeming pale in comparison. Lilian's enthusiasm was infectious, but her questions caught Julia off guard.
"Do you have confidence?" Lilian asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. Julia hesitated, her initial confidence wavering in the face of such fierce competition. Lilian continued, "I asked around, and there are many talented individuals here today. It won't be easy to stand out."
Julia's thoughts raced as Lilian asked another unexpected question, "Do you have a boyfriend? Are you married?" Julia's reply was met with a relieved smile from Lilian. "You're beautiful, and if you're admitted, I'll have another competitor!"
The conversation left Julia both amused and uneasy, but she was determined to focus on the interview ahead.
Julia raised an eyebrow, "What's the logic? We're here for a Fashion designer position, not a beauty pageant." She turned to Lilian, "Miss Dream, I need to confirm, is this the interview for the Darius Group's fashion designers?"
Lilian corrected her with a smile, "Actually, it's for a fashion designer's assistant position."
Julia breathed a sigh of relief, "Then there's no problem. I thought I was in the wrong place." Her curiosity roused, she asked Lilian, "With your impressive education and awards, why are you applying for an assistant position? Isn't it a bit...beneath you?"
Lilian's response was blunt, "I'm not here for the assistant position, I'm here to become the president of Darius Group's right-hand lady. A person in a favorable position wins favor first. I'll start in the fashion design department and work my way up. Maybe one day, I'll meet my Prince Charming in the president's office on the top floor."
Julia was surprised, "But I heard that even if we're admitted, we'll be working in a subsidiary company, not the Darius group headquarters."
Lilian's expression changed momentarily, before she regained her composure, "Well, as long as you're in the company, there's always a chance to see him." But Julia knew the odds of meeting the president of the Darius group.
Lilian asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, "Julia, how does your husband know so much about the Darius Group? Is he an employee?"
Julia's instincts kicked in, and she denied it, "No, he's not." She didn't want to reveal too much, especially since office romances were taboo. She excused herself, "I need to use the bathroom."
Lilian nodded, "Take your time, I'll save your seat."
As Julia walked away, she couldn't shake off the feeling that Lilian was hiding something. The workplace was like a battlefield, and it was always best to be cautious. She stayed in the bathroom for a while, collecting her thoughts and preparing for the interview ahead.
Just as Julia was about to exit the bathroom, she overheard a lady's confident voice, "I'm not nervous, I've made arrangements with the interviewer, and I will definitely be admitted. I love money, and once I join the Darius Group, I'll definitely win over the Darius group President.
Julia's eyes widened in disbelief. Was this woman implying that she had used her connections to secure a spot? For a company as prestigious as Darius Group, she couldn't fathom that people were using underhanded tactics to get ahead. The competition was fierce enough, and now it seemed like some individuals had an unfair advantage.
Julia waited until the Ladies left before exiting the cubicle, her confidence shaken. If others were using their connections to get ahead, what chance did she stand? She felt a surge of frustration, wondering if she had been naive to think that talent and hard work were enough.
Just then, Samantha called to ask about the interview. Julia shared what she had overheard, her concerns spilling out. "Samantha, do you think I'm overreacting? The people who came today are all excellent, and some are even using their connections to get ahead. How can I possibly compete?"
Samantha's response was reassuring. "Julia, don't worry, you'll be fine. Whose backdoor contact can be stronger than yours? You have the president of Darius Group himself supporting you."
Samantha quickly noticed her tongue had slipped and she quickly corrected, I mean you have your husband solidly behind you, don't forget he might be close to the president.
Anita's doubts began to dissipate, replaced by a newfound determination. She had Max's support, and she was going to make the most of it. She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and prepared to face the interview with renewed confidence.
Julia took a deep breath and entered the interview room with renewed confidence. The interviewers were impressed by her resume, and she presented herself with poise and determination.
Julia stood out among the candidates, her high school diploma a stark contrast to their impressive credentials. A female interviewer raised an eyebrow, her tone laced with skepticism: "Julia, 25 years old, high school diploma...no printing errors?" The room seemed to hold its collective breath, awaiting a punchline.
Julia's expression remained serious, her voice firm: "Yes, a high school diploma." The interviewers exchanged disbelieving glances, their thoughts almost noticeable: "Is this a joke?"
One other interviewer didn't bother hiding his disdain, ripping Julia's resume in half and tossing it into the trash with a dismissive snort. "How does the HR department handle things? Anyone with a high school diploma is invited to interview?" His actions stung, an invisible slap to Julia's self-esteem.
But Julia refused to be cowed. Her gaze locked onto the interviewer, her voice steady and assertive: "Your company's recruitment requirements clearly state a high school diploma is sufficient. I acknowledge a diploma is just the beginning, but work ability isn't solely defined by credentials. You haven't even looked at my design draft. Why assume I'm incapable?"
The room fell silent, the interviewers' faces frozen in surprise. Julia's words hung in the air, a challenge to their assumptions and biases. For a moment, it seemed like time itself had paused, waiting to see how the scene would unfold.
Julia's character was a peculiar mix of timidity and determination. When others doubted her abilities, a fierce competitive spirit ignited within her, driving her to prove herself. The male interviewer's sneer was the spark that lit the fire: "A high school graduate, do you even know what jewelry design entails? I doubt you can tell the difference between gemstones and glass."
Julia's anger simmered, her response poised on her lips, when the door swung open and Amari, Max's secretary and the president of Skyreach Group, entered with an air of authority. The interviewers hastily rose from their seats, their faces transformed into respectful masks. Julia turned to face the one that had just entered the room, unaware of Amari's identity but sensing her power.
The interviewer, who had moments before belittled Julia, now fawned over Amari: "Miss Amari, what brings you here? What is Mr. Wellington's instructions?" In the Darius Group hierarchy, Amari held a position akin to the emperor's trusted butler, commanding reverence from all.
Julia heard Mr. Wellington was shocked for a moment, but quickly waved off the thought.
Amari's gaze swept the room before settling on Julia's design draft. Her eyes lingered, and for a moment, Julia thought she saw a glimmer of excitement. "I'll take a look," Amari said, her voice low and smooth, as she approached the interview table.
The interviewer, still attempting to curry favor, explained, "Miss Amari, this is a mistake by the HR department. I was about to dismiss the lady. How can Darius Group recruit a high school graduate as staff?" Amari's expression turned wry, her thoughts almost visible: "These fools were about to dismiss the empress of Darius Group?" Her presence had averted a grave mistake.