Mary gradually adapted to her job as a week’s work passed. Her supervisor, Miss Selina, was immensely satisfied with this new employee’s work attitude and capabilities. She bestowed upon Mary her familiar warm smile at the entrance of the publishing house, her eyes sparkling with affection as she approached.
“Why are you here so early? Do you live nearby? I notice you always seem to work early every day,” she questioned.
“I take the bus, so I have to get up early to make it on time,” Mary replied, her charming lips curling up into a radiant smile – the kind that makes you want to stare indefinitely.
“Why not use a motorbike for convenience? The bus can be quite inconvenient at times,” Miss Selina advised.
“I felt uncomfortable at first, but now I’m used to it,” Mary responded. Her infectious laughter in moments like these made her incredibly endearing. Miss Selina also laughed and turned to leave. They talked funny and entered the office while it was still quite deserted.
The vast office space was partitioned into several cubicles, each serving as an employee’s table working. Maris gently put up a framed photograph of her graduation day on the left corner of her desk. A handmade pen case, intricately assembled from ice cream sticks, missing a fragment at its rim, was also there – as if someone had lost a piece of a cherished memory and had tried hastily to recover it.
Mary looked at the pen case attentively. She felt an upsurge of pain from losing her childhood memories. The more she searched, the more elusive her memory left. Years have passed, hopes have withered with time, and memories have settled, but they didn’t disappear – instead, they haunted and tormented her.
Through the glass window, the radiant sunlight began to claim the day. Everything around looked brighter after a long night of quiet sleep. Mary had completed her assigned tasks quite well, and her confidence in her colleagues and herself grew.
Today, she wore a mint-colored shirt, the color of the sky, on bright sunny days. Her long sleeves are neatly rolled to her elbows. She looks too elegant. One must admit that she fits the smart but also captivatingly so much. Suddenly, Lani, a colleague three years her senior, swiveled her chair close and whispered into Maris’s ear.
“Did you hear the news? Novelist Joy will collaborate with us on his new novel “Snowfall in July.” Interestingly, the book cover will be designed by a young artist who has just returned from America. He’s a sensation on the internet and is considered a dreamy idol by many young girls. I’m so curious to meet him. Oh, I wish I could work with him just once.”
Lani enthusiastically, paying no attention to Maris’s lack of interest. Jessy, who had been listening attentively, chimed in.
“I’d like to know who will be chosen for this project. He isn’t only handsome and talented but also… single. I wish that lucky person could be me.”
Jessy glanced at Lani and Mary, blinking as if she had some hidden agenda.
“Oh, please, you two are only interested in handsome guys. In life, good looks don’t always mean everything. Take me, for example. Even though I have a bit of extra weight, my heart is always warm.”
Johny-Hidro finished speaking and smugly raised his head to the sky, proud that he had more belly fat than anyone else.
“Just admiring his beauty every day is enough for me. Everything else is insignificant. Handsome guys may be plentiful in the world, but there’s only one as beautiful as him.” Lani looked towards Mary and Jessy, searching for allies, and eagerly shared her secret thoughts, trying to persuade others to join her cause.
Throughout the conversation between the four of them, Mary remained silent. She smiled to please her colleagues without agreeing or objecting. Observing Mary’s lack of interest, they astutely realized that she wasn’t part of this kind of conversation, so they automatically dispersed, temporarily putting aside the topic of the handsome artist.
Mary didn’t have any impression of the mentioned artist, nor did she have any curiosity about him. In her mind, she was always preoccupied with a faded old memory. Handsome men aren’t necessarily good; the sincere ones are lovely for her.
The phone screen suddenly changed to an incoming call. Mary picked up the phone, and a familiar voice sounded lively on the other end.
“Guess where I am right now?” It was her best friend, Agnes Kane, but wasn’t she in New York at this? Someone who was supposed to be halfway around the world call and speak vaguely like this? Could it be…
“How should I know? I’m not a worm inside your stomach.” Hiding her doubts in her heart, Mary pretended not to know anything, but she wanted to confirm her thoughts.
“Let’s meet after your shift. I have a surprise for you. If you don’t come, you’ll regret it. Meet me at our usual spot.”
Tut … tut… tut…
The phone went off. Mary still didn’t understand what had happened or was about to happen, but more than anyone else, she understood that there was a meeting waiting for her ahead, and she was still unprepared as she had wished. Mary reviewed the documents again and neatly arranged them before taking them to the meeting room. People started to arrive, each hoping to be chosen for this project. Mary silently thought to herself that someone new like her hardly had a chance.
During the animated conversation, the conference room door abruptly swung open, causing the noise to go off steadily. Holding the draft for the current project in her hand, Ms. Selina gently placed it on the table before slowly beginning to speak.
“I know what everyone is thinking and expecting to hear, but before I make the official announcement, there are some things I want to address. Opportunities are only handed out to a person at a time, so if someone isn’t chosen to inchard this project, it’s not because they aren’t capable, but rather, we may be better suited for a more good project.”
There was a ripple of laughter as people acknowledged her attempt to reassure the blow for those not selected. Unable to contain his curiosity, Johny-Hydro blurted out.
“Why don’t you just say it outright? It sounds like there’s some drama brewing. Even with my eyes closed, I know this project will likely favor a beautiful lady. I stand firm on this: being handsome doesn’t necessarily mean being good.”
After saying this, he glanced at the young, beautiful ladies, seemingly offering a reminder. Everyone chuckled heartily at his words, filling the room with cheerful chatter. Mss Selina looked at Mary with a confident gaze before announcing loudly.
“In that case, I won’t keep everyone in suspense. I declare that the one joining this project is our young editor – Mary.”
Mss. Selina paused at the mention of the name, beaming with affection. She harbored more love for Mary than other colleagues. She then continued.
“She might be new here, but I trust her talent and dedication will ensure the success of this project. I believe in her and hope you all allow her to prove herself. We are a collective. We need unity to create strength and opportunities for success that benefit us all.”
Upon the completion of her speech, applause filled the room. Yet, amidst the approving claps, Mary could make out a few envious glances. It meant she was new and entrusted with an important project. How could they possibly accept it without any credulousness? She couldn’t help but wonder, was this somehow connected to her influential father?
Mary was startled by a gentle pat on her shoulder.
“Congratulations. Don’t let that handsome artist slip away, okay? I’m rooting for you. Keep going!”
Lani winked in encouragement, but Mary was still reeling from the news about the project. She had no thoughts of any handsome artist.