As dawn broke, Mary hastily woke up, preparing for work. She wore her most beloved handbag over her shoulder, then turned to admire herself in the large mirror. She smiled contentedly to herself. It had been a while since she last used this bag, as it was reserved for special occasions – and today was that particular day.
Passing her father’s room, Mary inadvertently glanced through the slightly ajar door. It seemed that her father had already woken up. He had just ended a phone call, but who could have been calling this early? After a few seconds of contemplation, she gently pushed open the door and stepped in. Startled by the sound behind him, Mr. Frank turned around, his face contemplating as wrestling with something significant, but he quickly shifted gears, offering a tender smile to his daughter as always.
Mary approached her father, and after a few inquiries about his health, she hesitated, torn between asking something and waiting for a more opportune moment. The decision to work at the company was her choice. Thus, she had to bear the responsibility for whatever ensued.
“Dad! There’s something I’ve been to. Do you mind if I ask you now?”
Mr. Frank moved away from his desk, signaling his daughter to sit at the tea table before them. He was the epitome of composure, having encountered many issues, ranging from familial domestic to business and various social connections. Mary had never witnessed her father’s dismay-sent, worries, or anger toward family. To her, he was always the idol she revered.
“Alright, tell me what’s bothering you. It must be serious for seeking so early in the morning… or…” He winked as if suggesting she might need a favor.
Mary was completely serious, not in the mood for their usual banter, as their home was often filled with light-hearted jokes and comedy. Seeing her demeanor, Mr. Frank chuckled, seemingly anticipating his successor’s thoughts. He continued.
“You’ll ask me about the Joy Writer’s project, right? I assure you, I’m not interfering in this, not a bit, not at all. Believing in your abilities and manager Selina’s discerning eye would be best. Surely you don’t think your father’s close subordinate is so incompetent that they can’t delegate tasks appropriately?”
Seeing her father’s determination, Mary felt somewhat relieved, yet something still lingered in her mind.
“But I’ve just started working and must complete the probation period. Isn’t it risky for her to rate my skills and assign me a big project like this?”
Mr. Frank looked at his tiny daughter before him and softly said.
“Before I got to where I am today, I endured countless experiences. You are my daughter. How can you hesitate when faced with a project? You will have to do many more and even larger projects so I can stand tall and proud. As for whether it’s risky or not, let me make it clear. Before Harry Potter was published and became the success it is today, it was rejected by twelve publishers. The thirteenth saw the book’s potential, bringing them enormous profits. Sometimes, a successful deal can make us a giant in the industry. So, tell me, should we take the risk?”
“But those are two different things, aren’t they?” Mary did not fully agree with her father’s opinion.
“There is no but. If she chooses you, you are fully capable of the task. Remember, I do not pay high salaries to those who can’t perform, and your current boss is the highest paid.”
Seeing her father’s firm stance, Mary had nothing more to ask. He must have had his reasons, but this conversation had made her feel more relaxed and confident. For some reason, every time she spoke with her father, she felt happy and excited. She thought that life wouldn’t be problematic with him by her side. Once she became the head of a company, with him still supporting her, what was there to worry about?
The family had breakfast as usual. Breakfast was important not only for health but also as a chance for the family to gather since everyone was busy. If they did not meet in the morning, they would have to wait until the evening or the following day. Since starting work, Mary had less time to chat with her parents. In the future, she feared even these fleeting moments would be rare.
Today, Ana Madam cooked beef noodles Hue for everyone. This dish needed to be spicy to be delicious, characteristic of Hue cuisine. Although Mary did not like spicy food, she still enjoyed it. She ate and sniffled as if crying. Her mother teased her.
“Who hurt you that you have to cry? If outsiders heard this, they would think we are cruel parents!”
Mrs. Frank shook her head and looked at her husband. Mr. Frank joined in teasing his daughter.
“Crying like that at breakfast, why did you get married? I bet this house will be flooded. I don’t know if you two can swim, but I certainly can’t.” Mr. Frank looked at the two older women and laughed, causing Mary to speak up.
“In that case, don’t bother getting married. Stay here, age with my parents, and save us from the worry,” suggested.
Mary exhaled lightly, “Huh.” The suggestion was easy to speak out, but whether it was feasible was another matter worth contemplating.
The other three exchanged meaningful glances, inwardly thinking how immature and worryingly naive she was.
Mary bid her parents goodbye and left for work early. She could not afford to be late. She must not leave a wrong impression on her partners during the first collaboration.
…
Mary rechecked the necessary documents before heading to Ms. Selina’s office.
Knock… Knock… Knock.
Mary gently pushed the door and entered the room after hearing Ms. Selina’s invitation. Three people were waiting inside, the first of which was her boss. The second was about thirty, not too tall or short, her skin neither pale nor dark but relatively smooth. Her head was full of curls neatly arranged in the current popular style. At first glance, she appeared as someone fashionable.
She looked at her with a glance far from friendly, even slightly irritable. Presumably, this was the writer Joy. But the third person surprised her, a slim man with a face as beautiful as a sculpture, seemingly born to captivate girls. She thought to herself. It must be the legendary artist Andrew, both very romantic and sophisticated.
She greeted everyone politely, but the second woman seemed indifferent, making everyone else uncomfortable. Ms. Seliana started the meeting by introducing everyone to each other. The displeasure on Joy’s face became even. She was not pleased because the editor working with her needed to be younger. Believed that Mary required the ability and experience to take on this responsibility.