But Vanco was an exception.
When Marilyn joined Vanco, her analyses were always spot-on, especially those concerning the Oconnor Group. She was the best and most accurate.
Such an outstanding woman should logically be very proud, perhaps even somewhat arrogant. However, whether outside or within Vanco, Marilyn was always the most low-key and unassuming.
Marilyn had a nearly old-fashioned habit of writing only with a carbon pencil. Her small, neat handwriting was quick and beautiful, as flawless as she was.
As the night unfolded with brilliant lights, Marilyn stayed late in the office, working overtime. She could clearly hear the sound of the carbon pencil gliding over paper, feeling restless.
Until she heard the sound of the door opening and closing, Marilyn mustered the courage to stand up.
It was her boss, ready to leave. He smiled at her, “Marilyn, hard work is good, but don’t overdo it. Go home early.”
Marilyn’s face was solemn. “I… I have something I want to discuss with you.”
“Hmm? Go ahead.”
“I heard we got an opportunity to interview Nelson. I want to go for it.”
Her boss’s expression changed instantly. He had already decided who would interview Nelson, and it was a senior reporter. Normally, it wasn’t good for a new employee to push forward like this; it could cause a lot of gossip.
Marilyn seemed to understand his thoughts and quickly explained, “I just think this is a chance for growth. You saw my questions from the last interview with Nelson; I believe they were pretty good. To be honest, I want to climb higher. I hope you can give me this opportunity. I promise I will do my best and not disappoint you.”
Her boss pondered for a moment without speaking.
Over the years, he had seen many ambitious subordinates, but she was the first to lay out her ambitions so sincerely.
Marilyn was extremely nervous, wringing her hands together.
“Alright,” he relented.
Marilyn smiled.
“I’m letting you go for two reasons: first, you did well last time; second, I admire your courage. But if you don’t perform well, I can still penalize you.”
Marilyn’s smile widened. “I guarantee I’ll complete the task.”
…
But unfortunately, Nelson missed the appointment again.
He had more important engagements today that extended past the scheduled interview time.
Marilyn sat in the Oconnor Group’s reception room with a cold cup of black coffee beside her. It was already very late. The assistant from the secretary’s office had come to inform her several times that Nelson wouldn’t be coming today and that they would reschedule the interview.
Each time, Marilyn just smiled and said, “It’s okay, I’ll wait a bit longer.”
The dinner party ended around midnight. As Nelson got into the car, his secretary handed him some hangover medicine, which he took without blinking.
As the car started, the secretary suddenly remembered something. “The company received a call earlier saying that the interviewer who had an appointment has been waiting at Oconnor Group and refuses to leave.”
Nelson’s eyelids twitched slightly. “When did they call?”
“Two hours ago. If you count carefully, she should have been waiting for six hours.”
The man didn’t speak for a moment.
Finally, it started raining. The stifling summer night welcomed a downpour, with large raindrops hitting the ground and splashing up mist.
After a long silence, the man spoke, “Go back to Oconnor Group.”
“What? But you’ve already worked a long time today…”
“Go back to Oconnor Group.”