After the first round of written tests and the second round of interviews, more than half of the applicants had been eliminated. It was soon time for the final assessment in the afternoon. Mona called Aurora, waking her from her nap. Aurora mumbled a groggy affirmative in response.
Lately, Julian had been spoiling her terribly. Previously, she would have been awake by now, but today she was still resting on Julian’s lap.
“If you’re still sleepy, sleep a bit longer,” Julian indulged her with endless affection.
“There are so many people waiting for me, I should get up. Julian, you rest in my office for a while. We’ll go for lunch together later,” Aurora said, struggling to open her eyes as she got out of bed. Julian helped to tidy her slightly disheveled hair.
“Go on, I’ll wait for you.”
“Mm,” Aurora gently kissed Julian on the forehead.
She stood up briskly and headed towards the door, only to remember just as she was about to open it that the floor beneath was made of suspended glass, which she hadn’t yet gotten used to. As she took a deep breath to prepare to leave, she was suddenly lifted into the air.
“You’d better ask Mona to lay some carpet here; otherwise, what will you do when I’m not around?”
Julian was already standing behind her.
“I’ll adapt,” Aurora said, with a faint smile curving her lips. She had overcome many challenges so far; this was just a minor psychological barrier.
“I believe you.”
Julian walked her to the elevator, watching as she left. Asher had chosen this location for the building not only because it was expensive but also for its spectacular views. Located in the central area, it offered an unobstructed view of all of Clothville from a 360-degree viewing platform in Aurora’s office. Asher truly had an original vision; Aurora’s desk faced a different beautiful scene every day, allowing her to relax and enjoy the views while working. Though Asher wasn’t physically present, his affection for her was evident in such thoughtful arrangements.
After a morning of written tests and interviews, each candidate was both tired and stressed, yet no one dared to underestimate the process, fighting their way through to the final hurdle. Now, fewer than a hundred people remained, significantly fewer than in the morning, but still a considerable number.
“Number one.”
Heather took a deep breath and stood up from her seat. Initially, when Aurora had asked her to interview at this new company, she’d been worried. She feared the new company’s prospects might not compare with established ones like the Montgomery Group, and she was anxious about even securing a position. Seeing the elite from various companies already attracted by this new venture had initially intimidated her even more.
But having drawn the number “one,” her nerves had heightened. She paused at the door, remembering Aurora’s advice to be confident. Repeating to herself, “Come on, Heather,” she slowly pushed open the door. Inside, there were only two people, one of whom was the same interviewer from the morning. But she hadn’t expected the other to be Aurora! Her expression was clear and betrayed no other emotion.
Heather, surprised, blurted out, “Manager, what are you doing here?”
She was still processing the situation.
“Number one, you may begin your introduction,” Mona glanced at Heather and then at Aurora, clearly aware the two knew each other. Yet Aurora’s expression remained calm, showing no hint of additional sentiment.
Heather then steadied her emotions, encouraged by the supportive look Aurora gave her. She finally understood why Aurora hadn’t defended her when she was wronged before. It wasn’t that she wasn’t worth defending; Aurora had already paved another path for her. Grateful, Heather’s excited heart began to settle. She knew Aurora’s character-fair and impartial. Opportunities were given, but they didn’t guarantee an easy pass; she had to prove her worth to stay.
“Hello, I am Heather James, a graduate from Clothville University. I have spent the past year working at the Montgomery Group…”
Mona glanced at Aurora, certain that the two knew each other, although she could not yet determine whether their relationship was good or bad.
“Since you have worked at Montgomery Group, excuse my frankness, it’s a well-established company, and those who get in must be quite capable. The prospects at Montgomery Group should have been promising, so what made you leave them to join our newly established company?”
Mona had asked this question many times before. Heather bit her lip, wondering if she should reveal that she was wrongfully accused and expelled by Montgomery Group.
Regardless of whether she was expelled or wronged, she was well aware that both were taboo in the workplace. Aurora also felt anxious for her. Mona, usually jovial in private, was strictly professional in such matters, as was Aurora. In this company, no one could take shortcuts.
If Heather were to play the victim about being bullied and wronged at Montgomery Group in front of Mona, her fate would be grim. Speaking of such things would not garner any sympathy but would only prove her incompetence.
After a moment’s reflection, Heather spoke, “Montgomery Group is indeed an established company with a rich heritage, but for me, I need a challenge.”
“A challenge?”
“Yes, Sun has only been established recently, and to be honest, I was initially worried about this company’s prospects. However, seeing that all the key talents are here for the interview today, I know my worries were unnecessary. A company recognized by so many people must be doing something right. Even if it’s not as well-known as Montgomery Group now, I believe it will surpass them in the near future. I don’t like to rest on my laurels; Sun is my challenge, and I want to grow with it.”
Heather did not mention any grudge but expressed her trust in Sun from a different angle, easing Aurora’s mind.
“You are very honest. Let me ask you another question. As you know, our company is just starting out. There might be many shortcomings. It’s like a small boat sailing in a treacherous sea, bound to face many storms. If a major setback occurs, would you give up?”
“I would not. In life, one faces many difficulties. If we give up facing one, should we give up again when the next one comes? I believe that storms are temporary. Our task is not to give up and flee but to strive and advance, breaking through the waves. Eventually, the company will grow, and so will I. If you give me a chance, I will not disappoint you.”
Heather, now more mature and confident than during her time at Montgomery Group, maintained eye contact with both Aurora and Mona throughout her speech. She spoke confidently and gracefully, showing no sign of fear or discomfort. Heather had truly grown.
Mona and Aurora exchanged a few words, and Aurora stood up, “Congratulations, you’re hired.”
Heather approached Aurora joyfully, now even more hopeful about the future, knowing Aurora was there.
“Thank you, manager, thank you!”
She hugged Aurora tightly, the weight in her heart finally settling.
Aurora smiled slightly, patting her back encouragingly, “You’re great, I’ve always known that. Go home and wait for the notice to start working.”
“Thank you, manager, thank you!”
Heather left, elated and cheerful.
“So? You know her?”
“Yes, she’s somewhat of a friend. She’s quite capable; we should cultivate her talent,” Aurora instructed.
“I understand.”