"How did you know I was rejected?" I asked."It's written all over your face," Luke replied. "It wasn't hard to figure out.""Right," I sighed, resting my chin on my hands. "Luke, I can't tell the truth, but being vague isn't working either. What should I do?"Luke said, "The livestream incident wasn't that long ago. The internet has a long memory. If you're looking for a job now, you have to be prepared for rejections because of it."Before I could ask why, Luke explained, "No employer wants a calculative employee. Given the livestream incident, it's hard for them not to think you orchestrated everything with Max. If something happens at work, how would they expect you to handle your colleagues and boss?"I was speechless. But why should it be this way?Seeing my frustration, Luke continued, "You shouldn't feel it's unfair or that people misunderstand your situation. The reality is, employers don't like employees who are overly scheming. It's the same everywhere.""Does that me
That night, as I lay in bed, thoughts of the failed interview and Luke's blunt honesty consumed my mind.I didn't need sympathy; I simply wanted fair and equal treatment. However, the reality is often harsh and doesn't align with such ideals.After discovering Max's betrayal, I responded in a normal manner. So, why was I accused of being "scheming" and "calculating"? I couldn't comprehend it, nor did I believe I was in the wrong.Feeling a hint of defiance, I told Wendy over the phone, "Even if the next interviewer asks me about this, I will still answer truthfully!"Wendy's view matched Luke's. She tried to console me by saying, "Jen, it's not that they want to label you like this. The interviewers have to consider how you might handle conflicts between your interests and the company's. Capitalists want their employees to be loyal and devoted solely to the company's interests, without any ulterior motives."In an attempt to soothe my wounded feelings, Wendy added, "Sweetie, think
Actually, it's not like that.Even though my parents spoiled me growing up, they always taught me to avoid causing trouble for others whenever possible. So, when I refuse help, it's not just because I want to be polite; I simply don't want to inconvenience anyone.Of course, with people like Wendy, who I'm close to, I might act a bit spoiled.Wendy asked me, "What will you do if you don't pass the interview? Will you take a break?""Do I look like someone who gives up easily? If I don't pass, I'll just keep searching!""You're a rich girl, you don't need to work. Once you sell that house, the money you have will be enough for you to live comfortably. Why put yourself through the grind?" Wendy sighed. "Capitalists are heartless vampires, they'll squeeze every last drop out of you!""Wendy, you're the daughter of Johnsonville's richest family, and you're working hard. Are you really advising me not to work?" I couldn't help but laugh. "Wendy, that's ridiculous.""That's different!
At that moment, I felt weird, as if Luke and I belonged to two different worlds."Do you think Mr. Walker is single? I overheard some people from JL Capital talking while getting coffee. They mentioned that even his dog is male. Is he just very disciplined, or does he not like women?""Come on, with his looks, even if he liked men, I'd still ship that couple!""Yeah, he's cool and handsome! Such a perfect image!""If JL Capital's work wasn't so different from mine, I would apply there just to be around him!" The girl with long hair stared at Luke's back, her eyes shining."Forget it. Handsome and wealthy guys like him are rare. We mere mortals can only admire them from afar," another girl sighed. "I wonder what kind of woman a god-like man like him would be interested in?""Who knows? Definitely not someone as ordinary as us!""True! Just getting to see him every day is a perk of working here!""Let's go, it's time to clock in!"I couldn't help but smile. It turns out that the
Upon seeing the excitement on the HR lady's face and the same enthusiasm in the passerby downstairs when they mentioned Luke, I suddenly felt the urge to send him a message: "Mr. Walker, please manage your overwhelming charm! Look at how many girls you've unknowingly enchanted! If they all start looking for boyfriends based on your standards, won't they be lonely forever? You're really causing trouble!"With a smile, I said, "Alright, I'll do my best to get to the final round and meet the legendary Mr. Walker, the most handsome man in the universe!"To my surprise, there wasn't much waiting involved in the interview process. I had barely taken a seat in the conference room when the interviewers walked in. Contrary to my expectations of a serious atmosphere, the interview was relaxed and conversational.I answered questions as they came without putting on a facade. They seemed more interested in my language skills. I introduced myself and answered questions in three languages. They d
"A cursed fate is still fate, isn't it?" Cindy's cold eyes bore into mine.I met her gaze calmly, searching her face for traces of my father—though I hated to admit it, her eyes did resemble his."Ms. Lansworth, maybe Max has been giving you a lot of false information these past few years," I said with a light, playful tone. "I may be good-natured, but that doesn't mean I don't have a temper!"Cindy sneered, "Jen, some things don't disappear just because you refuse to acknowledge them!""Are you asking me to admit that you're a bastard from my father's affair?" I retorted, trying to disgust her. "You're not bothered by the term 'illegitimate child,' and neither is the Lansworth family?"Cindy pressed her lips together in anger, glaring at me. "Are you threatening me?""You can interpret it that way," I replied coldly. "You better not mess with me. Got it?""Why are you so arrogant?" Cindy crossed her arms and looked at me disdainfully. "Do you think saying a few bad things about
Wendy approached me, her eyes filled with concern. "Am I too late? Did she offend you?"I shook my head. "No, you're just in time."Sharon timidly tugged on Cindy's sleeve, her voice pleading. "Cindy, let's go. Everyone's watching. Don't argue with them. I've seen how tough her friend is."Cindy angrily shook Sharon off. "What are you afraid of? Why should we leave? She's the one who should go!"Sharon attempted to speak but stopped herself."You want Jen to leave? Who do you think you are?" Wendy shot a disdainful look at Cindy. "Do you think you can make her give up her seat?"Before Cindy could respond, Wendy raised her hand. "Manager, over here!"As soon as she spoke, the restaurant manager rushed over, politely asking, "Ms. Smith, how can I assist you?"Wendy appeared displeased. "When did this place lower its standards? We cater to high-end clientele. Explain to me why we're allowing unruly individuals in here, disturbing other guests. Are you tired of your job?"The man
This was my second encounter with Sharon, and my initial impression of her was not negative.I remembered the last time when she tried to dissuade Cindy from breaking up a family, warning her not to hurt the unsuspecting wife - that was me.I believed that Sharon had decent values.However, I couldn't understand why someone like her would associate with Cindy, knowing all the immoral things that Cindy had done and not being repulsed by them - that's what a true friend is.Curious, I asked Sharon, "Why are you defending her? You know how much resentment exists between us. I wish nothing more than for her to suffer."Wendy chimed in coldly, "Exactly! It would be better for her to be beaten to death by her own family than to be killed by someone from the outside. She's getting off easy."Sharon bit her lip and looked at me timidly. "I know you hate Cindy, but I think you're not a bad person, Ms. Middleton. Cindy has done wrong and hurt you, but she has had a difficult life and her h
Due to jet lag, I was already exhausted though it wasn't dark yet.Ian was drooping too, suddenly slumping against me.Worried he'd fall, I quickly steadied him.He glanced at me before contentedly closing his eyes again.He was completely worn out.Mr. Lloyd, who had been chatting with the director, noticed this and quickly wrapped up his conversation to join us.Still half-awake, Ian instinctively held onto my arm when his father reached for him."It's your Dad."At my words, Ian let go.Mr. Lloyd picked him up and strode toward the car, while I gathered Ian's things and followed.On the way back, I offered to drive.Mr. Lloyd was quiet. I turned on the car's music system, and soft music filled the space.Having debuted overseas as a trainee, Mr. Lloyd's fingers unconsciously tapped along to the rhythm on his leg.At a red light, I caught this movement in the rearview mirror.Mr. Lloyd had been an all rounder superstar - consistently among the top three highest-earning
Since Penelope was mid-flight and unreachable, I sent her a message and forwarded Sara's letter."Are you okay, Jen? You seem worried," Ian asked."Just blown away by your amazing performance. I'm still thinking about it."Ian was a natural - his acting could really move people."I might be cocky,” Ian grinned.He looked proud, and I ruffled his hair. "No chance of that."For a four-year-old, he'd shown remarkable composure during the preschool incident.Even after being cleared, he hadn't played the victim. That kind of emotional strength showed real character.A few compliments wouldn't change that.Ian's smile lit up his whole face, showing perfect baby teeth."When do you start filming your scenes?"The director was clearly impressed - Ian's role was locked in."Not sure yet."Ian looked up at his father."Soon," Mr. Lloyd said, clearly proud of Ian's performance. "I'll stay on set with Ian these next few days. Jen, feel free to explore the city. I'll call if we need
Just when they thought they'd found hope, the bad guys caught up with them.During their escape, his best friend fell off a cliff. When Bobby was finally rescued and led them back, they found his friend's body, mangled beyond recognition. He was devastated."I'll start now!"In an instant, Ian transformed. He walked heavily toward a chair, his expression gradually filling with pain.Kneeling beside the chair, he reached out as if to touch "him" but couldn't bring himself to do it. Tears silently rolled down his face.The director checked the script and signaled his assistant to remove the chair, simulating the scene where the friend's body would be placed in a body bag.At this, Ian broke into heart-wrenching sobs.His emotional outburst impressed everyone watching on set.Mr. Lloyd looked proud, and the director, as if discovering a treasure, praised Ian after his performance: "Your acting reminds me of your father in his prime.""If I'm as good as Dad was at my age, imagine
I'd dug my own grave, hadn't I?I swallowed my food, took a sip of water, and kept my head down while eating.Luke pushed the mild seafood soup toward me. "This is less spicy."Stubborn as I was, I ignored him.Luke called the server over, trying to order milder versions of the fish and pork."Don't bother, I love extra spicy food."Even though I needed water after every bite, I was determined to finish what I'd ordered.Seeing my stubbornness, Luke apologized to the server and let her go."Jen...""Don't talk while eating."By now, my soul had practically left my body from the spice. I wasn't in the mood for conversation.My throat felt like it was on fire as I gulped down more water.Luke quietly refilled my empty glass. He'd barely touched his seafood soup, his elegant movements making me feel even more ungraceful.I was suffering from my own spite!I wanted to throw down my chopsticks and leave.No, stay calm!I tried to maintain my composure, fighting the urge to d
Just as I finished speaking, my stomach let out an embarrassing growl."There's an excellent Chinese place around the corner," Luke said."You've been here before?""No.""..." Then how did he know about a good restaurant?Did he research every place this thoroughly?He'd make a perfect travel companion.I later learned he'd researched local restaurants knowing my passion for food.I'd only had water since waking up. The film crew would have finished lunch by now, with no leftovers available. I needed to find something on the way.Being in a bad mood lately, I hadn't researched any local restaurants before coming here.Craving authentic Chinese food, I decided to take Luke's suggestion.It was an upscale Chinese restaurant specializing in spicy cuisine. As soon as we sat down, a cheerful server brought out place settings and started listing their specialties."Our portions are generous. For a couple, I'd recommend one appetizer and a soup to start.""We're not a couple," I
Luke came to search for his birth mother himself?As I looked at him, he noticed me too.I greeted him and was about to get a taxi to the set."If you have time, can you show me where you saw her yesterday?""I... okay."Mr. Lloyd and Ian would be fine - finding Luke's mother was more urgent.After weighing the pros and cons, I agreed.Luke hadn't brought an assistant. I waited outside while he took his luggage to his hotel room, then we walked to where I'd seen his mother yesterday.It wasn't far from the hotel, so we went on foot.Without thinking, I kept about three feet between us.Luke: "Do I look like some kind of monster?"With his model-like features that made you want to break rules just looking at him, how could he possibly look like a monster?I shook my head."Then why are you keeping such a distance?""..." So that's what he meant...Though I'd decided to stay just friends, my heart - already full of him - still skipped beats when we were together.He was t
"If you can't find her, Luke can! Now that he has a general area, he can track her down quickly.""I'll let him know."Mrs. Walker was also searching for her, planning to use her to manipulate Luke. We needed to contact her before Mrs. Walker did.After hanging up with Wendy, I looked at Luke’s number on my phone. Several times I almost called him, but kept backing out.After hesitating, I tried calling Emily, but hung up just before it connected.Although Emily had been open with me, I couldn't be sure if she was genuinely helping Luke.To be safe, I called Luke instead. He answered on the first ring.Luke stayed silent."Mr. Walker, this is Jen.""I wasn't planning to cut you out of my life completely. I kept your number."Me: ...There he went again with his sharp tongue. I almost hung up, but remembering how much he'd helped me, and that I could finally do something for him, I told him about possibly seeing his birth mother near the hotel.After a moment of silence, Luk
"Dad, he's a bad guy!" Ian pointed at the man who was already several yards away.The robber was huge - well over 6'2", wearing a denim vest that showed off his muscular arms. Mr. Lloyd probably couldn't take many punches from him, and we didn't know if he was armed. It wasn't worth the risk.I ruffled Ian's hair. "Let's go get something to eat.""Help! Stop the robber!"A woman was running after him, desperately grabbing passersby for help, out of breath.Following the 'better safe than sorry' principle, no one stepped forward to help.She reached us, and seeing we were Asian, her eyes lit up with hope. "Please help me, I have something very important in my bag."Mr. Lloyd looked down at his arm where she was clutching it. "I'm sorry, we're new here and unfamiliar with the area. We can't help."She let go, disappointed, staring dejectedly in the direction the robber had disappeared.Ian said in his sweet voice, "When you're in trouble, find a police officer."The woman was a
His stern look only made Penelope more nervous.When Director Nolan called "Cut!", she was already drenched in cold sweat.She quickly apologized to the director.Director Nolan watched the playback with a grave expression.As the makeup artist touched up Penelope's makeup, I went to her side and encouraged her: "It gets easier after the first try. You'll do better in the next take.""Jen..." Penelope glanced at the crew members around us. "This is my first time on such a major production.""You'll have many more opportunities like this."One Entertainment had been investing most of its resources in Penelope lately, and with her connection to Jethro, her popularity wasn't waning.One hit was all she needed to skyrocket to stardom."Jen..."Penelope's voice trembled with worry.George was particularly anxious too. "You've done well in other productions. We can't mess up at this crucial moment!"A good performance in Director Nolan's film could lead to future collaborations,