C6 Reunion and Doubt
In the past, Emily had worked as a photo model, so her figure was well-proportioned. Even in ordinary clothes, her curves were noticeable.
Charlotte, behind her glasses, evaluated her instantly, while the other three seemed momentarily captivated by her beauty, secretly impressed. Emily was by far the most beautiful candidate they had seen that day.
"Hand me your resume," Charlotte said again, her tone still as indifferent as before.
Emily stepped forward, handed them her resume, and then retreated to her original position.
Charlotte skimmed through it before passing it to the others. She tapped her pen on Emily's portfolio.
"Emily?"
"Yes."
"You worked as an editor in the U.S.? Why did you leave and come back?"
Emily responded, "I have personal reasons, and I apologize for not being able to share them. But I assure you, it's nothing bad. I love being an editor, and I truly want to continue in this profession."
"Do you know what the most important thing is for a TV station editor?" Charlotte asked.
The other three murmured to each other, signaling that the "Demon Lady" was about to make her move.
With a confident smile, Emily answered, "Attention to detail, accuracy, being in tune with the situation, and also being flexible, creative, and sharp."
Charlotte raised her eyebrow, smiling slightly. "Very good. But you just made a serious mistake."
A hint of confusion flashed in Emily's eyes, but she quickly hid it, though not fast enough to escape Charlotte's sharp gaze.
"Can you tell me what that mistake was?" Emily kept her gentle smile.
Charlotte placed her pen down and replied, "Time."
"As a TV station editor, when you're on the air, millions of people across the country are watching. Every second of broadcast time costs money. If any mistakes occur, can you take responsibility? Furthermore, if the station's reputation is damaged, it's not just a matter of financial compensation. A successful broadcast requires the collective effort of many people. One person's tardiness could ruin everything."
Charlotte's words were cold and cutting.
Emily wasn't fazed by this. "I admit that being late today was my fault, and I sincerely apologize. You're right, my personal reasons are no excuse for my behavior, but that doesn't mean this will happen again. If you give me a chance, I guarantee I won't disappoint you."
Emily looked directly at Charlotte, her eyes filled with determination.
The room fell silent. The three other panel members were impressed by her beauty and demeanor and whispered to Charlotte, but were met with a cold response.
"Being an editor isn't about looks; it's about ability."
The other three cleared their throats, saying no more. Emily had heard Charlotte's comment clearly; it was deliberate.
Being women, it's natural for a bit of jealousy to arise when someone more beautiful comes along. From the moment Emily entered, Charlotte had sensed something special about her. But in a large broadcasting station, looks alone don't determine success. Though a slight jealousy was understandable, Charlotte was a fair and professional editor-in-chief. She wouldn't let something so trivial as jealousy be the reason to dismiss Emily.
That was why Charlotte had allowed Emily to come in. After hearing her response, Charlotte decided to give her a challenge.
"Alright."
She tasked Emily with memorizing a script for an evening program within ten minutes. A daunting task for anyone, let alone Emily.
But Emily took the script with a smile and began studying it seriously. In less than ten minutes, she was ready, surprising even Charlotte.
"Shall I begin?" Emily asked.
The panel nodded. Emily smiled, then confidently began her presentation, her voice flowing smoothly, leaving no room for criticism.
"Cut," Charlotte called.
Emily stopped and waited. Charlotte smiled. "Well done. Congratulations, you've passed the first round of auditions. We'll inform you of the next interview date."
Emily beamed and thanked them profusely. As she was leaving, Charlotte reminded her, "Don't be late next time."
Emily left, unaware that a girl outside the door, Lily, had overheard everything and was now filled with jealousy. Lily had worked at S Broadcasting Station for three years and had never once received praise from Charlotte.
Emily, in her current excitement, had no idea she was being watched.
Leaving the television station, the rain had already stopped, and the sky was clear and bright. Emily took a deep breath, feeling refreshed. She intended to hail a taxi to the hospital but suddenly remembered that Noah loved cakes, so she decided to buy him some before heading straight to the hospital.
While in the taxi, Emily recalled the ring Lucas had returned to her earlier. She took it out of her bag and slipped it onto her finger. She had bought it for herself years ago to avoid unwanted attention while in the U.S. Time had flown by-it had been four years, and now she was back in this city again.
The taxi stopped at the hospital entrance. Emily thanked the driver and headed inside. As soon as Noah saw her, his face lit up like a sunflower. His smile, with those crescent-shaped eyes, resembled hers. His small, thin lips curled adorably. Isabella, noticing Emily, quickly asked:
"How did it go? Was the interview successful?"
"Mami..."
Noah reached out his small arms, asking to be held.
"I passed the first round! There will be a notice for the second round soon."
Emily hugged Noah tightly.
"Yay! Mami, you're the best!"
Noah gave her a sweet kiss on the cheek, and Emily returned the gesture.
"Of course! Mami even bought your favorite cake."
"Hooray!"
Noah jumped off her lap, went to the bed, and eagerly opened the box to eat. Isabella was genuinely happy for her.
"Emily, that's wonderful! Congratulations."
"I should be the one thanking you. If you hadn't told me about the editor position at the TV station, I would've missed such a great opportunity."
Isabella smiled and said, "You're being too polite..."
Emily smiled back, about to invite Isabella for a celebratory meal when her phone rang-it was an unknown number.
"I'll take this call real quick."
Isabella nodded with a smile. Emily gently patted Noah's head before stepping outside to answer. As soon as she picked up, a familiar, excited voice came through.
"Oh my God, Emily! When did you return to the country? Why didn't you tell me?"