Forcing a smile, Shirley felt a wave of guilt. “Thank you for your praise.” Serinquired, “If | remember correctly, you excelled in college and nearly qualified for exemption from exams, didn’t you?” “Yes,” Shirley affirmed.
Only two vacancies were available for Shirley’s major. The selection depended on the comprehensive results of the past three years.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtShirley was in the third spot, trailing just behind the second. Her weaker subjects, politics and physics, had cost her scrucial points. Had the evaluation solely considered professional courses, she would have secured the second position.
Unfortunately, the department leader was the one who dictated the distribution rule.
Delving into her academic history, Serremarked, “Given your grades, you could have pursued postgraduate studies at a prestigious institution. Haven't you considered it?” Uncertain why Serbroached this topic, Shirley replied, “No, | want to earn money as soon as possible.” “It seems you have a goal and won't settle down and start a family until you've worked for a few years,” Seradded.
Shirley pursed her lips in agreement. The conversation wasn’t at all what she had expected. She wondered how it had diverged to her academic achievements.
Observing her silence, Serleaned back and rested his hands on the armrests. “There used to be a vice manager in our department. Two years ago, she got married and had children. Now, she is a housewife.
It's a pity for her since she had great potential for career growth within the company. People, especially women, often prioritize their families after marriage and having children. What are your thoughts on this?” “Yes, you are right,” Shirley concurred. However, she wasn’t sure what Serwas getting at, but she agreed with him regardless.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAfter careful consideration, Shirley had decided to keep the child and forego the idea of getting married.
Observing her attentive expression, Sernodded and said, “Okay, you can go back now.” With that, Serturned his attention to the computer screen before him. Given the hour, it appeared that he was working late.
“Is that it?” Shirley suddenly raised her head, surprised. Was that all he had to say to her? Noticing Shirley's surprised expression, he said jokingly, “If you don’t want to Leave, you can stay and work overtime.” “No, I'm leaving now. Have a good day,” Shirley replied, hurrying out of his office.
Watching her depart, Serchuckled.
Once she was out of Sergio’s office, Shirley breathed a sigh of relief. She had anticipated reprimands or even termination, but Sergio’s words had caught her off guard. It becapparent that maintaining distance from Trevor would be her course of action in the future.
When Shirley arrived at work on Monday morning, her heart skipped a beat when she discovered Trevor wasn't in the office. Did Trevor get fired? Shirley inquired with a colleague.
“Trevor? He's on a business trip with Mr. Blakely. Oddly, he wasn’t the one initially assigned for the trip. | don’t know why Mr. Blakely changed his mind and decided to take him along instead.”