On Monday morning, Camalina dressed in her denim pants and long black-sleeved blouse. The fabric felt slightly stiff against her skin as she buttoned the sleeves, her fingers steady despite the quiet nervousness settling in her chest.
She stood before the mirror for a moment, staring at her reflection.
After attending the party last Friday, she had finally made up her mind.
She would apply for a job at MX Company.
Adjusting the strap of her worn handbag, she whispered softly,"You are capable of doing this, girl."
As if convincing herself, she nodded once and walked out of her room.
"You're here," Camalina said when she noticed Mrs. Alex sitting on the couch in the living room, her posture relaxed, a morning calm surrounding her.
"Yes, I'm here. Where do you think I would be, huh?" Mrs. Alex replied, arching a brow.
Camalina smiled, shaking her head slightly. "I thought you'd be in the kitchen."
She walked closer and lowered herself onto the couch beside her. Her voice softened.
"I'm going out to submit my files at MX Company. Pray for me."
Mrs. Alex turned toward her, eyes warm and reassuring."Don't worry. You always have that from me."
She suddenly stood up. "Wait, let me give you transport money."
Before Camalina could protest, she had already disappeared into her room.
Left alone, Camalina leaned back against the couch.
Her fingers curled slightly in her lap as she whispered, almost breathless,
"God, You took my parents… but You gave me this one. Thank You."
Mrs. Alex soon returned and held out some money."Here. Take it."
Camalina quickly stretched out her hand, collecting it with a grateful smile.
"Thank you, Mrs. Alex."
"You're welcome, my dear."
Then Mrs. Alex frowned slightly, concern flickering across her face.
"Why are you still sitting? Do you want to be late?"
"Oh! yeah," Camalina said quickly as she stood up.
"Take care, okay?"
"I will," Camalina replied, nodding before heading out.
The towering building of MX Group of Companies came into view not long after.
Camalina stopped just outside the entrance.
The glass doors reflected her image back at her—simple clothes, calm face, eyes carrying quiet determination.
"Take a breath, girl," she murmured.
She inhaled deeply, then exhaled slowly, pushing the tension out of her chest.
Then she walked in.
The air inside was cool and clean, faintly scented with polished floors and perfume. Her footsteps echoed softly as she made her way straight to the receptionist's desk.
"Good morning," she greeted with a polite smile.
"Good morning," the receptionist replied, smiling back. She was a neat-looking, middle-aged woman with observant eyes.
"How may I help you?"
"I'm here to apply for a job," Camalina said.
The receptionist nodded. "Oh, okay. I hope you brought your files with you."
"Yes," Camalina replied, lifting them slightly.
"Let me take a look."
She stretched out her hand, and Camalina handed over the files.
Camalina watched as the woman flipped through the documents. It didn't take long before she began nodding repeatedly. She raised her head, clearly impressed.
"Wow. You have good grades. That's nice," she said, then paused.
"I have a question."
Camalina smiled lightly, gesturing for her to continue.
"The university you graduated from… it's actually my favorite."
Camalina's brows lifted slightly.
Favorite? To me, I really hate it, she thought.
"Not just mine," the woman continued. "I think it's everyone's favorite. I believe even the CEO graduated from there."
Camalina's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.
"Hm." Her throat suddenly felt dry.
"How much is the tuition fee there?" the receptionist asked.
"I think it's five hundred thousand yuan," Camalina answered casually.
The woman's eyes widened.
"Wow," she exclaimed. "That's really for rich kids."
Her gaze then traveled over Camalina from her hair down to her shoes.
"But how did you get into the university?" she asked abruptly.
The judgment in her tone didn't escape Camalina.
Of course you'd ask that, she thought. Looking at how I'm dressed.
Still, her voice remained calm.
"I studied there through scholarship opportunities given each year."
The receptionist nodded. "I see."
"Thank you for the information. I'll keep track of this."
Camalina smiled politely.
In truth, that university never offered scholarships at all.
"You can take your leave now," the woman added. "If you're shortlisted, the department will call you for an interview."
"Okay, thank you," Camalina said, nodding as she walked away.
At the Top Floor
High above the city, on the top floor of MX Group, the CEO stood before the floor-to-ceiling glass wall of his office.
The city sprawled beneath him cars moving like distant ants, buildings standing silent and obedient.
He wasn't working.
He wasn't reading reports.
His desk remained untouched.
One hand rested in his pocket is his gaze drifted aimlessly over the skyline. His expression was calm, unreadable, yet something about the stillness felt… restless.
After a long moment, he turned.
Without much thought, he reached for his phone.
The call connected almost immediately.
"Yes, sir," the receptionist answered.
"Is there any secretary interview today?" he asked, his voice low and even.
"Yes," she replied. "Someone just submitted her files for the secretary position."
A brief pause followed.
"Send the person up here," he said. "With the files."
The call ended.
He lowered the phone slowly.
For reasons he couldn't explain, his brows drew together slightly.