Chapter 2: The Battle in the Interview Room

Chapter 2: The Battle in the Interview Room

Su Yao had been counting down the days to this moment. After weeks of meticulous preparation, poring over industry materials and rehearsing potential questions, she now sat outside the interview room, with her mind in chaos as a multitude of thoughts rushed in. Just then, it was her turn to enter the fateful interview room. She took a deep breath, slowly got up, and subconsciously smoothed the tiny wrinkles on her clothes, as if trying to calm her inner turmoil. With a trace of stubbornness and unwillingness, she walked steadily inside, her steps seemingly calm but actually a bit heavy.

The moment she pushed open the door, her eyes landed on Li Yi. Li Yi was sitting in the main seat. He still had that cynical look. His well - tailored black suit fit his tall and straight figure perfectly. The simple white shirt inside had its collar slightly open, revealing his delicate collarbone just right. Beneath his sword - like eyebrows and star - like eyes, his thin lips held a faint, almost imperceptible smile. His whole being exuded a unique charm that was both roguishly handsome and imposing. The instant Su Yao saw him, her heart was like a calm lake into which a stone had been thrown, rippling with waves. This man was the one who had made her restless these past few days. Now, she really had to undergo this severe "trial" under his watchful eyes. What on earth was going on in his mind?

Su Yao secretly pondered in her heart. Was Li Yi's demeanor on purpose, trying to test her composure, or was it just his natural way of doing things? Would he, because of that accidental encounter on the street, have already set a judgmental tone for her in his heart, casting a subjective shadow over this interview from the very beginning? Or perhaps he intended to deliberately suppress her through this, hoping to make her reveal flaws? A multitude of possibilities raced through her mind, making her even more nervous. Before she knew it, fine beads of sweat had formed on her palms.

Looking around, Su Yao saw that in the interview room, besides Li Yi, there were two female examiners with distinct styles. The one sitting on Li Yi's left was wearing a deep - black professional skirt suit. The form - fitting style perfectly outlined her slender waist, and the hem of the skirt just reached the lower part of her knees, making her look dignified and yet capable. Her hair was neatly coiled up, with not a single strand out of place, exposing her smooth forehead. Her face was cold and solemn, with her slender eyebrows slightly raised, and her eyes were like cold stars, exuding an air of coldness that kept people at a distance. Her appearance was not only a display of personal style but also an indication of her professional demeanor. The pen in her hand spun lightly between her fingertips, and she occasionally wrote something in the notebook in front of her. Her movements were elegant yet carried a hint of sharpness. One could tell at a glance that she was a meticulous and extremely demanding person at work. Her name was Lin Wan. She graduated from a top - tier business school and had been working her way up in the Li Group for many years. With her outstanding professional abilities, she had ascended step by step. She had an almost harsh grip on every tiny detail of her work. In the industry, she was known as the "Iron Lady," and countless candidates had been eliminated by her. Su Yao sized up Lin Wan quietly. She thought to herself that this woman was definitely a tough nut to crack. She had to be extremely careful when answering questions later. The slightest mistake might be caught by her sharp eyes. Just imagining Lin Wan's cold and piercing gaze sweeping over her answers made Su Yao shiver slightly. She knew very well that in front of this examiner, any act of perfunctoriness or vagueness would never pass. Only by showing full - fledged rigor and professionalism might she earn a glimmer of approval.

Looking at the female examiner on Li Yi's right, she was wearing an off - white suit jacket with a light - blue shirt inside. A delicate bow was tied at the collar, adding a touch of softness and elegance to her overall look. Her hair was shoulder - length straight hair, falling smoothly on both sides, with the tips slightly curled inwards, making her look cute and stylish. Her features were beautiful, her skin was as white as snow, and her eyes were warm brown. When she smiled, it was as if there were stars twinkling in them. However, Su Yao knew that she must not be deceived by this seemingly gentle appearance. When she looked at the candidates, the sharpness in her eyes was undiminished. Her slightly pursed lips seemed to silently proclaim her strict attitude. Her name was Su Qing. She was an elite talent that the group had recruited from overseas at a high price. She had an international perspective and cutting - edge industry concepts. She was good at analyzing problems from novel angles and uncovering the potential of candidates. Although she seemed amiable on the outside, she had her own strict criteria for judgment. Once she found that a candidate did not meet the requirements, she would show no mercy. Su Yao silently remembered Su Qing's characteristics and warned herself not to be misled by appearances. She had to be fully alert at all times. Facing Su Qing, Su Yao was full of anticipation, hoping that she could recognize her potential from a unique perspective. At the same time, she was deeply worried about the strict judgment hidden behind that gentle appearance. At this moment, her heart was like a tightly - stretched string. The slightest carelessness might cause it to snap.

Li Yi had been leaning lazily on the back of the chair, as if this interview room was just a place for his daily leisure, exuding an air of nonchalance. Hearing the sound of the door opening, he slightly lifted his eyelids. The movement was as slow as a slow - motion shot in a movie, with a bit of casualness and unruliness. When he saw that it was Su Yao coming in, a flash of light instantly appeared in his eyes, like a shooting star suddenly appearing in the night sky, too fast to catch. Li Yi sized her up for a moment, still amused by their chance encounter and curious to see how she'd handle the pressure. Then he quickly returned to his cynical look.

First, he gave a soft snort. The sound escaped from his nose, carrying a faint hint of ridicule. Then he straightened up, but his movements were still unhurried, as if nothing in the world could make him hurry. He stretched out his long and well - jointed fingers and casually tapped on the table, making a few rhythmic clicks, as if playing a beat that only he could understand.

Subsequently, he picked up Su Yao's resume with two fingers, as if picking up a delicate flower. He slightly raised his eyebrows. The arc of his raised eyebrows was just right, showing a trace of doubt and exploration. The corners of his mouth also turned up slightly, pulling out a half - smile, as if he found the scene in front of him extremely interesting. This smile did not reach his eyes. It only lingered briefly on his lips before disappearing.

Finally, he spoke. His voice was low and slightly magnetic, but he deliberately elongated the ending of each word, as if squeezing each word out slowly through his teeth: "Yo, Miss Su, you're really punctual." His tone was as if he was the master of this interview, and Su Yao was just an interesting plaything who had barged in. It was hard to tell whether he was really conducting an interview or just trying to tease the person in front of him.

Upon hearing this, Su Yao slightly furrowed her brows, and a surge of anger welled up in her heart. What on earth was this guy doing? Was he here to interview her or to humiliate her? But the situation forced her to suppress her anger and try to make her tone polite: "Thank you, Mr. Li, for giving me this opportunity. Naturally, I wouldn't dare to be negligent." The other interviewers looked at each other in surprise. Apparently, although they had heard that Mr. Li was particularly concerned about this interview, they didn't expect there to be such a "backstory" between him and this candidate. For a moment, the atmosphere in the interview room became somewhat delicate and awkward, as if a thin layer of mist was quietly spreading. This delicate atmosphere was like an invisible and tight net, tightly enclosing Su Yao, making her even more restless. She felt as if she was in a chess game with hidden rules. Every move was made with trepidation, for fear that the slightest mistake would lead to a complete loss.

Li Yi sat up straight, picked up Su Yao's resume on the table, quickly glanced through it, and slightly raised his eyebrows. With a tone of doubt and exploration, he said: "Yo, Miss Su, looking at your resume, at first glance, your major doesn't seem to match the position we're recruiting for. However, I've never cared much about those rigid professional labels. Practice is the ultimate criterion for testing ability. Mere theorizing won't do. If you were to enter the company, how would you start working? Tell me in detail." Su Yao composed herself, trying to calm her chaotic thoughts. Then she began to clearly explain her work plan, elaborating on every aspect from the key points and methods of market research, to the strategy and channels of customer development, and finally to the key points and processes of team collaboration. Each link was well - organized and logically coherent. During this process, Li Yi would occasionally interject with a few questions. The questions were sharp and tricky, hitting the nail on the head. Su Yao calmly answered each one with her composure. As she answered, she secretly encouraged herself in her heart. She must not show timidity at this critical moment. She had to let them see her true abilities. Every answer she gave was like lighting a lamp in the boundless darkness of the night road, trying to dispel the doubts in the interviewers' minds and illuminate the path of hope for her to get the job.

Just when she thought she was getting into the groove and slightly relaxed, Lin Wan, who had been silent all this time, suddenly launched an attack. Her eyes were like torches, as if they could penetrate all falsehoods. She coldly said: "You mentioned conducting market research. If you were to complete a detailed research report on at least twenty enterprises in three different industries in the new business district of Haicheng within a week, relying solely on your own efforts, how would you do it? You know, this not only involves a large amount of data collection but also requires accurate analysis and targeted insights. The time is tight, and the task is arduous. Do you have the confidence and ability to do it?" Su Yao's heart skipped a beat. She knew very well that the difficulty of this task was beyond imagination, like an insurmountable mountain standing in front of her. But she gritted her teeth, quickly thought about the countermeasures in her mind, and after a moment, firmly replied: "I would first develop a detailed plan, using various online and offline channels to collect information, such as industry databases, corporate websites, and on - site visits. At the same time, I would arrange my time reasonably, break down this week's time, and set clear goals for each day to ensure that the task can be completed on time. I believe that with sufficient determination and efficient execution, it can be done." After answering, she silently prayed in her heart, hoping that her answer would satisfy this "Iron Lady." At this moment, her heart was pounding rapidly, like a rapid drumbeat, as if it was about to jump out of her throat. Her eyes were tightly fixed on the pen in Lin Wan's hand, eagerly hoping that she would leave a mark of affirmation in the notebook.

Before Su Yao could fully relax, Su Qing immediately threw out a question. The corners of her mouth carried a faint smile, like the warm sun in spring, but her eyes were sharp, like cold rays. She said: "Suppose you are in charge of an important project. At the critical moment of delivery, a core member of the team suddenly resigns. You have limited resources, and the delivery time cannot be delayed. What emergency measures would you take to ensure the smooth completion of the project?" Su Yao secretly groaned in her heart. These questions were getting more and more difficult, like a series of turbulent waves. But she had no choice but to face them head - on. Fortunately, Su Yao was secretly glad that she had accumulated a lot of experience in dealing with unexpected situations in normal times. Otherwise, she would really stumble today. She took a deep breath, quickly organized her thoughts, and methodically stated the countermeasures: "I would first communicate with the departing member as soon as possible to understand the latest progress and unfinished matters of the project. Then, I would quickly re - evaluate the skills and advantages of the existing team members and make a reasonable division of labor to let everyone play their maximum efficiency. At the same time, I would actively coordinate resources from other departments and seek external cooperation if necessary. In short, I will do everything possible to ensure the on - time delivery of the project." After Su Yao finished speaking, she secretly glanced at Su Qing, trying to catch a glimmer of approval from her expression, even if it was just a slight nod.

The corners of Li Yi's mouth slightly turned up, as if he was quite satisfied with her answer. Then he threw out another question: "Also, if there is an emergency in the project you're in charge of, and you need to work overtime on the weekend for three consecutive days, would you complain?" Su Yao secretly groaned in her heart. She was already living in straitened circumstances and was perhaps counting on doing some part - time jobs on the weekend to make ends meet. But at this moment, she had no choice but to bite the bullet and say: "If it's for the needs of the work, I will prioritize the interests of the company and overcome difficulties to complete the task." When she said this, her heart was filled with helplessness and bitterness. She knew very well the hardships of life but had to grit her teeth and persevere for the possible future.

Li Yi raised his eyebrows and continued to ask: "Oh? What if during this period, there is an urgent matter at home that requires you to go back and handle it? What would you do then?" Su Yao frowned tightly. After thinking for a moment, she replied: "I would first try my best to arrange the work to ensure that it does not affect the project progress. Then I would ask the leader for leave to go back and handle it, and return to the company as soon as possible to continue working after dealing with it." She was extremely nervous, not knowing whether this answer would satisfy them. After answering this question, Su Yao felt as if she was walking on a tightrope, trembling with fear at every step, for fear that a single misstep would lead to failure.

After the interview, Su Yao walked out of the interview room with slightly heavy steps, feeling physically and mentally exhausted, as if she had just experienced a thrilling and intense battle. Her back was already soaked with sweat, sticking to her clothes in a sticky way. Strands of broken hair on her forehead were scattered messily, adding to her current embarrassed appearance.

The lights in the corridor were dazzlingly white, stinging her eyes. The surroundings were eerily quiet and somewhat oppressive. Only the sound of her footsteps echoed in the empty corridor, each step seemingly landing heavily on her increasingly tense nerves. She subconsciously tightened her grip on the folder in her hand, her knuckles turning red from the force. The resume in the folder, like a "life - saving straw," seemed to carry all her hopes and anxieties at this moment.

Recalling the scenes in the interview room just now, Li Yi's half - smiling and teasing expression, Lin Wan's cold and sharp gaze, and Su Qing's seemingly gentle but actually sharp questions flashed through her mind like a revolving lantern. She didn't know whether her performance this time could meet the standards of these "picky examiners." What was the true meaning behind those tricky questions? Was it a sincere test or just using her as an object of amusement, deliberately making her look stupid? Su Yao looked up at the sky, her eyes becoming sour. She silently sighed in her heart: This journey has been really difficult. But no matter what, life has to go on. She could only carry this heart full of confusion and hope and wait for the unknown result.

She took a deep breath and dragged her leaden legs towards the elevator step by step. Passing by the waiting area, she saw the woman in the fiery red tight - fitting dress chatting and laughing with others. Remembering the woman's carefree laughter and self - assured demeanor earlier, Su Yao felt an even deeper pang of inadequacy. But she gritted her teeth, knowing she had to keep moving forward.

With great difficulty, she reached the elevator. Su Yao pressed the button. While waiting, she leaned against the wall and closed her eyes tightly, trying to calm her chaotic thoughts a little. However, the uneasiness in her heart was like a surging tide, constantly crashing against the little calm she had left. With a "ding," the elevator door opened. She numbly walked in, pressed the button for the first floor, and watched as the elevator door slowly closed, as if temporarily separating her from the unknown fate.

During the elevator's descent, her heartbeat became more and more rapid, echoing in the narrow space and making her eardrums ache. She couldn't help but think wildly. What if she didn't pass this interview? What would she do in the days to come? Rent and living expenses were like huge mountains weighing heavily on her. And if she missed this rare opportunity, how difficult would it be to find another chance to change her situation?

When the elevator reached the first floor and the door slowly opened, Su Yao composed herself, straightened her back, and tried to make herself look less disheveled. She knew that no matter what the result was, life had to go on. She could only carry this heart full of confusion and hope and bravely move forward to the next step.