Chapter 65: Turn Off the Beauty Filter First!

Everyone turned to look at Liu Rumei in unison.

Especially Xu Li, whose gaze carried a hint of resentment.

Liu Rumei held back her laughter and said, "I'm sorry! I just thought of something funny and couldn't help but laugh. Don't mind me, go on with the interview!"

Then, she nearly collapsed onto Lin Beifan, trembling as she tried to suppress her laughter.

Lin Beifan whispered, "Stop laughing. I'm conducting an interview—take it seriously!"

Liu Rumei immediately lost control: "Hahahaha…"

Everyone else also burst into laughter: "Hahahaha…"

Xu Li: "…"

You…

You're all terrible people!

Only Lin Beifan remained composed. "Miss Xu, ignore them. Please answer my previous question."

Xu Li adjusted her emotions and responded, "The reason I applied for this job is that I grew tired of my previous work and wanted a change of pace. I was looking for a more relaxed work environment while still staying employed. I also heard that you, Mr. Lin, value talent above all else, so I decided to give it a shot!"

As expected of a graduate from a prestigious university—she quickly came up with a logical response.

After asking a few more questions, Lin Beifan shook his head slightly. "I'm sorry, but you don't meet our hiring standards."

Xu Li was taken aback. "Why not?"

"Because we're hiring for a front desk position," Lin Beifan explained. "The front desk represents our company's image. Education isn't the most critical factor—appearance is. Unfortunately, you're a bit older and don't quite meet our standards of youth and beauty."

Xu Li pulled out her phone, took a selfie, and frowned. "But I look young and beautiful!"

Lin Beifan remained expressionless. "Turn off the beauty filter first."

Xu Li: "…"

Silently, she put down her phone.

"Alright, that's the situation. I look forward to any future opportunities for collaboration. Here's your résumé—please keep it." Lin Beifan smiled as he handed it back.

Xu Li hesitated, then returned the résumé.

Lin Beifan raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Xu Li pouted. "Didn't you say I was too old and not attractive enough? Then I'll try applying for a cleaning job—maybe I have a shot there!"

Lin Beifan: "…"

Next, the interview continued.

"Hello, Mr. Lin! My name is Wang Yingtian. I'm 28 years old and majored in English at Fudan University. After that, I studied at Harvard for two years and earned a master's degree. I then worked at Penguin Group for two years in international affairs and translation…"

The candidate went on, listing his impressive qualifications.

Lin Beifan nodded as he evaluated him. "But this is a front desk position, and you're a man. Are you sure you applied for the right job?"

"I did," Wang Yingtian said confidently. "I believe I have significant advantages as a front desk employee!"

"Please elaborate."

Wang Yingtian straightened his posture and spoke with confidence.

"First, I have strong language skills. I majored in English and furthered my studies at Harvard. I can switch between languages seamlessly, making communication smooth. Since your company seems to have great potential, you'll eventually expand internationally, and my skills will be invaluable."

"Second, being a man is actually an advantage! I won't take maternity leave or need time off for childcare, so I can dedicate myself fully to work. I can do everything a woman can do—and more!"

"Third, people are tired of the stereotypical beautiful female receptionist. Hiring me would provide a refreshing change and create a professional image for the company!"

"Fourth, I have an excellent appearance and demeanor. I'm 1.78 meters tall and weigh less than 140 pounds. I look slim in clothes and fit without them! People often compliment my looks—I almost started believing I was truly handsome!"

Lin Beifan: "…"

"So, considering all these factors, I'm the perfect candidate for your front desk!"

Wang Yingtian swept his gaze across the room, exuding confidence.

Compete with me for the front desk? You'd better just give up!

Lin Beifan clapped. "Very well said!"

Wang Yingtian beamed with excitement.

"But… you're still eliminated!"

His expression stiffened. "Why?!"

Lin Beifan pointed at himself. "Am I male or female?"

"You're male, of course!"

"And what about most of the company's executives?"

"Mostly male."

"Exactly!" Lin Beifan slapped his thigh. "Now tell me—do you think we'd rather hire a beautiful female receptionist or an ordinary-looking man to greet us every day?"

Wang Yingtian: "…"

"You don't even understand what the executives want. Clearly, your emotional intelligence is lacking."

Wang Yingtian: "…"

"And you lack self-awareness. Do you really think people call you 'pretty' because you actually are? Think carefully—when do they usually say that?"

Wang Yingtian thought about it and suddenly had a bad feeling.

Lin Beifan sighed. "Isn't it usually when you're paying for something?"

Wang Yingtian: "…"

"Low emotional intelligence and lack of self-awareness—we can't entrust you with the front desk role. Please take back your résumé."

Wounded, Wang Yingtian retrieved his résumé, hesitated, then handed it back again.

Lin Beifan frowned. "What now?"

"If I can't be the front desk, I'd like to apply for the cleaning job. That position doesn't require emotional intelligence or self-awareness, right?"

Lin Beifan: "…"

After a moment's thought, he muttered, "There… shouldn't be any gender restrictions for that, right?"

Lin Beifan: "…"