Chapter 2Cherry-Picking the Truth

The interviewer was a middle-aged man. His nameplate read: HR Director - Brian Lee.

He took my resume, flipped through it carelessly, and tossed it aside.

"I see you graduated from a top university. Why haven't you found a job yet? Are your standards too high?"

I frowned slightly but kept a polite smile plastered on my face.

"I believe job hunting requires careful consideration. It's not about being picky; it's about being responsible to myself and my future employer."

He let out a dismissive scoff, leaning forward to scan me up and down like a searchlight.

"Do you have a boyfriend?"

I paused. Ignoring my reaction, he continued:

"When do you plan on getting married? Do you have plans for children?"

"I don't want to train an employee only for her to run off on maternity leave. It impacts projects significantly."

The implications in his words made my skin crawl.

I suddenly remembered how much Sarah hated hearing people talk like this back in college. Did she know her boss was like this?

She was so good to me; I couldn't let her be kept in the dark.

Thinking this, I quietly started recording on my phone, planning to let Sarah listen later.

Then I looked straight at Director Lee.

"I don't believe my personal relationship status has any direct correlation to my professional abilities. If you're concerned about stability, I can walk you through my five-year career plan."

Unfortunately, he wasn't interested in listening. He leaned back in his chair and dropped an even bigger bomb.

"Five-year plan? Easier said than done."

"I'm not looking down on you, but the fact is, women have limited energy. Plus, if you get married, you have to balance the family."

He paused, his tone turning preachy.

"Or do you think a woman's ultimate place isn't in the home?"

I was so angry I almost laughed. What century was this?

I took a deep breath, sat up straight, and stared him down.

"First, I don't believe energy levels are tied to gender. That depends on individual capability and drive."

"Second, where my 'ultimate place' is, is for me to decide, not my gender."

Brian Lee’s face darkened instantly.

He probably hadn't expected an interviewee to push back so directly.

"In that case, go back and wait for a notification."

He clearly didn't want to talk to me anymore. He stood up, dropped that line, and walked out of the room.

My impression of this company had hit rock bottom. I just wanted to tell Sarah what happened.

[Interview's over. Are you free?]

[That was fast. What's up?]

I told her I needed to talk and asked to meet in the lobby. I left the interview room.