She threw the question right back at Quentin. “Professor James, perhaps you could offer me some advice.”
Quentin gave a genial laugh. “Advice? I wouldn’t presume. But when you took first place in the qualifiers, the whole internet was in an uproar, questioning your win. Even ALI Group and the official press just let you weather that storm on your own. I was honestly worried you wouldn’t survive all that online backlash!”
Right now, Quentin, clad in his drab tan overcoat, looked every bit like a sly fox wagging its tail.
Selene regarded him in silence, wondering what kind of performance he was putting on this time.
When she didn’t respond, Quentin’s tone grew serious and earnest. “In our country, it’s so hard for top talent to make a name for themselves. Take me, for example–l had to claw my way out of a small, backward town. I speak from experience.”
“Selene, only say this because I value your talent. If you’re serious about a career in research or academia, you should go abroad. Our country is just too closed off; only overseas do you find real freedom.”
Selene replied, “At the moment, I just want to support my family.”
Seeing that she had no grand ambitions, Quentin’s eyes softened with a hint of condescension. In his mind, Selene was smart enough to win competitions, sure, but to truly accomplish something in her career? Impossible. After all, she was just
a woman.
He offered his advice anyway. “If you’re looking for a job, you should definitely consider international companies. They offer weekends off, parental leave. If you go with a domestic firm, there’s no way you’ll have time to take care of Daph all by yourself.”
He almost sounded as if he genuinely cared about her future.
Selene realized Quentin had come prepared. She decided to play along and see what he was really after.
“I’ve been a stay–at–home mom for seven years,” she said. “I’m not very familiar with the big–name companies out there. Professor James, you know much more than I do–what kind of position do you think would suit me?”
Led by her question, Quentin finally revealed his real purpose.
1/2
པ་་་་་་་
“Selene, have you heard of OmniCore Technologies?”
OmniCore Technologies was a Morganian corporation, backed by the tech giant Vortech Dynamics.
Vortech Dynamics was now the world’s most valuable company, the crown jewel of the international stock market.
Selene shook her head, feigning ignorance.
Quentin leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “To tell you the truth, after you won your award, OmniCore Technologies reached out to me. They wanted me to get in touch with you. The reason I agreed to help is that OmniCore partners with Capital University, and they’ve even invested in my research project.”
“They’re offering you an incredible package–seven figures in base salary, another seven figures in project bonuses, plus profit–sharing and all kinds of perks. Most importantly, OmniCore offers 103 days off a year. As a single mother, Selene, I think this is perfect for you! And right now, your visibility is at its peak. Foreign universities are rolling out the red carpet. You could easily secure a green card and settle in a developed country with Daph.”
“That way, you can leave all the chaos of Capital City behind, can’t you?”
Selene’s face remained impassive as she nodded to Quentin. “Thank you for your suggestions, Professor James. I’ll give them serious thought.“,
She left with Daph. Clarissa watched them go, her eyes cold, and let out a dismissive snort. “Those universities and big corporations just want the publicity. She doesn’t even have any work experience–if she joins a major company, she’ll still have to start at the bottom!”
Clarissa spoke with conviction.
Quentin just smiled. “Selene truly is a rare talent.”
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