Everyone turned their gaze toward Rachel Liu at the same time.
Especially Xu Li, whose eyes carried a trace of resentment.
Rachel Liu held back her laughter and said, "Sorry! I just thought of a joke and couldn't help laughing. Please don't mind me—let's continue the interview!"
As she spoke, she nearly leaned against Alex Lin, still struggling to suppress her laughter.
Alex Lin reminded her in a low voice, "Stop laughing. We're in the middle of an interview. Be serious."
Rachel Liu finally couldn't hold it anymore and burst out laughing. "Hahaha—"
The rest of the room followed suit.
"Hahaha—"
Xu Li:…
You people…You're all terrible!
Only Alex Lin remained serious, not laughing at all."Miss Xu, please don't mind them. Could you answer my previous question?"
Xu Li took a breath and replied, "The reason I applied for the front desk position is that I'm tired of my previous job. I wanted to try a different working style to relax a bit, but I didn't want to completely leave my professional field. I heard that you, Mr. Lin, value talent and appreciate capable people regardless of position, so I decided to come here."
She truly lived up to being a graduate of a prestigious university—her mind was quick, and she immediately came up with a justification.
After asking two more questions, Alex Lin lowered his head and said calmly,"I'm sorry, but you don't meet our company's hiring requirements."
Xu Li was unconvinced. "Why don't I meet the requirements?"
"Because we're hiring for a front desk receptionist," Alex Lin replied. "The front desk represents the image of our company. Education isn't the key factor—appearance is. You're a bit older, and you don't have the youthful, fresh image we require."
Xu Li didn't accept that. She took out her phone and looked at herself."But I'm clearly youthful and beautiful!"
Alex Lin's expression didn't change."Turn off the beauty filter first."
Xu Li:…
She silently put her phone away.
"Alright, that's all. I hope we'll have a chance to cooperate in the future," Alex Lin said with a smile, handing her resume back. "Please take it."
Xu Li accepted the resume, hesitated for a moment—then handed it back again.
Alex Lin was puzzled. "What do you mean?"
Xu Li said with faint resentment, "Didn't you say I'm too old and not youthful or beautiful enough? Then I'll apply for the cleaning staff position instead and see if I have a chance!"
Alex Lin:…
He moved on to the next applicant.
"Hello, Mr. Lin! My name is Wang Yingtian, 28 years old. I majored in English at Fudan University. After graduation, I studied at Harvard University for two years and obtained a master's degree. Then I worked at Penguin Group for two years, mainly doing translation and related work…"
The man spoke at length, his résumé just as impressive.
Alex Lin nodded and examined him."But we're hiring for the front desk, and you're a man. Isn't that a bit unsuitable? Did you submit the wrong résumé?"
"I didn't submit the wrong résumé," Wang Yingtian said confidently. "I believe I have outstanding advantages for the front desk position!"
"I'm listening," Alex Lin replied.
Wang Yingtian lifted his chin proudly.
"First, my undergraduate major was English, and I furthered my studies at Harvard. I can switch freely between two languages. Our company clearly has international ambitions, so my skills perfectly match its needs!"
"Second, I'm a man, which is a major gender advantage! I won't get pregnant or take frequent maternity leave. I can devote all my energy to work. I can do everything women can do—and more—without complaining!"
"Third, people are tired of the typical pretty female receptionist. Hiring me would give clients a refreshing impression while still appearing professional!"
"Fourth, I have good looks and temperament! I'm 1.78 meters tall and weigh under 140 pounds. I look slim when dressed and muscular when undressed! People often call me handsome on the street—it almost makes me lose myself!"
Alex Lin:…
"So, all things considered, the company should hire me for the front desk!"Wang Yingtian swept his gaze across the room arrogantly.
Competing with me for the front desk? You can all go home and sleep!
Alex Lin applauded."Well said!"
Wang Yingtian felt pleased—
"But you're eliminated."
His composure instantly collapsed. "Why?"
Alex Lin pointed at himself. "Am I a man or a woman?"
"Mr. Lin is obviously a man."
"And what about the company's executives—men or women?"
"Mostly men."
"Exactly!" Alex Lin slapped his thigh. "Since we're all men, do you think we'd rather have a beautiful female receptionist to look at—or a regular guy to disgust ourselves?"
Wang Yingtian:…
"You don't even understand what the leadership wants. Your emotional intelligence is clearly lacking."
Wang Yingtian:…
"And you lack self-awareness," Alex Lin continued. "Do you really think you're handsome just because people say so? Think carefully—do they still call you handsome when it's time to pay the bill?"
Wang Yingtian:…
Alex Lin shook his head with a sigh."Low emotional intelligence and poor self-awareness. That's why we won't entrust such an important position as the front desk to you. You may leave."
Clutching his wounded heart, Wang Yingtian silently took back his résumé.
Then—he handed it over again.
Alex Lin was baffled. "What are you doing now?"
"If I can't work at the front desk, then I'd like to apply for the cleaning staff position!" Wang Yingtian said seriously. "For cleaning, emotional intelligence and self-awareness shouldn't be required, right?"
Alex Lin:…
After thinking for a moment, Wang Yingtian added,"And there shouldn't be any gender requirements either… right?"
Alex Lin: