Chapter 33 Surrendering is Losing
"You passed the first test," Cathy said.
Evelyn had anticipated it, but she asked, "First test?"
Cathy laughed. "Do you really think that by solving such a simple question, you can pass the test and qualify to join my team at Neogenito Fragrances smoothly? You're underestimating our company."
Cathy coldly questioned Evelyn publicly, "Those who can join Neogenito Fragrances have gone through layers of written tests, interviews, and examinations. Why are you the exception?"
This was also why Cathy disliked Evelyn so much.
After all, Cathy had brought many qualifications and awards to participate in the recruitment of Neogenito Fragrances. Even so, Cathy went through rigorous assessments.
At Neogenito Fragrances, Cathy was a seasoned employee. She was confident in her abilities and believed she could achieve her dreams at this company. After all, she had never seen her superiors using their connections before. But this time, Cathy was astounded.
Cathy couldn't figure out Evelyn's background. Or rather, she didn't want to know.
For Cathy, Evelyn's background and social connections were irrelevant to her. Cathy just didn't want an incompetent person on her team and to work with her.
"I don't want to be an exception. And I don't think I am an exception either. After all, you are evaluating me," Evelyn calmly said, sporting a polite smile. She didn't show any embarrassment or annoyance from being reprimanded publicly.
Evelyn's excessive composure made her stand out. Her composed demeanor was comforting.
"Yes, I am evaluating you. Your answer just now was not wrong. But it was only the first test. It doesn't mean you've passed my test," Cathy said.
Cathy wanted to continue testing Evelyn because she didn't want to let her off too easily.
The question Cathy just asked was random. Although it was somewhat challenging, it wasn't too difficult.
Cathy initially thought Evelyn was someone who relied on unethical means but was also incompetent. But she didn't expect Evelyn to solve the problem in front of her colleagues. Therefore, Cathy decided to take this seriously and come up with a more difficult test.
"Ms. White, feel free to ask the question. If I'm afraid, then I've already lost," Evelyn said fearlessly.
She just paused for a moment and leaned forward slightly. Looking into Cathy's eyes, Evelyn suddenly smiled.
Evelyn's smile wasn't offensive, but Cathy suddenly felt a little scared. "What are you planning to do?"
"Oh, nothing. Ms. White, I just want to know how many tests you have prepared for me in total?" Evelyn asked.
Cathy took a deep breath and sat up straight. "So? Are you afraid now? Weren't you just boasting about yourself?"
"I'm not afraid. Since this is a bet, we better clarify the rules from the beginning. I'm not afraid of any reasonable assessment carried out in a legitimate manner. But if no matter how many tests I pass, Ms. White always has another test waiting for me—"
Wide-eyed, Cathy angrily interrupted, "What do you mean? I always have another test waiting for you?
"Evelyn Taylor!" Cathy exclaimed loudly. "Indeed, I don't like you. But I never do despicable things. Do you think I'm deliberately making things difficult for you?"
Evelyn chuckled. "Ms. White, I also think you are generous. So, how many tests in total?"
Cathy clenched her fist by her side, struggling to maintain her composure despite her boiling anger.
'Evelyn appears innocent, yet every word she utters feels like an attack on me. I didn't intend to cause her trouble deliberately, but her words made it impossible for me to continue,' she thought.
"Three!" Cathy gritted her teeth and said decisively, "Everyone who enters the project department has to pass three challenges. For fairness, so you are no exception!"
Standing straight, Evelyn nodded. "Alright! Since everyone has gone through this kind of test, of course I should be able to accept it.
"What is the second test? Or was the previous question just a practice? Is the next one the first test?"
Though it appeared to be a serious question, it was actually an attack on Cathy.
Cathy valued her reputation. She had intended to say it, but Evelyn beat her to it. Therefore, Cathy couldn't say it publicly.
Cathy could only say angrily, "Since I already said you passed the first test just now, there's no such thing as practice. What do you think our company is?"
"I think it's 'my' company!" Evelyn replied.
Cathy was speechless.
"That's enough. Stop flattering me like that. I don't buy that. Don't forget that even though you passed the first test today, there are still two more tests. These two tests will be increasingly difficult. I hope even if you lose, you won't cry."
"Don't worry. I will never back down just like you!" Evelyn emphasized the last few words.
Cathy became gloomy. "Today's meeting is over!"
The "audience" who had been waiting for a long time picked up the things they had already prepared in front of them and left the office one by one.
Evelyn knew Cathy had more to say to her, so she remained standing there, waiting for Cathy.
After everyone else had left and closed the door, Cathy stood up. As she spread her arms, she said, "You were fortunate to pass today's first test. The next two won't be a walk in the park. Keep in mind, you can't easily fool me."
"Are you saying that these two tests won't start now?" Based on Cathy's words, Evelyn felt like Cathy didn't plan to complete the three tests today.
If that was the case, Evelyn thought it would be a waste of time.
Besides her relationship with Liavian Perfumes, Evelyn loved her career. Even though she had recently been dealing with a lot of trivial and terrible things, she hadn't stopped her passion for perfume-making.
"Of course not!" Cathy said arrogantly, "Do you think I have a lot of time to spend with you? I'm busy. But since we need to take this test seriously, I need to establish the assessment content before I can arrange your test."
"When?" If the procrastination went on indefinitely, it would eventually waste Evelyn's time.
Cathy turned and stared at Evelyn. "Are you afraid I will procrastinate indefinitely?"
"To be honest, yes!" Evelyn answered candidly.
Cathy was taken aback by Evelyn's bluntness. But Cathy quickly laughed it off. "Well! Since you're being honest, I won't delay! Rest assured. Although I wanted to make things difficult for you, I wouldn't stoop to such despicable tactics. I'll notify you within three days once I've finalized the assessment content!"
Evelyn was pleased. "So what will my job be during these three days?"