Chapter 1386: Job interview II

"If you were hired... give me three names of applicants from today’s interview whom you’d choose to join the CEO’s department. And explain why you think they’re qualified."

For a full minute, there was complete silence. Neither the applicants nor the panelists spoke, though for different reasons—one group was caught off guard, while the other had been expecting this exact reaction. And it was obvious who was who.

This question was the very reason why most applicants left this room looking so defeated. It was a crucial test, designed to narrow down the candidates best suited for the job. After all, the CEO’s department wasn’t just lacking a secretary—it was completely vacant.

That explained the heavy workload on Penny, Wild, and Yugi. The three of them had managed to handle the tasks so far, but forming a dedicated team for the CEO’s affairs would ease the burden, especially now that Wild and Yugi had responsibilities in their own departments.

"Please begin," the head of Human Resources said, nodding at the first applicant at the far end of the line.

The applicant opened and closed his mouth, struggling to collect his thoughts and maintain his composure. He had prepared for all kinds of questions, even personal ones—but not this.

’Who would I pick?’he panicked internally. ’I was so focused on doing well in my own interview that I didn’t bother talking to anyone else.’

When he realized he couldn’t keep them waiting any longer, he lowered his head.

"I apologize," he said. "I didn’t think it was necessary to talk to the other applicants. I was too focused on preparing for my own interview."

He clasped his hands together on his lap, hoping this answer wouldn’t completely ruin his chances.

But alas—

"If you were too focused on yourself," Yugi said coldly, watching the applicant lift his head, "then I assume you understand the role you’re applying for. Tell me, what do you think this job entails? Sorting paperwork? Checking calendars? Setting up appointments?"

Yugi briefly glanced at the applicant’s resume before meeting his gaze again.

"Prime Group is a security firm," he continued. "That includes deploying our own personnel to protect our clients. You just failed the most fundamental part of this role—because you don’t understand its importance."

The first applicant’s heart sank. Yugi didn’t need to say it outright—he knew he had failed. His qualifications and achievements no longer mattered.

"Next," Yugi said, shifting his attention to the second applicant. "Please let us know if you also don’t know anyone."

Unlike the first applicant, the second one managed to recall some names. However, since he hadn’t socialized much in the waiting room, he could only name a few people he had exchanged brief greetings with. Still, at least he had an answer.

"Can you tell me why you chose those three?" Yugi asked, tilting his head slightly.

"Of course," the second applicant nodded. "I picked the first one because..."

He carefully chose his words, providing logical explanations for each name. The panelists, still able to recall the candidates he mentioned, listened closely.

However...

"In other words," Yugi interrupted, "you picked three names just because you had to."

The second applicant stiffened as Yugi continued.

"The names you listed—they were capable. But unfortunately, they failed this same test. Not because they couldn’t name anyone, but because they had no real reason behind their choices."

Yugi let out a heavy sigh, fixing his gaze on the second applicant.

"Here’s what most people misunderstand," he explained. "We don’t expect you to know everyone in the waiting room. But if you want this job, you need to understand that you’ll constantly be meeting new people in different environments. Being able to observe in a room full of strangers is a valuable skill for this role."

Then, he added, "And to be completely honest, we knew the second you named your first candidate that you didn’t have any real opinion on him. At least, not the same opinion you just said."

The second applicant opened his mouth, but no words came out. In the end, he lowered his head, shock and disappointment crossing his face. He had thought simply listing names would be enough. It wasn’t.

"How about you, Mr. Arthur?" Yugi didn’t linger on the second applicant’s reaction. By now, he was used to it.

Teddy Arthur nodded. Unlike the first two, he remained composed.

"There are three names I can recommend for the CEO’s department," he said confidently. "The first is Albert Jones. He hasn’t been interviewed yet, but I’ve worked with him in the past. Personally, I don’t like him—but I can’t deny he’s reliable and has a sharp eye for problems."

Unlike the first two applicants, Teddy listed his three choices efficiently, showing that he had carefully considered his answers. It was clear that, regardless of his personal opinions, he viewed these candidates as serious competitors.

The panelists nodded, recognizing the other two names Teddy mentioned. They were among the few candidates who had left the interview without looking utterly defeated.

"Did you name these three simply because you’ve worked with them before?" Yugi asked, genuinely curious.

"Partly, yes," Teddy admitted. "But also because I respect their work and abilities. So, if my first task as your secretary were to recommend a team, they would be my first choices."

The panelists remained impassive at his last remark. They weren’t surprised. After all, few people—especially those outside the company—truly knew who T.Mouse was.

Patricia, on the other hand, was utterly confused.

’Why does he think he’ll be working for Nina’s cousin?’ she wondered, growing more puzzled by the second. ’Can’t he see Penny over there’

Little did she know, not everyone was as privileged as she was. And by privilege, it meant having access to information that most people didn’t. What she thought was common knowledge wasn’t so common—especially to those without connections to the upper echelon.

"Alright." Yugi nodded, clearly satisfied. So far, Teddy Arthur was the only applicant who had impressed him since this hiring process began.

It wasn’t that the other candidates weren’t intelligent or capable. They were. But they lacked the one factor he was looking for.

So, Teddy’s ignorance of who he would be working for? That wasn’t a deal breaker.

"Miss Miller." Yugi moved on, setting his gaze on Patricia.

"Will you answer the question? Name three people you believe are suited for this role—and give me a proper reason why."