Chapter 11
As if worried I might not believe her, she pulled up the records to show me.
It was internal industry information. To avoid unnecessary risks, higher–ups circulated a blacklist of people with poor reputations or past issues.
My name and photo were right there. The reason listed, [Refuses to follow management directives, incapable of collaborating with teammates, excessively vindictive, and demonstrates poor moral character.]
I didn’t have to guess whose handiwork this was. Seeing my silence, the female executive didn’t hesitate.
“Girl, I know you’re not like this. Someone is definitely messing with you. Don’t worry, I’ll remove your name right now.‘
She didn’t hesitate, then deleted my info immediately. I thanked her, but inside, I felt a bitter irony.
I was lucky to have friends to help, but I couldn’t imagine if an ordinary job seeker ended up on that list–what path would be left for them?
It wasn’t that the blacklist was useless. It did help many companies avoid costly mistakes.But most firms don’t bother to verify the claims;they just accept the list at face value and make decisions bassed on that stigma.
Those wronged would only face more frustration. After repeated blows like that, even the most capable people can lose the heart to keep pushing forward. What are they supposed to do then?
Diana saw we were still chatting, and, tipsy, she draped an arm around me and led us back to the group, insisting we keep drinking. When the evening ended, Diana saw everyone to their cars. She went off to call her girlfriend, while I stood at the hotel entrance, waiting for my ride.
Before long, I heard a voice behind me. “Hey, Serena, what are you doing here?”
I turned to see Hannah and Zach not far away. Hannah was holding onto Zach’s arm, their bodies very close, just like a couple deeply in love.
Seeing me, Hannah let out a derisive laugh and leaned toward Zach. “Zach, I get it now. Serena must be here for you.‘
“Then you two talk, and I’ll step aside. “She made a motion to leave, but I could tell she had no intention of actually going anywhere.
As expected, Zach pulled her in, pressing his chest against hers and deliberately showing me their closeness. “You’re not an outsider, why are you avoiding?”
Then he flashed me a smug glance. “Didn’t you say you’d pass on opportunities? So why are you even here?”
“But let me tell you, it’s too late now, Serena. You’ve already missed your chance.“His tone was commanding, completely different from the considerate, gentle version he showed in front of Hannah.
I knew he misunderstood, Calmly, I explained, “I came here with friends for dinner and was already about to leave.”
