It was the first time the president of Scott Corporation was asked to review a résumé. Livinus found the request novel and replied calmly, “Send the résumé to Sophia. I’ll take a look tonight.”
This response was loaded with information. Jennifer playfully winked at Sophia. “Wow! Living together already?”
“You’re really living the good life, Sophia,” Barbara teased with a wide grin.
“Sophia is beautiful and charming enough to win over such an amazing man like Mr. Scott! No wonder she’s been glowing with femininity lately,” Scarlett chimed in with a laugh.
The group burst into teasing and laughter, prompting Sophia to cough and feign sternness. “Be serious!”
“Oooh…”
The laughter only grew louder.
—
That evening, Livinus opened Sophia’s email to review Isabella’s boyfriend’s résumé.
Isabella’s boyfriend, Jackson Damian, was a local graduate with a bachelor’s and master’s degree from a reputable university. Though relatively young, he had published several papers in professional journals, demonstrating unique insights into various topics. His résumé even included an English-language thesis, which showcased excellent language skills—certainly a strong point. However, in the competitive field of R&D, particularly at Scott Corporation, his credentials weren’t particularly outstanding, as the company often attracted candidates from top-tier international universities.
“You should make the call based on your judgment. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision just because of me,” Sophia said, leaning against his shoulder, her face brushing lightly against his ear in an unintentionally seductive gesture.
Livinus’s gaze deepened. “Of course. Even if I give him a chance, he’ll need actual ability to survive at Scott Corporation.”
“So, what’s your assessment?” she asked.
“He’s decent—not exceptional, but not bad either. If his interview performance stands out, he might have a chance.”
He began editing the résumé, making adjustments and even pointing out some errors in Jackson Damian’s English thesis. His comments were detailed and professional. Sophia, whose own English was quite strong due to her habit of reading medical texts, found his observations insightful.
“I think Jackson Damian is pretty impressive. I’ve met him a few times. He’s humble, and he makes everyone feel at ease. He’s the kind of person both men and women want to be friends with. Honestly, among all our roommates’ boyfriends, I think he’s the best.”
Her words made Livinus’s eyes narrow slightly, a dangerous glint flashing in them. Realizing the shift in his demeanor, Sophia laughed. “Oops, I misspoke. The best, of course, is our Mr. Scott!”
“Good that you know,” he said, his tone light but firm.
“Right, Mr. Scott is the best—most handsome, most capable, simply unparalleled!” she teased with a grin.
Livinus smirked and continued reviewing the résumé. By the end of the night, the revised version was sent back to Jackson Damian, just in time for the next day’s interview.
—
Jackson Damian was surprised when he saw the revised résumé. Turning to Isabella, he asked, “Who is Sophia’s boyfriend? The edits on this résumé are incredibly professional.”
“He’s supposedly part of Scott Corporation’s management team,” Isabella replied.
“That explains it. I’ll make the changes and get ready for tomorrow’s interview.”
The interview went smoothly. Jackson Damian presented himself well and impressed the interviewers. After some exchanges, one of the interviewers paused and asked, “Jackson Damian, right?”
“Yes.”
The interviewer hesitated for a moment before moving on with the session.
Not long after, Jackson Damian received the news that he had been accepted. He was thrilled. Joining Scott Corporation’s R&D department was a dream opportunity, with its renowned high salaries and potential bonuses. Rumors suggested that successful projects could yield year-end bonuses equivalent to 80 months’ salary—on par with the gaming divisions of some major companies. With such benefits, an annual income exceeding a million dollars was easily attainable. It was far more lucrative than working in a hospital, and without the occupational hazards, such as patient disputes, that made medicine a high-risk profession.
A few days into his new job, Jackson Damian hadn’t encountered Sophia’s boyfriend. Curious, he asked Isabella again.
“I don’t know. They said he’s in senior management. Otherwise, how else would your résumé have been so professionally revised?” she replied.
The two assumed Sophia’s boyfriend must have discreetly helped Jackson Damian secure the position. However, Jackson Damian couldn’t reconcile this with the fact that no one in senior management matched the vague description.
“What’s his name?” Jackson Damian asked.
“I don’t know. I only know his surname is Scott.”
“Scott?” Jackson Damian frowned. Scott was the surname of the company’s CEO, but surely that couldn’t be Sophia’s boyfriend. Still, the Scott family was large, and the company employed many of its members. It was likely one of the CEO’s relatives.
The next day, a group of executives, including the CEO, came to tour the R&D department.
Jackson Damian stole a glance at the man leading the group.
Tall, handsome, and composed, the man exuded an air of aloofness, coupled with an undeniable aura of authority. His every move carried a natural confidence and regal demeanor that could only be cultivated through years of exposure to power and privilege, backed by a solid family foundation.
His presence was magnetic, and the employees around him watched with admiration.
No wonder. Jackson Damian, who considered himself highly accomplished—having been a top student, published in professional journals, and the epitome of a “model child”—suddenly felt the gap between himself and someone like Livinus.
Livinus’s success at such a young age made him a role model even for those who typically didn’t look up to others.
