Chapter 3: Connections

"Next one, come in." The crowd stood in line, entering the office individually, preparing for their interviews. Maxwell was among those waiting outside, listening for the call from inside. The other candidates waiting for their turn discreetly sized each other up. When they saw Maxwell, a hint of disdain appeared on their faces. Not only was he dressed plainly, but he had also come empty-handed to the interview. Each candidate carried a stack of resumes filled with numerous certificates, all essential for the interview. But Maxwell? Someone like him would undoubtedly be eliminated first. That said, people like him could always be found in almost every interview setting. They were individuals who, strictly speaking, weren't even rookies, merely coming to try their luck. After attending a few more interviews, they would gradually learn how things worked. "Next!" Another person walked out of the office as the voice inside called again. The candidates outside quickly stepped forward, eager to ask about the results. But upon seeing the interviewee's dejected expression, their hearts sank. However, for some, this sight brought a sense of relief. If the previous candidate wasn't hired, that meant more opportunities for those still waiting. Hearing the call from inside, Maxwell saw that no more people were ahead of him, so he stood up and walked toward the office. "How long do you guys think he'll last in there?" Seeing Maxwell enter, a man in a suit smirked and turned to the others beside him. "Coming in empty-handed? The interviewer's first impression will be terrible. They'll probably ask a few random questions, and if he doesn't have anything special to offer, he'll be out in two or three minutes." "I bet one minute. Let's make it exciting. Experienced interviewers can spot people like him at a glance. One minute of polite formality, and that's it." The group watched Maxwell enter and immediately began mocking him. They had seen too many inexperienced candidates like him in the workplace. Every time they encountered one, they couldn't help but laugh, feeding their sense of superiority. "What's your name?" Inside the office, two interviewers frowned upon seeing Maxwell walk in empty-handed. Usually, they wouldn't have said anything, but the contrast was stark given the number of highly qualified candidates today. With so many excellent applicants, they had little patience for someone who had come unprepared. "Maxwell Hewetson." Hearing the question, Maxwell answered. "What's your educational background? Have you served in the military? Any security-related training? Or any other special skills you'd like to mention?" One of the interviewers put down his pen, clasped his hands together, and stared at Maxwell as he asked. "My education level is probably high school? As for the rest, no." Maxwell thought for a moment before answering. If he remembered correctly, he had gotten involved in the cultivation world in high school. As for other qualifications, he indeed had none. "Alright, then, that's all for now. We'll consider your application seriously. You can go home and wait for further notice." The interviewer spoke casually, then gestured toward the door, clarifying that Maxwell could leave. Maxwell nodded, turned around, and left, intending to look for other job opportunities. The interviewers hadn't explicitly rejected him, but their message was clear. He wasn't getting hired. If they were genuinely interested, they would have at least asked for his contact information. Instead, they had only asked a couple of questions before sending him off. Only the naïve would still hold out hope. "He did come out in one minute." Outside, the candidates waiting for their turn smirked as they saw Maxwell exit so quickly. The man who had bet on him lasting only one minute grinned from ear to ear. Earlier, someone had made a bet with him. If Maxwell stayed there for over a minute, he would lose and have to pay fifty dollars. It wasn't a vast sum but was still unexpected pocket money. More importantly, he had also placed a larger bet with a few others. He would win a few hundred dollars if Maxwell didn't get hired. That amount was nothing to scoff at. And looking at Maxwell now, it was apparent. He hadn't been hired. "So, did you get the job?" Kyle Carson approached Maxwell, pretending to be concerned. The people around them perked up their ears.  After all, their bet hinged on this answer. Maxwell shook his head and walked toward the exit. There was nothing to hide. He hadn't gotten the job. Seeing his reaction, Kyle was overjoyed. He had already been confident in the outcome, but confirming it made it even more satisfying. And now, it was time to collect his winnings. "Wait! Hold on!" Just as Maxwell was about to leave, a familiar voice called out to him. He turned around in confusion and saw a familiar figure walking toward him quickly. "It's you?" Maxwell recognized Taylor and spoke in realization. "Yes, it's me! What are you doing here? Did you come looking for me?" Taylor smiled as she looked at Maxwell, asking curiously. She had been busy before and hadn't had the chance to thank him properly, so seeing him here now felt like a stroke of luck. "Huh? Looking for you? No, I came for an interview." Maxwell was momentarily stunned before shaking his head. "Are you an employee here?" "Of course! Didn't you look at the business card I gave you?" Taylor rolled her eyes, speaking as she scrutinized Maxwell suspiciously. Did he not even bother to check the card she had given him? Seeing his puzzled expression, she immediately understood. This guy hadn't even looked at it. Was he completely ignoring her? She wasn't ugly, was she? Typically, any man would at least glance at a woman's business card. But this guy? He hadn't even bothered. He probably didn't even take Taylor's words seriously when she told him to call her, and the thought darkened Taylor's expression. "Oh, um… I didn't get a chance to look at it." Maxwell scratched his head awkwardly. The truth was, he had thrown the card long ago. If he had known he would run into Taylor, he wouldn't have gotten rid of it so soon. Though, to be honest, he would have thrown it eventually anyway. "Oh? Then where's the card?" Taylor narrowed her eyes, watching Maxwell closely. Any woman who considered herself attractive would be irritated if treated so dismissively. Taylor was no exception. By this point, those waiting for their interviews were stunned. They hadn't expected the guy they thought would be eliminated to know someone from the Strand Group. Judging by their interaction, it seemed they had a pretty good relationship. At that moment, an ominous feeling crept into their hearts. Maxwell froze when he heard Taylor's question. He quickly searched his pockets but there was nothing. He replied awkwardly, "I think I lost the card." "Lost it?"  Taylor repeated, squinting at Maxwell. Whether he had lost or discarded it, it was clear he hadn't valued it. "So, you said you were here for an interview. How did it go?" The crowd collectively groaned, hiding their faces in disbelief. Who would have thought Maxwell had connections?