Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Owen casually remarked, "It's the outstanding students that make you wonder just how far they can go."

And indeed, she exceeded his expectations by miles.

...

Stepping out of the examination hall, Roseanne immediately received a message from Leda.

A week ago, they had agreed to celebrate after their interviews, planning to meet at their favorite French bistro.

Roseanne opened her maps app, ready to hail a ride.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out from behind her.

"Roseanne? It is you!"

Hertha had also come for the second round of interviews that afternoon.

She had arrived early to get accustomed to the environment, hoping it would ease her nerves. She hadn't expected to bump into Roseanne.

"What's this..." Hertha Sherwood looked her up and down.

"Interviews," Roseanne replied calmly.

"You passed the written exam?!" Her surprise almost made her voice crack.

"Yes."

"How many points?"

"412."

the top scorer

aback. "Was I?

cut the act. What's the point of pretending?" Hertha sneered, her voice dripping

making it to the interviews,

genuinely hadn't paid attention

message about her interview schedule, she hadn't bothered to

lists names according to scores from high to low, but Roseanne had never bothered

don't believe

it

exhausted to explain further.

Sherwood, pleasing his family

love the crow; fall out of love, and everything

But Hertha

her

You've finished the

"Yes."

"Were the questions hard? What did they ask? Were

want

crudely. Just sharing some experience, it's not that serious. Besides, the questions they asked you might not

different questions, you should understand

Roseanne locked eyes with her, enunciating each word, "we're in competition, what makes

Hertha was at a