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."

were the top scorer in our

taken aback. "Was I? I didn't

the point of pretending?" Hertha sneered, her voice

had scored only 392, barely making it to the interviews,

felt wronged; she genuinely hadn't

message about her interview schedule, she

scores from high to low, but Roseanne had never bothered to

don't believe

it

too exhausted to explain further. What Hertha thought of her didn't

pleasing

house, love the crow; fall out of love, and everything related

Hertha stopped

back, her gaze

You've finished the interview,

"Yes."

did they ask? Were there many questions related

"You... want me

experience, it's not that serious.

questions, you should understand there's no point in sharing,

enunciating each word, "we're in competition, what makes you think I'd

was at