Next One Is a Babe

Mary didn't go in. Instead, she turned around and told Cindy that she could enter the office.

Cindy had no idea what was going on. She had never seen that man in the office, and when she went in, she was wondering if the man was Ian's fan. She wondered if he was trying to get an autograph through her.

Mr. Kaufmann didn't look at her. He just told her, "Sit."

Cindy hesitated for a moment, then she took a seat right across from Mr. Kaufmann.

Mr. Kaufmann placed a cup of tea before her. "Do you know how to appreciate tea?"

Cindy told him honestly, "I drink tea, but I know nothing about tea appreciation."

Mr. Kaufmann smiled. He asked, "So, how's work? Did you run into any trouble?"

Cindy pursed her lips. What is he trying to do? "It's fine."

Mr. Kaufmann chuckled. "Tell me the truth."

If that's what he wants, fine. But before that, I have to ask him a question. "Why do you want to see me? I'm really confused right now."

Mr. Kaufmann shook his head with a smile. "You really know nothing at all, huh?" He quickly continued, "I have known Gary for many years, and I have made a lot of money through the projects he recommended."

Ah, I see now. This is the connection Gary used to get me this job. Her jaw dropped, and she was at a loss for words.

Mr. Kaufmann took a sip from his cup. "I heard you ran into some trouble, so I want to know what happened."

Cindy didn't like to snitch. She answered, "It's just a small matter. I can deal with it."

Mr. Kaufmann grunted. "That's how work is. You have a backer, so all they can do is talk about you behind your back. If you're an actual newbie, you'll be facing a lot worse than that."

What? Worse? This situation is already annoying enough, and you're telling me there's worse? Now that's something I didn't know. She paused for a moment and said, "I see. It seems that I have a lot to learn."

Naomi had told her about work, but it was just the infighting between her bosses. She didn't say what she herself was facing. Because of that, Cindy thought the workplace was where a person was evaluated based on their capability. She thought all she had to do was her job. Now that I think about it, I seem to have oversimplified the workplace. Every place has its own circle. We work under Serena, and we have to compete for resources. It's normal that people backstab other people.

Mr. Kaufmann looked at her and asked her to have some tea.