บท 9: Stumbling Blocks Everywhere

Hart, an educational institution that has rapidly gained popularity among the super-rich in major cities, is known as a 'Genius Camp.' Yet, critics often label it a 'Money-Burning Camp,' accusing it of favoring the wealthy and promoting social climbing.

Despite the divided public opinion, Hart's exceptional performance in the education sector is undeniable. They specialize in preparing students for crucial exams, promising college placements within a year, regardless of the student's academic background.

In the three years since its inception, Hart has consistently delivered on its promise, attracting affluent parents willing to pay any price for their child's success. While most people worry about an uncertain future, some are already investing heavily to secure a bright one for their children.

One morning, Scarlett arrived in the upscale part of the CBD, grabbed breakfast and milk, and managed to squeeze into an elevator with dozens of others. By the time she reached her office, there were still a few minutes before work officially started.

Usually, early mornings were monotonous, with early birds either touching up their makeup at their desks or working diligently at their computers. The office was as quiet as a library during finals week. But today was different. As soon as Scarlett opened the door, she noticed a group of people huddled together, as if something significant had happened.

Someone by the door spotted Scarlett and exclaimed, "Hey, she's here."

Scarlett looked puzzled, especially when all eyes turned to her. She was a beat slow in asking, "What's going on?"

Naomi replied, "Didn't you hear? Aron is in trouble."

Scarlett's surprise was brief before she regained her composure, "I didn't know. What happened?"

"He was caught spending wildly at a nightclub, ended up stripped down to his underwear in a drunken stupor, his wife had to pick him up."

"He's really embarrassed himself this time, they didn't even blur the images. Considering the size of our company, that's pretty bad."

"They say his wife is a tough one, he probably went home without even his underwear."

People snickered and made fun of the situation. Scarlett asked, "When did this happen?"

Someone replied, "The night before last."

The night before last? That was the night she ran into Aron Sun at DK. He was beaten up by Lucius, how could he... could it be that it happened after she left?

Aron was so badly beaten that even if he wanted to party, he would have been unable to. It had to be a set-up.

Scarlett quickly collected her thoughts. She didn't like the feeling she had, but when she remained silent, Naomi asked, "Isn't Aron your client?"

Scarlett responded coolly, "We've met, but we didn't close a deal."

Naomi smiled slyly, "You've been here for a month, and it seems like you haven't closed any deals yet."

Scarlett didn't respond. Everyone else looked on with a mix of curiosity and amusement. Naomi continued, "Ah, I don't mean anything by it. I just can't tell if you're here to work or find a boyfriend. You seem picky, not liking anyone."

Clearly, Naomi was trying to make Scarlett look bad. As the 'parachuted-in' one, not only had she offended the second boss, but also aroused the jealousy of her colleagues.

Before Scarlett could respond, a familiar male voice echoed behind her, "She'll never run out of suitors, there's a line out the door for her."

Scarlett turned her head, only to be met with Ryan's exceptionally handsome face.

Naomi directed her gaze towards Ryan, her lips curling into a mischievous grin, "Look who's here, the handsome Mr. Xia."

Ryan glanced at his wristwatch, responding with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, "Just in time for work. Don't call me like that, otherwise it might sound like office harassment."

Naomi quirked an eyebrow, "Your threshold for harassment seems quite low."

Ryan replied, "That's how honest people are. I don't understand those who spend their days harassing others. I wonder what they're up to."

His words were a thinly veiled jab at Naomi, who was constantly picking on Scarlett. Naomi's expression shifted, and she was about to retort when she noticed Amelia He approaching the glass door. She swallowed her words and walked back to her seat.

Everyone else followed suit and returned to their seats. Scarlett and Ryan glanced at each other before greeting, "Boss He."

He didn't spare them a glance, she walked straight into the office without a greeting.

Ryan, a D-class tutor, and Scarlett, a B-class tutor, didn't share the same workspace. Before parting ways, Scarlett handed Ryan his breakfast and a bottle of milk. Just as she settled back into her seat, a message from Ryan popped up on her WeChat.

"Naomi is at it again, why do you let her walk all over you, saving it for a special occasion?"

"Every place has its clowns. Let her jump around a bit, she can't bother me." Scarlett replied.

Ryan typed back, "They still don't know that you passed the Zhou family interview. I'm suddenly tempted to use Lucius to slap them in the face. Aren't locals here terrified of Lucius?" He attached a nose-picking emoji.

Scarlett wrote back, "I still have my probation period, don't count your chickens before they hatch. I don't fight battles I'm not prepared for."

Ryan replied, "Just the probation period will scare them to death...where did you get this sandwich?"

"You're always at that crowded place, I just bought it nearby, what's wrong?"

"Nearby or roadside? Who puts hot sauce in their sandwiches?"

Scarlett couldn't help but chuckle, "Young man, don't get so heated so early in the morning. Take a sip of milk to cool down, it's fresh from the cow."

After some casual banter, they each got busy with their work. Scarlett was preparing for her tutoring session when a co-worker approached her, "The boss wants to see you."

Scarlett got up and headed towards the office, amidst the whispers of her colleagues speculating about her nearing the company's limit for rejections.

Standing at the office door, Scarlett knocked, and a woman's voice called out, "Come in."

Scarlett entered, maintaining her composure, "Boss, you wanted to see me?"

Amelia's desk was piled high with folders, and she seemed very busy. Without looking up, she said, "Wait a moment."

Scarlett stood in front of the desk, waiting. After several minutes had passed without a word from Amelia, Scarlett realized this was a form of punishment.

She glanced at her wristwatch, to which He, still without looking up, asked, "In a rush?"

Scarlett replied, "No."

He's voice was neutral, "Of course not. You haven't made a single sale this month, so no clients to meet."

With that, she lifted her head. Her face, adorned with meticulous makeup, was expressionless as she looked at Scarlett, "This is already the ninth one. Before leaving, Issac Ding asked me to take good care of you. I've given you access to top resources, clients that many would be green with envy over, and what about you? Nine consecutive failures. How am I supposed to help you? I can't pay you to tutor, can I?"

"Scarlett, this industry respects capability. Your performance not only disappoints me, but it also puts your senior in a difficult position." She paused, seeming to make a decision, "There may be people outside laughing at you, and I don't want to embarrass you. I have friends running educational institutions in another city. If you're willing, I can refer you to them."

Just as her words fell, the office door was knocked. He allowed them in, and the receptionist announced, "Madam He, there's a client here to sign a contract. They're waiting in the meeting room."

Scarlett glimpsed the expression on the receptionist's face. She wasn't sure if she was imagining things, but there seemed to be a suppressed excitement in her eyes. Excitement for what? It wasn't like they hadn't seen a contract being signed before.