“I’m Lin Nuan from the broadcasting department…” Lin Nuan introduced herself.
“Oh, it’s you!”
Lin Nuan was staring at the row of empty office desks. Miss Summer’s assistant explained with a smile, “Our morning news department is usually the busiest from four to eight a.m. We’re done with our meeting around nine to ten in the morning, so everybody either goes back home to catch up on sleep or outside to collect their news pieces as journalists.”
They reached Miss Summer’s office entrance.
Before entering the room, LIn Nuan saw Miss Summer standing in front of her desk. She had short hair and was wearing a white collar shirt with black culotte.
The table was flooded with open file cases. Miss Summer’s shirt sleeve was tucked back to her elbow, revealing a fair and slim forearm. She had a lady’s cigarette in her mouth that was nearly finished. She nimbly flipped through her paperwork with narrowed eyes.
Inside the office was a cloud of smoke. A whole wall of muted television screens was broadcasting news from all kinds of channels.
Miss Summer’s assistant knocked on the glass door before pushing it open. He said,” Miss Summer, Lin Nuan is here.”
“Let her in,” Miss Summer said without looking away from her paperwork, her voice sounding somewhat raspy from her smoking habits.
Miss Summer’s assistant smiled at Lin Nuan and made a gesture of invitation.
“Thank you…”
Lin Nuan entered the room and stood in front of Miss Summer. Before she could say anything, Miss Summer stated, “You may have heard that our department was on the hunt for a morning news host. I have no interest in nurturing a freshie here, but with Ling Sister being pregnant at 38 years old, she decided to take leave from work to wait for her due date in comfort. And so I have no choice but to select a new host.”
Miss Summer put down the file in her hands and picked up another one. She glanced at the humble Lin Nuan and noticed her clear, sparkling eyes, and she continued.
“The normal procedure is for the new host to go on air only after the selection process. But twenty minutes ago, Ling Sister took a fall and was rushed to the hospital so she definitely can’t make it for tomorrow’s live broadcast, which leaves me no choice but to find somebody else for the spot.”
Miss Summer put out the cigarette in her hands and stated in a straightforward manner, “Your radio station originally recommended Wu Qianying. I heard that she caused a commotion back there so I have no use for someone like her. Ling Sister recommended you to me. I looked through your portfolio and it says here you were the dean of your faculty in your graduation year, the top student amongst the applicants for the television station. Not to mention, you’re a pretty girl. I think we both know why you’ve been stuck at the radio station for so many years.”
Lin Nuan was amazed at Miss Summer’s efficiency. Since the outbreak of the accident, she had already managed to complete so much within twenty minutes.
But Lin Nuan had never interacted with the host of the morning show before, so why did Wen Ling recommend her to Miss Summer!
“I hope you won’t let me down,” Miss Summer said as she looked up at Lin Nuan.
“I understand.” Lin Nuan nodded.
“By the way…” Miss Summer whipped out a long lady’s cigar and pinched it between her fingers. “Here’s a little reminder for you. Live television broadcasting is different from audio broadcasting. If you want to go far you have to have a unique style for yourself. You can mull it over when you get home.”
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