Free Web NovelChapter 326: Chapter 326: Who Else Disagrees?
Phoebe Lockwood challenged her shamelessly, "What about Young Master Quincy? Aren’t you on very good terms with him?" ƒгeewebnovёl.com
"Just because I’m on good terms with him, does that mean he has to pull strings for me? Do you think everyone likes to get something for nothing, just like you?"
"You’re the one who gets something for nothing!" Phoebe Lockwood almost blurted out how she had painstakingly dealt with the Ministry of Culture, but she caught herself just in time and quickly changed the subject. "Since you’re saying Young Master Quincy didn’t pull any strings for you, let me ask you: what was the final assessment? If you can answer that, I’ll believe you didn’t use connections."
Claire Sinclair sneered, "I actually can’t answer that. If you have a problem with it, you can go to the Ministry of Culture and report me for cheating."
"You think I wouldn’t dare!" Phoebe Lockwood pulled out her phone, ready to make the call.
Henry Hartwell popped out from some corner. "Don’t waste your time," he said. "I’ll tell you what the final assessment was."
At his words, everyone turned to Henry Hartwell, their curiosity piqued.
Henry Hartwell fixed his gaze on Phoebe Lockwood, his expression serious. "The final assessment tested a reporter’s values and adaptability. During the assessment period, you were all busy cramming and reviewing materials, hoping someone would hand you the test questions. Only Claire Sinclair kept her feet on the ground and focused on her writing.
"That part assessed a reporter’s values. People who blindly chase fame and fortune are not fit to be reporters.
"Furthermore, Claire Sinclair has been mired in scandal recently, yet she used her own pen to clear her name. That assessed a reporter’s adaptability. If a reporter lets themselves be led around by public opinion, it proves their mentality and professionalism are lacking. They are not fit to bear the heavy responsibility of guiding public opinion in the right direction.
"Clearly, Claire Sinclair passed both parts of the assessment, which is why she received her press pass. With that said, is there anyone who still isn’t convinced?"
The crowd fell silent.
Just as Henry Hartwell said, most of them were completely convinced.
One thing was undeniable: Claire Sinclair was a real go-getter. Her adaptability was impeccable, and her articles were brilliant. Every so often, she would produce another deeply thought-provoking piece.
At Astoria Daily, only one other person possessed that kind of talent: Henry Hartwell.
This was what Henry Hartwell and Claire Sinclair had in common.
Though Phoebe Lockwood had considered these points herself, she still refused to accept it.
’I clearly bribed that bunch of old fossils at the Ministry of Culture, so why was my name still cut in the end? What on earth went wrong???’
Phoebe Lockwood couldn’t make sense of it and was seething. With no heart for work, she requested time off and went home.
Holding the brand-new press pass, Henry Hartwell walked over to Claire Sinclair. "Actually, the results came out last night. But to maintain confidentiality, I didn’t give it to you right away. Take a look, see if you like the photo."
Claire Sinclair took the press pass. It had a dark green cover and was stamped with three seals inside: a visible one, a faint one, and a hidden one. It was basically impossible to forge.
’This was the legendary, officially stamped press pass. I actually got it...’
"Teacher Hartwell, I’m treating you to crayfish tonight!"
"Sounds good. We’ll talk after work. Come into my office for a moment, there’s something I need to tell you."
"Yes, sir!" Claire Sinclair carefully placed the press pass in her purse and followed Henry Hartwell into his office.
Henry Hartwell sat at his desk. "Have a seat," he said, booting up his computer.
Claire Sinclair nodded and sat down across from him.
Henry Hartwell opened a blue and white webpage, then pulled up the profile of an absurdly handsome man. He turned the monitor toward Claire Sinclair.
