Although the news anchor felt that Iris Long made sense, he still didn’t want to give up. He already started this provocation, so he might as well go all the way.
“Some people might think that you’re just saying that to defend yourself because you’re only a high school graduate,” he said. “You came from a rich family and can afford to study at whichever school you’re qualified to enroll in.”
His words insinuated that it was impossible for her to enroll in the country’s top universities because of her poor academic performance in high school which became widely known when her former classmates, teachers and even school principal spoke out in response to her appointment as official interpreter and translator in the recent international business conference during the summer.
“Even if you’re unable to enroll in any schools in the country, you can still afford to study abroad,” he continued. The next insinuation was that the requirements for admissions weren’t as strict in some parts of the world compared, so she could still study even with a poor academic performance in high school as long as she had the money. “Many are envious of you and want to be in your situation, but instead of using your privilege of wealth, you didn’t bother pursuing higher education. Isn’t that such a waste?”
Iris listened to the news anchor, not interrupting, allowing him to speak his full mind this time. Her eyes had completely gone cold even when her expression remained deceptively pleasant.
“Some might say that it’s unfair. There are people who study hard and even work part-time just to support themselves through university. They toil tirelessly to obtain a diploma, but here you are, rich and famous. You have all the good opportunities available to you, presented to you on a silver platter, just because you were born into a wealthy family. Some might say that you shouldn’t be called a businesswoman because you used a shortcut. If you want to be called a real businesswoman, you should at least have the education to back your claim.”
Behind the scenes, Tang Yiyi and Dom couldn’t take it anymore. They confronted the director and complained, not caring that he was still working on the live program. While she was complaining, Tang Yiyi was thinking that she wouldn’t blame Iris if she decided to walk out of such an insulting interview. It might not look good but it would be understandable given the poor reception the news anchor was giving her. If Tang Yiyi only knew that Iris would be treated badly like this, she wouldn’t have booked this interview at all. However, it was too late to regret it now. It would be up to Iris how she would respond to the news anchor’s repeated provocations.
As for Iris, there were no thoughts of walking out in her mind. Instead, she looked at the news anchor like he was the most stupid person in the planet while still having a pleasant expression. It was a feat to accomplish this kind of expression.
“That’s the most stupid thing that I’ve ever heard today,” she said.
The news anchor’s expression turned ugly. “What do you mean?”
As business reporter, the anchor felt like his face had just been slapped. Was Iris saying that he didn’t know the meaning of the term “businessperson”?
Behind the scenes with the cameras and the program staff, Tang Yiyi couldn’t help but massage her temples while sighing. She could handle Iris walking out of the interview. At least this way, Tang Yiyi and Bright Summit could work in steering public opinion to favour Iris because she only walked out and didn’t say anything. This time, however, was a different matter.
‘Iris has been so good in interviews recently that I grew complacent,’ she thought. ‘Thanks to my repeated reminders, she learned how to act charming during interviews but her real personality—the straightforward, no nonsense way of speaking—still comes out whenever she’s challenged like this. This bastard of an interviewer has rubbed her the wrong way, so now she’s unleashing her razor-sharp tongue on him. He deserves it but I hope she doesn’t go too far.’
Back under the spotlight, the news anchor quickly fixed his ugly expression and forced a “nice”, professional smile, even though his eyes were showing how displeased he was by Iris’ words. He wanted to say something but Iris beat him to it again.
“Although my words sound like I’m undervaluing a diploma, that isn’t the case. My point is that not all successful businesspeople have diplomas. That’s the reality,” she said. “Besides, who said that I won’t have a diploma? I don’t have it right now but that doesn’t mean that I’m not working to get one. I’ll definitely earn a diploma in the future.”
For the first time since the interview started, the news anchors’ eyes lit up with interest and curiosity. “Oh, so you’re studying right now?”
“Yes.”
“Where? Which school? Is it near here?”
“No, not here.”
“Yes.”
“I thought so,” he said, insinuating once again that she couldn’t possibly be admitted by a first-rate university because of her past lacklustre academic performance. Her only choice was either a second-rate or third-rate private university in the country or study abroad where the requirements were laxer, as long as she had the money to pay for tuition fees.
His subtle insinuation was lost on Iris who already stopped caring about the interview. She couldn’t wait for it to be over. In the meantime, she maintained her pleasant expression, remembering what her manager always told her.
“When are you planning to go abroad to start your studies? Are you going to take another break from your showbiz work even when you’re so busy right now?” the news anchor asked.
“I don’t have to go abroad to study. I already started my studies since last year.”
The news anchor looked confused before making another realization. “Oh! Is it like one of those online distance learning programs?”
She tilted her head to the side, thinking about it. “Hmmm… Something like that.”
“I see.” The news anchor nodded. There was an unimpressed expression on his face. “Can you tell us which school you’re enrolled in?”
“You’ll know in the future,” she replied in an almost bored tone.
Finally, the interview ended. Iris was relieved and quickly left the broadcasting studio with Tang Yiyi and Dom. Tang Yiyi was already planning to lodge an official complaint against the rude news anchor to Bright Summit.
“I should be scolding you for telling the news anchor that his words were the most stupid thing that you’ve heard today. That interview was a live broadcast, Iris,” Tang Yiyi said when they all settled inside the executive van.
Iris only shrugged, not caring about it at all. She closed her eyes, planning to take a nap. She still had another interview at another location after this.
“What do you mean, Big Sis Yiyi? That hooligan was clearly making trouble for boss! What serious business news anchor?! He’s nothing but a rude asshole! Pweh!” Dom complained, offended on behalf of Iris.
Tang Yiyi massaged her temples once again and sighed. “You’re right. It’s my mistake this time. I shouldn’t have booked that interview for Iris. I didn’t know that the news anchor would be so hostile to her.”
“Hmph! I was so close to punching that asshole in the face!” Dom muttered while cracking his knuckles.
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(This novel is a contracted work with Webnovel.com. If you’re not reading this chapter on Webnovel, it has been stolen. Please read this novel from the original source. Thank you! -ArriaCross, author)
