Chapter 72: Chapter 72: Serena Sterling Won
Yasmine Sterling’s pupils contracted; the voice was so familiar—it was... Serena Sterling!
Yasmine quickly looked up ahead; today Serena had on a crimson lantern-sleeved sweater with black skinny jeans, walking effortlessly into The Concordiat Research Institute from its grand entrance.
Crimson is a hard color for girls to pull off, but once it’s mastered, it brings out an enchanting allure within the pure charm, making it impossible to look away, just like Serena Sterling today.
Serena’s attire today was perfect for a newcomer to the workplace.
Serena Sterling had arrived.
She came as promised.
"Serena, why are you here? How did you get in? I heard that The Concordiat didn’t admit you." Yasmine said softly.
Serena carried a small purse and curved her red lips, "Yasmine Sterling, who told you I wasn’t admitted?"
Yasmine glanced at Joan Alden.
Joan Alden quickly stepped forward, looking at Serena with disdain and disgust, "Serena, how could The Concordiat possibly admit someone who just graduated from high school like you? Leave here at once, or I’ll have security throw you out!"
The entire internet and the socialite circles of Bayside were placing bets; even though The Concordiat is a sanctuary, the commotion here had already drawn a lot of attention, and everyone secretly took out their phones to record.
A malicious and gloating glint flashed in Yasmine’s eyes—Serena, you came right into this trap!
Yasmine walked over and grabbed Serena’s small hand, "Serena, I know you don’t like me, and misunderstand me, but you shouldn’t sneak into The Concordiat just out of spite. It’ll disturb many people; why don’t I take you out now?"
Joan Alden thought his goddess Yasmine was truly kind, like a little angel. He immediately spoke out in her defense, "Yasmine, this Serena has been targeting you, causing chaos in your family. You shouldn’t be so naive, don’t be nice to Serena anymore!"
Yasmine looked at Joan with a gentle beauty, feeling wronged and pitifully, as if wanting to speak but holding back, "Team Leader Alden, please don’t speak of Serena like that."
Serena watched the two of them with amusement, "Yasmine, your charm is impressive; already won another admirer as soon as you joined The Concordiat?"
"Serena, you..."
Yasmine wanted to say more, but at that moment Director Piper Pace from The Concordiat Research Institute walked over. At thirty-five years old, Piper, always dressed in black, had a stern and severe reputation, akin to a school disciplinarian, feared by all.
Director Pace approached and scolded coldly, "What are the three of you making a scene about here? Joan Alden, aren’t you the team leader? Is this the example you’re setting?"
Joan quickly replied, "Director Pace, I was just about to report this matter to you. This Serena Sterling barged into The Concordiat Research Institute recklessly, seriously disrupting our work. I was about to expel her!"
Yasmine thought that this time Serena was utterly doomed; anyone caught by Director Pace never came to a good end!
Many had already recorded videos; if Serena were humiliated by Director Pace, the public fallout would be tremendous.
This time Serena would lose disastrously for sure!
"Director Pace, Serena is my sister. Although she is at fault, I hope you can show her leniency; I’m willing to take any punishment on her behalf." Yasmine was eager to showcase herself, setting up a persona.
Sure enough, Director Pace looked at Yasmine with appreciation and gentleness. Piper’s character was beyond reproach, and as director, always favored children who were well-behaved and excelled in their studies. The first socialite of Ferelden, Evangeline Sterling, freshly returned from studying at The St. Lyra Academy, perfectly embodied the type of model student Piper liked.
Director Pace spoke in a gentle tone, "Yasmine Sterling, welcome to The Concordiat. I placed you under Team Leader Alden to ensure you integrate quickly. The Dean will return shortly; make sure to present yourself well."
The Dean is returning?
Yasmine’s heart leaped heavily. Vincent Terry of The Concordiat Research Institute was the current esteemed academician, presently attending a scholarly symposium in City of Aethelgard.
Yasmine curved her lips, "Director Pace, I understand. I will strive to meet your and the Dean’s expectations."
"Good," Director Pace nodded, then turned her gaze to Serena, immediately knitting her brows.
"Serena, hurry and apologize to Director Pace," Yasmine urged.
Serena wasn’t in the least bit hurried. She withdrew her slender arm from Yasmine’s hand, then raised her bright, clear eyes to look at Director Pace, brightly declaring, "Director Pace, Serena Sterling reporting for duty; I’ve come to join The Concordiat!"
What?
Yasmine was shocked to look at Serena. She thought Serena would reveal her true colors and flee in panic before Director Pace, but instead, she openly reported to her!
What was happening?
Joan Alden was equally astonished.
Director Pace glanced at the acceptance list; originally, Serena’s name wasn’t there—it magically appeared just last night!
For a newcomer, with no academic qualifications or experience in medicine, Director Pace naturally had no inclination toward such people.
Director Pace cleared her throat, "Serena Sterling, I don’t know why you were admitted to The Concordiat, but here under me, anyone without real skills and knowledge will be kicked out!"
Serena smiled, "Yes, Director Pace!"
Director Pace couldn’t help but notice the girl’s beautiful eyes, bright and clear, sparkling with a cheerful smile, utterly likable.
Still, without talent!
Director Pace frowned, "Serena, being ingratiating to superiors won’t work here. Save your flattery; you’re now on your internship. You can’t join any research groups, so I’ve assigned you to the dispensary—you’ll start with fetching herbs. I want to see your performance!"
This herbal dispensary wasn’t simple; with numbered cabinets and countless types of herbal medicine, it could easily drive someone insane.
Director Pace expected Serena to object, but instead, Serena nodded firmly, "Yes, Director Pace!"
Piper Pace moved her lips, "Serena, do you know how many types of herbs we have at The Concordiat? As the largest traditional Chinese medicine research center in the country, we’ve included all the herbs from the Chinese Materia Medica, 11,000 Chinese sliced and patent medicines, 900 plant medicines, 100 animal medicines, and 80 mineral types. Adding in medicines from other ethnic groups, there are over 12,800 kinds in total."
"You must be thoroughly familiar with where each of these 12,800 herbs is stored amongst the cabinets. I’m giving you three days—an open test will be conducted in the dispensary at this time after three days. If you make any mistake, however slight, I will have you leave The Concordiat Research Institute immediately. Serena, do you dare to accept this challenge?"
Yasmine and Joan Alden were astonished at Director Pace; Serena must be crazy to enter The Concordiat, and Director Pace was equally insane to give her only three days to memorize the 12,800 types of Chinese herbal medicines!