Chapter 47 A Fight

It had been more than a week since Sophia’s last visit to the hospital. Nothing major had happened during this period, and the baby in her was very well-behaved, making her look less sick.

When she sat in the first row and listened to the lecture, she was no different from the other students.

Moreover, she thought that she had won the dispute she had with Sebastian at the hospital, so she did not feel shy or embarrassed when listening to his speech, except for the initial surprise. The more she listened, the more she thought that he was an outstanding entrepreneur.

When it came to the Q&A session, a student asked, “Will NRTE be taking interns from our university?”

Under normal circumstances, any company that came to Rotary University would accept the request to provide internship positions to students. After all, Rotary University produced many outstanding students. Therefore, opening internship positions for these talented students was a win-win situation.

However, as the leading finance company in the industry, it was hard to say whether NRTE would take advantage of this cooperation or not.

Even if NRTE did not offer an internship position, it would not be a big surprise.

“Yes.” Sebastian looked at the student who asked the question. That student was two rows away from Sophia and Anita in the first row. He could see Sophia attentively listening to the seminar from the corner of his eyes.

He paused and continued, “But there are very few openings for interns, and it’s challenging to be retained. If you want to get a full-time offer from NRTE, you must be a top performer.”

The student who asked the question did not sit down. He continued to ask, “What defines a top performer?”

Compared to the other students, Sebastian was inexplicably more patient with this student. He asked calmly, “What do you think you can perform best?”

It was not a question or a taunt but a standard question.

However, being asked such a question by a famous and successful finance company president still made the student who asked the question feel pressured. He thought about it seriously for a while.

Sebastian waited patiently. When he noticed that Sophia turned to look at the student, too, he reminded, “Are you so unconfident? If you don’t answer now, you will be regarded as not capable.”

“I have excellent grades, and I always rank top in every exam. I am very calm, and I will not panic no matter what happens. I once hosted a large-scale school program, and I have some experience…”

Sebastian interrupted him. “Do you think these are your strengths?”

The student’s answer did not meet his requirements.

That student felt his face turn hot. If Sebastian were not more polite, he would have only asked, “That’s it?”

“Sit down.” Sebastian turned away and said bluntly, “I don’t think any of you will receive an offer from NRTE.”

It sounded very arrogant, provoking everyone in the room. Even Sophia frowned.

Sebastian did not say it too harshly. “Even if you have memorized every word in the textbooks thoroughly and rank top in class, you lack experience, are naive, do things impulsively, and do not care about the consequences. NRTE needs a rational manager, not a sentimental university student.” The students quieted down and listened to Sebastian in confusion. What he said made sense, but what did it have to do with the capabilities they had just discussed? Only Sophia understood what was implied because what Sebastian said was meant for her.

She was a little angry, but Sebastian did not look at her, so he did not meet her angry eyes.

He added nonchalantly, “You still have much to learn.”

Sophia was not about to sit quietly, so she stood up and changed the topic. “So, what kind of capabilities does the person who receives an offer from NRTE have? Is it a person who is not naive, does not act impulsively, and is thoughtful and rational?” After Sebastian entered the lecture hall, he looked right into her eyes for the first time. Seeing that she was holding her breath, he calmly prevaricated, “Of course, the list is not exhaustive.”

“So, what else is expected of the candidate?” Sophia smiled and introduced herself, “I’m the top student of the finance faculty, Sophia. I want to complete my internship at your company. I know that NRTE is the largest finance company in the industry, covering the banking, insurance, trust, securities, and leasing areas. With my capabilities, I’m fully qualified to work at your company.”

Sophia was very confident about everything finance.

She looked at Sebastian provocatively as if she wanted to fight him.

Sebastian didn’t shy away from the provocation. “Unlike other industries, the finance industry can put together a good team with a group of not-so-great people. What the finance industry needs is individual strength. It depends on the individual’s working quality, their accurate judgment, and their risk management. Personal ability and quality are the most important things in the finance industry. Sophia, you are a competent person, but I’m telling you you will not receive an offer from NRTE.”