Chapter 46
“Oh dear,
this is just…”
ne talent
Lucy’s expression was a mix of pity, regret, and heartache–more painful than losing her last paycheck. She had finally discovered a promising and had already imagined what dance routines to assign hier, only to discover that health issues would prevent her from dancing. How frustrating!
At that moment, Haven recalled Natalie mentioning she was looking for an administrative position, and she realized the situation. It turned out that Natalie couldn’t apply for the dance troupe due to her health.
Feeling regretful, Haven wanted to help Natalie. She leaned in and whispered to Lucy, “Madam Holt, I heard that Alison Fischer from the publicity department is getting married and moving away. Her husband has already received his transfer order, so her position will be vacant.
“Even though Ms. Talia can’t dance, she must understand publicity work well and handle it, right?”
Lucy indeed felt sympathy for Natalie. It was a waste for a dancer with the potential to have her career hindered by health issues. Who wouldn’t feel regret in such a situation?
However, the position of publicity officer involved various tasks.
For instance, the job required creating a monthly bulletin and assisting with numerous troupe events, such as performances, cultural shows, and military training demonstrations.
ig events involved
To excel in these roles, one needed strong writing skills, the ability to draw and take photographs, and quick thinking, as organizing coordinating with different departments.
Additionally, appearance mattered. Sometimes, one would need to make public appearances, like standing next to leaders at award ceremonies or occasionally acting as a host during performances.
After pondering for a few seconds, Lucy said to Natalie, “Recently, there is an opening for a publicity officer, but the requirements are quite high. Can you draw? How’s your writing? Can you produce articles? Have you ever published anything?”
Natalie felt a surge of hope and quickly replied, “I can draw–simple sketches and traditional paintings are no problem. My writing is also decent. Back in the countryside, I often helped the commune secretary draft notices. As for published works…”
Feeling embarrassed, she added, “I just arrived in Kingston to stay with relatives. I lived in the countryside and couldn’t afford newspapers, so I haven’t had the chance to submit anything for publication. “
Lucy looked at Natalie’s rosy cheeks in disbelief. “You’re from the countryside?”
Natalie nodded
Some female soldiers in the Art Corps also came from rural backgrounds. They had to put in significantly more effort than city women to get in, and even after being accepted, they trained harder than anyone else, often winning advanced awards for the troupe, Lucy greatly admired them
Hearing that Natalie was also from the countryside increased her fondness for her. “To be honest, several artistic soldiers in our troupe can no longer continue their training due to health issues and are looking to transfer to the publicity department.
“But there’s only one position available. To be fair, the higher–ups just held a meeting to decide that this position will be publicly recruited, and the announcement will be made in a couple of days. So keep an eye out.”
Natalie was already quite satisfied to receive this information. The rest depended on her abilities. She flashed Lucy a sweet yet determined smile. “Thank you, Madam Holt! I will do my best to pass the exam!”
Lucy couldn’t help but smile back, thinking that if Natalle joined the publicity department, she could stand out during military training and give encouraging speeches, undoubtedly charming the young soldiers below. Imagining that made her even more pleased.
She added, “This position has never been openly recruited. It used to be filled internally. This is the first public recruitment, and the troupe values genuine skills, especially writing,
“I suggest you buy some newspapers and magazines today to see if you can submit something for publication. It would add points to your application.” That was clear guidance. Natalie gratefully bowed to her. “Thank you, Madam Holt!”
Lucy smiled broadly. “Alright, you can thank me again after you’re accepted. It’s getting late, so you should head home.”
“Okay!” Natalie waved goodbye to Lucy and said farewell to Haven before leaving,
After taking the bus near the Air Force Base Housing, she spotted a newsstand and bought a copy of Kingston Daily and the Youth Weekly. Once home, she retreated to her bedroom, sat at her desk, and began writing and sketching, diving into submission details.
Meanwhile, Phoebe went to speak with the store manager about exchanging her clothes but was, as expected, refused again. She had no choice but to take back the two outdated outfits.
Thinking about how she would have to wear those clothes for many years made her feel uneasy.
Upon returning home, she saw Natalie at her desk, focused on writing with scattered newspapers and magazines around her. This only heightened her feelings of discomfort.
“Nattic, what are you doing? Phoebe tiptoed over, suddenly appearing behind Natalie.
Natalie had heard her approach and instinctively covered her work with a notebook, leaving only a draft visible for her ideas. “I’m studying. Didn’t lasper
Chapter 16
give me a book on ideological education? I’ve finished reading it, so now I’m reading newspapers to improve my awareness.”
Phoebe glanced skeptically at the items on the desk and said, “What’s the point of learning all this? You should focus on finding a partner instead. Don’t forget why your mom sent you here.”
