Interview

Raimon parked his car in front of Stanford University, his old car, which now boasted new repairs he had been able to afford with the salary he received from Lux Comics. The red car, while it would have been more sensible to buy a new one, had been the result of a whimsical decision influenced by his two companions with whom he had spent the past four years. As his father had told him over the phone when he heard the news, he parked in the university's parking lot. Raimon was wearing a Batman jacket.

-Well, we've just arrived. When you're done with the interview, I want to introduce you to some friends. We're part of the Blue Cavalry, - Raimon said amiably.

-The Blue Cavalry? - Billy asked.

-Yes, a group of 'freaks,' as some people say. We participate in magic conventions. We have Raphael Wilson, who is one of the greatest fantasy enthusiasts I've ever met. You can ask him about any book; he probably knows it. He's studying electronic engineering. Then there's Matthew Mitchell, the luckiest guy in this part of the galaxy. If you want someone on your Dungeons & Dragons team, it has to be him. And the misfit Rapi Miller, a math prodigy studying physics. It would be incredible if you hired him. Sometimes I think our company needs a physicist, - Raimon explained.

-You want me to hire your friends? - Billy asked.

The goofy expression on Raimon's face almost made Billy burst into laughter, causing him to turn his head away.

-Of course not. I want you to meet my friends, who are geniuses, - Raimon clarified.

-We'll visit them after the interview, - Billy agreed.

-Awesome. I talked highly with the program director. You'll need to bring your resume, - Raimon said, taking a folder with some documents and three different comics he had published the previous year from his trunk.

Both of them got out of the car. Raimon, dressed in a gray suit with a light blue shirt and a dark tie, stood out against his yellow bell-bottom jeans and Batman-logoed jacket. They walked across the side of the campus, the elegant green meadow that stretched in front of the university, and under a horizontal arch adorned with beautiful reliefs, they entered a yellow stone building, where the sun's rays played on the walls.

Billy began to feel the familiar insecurity creeping in as they navigated the labyrinthine corridors of the university, but it quickly dissipated as they approached their destination. They found themselves in a room filled with older individuals, perhaps future professors. The director's office was adjacent to a library, and the room had the air of someone dedicated to academia.

Raimon had momentarily lost his composure when the secretary ushered them to the interview room. He found himself sitting in a chair, staring intently at a painting that had probably been there for more than twenty years. Only when he opened the door did he realize he had entered without knocking. He cursed himself inwardly.

-Excuse me, sir, for my audacity in entering without asking for permission, - Billy Carson said, standing just inside the door.

-Come in. You're right on time for the meeting, five minutes earlier than requested, - said J.J. Simmons, the director of the management program.

-Thank you, sir. I'll take a seat if you don't mind, - Billy replied.

-Please do, - Simmons said, gesturing for him to sit.

-In which high school are you currently enrolled, Mr. Carson? - Simmons asked.

-Notre Dame High School, - Billy replied.

Director Simmons had some notes in front of him.

-Mr. Raimon, who is an honor student, personally came to speak with me. Knowing your indecision and lack of affection for formalities, I was pleasantly surprised when he requested permission to submit not only your records but also those of many other Stanford students, including Alvy Ray Smith, whose advancements in computer science I'm familiar with. Tell me about yourself and address my doubts, - JJ Simmons inquired.

-I'm Billy, sir, an artist. Although it may seem uncertain, I'm a part of creating a comic book company. I started it with my father's loan as capital. Our sales have been quite successful, and I expanded my business as I earned more money. Not only as a means to increase my income but also as an investment that I considered, and still consider, necessary, - Billy explained.

-I see. What do you expect to gain from attending this university? - Simmons asked.

-Well, sir, I'm here for business. Universities offer numerous pathways for learning, and many promising ideas are cultivated within these institution's walls. There are bright young minds and promising ideas, and of course, it will broaden my knowledge as well,- Billy replied.

-It says here that your GPA is 7.9, and your SAT score is 1100. How do you expect to get into a university with such high standards? - Simmons inquired.

-Well, sir, being a student while running a company is not easy. I do my best with what I have. I've studied a lot, but I also have different comics to create, and that's how I make a living, - Billy explained.

-I understand, - Mr. Simmons said.

-What about student dropout rates? - the professor asked.

-Well, I'll do my best to complete the course, - Billy replied.

-You're aware that the MBA program lasts for two years, but you'll have to complement it with an additional degree from our liberal arts section for now, and it says here it's in social sciences. That's almost four years of study, - the professor pointed out.

-I'm aware of that, but I don't plan on abandoning my studies once I start. It wouldn't make sense. Besides, if I have too many tasks, I'll reduce my academic workload, - Billy stated.

-I understand. Do you have any hobbies aside from your studies and collaborative work? - Mr. Simmons asked.

-Acting, sir, and cinema. Sometimes I take acting courses, participate in theater, or watch movies during my free time, although that doesn't happen as often anymore, - Billy replied.

Mr. Simmons noted down the information in a box designated for assessing students during interviews. From there, he looked at a list of common questions he considered relevant for this type of student, one who generated publicity for the university but might not meet its academic standards.

-What are your thoughts on the conflict between the USSR and the United States? Do you believe there will be a cessation of hostilities in the future? - Mr. Simmons inquired.

-Oh, yes, I believe there will be. I think the USSR will come to understand that its regime is riddled with flaws, from the state organization to the corruption of the powerful. While we still have our fair share of issues as a nation, our system manages to function. However, the Russians are known for their stubbornness, and I wouldn't be surprised if, in twenty or thirty years, discontent leads them to change their ways, - Billy said.

-You foresee a downfall, - the professor remarked.

-I'm confident, sir, that the USSR will fall sooner or later. The problem lies with its people. Resentment can simmer for a long time, and Europe tends to pounce on fallen nations with claws and fangs, which can lead to the worst outcomes, - Billy said.

-An interesting perspective, though it somewhat disregards modern political principles that have been established. Mr. Carson, as a university graduate, we seek future leaders who take social improvement for granted here in society. What would be your focus? - Simmons asked.

-Well, I'd focus on the environment. From the use of biodegradable materials to the search for new renewable sources that consume less energy than the common ones, such as batteries, propane, natural gas, coal, and hydrocarbons. I believe that other natural energy sources can provide us with a better way to power our electrical system, including nuclear energy, as long as we find more environmentally friendly processes. You know, the Montreal Protocol was recently adopted, - Billy explained.

-Has your company conducted any research? - Mr. Simmons inquired.

-That's correct, sir. We want to find solutions from various sources. However, research costs are quite expensive, and my company has many investments that hinder such development. For now, we're only in the process of reducing the company's gas emissions, but we want to establish a good alternative energy source, - Billy stated.

-A very profound idea, Mr. Carson. How do you expect to see your company grow in the next 10 years? - Simmons asked.

-I wouldn't have a precise idea, but I want to create my television channel that showcases various animations from my comic brand. I'd like to venture into emerging businesses like climate, and if possible, expand my burger chain, sir, - Billy said.

-Would you consider working closely with the university? - Simmons asked.

-Of course, recently Raimon asked me about hiring some physicists from this university. He didn't see any problem with me using its facilities to develop a way to solve energy-related issues with the physicists and engineers from Stanford, - Billy replied.

-Young man, you speak with a lot of confidence. Given your GPA and unique circumstances, we'll accept you into Stanford University's business program. I hope you'll achieve great things at our university. I have high expectations for you, - Mr. Simmons said.

Billy was surprised, - Wait, sir, there's no need for any additional filters or processes for my admission? -

--Not at all. Although you applied a bit late, you had several letters of recommendation, and I can see that you're Stanford material. We'll handle the paperwork. You'll need to pay the tuition before June 1st. I hope to see you studying, Mr. Carson, although I won't be teaching any of your courses. I'll be attending the orientation meeting, -- Mr. Simmons said, getting up from his seat and shaking Billy's hand. -- With this letter, Mr. Raimon will take you to the secretary's office to print a payment receipt. You can deposit it at any bank."

Billy left the office, a bit surprised, his expression still reflecting the astonishment. Raimon saw him and lowered his head with sadness.

-Billy, don't worry. You didn't even want to rush into studying. You can try again next year, my friend, - Raimon said, placing his palm on Billy's shoulder with empathy.

-Do you know where I can make the university tuition payment? My dad gave me an $80,000 check, - Billy asked.

-Ah, come on, I'll take you to pay. You're impossible, - Raimon said, throwing his hands up in defeat. Four years ago, young Raimon had fought tooth and nail for a spot at the university. He had gone through three interviews and selection processes, but the rich and handsome always seemed to have the upper hand.

Billy's comment about showing him his friends surprised Raimon.

-Weren't you wanting to introduce me to your friends, the Blue Cavalry? - Billy asked, smiling at Raimon.

Raimon's grumbling stopped. - Well, I guess you won't regret your decision, but I'm still offended by your demeanor, - he said.

...

to write these points of view is, to be dramatic. it seems curious to me, but otherwise, it would be strange to conduct the conversation. follow me, in patreon, we are 35 chapters ahead of schedule.

I don't understand very well, how is the ranking qualsificatory, is it by number of words or number of readers, does anyone know?

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