Coming to Metropolis again, Kara couldn't help but feel a sense of strangeness.
She had only been away for three years, and it wasn't like she didn't explore the city while studying here.
But Metropolis had changed so much that she wondered if she might get lost.
Returning to Metropolis this time, Kara had a clear goal: to find a good job and, at the very least, support herself.
Before leaving for Metropolis, she reached out to some of her old classmates from college. Among them, there was one person she thought could help her: Perry White.
Because of his experience working in journalism, Perry had now joined the Daily Planet and had his own column. Kara planned to meet him, pitching an idea for a travel column highlighting the cultures and unique features of various places she'd visited.
Perry remembered Kara well—a strikingly beautiful, somewhat reserved woman with a quirky charm. He agreed to help her secure an interview with the editor-in-chief.
Now, Kara found herself heading toward the Daily Planet headquarters.
The Daily Planet was the most prominent newspaper and news agency in Metropolis, housed in its own building, crowned with a massive globe sculpture that fit its iconic name.
Kara had dressed the part for the occasion. She wore a white shirt and tie under a beige suit jacket, paired with matching trousers and white leather shoes. While her outfit leaned towards a masculine, professional style, she loosened her long hair and wore a pair of glasses, exuding confidence and sophistication.
Without carrying any documents, Kara confidently entered the building and made her way to the office as Perry had instructed.
When she arrived, Perry personally came out to greet her. He shared some insights into the editor-in-chief's personality and preferences, hoping to help Kara make a strong impression.
At nearly thirty years old, Perry looked older than Kara remembered. Kara took a moment to study him.
"What's the matter? Don't recognize me anymore?" Perry asked, puzzled by her lingering gaze.
Kara chuckled and pointed at Perry's stomach. "I'm just noticing how much your belly has changed."
Perry, who had been stocky during college, now looked a bit rounder. "This is what sitting at a desk all day does to you," he muttered with a roll of his eyes. "You can joke all you want, but you'd better focus on acing that interview."
Before long, a staff member informed them that the editor-in-chief was ready to see Kara.
"Don't worry. I've got this," Kara said confidently, waving at Perry as she headed to the interview.
Her confidence wasn't misplaced.
Kara held a degree from Metropolis University, which gave her common ground with the editor-in-chief, who was also an alumnus. She also had prior experience in the university's journalism club, proving her dedication to the craft.
But what truly set Kara apart was her extensive life experience.
When the editor-in-chief asked her about her unique qualifications, Kara didn't hesitate. She proposed a new column focusing on global travel, detailing not just destinations but also the cultures, wildlife, and survival experiences she had encountered firsthand.
"I've crossed deserts and found ways to survive in harsh environments," Kara explained. "I think readers would love to know how I managed to find water, endure scorching heat, and navigate freezing nights."
She described hidden paradises she'd discovered—places untouched by human interference, where waterfalls cascaded into crystal-clear pools, surrounded by vibrant fruit trees and fearless wildlife.
Her anecdotes ranged from describing the social structures of lion prides to detailing the plight of endangered tigers. She spoke of undiscovered insects and exotic fruits, painting a vivid picture of the world through her words.
The editor-in-chief, captivated by Kara's stories, quickly decided: "Miss Kent, you're hired. Just as you suggested, we'll launch a dedicated column for you. I'll announce it at our upcoming staff meeting. Start preparing a column outline—name, theme, and series ideas."
"Thank you," Kara said with a confident smile, shaking the editor's hand.
As she left the room, the editor-in-chief watched her go, convinced the newspaper had struck gold.
Outside, Kara shared the good news with Perry. He was thrilled for her and offered to celebrate: "There's a great steakhouse downstairs."
"Maybe another time, Perry. I already have plans with Jennifer and Dani—remember them? We've stayed close all these years," Kara said, declining politely.
At that moment, two voices chimed in behind her: "Do you think we'd let you forget about us?"
Kara turned, her surprise giving way to joy as she spotted Jennifer and Dani, her longtime friends, both dressed smartly in office attire.