Chapter 8: Lillian’s Story

I understood their predicament.

The economy’s rough, and there are fewer and fewer companies that pay well without demanding constant overtime.

Fast-growing firms like Vivid are even rarer.

Old hands gave their youth and health, finally earning good pay and status.

If they get fired, the financial pressure is huge, and their reputation in the industry takes a hit.

After all, it’s a small world—background checks reveal everything.

The ex-colleague messaging me is Lillian, one of the few women in the tech department.

Lillian was a recent grad from Oregon State—sharp, eager, and the only woman in our dev pod. She was furiously typing…

[What do they mean by unnecessary innovation? The new architecture saved us so much manpower!]

[Deployments used to take a whole day—now it’s done in an hour!]

[What does he know about tech, talking about you like that, Alex!]

Upgrading the new system did cost a lot, but all the expenses were transparent and approved at every level.

When money was tight, I even paid out of my own pocket.

As for the other two accusations, those who know, know.

Seeing Lillian getting so worked up, I replied to comfort her:

[Don’t get upset—just vent to me. Be careful what you say online; they can track you.]

Lillian had her reasons for disliking Derek.

When she first joined, word spread: “We have a female colleague!”

Lillian was a campus hire—young, eager to learn, dignified, and well-liked.

I told her to start with infrastructure and learn the standard processes.

Derek often dropped by the tech department. When he saw her, he’d excitedly call her over:

“A newcomer? Let’s see what you’ve got.”

He threw a brand-new requirement at her.

I thought it was way too much for a new grad.

Lillian stammered: “Well, first, I’d look for documentation on similar projects, analyze capacity, ask the PM about the desired effect…”

Derek gave her that patronizing smile. "You know, these technical things can be tricky for newbies. Don’t be afraid to ask the guys for help."

Lillian was suddenly scolded, too scared to speak, her eyes darting.

I walked over.

“She answered just fine.”

“With a new requirement, you first review past experience, clarify the needs, analyze the data—that’s clear and practical.”

I scratched my head. “And technical experience has nothing to do with gender. Boys and girls are the same.”

Standing up to Derek felt risky, but I couldn’t let him get away with it.

Lillian’s fear turned to delight.

Derek’s fat face fell, full of disdain.

I said, “The tech department’s still working on this new requirement. Since Mr. Benson brought it up, may I ask if there’s been any progress?”

Back then, I honestly thought he had some skills.

Turns out, he just wanted to show off in front of a female colleague.

Derek dodged the question—blamed the PM, said there was no funding, and finally used a meeting as an excuse to slip away.

After that, Lillian looked down on his abilities.

I always tried to make space for people like Lillian—quietly, behind the scenes. The tech world’s tough enough without jerks like Derek making it harder for newcomers.