Wanting to dedicate more time to Blue Ribbon, Knight switches jobs and becomes an accounting professor at Portland State University. On the first day of class, a young woman sitting in the front row catches his attention. She has blue eyes and is dressed stylishly. Her name is Penelope “Penny” Parks. Though she’s quiet, she proves to be the most capable student in the class. One day Knight asks if Parks would like a job working for his shoe company. She agrees.

Parks proves to be a skillful and efficient worker and an integral part of the small office. Her presence boosts Woodell’s mood. One day after work, Knight asks Parks out to dinner. She accepts. Knight takes her to the Oregon Zoo. She says she’s seeing someone, but he’s “just a boy” (124), while Knight seems more mature and worldly. They continue dating and soon spend almost all their time together, both at Blue Ribbon and at Knight’s apartment. They meet one another’s parents. Ultimately, Knight asks Penny to marry him. She says yes.

Knight flies to Japan and meets with Kitami. Kitami approves of Knight’s sales and invites him to a company picnic on a small island.