"Darling, don't be too harsh on me."

Even Lin Han was a little intimidated.

Nan Sheng shot him an exasperated look—she wasn’t some terrifying creature, after all.

The next day at work, Nan Sheng arrived at the town government office and immediately noticed the surprised expressions on everyone’s faces. She touched her cheek. "Did I forget to wash my face?"

Su Jie quickly shook her head. "Director Nan, we’re just relieved you’re okay! We thought you hadn’t come in these past couple of days because you’d been taken away for questioning."

After Nan Sheng’s sudden disappearance, many had advised Su Jie and Tian An to stay away from the Revolutionary Committee to avoid getting dragged into trouble. Tian An had taken the warning to heart, but Su Jie, who genuinely liked Nan Sheng, had been worried sick, constantly checking the committee’s office.

Now, seeing Nan Sheng in the lobby, Su Jie couldn’t contain her excitement and blurted out her concerns without a second thought.

Nan Sheng replied, "Why would I be questioned? I haven’t done anything wrong. I just went to the city for a couple of days—you know how long the trip takes."

Su Jie’s face lit up with understanding, though she couldn’t help but wonder: What had the director gone to the city for? Was she pulling strings to keep her position?

Rumors were spreading that some regions had already started disbanding Revolutionary Committee members...

"Director, is our Qingjiang County’s committee being dissolved too?" Su Jie lowered her voice, but the eavesdropping crowd around them had sharp ears. Everyone waited for Nan Sheng’s answer.

Their feelings were mixed. While no one disliked Director Nan personally, nobody wanted the oppressive weight of the Revolutionary Committee hanging over them.

Nan Sheng was well aware of their thoughts.

She deliberately answered at a normal volume, feigning disappointment. "If the higher-ups have issued a policy, there’s nothing we can do. Soon, I won’t be the Revolutionary Committee director anymore."

Su Jie looked like she was about to cry, unsure how to comfort her. The others stayed silent, though their faces betrayed their glee.

Finally! Those good-for-nothing committee members should’ve been kicked out of the government ages ago.

Just then, Chen Tian strode into the lobby. Having gotten reassurance from Nan Sheng the day before, he’d slept like a baby and now looked refreshed and energetic.

Spotting Nan Sheng, he immediately broke into a grin. "Good morning, Director! Why are you still out here? Oh, and we should change the office sign today, right? It should say ‘Disciplinary Inspection Committee Office’ now!"

"Disciplinary Inspection Committee Office?!"

Zhang Yingci, who had been lurking in the crowd, shrieked in shock. Her shrill voice drew everyone’s attention, forcing her to straighten up awkwardly and greet Nan Sheng. "G-Good morning, Director Nan. I, uh, just saw a crowd and got curious."

Please, heavens, don’t let Director Nan join the Disciplinary Inspection Committee! Otherwise, she’d have to work in constant fear.

Now, curiosity buzzed through the room. Had Director Nan’s trip to the city not been for reprimand—but for a promotion to an even more powerful department?

Someone ask already! This is killing us!

Su Jie, as if reading their minds, eagerly piped up, "Director Nan, were you transferred to the Disciplinary Inspection Committee? Does this mean you’re staying in the government?"

"Damn right!"

Before Nan Sheng could answer, Chen Tian proudly announced the news on her behalf. After all the humiliation the committee members had endured, he was ready to settle the score.

"Director Nan is hardworking, diligent, and highly regarded by the city leadership. She’s been appointed deputy director of Qingjiang County’s Disciplinary Inspection Committee. So all you vultures hoping for her downfall can forget it—unless you want to be the first ones investigated and fired!"

Nan Sheng thought, Well, I didn’t get to show off, but you sure did.

His words had an immediate effect. Unlike the Revolutionary Committee, the Disciplinary Inspection Committee actually did real work—and right now, it was the most powerful department, overseeing the dissolution of the Revolutionary Committees.

Everyone silently marveled: Director Nan is incredible. While other committee members are facing consequences, she’s not just surviving—she’s climbing higher!

Thank goodness we never crossed her. Who knows how badly that could’ve ended?

"My apologies, everyone. It seems you’ll still be under my supervision. What a shame—I thought I’d finally get a break. Ah, well. Guess I’m just destined to work hard!"

With that, Nan Sheng headed to her office, Chen Tian and Su Jie trailing behind like eager ducklings, leaving the crowd in despair.

Are we, the insignificant minions, doomed to suffer under Director Nan’s iron rule forever?

This is so depressing!

Back in the office, Nan Sheng found Deng Jun and Liu Song already there, having cleaned the place spotlessly. They practically radiated enthusiasm.

Su Jie, with no immediate tasks, hovered around Nan Sheng, grinning like an idiot. Nan Sheng shook her head in amusement. The girl usually seemed sharp, but when she got like this, it was downright ridiculous.

"You really like following me around, huh?"

"Yes, yes, yes!" Su Jie nodded vigorously. No matter what others said, she found Director Nan easy to work with.

"Then pack up your things and move your desk in here. Starting today, you’re part of the Disciplinary Inspection Committee."

For a moment, Su Jie considered slapping herself to check if she was dreaming. Then, snapping back to reality, she bolted out of the office like a shot.

"Director, I’ll be right back! Don’t change your mind!"

Mom, your daughter’s made it! Our family’s honor is restored!

Honestly, the others could relate to Su Jie’s excitement. Smiles spread across their faces, filled with hope for the future.

But Nan Sheng’s expression turned serious as she called the three of them in for a private meeting.

"The Disciplinary Inspection Committee isn’t like the Revolutionary Committee. We hold our members to strict standards. I’m only letting you join because you’ve shown improvement.

"But if anyone dares to bring the old committee’s bad habits here, don’t blame me for kicking them out immediately. Understood?"

"Understood!"

Truthfully, ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌‍ever since Nan Sheng took over as director, they hadn’t dared to pull any shady stunts—she was too intimidating. Over time, they’d shed their old ways.

Plus, Nan Sheng was now their benefactor. Her words might as well have been imperial edicts. Liu Song and the others were fully committed!

"Director, we’ll work hard and never embarrass you!"

Nan Sheng nodded. She judged by actions, not words. "Alright, stop standing around. Someone go help Su Jie—don’t make her move that desk alone."

Deng Jun and Chen Tian hurried out. Manual labor was their forte. Liu Song stayed behind, waiting for Nan Sheng’s next order.

He had a feeling that working under Director Nan was only going to get more exciting.

Meanwhile, Su Jie rushed back to her old desk, frantically gathering her belongings. When colleagues asked, she beamed. "Director Nan’s transferring me to the Disciplinary Inspection Committee! I’m here to get my things."

Friends immediately pitched in, helping her sort files, their voices tinged with envy. "You’ve hit the jackpot! Don’t forget about us little people later."

Su Jie, ever the lively one, struck a pose—hands on hips, chin raised—looking downright smug.

"Don’t worry, Su Jie will definitely have your backs from now on!"

Tian An, sitting not far away, grew anxious in an instant. He stood up and asked, "What about me? Did Director Nan Sheng say I could join too?"

That was the disciplinary inspection committee we were talking about!

Getting in meant joining an organization that could operate with unchecked authority across all government departments—he didn’t want to miss such a golden opportunity!