"Tian An, my office will only have four staff members for now. You might want to consider other options."

Nan Sheng didn’t exactly dislike his behavior—after all, he hadn’t actually been transferred to the Revolutionary Committee office, just helping out temporarily. But when compared to Su Jie, the difference between the two was clear, so it made sense that he was let go.

"Stay away from him from now on!"

After being rejected, Tian An stormed off in humiliation. Nan Sheng gave Su Jie a heads-up—since he wouldn’t dare hold a grudge against her, he might take his frustration out on his former partner.

Su Jie didn’t quite grasp Nan Sheng’s meaning and immediately assured her, "Don’t worry, Director. I won’t share any work-related information with him. I won’t even speak to him!"

Well, even if the thought process was different, the outcome was still acceptable.

Once Nan Sheng took office, the town Party secretaries and the remaining Revolutionary Committee directors were stunned. The former wondered, Did I ever offend her before?

Thank goodness I never crossed her, or she’d have crushed me in seconds!

Meanwhile, the Revolutionary Committee directors saw a new lifeline and planned to seek her help, agreeing to visit her the next day to plead their case.

If Director Nan could join the Discipline Inspection Commission, so can we! Even a low-level position is better than being ousted.

But before they could act, devastating news hit them: "What?! We have to hand over our authority?"

No, absolutely not!

If they surrendered their power, the next step would be disbandment. Even if the outcome was bleak, they wouldn’t make it easy for them.

That evening, Nan Sheng asked Lin Han at home, "Lin Han, if the people need help, shouldn’t our military district step in?"

Lin Han almost thought he misheard. In all their time married, this was the first time his wife had actively sought his help—and it felt amazing.

"Of course. Just tell me how many men you need, and I’ll arrange it."

Lin Han guessed the Revolutionary Committee situation was tricky, but he didn’t mind. He could easily apply for a "training exercise" as cover.

"No rush. Just be aware of the situation. The number of people needed depends on how things develop."

Lin Han decided to prepare in advance. If they deployed, at least one of his best men—Han Yongxiang or Luo Hao—would have to stay behind at the base.

What concerned him most was whether his wife would stay in town. "Sweetheart, now that you’ve been promoted to deputy director of the county Discipline Inspection Commission, will you have to move to the county soon?"

Nan Sheng confirmed, "Once the Revolutionary Committee is dealt with, I’ll probably have to relocate. Lin Han, we’ll split the kids—one each. No freeloading."

Lin Han nearly laughed in frustration. The thought of being separated from his wife already bothered him, and now she wanted to divide the family?

Time to teach her the consequences of reckless words.

By the time Nan Sheng drifted off to sleep, Lin Han whispered in her ear, "You can have them all—the kids, and me too."

Compared to their past long-distance separation, this was already better. Besides, he often went on missions without her complaining, so he wouldn’t hold her back now.

Commuting it is. Consider it exercise.

The next morning, Nan Sheng kicked Lin Han several times in front of their children. Lin Han didn’t dare protest—as long as his legs weren’t broken, it was fine.

Sizhe, seeing Nan Sheng didn’t seem truly angry, ignored it and started serving porridge. Their father had even fried eggs that morning—the aroma was irresistible.

Meanwhile, Siqi giggled mischievously. Once Nan Sheng went to wash up, she blinked her big eyes and trailed after Lin Han.

"Dad, why did Mom kick you? Were you being naughty?"

Lin Han took a deep breath, fighting the urge to spank a child.

"Even I don’t get spanked anymore. Why do you?"

Sizhe, seated at the table, shot his annoying sister a look. When will Dad finally smack her? She’s insufferable.

Undeterred by the lack of response, Siqi cheerfully praised herself, "I’m the best-behaved. Mom would never hit me."

Lin Han and Sizhe shared a silent, exasperated glance. Who does she take after?

When Nan Sheng returned, the porridge was lukewarm—just right. She ordered Lin Han, "Take me to work on your bike today, and pick me up tonight."

"At your command!" He’d already planned to.

Long legs had their advantages—they reached the government building much faster than if Nan Sheng had ridden alone.

She hopped off effortlessly and strode inside without a glance back. Lin Han just smiled, waiting until she was out of sight before heading home.

Nan Sheng arrived early, but Su Jie was earlier. And even more surprising—a group of grown men, sniveling and weeping, had arrived even before Su Jie.

"Director Nan, please help us! We’re your subordinates—you can’t abandon us!"

Nan Sheng scoffed. Crying like this is pathetic. What use are they? Scarecrows for the door?

She took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Come inside. Su Jie, arrange for some tea."

Before Nan Sheng arrived, Su Jie had kept them waiting in the hallway. Now, inside the office, Nan Sheng adopted an uncharacteristically gentle tone.

"The higher-ups set the policy. I can’t change it. If not for the military’s backing, I’d be in the same boat—forced out sooner or later.

"My advice? If you have connections, use them now to transfer elsewhere. The city leadership made it clear—I can’t take in former Revolutionary Committee members. I truly can’t help."

The room erupted in murmurs. "What do we do then? Director Nan, you’re our leader! You can’t leave us to die!"

Nan Sheng wanted to yell, I was your boss, not your father. Live or die—who cares?

But ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‍she had her own plans and couldn’t afford to be crude. So she offered a devious suggestion instead.

"Honestly, you should band together. If you refuse to leave the government, what can they do? Maybe if you hold out long enough, the leaders will soften and reassign you.

"I’ll also see if I can secure a few spots, but don’t get your hopes up. The Discipline Inspection Commission has high standards."

Though her words sounded like a brush-off, the Revolutionary Committee directors were shamelessly tempted—after all, they’d never planned to surrender.

"We’ll trouble you then, Director Nan!"

"No trouble at all!"

Please, hold out as long as you can!