"Please take your seats!"

Nan Sheng instructed Su Jie to distribute pens and paper to the three candidates, spacing their seats far enough apart so they couldn’t see each other’s answers.

"First, write your names at the top of the paper. Then, I’ll ask a question, and you’ll write down your answer without looking up!"

Once she confirmed they understood, Nan Sheng immediately began.

"First, write an objective self-evaluation—both strengths and weaknesses. You have two minutes. Su Jie, keep time!"

The moment two minutes passed, Su Jie called for them to stop. "Alright, next question: objectively evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the other two candidates. You have five minutes."

Su Jie had already started the timer, quick to anticipate Nan Sheng’s needs—she was sharp like that.

The ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‍three candidates froze for a second after hearing the question, but within moments, they began writing—though their expressions were noticeably tenser than before.

When time was up, one of them still hadn’t finished, his brow furrowed in frustration.

"Done?"

All three straightened up and nodded, only to be caught off guard by Nan Sheng’s next move. "Good. Now pass your papers to the person on your left. Write your name on the sheet you receive before answering the next question."

Xu Liang handed his paper to Liang Kechang without hesitation. Liang Kechang gritted his teeth and passed his to Liu Su. But Liu Su hesitated, unwilling to give his sheet to Xu Liang.

Nan Sheng added pressure, forcing a quick decision. "Either follow the rules, or you can leave right now."

Xu Liang called out to Liu Su, reminding him not to act up—they were best friends, and they’d promised each other to pass this interview.

Trembling, Liu Su finally handed his paper to Xu Liang, then turned his head away, refusing to meet his eyes. When Xu Liang read the contents, his eyes widened in shock.

He looked up at Liu Su, but his friend wouldn’t return his gaze. It was clear—Liu Su had deliberately tried to sabotage him.

Xu Liang couldn’t understand. If Liu Su just wanted to eliminate competition, why target him instead of Liang Kechang?

They’d grown up together. He hadn’t expected Liu Su to cover for him, but at least he could’ve been fair.

Nan Sheng watched the drama unfold with amusement. "Now, based on the evaluation in front of you, write whether you agree with it. Then, give a second evaluation and score for the person whose paper you’re holding. You have five minutes."

Outside, the waiting candidates grew restless.

Why hadn’t the three come out yet? Had they all passed? That would be terrible news.

Little did they know, the three inside were enduring psychological torment.

When time was up, Nan Sheng had Su Jie collect the papers. She took Liu Su’s first, then Liang Kechang’s, and finally Xu Liang’s.

Xu Liang’s sheet had Liu Su’s name at the top. Liu Su had written a positive self-evaluation, listing his only flaw as being "too stubborn and meticulous"—something he needed to improve.

Nan Sheng thought to herself, You need to fix more than just that. For a disciplinary role, integrity was non-negotiable. Liu Su wasn’t fit for the job—he’d be rejected.

Liu Su’s evaluation of Liang Kechang was neutral, but he’d pointed out Xu Liang’s flaws. Ironically, Xu Liang’s second evaluation of Liu Su was entirely positive—he’d even given him a nine out of ten.

Liang Kechang’s sheet was Xu Liang’s. Xu Liang had only listed his own flaws, none of his strengths. Liang Kechang gave him an eight but disagreed with the self-criticism.

Liu Su held Liang Kechang’s paper. Liang Kechang had been fair, evaluating both himself and the others with balanced pros and cons.

He’d described Xu Liang as "too soft-hearted" and Liu Su as "impulsive and domineering."

Liu Su wasn’t happy with this assessment—he gave Liang Kechang a six, barely passing, and disagreed with the evaluation entirely.

This interview was fascinating.

After reviewing the papers, Nan Sheng asked Xu Liang a question. "Do you agree with Liu Su’s evaluation of you? Why didn’t you voice your disagreement on paper?"

Xu Liang licked his lips. There was no avoiding Nan Sheng’s direct question. "I don’t agree."

Then Nan Sheng showed him Liang Kechang’s evaluation. "Do you agree with this one?"

"Yes."

Nan Sheng pressed further. "Do you think Liu Su is suited for the disciplinary committee?"

Xu Liang met her gaze, conflict and reluctance in his eyes. Though he didn’t speak, he shook his head slightly.

A person with twisted motives had no place in disciplinary work.

When Liu Su saw this, he clenched his fists in fury. So much for friendship—he’s just like the others, trying to ruin my chances.

Fine. If he couldn’t get in, neither would they. He’d drag their reputations through the mud when Nan Sheng questioned him next.

But Nan Sheng’s next words sent him into a rage.

"Congratulations, Xu Liang and Liang Kechang. You’ve passed the interview. You may leave."

Nan Sheng was desperate for staff.

Finding qualified graduates wasn’t easy, so as long as their character wasn’t outright bad, she’d take them. If they didn’t fit the role later, she could always replace them.

Liu Su’s selfishness had only cost him.

"Director Nan, I object! Why am I the only one rejected? What makes them better than me?"

Before he could finish, a powerful force slammed him to the ground. His body hit the floor with a thud, the metallic taste of blood filling his mouth as Deng Jun’s boot pressed into his back.

"Who the hell do you think you are, questioning Director Nan’s decision? You got a death wish?"

Nan Sheng waved a hand dismissively. "Deng Jun, you’re not with the revolutionary committee anymore. Leave the rough work to the public security officers. Take him to the special envoy—make sure he’s well taken care of."

The commotion startled everyone—Xu Liang and Liang Kechang were pale, and the other candidates looked horrified.

Nan Sheng smiled apologetically. "My apologies. Old habits from the revolutionary committee die hard—I can be a bit direct. But as long as you work hard, I won’t resort to violence."

The others exchanged glances: Is it too late to run?

The new boss was terrifying.

Xu Liang, seeing his friend dragged away, moved to plead for mercy—until Liang Kechang kicked him sharply. He had no patience for stupidity.

By the time Xu Liang recovered, Liu Su was already gone. He and Liang Kechang bid Nan Sheng farewell and hurried out.

The moment they stepped outside, they were grabbed by anxious candidates. "What the hell happened in there? Do people get beaten if they fail the interview?"

The sight of Deng Jun hauling Liu Su away had been downright chilling. A good job wasn’t worth risking their lives over.

Liang Kechang explained, "He was punished for disrupting the interview discipline. Just pretend you didn't see it and focus on preparing for the upcoming interview."

With that, he grabbed Xu Liang's arm and pulled him away.