Chapter 776: Chapter 777: You dare to lift a finger right under my nose
Minister Li began, “Speak freely. If there’s anything I can do to help, I will certainly do my best.”
Li Jianyue has always been one to value talent. When he first saw Xia Yangyang’s résumé, he felt that a person with her qualifications serving as just a small reporter in the news department was somewhat unfair to her.
Didn’t she mention during her interview that she just wanted to do news and did not seek money or status? That reminded him of his own younger self.
From then on, Li Jianyue saw Xia Yangyang in a new light.
Xia Yangyang began, “I previously participated in The First Scene’s written test selection but did not pass. I am aware that it might be because of my lack of capability, but I hope that you could show me the test paper so I can identify my shortcomings and work harder in the future.”
Minister Li nodded, “It’s rare to see someone as ambitious as you. Those who fail usually wallow in self-pity or give up, places you are willing to recognize your shortcomings and strive to grow.”
Xia Yangyang spoke, “By identifying the problem and addressing it directly, I can improve rapidly. Thank you, Minister, for your understanding.”
Minister Li said, “These test papers are typically not made public, but since the results are already out, I will make an exception for you.”
Having said that, the minister stood up, took a string of keys from his desk, and opened the adjacent file cabinet.
He took out a stack of test papers.
Minister Li said, “Take out your test paper, let me see where you went wrong.”
Xia Yangyang deliberately placed the test papers in front of Minister Li and began to search through them one by one.
She intentionally went through the papers twice before saying to Li Jianyue, “Minister, I can’t find my written test paper.”
Minister Li frowned, “Every paper from the written test should be here, are you sure yours isn’t among them?”
Xia Yangyang decisively replied, “I’m certain.”
Minister Li then personally sifted through the papers again but indeed didn’t find Xia Yangyang’s test paper.
“This is strange, I’ve kept the papers since they were corrected, how could one of them be missing?”
Minister Li sat there, pondering for a moment.
Xia Yangyang did not interrupt him.
Finally, Minister Li picked up the telephone on his office desk and dialed several numbers.
In a short while, four individuals entered the office.
These four were veteran journalists of the TV station, and also Minister Li’s apprentices – all of them were of considerable age.
They were responsible for grading the written tests.
Once everyone was assembled, Minister Li asked, “Which one of you graded Xia Yangyang’s paper?”
The men glanced at each other, then each shook their heads in turn.
Minister Li prodded, “Think carefully, did none of you see this young lady’s test paper?”
The eldest of them said, “Master Li, you know our memories are not bad. We four never graded a test paper bearing the name Xia Yangyang. Master, could there have been a mistake somewhere?”
Xia Yangyang spoke from the side, “I can assure you that I took the exam and turned in my paper on time. There should be surveillance footage from the conference room at the time. However, none of the teachers graded my paper, so there must have been a problem somewhere. I implore you to investigate thoroughly, Minister. I cherish the opportunity to participate in this open selection. Continuing as a field reporter is the sole wish I hold after returning to my homeland. I do not wish to lose this chance due to unforeseen circumstances.”
With his hand clenched into a fist, Li Jianyue tapped gently on the desk, “Someone must have tampered with it. I insisted on public selection to avoid internal appointments by some underhanded individuals at the station, yet they dared to pull such a trick right under my nose.”