"I am Xu Jing from the Health Education Bureau, which of you is the examinee?"
The young woman walked to the doorway and asked aloud.
Xu Jing’s voice was crisp and melodious, like that of an oriole, captivating the men at the doorway.
In a small place like Wanshan County, someone of Xu Jing’s temperament and appearance was considered a goddess.
The security team leader was completely dumbfounded.
Zhang Xiaoshan snatched the admission ticket that the security team leader was holding and handed it to Xu Jing.
"Hello, my name is Zhang Xiaoshan. I was held up at the door by some thugs, which delayed my time. Here is my admission ticket; please check it."
Xu Jing was startled by Zhang Xiaoshan’s bloodied appearance but still took the document to check it.
"No mistake, then you can come in," she said.
Xu Jing beckoned Zhang Xiaoshan to enter for the examination.
At that moment, Zheng Jianhai, who had just sent his son Zheng Wen to the ambulance, rushed over and had the security block the door.
Seeing Zheng Jianhai’s cold expression, Zhang Xiaoshan had a bad feeling.
Sure enough, Zheng Jianhai started reprimanding Xu Jing right away.
"Xu, what’s the matter with you? Don’t you know the rules of the examination? The exam starts promptly at nine, and it’s almost twenty past nine now. He’s late; how can you let him in?"
Xu Jing’s face showed a hint of grievance as she spoke.
"But this is our county’s independent recruitment. Generally speaking, if one arrives within twenty minutes of the start, they can enter..."
Before Xu Jing could finish her sentence, Zheng Jianhai interrupted her furiously.
"Good for you Xu Jing, dare to talk back to a leader? Don’t forget, I am the chief examiner for this session, I’m responsible for everything here. What gives you the right to speak?"
Zheng Jianhai, this old lecher, had not just once wanted to exploit the authority of his position over Xu Jing, who had recently graduated and been assigned to the Health Education Bureau. Unfortunately for him, Xu Jing didn’t play his games, and he harbored resentment against her, often deliberately causing trouble for her at work.
"I’m telling the truth..." Xu Jing, quite stubborn, was still softly arguing with her head down.
"You’re abusing your power for personal grievances?"
Zhang Xiaoshan couldn’t stand seeing Zheng Jianhai bully the young woman and immediately stood up.
Zheng Jianhai thought to himself that he was deliberately causing trouble for her and he couldn’t do anything about it. He gave Zhang Xiaoshan a mocking smile.
"Young comrade, I know this exam is very important to you. It’s good for young people to strive for improvement, but rules are rules. You were late, and that’s a fact. Try again next year."
Zhang Xiaoshan was dressed very plainly, clearly from some small mountain village; in a small place like Wanshan County, almost devoid of corporations, taking the civil service exam was the only opportunity for young people, even a chance to change their destiny.
"Boy, you dared to strike my son, I can ruin your future," Zheng Jianhai threatened Zhang Xiaoshan in a low voice. Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹•𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒•𝙣𝙚𝙩
His eyes were full of malice and satisfaction.
Zhang Xiaoshan was furious.
"If I’m late, isn’t it because your son and his friends caused me trouble?"
"This is clearly your son’s own doing. What did I do wrong?"
Confronted with Zhang Xiaoshan’s questioning, Zheng Jianhai showed not a shred of shame; rather, he brazenly said.
"Your mistake is that you have no power or status, and today I’ve got you in my grip. What can you do about it?"
"Can anyone help you?"
Zhang Xiaoshan grabbed Zheng Jianhai by the collar and was about to strike.
"Hey, don’t be violent, calm down,"
Xu Jing, seeing the situation escalating, quickly tried to calm Zhang Xiaoshan.
"If you dare hit me, I’ll make sure you end up in jail," Zheng Jianhai said indifferently.
Just then, three cars bearing the Health Education Bureau insignia pulled up.
Another silver Volkswagen also arrived.
"Why does that car look familiar?"
Zhang Xiaoshan frowned, puzzled.
The next moment, the cars stopped, and a familiar figure got out, leaving Zhang Xiaoshan dumbfounded.