Huo Tinghuai paused in his steps, instinctively thinking that Director Hu had another interview assignment for him.
"Director, please go ahead."
Director Hu glanced at Jiang Si and Huo Tingzhou beside him, seemingly hesitant.
"It's alright, Director. You can speak freely."
Since he insisted, Director Hu didn’t hesitate further.
"I just received a call from Deputy Commander Shen’s family. They accused our newspaper of unfair treatment during the interview process."
"They also said that as the editor in charge, your attitude was cold and indifferent."
"Additionally, they expressed dissatisfaction with the interview arrangements and requested a change of personnel."
As a pillar of the newspaper, Huo Tinghuai had earned Director Hu’s admiration for both his professionalism and character.
Precisely because of this, Director Hu didn’t take the Shen family’s accusations at face value.
"Tinghuai, what exactly happened here?" The underlying message was clear—he needed a reasonable explanation, or the matter would be difficult to resolve.
After all, Deputy Commander Shen was waiting for a response.
Huo Tinghuai, however, showed little reaction. While his attitude earlier hadn’t been particularly warm, it certainly wasn’t outright cold.
At the end of the day, the issue stemmed from the interview not meeting the Shen family’s expectations.
Now, they were looking for a way to save face by shifting the blame onto him.
Huo Tinghuai voiced his thoughts plainly.
Director Hu, however, frowned in discomfort.
While the situation was as described, stating it so bluntly would leave neither side with an easy way out.
Seeing this, Jiang Si stepped forward. "Director, this really isn’t my cousin’s fault."
"Cousin?"
Director Hu was momentarily taken aback, clearly unaware of their relationship.
"You’re relatives?"
"Yes."
Jiang Si nodded. "Comrade Huo Tinghuai is my husband’s cousin. We are indeed family."
Before Director Hu could respond, she continued, "Today, my husband and I were invited by the newspaper to participate in the 'Patriotic Model of Supporting the Military' interview."
"As the editor in charge of this interview, Huo Tinghuai fulfilled his duties meticulously, ensuring everything was well-arranged."
"On a personal note, as family, it’s only natural that he greeted us warmly and took a moment to show me around the newspaper office."
"How could such normal behavior be twisted into 'cold indifference' and 'unfair treatment' by certain people?"
At this point, Jiang Si couldn’t help but scoff.
"Even a simple conversation between relatives is enough to provoke baseless suspicions and complaints."
"To the point where a family member would call you, Director, to lodge a formal grievance—it’s truly… laughable."
Director Hu fell silent for a moment, recalling the arrogant tone of the Shen family’s call earlier. He couldn’t help but feel exasperated.
Having reached his position, he had seen all kinds of petty schemes.
The Shen family had assumed they were targeting an easy scapegoat.
Instead, they had ended up shooting themselves in the foot.
He wondered if they would regret their actions once the truth came out.
With these thoughts in mind, Director Hu relaxed slightly. "Alright, no need to dwell on it. You may all return to your work."
After nodding politely to Jiang Si and Huo Tingzhou, he hurried back to his office.
The moment he arrived, Director Hu dialed the Shen family’s number.
On the other end, Shen’s Father was still fuming over the morning’s interview.
As soon as the call connected, he launched into a tirade without giving Director Hu a chance to speak.
Once he had vented, Shen’s Mother took over the receiver.
As the saying goes, a slap followed by a sweet date.
Since Shen’s Father had already made his point, Shen’s Mother softened her tone.
"Director Hu, we took a day off specifically to accompany our child for this interview."
"We never expected things to turn out this way. We’re not demanding an apology."
"We simply hope your newspaper can assign a more professional editor for the remaining interviews."
She believed her request was entirely reasonable and that Director Hu would agree without hesitation.
Then, she handed the receiver back to Shen’s Father.
To her surprise, Director Hu responded coolly, "I’ve reviewed the situation you described."
"However, I’ve learned that Editor Huo and Comrade Jiang are actually relatives."
"Exchanging a few words as family is perfectly normal and doesn’t violate any regulations."
"Furthermore, restricting unauthorized personnel at the entrance is a standard policy to maintain order, not a targeted measure against your family. I hope you understand."
His words were clear and firm—rules were rules.
If their family hadn’t registered beforehand, being denied entry was justified.
And as for relatives chatting briefly, what was the issue?
As for the remaining interviews, Huo Tinghuai had already made it clear he wouldn’t continue.
Chief Editor Wen was occupied for the next few days.
Other editors could be assigned, but Director Hu decided to be upfront.
"We can rearrange the interviews, but a successful interview requires effort from both sides."
"I hope Comrade Shen prepares adequately beforehand. Even the best editor can’t work miracles with nothing to go on."
"Don’t you agree, Deputy Commander Shen?"
The implication was obvious—if their son had nothing substantial to say, whose fault was that?
Shen’s Father wasn’t stupid. He understood the subtext perfectly.
Yet he couldn’t afford to lose his temper and could only grit his teeth to defend his son.
"He’s been working at the construction site every day lately and hasn’t had much rest."
"But you’re right, Director Hu. Rest assured, it won’t happen again."
Director Hu, ever the diplomat, saw no point in pressing further.
After a few more polite exchanges, the call ended.
"What happened? What did Director Hu say?" Shen’s Mother was startled to see her husband’s face darken, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
Shen Dong, equally anxious, pressed, "Dad, say something! What’s going on?"
"What’s going on? You’ve humiliated me beyond belief today!"
Shen’s Father slapped his own face in frustration. "You useless fool! At a time like this—"
"Enough, talk properly."
Shen’s Mother, protective of her son, immediately intervened.
"He’s grown up. At least spare him some dignity."
"Dignity? After the mess he’s made?"
Shen’s Father was beside himself with anger. "What possessed you to stir up trouble like this? Now you’ve gone and offended them for good!"
"Dad, it’s just some lowly editor at a newspaper. What’s the big deal?"
Shen Dong, baffled by the scolding, couldn’t hide his resentment.
You have no idea how awful they were at the newspaper office just now! The questions they asked were deliberately tricky, one more difficult than the last—they were clearly trying to corner me!
"Shut your mouth!" Shen's Father snapped, cutting him off. "What did I tell you? I said not to waste these days running around socializing. You should’ve stayed home, studied the materials, and prepared for the interview questions. Did you listen? No! And now look what happened—Director Hu might as well have outright called you an idiot. Are you happy now?"
Seeing her husband’s devastated expression, Shen's Mother was puzzled. But before she could speak, Shen's Father slumped back into his chair, looking utterly defeated.
"Offending some editor at a newspaper might not seem like a big deal, but do you even know who he is?"
At that moment, none of them grasped the gravity of the situation—until Shen's Father continued, his voice hollow.
"He’s Commissioner Huo’s nephew! His father is Director Huo, head of the Beijing Public Security Bureau… No, wait—"
A sudden realization drained the color from his face.
"Actually, he probably won’t be Director Huo for much longer. I’ve heard that after the New Year, he’s likely being promoted to Deputy Minister of Public Security."
He’d originally hoped to find a way to mend ties between their families, but now…
Shen's Father sank deeper into despair. "Not only did we fail to secure the Huo family’s favor, but thanks to you, we’ve managed to offend both of their most powerful figures!"
