Upon reaching the Revolutionary Committee office, Yu Gan paused before opening the door and instead knocked politely.
A cold female voice sounded from inside, "Enter!"
The two took a deep breath and pushed the door open. Inside, Deng Jun and Liu Song were bent over their desks, writing something, while Wen Min from the general office stood beside Director Nan Sheng.
What was she doing here?
Perhaps due to nervousness, neither of them noticed that something was missing in the room.
Yu Gan, trusted by Director Ou, was no fool. Sensing something amiss, he immediately approached Nan Sheng to report on their progress, his attitude deferential.
"Director Nan, yesterday we received a tip that someone in Qing Stone Lane was secretly interacting with relocated households. Suspecting enemy agents, I took Chen Tian with me early this morning to investigate. Here’s the visit log."
Wen Min took the notebook, flipped to the latest page, and placed it on the desk. Nan Sheng glanced down at it.
"Yang Junzhi, formerly employed at a research institute, was relocated to Qing Stone Lane with his wife six months ago. Why is there no record of suspicious individuals or items found?"
Yu Gan pressed his lips together. The truth was, he had found nothing—he had gone merely to flaunt his authority, and Yang Junzhi was just an unlucky target.
"Director, the enemy is cunning and well-hidden. Despite working all day, Chen Tian and I couldn’t uncover concrete evidence."
Nan Sheng pressed further, "Who made the report? Name, address, political background—why isn’t any of this recorded?"
Yu Gan, skilled in deception, answered smoothly without a hint of guilt.
"Director, the informant didn’t enter the government compound—they just threw in a scrap of paper, which I happened to pick up. Next time, I’ll verify thoroughly before acting."
Beside him, Chen Tian was nearly suffocating from tension. He had a sinking feeling that one wrong answer would doom them both.
Sure enough, Director Nan struck.
"A baseless scrap of paper wasted an entire day for two Revolutionary Committee members? That’s laughable.
At your efficiency, we’d need sixty or seventy people stationed here just to monitor Sanwei Town. Are you incompetent, or are you neglecting your duties under the guise of work?"
Yu Gan inhaled sharply. Being berated by a woman was a first, but as a subordinate, he had no choice but to endure it.
He bowed his head. "Director Nan, Chen Tian and I acted rashly, but I swear we weren’t neglecting our duties. Please believe me."
Chen Tian chimed in, "Director Nan, Yu Gan is right. We’d never neglect our work—we’re just inexperienced. We beg your guidance."
Nan Sheng finally looked up, her delicate features cold and distant. Chen Tian, too guilty to meet her gaze, averted his eyes.
"Yesterday, I instructed you to present your findings this morning. You didn’t show up or send anyone in your place. Don’t misunderstand—I’m not asking for excuses.
I’ve already issued you both major demerits during the meeting, recorded in your files. Until you make significant contributions, your work in the Revolutionary Committee is suspended. You may leave now."
Chen Tian’s eyes widened in shock. "Director Nan, are you firing us?"
Wen Min clarified for her superior, "No, you’re only suspended from the Committee. Your belongings have been moved to the shared office."
The two turned and finally noticed one of the desks was missing.
Yu Gan could no longer stay calm. "Director Nan, I’ve served the Committee diligently for years. Even Director Ou praised my work. Are you removing me for professional reasons—or personal ones?"
"Praised your work? I doubt that."
Nan Sheng studied Yu Gan, thinking his chin was oddly elongated—like a shoehorn.
Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting.
She suspected Director Ou had left him behind precisely because of his unfortunate looks.
"From what I know, Director Ou was promoted to county-level Committee head for his outstanding performance. If he truly valued you, why leave you in this backwater town?
I believe Director Ou and I share the same view—you’re lazy and deceitful. If you keep arguing, I’ll summon the security officer. Refusing to admit fault shows your ideological corruption!"
Yu Gan: "..."
He had to admit, her words stung.
He’d been waiting for Director Ou to transfer him to the county, but no order came. Had he been used all along?
Chen Tian, unwilling to accept expulsion—especially with a demerit that would ruin his career—saw his chance. He glared at Yu Gan. If he was going down, he’d drag Yu Gan with him.
"Director Nan, I want to report Yu Gan! There was never any tip—he fabricated it to undermine your authority!"
Yu Gan snapped out of his daze. Wasn’t that his line? How had Chen Tian beaten him to it?
"Director Nan, don’t listen to him! He’s lying! I accept your punishment!"
Chen Tian pressed on, "Director, I swear it’s true. Ask Deng Jun and Liu Song—they know Yu Gan told them to arrive late, leaving you waiting in the hallway as a humiliation."
The two, who had been trying to vanish into their desks, cursed Chen Tian inwardly. Was he trying to get all four of them expelled?
Under Nan Sheng’s piercing gaze, they scrambled to confess.
"Director Nan, Chen Tian’s telling the truth! Punish us—demerits, reprimands, anything! Just don’t send us away! We want to work under you!"
"Please, Director Nan! We’ve learned our lesson! With the files still incomplete, give us one more chance!"
Yu Gan slumped in defeat. New leadership, new loyalties. With Director Ou gone, Deng Jun and Liu Song were eager to lick Nan Sheng’s boots. Arguing was pointless.
He resolved to visit the county overnight—maybe there was still hope.
Meanwhile, Nan Sheng delivered her verdict.
"Wen Min, document their confessions and have the three sign it. Deng Jun and Liu Song will receive internal reprimands—one more misstep, and it’s a major demerit.
Chen Tian is transferred to the shared office for a month. If he performs well, he may return.
As for Yu Gan, I’ll report this to the county and let Director Ou decide. Await your notice."
Everyone but Yu Gan thanked her profusely. For Deng Jun and Liu Song, an internal reprimand was just a slap on the wrist—a written self-criticism at most.
Chen Tian, now facing only a month’s transfer, was relieved. If he behaved, he could return.
And so, in this world of consequences, Yu Gan alone bore the brunt of defeat.
If this matter reaches the county authorities, forget about a promotion—he might not even keep his current rank as a junior clerk.
Director Nan truly plays hardball. But Yu Gan is, after all, Director Ou’s subordinate. Doesn’t she fear retaliation?
