The crowd’s gazes shifted, and they all took in the three people who had just entered.
Xu Rou and Gao Meng were fine. After all, they were two cute girls.
Normally, people would be more accommodating to them. But Song Qiao was a different story.
Everyone knew he had gotten into the Security Department without any formal procedures.
In simple terms, he had gotten in through the back door.
Coupled with various rumors that had circulated before, people already held a measure of disdain for this young man who had been specially recruited.
“The assessment is still ongoing. Why is this guy bringing his family?”
“What do you mean bringing his family? Don’t talk nonsense! Don’t you even know the person in front is Xu Rou?”
“Have you heard of Mo Ling? That person is her subordinate!”
“So that’s how it is. I take back what I just said.”
“But why is Mo Ling here? Hey!”
These people knew very well what Mo Ling’s capabilities were, and they naturally admired her.
But when they took another look at Song Qiao…
Whether they were examiners or other staff members present, they all felt that even a shrewd girl like Mo Ling had days where she acted foolishly.
If she wasn’t acting foolishly, how could she have specially recruited this kind of person into the Security Department?
Of course, they were more inclined to believe that Mo Ling had some pressure or difficulties from her superiors.
It was only because she had no other choice that she had let Song Qiao through.
The three of them paid no mind to the discussions.
Having brought Song Qiao in, Xu Rou was also fulfilling her responsibility.
She began to explain the entire assessment and some details that needed attention.
“The assessment for the Security Department is divided into four stages.”
“You should know the format of progressing through the stages. There are three examiners and one chief examiner.”
“Only upon approval from the examiner of the previous stage can one proceed to the next.”
Song Qiao listened patiently by the side and asked at the opportune moment.
“Then who is the chief examiner?”
“Su Fan.”
Xu Rou carefully scanned the surroundings and continued.
“You need to pay special attention to this Su Fan. The first three examiners are just filler, brought in by the Security Department to make up the numbers.”
“After all, the final stage is what the entire assessment values most.”
“As for the assessment method, it’s also very simple. Do you see that platform?”
Following the direction of Xu Rou’s finger, Song Qiao nodded slightly.
“The martial arts arena? This is interesting.”
He had initially thought that the Security Department’s assessment would be something novel.
He hadn't expected it to be the same old martial combat.
In this regard, Song Qiao’s face showed immense confidence.
Just as he was about to step onto the martial arts arena, he heard the sound of footsteps on the stairs.
“When did I also become a filler?”
The voice was stern and imposing, and the footsteps sounded steady and heavy.
“Whose voice is this?”
“Could it be… him!”
The moment the voice sounded, everyone in the venue suddenly looked up.
They saw that the person had already crossed the steps and was standing on the martial arts arena.
He was currently looking down at Xu Rou and Song Qiao below, his slightly raised eyebrows indicating a hint of displeasure.
It was none other than Xue Zhifeng!
“It really is him!”
“Why is he appearing in the first round?”
“This kid looks like he’s in for it…”
Gao Meng looked up at Xue Zhifeng and whispered into Song Qiao’s ear.
“Master, is this person practicing Tai Chi?”
“Oh?” Song Qiao was slightly surprised. “Tell me, what have you observed?”
Gao Meng pouted and replied, “I feel he has a lot of soft power.”
“But it’s not a fragile feeling, rather a hidden strength!”
Song Qiao was indeed surprised that Gao Meng could see these things after just one glance.
As her master, he was naturally deeply pleased. He smiled and nodded in praise.
“Well said! Remember to watch closely later.”
“What time is it and you’re still talking about this!” Xu Rou gave Song Qiao a look of exasperation.
Seeing Xue Zhifeng appear on the martial arts arena first, she was equally surprised.
Because, as far as she knew, Xue Zhifeng was supposed to be responsible for the third round of the assessment.
According to common sense, they would have to face him sooner or later anyway, so just swapping the order wasn't entirely unreasonable.
However, Xu Rou could sense that he was here with ill intentions!
Furthermore, Song Qiao was about to undergo martial combat.
Therefore, he needed to plan meticulously for each round of the assessment, without excessive consumption of energy.
He couldn't afford to be thrown off balance by his opponent's tactics.
And Tai Chi precisely emphasized the balance between tactics and control!
The reason for the sudden change in order, with Xue Zhifeng as the first opponent for Song Qiao, was self-evident!
Although Xu Rou and Song Qiao had always been at odds, she, being fair and just, felt indignant for Song Qiao at this moment.
“Examiner Xue, I’d like to ask why the order has been suddenly changed?”
“This is unreasonable and not in accordance with procedure!”
Heh heh.
Xue Zhifeng glanced down at Xu Rou and sneered.
“This is a qualification assessment for the Security Department. Of course, we examiners must monitor it strictly!”
“If we allow certain unqualified individuals to take advantage, what will the Security Department become in the future?”
“A retirement home for minor officials!”
Towards the end, Xue Zhifeng deliberately paused his gaze on Song Qiao.
Judging by his demeanor, he probably didn't want anyone to miss who he was talking about.
Hahahaha.
Ahem.
Although the joke wasn’t funny, considering Xue Zhifeng’s status and his contempt for Song Qiao, the onlookers were very supportive and burst into laughter.
For a moment, the atmosphere in the normally serious assessment site was exceptionally jovial.
Xu Rou was not affected by the crowd’s mockery. She maintained her stance.
“Even if the order is changed on the spur of the moment, I still need to seek approval from my superiors.”
“If she doesn’t agree, then this assessment will need to be discussed further!”
Saying this, Xu Rou took out her phone to inform Mo Ling about the situation.
However, at that moment, to everyone’s surprise, Song Qiao, who had been silent all this while, raised his hand to stop her!
He raised one hand and placed it in front of Xu Rou, calmly saying.
“It doesn’t matter. Let’s do it this way. The sooner it’s done, the sooner it’s over!”