The orderly quietly came in, cleared the dishes from the floor, and then replaced them with a fresh set. The Chairman was silent for a long while before turning to me and saying, "I apologize, Xiao Zhao. I became too emotional. These past few days, I've learned of many unpleasant things. In my previous inspections across the regions, local officials colluded in widespread fraud. The common people were forced to memorize the appropriate words to say, and furnishings in their homes had to be returned to the state afterward. Even when a family member passed away, they had to force a smile and tell me falsehoods. It has deeply unsettled me. What exactly has happened to us? Aren't we supposed to be the public servants of the people? Now, who exactly is serving whom! Why are the people afraid to speak a single true word to us!"

For a moment, I didn't know what to say, counting the grains of rice in my bowl and silently sighing for the Chairman. Everyone assumed that as the top leader of the Great Dragon Country, he possessed immense prestige and could do whatever he pleased. They never imagined that he couldn't even achieve a small wish—to hear an honest word.

The Chairman continued, "Among the younger generation, you are the one I value most. You dare to speak and dare to act, your words match your heart, you fear no authority, and you persist with courage. You do not covet wealth or position, and you possess a kind heart. After much deliberation, I believe you are the most suitable person for the position I mentioned."

Such high praise left me slightly dazed. I replied, "Sir, you aren't planning to make me the Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, are you? To be honest, I've already offended enough people. Could you please just let me go back to studying at the university?"

The Chairman ignored my protest and went on, "The Ministry of Supervision and the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection have always shared offices. For years, they haven't accomplished anything substantial. I discussed this with Premier Qiao, and we decided to establish the National Rectification Office based on these existing agencies. Its function will be to combat corruption, anti-bribery efforts, and to discipline official conduct. Any official acting improperly will be subject to its oversight and sanction."

I hesitated, "Wouldn't the Rectification Office effectively supersede other ministries? Will the People's Congress and the State Council approve this?"

The Chairman smiled, "I certainly have my ways. For now, the Rectification Office appears to be a mere nominal body, without real power. Since it serves the cause of official conduct, comrades cannot reasonably object. Even if a few individuals have reservations, they won't express them strongly, as doing so might easily lead to suspicions about their own conduct. Those people think I'm only creating this institution as a facade, a public gesture to show the nation's resolve to clean up officialdom, but without actual power, the Rectification Office won't be able to discipline anyone. With what authority? Who would fear it?"

"Sir, you're just trying to saddle me with another empty title. If you need someone to actually get things done, you should find someone else. This isn't some financial skirmish that ends once the battle is over. I have years of study ahead of me; how can I have time to contend with those corrupt officials?"

The Chairman’s tone became firm, "I've thought it over and over, and you are the only suitable candidate. If any other person were made Director of this office, they couldn't make it work, nor would they have the capacity. This position inherently lacks real authority. To punish officials requires an iron will, and only you are fearless, relying on no existing state apparatus. You won't have to worry about entrenched interests protecting people and refusing to deploy forces to arrest them. You managed the situation in the East District Branch quite well; I believe this position suits you far better."

I spoke plainly, "Come on, Chairman. I finally understand. Ever since the day I met you, you've been calculating against me. Now you want me to mobilize troops and fight battles without the state spending a single cent. I'll do all the dirty work that offends people, and you get all the good reputation. I’m losing out significantly."

The Chairman chuckled, "Haha, that's why they say the older the ginger, the hotter the spice. An ancient saying goes, 'When Heaven is about to confer a great office upon a man, it first exercises his mind with affliction and his sinews with toil.' This is a form of tempering for you, and your future career path will be limitless."

"I really had no intention of pursuing a political career; you're forcing me into it." Then, my tone shifted, becoming righteous and solemn, "Very well, for the interests of the nation and the people, I accept the challenge!"

The Chairman burst out laughing, "Haha, do you like Zhao Benshan's skits too? 'I've taken it!'"

I took the work pass and saw there were two cards. Seeing the text clearly, I said to the Chairman, "Vice Minister of the Ministry of Public Security? You're really generous! You promoted me in the span of a single meal. Honestly, you didn't need to treat me to dinner; you could have just sent someone to deliver this stack of cards and credentials. You had already made up your mind about all the major and minor decisions anyway; I couldn't refuse even if I wanted to."

The Chairman said, "You will eventually appreciate my good intentions. Raising your rank in the Ministry of Public Security is to facilitate the future rectification work. The city bureau level is too small; you will need to travel across the country, and this position suits you better."

I pushed the bowl away, "Then I'll be going, Chairman. Prepare the heavenly soldiers and generals for me. I'll light a few fires to show you when I take office in a few days."

"There are no heavenly soldiers and generals. The Rectification Office, including you, will only have five people. This is another reason why those fellows didn't oppose the formation of this agency."

I stood stunned for a while before blurted out, "You are truly ruthless, making me a lone commander! Fine, I will bring my own forces. I promise not to disgrace you, Sir. I’m leaving now."

The Chairman called after me, "In a few days, there is an enterprise semi-annual summit. I'll take you to meet everyone so you can get acquainted, which will facilitate the upcoming financial defense battles."

After walking out, I turned back because I felt it was absolutely necessary to inform the Chairman about the planned external sale of the Mercury-class submarine, lest it cause an unnecessary misunderstanding.

"What! You intend to sell the Mercury-class nuclear attack submarines abroad! How can this be? I firmly oppose this reckless decision of yours!" As expected, the Chairman's expression changed drastically. If the M Country acquired these submarines, the Great Dragon Country’s already disadvantaged navy would find it even harder to maintain coastal security.

"Sir, please listen to me. It’s because we already possess the Mars-class submarine, which is far more advanced than this one. I give you my solemn vow: I guarantee the security of the southeastern coast. Even if the M Country and R-land had ten thousand such submarines, I would still shatter them."

The Chairman nodded, "It seems I worried unnecessarily. Even if we don't sell them, the M Country will eventually develop them on their own; it’s only a matter of time. I visited the underground Great Wall you are completing in the Northwest Frontier, and now I have complete confidence in you. Work hard. The Great Dragon Country needs people like you to lead. We are old; this world will eventually belong to you young people. Xiao Zhao, remember this one thing: no matter how far technology develops, people are the fundamental basis of world progress, and unity is strength."

What the Chairman said was absolutely correct. Without humanity, all development would lose its meaning, and no matter how great one person’s strength, they remain an individual, small in the context of the world. Therefore, we must unite all forces that can be united, to propel the Chinese nation to the entire world, and to scatter the descendants of the Dragon across the universe.