Philip bowed respectfully and smiled. “I’m surprised by your visit, Father. I’m sorry I didn’t greet you when you arrived.”“I heard you passed the first round of the selection for the CEO position at Star Company and achieved the highest score among all the participants. However, you must not be too proud of that achievement, Philip. Your score is only five points higher than Lily Donteno’s. I don’t want you to get complacent and lose your position.”Pedro stood up from his chair and grabbed Philip’s chin. “Out of all my sons, you are the weakest. When your oldest brother was your age, he had already achieved an exceptional position. If you can’t follow in your brothers’ footsteps, at the very least, don’t embarrass me.”Philip felt a tightness in his chest. His father always compared him to his other brothers without ever giving him any appreciation for his accomplishments. He would be punished if he failed, and never acknowledged. “I understand, Father.” Philip nodded as Pedro let
"You have thirty minutes to prepare yourselves," Paul said. Paul and a few employees left the room. The candidates appeared to be getting ready, starting to speculate about the task they would need to complete. Althon observed all the candidates through the hologram screen while pretending to prepare himself. "They began preparing right after Paul and the Star Company employees left. I must commend their attitude. Randy also seems focused on his preparation. It’s like he's a completely different person." Philip glanced at Althon, smirking. "I hate seeing him so serious. No matter how hard he tries, he won’t be able to change anything. He’ll still be eliminated in the second test. I’m sure of it." Half an hour later, Paul and the employees re-entered the room. All the candidates stood at their respective seats, ready. "Each candidate will enter a different room at the same time. You must pass this test well. Just like in the first stage, there is a minimum score you need to a
Althon observed each candidate's performance in his room. "They still put on a great performance. They are very calm under pressure. Yes, they must be used to it."Althon clenched his fists tightly, watching all the candidates' performances until the end. "I need to go back undercover."Althon signaled Paul. Paul bowed, speaking to the candidates through the screen. "Ladies and gentlemen, all candidates should return to the room to rest. The next test will be held after lunch. Thank you."The candidates returned to the room one by one. They chatted about the second test, and the waiters began to arrive with food and drinks. Lily let out a long breath and took a glass of drink. "I did my best so far. The second test wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, either. However, I feel that these two tests are not real tests.""Do you think so, Lily?" asked Philip as he took the drink, smiling. "I was thinking the same thing as you. We're used to speaking in front of academics and director
Paul pressed a button. The screen displayed the names of the candidates moving randomly. A large number instantly appeared in the center of the screen. "The minimum score for the second stage of the exam is nine hundred. Candidates who score less than nine hundred automatically fail."The candidates' names continued to move randomly until they were finally listed in order according to their scores. Philip, Lily, Randy, and the other candidates stared at the screen unblinkingly for some time. Philip smiled as he came in first place. Lily was in second place with a very slim point difference with Philip, while Randy was in fourth place. All the candidates instantly turned to Althon. The man had scored nine hundred and thirty-two points and was in last place, one point behind a candidate."Shit! That idiot qualified for the next stage again. Even though he came in last place, his score almost equaled one of the candidates." Philip clenched his fists tightly. "I wonder how he performed
Arnold was still busy reviewing a few documents. He turned toward the door when someone spoke. "Come in."A man entered the room, giving a slight bow. "I've come as ordered, sir."Arnold exhaled deeply, straightening some papers. "I hope you've got good news this time.""I'm really sorry, sir, but I have bad news. I still couldn't convince Mr. Sean to serve under you. He slapped me and harshly scolded me."Arnold let out an annoyed grunt, slammed his fist on the table, and stood up from his chair. "Looks like I'll have to speak to him personally. Unfortunately, I'm too busy at the moment."Arnold sneered. "That ungrateful brat! Just because my father spoiled him a little, he thinks he can do whatever he wants, as if I'm not the rightful heir. If he doesn't bow to me soon, he'll be the first I take down."Arnold walked to the window, staring out at the city. He was exhausted from going through document after document, ensuring everything ran smoothly. He knew how lucky he was to have t
The night was getting late, and the city center was getting crowded, with hooligans popping up in several spots. In some alleyways, men were beating hooligans to the ground. Some punks ran away and were almost hit by cars several times. Riots broke out at several points in the city center. Some men continue to approach the crowd of hooligans, asking about the whereabouts of the leaders of the punks who disappeared a few days ago. If they couldn't answer, they were punching bags and had to sleep in the cold night and muddy streets. Sonny, Ling, Lung, and Lex hid in a warehouse. Several loaves of bread were scattered on the floor. They lay on wooden boxes and haystacks, lost in their reverie. Their lives had changed drastically after the group's appearance. Sonny got up from his chair and approached the window, observing the dimly lit outside. He scrambled to hide as some hooligans ran through the rickshaw-strewn streets. Sonny was surprised to hear the chatter of the two hooligans
All the candidates looked ready to listen to the third day's exam directions. Some employees gave each candidate a watch. Paul and several Star Company employees stood before the candidates, smiling. "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I'm thrilled to see you today. You performed with great vigor. You have proven that you have the screen to be Star Company's CEO candidate.""I'm sure you've realized the purpose of the two exams you've already passed." Paul smiled. "The third exam will be very different from the first and second."Paul clapped his hands. The trucks immediately entered the gate and lined up neatly behind all the candidates. Philip, Lily, Randy, and the other candidates were shocked and began to wonder. Not long after, fifty uniformed people exited the truck and lined up beside the vehicles. Philip smiled, clenching his fists tightly. "What exactly is Mr. Paul planning? I have to be the best candidate in this test." "I can't for the life of me guess what's going to
The group of cars began to leave the gate, speeding through the forest. Ryan observed his troops departing on the terrace, glancing around for a moment. "I didn't see those masked men today," he said.Ryan grunted in annoyance, entering the car. He opened the window, contacting Ronny. "You and the others should make sure that all members arrive safely, Ronny. You and the others must also report the slightest oddity.""I understand, Dad," Ronny replied as he scanned the shrinking building. He gritted his teeth when he saw a masked man standing on a tree branch. "Damn! I'm still upset about the masked man who fought with Dad. He deliberately gave in so Dad'd be furious."Ronny glanced at Gon, who looked severe with his cell phone. "Why are you so serious just looking at your stupid cell phone, Gon?""One of my subordinates sent a message that those bastards have completely left the various cities. Their Boss named Draco is probably dead. The punks said that our allies defeated him.""O