LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 12:
Chapter 12: Successful Recruitment:
Lin Keqing entered the second round of interviews without any expectations, which helped her stay calm and composed.
She maintained a positive attitude and confidently answered all the questions the interviewers asked to assess her abilities.
Her academic record had always been excellent, earning her scholarships every year. With her solid theoretical foundation, she navigated through the questions effortlessly.
When the second round concluded, many candidates were eliminated. Only five were left, and Lin Keqing was one of them.
The other candidates, all experienced professionals, were surprised to see someone as young and seemingly inexperienced as Lin Keqing among the finalists. Even Lin Keqing herself found it hard to believe.
One of the interviewers, noticing the mix of emotions among the remaining candidates, addressed them. “At Zhenxing Group, we don’t prioritize seniority or work experience in our recruitment process. Our president believes that while experienced individuals often have rigid ideas, those with less experience may bring fresh perspectives. So, whether you’re highly qualified or less experienced, don’t let this affect your confidence.”
These words reflected the values of Zhenxing Group, where principles mattered more than conventional standards. This philosophy aligned with the company’s president, Wang Zhenxing, who was admired across the organization for his inspiring leadership and integrity.
Soon, it was time for the final round of interviews.
…
In the CEO’s office, Wang Zhenxing was reviewing some documents when a female deputy manager from the HR department came in to report on the secretary recruitment process.
Although he wasn’t personally involved in the interviews, he listened carefully.
“We have a candidate who scored the highest—Lin Keqing, a business administration major about to graduate,” the deputy manager reported.
“Hmm, a college student with the top score?” Wang Zhenxing raised an eyebrow but wasn’t entirely surprised.
He understood the company’s rigorous interview process, which included an undisclosed moral character test. At Zhenxing Group, integrity was a cornerstone value, and every candidate had to demonstrate it during the final interview stage.
This test was subtle. On the way to the interview room, candidates might encounter scenarios designed to gauge their character—such as helping a cleaning lady who had “twisted her ankle” or noticing an overturned trash can.
As someone with a kind and selfless nature, Lin Keqing naturally passed this test. During her interview, she assisted an employee feigning dizziness from “hypoglycemia,” even though it delayed her arrival. While this act could have jeopardized her chances, it demonstrated her genuine compassion.
Moral character accounted for a significant portion of the overall score. Combined with her excellent theoretical knowledge, Lin Keqing’s performance secured the highest score among all candidates.
The deputy manager asked, “Mr. Wang, who should we choose for this position?”
Typically, the top scorer would be hired automatically. However, since the position was directly under the president, his input was essential.
“Follow the company’s standard procedures,” Wang Zhenxing instructed.
“Yes, Mr. Wang,” the deputy manager replied and exited the office.
…
In the HR department, Lin Keqing and the other four finalists waited anxiously for the results.
The four others, all seasoned professionals with over five years of experience, seemed confident they would be selected. Lin Keqing, on the other hand, felt the opposite.
She replayed the final interview in her mind, particularly the delay caused by helping the “dizzy” employee. The interviewers’ expressions had been less than encouraging.
“It’s impossible for me to get the job,” she thought, resigning herself to the outcome. Out of courtesy, she stayed to hear the results but was already planning her next meal, as she hadn’t had breakfast.
“Who is Lin Keqing?” an HR staff member called out.
Startled, Lin Keqing raised her hand. “That’s me.”
“You’ve been hired,” the staff member informed her.
Lin Keqing blinked, processing the words. “Wait… What did you just say?”
“You’ve been hired. Please report to HR for the next steps.”
“I… got the job?” she stammered, struggling to believe it.
The other four candidates were equally shocked. How could a fresh graduate with no professional experience be chosen over them?
Dissatisfied, they began protesting and accusing the company of favoritism. An HR deputy manager stepped in to address the situation.
“In terms of experience, you’re all exceptional,” the manager began. “But at Zhenxing Group, we prioritize responsibility and integrity over qualifications. Our president often says, ‘You can recover lost money, but losing your conscience is irreparable.’”
The room fell silent as the rejected candidates reflected on their behavior during the interview process. They remembered the moral test scenarios they had encountered—and failed to respond to appropriately.
…
Meanwhile, Lin Keqing’s initial disbelief turned into admiration for Zhenxing Group and its president. “A company that values integrity above all else—this is where I want to work,” she thought.
Her respect for Mr. Wang grew deeper.
…
[The heroine Lin Keqing’s favorability toward the host has increased by +2. Current favorability: 37 (friendly).]
[The host has successfully intercepted the protagonist Qin Yi by recruiting the heroine Lin Keqing, altering the plot. The protagonist Qin Yi’s luck value decreased by -30, and the host’s luck value increased by +30.
Satisfied with the system’s notification, a sly smile crossed Wang Zhenxing’s face. The plan was progressing smoothly.]