The Nepotism You See Is Actually an Anti-Corruption Mole

Urban Workplace + Anti-Corruption + Satisfying Comeback

At the company awards ceremony, my boss patted me on the shoulder. “Chen, ten years as an outstanding employee. You’re the backbone of this company!”

Thunderous applause filled the room. I clutched my tenth certificate, my nails digging into my palm.

After the meeting, word spread across the construction site that Li Qiang, who had connections, was being promoted to project manager.

I squatted at a roadside stall, picking at greasy fried noodles, and screamed at the air, “What good is being named outstanding every year?”

The middle-aged man eating beside me suddenly chimed in. “That’s how things are these days if you don’t have connections.”

He glanced at my company ID. “Hongyuan Construction? I’ve heard of them. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes.”

A few days later, the subcontractor I’d reported for cutting corners was raided and shut down overnight.

My phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number read, “You’ve got someone up top now. How does it feel?”