Summit Farmer
Chapter 1631 - 1629: Still About the Examination

Chapter 1631: Chapter 1629: Still About the Examination

Since the examination began, Tobia Armstrong’s mood had been extremely bleak. He had not anticipated that the examination would turn out this way. It was not just a matter of the examination itself, but it related to the reputation of the Group company—a major issue.

To speak more profoundly, it even concerned his future destiny.

The leadership of the Group company had all gathered in the small conference room. Tobia Armstrong’s gaze swept over everyone as he said gravely, "The Higher-Ups have made a big deal out of our examination process, even bringing in the media. The questions were so difficult, and I think everyone is clear about their intentions."

One of the deputy managers sighed, "They’re fighting their battles up there, why did they have to drag us into it too?" As he spoke, he shook his head incessantly.

Another deputy manager said, "What I’m most worried about now is if we all score zero. If more than a hundred people take the exam and not a single one gets certified, we’d really become infamous. That would be fatal, not just for our reputation, but for the large project we are about to bid on. How would others view our Group company?"

At this point, the discussions among everyone began. They felt helpless about the exam turning out this way.

Tobia Armstrong looked at everyone and said, "The purpose of today’s meeting is to discuss how to resolve this problem. Based on what we’ve assessed, the situation doesn’t look too optimistic, and there’s indeed a real possibility that no one will pass."

Hearing this, everyone’s faces turned gloomy. No matter how much internal strife there was normally, this time it involved the collective interest of the entire Group company.

"Can we get The Higher-Ups to downplay the media coverage?" someone asked.

Shaking his head, Tobia Armstrong said, "You know the situation, both sides are trying to make a statement with this matter."

"Then we’re out of options. The results should be out by tomorrow, and by then it will be too late."

Seeing that everyone was out of ideas, Tobia Armstrong felt the pressure piling up. He had recently transferred to this position, aiming to achieve some results. The purpose of holding such an examination was to strengthen the company’s capacities, but no one had expected to be caught in the crossfire of Upper-Level disputes and used as cannon fodder. If not a single person received certification, it would truly be seen as incompetence.

"Oliver Lewis, do you really think that not a single one of our company’s employees can get certified?" Tobia Armstrong turned to Liam Bridges, the Chief Engineer.

Liam Bridges gave a wry smile and said, "Actually, Samuel Nelson from the Chief Engineer’s office is the one most likely to succeed. There’s also David Pangbourne from the General Manager’s office. They both have put effort into this area. If they’re finding it difficult, I can’t think of anyone else who might succeed in getting certified. Of course, there might still be comrades who can manage it, but overall, I don’t think it looks good."

Liam Bridges was diplomatic in his response, not condemning everyone outright. However, from his words, it was clear to everyone that he was not optimistic about the examination.

When they heard him mention Samuel Nelson, everyone nodded to themselves. Not only did Samuel Nelson have practical skills, but he was also a learned man who had put in significant effort, having started to prepare since the year before last. In this exam, aside from him, there were very few others likely to succeed.

At this moment, Paul Harrison, the Deputy Secretary of the Group, said, "Mr. Armstrong, Media reporters are reportedly stationed at the grading site. It is expected that as soon as the results are out, they will report on it. We won’t be able to stop them."

All Tobia Armstrong could do was give a bitter smile and say, "Everyone, prepare yourselves. We’ve stumbled this time. They are convinced we will all fail. Well, if we’re going to be humiliated, so be it."

After hurriedly arranging some tasks, the meeting was adjourned.

Back in his office, Tobia Armstrong felt completely uneasy. He pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a deep drag, muttering to himself, "Even if just one person gets certified, it could save a bit of face!"

Just then, his cell phone rang. It was one of The Higher-Ups. After a brief conversation, Tobia Armstrong shook his head again. The Higher-Up had made it clear that even if only one person could get certified, it would minimize the impact on the company’s reputation.

However, thinking about what the Chief Engineer had implied at the meeting today, Tobia Armstrong knew such wishes were difficult to fulfill. The questions had been set with a specific target in mind, eliminating all chances, the purpose being to slap the face of the leader who had agreed to the special exam session. It was meant to undermine that person’s prestige. If indeed no one got certified, how would his own supporters and everyone else view him?

Frowning deeply, Tobia Armstrong’s thoughts weighed heavily on him.

One could not deny that this examination had become an issue affecting various aspects of the development of the Group company. Ever since Tobia Armstrong had called the meeting, everyone from top to bottom had been paying attention to the examination, with speculations and discussions in private increasing.

At this point, everyone suddenly thought of Peter Brown, who had been the first to hand in his test paper.

"Who exactly arranged for Peter to take the exam?" someone asked.

Some people subtly pointed towards the Chief Engineer’s office and said, "It was Hadley, yeah!"

"Hadley, huh." The crowd chuckled at this point, knowing that if the person recommended by Hadley didn’t perform well, given Mr. Armstrong’s temper, Hadley might be in for trouble.

"A migrant worker turned director of the Integrated Office, with no exposure to specialized work—and he thinks he can get a certificate just like that? This time he’s made a fool of himself, hasn’t he?"

"Exactly. Hadley’s such a shrewd man, yet he’s made such a move this time. Looks like he’s going to face the music. Just wait and see, once the results are out, Hadley’s going to get a dressing-down, bringing in just anybody to take the exam."

"I heard that Peter is Hadley’s trusted follower."

"Trusted follower or not, this exam involves disputes at the Upper Level. Hadley has unwittingly gotten wrapped up in them, heh."

Those who didn’t get along with Henry Ford chuckled to themselves, certain that Peter stood no chance of getting certified.

"How many points do you think that lad can score?"

"Score points? I heard he was the first to hand in the test paper—probably couldn’t even understand the questions."

"Right. If that’s indeed the case, there’s no way he could perform well. Just don’t score zero. If he does, Hadley will really be in a tight spot."

The discussions reached Henry Ford, and upon hearing what everyone was saying, he too was filled with trepidation. He hadn’t expected such a simple examination to lead to so many issues. If indeed no one obtained certification, Peter’s case would not please Mr. Armstrong. If things escalated to that extent, it would be to his own detriment.

Yet, Henry Ford also harbored a glimmer of hope; he had gone to great lengths to help Peter, hoping that Peter’s supporters would provide him with some backing.

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