Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups Chapter 1224 - 594: Subconscious Stress Test (Part 2)

"The emergency medicine you hold is only enough to save one life. Whom will you choose to save?"

This is a typical moral dilemma, often employed in cinematic narratives to probe the depths of human nature, serving as a challenging test.

Choosing to save the captain represents loyalty and adherence to principles, yet it might risk the loss of crucial intelligence and potentially lead to a significant catastrophe.

Saving the criminal, conversely, might indicate a broader perspective, but it would undoubtedly cast the rescuer as cold-hearted and disloyal, abandoning their comrades in their time of need.

Consequently, there exists no universally correct answer to this predicament.

The appropriate response hinges entirely on the questioner's intent and the specific aspect of character they aim to evaluate.

Without a moment's hesitation, Fang Cheng calmly stated:

"I will save the captain."

"And why is that?"

The elder examiner, his brow slightly furrowed, inquired with a stern tone.

"I am a physician, not a military strategist, nor an expert in interrogation," Fang Cheng responded.

Fang Cheng articulated his reasoning with a steady voice, his conviction unwavering: "On the battlefield, my foremost responsibility is to preserve the lives of our fighting personnel."

"Intelligence gathering is the purview of the intelligence division. While the criminal might reveal some information before expiring, my comrade, once lost, is lost forever."

Upon hearing this, a fleeting glint of admiration, almost imperceptible, flickered in the elder examiner's eyes.

He quickly concealed it, his tone intensifying: "What if your superior commands you to treat a nobleman who has committed murder, yet was acquitted? You are obligated to cure him, enabling his escape from legal retribution and freeing him from the affliction of illness. What would you do then?"

Fang Cheng's brow furrowed slightly, appearing to be deep in a strenuous internal debate.

After a brief pause, he exhused a sigh and replied: "I would obey the order and exert my utmost effort to heal him."

Without allowing the examiner to press further, he continued: "The Special Search Team operates under strict discipline; adherence to orders is a fundamental duty. As a subordinate, I do not possess the authority to question the decisions of my superiors."

"However, I would implement corrective actions once the treatment is concluded..."

At this juncture, Fang Cheng halted, offering a pragmatic elaboration: "For instance, I would promptly submit my resignation and file a formal report, using my real name, with the relevant inspection department."

This reply effectively showcased both his personal ethical boundaries and his comprehension of the critical importance of obeying directives and maintaining team discipline.

"Intriguing."

The elder examiner leaned back, his demeanor visibly softening.

Nevertheless, he immediately proceeded to pose an even more formidable question than the previous ones.

"Suppose..."

He fixed his gaze upon Fang Cheng, his voice deepening with an enigmatic resonance: "Imagine you one day discover that your father is a notorious serial murderer or an operative of a subversive organization."

"Would you experience guilt due to the blood that runs in your veins? How would you navigate the disgrace associated with such biological family ties?"

The instant this question was voiced, the atmosphere in the room grew palpably tense.

Fang Cheng's heart gave a jolt.

He sensed this was more than a hypothetical scenario; it carried the weight of a veiled, ulterior motive.

His eyes narrowed slightly as a multitude of possibilities raced through his mind.

He also recalled his father, who had been officially declared deceased many years prior, and the lingering uncertainties surrounding the Guangwu Gate shooting incident.

Taking a profound breath, Fang Cheng's expression settled into one of measured solemnity and resolute determination: "Blood relation is a matter of destiny, yet destiny is not immutable. The path one treads in life, and the choices made, are largely within one's own control."

"I shall not bear the shame of my relative's transgressions, for I have not partaken in their wickedness."

"Should such a day arise, out of both filial duty and personal conviction, my first course of action would be to confront him directly and seek confirmation face-to-face."

"Provided the evidence is irrefutable, I would personally apprehend him and deliver him to the authorities for judgment."

"For it is only by severing the continuation of such iniquity that the greatest form of redemption, both for him and for myself, can be achieved."

Following his declaration, a brief, profound silence enveloped the room.

The elder examiner's face, partially obscured by shadow, finally revealed an unmistakable expression of approval.

He then retrieved a pen and made a substantial mark on the scoring sheet.

This individual was Chen Bingzhong, the former deputy director of the intelligence department within the Special Search Team, a designated Special-level Investigator, and a comrade of Shi Chengyi for several decades.

Just two days prior, Shi Chengyi had paid him a personal visit, extending his regards.

He had mentioned that a promising candidate was participating in the current recruitment examination, a young man possessing astonishing martial arts aptitude.

He had requested Chen Bingzhong to discreetly observe the young man, within the permissible bounds of the regulations, should they encounter each other.

Chen Bingzhong harbored a deep disdain for such preferential treatment and backroom dealings.

His initial intention was that if the young man proved to be merely superficially appealing, he would dismiss him outright, regardless of Shi Chengyi's endorsement.

Consequently, he deliberately escalated the complexity of the questions, aiming to expose any latent darkness within the young man's character.

To his surprise, this young man, identified as Fang Cheng, had performed exceptionally well.

Possessing a calm and collected manner, coupled with logic that was precise and sharp, this young individual displayed a maturity and clarity of thought far surpassing his years.

Even in his own youth, he doubted he possessed such self-control, let alone the current generation.

Unless the boy exhibited pronounced anti-social personality tendencies, he was truly prepared to bestow the coveted "excellent" rating.

"The question and answer segment has concluded,"

Chen Bingzhong declared, setting aside his scoring sheet with a casual motion, his normally stern voice now considerably gentler.

"We now proceed to the second phase: the test of subconscious stress, referred to within the Special Search Team as 'Illusion Realm' training."

The junior examiner standing nearby promptly rose, pivoted, and opened the metallic cabinet situated behind them.

Retrieving a helmet adorned with sensor pads and thick black wires, he approached Fang Cheng, gesturing for him to don the device.

Chen Bingzhong extended his right hand, indicating the ancient bronze bell resting on the table, and explained clearly,

"I will strike this bell shortly. Your objective, while wearing the helmet, is to remain conscious. The longer you can resist succumbing, the greater your score."