One day...
Two days...
Three days...
In the blink of an eye, a week had passed.
Because the "BACK" ability had played such a crucial role in the written exam, Johny Lee didn't waste his daily charge during these quiet days.
instead, he treated it like a muscle, experimenting and researching it from every possible angle.
If he planned to use time reversal to change his impoverished life, he had to master it completely.
After multiple experiments, the results were a mix of relief and concern.
Rule #1: Trigger Mechanism.
He found that using words like "return," "go back," or "back" in casual conversation didn't trigger the power.
Even thinking them didn't work unless he had specific intent.
Time would only reverse when Johny consciously willed it to happen while silently reciting the command key.
Rule #2: Recharge Cycle.
"BACK" appeared to be a renewable resource.
As soon as the clock struck midnight, a new charge became available without exception. However, there was a limitation: he couldn't "double dip."
If he used the power at 12:01 AM to go back to 11:59 PM the previous day, he didn't get a second charge when midnight passed again a minute later.
The universe, it seemed, had checks and balances.
Rule #3: Physical Disorientation.
This was the most dangerous finding.
Johny couldn't physically adapt to the sudden shift in time.
If he was sitting still, it was fine. But if he had been walking, talking, or moving a minute prior to the jump, his body wouldn't react immediately upon returning.
He would experience a moment of severe vertigo....a "lag."
This meant he had to be extremely careful.
If he used "BACK" in the middle of a busy street and couldn't stand steadily, he might save himself from a social blunder only to be hit by a bus.
Still, after days of practice, Johny had adapted.
He didn't fall over every time anymore.
Aside from testing his powers, Johny hadn't neglected his interview prep.
He spent almost ten hours a day researching and memorizing.
He devoured information on government regulations, financial rules, and bureaucratic etiquette.
He absorbed as much as he could; in the interview room, knowledge was ammunition.
Current Day
In the living room, Sarah and Maggi were forcing smiles, trying to keep the atmosphere light.
Although they were deeply disappointed that Johny had presumably failed the civil service exam, they hadn't mentioned it once in the past few days.
They were walking on eggshells, hoping to help him get out of his slump.
"Hey, Johny, look at that hippo on TV!
Why does it look so goofy?"
"Exactly, look at those teeth! Hahaha..."
"Oh dear, I've never seen a parrot like that. Africa really has too many bird species."
Watching his mother and Maggi trying so hard to entertain him, Johny ruffled his messy hair and gave a wry smile.
"Mom, Maggi, you guys watch TV. I'm going back to my room to study."
Sarah looked at her son with worry. "The national exam is still a long way off. Take a proper break.
Don't push yourself too hard."
Johny hummed a non-committal agreement.
Maggi uncrossed her long legs and leaned forward, gently stroking the back of his head with a hint of playfulness.
"You've been cooped up in your room alone for days; it's not healthy. Come on, sit with us. Watch Animal World and rest your eyes. Dinner will be ready soon.
I'll personally cook you something delicious later.
Just tell me what you want to eat, okay?"
"Uh-huh. Okay."
Secretly glancing at the hint of cleavage visible down Maggi's collar, Johny's throat bobbed.
He quickly looked away, feeling the heat rise in his neck.
Ring, ring, ring.
His phone buzzed on the table.
"I'll take this first."
Johny saw it was an unfamiliar number. He walked over to the window where a pot of begonias sat, picking up the phone.
"Hello?"
"Hello, may I speak to Johny Lee?"
It was a female voice on the other end..professional, soft, yet authoritative.
"Oh, this is him. May I ask who's calling?"
Johny held the phone between his shoulder and ear. He picked up a spray bottle and idly spritzed water onto the begonia leaves. The mist condensed into droplets on the large green and red leaves, dripping rhythmically into the dry soil.
The voice on the other end spoke clearly. "This is the Political Department of the Municipal State Security Bureau.
Because of the special nature of our department, we do not have an official public website, and applicant results are not posted online.
Therefore, we are notifying candidates regarding the interview stage by phone. Please find a pen and paper to record the details."
The caller used polite, formal phrasing, maintaining the dignity of a government official.
Johny froze, the spray bottle pausing mid-air. It took a second for the words to register.
"Ah... please wait! Please wait one second!"
Sarah, watching from the sofa, asked suspiciously, "Johny, who is it?"
Johny gestured wildly at them, his eyes wide. "Mom! Pen! I need a pen and paper! Quick!"
Maggi blinked, realizing the urgency. She bent down and grabbed a ballpoint pen and a supermarket flyer from under the coffee table. "I don't see any white paper... is this okay?"
"Yes, yes, thank you!"
Johny slapped the supermarket flyer onto the windowsill and spoke into the phone, his voice trembling slightly.
"Sorry to keep you waiting.
Please go ahead."
After a brief pause, the woman continued.
"It's like this: Your written exam score has successfully passed the interview cutoff line. Your total score currently ranks fourth among all interviewees for the department."
Johny's heart hammered against his ribs.
"The day after tomorrow, at 9:00 AM sharp, please proceed to the waiting room of the Municipal Personnel Bureau for your interview.
The address is Room 2216, 22nd Floor, White Cloud Times Building, No. A5, Lianhuachi East Road, West District..."
Johny scribbled furiously on the back of the flyer. "Okay, Room 2216. Got it, Thank you....Thank you!"
The woman added a few instructions regarding required ID documents and dress code before hanging up.
Johny stood there for a moment, staring at the phone.
He was shaking with excitement.
He turned around and shoved the phone into his pocket, trying to keep his face neutral. "Mom, I have to go out the day after tomorrow morning for something.
Please remember to wake me up early.
I can't be late."
Sarah asked, confused, "What are you doing the day after tomorrow?
Why do you look so happy?"
Johny suppressed a grin. "I'll tell you then. I'm going back to my room now to... uh... review my studies."
He rushed back into his bedroom and closed the door.
In the living room, Maggi nudged Sarah and nodded toward the closed door.
"Do you think Johny found a job?"
"Maybe." Sarah nodded, relieved.
"It's good to find a job.
Staying home brooding isn't a solution." She sighed, looking back at the TV. "I just hope he can pass the national exam next year."
Back in the bedroom.
Johny carefully tore the section with the address off the supermarket flyer. He folded it twice and tucked it securely into his wallet.
He looked up at the stack of interview prep books on his desk.
Fourth place?
It was a bit lower than he expected, given that he had cheated with near-perfect accuracy.
It seemed the competition for the State Security Bureau was fierce this year, there were some true geniuses applying.
He clenched his fist tightly.
Finally, the day has arrived.
Johny, oh Johny... You must pass this interview!!
Authors Note;-
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