REBORN TO RULE

You Can Try, But I'm Ready

The administration building of Johns Hopkins University's School of Medicine was never tranquil—even outside of recruitment season. But today, the atmosphere was more tense than usual.

The recruitment process for the specialist program could change many people's lives and futures.

Candidates moved quickly across the glossy gray marble floor. Some carried folders of documents, while others just tried to hide their nervousness behind stiff smiles. A digital announcement board in the waiting room displayed interview numbers and room assignments.

Luke sat upright in his chair, wearing a navy blue suit that his father had carefully prepared since the day his exam results came out. He held a black folder in his hands containing certificates, USMLE scores, and reports from his social service activities.

But his initial calm slowly crumbled when he saw a middle-aged man confidently enter the main interview room.

The man stood tall, with a broad build, neatly combed silver hair, and a piercing gaze that was hard to ignore. Luke furrowed his brow and instinctively raised his folder to cover his face—hiding while frowning.

"Rufus?" he muttered, startled. He didn't expect to see Rufus here.

Rufus headed the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which funded hospitals and residency programs. He had no reason to conduct interviews for student admissions at Johns Hopkins.

Yet Luke's lips twisted into a bitter smile. He knew Rufus's presence had something to do with him. Rufus came to decide his fate—reminding him that Luke's life still rested in the palm of his hand.

Luke had applied for the specialist program and a scholarship, partly funded by CMS. Rufus had the power to influence the outcome of today's interview.

"Mr. Rufus, we… didn't know you would lead today's session," one of the professors, also serving as an interviewer, stepped out of the room and greeted him.

"I just want to make sure the process is fair," Rufus replied shortly, then took a file from a staff member. His eyes scanned the list of names and stopped at one line.

Luke Anderson.

A faint smirk formed at the corner of his lips. "I'll personally observe candidate number 17."

The professor swallowed hard and didn't dare to object.

---

"That's bad," Ryan said.

He sat across from his son James, pointing at the chessboard between them. They were playing chess in Ryan's luxurious home.

A high-end wooden board stretched between them. The white pieces had already made their way halfway across. Ryan sighed and shook his head.

"James, you've exposed your king completely in just three moves. You rushed the rook trade," Ryan said, moving his knight to G5.

James rubbed his face in frustration. "Dad, I'm a cop, not a chess grandmaster."

"Luke plays better than you," Ryan said casually, chuckling.

"I'm starting to worry," James muttered.

"He's not my son. You don't need to be jealous," Ryan smiles. Of course, he wouldn't trade his son for anyone.

"It's not jealousy," James retorted. "I'm worried about his motives. If Luke is as smart as you say he is, aren't you worried he's just playing the part you want to see? Maybe this is all part of his plan.”

Ryan nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe. But if he's playing a part, he's the finest actor I've ever met. Isn't that impressive in itself?"

He didn't feel threatened, even if James's guess was correct. "But my gut says he's genuine. And I've hidden my identity well. He doesn't know who I really am."

James still looked skeptical. "What if the system tricks him again? Rufus Davis still holds power. And Luke is close to Emma…"

"I've prepared for everything," Ryan said with a calm smile. "Today, Aaron will be there. He has enough influence to keep Rufus from pulling any tricks."

---

"Luke Anderson!"

Luke stood and entered Room 3. The first person he saw was Rufus—sitting with his arms crossed. Intimidating, but Luke wouldn't back down.

"Please, have a seat, Mr. Anderson," Rufus said flatly. He didn't seem hostile—at least not openly.

Luke responded politely and sat upright.

Rufus skimmed through Luke's file before setting it down. "I heard you received a special recommendation from the police. Do you happen to know someone there?"

His tone sounded casual, but his eyes closely watched Luke's expression.

Luke raised an eyebrow. "I'm not aware of that. I've participated in some social initiatives and once researched aid distribution cases. Maybe someone noticed my efforts."

Rufus grinned slightly, pleased by what he saw as an evasive answer. "So, you don't have any formal background with law enforcement?"

"I never claimed to," Luke replied calmly. "I'm only answering your rather confusing question. You're the one who brought it up."

He threw the misplaced accusation back at Rufus without losing his composure.

Rufus leaned back in his chair. "I mentioned it because there are several records about you. You all see them too, right?" he asked, glancing at the other interviewers.

They all nodded while looking at Luke's file. Of course, there were no such records—but if Rufus claimed there were, they had to play along. It wasn't wise to oppose the man who could cut their operational budget.

"Many people want to build their careers honestly. But it seems you chose the shortcut—sucking up to those in power," Rufus sneered.

Luke forced a thin smile, holding back his anger at the slander.

"A shortcut wouldn't have gotten me this far, Sir. Without an easy path, I wouldn't have studied like hell for the USMLE. I'm here because I worked for it—not because I clung to someone's name."

Rufus narrowed his eyes, irritated by the sharp reply. He couldn't accuse Luke of cheating on the USMLE—it would involve too many organizations beyond his reach. He hadn't calculated that risk.

He gestured for another examiner to begin the technical questions. For the next ten minutes, Luke answered every medical and ethical question with clarity and precision. Some panelists even jotted down his responses, impressed by the insightful points he raised—ones that could offer breakthroughs in the medical field.

But just as Luke explained his case analysis method for metabolic disorders, Rufus interrupted.

"Are you sure you're suited for surgery? Your grades might be good, but I've seen notes about you falling asleep during residency shifts. That's dangerous for patient care."

Luke almost scoffed at the fabricated claim. What doctor hasn't felt sleepy during residency?

Resident shifts often exceeded 25 hours. He couldn't deny dozing off while standing—especially when his workload peaked during USMLE Step 3 prep.

"That's a common issue. Resident workloads are inhumane. Honestly, I've been meaning to file a complaint with CMS. The hours and pay are disproportionate. Residents feel more like slaves."

Luke boldly criticized the very man responsible for residency pay—Rufus.

"Outrageous!" Rufus shot up and pointed at him.

Before he could continue his outburst, the door swung open. A middle-aged man in a gray suit, holding a leather folder and a professional smile, walked in. The room immediately stood up.

Rufus quickly lowered his hand, his expression changing drastically when he recognized the man.

"Deputy Secretary Johnson? We… didn't expect you today," Rufus said, slightly trembling.

Aaron Johnson was the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, HHS's second most powerful figure. No wonder Rufus looked shaken.

Aaron smiled warmly, scanning the room before his eyes landed on Luke. "I wanted to make sure the interview process went smoothly. I heard there was an interesting candidate."

His smile widened when he locked eyes with Luke. "What's your name, young man?" he asked.

"Luke Anderson, Sir." Luke reached out, and Aaron shook his hand warmly.

"Ah… perfect timing. I've been looking forward to meeting you." Aaron patted the back of Luke's hand before letting go.

Rufus looked confused. "You… know Luke, Mr. Johnson?"

"Of course. I always take note of the top scorers on the USMLE." Aaron clapped Luke on the shoulder, and Luke resisted the urge to scoff.

This was the first time he'd heard of such attention—even though he had scored highest in his previous life, too. Luke knew Aaron was here because of Ryan Bennett. That much was clear, especially when Aaron mentioned the name so openly.

"I heard from Bennett that Luke isn't just smart—he has the integrity this country needs for the future."

Rufus stiffened, his face going pale. He recognized the name Bennett. "So that's how it is…"