Hong Kong Polytechnic Analyst interview questions

Great experience with the ITS and bad experience with the HR. I did 2 in-person interviews with the ITS in Jan/Feb. Interviewers are kind and seem to like my profile/skills. They explained the job in detail and I felt I was a great fit for the role. Interviewers (would-be team leads and coworkers) seem knowledgable and experienced and I was excited about the opportunity to join this team. Got a call from the Polyu HRO 2 weeks later, for an offer that's slightly below the "expected salary" I filled in the online application form and below average market rate for my qualifications. I tried to negotiate for salary, and was told that she will discuss with the department head. No news at all from the HR after this, ghosted until I reached out for an update 2 weeks later to find out my application was rejected.