Section Chief Zhan secretly wanted to roll his eyes.
The English competition wasn’t even under Wang Guangping’s jurisdiction – hadn’t the recent scandal been embarrassing enough? The Higher Education Department received complaints from four universities at once, nearly causing the director to pull out all his hair. How long had Wang Guangping behaved himself before trying to claim credit again?
Section Chief Zhan coldly watched as Wang Guangping took control of the situation, warmly socializing with the film crew – who knew what tricks he was planning? When a shameless person is also your superior, they’re particularly difficult to deal with.
Zhan Aiqun was sitting next to Professor Xu Guozhang. The elderly man ignored the bustling atmosphere, slowly picking at his food. Zhan Aiqun moved a plate of tender braised pork knuckles in front of Professor Xu:
“You must be tired, sir.”
Xu Guozhang swallowed his food before shaking his head: “Comrade Xiao Zhan, these competitions are good things. I’m willing to tire myself out a few more times.”
Competitions had winners and losers, but Xu Guozhang wasn’t interested in that aspect – he cared about their positive effects. The old gentleman had been teaching at the Foreign Language Institute since 1949, still teaching on the front lines at age 70. In 1981, Xu Guozhang had become a doctoral supervisor… His willingness to judge the English competition stemmed from wanting more people to understand and develop an interest in English.
Competitions naturally had rewards – the Ministry of Education would send winners abroad as exchange students. Professor Xu himself had studied in England. It was beneficial for young people to travel abroad, broadening their horizons and minds. Life was long, with unknown hardships ahead – those with broader minds could better endure!
When Zhan Aiqun offered him pork knuckle, Professor Xu didn’t refuse.
After entertaining the film crew, Director Wang turned his attention to flattering Xu Guozhang.
When Zhan Aiqun went to pay the bill, Director Wang raised his glass: “Let me make a final toast to everyone – you’ve all worked hard.”
“Director Wang is too kind.”
Director Wang drained his glass first, his face flushing red as if holding back something difficult to express.
Those with sharper intuition pressed Director Wang, and after repeated urging, he reluctantly said: “A young relative of mine has entered the finals. I wonder if they’ll make it to the oral examination stage.”
The private room fell momentarily silent.
Director Wang’s warm hospitality suddenly had an explanation.
All the competition judges were sitting in the room, including the TV station’s host.
Wang Guangping’s words made everyone uncomfortable – how brazenly he was pulling strings! Such matters should be handled privately with important figures, not announced before everyone. Had he lost his sense of propriety for his relative’s sake, or was this just how Director Wang conducted business?
The judges all had their thoughts, and the good meal lost its flavor.
Wang Guangping seemed oblivious, “When our young ones need to advance, we adults must help them. I’m truly embarrassed.”
Professor Xu wiped his mouth, “Director Wang’s relative must be excellent. What’s their name?”
What was Professor Xu doing?
“Surname Xia, from Huaqing University…”
Huaqing University only had four finalists – with the surname Xia, this backdoor candidate would be easy to identify.
Everyone present had their thoughts but responded politely to Wang Guangping. Many were internally disgusted – a backdoor entry took a spot from a truly qualified student.
With Director Wang announcing it publicly, this student’s written test portion was likely “prepared for,” and advancing to the oral stage was practically guaranteed.
Not satisfied with just making the top 20 and at least second prize, were they aiming for the special prize?
How greedy.
When Zhan Aiqun returned from paying, she found the atmosphere awkward: “What’s…”
“Section Chief Zhan, Director Wang, our film crew needs to return to the school to film the post-grading footage.”
The film crew bid farewell, with Wang Guangping seeing them to the door, “Then I’ll trouble you all.”
Wang Guangping tried to slip an envelope into the cameraman’s pocket, but the cameraman stepped forward quickly to avoid it: “You’re too kind, it’s not necessary.”
Media compensation was common, but giving it so openly was too brazen.
Zhan Aiqun couldn’t see Wang Guangping’s actions from her angle, but she sensed the strange atmosphere. Even Professor Xu’s attitude had turned cold, switching from calling her “Xiao Zhan” to “Section Chief Zhan.”
What had happened while she was paying?
Zhan Aiqun was thoroughly puzzled.
…
After hurriedly eating lunch, Xia Xiaolan waited for results with the others.
Late January was the coldest time of year, and staying outside quickly numbed hands and feet. Even indoors was cold, with students and teachers alike rubbing hands and stamping feet.
Professor He heard Ji Jiangyuan hadn’t even finished the essay and wanted to beat his chest in frustration: “How many times have I emphasized getting the available points first… Xia Xiaolan, you finished your essay, right?”
“Yes, Professor He.”
Professor He found some comfort in that.
Selecting 20 students from 200 was score-based. Every university’s top English students were formidable. A difference of not just a few points, but even 0.5 points could eliminate many. Ji Jiangyuan likely had no chance, but Xia Xiaolan still had hope.
As it approached 1 o’clock, the waiting crowd grew restless.
“It’s out!”
Everyone stood up and rushed outside.
The camera crew filmed as the names, schools, and scores of 20 students were posted.
“Zhong Cai, eighth place… Xia Xiaolan, seventeenth place!”
Teacher Lin checked repeatedly, confirming both names showed Huaqing University.
Of their four students, two had made it to the oral stage!
Zhong Cai was Professor He’s pride, a Foreign Languages Department top student.
Another Foreign Languages student Ji Jiangyuan didn’t make it, while Xia Xiaolan barely qualified. Though seventeenth, making the top 20 was what mattered – final rankings would depend on oral performance.
Xia Xiaolan sighed in relief. The other Foreign Languages student was disappointed – coming so far only to fall short.
“Xia Xiaolan, Zhong Cai, congratulations.”
Maintaining basic courtesy, Ji Jiangyuan also offered congratulations. Xia Xiaolan politely said thanks.
Professor He and Teacher Lin were satisfied – it would have been embarrassing if none of their four students had advanced to the oral stage. Two making it acceptable to them and the school.
The film crew, after Wang Guangping’s request, was particularly interested in Student Xia’s backdoor entry.
She had indeed made the oral stage, though ranking low at seventeenth. With only two Huaqing students advancing to the oral finals, the crew needed to film all twenty finalists. Xia Xiaolan’s face stood out – ah, so this was the Huaqing student surnamed Xia… quite the powerful background!
Was that Tiananmen Parade shot accidentally?
This student seemed too eager for attention and television appearances!
Their previous good impression turned to disgust… Someone using connections like this could still place and become a Ministry of Education exchange student – how ironic.