Era: Starting with the struggle to refuse being taken advantage of

Although Wang Chengpeng's explanation sounded reasonable, a five-fold production plan was a huge risk.

If not managed properly, Dapeng Sugar Factory, this seemingly rising star, might just perish.

Looking at Wang Chengpeng's incredibly confident face, Wang Fucheng's tightly furrowed brows finally relaxed, and he said:

“Cheng Peng, I don’t understand these things. I just know that trusting you won’t make a mistake.”

"A five-fold production plan is not the same as a two-fold production plan; it would require all the surrounding villages to grow sugar beets on a large scale."

"This matter is urgent and concerns the survival of Dapeng Sugar Factory. I must get it done as soon as possible."

"I'm not going to say anything more. I need to go to town with those old folks for a meal and have a proper discussion about this matter."

As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Fucheng rushed out.

It was extremely urgent, and he dared not waste even a minute.

A prophecy!
Wang Chengpeng had barely finished speaking when the opportunity he had mentioned to promote Dapeng white sugar throughout the entire province arrived.

He had just sat down when he heard Zhu Hong's booming voice coming from the doorway:
"Brother Wang, two people have come in outside. They say they're from the provincial newspaper. Are you going to see them or not?"

It's just that Zhu Hong is stubborn; otherwise, he probably would have welcomed the person inside long ago.

However, it is precisely his stubborn and principled nature that makes him reliable; those who curry favor with the powerful are unacceptable.

After tidying his clothes, Wang Chengpeng quickly gathered up the cups and other items the two of them had left behind.

As he walked, he shouted to the outside:
"People from the provincial newspaper? Zhu Hong, quickly invite them in."

This person is here to help with publicity; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him a god of wealth. Wang Chengpeng should treat him with utmost courtesy and invite him over.

Just as Wang Chengpeng finished tidying up, two people entered through the door, a man and a woman. The man was carrying a DSLR camera, clearly a photographer.

This is a classic combination for newspaper reporters going out to do interviews, so there's nothing surprising about it.

What truly surprised Wang Chengpeng was the female reporter with the name tag around her neck; she was the same woman he had seen before at the entrance of the No. 1 Middle School.

Compared to Wang Chengpeng's astonishment, Kong Xueyan's face was filled with shock, as if she had seen a ghost.

Fortunately, Kong Xueyan was quite composed and quickly concealed her shock; otherwise, she might have made a huge fool of herself.

In fact, Kong Xueyan was able to receive an interview with the top scorer in the college entrance examination thanks to Wang Chengpeng.

What first brought her to the forefront was that incredibly successful program about the psychological problems of college entrance exam takers, in which Wang Chengpeng was the undisputed star.

Furthermore, since Wang Chengpeng's hometown is Kong Xueyan's hometown, she was able to secure this valuable interview opportunity by taking advantage of her proximity to him.

She never dreamed that she would see Wang Chengpeng here, the one she thought was a madman who had gone crazy from taking the college entrance exam.

Ignoring the awkwardness, Kong Xueyan cautiously asked to confirm:

"Comrade, although it may be a bit presumptuous, I would like to confirm with you again whether you are Comrade Wang Chengpeng from Wangjia Village, the Comrade Wang Chengpeng who took the college entrance examination this year."

"By the way, let me introduce myself first. I am a reporter from the Provincial Daily, and my name is Kong Xueyan. This is my work ID."

"This is my colleague, Comrade Sun Ziming, who was responsible for the photography work involved in this interview."

At this moment, Zhu Hong brought over freshly brewed tea, and Wang Chengpeng invited the two of them to sit down, saying:
"Sit down, please sit down, let's sit down and talk!"

"As for your question, my name is indeed Wang Chengpeng, and I am also a college entrance examination candidate from Wangjia Village."

"This unfamiliar reporter, you seem a little nervous."

"Perhaps you're tired from the long journey. Why don't you have some tea to rest?"

An unfamiliar reporter? Did they not recognize me?
No, there's no way he wouldn't recognize himself.

Putting aside the playful smile on Wang Chengpeng's lips, the phrase "unfamiliar reporter comrade" alone was incredibly strange—what normal person would greet someone like that?

Kong Xueyan picked up the teacup in front of her, took a small sip, and when she looked up again, she had already returned to her usual capable demeanor.

She immediately understood why Wang Chengpeng had said that; he wanted her to forget the awkward situation from before and pretend that they were just strangers meeting for the first time.

This is truly a considerate and kind comrade, definitely not some crazy person who went mad from taking exams!

Wang Chengpeng's image instantly underwent a complete 180-degree turn in Kong Xueyan's mind, setting the tone for the interview—it would definitely be a very pleasant collaboration.

Even when faced with small requests from Wang Chengpeng, Kong Xueyan would definitely try her best to fulfill them because of the favor he had done for her.

Taking a deep breath, Kong Xueyan began the interview with a smile:
First of all, congratulations to Comrade Wang on achieving outstanding results in this year's college entrance examination.

"We came here mainly to learn about your work, life, and studies."

"..."

Because the interview transcript had been prepared in advance, and Wang Chengpeng was extremely cooperative, the interview went very smoothly.

Towards the end of the interview, Kong Xueyan suddenly asked a question out of the blue:
"Comrade Wang, if I may ask you, why did you choose Fudan University instead of Tsinghua University and Peking University, which are both excellent universities, when you applied this time?"

In order to increase newspaper sales, even provincial newspapers have to put some effort into making their content more interesting. This question was one of the questions that Kong Xueyan had prepared in advance to increase the interest of the newspaper.

In fact, this is a concern for the vast majority of the public, since Tsinghua University and Peking University are considered the best universities in the eyes of the public.

Even decades later, people will still be surprised that someone who did very well on the exam didn't go to Tsinghua or Peking University, let alone now.

But as soon as she asked the question, Kong Xueyan instinctively covered her mouth, realizing that she had asked a question she should never have asked.

You should know that she had asked Wang Chengpeng this question at the gate of No. 1 High School, and the answer she received was very inappropriate for an interview—he, Wang Chengpeng, did not want to go!

It was precisely because of this answer that Kong Xueyan once thought Wang Chengpeng had gone crazy from the exam. It wasn't until today that she confirmed his identity and realized that Wang Chengpeng's seemingly arrogant words were just stating a fact that couldn't be more true.

Although the title of "top scorer in the college entrance examination" is not emphasized at this time, and people usually just say "excellent candidate", with Wang Chengpeng's grades, he could choose whichever university he wanted to attend.

Thinking of this, Kong Xueyan gave Wang Chengpeng a pleading look, begging him not to say anything more shocking.

When Wang Chengpeng heard the question, he thought for a moment and answered sincerely and humbly: "Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Fudan University are the country's top universities, and each of them has cultivated a large number of pillars of the nation."

"I chose Fudan University mainly because I considered both my academic background and future career prospects."

At this point, Wang Chengpeng sat up straight, his eyes filled with anticipation for the future:

"Fudan University has a profound foundation in physics and mechanical engineering, especially in applied mechanics and precision instruments, which are in a leading position in China."

"Moreover, as my country's most important industrial base and science and technology center, Shanghai allows me to access cutting-edge research projects and industrial practices, which will greatly help my professional studies."

At this point, Wang Chengpeng smiled sincerely and added:

"In fact, having the opportunity to go to university is the greatest opportunity that our generation has had since the country resumed the college entrance examination."

"No matter which school I go to, I will cherish this learning opportunity and strive to contribute to the country's development after graduation."

clap clap clap...

Listening to Wang Chengpeng's answer, which sounded like a standard answer, Kong Xueyan was filled with admiration. She thought to herself that Wang Chengpeng truly deserved to be the top scorer in the college entrance examination; his words were always perfectly tactful.

As for my previous worries, they were completely unnecessary.

Kong Xueyan quickly wrote down what Wang Chengpeng said, and then, not daring to ask him any more strange questions, she prepared to end the interview.

Thinking this, Kong Xueyan took out a kraft paper envelope from her briefcase and solemnly handed it over with both hands:

"Comrade Wang, this is a 100 yuan scholarship specially prepared for you by the provincial newspaper."

“The cost of living in Shanghai is not small. You have to spend money on books, school supplies, and daily necessities.”

"Although this amount of money is not much, it is a token of our newspaper's goodwill, so please be sure to accept it."

Taking the envelope, Wang Chengpeng said very sincerely:
"Thank you for your concern, provincial newspaper. Once I get to school, I will definitely study hard and repay my country with knowledge in the future."

Just when Kong Xueyan thought the interview would end in such a relaxed and pleasant way, Wang Chengpeng suddenly spoke up:

"Reporter Kong, there's something I'd like to ask you. Could you add a sentence to the final interview report?"

"When I feel tired from studying, I like to make a cup of sugar water with Dapeng white sugar. Its sweet taste comes from the essence of beets and always helps me regain my energy so that I can continue to devote myself to studying."

"I hope you can add this sentence to my learning experience."

Without waiting for Kong Xueyan to refuse, Wang Chengpeng continued speaking to himself:
"Reporter Kong, you may not know this, but our village finally managed to establish a sugar factory called Dapeng in our efforts to escape poverty and achieve prosperity."

"The factory is up and running normally, but the white sugar it produces isn't selling well, and there's even pressure during the Chinese New Year..."

As Wang Chengpeng spoke, his rough hands unconsciously clenched and unclenched, clearly showing his extreme worry. His face shone with a resolute light, reflecting his unwavering determination.

Kong Xueyan was stunned. She had never seen such clear and firm eyes before. There was no calculation of personal future or concern for material gains or losses in them, only the most simple sense of responsibility of a farmer's son.

Wang Chengpeng's voice wasn't loud, but every word was firm and resonant:

“I am a part of the village, and now that I have the opportunity to do something for my fellow villagers, I am willing to do it even if it makes me a sinner for all time.”

Upon hearing Wang Chengpeng's words, Kong Xueyan felt a surge of emotion welling up in her eyes.

He thought Wang Chengpeng was unaware of the consequences of his actions, but in reality, he did it knowingly and irreversibly, which made his actions even more commendable.

In this era of material scarcity, countless people fought tooth and nail for a chance to return to the city, yet this young man was willing to ruin his own reputation to help the sugar factory that the village had finally managed to open.

She hesitated for a moment, then slowly spoke:

"Comrade Wang, I can't make that decision myself, but I will try my best to convey your request to the editor-in-chief."

At this point, she added another piece of advice:
"Comrade Wang, you really don't need to..."

"If you really want to, you can always wait until after you graduate from university..."

“I can wait, but everyone else can’t!” Wang Chengpeng suddenly raised his voice, his eyes burning. “I come from the masses, but I will not detach myself from them.”

"The organization trained me to go to university so that I could better serve the people after I completed my studies."

"If we turn a blind eye to the difficulties our fellow villagers face now, how can we talk about serving our country in the future? That would be nothing but self-deception."

The main room suddenly fell silent, with only the ticking of the wall clock.

Kong Xueyan felt an unprecedented shock—this rural youth in the blue cotton-padded jacket seemed so tall and imposing in her eyes at that moment.

Seemingly inspired by Wang Chengpeng's spirit, she solemnly promised:

"I will convey your words to the newspaper's leadership exactly as they are, and I will do my best to make this happen."

"Comrade Wang's selfless spirit is admirable, and I believe the newspaper's leadership will not refuse this task."

If Kong Xueyan said that, then the matter is basically 80-90% certain.

Seeing this, Wang Chengpeng breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to himself that this time, he had finally brought everyone a good life.

Admittedly, there are bad people like Liu Yanran in the village, but there are far more honest and simple villagers.

Since I have the ability, I should naturally help them get rich while improving myself.

Putting everything else aside, Wang Chengpeng's status as both an employee and shareholder of Dapeng Sugar Factory alone makes it worthwhile for him to do so.

After the interview, with the help of Sun Ziming, they took a precious video recording before bidding farewell to Wang Chengpeng and hurriedly leaving Wangjia Village.

Reporting these kinds of things has a time limit, so it's best to report them as early as possible.

However, when Wang Chengpeng was seeing the two off, he noticed that the area was surrounded by villagers who had come to watch the spectacle.

Hey, that's a comrade from the province, and a reporter at that. This is the first time such a big event has ever happened in Wangjia Village, so how could it not attract everyone's attention?
In fact, if it weren't for the fear of affecting this interview, the crowd of onlookers would probably have overwhelmed Wang Chengpeng's house.

However, no sooner had Kong Xueyan and Sun Ziming left than they swarmed around Wang Chengpeng, bombarding him with questions. (End of Chapter)