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

When Wang Fucheng ran to inform everyone about this, he suddenly remembered what Wang Chengpeng had done before.

He deliberately postponed the political review meeting, which could have been held immediately, by a week. Ironically, the belated political review notice actually arrived within a week.

Was it a coincidence or a chance occurrence?
Although he didn't quite understand the reasoning behind it, Wang Fucheng still leaned towards the latter, since every single thing Wang Chengpeng accomplished was so incomprehensible.

It was precisely for this reason that he chose to postpone the political review meeting by a week under such an unreasonable circumstances.

If it weren't for the fact that Wang Fucheng couldn't possibly have a conflict with Wang Chengpeng, the villagers who had been watching the political review meeting drag on for so long would have almost thought that Wang Fucheng was targeting Wang Chengpeng.

Due to the distance, the first person Wang Fucheng notified was Wang Zidong.

Upon hearing the good news brought by Wang Fucheng, Wang Zidong's expression was quite strange—a mixture of relief, confusion, doubt, and disbelief.

After a long while, he finally came to his senses and muttered to himself:

"The background check notice really did arrive within ten days, just as Pengzi said."

"Even though they're from the same school, how can they be ranked as fast or slow?"

He does not mean that.

After hearing what Wang Zidong said, Wang Fucheng became even more certain that Wang Chengpeng must know something.

Before he could even begin to imagine what was going on, Wang Zidong spoke up first:

"Thank you for the notification, Captain Wang. I will definitely be there on time for tomorrow's political review meeting."

"By the way, did Xia Zhiqing and Zhu Hong also pass the exam?"

“I was just planning to visit Pengzi’s house. If they also passed the exam, I’ll pass the news on my way.”

Upon hearing Wang Zidong's question, Wang Fucheng grinned from ear to ear and said:

"They all passed the exam."

"It's all thanks to my nephew's resourcefulness that he managed to get Zhu Hong into a good university."

“If I had known that studying with him would be so promising, I would have definitely sent my son there for further studies. Instead, we have missed such a great opportunity.”

Although his sons Wang Zhong and Wang Yong became a policeman and a factory director respectively, which is quite good and promising, their sons Wang Zhong and Wang Yong are both successful.

Compared to college students who are treated like precious treasures, they are far inferior.

However, this was just Wang Fucheng's casual muttering, because he immediately contradicted himself:

"Just kidding, what I said just now was just a joke, Xiao Dong, don't tell anyone."

"Neither of my two sons is cut out for studying."

"Besides, if this gets out, it won't be good for my nephew. Who knows what kind of people will come knocking on our door. It's better to say to outsiders that Zhu Hong's grades were originally very good."

Wang Zidong wasn't stupid; he quickly figured out the key point and said:
"Uncle, you're right."

"I'll tell Pengzi about this as well, so don't worry."

Since there were still several people to notify, Wang Fucheng didn't linger at Wang Zidong's place and hurried off to the next one.

After sharing the good news with his family, Wang Zidong didn't have time to think about anything else and set off on his bicycle.

He rode his bike very fast, letting the biting cold wind blow against his face, as if that could blow away the pent-up frustration that had been lingering in his chest for some time.

Despite Wang Chengpeng's comforting words, he didn't truly relax until he received the political review notice, and he returned to being the spirited young man he once was.

Because of the political review meeting to be held tomorrow, and the need for a physical examination, Wang Zidong did not stay at Wang Chengpeng's house to drink this time.

However, compared to when he went there, he returned looking utterly dejected. He simply couldn't understand why the person he was notifying seemed to have known the outcome all along, showing absolutely no excitement whatsoever.

It was precisely for this reason that Wang Zidong couldn't help but ask twice, once to Xia Mingyue and once to Wang Chengpeng, whether they already knew about this outcome.

"No, I don't know, don't talk nonsense."

This series of identical denials made Wang Zidong question his life. He was clearly the first person to know the good news, so why was he being treated like an unsuspecting ignorant?

Fortunately, he didn't dwell on the matter too much. Firstly, even if he did, it wouldn't lead to anything. Secondly, the fact that everyone had been admitted to university was so inspiring that he simply didn't have time to think about such trivial matters.

……

The next morning at nine o'clock, almost everyone had gathered on the playground in front of the village office building.

Wang Fucheng had already notified all the villagers about the political review meeting yesterday through a loudspeaker. Although they did not know that there were quite a few people to be reviewed at this meeting, they were all concerned about Wang Chengpeng's political review meeting, so they naturally arrived early and were all present.

Not only that, they also huddled together, discussing how to say nice things for Wang Chengpeng later.

Do you think those who received their year-end bonuses don't know how good Wang Chengpeng is?

To put it dramatically, Wang Chengpeng was like a second parent to them, so naturally they were grateful to him.

Now that they finally have a chance to help Wang Chengpeng in a small way, how could they not cherish it?

Since they were all like this, Wang Fucheng got up even earlier and specially changed into the dark blue Zhongshan suit that he only wore on important occasions.

I bought this coat last year when I went to the county to attend the commendation meeting for learning from Dazhai in agriculture. The four pockets were ironed neatly, and the fountain pen on my left breast gleamed with a metallic luster in the morning light.

At this time, dozens of long wooden benches had been set up on the playground, with a temporary platform made of school desks at the front.

A faded red cloth was laid on the table, and an enamel mug with the words "Serve the People" printed on it was placed there.

Moreover, the ink on the newly pasted banner on the wall, which read "Political vetting must be taken seriously," was still wet, gleaming solemnly in the morning light.

He stood on the makeshift platform, watching the villagers hurrying over in twos and threes, clutching the political review letters sent by various universities tightly in his hands.

As time went by, it soon reached nine o'clock. Wang Fucheng picked up the microphone he had prepared and was ready to begin the political review meeting.

"Attention, fellow members!"

Wang Fucheng cleared his throat, and the voice coming from the loudspeaker immediately silenced the whispering crowd.

"Today we're holding a political review meeting, mainly to conduct political reviews of those who are about to enter university."

At this point, he also raised the official letters bearing the red seal in his hand:

"This is an official notice from the province; we must take it seriously."

"As instructed by our superiors, we must conduct a comprehensive review of the political performance, family background, and social relationships of comrades who are about to enter university."

As he spoke, he opened the notebook he had prepared beforehand and began reading aloud from it one by one:

"Comrades whose names I am about to call, please come to the front."

The crowd began to stir, everyone craning their necks to hear Wang Chengpeng's name called.

To everyone's surprise, Wang Fucheng adjusted his reading glasses and the first name he uttered was: "Wang Zidong!"

Upon hearing this unexpected name, the crowd erupted in an uproar:

"What? Wang Zidong is going to college too? There's more than one person from our village who got into college?"

"What's going on? Am I still dreaming or not?"

Before anyone could react, Wang Fucheng called out five more names, all of whom had done well in the college entrance examination and were fortunate enough to be admitted to university.

Of course, the last name to be read was Wang Chengpeng's. The seven of them stood in a row, looking incredibly energetic.

Looking at the seven people standing on the platform, the playground immediately erupted like a pot of dumplings, with discussions rising and falling.

Seeing that everyone was making too much noise, Wang Fucheng banged on the enamel mug forcefully:
"Quiet! Be serious! This is a major event concerning the selection of talent for the country!"

"Now that everyone is on stage, let's have those who know the information speak in turn."

The meeting room suddenly fell into an eerie silence. Suddenly, Wang Yong stood up nimbly and began to recount the many outstanding contributions Wang Chengpeng had made to the development of Dapeng Sugar Factory.

With Wang Yong taking the lead, the villagers seemed to open up and began to talk about Wang Chengpeng's excellence.

For a moment, the entire venue was incredibly lively.

This was a hardship for those who went on stage with Wang Chengpeng, as the villagers below were so busy praising Wang Chengpeng that no one paid any attention to them.

Even Wang Fucheng regretted it, thinking to himself that he shouldn't have let everyone come up together in order to save time—wouldn't the fireflies' light be invisible in places where the sun shines?

The other six comrades were also quite good; their only mistake was perhaps standing on the same platform as Wang Chengpeng.

Seeing this, Wang Fucheng quickly waved to Wang Yong, signaling him to come to the rescue.

Under Wang Yong's leadership, the political review meeting, which had gone a bit astray, finally got back on track. The villagers then started to pay attention to the comrades standing next to Wang Chengpeng, showering them with praise. Finally, the political review meeting was successfully completed.

After the political review meeting ended, Wang Fucheng, without even presiding over the meeting, handed the matter over to Long Yongde and then hurriedly went back to organize the political review materials.

The political background check cannot be delayed in the slightest. The sooner the materials for the background check are sent, the sooner the admission notice can be sent back.

The meeting had just ended when Wang Zidong began to complain to Wang Chengpeng:

"Pengzi, attending political review meetings with you is truly a torment."

"Given what just happened, I almost thought you were the only one attending this political review meeting."

Everyone else had similar thoughts, but only Song Sixi added:
"That's normal, after all, outstanding people always get more attention."

Just as everyone's attention was focused on Wang Chengpeng, he keenly noticed that Xia Mingyue's expression seemed a little off, as if she wasn't so happy.

After thinking for a moment, Wang Chengpeng still asked another question:
"Xia, you seem a little unhappy?" Hearing Wang Chengpeng's words, Xia Mingyue snapped out of her daze and said blankly:
"Unhappy? How could I not be happy? This is the best thing I've ever dreamed of."

Seeing that Xia Mingyue didn't want to say more, Wang Chengpeng ultimately didn't ask any further questions openly, and instead started discussing the physical examination.

In front of everyone, Xia Mingyue didn't want to talk about it, and he couldn't keep asking her.

Although it is an extremely joyous occasion for everyone to be admitted to university, it is still only a political review, and they have not yet received the official admission notices from the school.

In addition, given that everyone's living conditions were generally poor, it was naturally impossible for any lavish banquets to take place.

Offering their sincerest blessings to all the test takers is perhaps the only thing the villagers of Wangjia Village can do for everyone.

Nothing lasts forever.

Although today is a day to celebrate, and everyone's face is filled with long-lost smiles, this gathering must eventually come to an end.

They agreed to go to the city for a medical check-up together the next day, and then reluctantly went home.

Since they were heading in the same direction, Wang Chengpeng naturally followed Xia Mingyue onto the same path—Wang Chengpeng walked in front, and Xia Mingyue walked behind.

The winter sunset cast long shadows of the two of them. Xia Mingyue gazed at Wang Chengpeng's back, her heart filled with complex emotions.

Getting into university was her dream, but when it came time to leave, she realized how reluctant she was to go.

The mud-brick houses, the threshing ground, the old locust tree at the entrance of Wangjia Village, and the young man who always silently helps her—over the years, she has become accustomed to everything here.

She recalled how clumsy she was when she first came to the countryside. It was Wang Chengpeng who didn't mind her troubles and taught her again and again how to carry water without spilling it and how to chop firewood without breaking a sweat.

She recalled that when the news of the resumption of the college entrance examination came, review materials were more precious than anything else, and Wang Chengpeng lent her his review materials without hesitation.

She recalled the time she encountered a pack of wolves in the mountains. It was Wang Chengpeng who pulled her behind him. He was unharmed, but he was scratched all over by the wolves and had to stay in the hospital for several days.
She recalled the day the educated youth set fire. Amidst the billowing smoke, it was Wang Chengpeng who had Song Sixi warn her in time, allowing her to escape from the inferno. At the same time, it was Wang Chengpeng who helped her retrieve the box, which was more important than her life.

She will never forget that when she finally got into university, it was Wang Chengpeng who silently shielded her from those who wanted to trip her up, allowing her to go to school smoothly.

……

Finally, at the fork in the road in front of the educated youth compound, Xia Mingyue clenched her fists, made up her mind, called out to Wang Chengpeng, and shouted at him:
"Comrade Wang!"

Taking a deep breath, Xia Mingyue's face was no longer confused. With unusual firmness, she said to Wang Chengpeng, who had turned around:

"There's something I want to tell you. I wonder if you could come to my house for a bit?"

In the twilight, she saw Wang Chengpeng's eyes light up, and he nodded decisively as usual, replying with a "okay".

Xia Mingyue told Wang Chengpeng to wait outside, but she hurriedly went back to her room and soon found a wooden box by her bedside.

The charred marks on the box were particularly glaring against the backdrop of the delicate patterns; they were the marks left by the previous fire.

She gently stroked the scorched lines, recalling the disheveled and grimy appearance of Wang Chengpeng when he helped her search for something that day.

Xia Mingyue valued the box so much not only because the contents were sensitive, but also because the pistol was the only keepsake her father had left her.

Xia Mingyue handed the box over, and under Wang Chengpeng's questioning gaze, she explained:

"Comrade Wang, you helped me so much when I lived in Wangjia Village."

“You’re not short of money, so after thinking it over, this is all I can offer you in return.”

"Take it, and don't refuse, or I'll get angry."

“It’s very chaotic outside right now. Although the school is safe, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to use this along the way.”

Wang Chengpeng certainly didn't believe that the outside world was a paradise. In fact, he had planned to bring the handgun he had confiscated as a safety measure on his way to school.

Seeing Xia Mingyue's firm gaze, filled with an unyielding resolve, Wang Chengpeng ultimately couldn't bring himself to say no.

Taking the box, Wang Chengpeng seemed to remember something and suddenly pulled out a wolf fang necklace, still warm from his body, from his inner pocket and handed it over.

“Xia Zhiqing, you gave me such a valuable gift, it would be unreasonable not to reciprocate.”

"Remember that pack of wolves we encountered before? We were revolutionary comrades who fought side by side, so naturally you should get a share of the spoils."

"Take this wolf fang necklace; consider it my return gift to you."

Xia Mingyue took the wolf tooth necklace, and her heart skipped a beat when her fingertips touched the still-warm wolf teeth.

The rough fingertips gently caressed the smooth tooth surface, as if one could still feel the warmth of Wang Chengpeng's palm.

She suddenly turned around, her slender figure trembling slightly in the moonlight:
"Comrade Wang... I really like this return gift from you."

Suddenly, a cold wind blew by, ruffling Xia Mingyue's short hair and scattering the unfinished words.

Wang Chengpeng only saw her raise her hand to wipe her face, then walk quickly into the house without looking back. The sound of the wooden door creaking shut was particularly clear on the quiet path.

She's leaving, just like An Qiuyun, quietly departing Wangjia Village as if she'd never been there.

Although he was aware of this, Wang Chengpeng was not as sad as An Qiuyun was when she left.

It wasn't that his feelings for Xia Mingyue were deeper than his feelings for An Qiuyun; it was simply that he felt the two of them would meet soon.

If I remember correctly, he and Xia Mingyue were admitted to the same university, so they will have plenty of opportunities to meet in the future.

If a scene of life and death is staged here now, won't the two of them be very awkward when they meet again next time?
Thinking this, Wang Chengpeng's eyes were full of certainty as he muttered something to the closed door:
“Xia Zhiqing, I think we will definitely meet again.”

As expected, Xia Mingyue left Wangjia Village quietly shortly after completing her physical examination.

According to villagers living near Xia Mingyue's home, several comrades in military uniforms came that day and picked Xia Mingyue up in a military green jeep.

Upon learning of this, Wang Zidong was quite surprised and complained that Wangjia Village doesn't eat people, so why did all the female educated youth who came run away beforehand?

Although Xia Mingyue has left Wangjia Village, life goes on.

During the first month of the lunar calendar, Wang Chengpeng helped villagers write Spring Festival couplets and paste paper-cut window decorations. The bright red "福" (Fu, meaning good fortune) character against the snow looked especially festive.

Everyone says that if you receive a "Fu" character written by a college student, your life will definitely be more prosperous in the coming year.

Thanks to Wang Chengpeng's efforts, after a lively New Year, all those who were admitted to university successfully received their admission notices.

Because of this, Wang Fucheng specially asked the commune for a large red paper, wrote everyone's name on the honor roll, and posted it under the old locust tree at the entrance of the village.

Before their departure, the village held a lively farewell party, and the group was escorted to the village entrance before leaving.

Wang Tieshan and Liu Chunhua were reluctant to leave, especially Liu Chunhua, who tightly gripped her son's sleeve, repeatedly giving him instructions:

"Xiao Peng, remember to eat on time when you get to the city, and wear more clothes when it gets cold..."

Her voice choked with sobs, and tears streamed down her wrinkled face, dripping onto her son's brand-new blue cotton coat.

Wang Tieshan stood to the side, his dark face taut with muscles. He blinked hard at his reddened eyes, forcing back the heat.

"Stop crying! The kid is going to college, it's a good thing!"

He spoke in a gruff voice, but couldn't help turning his face away and quickly wiping the corner of his eye with the back of his calloused hand.

Wang Chengpeng's throat tightened as he saw his father's hands, which had been used to working for many years, trembling slightly.

Those were hands that could easily carry a hundred pounds of grain, yet now they couldn't even bear a simple farewell.

Wang Chengpeng tried to make his voice sound relaxed, but he still couldn't stop it from trembling:

"Dad, Mom, don't worry, I'll call home if anything happens."

At that moment, the parents were incredibly grateful that Wang Chengpeng had installed a telephone in their home, and said in choked voices:

"We've arrived. Don't try to save money, call home right away."

"If you run out of money, just tell your family and we'll wire you some right away..."

Such a touching scene was missing a main character. She wasn't absent; instead, she was hiding behind an earthen wall not far away, peeking out half of her body.

Wang Meiyan said, "I'm not going to see my brother off. He goes to the city to play without taking me with him," but at that moment she was biting her lower lip tightly, tears welling up in her eyes.

When Wang Chengpeng's gaze swept over her, she quickly shrank back behind the wall, leaving only a series of suppressed sobs.

"Have you put the train tickets away?" Liu Chunhua asked anxiously, touching her son's pocket. "Keep the money separate, don't put it all in one place..."

"You young people should be careful, there are a lot of pickpockets on the train."

"Mom, I've checked it three times already," Wang Chengpeng replied softly, but in his heart he wished his mother would give him a few more instructions.

He noticed his father quietly slipping something into the side pocket of his backpack—two hard-boiled eggs, still warm.

Knowing that if he continued talking like this, he might not be able to leave today, Wang Chengpeng suddenly bowed deeply to his parents:
"Father, Mother, I'm leaving."

As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Chengpeng jumped onto the tractor that had been waiting for him.

To take the group to the train station, the village specially borrowed a bicycle from the commune, which was decorated with a festive red flower.

It wasn't until the tractor slowly started moving that Wang Chengpeng could see his parents still standing in the same spot through the dust it kicked up.

The mother leaned on the father's shoulder, their figures appearing so small in the morning light.

Wang Chengpeng took one last look at his family, one last look at the village where he had lived for twenty years, and when he turned back again, his eyes were filled with determination.

This will be a brand new journey full of unknowns and hope. He will transform into a soaring roc, riding the winds of the times to rise ninety thousand miles high, and under his own sky, he will personally write a new chapter of brilliance and glory. (End of Chapter)