In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

The incident at the welcoming banquet was like a sudden summer thunderstorm—it came fiercely and went quickly. Although it left a soothing mark on the family's hearts, it was ultimately dispelled by the warmth of family affection.

Over the next few days, everyone in the Yang family tried their best to maintain a calm atmosphere.

Zhang Xiuying and Yang Yongkang never mentioned Yang Xiangmei's divorce again, and poured all their attention and love into Yang Xiangmei and Luo Xiaowen.

Zhang Xiuying tried every possible way to cook delicious food, with chicken, duck, fish and meat served in turn, as if she wanted to make up for all the lack of oil and fat that her daughter and granddaughter had experienced in Northeast China.

Yang Yongkang didn't talk much, but every day after get off work, his slightly rough hands would magically produce something extra. Sometimes it was a few pieces of shiny, crispy peach shortbread, sometimes a bag of salty and chewy spiced beans, or a few rare fruit candies. He would quietly stuff them into Xiaowen's little hands, and when he saw his granddaughter's timid yet undisguised joy, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes would smooth out.

Lin Jianyue, who is also about to enter Fudan University, has the most in common with Yang Xiangmei.

She told Yang Xiangmei everything she had learned about Fudan University, including its curriculum and the books that needed to be studied in advance.

The two women often sat in the courtyard in the afternoon, doing needlework or choosing vegetables for dinner, while whispering about their anticipation for university life and a little bit of secret nervousness.

"I heard that the university library is huge, with so many books that you can't read them all. You can even borrow many banned books that you never dared to dream of before." Lin Jianyue's eyes gleamed as she sewed the soles of the small shoes she was making for Zhiyuan, the stitches fine and even.

"I'm really looking forward to the start of school. Back in Northeast China, it was hard to find any extracurricular books besides textbooks; it was like looking for water in the desert." Yang Xiangmei nodded, skillfully shelling edamame beans. "It'll be better now; I can read as much as I want. It's just that I'm a little unsure about this chemistry major."

"Don't worry, Second Sister, you have a good foundation and are willing to work hard, you will definitely be able to keep up." Lin Jianyue comforted her, and then lowered her voice, "Don't worry, child, your parents said they will help take care of them. Xiaowen is sensible, and Jingshu and Zhiyuan are also well-behaved, so we can all go to school with peace of mind."

They would also talk about children.

Lin Jianyue's children, Jing Shu and Zhi Yuan, are still young and need constant care. Fortunately, Yang Yongkang and Zhang Xiuying promised to do their best to help, and with Yang Guangming's unreserved support, she was able to suppress her maternal instincts and decide to pursue her dreams.

Yang Xiangmei's daughter, Xiaowen, is four years old. During her free time, she has visited several nearby daycare centers to inquire about enrollment requirements and fees, hoping to settle her daughter in as soon as possible so that she can devote herself to her long-awaited studies without any distractions.

Amidst the love and busyness of her family, Luo Xiaowen, with her strong adaptability typical of children, gradually integrated into this lively extended family.

She no longer clung tightly to her mother's clothes like a little shadow.

I started running around the alley with my little cousin Jing Shu, swaying and staggering. I would curiously squat down and watch my older brother Zhuang Zhuang and a group of boys playing marbles on the ground, my big eyes following the colorful glass marbles as they rolled around.

When her grandmother handed out candy, she would shyly reach out her little hand, take the sweet treat, and then quickly hide behind her mother, carefully licking it with a look of satisfaction on her face.

Her innocent and carefree smile became more frequent, and her calls of "Grandma" and "Grandpa," spoken with a slight Northeastern accent, became smoother and louder, warming the hearts of the elderly couple.

Time has quietly slipped into mid-March, and the breath of spring is becoming increasingly strong.

The sycamore trees at the entrance of the alley have sprouted tender green buds, which are fuzzy and almost transparent in the sunlight.

The sunlight became warm and gentle, making people feel cozy and comfortable.

The day for university registration is approaching.

Lin Jianyue, Yang Guangyao, Yue Xinlei, and Yang Xiangmei all began preparing their luggage.

Bedding, washbasins, thermos flasks, lunch boxes, towels... one by one, daily necessities were carefully counted and packed.

During his break, Yang Guangming visited several department stores and stationery stores, carefully selecting and buying a new army green canvas backpack for both Lin Jianyue and Yang Xiangmei. The backpacks were thick, sturdy, and durable.

"Once you get to school, just focus on your studies. Don't worry about home, I'll take care of things." He handed the schoolbag to Lin Jianyue, his tone calm yet powerful, his gaze steady as a mountain.

Lin Jianyue took the schoolbag, her fingers stroking the thick, rough canvas fabric, and nodded emphatically: "With you at home, I feel at ease."

She knew her husband had a heavy burden on his shoulders. He had to work, take care of their young child, and prepare for his own more important goal—the postgraduate entrance exam.

All she could do was try her best not to distract him while taking care of everything herself.

One morning in mid-March, the four college students from the Yang family were about to head to their respective campuses.

Lin Jianyue was admitted to the Chinese Department of Fudan University and enrolled as a day student, so she could go home every day.

Yang Guangyao and Yue Xinlei were both admitted to Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Yang Guangyao majored in mechanical engineering, and Yue Xinlei majored in electronic engineering.

Jiaotong University is a bit far from the Shikumen (stone gate houses), so after discussing it, the two decided to live on campus during the week and go home on weekends so they could focus more on their studies.

Yang Xiangmei was also admitted to Fudan University, majoring in chemistry. She had a child with her and couldn't live on campus, but fortunately, Fudan University wasn't too far from home. She planned to ride her secondhand bicycle to and from the university every day, even though it was hard work, because she could see her daughter every day.

Early that morning, the Yang family's Shikumen (stone gate) was bustling with activity.

Zhang Xiuying got up before dawn and cooked a big pot of tea eggs. The dark brown broth soaked into the eggshells. She also specially made a few oily scallion pancakes, insisting that the children take them with them when they registered for school.

“If the school food isn’t good, make sure you eat something yourself. How can you study if you’re hungry?” She stuffed eggs and scallion pancakes into everyone’s bags without saying a word, giving them these words of advice with concern. Her eyes were dark from staying up all night, but her spirits were unusually high.

Yang Yongkang silently checked whether the children's luggage was securely tied, whether the bicycle chains were oiled, and whether the tires were properly inflated.

He pressed down firmly on the tightly bound bedding roll on the back of Yang Guangyao's bicycle to make sure it wouldn't come undone along the way before nodding slightly.

"Dad, Mom, we're leaving!" Yang Guangyao pushed his bicycle, which was loaded with heavy luggage on the back seat. He was in high spirits and spoke in a loud voice. Yue Xinlei stood beside him with a gentle smile.

"Be careful on the road, ride slowly, and watch out for other vehicles!" Zhang Xiuying chased after them to the door, looked at her second son and daughter-in-law, then at her second daughter and youngest daughter-in-law, and her eyes welled up with tears again. She wiped them with the back of her hand.

"Okay, Mom, you should go back now, it's windy outside," Yue Xinlei said softly, taking her mother-in-law's arm.

"We'll be back this weekend!" Yang Guangyao promised loudly, pedaling hard, and the bicycle steadily rode out of the alley.

Lin Jianyue and Yang Xiangmei also pushed their bicycles, ready to set off.

Yang Guangming, holding her youngest son Zhiyuan and leading her eldest daughter Jingshu, stood in the courtyard to see them off. Zhiyuan waved his little hands, babbling, while Jingshu looked at her mother with longing eyes.

"Go quickly, don't worry about home," he said to Lin Jianyue and Yang Xiangmei, his voice low but carrying weight.

"Then we're leaving, you should go back too." Lin Jianyue looked back at Yang Guangming.

Amidst the envious and blessing gazes of their neighbors in the alley, the group set off in a grand procession.

The wheels rolled over the bluestone pavement, making a rumbling sound, carrying hopes and dreams, heading in different directions.

As Yang Guangming watched their figures disappear into the alleyway, he was filled with mixed emotions.

As history marched ever onward, those around him, through their own efforts and a touch of luck, finally seized the opportunity to change their destiny and embarked on a new journey in life.

And his own path is about to take a crucial step.

After that, Yang Guangming entered an even more intense period of exam preparation.

The postgraduate entrance examination differs from the college entrance examination; it is more specialized, more competitive, and the number of admissions is extremely limited.

His goal was clear: the Computer Science Department at Tsinghua University.

At that time, the postgraduate entrance examination system had just been reinstated, and everything was still in the exploratory stage. The preliminary examination was scheduled for May, leaving him with only a little over two months at most.

During the day, he was still busy in the finance department.

As the section chief, he had a heavy responsibility, handling all the factory's accounts, budgets, and reports, big and small.

Zhao Guodong knew about his plans to take the postgraduate entrance exam and privately expressed his support, even providing him with certain conveniences in work arrangements.

After get off work, he devoted all his time to studying.

His greatest achievement in his previous life was being a wealthy man's personal secretary. The job seemed ordinary, but the competition was actually extremely fierce, and it required a very high level of comprehensive qualities.

He earned his undergraduate degree in Computer Science and Technology from a prestigious 985 university, but switched to Finance for his master's degree.

The knowledge of computer science is not unfamiliar to him, who was an undergraduate student majoring in computer science and technology in his previous life; in fact, he is quite familiar with it.

Although he did not continue in computer science but instead pursued a master's degree in finance, the fundamental knowledge, core algorithms, and programming concepts he learned during his undergraduate studies had long been ingrained in his very being.

To prepare for the professional exams that were essentially the foundational and introductory stages of computer science, his knowledge was not only sufficient, but could even be described as overwhelmingly superior.

What he needs to do now is to awaken the knowledge that is dormant deep in his memory and to solidify and organize the basic knowledge in accordance with the requirements of this era.

However, a long period of time has passed, and many details need to be revisited. Moreover, the computer science theories of this era are very different from those of later generations, focusing more on underlying principles, hardware structures, and basic algorithm design. The programming languages ​​were mainly ALGOL and FORTRAN, which are far removed from the C++, Java, and Python that he was familiar with.

He asked people to collect all the computer-related books and journals he could find from libraries and research institutes, including some photocopied original English materials.

Every night, after putting his two children to sleep, it is his unwavering study time.

On the small desk, the desk lamp cast a dim yellow glow, illuminating the pages filled with transistor circuit diagrams, binary calculations, flowcharts, and ancient code.

Lin Jianyue went to Fudan University to study. Her daytime classes were full, and she also had to review and preview at night. She often got home late at night.

The couple had less time to communicate, but they both held hopes for the future in their hearts, and they understood and supported each other.

Sometimes, when the night is quiet and Lin Jianyue finishes her studies, she will quietly heat up a cup of milk or cook a simple bowl of plain noodles, add a few drops of sesame oil and sprinkle with chopped green onions, and bring it to Yang Guangming's side.

"Don't stay up too late, it'll hurt your eyes," Lin Jianyue gently advised.

"Okay, almost done. I'll go to sleep once I figure out this algorithm." Yang Guangming looked up, took the bowl, and smiled at her through the steaming heat. "You should get some rest too, you have class tomorrow."

The simple conversation contained deep concern and a tacit understanding of working side by side. This small living room became their respective refueling station on the road to their dreams.

April passed quietly in this busy and fulfilling atmosphere.

The leaves of the sycamore trees in the alleyway turned from light green to dark green, their leaves unfurling and casting dense shade.

The four college students in the family gradually adapted to their new campus life. Every time they came back on weekends, they would bring back many new experiences, filling the entire Shikumen with vibrant energy.

The free and open learning atmosphere at the university, the knowledgeable and unique teachers, and the classmates from all over the country with different experiences all broadened their horizons and excited them.

Lin Jianyue immersed herself in the ocean of literature, reading ancient and modern masterpieces from China and abroad that had once been banned, from Shakespeare to Lu Xun, from Tolstoy to Shen Congwen. She felt that she gained something new every day, and her mind was like a huge window had been opened.

Yang Guangyao and Yue Xinlei explored the world of engineering, where precise formulas, complex blueprints, and massive experimental instruments exuded a rational charm in their eyes.

The couple often argued endlessly about a technical problem, and then went to the library together to look up information and find the answer, enjoying the process immensely.

Yang Xiangmei faces even greater challenges. The chemistry curriculum is demanding, requiring the memorization of a vast amount of knowledge, and the laboratory classes are even more rigorous.

Having been away from school for many years, she needs to put in more effort than others to pick up her books again.

But she cherished this hard-won learning opportunity and spent almost all her available time studying, even memorizing chemical equations while waiting for the bus.

Xiaowen is also very sensible. Knowing that her mother needs to study, she doesn't make a fuss. She plays with her toys by herself or quietly looks at picture books at the small table, waiting for her mother to come home from get out of class.

Seeing Yang Xiangmei grow thinner but with bright, energetic eyes, her family felt both heartache and joy for her.

As May approaches, the national postgraduate entrance examination is drawing near.

Yang Guangming took a few days off from the factory to focus on the final sprint. He stopped looking at new materials and instead repeatedly reviewed his notes and the core knowledge points he had compiled to ensure that everything was perfect.

On May 5th, he calmly walked into the entrance examination room for the postgraduate entrance examination, which was set up in a middle school in Shanghai.

The atmosphere in the examination room was solemn. The candidates ranged in age from young people in their early twenties to middle-aged people in their thirties with weathered and composed expressions. Each person had a determined look on their face and a hint of barely perceptible tension.

Yang Guangming sat in his seat, his mind unusually peaceful. He was confident in himself, a confidence stemming from his absolute strength and thorough preparation.

When the exam papers were handed out, he quickly glanced through them, a barely perceptible smile curving his lips.

Sure enough, most of the questions were within his expectations and control.

Even if some questions involve relatively obscure knowledge points or are expressed in a way that bears the distinct mark of the times, he can quickly grasp the core of the problem and provide a satisfactory answer by virtue of his solid foundation and his understanding that transcends the times.

He wrote with ease and clarity, his handwriting neat and powerful. In the quiet examination room, only the scratching sound of the pen on the paper could be heard, like a silkworm eating leaves, steady and continuous.

A few days later, after completing all the preliminary exams, Yang Guangming felt very good about himself and was almost certain that he would pass.

But he showed no pride. He returned to the factory and continued to work as if he had just done a routine task, checking accounts and holding meetings as usual, with a calm expression.

The days of waiting for results are agonizing for some, but for him, they bring a sense of calm confidence.

He went to work, came home, took care of his children as usual, occasionally read professional journals, and kept up with the latest technological developments. His life rhythm remained unchanged.

Even Lin Jianyue, who knew him best, couldn't read the slightest clue on his face. One evening, she couldn't help but ask him how the exam went. He just smiled and said calmly, "It should be alright. I've finished all the questions. Let's wait for the results."

Time flies, and it's already the end of June.

That day, Yang Guangming was reviewing a draft quarterly budget in his office when the phone on his desk rang.

He answered casually: "Hello, this is Yang Guangming from the Finance Department."

"Guangming! The report card! The preliminary exam results have arrived at home!" Lin Jianyue's voice trembled with excitement on the other end of the phone. "Sent by Tsinghua University! Just now the postman delivered it! You...you got first place!"

Even though he had expected it, hearing the news with his own ears, especially the words "first place," still made Yang Guangming's heart skip a beat, and a surge of heat instantly rushed to his limbs.

He gripped the receiver tightly, trying his best to keep his voice steady: "Okay, I understand. I'll go home after get off work."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Guangming sat in his chair and remained silent for a few seconds.

The large office outside was noisy; the clatter of abacus beads and the chatter of colleagues seemed to be separated by a layer of membrane.

A complex mix of emotions welled up inside me—the joy of a dream beginning to come true, the satisfaction of finally getting something in return for my efforts, and the gratitude for my family's support.

But these emotions were quickly replaced by a calm resolve. This was the path he had chosen long ago, and he had to walk it step by step, steadfastly and resolutely.

He took a deep breath, calmed himself down, straightened his clothes, and prepared to report the good news to Factory Director Zhao Guodong first.

Although he only received the transcript, with his top score, he's guaranteed an interview opportunity. Receiving an interview notification soon should be a certainty.

Such important news certainly couldn't be kept from Zhao Guodong, given the importance of his current position. From now on, Zhao Guodong would have to seriously consider his successor.

Upon hearing Yang Guangming's report, Zhao Guodong was equally overjoyed. He stood up from behind his desk, walked around the table, patted Yang Guangming's shoulder forcefully, and laughed heartily.
"Good lad! I knew you could do it! First place! First place at Tsinghua University! This is a huge honor for our Hongxing Factory and the entire Light Industry Bureau system!"

Zhao Guodong immediately said, "We must promote you properly; you're a talent that our factory has trained ourselves!"

Yang Guangming politely declined, saying sincerely, "Factory Director, I appreciate your kind offer. But this is just the preliminary test; there will be a second test later, and I don't want to make a big fuss. Once I'm officially hired, I'll just say a simple goodbye to my colleagues with whom I've worked for many years."

Zhao Guodong understood his reluctance to attract attention, patted his arm, and didn't insist further: "Okay, I'll listen to you. You were first in the preliminary exam, you need to have confidence in yourself. You'll definitely pass the second round; you can't possibly eliminate the first-place candidate from the preliminary exam."

"I can't say that, but I will prepare seriously." Yang Guangming didn't make a definitive statement, but the confidence in his eyes was undeniable.

"Great! Go ahead and take the exam. The factory will fully support you! If you need any certification or need to take leave, just let us know!" Zhao Guodong waved his hand, providing the strongest support.

Yang Guangming said, "Thank you, Factory Director."

When I got home in the evening, as soon as I stepped into the Shikumen gate, the bright sunshine was enveloped by an even more enthusiastic atmosphere.

Almost all the neighbors came, and the small courtyard was packed with people, all talking at once, full of praise and envy.

"The light has returned!"

"Congratulations, Guangming! You've come in first place in the Tsinghua University entrance exam! It's like the God of Literature has descended to earth and come to our alley!"

"Xiuying, Yongkang, your family has such great feng shui! You have so many college students, and one of them even has a master's degree!"

Zhang Xiuying's face lit up with a smile as she held a letter, turning it over and over in her hands.

Inside, there was a red heading that read "Tsinghua University Graduate Admissions Office," along with the words "Comrade Yang Guangming's Preliminary Examination Score Notification," and below it, "Rank: 1." He had looked at it many times, but he just couldn't get enough of it.

Yang Yongkang stood to the side, his mouth stretched to his ears in a wide grin. He had a cigarette between his fingers, but he forgot to smoke it. He just kept nodding to the neighbors who came to offer their congratulations.

Lin Jianyue stood outside the crowd, looking at Yang Guangming, her eyes glistening with tears—tears of joy, pride, and heartache intertwined. Jing Shu and Zhi Yuan seemed to sense the festive atmosphere at home as well, running happily around the adults' legs, giggling.

Xiaowen nestled close to Yang Xiangmei, clutching her mother's clothes with her little hands, watching the scene, which was even more lively than the New Year, with curiosity.

This time, Zhang Xiuying didn't bother with budgeting; she insisted on treating the whole family to a meal at a restaurant to celebrate.

"Nobody can stop me this time!" she declared resolutely, her voice ringing with excitement. "My son got first place in the Tsinghua University entrance exam! This is an incredibly auspicious occasion! We have to go out to eat! We have to eat the best!"

Seeing his mother's excited expression, Yang Guangming didn't object. He smiled and nodded, saying gently, "Okay, I'll listen to Mom."

"Ah! That's right!" Zhang Xiuying was as happy as a child, and immediately began to plan which time-honored restaurant to go to, how many tables to book, and what dishes to order.

The news spread like wildfire, not only throughout the alley and the Red Star Factory, but also causing quite a stir throughout the entire Light Industry Bureau system.

The name Yang Guangming quickly became a living example of "knowledge changing destiny".

In the following days, the Yang family's house was bustling with visitors.

Relatives, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and even some families who are not very familiar with each other and whose children are preparing for the college entrance examination... wave after wave of people came to offer their congratulations and learn from their experience.

Yang Guangming remained humble and low-key throughout, patiently dealing with visitors from all sides and sharing some general learning experiences, but skillfully glossing over specific exam preparation details.

He knew that this honor belonged not only to him personally, but also to his family who unconditionally supported him, and to the tide of this era that was beginning to value knowledge and yearn for change.

Amidst the excitement and busyness, Yang Guangming also began preparing for the handover of his work.

The work in the finance department is complex and multifaceted. He needs to compile a clear handover checklist to ensure a smooth transition after his departure.

After discussing it with Zhao Guodong, he temporarily appointed a senior accountant surnamed Miao, who was known for his reliability, to take charge of the work. They would discuss the selection of a section chief after Yang Guangming's postgraduate entrance examination was over.

During breaks, Yang Guangming carefully categorized and handed over the projects he was working on, the documents to be processed, the important accounts, and the division of labor and precautions within his department to Accountant Miao and other relevant colleagues, patiently answering their questions to ensure a seamless transition.

At the same time, preparing for the re-examination and a possible trip to Beijing also requires effort.

He continues to keep abreast of the latest developments in the field of computer science, especially the research directions of relevant professors at Tsinghua University, and thinks about the questions he might be asked during the interview.

He wasn't worried about the foreign language oral exam; his previous work environment had honed his fluent English. As for the political background check, he had a clean record and outstanding performance, so the factory and the neighborhood committee were happy to provide the best possible assessment.

The days passed by in a flurry of activity, and July arrived.

The weather is getting hotter and hotter, and the cicadas are chirping incessantly.

While waiting for the interview notification, Yang Guangming continued to work and live his life as usual.

One day in mid-July, he finally received the second official letter from Tsinghua University—a notification for the postgraduate entrance examination interview.

The thin notice clearly stated the date (August 10th), location (Tsinghua University campus), required documents, and the general process of the re-examination: professional written test, practical operation, foreign language listening and speaking ability test, interview, political review, physical examination, etc.

Lin Jianyue was the first to see it. She looked at the solemn Song typeface words "Interview Notification" repeatedly, her fingers trembling slightly with excitement.

"Finally, it's here." She looked up at her husband, her eyes a little red, this time with the joy of seeing the dawn approaching.

Yang Guangming put his arm around her shoulder and patted her gently, everything was understood without words.

When Zhang Xiuying heard the news, she was so happy that she wanted to treat her whole family to a meal at a restaurant again. Yang Guangming persuaded her to stop, saying that they should just have a simple meal at home and wait until she was officially admitted before going out to eat.

Zhang Xiuying then gave up, but still went to the market excitedly and bought a fat chicken, a live fish, and a piece of pork belly. She came back and started working in the kitchen, humming a tune she hadn't sung in a long time.

In the evening, the family sat together, and the atmosphere was even more lively than last time.

Even the usually taciturn eldest brother, Yang Guanghui, raised his glass and said sincerely, "Guangming, I'm truly impressed! You took the exam without hesitation and even got first place! You've brought honor to our Yang family!"

"I just did my best. Getting first place was also a matter of luck." Yang Guangming clinked glasses with his older brother.

"What do you mean by 'doing your best'? You've completely overwhelmed everyone with your strength!" Second Brother Yang Guangyao said with pride. "I told you long ago, my little brother is destined for great things! He'll be a graduate student at Tsinghua University from now on!"

Everyone laughed, and even Yang Yongkang couldn't help but grin.

Yang Xiangmei looked at her younger brother, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

It was this younger brother who, during the darkest time of her life when she could see almost no hope, sent her books and materials, rekindling the spark in her heart and changing her and her daughter's fate.

Now, he too will rely on his formidable strength to soar into an even wider sky.

"Guangming, good luck in the re-examination, and you'll pass with flying colors." Yang Xiangmei raised her teacup, using tea instead of wine, her eyes full of trust and blessings.

"Thank you, Second Sister." Yang Guangming clinked glasses with her, the crisp sound like a victory horn.

The meal was enjoyed by everyone.

In August, Yang Guangming coordinated the work in his department in advance and asked Zhao Guodong for leave.

Zhao Guodong waved his hand dismissively: "Go with peace of mind! I'll keep an eye on things at the department; nothing will go wrong. I wish you every success and that you pass the exam with flying colors!"

On August 7th, Yang Guangming packed a few changes of clothes, along with his interview notice, ID card, letter of introduction from his employer, political background check certificate, and some essential study materials, and boarded a train heading north.

The green train rattled along for more than twenty hours before finally arriving in the capital the following afternoon.

Stepping out of Kyoto Station, the station square was teeming with people, and the sounds of vendors hawking their wares, shouting, and dragging luggage in various accents filled the air.

With no time to appreciate the still somewhat simple Kyoto cityscape of the late 1970s, Yang Ming squeezed onto a bus following a pre-planned route, enduring a bumpy ride until he arrived near Tsinghua University in the HD district.

He found a guesthouse across from the school that looked fairly clean and settled in.

The room was small, with mottled walls, containing only a bed, a table, and a chair. A dusty light bulb hung from the ceiling, and the public restroom and washroom were at the end of the corridor.

But its advantages are that it's quiet and close to the school.

After putting down his luggage, he first took a stroll around the entrance of Tsinghua University.

The ancient and solemn school gate, with the four large Mao-style characters "Tsinghua University" shining brightly in the setting sun, exudes a calm and profound power.

Looking at this academic mecca, which is revered by countless students, even Yang Guangming, with his unwavering will and two lifetimes of experience, couldn't help but feel his emotions surge and find it hard to remain calm.

In his past life, he had passed by this place countless times and looked up at it, but there was always an invisible barrier between them.

In this life, he will knock on this door here and begin a brand new journey.

He stood silently at the school gate for a while, feeling the unique academic atmosphere and historical atmosphere. Then he went to the nearby canteen and had a simple dinner with his food coupons. After that, he returned to the guesthouse and stopped going out to calmly review the key points of the re-examination.

August 10th, the day of the re-examination.

Yang Guangming got up early, washed his face with the cool water in the guesthouse's public washroom, changed into the cleanest and crispest white short-sleeved shirt and dark trousers he had brought, combed his hair neatly, and dressed in a clean and tidy manner. He arrived at the Tsinghua University's designated interview location half an hour early.

The interview process was indeed as rigorous and comprehensive as described in the notification.

The written test and practical skills test were no challenge for him.

In the first written exam, he finished the paper well in advance, checked it carefully, and only handed it in after confirming that there were no errors.

During the foreign language oral exam, his fluent, standard English with a slight American accent surprised the examiner, who chatted with him for a while and asked him a few questions about the current state of computer technology applications abroad. He answered them all with ease, drawing on his knowledge from his previous life, and the examiner's face showed undisguised approval.

During the political vetting process, he submitted various certificates issued by the factory and the neighborhood committee, clearly outlining his family background and social connections. His personal conduct was also impeccable, and he passed the vetting smoothly.

The physical examination was just a formality; he was young and strong, had been exercising regularly, and all his physical indicators were very healthy.

Finally, and most importantly—the interview.

The interview took place in a quiet little conference room.

When he pushed open the heavy wooden door and saw several serious-looking, refined yet sharp-looking old professors sitting behind the long table, he felt not nervous, but rather excited.

Based on limited information, he judged that these people were undoubtedly some of the founders and pioneers in the field of computer science in China: Jin Lan, Wang Erqian, Tang Zesheng, Zhang Bo and other academic giants.

To be personally interviewed by them in this era is an honor and an affirmation in itself.

He took a deep breath, walked to the center of the room, bowed to the teachers, and greeted them with a respectful yet humble attitude and proper demeanor.

"Yang Ming, please have a seat." An elderly professor in the middle, wearing thick black-rimmed glasses and with gray hair but a sprightly demeanor, spoke gently, gesturing to the chair in front of him.

As instructed, Yang Guangming sat down in the prepared chair, his back naturally straight, his gaze calm and focused as he awaited the professors' professional examination.

The interview has begun.

The professors' questions progressed from basic to advanced, starting with fundamental concepts of computer organization, data structures, and operating systems, and gradually delving into algorithm design, compiler principles, and even exploring some cutting-edge fields that were of little interest to people in China at the time, such as the initial conception of artificial intelligence and the prototype of computer networks.

Sunshine Ming calmly dealt with the situation, her brain working at lightning speed.

He answered the basic questions accurately and concisely, getting straight to the point.

For questions that are slightly more difficult and in-depth, he can not only provide standard answers that are in line with the current level of understanding, but also offer his own understanding and extended thinking, citing sources and demonstrating clear logic.

When asked about his views on the future development of computers, he refrained from discussing overly advanced topics such as the internet, mobile communications, and big data.

Instead, it elaborates on some forward-looking and practical viewpoints that are in line with current technological development trends, such as improving computer performance, expanding application areas, and improving human-computer interaction methods.

His language was concise, his logic clear, and his citations accurate, demonstrating a solid professional foundation, excellent research potential, and a broad academic vision far exceeding that of ordinary candidates.

The professors listened and nodded frequently, exchanging admiring and surprised glances.

They could clearly sense that this young man not only had an exceptionally solid foundation, but also an extremely active mind, a strong ability to learn independently, and insights into some issues that were even more profound and clear than those of many teaching assistants and lecturers at the university.

This is extremely rare among the many candidates they have interviewed; he is unique and a true gem.

"Yang Ming, your foreign language skills are impressive, and your professional knowledge is also very solid and systematic."

Another professor, with a lean face and sharp eyes, spoke up, his tone clearly inquisitive, "I'm curious, how do you manage to achieve such a high level of academic achievement amidst your busy work schedule?"

With a sincere tone and clear eyes, Yang Guangming said, "Dear teachers, I must first say that I have a heartfelt love for computer science."

This passion makes me willing to squeeze out every possible moment to learn and think.

I ponder these problems in my spare moments during work breaks, in the long stretches of time after my child goes to sleep at night, and even on my commute by bike.

At the same time, I also pay great attention to learning methods and strive for efficiency, such as building knowledge frameworks.

Of course, the reason I was able to focus on my studies without distractions is thanks to my family, especially my wife. She also got into university, but she took on more family responsibilities and gave me the greatest understanding and support.

His answer was sincere and genuine, without exaggeration or feigned sympathy. Instead, it demonstrated unwavering perseverance, efficient learning methods, and a pure thirst for knowledge, while also showcasing his family's support and sense of responsibility.

The professors nodded again, clearly very satisfied with the answer.

The interview lasted for another ten minutes or so, during which more specific technical details and research plans after enrollment were asked. Yang Guangming gave satisfactory, insightful and practical answers to all of them.

"Alright, Yang Guangming, that concludes our interview," Professor Jin said in the middle, a gentle smile on his face. "Please go back and wait for further notice. Your acceptance letter will be sent out later."

"Thank you, teachers." Yang Guangming stood up, bowed to the professors again to express his gratitude, and then calmly walked out of the conference room, gently closing the door behind him.

The door closed behind him, separating the indoor and outdoor spaces.

He stood in the quiet corridor and gently exhaled a long breath.

He knew in his heart that he had already passed the second round of interviews without any doubt.

Moreover, judging from the professors' final glances and tone, his performance may have been even better than expected.

He didn't linger at Tsinghua University; that afternoon, he went to the train station and bought a ticket for the next train back to Shanghai.

Two days later, Yang Guangming returned to his home in Shanghai.

He didn't describe the specific process and details of the re-examination to his family in detail, only saying simply, "It went quite smoothly, and the interviewers were all very kind."

Seeing that he looked normal and remained calm, his family didn't ask any more questions, but their expectations and confidence only grew stronger.

The days of waiting for the final admission notice seemed longer and more delicate than the days of waiting for the preliminary test results.

Although he was full of confidence, the matter was of great importance. Even the usually calm Yang Guangming would occasionally stop and glance at the mailbox at the entrance of the alley when he passed by it on his way home from get off work.

Lin Jianyue checks her mailbox several times a day, afraid of missing it.

Time passed slowly amidst anticipation, and we entered the latter half of August.

The summer heat has not yet subsided, and the cicadas are chirping themselves hoarse.

That afternoon, Yang Guangming was checking a batch of newly arrived raw material invoices with his colleagues in the finance department when the phone on his desk rang urgently again.

He answered the phone, and Lin Jianyue's overjoyed voice immediately came through, even more excited than before: "Guangming! The admission notice has arrived! Tsinghua University! It just arrived! You've been accepted! Computer Science!"

This time, even someone as calm as Yang Ming felt a surge of immense joy rush to his head.

He paused for two seconds before reacting, his voice trembling slightly: "Okay, I'll go back right away."

After hanging up the phone, he flashed a bright smile at his colleagues who were looking at him with curiosity, and announced loudly, "Everyone, my admission letter has arrived. Tsinghua University, Computer Science major."

There was a moment of silence in the office, followed by a burst of enthusiastic congratulations and applause!

"Congratulations, Section Chief Yang!"

"That's amazing! You actually got in!"

"Our department produced a Tsinghua University graduate student! What an honor!"

Yang Guangming thanked them one by one, then quickly dealt with the urgent matters at hand before going to report the good news to Zhao Guodong again.

Zhao Guodong's reaction was predictable; he patted him heavily on the shoulder again, said "Good!" three times, and smiled so much that his wrinkles looked like chrysanthemums.

When I got home from get off work, the Shikumen (stone gate) was already a sea of ​​jubilation!

It was even more lively than last time, with almost everyone in the alley coming, and everyone's face was filled with a proud smile.

Zhang Xiuying held the admission letter bearing the words "Tsinghua University" in her hands as if it were a sacred object, showing it to everyone.

"Look! Look! Guangming's graduate school admission letter! Tsinghua University!" Her voice was incredibly loud, filled with triumphant pride.

Yang Yongkang stood beside her, his usually straight back seemed even straighter, and the smile on his face had never been so relaxed and bright.

Lin Jianyue stood in the crowd, watching her husband return, and tears finally broke free of her dam. They were tears of pride and happiness for her husband.

Jing Shu and Zhi Yuan were caught up in the atmosphere, weaving through the crowd and giggling incessantly. Xiao Wen also timidly held her little cousin Jing Shu's hand, her face filled with innocent joy.

This time, no one objected to celebrating at a restaurant. Zhang Xiuying generously booked two tables at a well-known local Shanghainese restaurant nearby.

At the banquet, glasses clinked, and blessings, praises, and laughter filled the air.

Yang Guangming became the absolute center of attention, receiving everyone's congratulations.

He remained humble, but the confidence and composure in his eyes, a confidence poised to take flight, were undeniable. (End of Chapter)