I am a wandering immortal in the mortal realm.

"Knock knock knock!"

A light tap was made on the table, the dull sound waking Shen Yuan from his dream.

He sat up abruptly, the movement so sudden that the chair beneath him slid backward with a long, sharp "sizzle."

The other test-takers couldn't help but glance over, their eyes filled with curiosity, displeasure, and disgust...

Shen Yuan was also somewhat stunned. After a long while, he came to his senses. His gaze was fixed on the familiar classroom in front of him, and he couldn't help but blurt out, "Didn't I transmigrate? How come I'm still here?"

"Hahaha……"

A few soft laughs suddenly broke the silence of the examination room.

"Ahem!"

A dry cough came from beside my ear.

Shen Yuan's eyes flickered slightly, glancing at the pair of thick legs clad in dress pants beside the table. His gaze moved upwards to a leather belt with a large bunch of keys tied to it, somewhat twisted and worn, its old marks quite obvious.

Above that was a man with a long, narrow face, a receding hairline, and wearing gold-rimmed glasses, with a serious expression.

A sharp gaze shot out from behind his glasses, sweeping across the entire room before the bald man spoke calmly: "Pay attention to exam discipline!" His voice carried the husky quality characteristic of an old smoker.

The classroom fell silent instantly, with only the sound of exam papers being turned and the scratching of pens on paper.

Mediterranean looked down again, gave Shen Yuan a meaningful look, and then tapped the table lightly, as if to say: If you don't want to take the exam, hand in your paper and don't cause any trouble!

Seeing that Shen Yuan still looked wooden, he cleared his throat, turned and left, but the contempt in his eyes was impossible to hide.

Ha, another lazy bum who doesn't want to work after graduation!

Shen Yuan sat there blankly for a moment, then raised his hands to look at them and found that the wooden sword was gone, Brother Ox was missing, and the fox was gone too…

He seemed to have finally confirmed one thing: he had not traveled through time.

Was I just dreaming?

"Boom!"

In an instant, Shen Yuan felt as if he had been struck by lightning, his mind buzzing.

At this moment, consciousness and reality finally separated completely, and he suddenly realized: "Oh no, I'm taking an exam!"

He quickly looked down at the question—

To address the work-family balance challenges faced by stay-at-home mothers, Z County has innovated the "Mommy Job" employment model, creating new job opportunities, enabling stay-at-home mothers to start a new life and assume social responsibility.

……

City G is preparing to hold a symposium on the new employment model of "mother's jobs" and has requested County Z to give a presentation as a model example. Based on "Given Material 1," please draft a speech for the county leader. (20 points)

Requirements: Comprehensive content; accurate role identification; no formatting requirements; no more than 450 words.

His memory has always been good, and since the dream was short-lived, when he thought back on it now, some of the knowledge that had been a little unfamiliar suddenly began to surface again.

"call……"

Shen Yuan let out a long breath, instantly feeling much more relaxed.

Thank goodness, knowledge is still relevant, I haven't forgotten it!

He recognized his situation and immediately decided to do well on the exam. After a little thought, he had an idea for the answer and began to write.

"First, uphold organizational leadership and create new employment models. Enterprise Party branches should conduct advance investigations into the employment difficulties faced by stay-at-home mothers..."

In less than twenty minutes, Shen Yuangang finished writing four hundred words, and the bell rang to signal the end of the exam.

The landlord glanced at Shen Yuan's answer sheet covered in handwriting, paused for a moment, then chuckled and shook his head.

They still know how to put on a show, so they're not completely hopeless.

Shen Yuan had no idea that he had been sentenced to death by the proctor, nor did he feel any remorse for disturbing the exam. He put away his pencil case, and under the scrutinizing gazes of several people, he walked towards the door.

Perhaps he hadn't yet shed his identity as a Taoist priest, but he walked with flowing sleeves, exuding elegance and grace, clearly a highly cultivated person.

Several female candidates glanced at his retreating figure repeatedly, but by the time they finally decided to ask for his contact information, he had already disappeared into the crowd.

……

After finishing the exam, Shen Yuan didn't rush to leave. Instead, he went to the largest supermarket across from the exam center and bought a lot of supplies.

After finishing his shopping, he hailed a taxi and said to the driver, "Qiongyang Welfare Home, thank you."

"Okay!"

The driver responded, stepped on the gas, and the car shot forward.

About half an hour later, the car arrived at the outskirts of the city and stopped in front of the sign for Qiongyang Welfare Home.

Shen Yuan paid the fare, got out of the car, and looked at the old building in front of him with a complicated expression.

Perhaps the dream was too real, for looking at the place where he had lived for sixteen years, he inexplicably felt a sense of being in another world.

"Hey, Xiao Wu, what brings you here?"

Shen Yuan snapped out of his reverie, looked at the gray-haired woman bustling about in the courtyard, and smiled brightly: "Aunt Zhou!"

Although Qiongyang Welfare Home is a public welfare institution, it has always been a relatively unknown entity in the city's social welfare system, with government funding being untimely and relying more on social donations.

This leads to frequent fluctuations in the standard of living in welfare homes.

Shen Yuan still remembers that when he was a child, there was a period when he ate mooncakes for every meal. Later, all the children had stomach problems and had to be hospitalized. It was then that it was revealed that the director of the welfare home had embezzled welfare funds in collusion with the logistics director and then purchased a large quantity of near-expiry mooncakes to feed the children.

Over the past sixteen years, Shen Yuan has seen many people come and go, but only Aunt Zhou has remained steadfastly here.

She lost her husband early in life and her son in middle age. She toiled her whole life, but ended up all alone.

But she always remained positive, hardworking, and loved every child in the orphanage equally.

But no matter how evenly love is given, there will always be a bias in one's heart.

Shen Yuan was a well-behaved and obedient child, which is why Aunt Zhou loved him so much.

Shen Yuan felt that he hadn't gone astray in the cold eyes of society, which was partly due to the influence of Aunt Zhou.

She is like a small flower blooming in the cracks of a cliff, always facing the world with a radiant smile no matter how the wind and rain may assault her.

Aunt Zhou wiped her hands on her apron, smiled, and stepped forward, asking first, "How did the exam go today?"

Shen Yuan suddenly noticed that her back was already a little hunched, her eyes reddened, and she smiled and said, "You did alright on the exam!"

"Oh my, really!" Aunt Zhou clapped her hands, beaming with joy. "I knew you could do it, Xiao Wu! If you pass the exam, will you become a cadre?"

Aunt Zhou was an old-fashioned person who didn't understand what a civil service exam was. She just thought that if you passed the exam, you could become an official.

Not wanting to spoil her mood, Shen Yuan went along with her, saying, "Yes, when I climb higher and higher and become a high-ranking official, I will definitely allocate more funds to the institute."

"You little rascal, all you know is how to be cheeky!"

Aunt Zhou patted him gently, her eyes filled with deep affection and a sense of pride that her eldest son had grown up.

Shen Yuan waved the item in his hand and said, "Alright, Aunt Zhou, look what I brought! It's an extra treat for my younger siblings tonight!"

"Why are you wasting money again?" Aunt Zhou's tone was reproachful, but she still took the things and advised, "You haven't been working for very long, you should save more money. Buying a house, getting married, having children, where won't you need money?"

Shen Yuan laughed heartily, "I only have myself to worry about. Once I become a civil servant, the government will take care of my retirement. Whether I get married or have children is completely unimportant!"

"You're talking nonsense again!"

Aunt Zhou glared at him, and Shen Yuan burst into laughter.

As soon as the two entered the courtyard, a group of little radish-like children swarmed around them, chattering excitedly.

"Brother Xiao Wu!"

"Brother Xiao Wu!"

"..."

Shen Yuan rubbed each of their heads one by one. He had watched these little radishes grow up, so naturally he had feelings for them.

Unfortunately, as a recent graduate, he didn't have much ability to donate large sums of money; he could only frequently bring them food and other necessities when visiting them.

Because of Shen Yuan's arrival, Aunt Zhou gave the little ones a special treat, which was quite rare.

As he was leaving, Shen Yuan suddenly pulled out a bank card and handed it to Aunt Zhou.

Aunt Zhou was taken aback, didn't take it, and instead asked, "What are you doing?"

Shen Yuan said, "If I pass the exam this time, I definitely won't be able to stay in the city anymore, so from now on, I'll put half of my monthly salary into this card, no matter how much it is."

Aunt Zhou seemed to be electrocuted, and quickly withdrew her hand: "This... I can't accept this!"

Shen Yuan just smiled and said, "Don't worry, Aunt Zhou, I'm not stupid. I'll stop this money once you're no longer at the orphanage."

Aunt Zhou was taken aback, then saw Shen Yuan looking at her and saying firmly, "I only believe Aunt Zhou, I don't believe anyone else!"

Aunt Zhou's eyes reddened, and she kept repeating, "You child, you child..."

Shen Yuan himself found it strange, as if he were making his final arrangements, but he just couldn't control himself, as if only in this way could he put an end to certain obsessions in his heart.

He handed the bank card to Aunt Zhou and said, "The password is your birthday, Aunt Zhou."

Aunt Zhou tried to push it away, but Shen Yuan stopped her, laughing heartily, "Alright, I'm leaving now, Aunt Zhou. Wish me luck in my future endeavors!"

He left without a trace of regret, and Aunt Zhou burst into tears. When she chased after him to the door, the child had already disappeared.

……

Five years later.

Office of a certain county.

The county magistrate looked at the spirited and handsome young man in front of him with a hint of appreciation in his eyes.

"Xiao Shen, you've been my scribe for several years, and I have absolute confidence in your theoretical knowledge. But theory should be combined with practice. This time, the county has decided to entrust you with an even bigger responsibility. I wonder if you have the courage to take it on?"

Shen Yuan stood tall and proud: "I have no objections; I will obey all arrangements made by the organization!"

"good!"

The county was very satisfied with his attitude.

The appointment came down quickly, and Shen Yuan was promoted to mayor of Jinlan Township, which was under his jurisdiction.

Jinlan Township is a well-known impoverished township in the county. Three groups of poverty alleviation cadres have been driven away by its poverty. It is the toughest nut to crack in the county.

The county sent Shen Yuan down there, perhaps with the intention of training him, but of course, it was mostly because they valued his simple background and didn't need to worry about so many complicated matters.

Opportunities and risks always go hand in hand, and Shen Yuan knew this well. If he could overcome this challenge, he would surely have a bright future; if he couldn't, he would likely stagnate in the same place.

But he, a nobody, has managed to reach his current position in the treacherous officialdom. What he has in abundance is the courage and boldness to achieve great things with small investments.

To his surprise, on his first day as the new township mayor, he faced a case concerning whether to demolish the ancient building "Yiyuan Temple".

Because someone discovered a gypsum mine in that area, the township wanted to contract out the mine to make money, so Yiyuan Temple had to be demolished.

Regardless of whether this violates any regulations, upon seeing the words "One Principle View," a chord sealed in Shen Yuan's memory was inevitably touched.

"A monistic view..."

Shen Yuan gently stroked the three words on the document, pondered many things, and his eyes gradually became firm.

So, before officially taking office, he spent a month conducting on-site investigations and visits, and submitted two reports to the county.

A report titled "Special Report on Environmental and Health Risks Caused by Gypsum Mining in Jinlan Township".

Another document is titled "Suggestions on Leveraging New Media to Revitalize Traditional Folk Culture and Drive Rural Economic Development".

Both reports were substantial and to the point, and quickly caused a sensation in the county.

Not long after, the county issued an order to halt the bidding plan for the gypsum mine.

This practically jeopardized Jinlan Township's future livelihoods and also put Shen Yuan on the opposite side of the villagers.

However, Shen Yuan withstood the pressure and even obtained a special fund from the county to repair and maintain the traditional buildings and infrastructure of Jinlan Township. He also operated "Yiyuan Temple" as a landmark cultural IP.

His experience with the Taoist priest in his dream also provided him with great assistance.

His stories were both true and fantastical, and his interpretations of Taoist scriptures were full of profound wisdom, which immediately attracted a large number of Taoist culture enthusiasts to visit and travel.

Then, seizing the opportunity, he contacted a large number of online influencers, further boosting the traffic.

Overnight, the "One Yuan Temple" became a viral sensation online.

With traffic comes revenue.

In just three short years, Jinlan Township, which was once so poor that it had to sell its blood, has suddenly become a nationally renowned internet celebrity township and a township that has become wealthy.

Through this, Shen Yuan gained a higher level of vision and a broader platform.

……

Twenty years have passed in the blink of an eye.

He was once a small township head, but now he's at the city level.

Unexpectedly, instead of rising to great heights, he stumbled on a major project.

Although it was eventually found that Shen Yuan had no direct problems, as the person in charge, he had to take responsibility.

Almost overnight, people avoided him like the plague, vividly demonstrating the coldness of human nature.

Shen Yuan was disheartened and wanted to confide in someone, only to find that he was also all alone.

Aunt Zhou had passed away five years ago, and the welfare home had been demolished to build a factory. By some strange twist of fate, he came to Jinlan Township.

This is considered the true starting point of his career.

Yiyuan Temple remains a popular place of worship, attracting throngs of visitors, yet none of them recognize Shen Yuan.

In a daze, he walked to the entrance of the Yiyuan Temple. When he was about to step out, he suddenly hesitated.

"Fellow Daoist, you're just one step away from entering the gate, why don't you proceed?"

The world suddenly fell silent, save for a single, aged voice.

Shen Yuan turned his head and found that the once crowded Taoist temple was now empty, with only a lame old Taoist priest smiling at him.

A mix of emotions flashed across Shen Yuan's face: bewilderment, fear, doubt, excitement... He simply didn't know how to answer.

The old Taoist priest then asked him with a smile, "I have waited for twenty-five years, yet I know that you have spent half your life in a hurried and unrestrained manner. Do you still have any regrets?"

Shen Yuan shook his head: "No regrets!"

"Is there still any [holding]?"

"No attachment!"

"Is there anything you're reluctant to part with?"

"No, not at all!"

"Have you gained any insight?"

Shen Yuan thought for a moment, then smiled wryly: "It's just a matter of being extremely cautious, caught in a dilemma!"

The old Taoist priest smiled and pointed at him: "Good, my Tao is consistent throughout. Since you have nothing left behind, go forward boldly!"

Shen Yuan was slightly startled. Before he could react, he felt a gentle push to his side and involuntarily stumbled forward, falling into the palace gate.

He was startled and was about to steady himself when a wave of weightlessness surged over him, and his body suddenly plummeted as if he had fallen into another dimension.

The world spun before my eyes, and the scenery flew by. When I opened my eyes again, the world around me had changed.

There is a bright, shining moon; there are twinkling stars; there are two foxes worshipping the moon; there are oxen sleeping peacefully; there is the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms...

The sea of ​​sexuality is vast, and the Taoist finally grasped that spark of inspiration. With one step, he was already separated from the mortal world.

His eyes shone brightly, his whole body radiant with a translucent glow, and a long, smiling chant that seemed to transcend time and space echoed in my ears: "To become an immortal, one must forget oneself; if my heart does not die, there is no path to enlightenment!"

In an instant, the Great Dao was moved, and Heaven and Earth rejoiced!

P.S., I revised it four or five times, but it still wouldn't publish, so I had to delete a thousand words and repost it. Please forgive me. It's basically just a story about the life of a low-level civil servant; I don't know why it's against the rules.