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

Chapter 353 Don't you want to go?

Wang Chengpeng, who was deep in thought, was interrupted. Before his mind could process what was happening, he instinctively gave an answer:

"The questions? I think they're pretty easy."

"As for what I'm thinking about, that's naturally what I should do after I go to university."

Wang Chengpeng was a humble person to begin with, and even though he hadn't quite come to his senses, he still didn't say anything shocking or outrageous.

However, even though this was somewhat of an underestimation of himself, it still sounded a bit too exaggerated to Kong Xueyan. She looked surprised and asked:
"Comrade, since you think the questions aren't difficult, why are you outside the exam hall now? Shouldn't you be inside, writing furiously?"

"And what you're thinking about is too far away for you. I advise you not to be too ambitious and to be more down-to-earth."

"For example, right now, instead of thinking about some grandiose and empty questions here, you might as well go back and read some books. You might even get a few more points on the next exam."

"Only by getting more points can you have a chance to get into your dream university."

Wang Chengpeng glanced at Kong Xueyan with surprise, then directly refused her offer, saying:
"I'm so sorry, sir, but I don't want you to interrupt my train of thought."

"If you really have nothing to do, you can go find someone else who has nothing to do as well as you."

Kong Xueyan's words seemed correct, but they did not reflect Wang Chengpeng's actual situation at all. In addition, he was too lazy to waste his time answering such pointless questions, so he naturally wanted to persuade Kong Xueyan to back down.

However, Wang Chengpeng's blunt honesty offended Kong Xueyan.

She felt that she was saying these words to Wang Chengpeng entirely for his own good, and that she was also trying to do a good deed by persuading him to turn back from his wrong path.

To her surprise, Wang Chengpeng not only didn't appreciate her kindness, but also subtly accused her of meddling in other people's business. She immediately became angry and retorted:
"Comrade, weren't you thinking about what you should do after going to college?"

"Tsinghua University, Peking University, Fudan University, and the University of Science and Technology of China are all top universities in China."

"I think Tsinghua University is pretty good. May I ask about your college application? Did you apply to Tsinghua University?"

"Based on the college applications you filled out, I might be able to recommend some worthwhile things for you to do."

It's a sad fact that, since the college entrance examination has only recently been reinstated, and these top universities are so far removed from ordinary people, some have never even heard of them.

It's because Wang Chengpeng did research when he took the college entrance exam in his previous life, and he also read relevant books in this life; otherwise, he might not know how many schools he knew.

Kong Xueyan was able to name so many prestigious universities, which shows that she has some knowledge.

That's precisely why Wang Chengpeng became somewhat interested in chatting with her, saying:

"I didn't expect you to be so knowledgeable, knowing that these are all top-tier schools."

"However, I have no intention of applying to Tsinghua University; it is not within my consideration."

Upon hearing Wang Chengpeng say that he had not applied to Tsinghua University, Kong Xueyan breathed a slight sigh of relief, feeling that this unfamiliar man in front of her still had some self-awareness.

At least he knew that these top universities were too far removed from ordinary people, unattainable, and not worth considering at all.

Out of revenge for being told she was "meddling," Kong Xueyan deliberately asked another question:
"Excuse me, sir, why didn't you apply to Tsinghua University? Don't you want to go to Tsinghua University?"

He thought his words would leave Wang Chengpeng speechless, but to his surprise, Wang Chengpeng nodded seriously and said:

"I really didn't want to go to Tsinghua University. After all, Beijing is too far away and has some complicated issues."

"On the contrary, I prefer Shanghai. It is not only close to us, but also offers many opportunities, so I applied to Fudan University."

"By the way, tell me quickly what worthwhile things I can do at Fudan University so I can prepare in advance."

Kong Xueyan: ...? ? ?
Looking at Wang Chengpeng's incredibly serious expression when he answered, if it weren't for the fact that what Wang Chengpeng said was so outrageous, she would have thought that what Wang Chengpeng said was the absolute truth, the result of careful consideration.

This person seemed so certain that he could get into Fudan University. Could he be crazy? Otherwise, how could he say something so illogical with such confidence?

With this in mind, Kong Xueyan had absolutely no desire to talk to Wang Chengpeng anymore.

However, since she had just promised Wang Chengpeng to help recommend worthwhile things to do, Kong Xueyan patiently continued:

"It is said that Fudan University has a large library with all kinds of books. If you take a look, you will always gain something."

The prerequisite is that you have the opportunity to go.

At this point, Kong Xueyan seemed to remember something and asked another question:
"By the way, sir, may I ask which universities you listed as your second and third choices?"

Although Wang Chengpeng's first choice was a bit outrageous, as long as his second and third choices are sound and he has good enough grades, there is still a chance to salvage the situation.

Faced with Kong Xueyan's question, Wang Chengpeng looked puzzled and asked in return:

"Second choice? Third choice? I didn't fill them in at all."

"Thank you for helping me understand. If there were a library, then what I need to do would be much clearer."

This is insane! Absolutely insane!

Others would love to have seventy or eighty choices, fearing they might miss this rare opportunity if they filled in too few.

Wang Chengpeng had the opportunity but didn't cherish it, wasting two volunteer slots. This is simply a terrible waste.

It's best to stay away from people who seem normal and speak very clearly, but who actually have mental problems.

Just then, Kong Xueyan spotted another student who had handed in their paper early. She immediately said goodbye to Wang Chengpeng and then left without looking back.

Although he was gone, Kong Xueyan kept Wang Chengpeng's outrageous remarks in her mind.

She decided to go back and organize her thoughts properly before broadcasting her conversation with Wang Chengpeng to everyone.

She even came up with a theme: "Pay Attention to the Psychological State of Test Takers".

While resuming the college entrance examination is a good thing, the mental health of students should not be ignored and needs attention, even as they strive to learn.

Thinking of this, Kong Xueyan's lips unconsciously curled up. She could come up with such a good topic just by going home to visit relatives. She really is an extremely excellent broadcaster.

……

On the other hand, Wang Chengpeng thought for a long time but still couldn't figure out what major he should study.

He wanted to learn so much, and the thought of being confined to a particular major and having to make a choice was incredibly painful for him. Looking at his watch on his left wrist, and with some time left before the exam ended, Wang Chengpeng decided to go to the nearest state-run restaurant.

Finding a meal can be a big problem. With so many test takers arriving, it's easy to miss out on a good meal if you don't plan ahead. So, making a reservation in advance is essential.

Considering his and Zhu Hong's enormous appetites, Wang Chengpeng ordered a huge table of dishes before returning to the gate of No. 1 Middle School.

As time went on, more and more candidates left the examination hall, and the area outside the No. 1 Middle School was packed with people.

The most active person among them was Kong Xueyan, who had previously spoken with Wang Chengpeng.

After all, having only Wang Chengpeng as material is not enough. To compile a speech that can resonate with everyone, she must collect more material.

That's why she frequently moved among the test takers, asking them for their opinions on this year's college entrance examination.

However, not many people were willing to answer Kong Xueyan's question. Although people in this era are generally quite enthusiastic, this was outside the examination hall. Some people were already upset because they did not do well on the exam, so they naturally had no mood to answer her question.

Seemingly realizing her own problem, Kong Xueyan began to selectively seek out targets, specifically asking questions of candidates who appeared confident.

As she continued asking questions, she noticed a woman with two ponytails. The woman's calm and composed expression suggested she had done very well on the exam, so she immediately went up to her and asked her more questions:
"Miss, what are your thoughts on this morning's exam?"

Xia Mingyue, somewhat bewildered by the question, countered with:
"What can I say?"

Kong Xueyan pressed further, asking, "I mean the difficulty level, and your plans for the future, whether you think you can get into university."

Suddenly realizing what was happening, Xia Mingyue thought for a moment and finally gave a fairly standard answer:

"I can't say how difficult it was, but I finished all the questions."

"As for whether or not I can get into university, who can say for sure what the future holds?"

"However, I do know a very capable comrade. For him, this exam should be no problem at all."

Just as Kong Xueyan's curiosity was piqued and she was about to ask Xia Mingyue who the comrade she mentioned was, she saw Xia Mingyue's eyes light up with surprise, as if she had suddenly discovered something.

Completely ignoring Kong Xueyan, Xia Mingyue jogged towards Wang Chengpeng's location. When she reached him, she greeted him with a smile.
"Comrade Wang, what a coincidence to run into you here."

There aren't many exam venues in Hetian Town, and No. 1 Middle School is the largest one, so their chance encounter isn't exactly outrageous.

Wang Chengpeng greeted him with a smile, saying:

"Xia, what a coincidence."

"By the way, have you got your lunch sorted out yet?"

"I've booked a table at the state-run restaurant, and the portions are generous. Why don't you join us for a meal?"

Xia Mingyue patted the bag on her shoulder and shook her head in refusal:
"Thank you for your kindness, Comrade Wang. I brought food, so please eat it yourselves and don't waste any."

After glancing at Xia Mingyue's handbag, Wang Chengpeng advised:

"If you eat with us at noon, you can reheat the food when you get home in the evening. How can that be a waste of food?"

"It's the college entrance exam now. If you get a stomachache from eating cold food, it won't be worth it, Xia Zhiqing."

It's the dead of winter now, and no matter how well Xia Mingyue packs the food, it's bound to get cold.

It's not a big deal to get an upset stomach normally, but now is the crucial time for the college entrance examination. It would be a loss to make a big mistake for a small one.

Although the guesthouse might offer a service to heat up meals, with so many people needing this service, Xia Mingyue might not be able to eat in a timely manner.

Given the short lunch break and the upcoming afternoon exam, after much deliberation, Xia Mingyue finally agreed to Wang Chengpeng's invitation, saying:
"Comrade Wang is right. We do need to be careful in situations like this."

"But I can't keep taking advantage of you. How much is this meal? I'll give you my share later."

Wang Chengpeng waved his hand and refused Xia Mingyue's offer of money, saying:

"There's no need to pay. The food has already been ordered. Having more people just means having more chopsticks."

"Besides, Xia Zhiqing, you still owe me a meal. Next time we eat, I'll eat more and I'll make it up to you."

That's not how you calculate things.

Just as Xia Mingyue was about to retort, she saw Wang Chengpeng wave his hand behind her. Soon after, she saw two familiar figures rushing towards her. They were Wang Zidong and Zhu Hong, who had just come out of the examination room.

Looking at Wang Chengpeng and Xia Mingyue with surprise, Wang Zidong immediately asked the question that had been bothering him:
"Pengzi, Xia Zhiqing, what brings you two together?"

Wang Chengpeng didn't hide anything and directly told the truth:
"After I finished the exam, I handed it in early and waited for you outside the exam hall, but I didn't expect to see Xia Zhiqing first."

“I booked a table at the state-run restaurant in advance and invited Xia, the educated youth, to have lunch together.”

Upon hearing Wang Chengpeng's explanation, Wang Zidong's voice instantly distorted:

"You two handed in your papers early?"

"How did you two manage to hand in your papers early on such difficult questions?"

His and Zhu Hong's exam rooms were relatively close to the entrance, and given that both of them walked quite fast, they would definitely be among the first to leave the school under normal circumstances.

When the two of them came out, Wang Chengpeng and Xia Mingyue were already standing there. The only possible explanation is that the two of them had handed in their papers early.

Faced with Wang Zidong's question, Wang Chengpeng smiled awkwardly and said:
"It's just a matter of handing in the paper a little early. As long as you finish the paper, it doesn't matter whether you come out early or late."

"Are you hungry? Doing exam papers is very tiring. Let's go eat first."

Patting his belly, Wang Zidong said:
"I shouldn't have competed with you. By the time the time was up, I would have just finished checking the paper."

Now that you mention it, I am indeed a little hungry. Let's go eat.

Zhu Hong also muttered that he was hungry, so the four of them stopped talking and headed straight for the state-run restaurant.

When the four arrived at the state-run restaurant, the food was already laid out on the table, just waiting for them to eat. It was prepared just right.

The four of them had barely sat down when a waiter approached Wang Chengpeng and said:
"Comrade, the food you ordered half an hour ago has been served. It consists of five dishes and a soup. Please check it."

(End of this chapter)