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

This was originally Wang Chengpeng's suggestion, so he naturally had no objections and nodded in agreement:

"That's no problem, of course, but if you want to receive their files, you have to take on the responsibility of protecting them."

Since Tao Zhiyuan wanted to get benefits, he naturally had to fulfill his obligations. Wang Chengpeng simply made a request that wasn't really a request.

As if he had thought of something, Wang Chengpeng added:
"Also, could you please check if there is a candidate named 'Liu Yanran'?"

Although Zhu Hong had already gone to Zhoujia Village to confirm Liu Yanran's death, Wang Chengpeng was still willing to add another layer of security to the matter.

There are very few people named Liu Yanran in this era. The probability of her taking the college entrance examination and being a candidate from the vicinity of Hetian Town is extremely low, so her identity can be basically confirmed.

However, after Tao Zhiyuan's search, he was unable to find a candidate named Liu Yanran, which immediately relieved Wang Chengpeng.

As for Tao Zhiyuan, he did not directly agree to protect the archives, but instead played coy:
“Everyone’s files are kept at my school, so I naturally have the responsibility and obligation to protect these files.”

"Comrade Wang, just have them bring the files over. There won't be any problems."

Seeing that Tao Zhiyuan was still pretending to be stupid, Wang Chengpeng went straight to the point:
"You should know that the files I'm talking about are not simple files."

"Now that I've seen their grades, I know for sure whether they can get into university."

“Taking over their files means something you should understand better than I do.”

Upon hearing Wang Chengpeng's words, Tao Zhiyuan was immediately taken aback.

In fact, as the school principal, he was well aware of the corruption within the education system.

Given the results of No. 2 Middle School, it can't even produce a single student who can get into a junior college or university. There's really no need to think about such advanced things.

However, if these candidates who performed well on the exam are accepted, the situation will become completely different.

Those influential figures would definitely swarm him like leeches smelling blood, eyeing his previously unknown middle school.

They might not dare to mess with Wang Chengpeng, the top scorer in the college entrance examination, but they would definitely have the guts to target his friends who also have good grades.

Thinking about it this way, Tao Zhiyuan suddenly realized that he had taken on a hot potato.

It's worth noting that Wang Chengpeng already knew his friend's grades, and it's easy to imagine what kind of trouble would ensue if he didn't receive an acceptance letter.

It was at this moment that Tao Zhiyuan felt a chill run down his spine. He realized that the person in front of him was definitely not as simple as he appeared.

His seemingly simple request was actually a calculated move that eventually led to the capture of an extremely formidable fortress.

Do I really have the ability to protect these archives?

Upon honest self-reflection, Tao Zhiyuan's hands began to tremble.

He discovered with despair that he didn't seem to have that much ability.

Once the person before me discovers the truth, just how terrifying are their methods? And can I withstand them? This…

Sweat soaked Tao Zhiyuan's clothes. He cleared his throat, bowed to Wang Chengpeng again, and then said helplessly:

"Thank you for the reminder, Comrade Wang. I really shouldn't have done something so presumptuous. I don't want these files anymore."

At this point, Tao Zhiyuan's expression clearly turned bitter; the feeling of missing out on something good was making him quite uncomfortable.

However, it was precisely after Tao Zhiyuan rejected Wang Chengpeng's suggestion that Wang Chengpeng smiled and said nonchalantly:
"Principal Tao is well aware of his own abilities, but this matter is actually not as troublesome as you imagine."

"How about we switch our bargaining chips?"

"I only need you to help guard these files within your capabilities. If you are not capable enough, just comply."

"However, there is one condition: you must tell me what happened."

"After you've done all this, everything will be out of your hands. You just need to wait for your meteoric rise to success."

Compared to placing the files in No. 1 Middle School, which was interfered with by Cao Deming, it is clearly more reliable to place the files in No. 2 Middle School.

Even if Tao Zhiyuan is incapable of protecting the files of several people, as long as he can promptly inform Wang Chengpeng, that is enough to demonstrate his value.

Upon hearing Wang Chengpeng's words, Tao Zhiyuan felt a strange sense of absurdity.

What makes this young man so capable of saying such things? Does he have the ability to protect something he himself couldn't even protect?
Just as Tao Zhiyuan was about to retort, he inexplicably remembered how Wang Chengpeng had subtly set a trap for him earlier, and ultimately swallowed back the words he was about to say.

The young man in front of us might actually have a solution.

Most importantly, this matter is entirely beneficial to him, and if a conflict does arise, the person responsible for resolving it will be the mastermind behind the switch.

After a moment's hesitation, Tao Zhiyuan finally nodded and said:
"If that's all there is to it, I agree to your terms."

"But there's one thing I still have to say: you'd better not overestimate your own abilities."

"Even if you have the title of top scorer in the college entrance examination, don't underestimate the ruthlessness of those people."

"This world is far darker than you imagine. You must let go when it's time to let go, lest..."

Having said that, Tao Zhiyuan wisely shut his mouth. He knew that Wang Chengpeng wasn't stupid and should know what he shouldn't do.

However, Wang Chengpeng seemed not to understand his implied meaning and said:
"Just do what you're supposed to do, and I'll keep you safe and sound in this incident."

"If the truth really comes out, I will protect you and portray you as a hero who has turned away from darkness and provided crucial clues."

“If I didn’t have this ability, you wouldn’t be in any trouble either, because you helped them complete this despicable thing smoothly.”

He bet on both sides... and even gave Tao Zhiyuan a way out.

Wang Chengpeng's words immediately silenced him, and for a moment he didn't know how to respond.

Is it mocking his overestimation of his abilities, praising his commendable courage, or expressing his determination to never coexist with the forces of evil?
After thinking it over, Tao Zhiyuan decided that it was best not to say or do anything.

Fortunately, Wang Chengpeng didn't intend to embarrass him for long, and immediately changed the subject, shifting the focus to another matter:

“Principal Tao, although you have the upper hand in the student registration process, you still cannot let your guard down.”

"After all, once you gain the upper hand in many things, things can get complicated."

"I bet Cao Deming has already started preparing the materials for the report. If you don't hurry, this cooked duck will fly away."

“Of course, the same principle applies. As long as you gain the upper hand, coupled with the advantage of your student status, it will be completely impossible for Cao Deming to turn the tables.” Thinking this, Wang Chengpeng pulled out two notebooks from his pocket, which were the materials Wang Fucheng had used to recount Wang Chengpeng's glorious deeds:

“If Principal Tao has the time, I think we can start preparing the materials now.”

After being reminded by Wang Chengpeng, Tao Zhiyuan finally realized that everything was still just a mirage, and he hadn't even truly grasped this immense wealth.

But then he encountered another problem and explained:
"Comrade Wang, you have a good eye. You always manage to get straight to the point and hit the nail on the head."

"But things just don't go as planned. Our school's Director Yang, who is in charge of written work, has just taken leave to go home to visit his family, and he may not be back for a while."

"But don't worry too much. I'll contact the Chinese teacher at school right away. Writing an article should be a piece of cake."

Although Tao Zhiyuan appeared very optimistic, Wang Chengpeng did not share that view.

If the report is not written well or not written quickly enough, the Second Middle School might not be able to beat the First Middle School.

Taking a deep breath, he volunteered:
“Principal Tao, if you don’t mind me praising myself, I can do this material for you.”

"Don't worry, you will definitely need to review the final presentation materials, and there will absolutely be no mistakes."

you?
Tao Zhiyuan looked at Wang Chengpeng suspiciously, but ultimately did not fully agree to his conditions. Instead, he asked Zhuang Liang to inform Teacher Yang.

Let Wang Chengpeng write if he wants to; at least he can provide Teacher Yang with a draft that can be used for reference.

He was also shrewd; fearing that his straightforward actions might cause Wang Chengpeng to misunderstand, he specifically explained:
"Comrade Wang, I think you are right. The matter of materials is not only urgent, but also cannot tolerate the slightest mistake."

"How about this, you write it first, and we'll call on Teacher Yang first, so we can be prepared for both possibilities."

Wang Chengpeng knew that Tao Zhiyuan did not fully trust him.

However, he didn't mind. Instead, he waved to Tao Zhiyuan, indicating that the other party should provide him with paper and pen.

He dislikes empty talk and prefers to conquer anyone who dares to question him with genuine strength.

Wang Chengpeng was already doing things for Tao Zhiyuan, and he also brought him immense wealth. Tao Zhiyuan was extremely attentive to him and soon sent him notebooks and pens.

As he handed over the notebook and pen, Tao Zhiyuan uttered some nice words:
"This is the calligraphy of the top scorer in the college entrance examination, and it's the first one. I'll have to keep it safe."

That's what he said, but in reality he didn't have high expectations for Wang Chengpeng's calligraphy.

You have to understand that Wang Chengpeng is a countryman. In this era when even having enough to eat was difficult, practicing calligraphy was truly an activity reserved for the wealthy.

For ordinary people, let alone writing beautifully, even being able to read is a luxury.

However, Tao Zhiyuan wasn't entirely flattering him; after all, the handwritten letter from the first graduating class of the college entrance examination after its resumption still had some commemorative value.

Wang Chengpeng didn't hesitate and picked up a pen to start writing in his notebook.

In any case, Tao Zhiyuan didn't have high expectations for what he wrote, and instead of staying by his side, he sat back down in his seat and started working again.

Wang Chengpeng's reminder is absolutely correct. Even a cooked duck can fly away, let alone a duck that hasn't even been captured yet.

To ensure that the Second High School would successfully recruit Wang Chengpeng, the top scorer in the college entrance examination, he still needed to plan carefully.

In an instant, the once bustling office was reduced to the sound of two people writing on paper.

About fifteen minutes later, just as Tao Zhiyuan was getting into work mode, he heard the sound of a pen cap closing next to him.

Looking up, I saw Wang Chengpeng blowing on the ink on his notebook, clearly having finished his self-praising report.

Looking at the Shanghai watch on his left wrist, Tao Zhiyuan realized that less than twenty minutes had passed since Wang Chengpeng began writing.

Seeing that Wang Chengpeng showed no intention of continuing to write, he asked with some confusion:
"Comrade Wang, have you finished writing this report?"

"I think you should write more content. Just like answering questions, it's okay not to know the answer, but writing too little is a problem of attitude."

Upon hearing Tao Zhiyuan's reminder, Wang Chengpeng remained indifferent, saying:
"Principal Tao, what you said is not quite right."

"If you know it, you know it; if you don't, you don't. The examiner won't give you extra points for something you wrote carelessly."

"Besides, why write another stroke when something can be written in one stroke?"

"Time is of the essence. If Principal Tao has some free time, perhaps he could review what I have written first."

"If there's anything else that needs to be changed, I'd like to make those changes while I'm still here."

At this point, Wang Chengpeng gave a self-deprecating laugh:
“I’m not like Principal Tao. You’re here to work, but I’m here to help out by working overtime.”

"Besides, I need to go back and confirm my friend's schedule. It would be a waste of time to stay here for too long."

Tao Zhiyuan: ...? ? ?
He was speechless at Wang Chengpeng's inexplicable confidence. He had originally planned to check Wang Chengpeng's perfunctory work after he left, but he didn't expect that the other party would urge him.

Well, well, the two are still in a cooperative relationship for now. I'll just lie and say something nice to get rid of the other party.

Thinking this, Tao Zhiyuan took the notebook from Wang Chengpeng and began to examine what Wang Chengpeng had just written with a scrutinizing gaze.

"Beautiful!" Tao Zhiyuan was stunned by Wang Chengpeng's powerful handwriting as soon as he opened the first page, without even having time to look closely at the contents of the notebook.

In this era where both fountain pens and calligraphy brushes are used, it is truly rare to be able to write characters that possess both the strength of traditional calligraphy and the spirit of the new era.

He couldn't help but recall the flamboyant slogans on the factory's bulletin board, but the calligraphy before him showed even greater skill. He continued to praise:

"Comrade Wang's handwriting was exemplary back then, making me feel ashamed of my own inferiority!"

As he said this, Tao Zhiyuan even reached out his right hand and gently stroked the upright, pine-like strokes on the paper, sincerely praising them:

"The strokes and the strength of this brush must have been practiced for many years, right?"

"Most importantly, this character has the vigor of a young person, the composure of a middle-aged person, and the vicissitudes of an elderly person who has seen it all. It is simply too strange."

At this point, Tao Zhiyuan couldn't help but recall the calligraphy exhibition he saw at the cultural center last year, the works of those so-called famous calligraphers...
They are either deliberately showing off or stiff and restrained, unlike the natural and flowing charm of Wang Chengpeng's brush.

"This is truly remarkable!" he exclaimed, stroking the pages.

"This brushstroke seems to contain half a life story, with the vigor of youth, the composure to withstand any wind, and finally the open-mindedness to see the mountain as just a mountain."

At this point, Tao Zhiyuan couldn't help but look up at Wang Chengpeng:
It's hard to believe that such impressive calligraphy came from this young man. (End of Chapter)