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

Wang Chengpeng glanced at Wang Zidong with annoyance and said speechlessly:

"Dongzi, do you really see me as someone who doesn't keep their word?"

"Although I keep my word, I'm sorry, you didn't answer the question correctly."

"I won't keep you in suspense any longer. The main reason I came to see you is about the files."

“Didn’t we take the college entrance exam under the name of No. 1 High School? I’m thinking it would be better to transfer our records to No. 2 High School.”

"You probably didn't go to join the fun today, so you don't know about this."

"I don't know what went wrong with Cao Deming, the principal of No. 1 Middle School. He actually came to me and made a lot of nonsense, saying that people from Wangjia Village were not worthy of his prestigious No. 1 Middle School."

"How could I tolerate this? I immediately contacted the principal of No. 2 Middle School and settled the matter of transferring our files and student status."

"What a lousy high school! I don't care about it at all!"

Upon hearing Wang Chengpeng's description, Wang Zidong immediately became indignant as well:

"What kind of high school principal dares to look down on our Wangjia Village?"

"He still dares to bully you? I'm too lazy to even mention the reputation of this lousy No. 1 High School."

"I'm leaving, I'm leaving right now. I don't want to stay in this school for even a second longer."

But then, Wang Zidong suddenly realized something:

"What? No. 2 Middle School has agreed to accept our files and student records?"

"Pengzi, how did you do that? How could they possibly offend their own people because of a few ordinary folks like us?"

With a chuckle, Wang Chengpeng spoke the absolute truth:
"How else could they have done it?"

“I went directly to the principal of No. 2 Middle School and told him that I was the top scorer in this year’s college entrance examination and that I planned to transfer my student status and records there.”

"When Principal Tao heard about this good news, he immediately accepted it happily."

"At that time, I mentioned your matter again on the way. For my sake, he agreed that if you were willing, he could take over your files and student status together."

Upon hearing Wang Chengpeng's explanation, Wang Zidong's eyes widened, his face displaying an absurd expression that seemed to say, "Are you kidding me?"

“Pengzi, you don’t even think before you brag. Who would believe what you’re saying?”

"You call yourself the top scorer in the college entrance exam? If you were the top scorer, wouldn't my first choice of university be a sure thing?"

"Alright, alright, since you don't want to talk about it, I'm too lazy to bother with this kind of thing."

"I'll go to the Second Middle School with you tomorrow and get this done properly."

Although Wang Chengpeng spoke vaguely about the matter, Wang Zidong, trusting his good friend, didn't think much of it and decided to continue cooperating with him.

After all, would Wang Chengpeng really harm him?
Seeing that Wang Zidong agreed, Wang Chengpeng breathed a slight sigh of relief:

"Alright, then it's settled."

"I have something to do, so I'll have to go now. I'll come find you tomorrow morning."

After all, Wang Zidong was his best friend. If he really couldn't understand the stakes involved, Wang Chengpeng wouldn't just stand by and do nothing.

Either we have to persuade them, or we have to follow up later; in any case, it will definitely cause a lot of trouble.

Fortunately, Wang Zidong lived up to his status as Wang Chengpeng's good friend and agreed without hesitation.

Considering the distance, Wang Chengpeng decided to make a detour to the educated youth settlement first.

Unlike Xia Mingyue, whose house was burned down, Song Sixi did not continue staying at the family's place after the college entrance examination and returned to the educated youth settlement.

However, his situation did not seem to be very good, because when Wang Chengpeng arrived, he saw him busy in the yard—he was the only one busy.

Putting everything else aside, it at least shows that he's become somewhat unsociable and is no longer the elder brother figure he once was at the educated youth settlement.

Upon seeing Wang Chengpeng approach, Song Sixi immediately stood up and went to greet him.
"Comrade Wang, what brings you to my secluded little courtyard today?"

At this point, Song Sixi awkwardly wiped himself on his clothes and said timidly:
"My place is small and I don't have much to offer you. How about we go for a walk outside?"

Song Sixi knew that Wang Chengpeng was usually very busy, so he must have something extremely important to tell her.

In addition, the educated youth settlement was crowded and noisy, so it was better to find a quieter place to chat.

Nodding slightly, Wang Chengpeng said to Song Sixi:
"Okay, let's go for a walk outside then."

Although he only needed to exchange a few words with Song Sixi, interpersonal relationships are never that simple. With some pointless chatter, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they could talk for half an hour.

It was winter, and the weather was freezing cold outside. They didn't see many people on the road, and the two quickly found a relatively secluded place.

Looking in the direction of the educated youth settlement, Wang Chengpeng said meaningfully:
"Song Zhiqing, it seems like you're not in a good situation?"

With a bitter smile, Song Sixi said with a hint of helplessness:
"It's alright, we can manage."

"After all, people have to rely on themselves; you can't rely on others."

"I am truly grateful to Comrade Wang for what happened before. Don't worry, I will repay you with interest very soon."

Upon returning to the former educated youth settlement, Song Sixi truly experienced what it means to be forgotten once someone leaves, and the jealousy between people.

He was usually kind and fair, always willing to help others in any way he could. But after returning this time, he ended up living like a nobody at the educated youth settlement.

He was not a villager of Wangjia Village, and he was isolated by the educated youth in the educated youth settlement, so his situation was extremely difficult.

Despite the difficulties, Song Sixi was not someone who couldn't endure hardship.

Furthermore, since Wang Chengpeng had already helped him a lot, he naturally couldn't complain to Wang Chengpeng again to seek help.

After all, he still wanted to save face.

Before Wang Chengpeng could elaborate, Song Sixi proactively changed the subject:
"Comrade Wang is very busy with work, unlike me who has plenty of free time. What brings you here today?"

"Just ask, I won't refuse to help with anything, whether I can or not."

At this point, Song Sixi became somewhat embarrassed and added:
"As long as you don't think I'm not capable enough."

After all, in his eyes, Wang Chengpeng was many times more capable than him.
In addition, Wang Chengpeng was extremely popular in Wangjia Village, so he really couldn't figure out what the other party wanted to see him about.

It was getting late, so Wang Chengpeng didn't waste any time and simply repeated what he had said to Wang Zidong before.

After listening to Wang Chengpeng's story, Song Sixi frowned and did not agree immediately like Wang Zidong, because he really couldn't understand what the point of Wang Chengpeng coming to him about this matter was.

Force yourself to take sides, force yourself to stand on the side of Wangjia Village? After all, strictly speaking, Song Sixi is not a villager of Wangjia Village.

However, Song Sixi quickly dismissed this guess, simply because Wang Chengpeng was not that kind of person.

Moreover, Wangjia Village didn't need his help as a dispensable educated youth; he simply didn't have the ability. Considering Wang Chengpeng's previous actions, Song Sixi, racking his brains, came to an utterly absurd conclusion—Wang Chengpeng did those things for his own good.

Just as he selflessly rescued me from the quagmire of the educated youth settlement, just as he selflessly lent me his textbooks, just as he selflessly helped me explain the textbook knowledge.

This seemingly absurd answer actually makes perfect sense when applied to Wang Chengpeng, since Song Sixi felt that Wang Chengpeng was indeed such a selfless and great person.

Just as Song Sixi was about to agree, Wang Chengpeng misunderstood his hesitation and lowered his voice, saying:

“Song Zhiqing, if my request makes things difficult for you, just refuse it directly. Don’t worry about what happened before.”

Even though he was clearly trying to help himself, Comrade Wang used the word "request".

He even felt that he would be in a difficult position, and told himself not to worry too much. Comrade Wang was indeed a person of extremely noble character!

Thinking this, Song Sixi immediately waved his hand and explained:

"Comrade Wang, you misunderstood me. I will definitely agree to this."

"I was just a little distracted, and my mind hadn't quite caught up yet."

Nodding slightly, Wang Chengpeng accepted Song Sixi's far-fetched explanation:

"Okay, then we'll see you tomorrow, Song Zhiqing."

"If you feel troubled by this, you can always change your mind."

Upon hearing Wang Chengpeng's words, Song Sixi seemed offended and suddenly raised her voice by eight octaves:
"Comrade Wang, you are questioning my character!"

"While I may not be as certain as you are, a man's promise will never change."

"I'll wait for you at the educated youth settlement tomorrow. If I don't see you there, I won't go anywhere else!"

It seems that Song Sixi is not bad; it wasn't for nothing that I helped him.

Thinking this through, Wang Chengpeng nodded and said:

"Okay, it's a deal then."

A smooth start doesn't guarantee a smooth ride ahead.

The companies Wang Chengpeng visited afterward, however, showed no intention of agreeing.
Although they were equally angry at Cao Deming for bombarding Wangjia Village, they felt that transferring the files was too troublesome and completely unnecessary.

Of course, this is because they didn't know their college entrance exam scores, nor did they know that there was a terrible trick involved in substituting scores; otherwise, they probably wouldn't have dared to be so careless.

Shaking his head slightly, Wang Chengpeng decided to respect their choice and stopped talking nonsense, heading towards his last destination—Xia Mingyue's house.

Xia Mingyue is a diligent person, and in just one or two months, she managed to tidy up the originally abandoned house and make it clean and tidy.

Especially some of the bright red decorations, which reflect the little thoughts in a young girl's heart.

The moment Xia Mingyue opened the door and saw Wang Chengpeng, a fleeting look of joy crossed her face:
"Comrade Wang, why didn't you tell me you were coming to see me? I could have made some preparations earlier."

"It might be too late to go grocery shopping and cook now, so why don't you just make do with whatever you have with me?"

Wang Chengpeng showed no intention of going inside, simply waving his hand as a refusal:

"My parents are waiting for me to come home for dinner, Xia Zhiqing. I won't bother them this year."

"To be honest, it was my fault for coming here in such a hurry, which caused Xia Zhiqing a lot of trouble."

Why don't I stock up on more good food in the dead of winter?

A hint of regret flashed in her eyes, and Xia Mingyue didn't dare to continue trying to persuade her to stay. She said:

"No trouble at all, Comrade Wang, please don't be so polite."

"If it weren't for your help, I don't know if I would have been able to get through this winter."

"By the way, what brings you here today?"

"It's really rare for you to come to me on your own initiative."

With an awkward smile, Wang Chengpeng scratched his head and explained:
"Men and women are different. I wouldn't come looking for you when I have nothing else to do."

"If others see this and gossip about it, I will be willing to die a thousand deaths."

"The thing is like this..."

At this point, Wang Chengpeng repeated the same explanation he had given to the group earlier.

After listening to Wang Chengpeng's account, Xia Mingyue immediately expressed her indignation and stated her position:
"This is outrageous! How could Cao Deming, the head of a school, say such a thing!"

"As an educated youth in Wangjia Village, I am naturally a part of Wangjia Village. I must stand with Wangjia Village through thick and thin, and this is something I definitely have to do."

"At the time, we only chose No. 1 Middle School because it was close to Wangjia Village. Who knew that such a treacherous person was hiding there?"

It has to be said that Xia Mingyue's words are more insightful than others, which may be related to her background.

It is precisely because of this that Xia Mingyue can often see things that others may not.

As if remembering something, she suddenly frowned and asked in return:
"Comrade Wang, is this really that simple?"

Stared at by Xia Mingyue's bright eyes, Wang Chengpeng remained calm and composed, showing no sign of any problem.
"Xia Zhiqing, don't overthink it. It's just that simple."

"It's just a matter of changing schools, what earth-shattering secret could it possibly involve?"

However, although Wang Chengpeng's words were reasonable, they could not possibly deceive the well-informed Xia Mingyue.

Her intuition told her that this matter could not possibly be that simple, after all, Wang Chengpeng did not seem like the kind of person who would waste his efforts.

Furthermore, the fact that he asked me to go and transfer the files tomorrow, with such urgency, must be hiding a big secret.

Thinking of certain things she had heard before, a hint of worry flashed in Xia Mingyue's eyes, and she said with heartache:

"Comrade Wang, don't do this. Don't take on everything yourself."

Shaking his head dismissively, Wang Chengpeng continued to explain:
“Xia Zhiqing, don’t overthink it. It’s just a simple and ordinary thing.”

Knowing that the other party didn't want to talk, Xia Mingyue didn't force it. She just stared straight into Wang Chengpeng's eyes and said:

"Okay, I believe you."

"If you really encounter something, don't keep it to yourself. Speak it out, and we can discuss it together and maybe we can find a solution."

This girl isn't easy to fool!

Wang Chengpeng sighed, agreed, and said:
"Okay, I promise you, if there's anything I can't handle, I'll definitely tell you so we can all work together to find a solution."

"In that case, it's a date. See you tomorrow." (End of Chapter)