On the third day after Sun Zhengguo started working at the Second Steel Rolling Mill, Tsinghua University also officially started its semester.

"Zhengguo, go back to school at noon. Your graduation certificate and job assignment letter are ready. They are with your teacher, Mr. Chen. I'll give you another half-day off this afternoon. Go to the Ministry of Metallurgy to complete your onboarding procedures so you can get your salary sooner."

Around 9 a.m., Professor Wu received a phone call and rushed to the warehouse to tell Sun Zhengguo the good news.

"Really? Mr. Wu, how could it be so fast? It's only the first day of school today. The school is really efficient."

Upon hearing this news, Sun Zhengguo showed an excited expression and even raised his voice considerably.

"How could this be fake? I just received a call. It's a special case, so we'll handle it quickly! The leaders from the Ministry of Metallurgy have already called the university. How could it not be fast?"

"Hehe! I have to thank Mr. Wu. Without your suggestion, things wouldn't have gone so smoothly."

"Then you're wrong! I admit that was true before, but now all of this is thanks to your own hard work. Don't underestimate yourself; you've already made a name for yourself in the metallurgical system."

The two chatted briefly, but Professor Wu had many things to do and hurriedly returned to the workshop.

Sun Zhengguo worked until noon, ate lunch, gave some instructions to his senior brother Chen and asked him to take over the command before he hurriedly rode his bicycle to school.

On campus, Zheng Wenhua, who had just finished lunch, ran into Sun Zhengguo, who was rushing over.

"Jung-guk, why are you so late? It's the first day of school, why wasn't your name called during roll call?"

"Culture, I'm no longer in school. I'm just here to pick up some things and say goodbye to my classmates."

Zheng Wenhua's eyes widened in disbelief.

“Zhengguo, you can’t do anything foolish. We only have six months left until graduation. If you stop studying now, you won’t even get your diploma. Why is that? No! I have to ask Teacher Chen for an explanation.”

Seeing his old friend's anxious expression, Sun Zhengguo felt a warmth in his heart. The two had been classmates for many years, and although they often teased each other when they met, it did not affect their friendship at all.

Just as Zheng Wenhua was about to go find Teacher Chen, Sun Zhengguo, quick-witted and agile, grabbed him.

"Culture is not what you imagine. I came back just to get my graduation certificate because I had already been assigned to the Ministry of Metallurgy."

Upon hearing Sun Zhengguo's words, Zheng Wenhua, who had calmed down, was immediately dumbfounded.

Sun Zhengguo graduated early and was assigned a job ahead of schedule. How come I didn't know?

"When did this happen? How come there wasn't a single word about it?"

"It all happened during the holidays, so you don't know. It was all arranged by Professor Wu."

"Congratulations, Zhengguo! No one will tease me anymore."

Although Zheng Wenhua said this, his eyes were already visibly red.

"Don't worry about Culture. Although I've left the school, I'm still following Professor Wu. I'll have plenty of opportunities to come back in the future. Here's the deal: I promise that every time I come here, I'll tease you. Is that alright?"

"Give me a break! How can you comfort someone like that? You'd better get out of here!"

The two joked around for a while longer, and seeing that his old friend was in a better mood, Sun Zhengguo left temporarily and headed to Teacher Chen's office.

Inside the office, Chen Bocheng held a teacup in his hand, quietly thinking about something.

"Teacher Chen."

A voice brought Chen Bocheng, who was deep in thought, back to reality.

He looked up at the sound and immediately broke into a smile.

"Zhengguo is here. You're quick on the job. I just started working today and I've already received two notices, both related to you. All I can say is, well done."

"hey-hey!"

"Professor Chen, you flatter me. It's all thanks to Professor Wu's help. Otherwise, how could I have such influence?"

Seeing his students as humble as ever, Chen Bocheng was filled with satisfaction.

As the actual administrator of the class, how could he not know? What has Sun Zhengguo been doing all this time?

"Alright! You don't need to be modest. If you weren't capable, the vice minister of the Ministry of Metallurgy wouldn't have called the school to ask for your person."

After saying this, Teacher Chen opened the drawer under the table, took out the graduation certificate and letter of introduction that had been prepared in advance, and handed them to Sun Zhengguo.

"Thank you, Teacher Chen!"

Sun Zhengguo accepted the graduation certificate and letter of introduction with both hands, bowed respectfully, and thanked them.

Looking at his graduation certificate, Sun Zhengguo was filled with emotion. After so many years in this world and through his unremitting efforts, he had finally received it today.

"Jung-guk, how about I throw you a farewell party this afternoon?"

"No, no, no! Teacher Chen, the factory's tasks are urgent, and I have to go to the Ministry of Metallurgy to start my new job this afternoon, so I'm afraid I won't have time."

Realizing what was happening, Sun Zhengguo quickly refused.

"Alright! I'll go with you later and you can say a quick goodbye to your classmates!"

"Thank you, Teacher Chen."

Fearing they might delay Sun Zhengguo's plans, the two discussed it and headed towards the classroom.

In the classroom, when the students saw Teacher Chen walk in with Sun Zhengguo, they were all a little puzzled. What was going on?

"Classmates, I have some good news to share with you today. Our classmate Sun Zhengguo has graduated early with excellent grades and has been assigned to work in the Ministry of Metallurgy. Now, please give a warm round of applause to welcome Sun Zhengguo to say a few words to us."

"Clap clap clap...!"

When the applause subsided, Sun Zhengguo walked to the front of the stage, met the gazes of the students, composed himself, and began his sermon.

"Dear students, at this moment when we are about to part ways, I would like to extend my sincerest blessings and gratitude to you all!..."

"We spent many wonderful times together, learning and growing together. Here, we not only gained knowledge, but also forged deep friendships..."

"Finally, I wish everyone success in achieving their dreams and a bright future. Thank you!"

"Clap clap clap...!"

After the applause subsided, Teacher Chen said a few more words of encouragement before leaving.

The remaining time was left to Sun Zhengguo to talk to his classmates privately, as it would be inconvenient with the teacher present.

Sure enough, as soon as Teacher Chen left, all the students surrounded him and asked a lot of questions, which Sun Zhengguo answered one by one.

In the afternoon, just before class was about to start, Sun Zhengguo gave everyone his final instructions.

After leaving the classroom, Sun Zhengguo also informed each of the teachers.

Several teachers also offered encouragement.

Before leaving, Sun Zhengguo took one last look at the famous archway before resolutely getting into the car and driving away into the distance.