Chapter 84
◎ After returning from Guilin, when Bei Bitang and Gu Wangxi were together, there was always a sense of ambiguity...◎
After returning from Guilin, there was always a vague ambiguity between Bei Bitang and Gu Wangxi when they were together.
Gu Wangxi felt that he was a real genius, and his decision to go to Guilin was absolutely correct. There was a long way to go, so he was not in a hurry, as there was still a lot of time. Sooner or later, he would wait for the clouds to clear and the moon to appear, and he would be able to make Bei Bitang fully enlightened.
Bei Bitang walked into the college building with her books wrapped in her bag, walking quickly and hurriedly, with anger and disappointment on her face.
After going upstairs, Bei Bitang curled her lips, hurriedly greeted the teachers and classmates who were coming towards her, and then lowered her head and ran straight to the department head's office.
Half a step away from the office door, Bei Bitang stopped, sighed softly, moved her stiff cheeks, then took a step forward and raised her hand to knock on the door.
Hearing the knock on the door, Zhang Xueli, who was working at his desk, looked up and saw his student, Bei Bitang, with a gloomy expression and a hint of indignation in his eyes. He immediately guessed why Bei Bitang came.
Zhang Xueli sighed inwardly, but smiled and said lovingly, "Come in."
Bei Bitang stood in front of the teacher and said in one breath, "Professor Zhang, I don't understand why I'm not eligible to take the government-sponsored study abroad exam? I clearly meet every registration requirement."
Bei Bitang didn't say anything more aggressive.
Her grades in all professional courses were among the top three in her grade, and her English listening, speaking, reading and writing skills were repeatedly praised by her foreign language teachers. She always ranked first or second in exams.
Isn't the government-sponsored study abroad exam based on professional course scores and foreign language proficiency? As for the political review, she can go to university, so of course there is no problem.
What made Bei Bitang even more angry was that a male classmate who ranked behind her was qualified to participate in the study abroad selection, but she was not selected.
Her roommate's early congratulations were like a slap in the face.
Since entering university, Bei Bitang has been smooth sailing. This is the first time she has encountered a setback in her studies, and it was such a big one.
In the past, she might have been content with what she had, kept the matter to herself, and not asked for clarification, but Bei Bitang is no longer the Wuxia A'mon of the past.
Zhang Xueli smiled calmly and said slowly, "Bitang, don't get excited. The school has its reasons for selecting people. You're still young, only twenty, and you'll have plenty of opportunities in the future."
Bei Bitang smiled bitterly, insisting on getting clarification. She said stubbornly, "Professor Zhang, I don't understand the school's assessment standards. They're clearly written in black and white. I've met the standards, haven't I? But what about Li? His final exam scores were way behind mine."
Zhang Xueli put away his smile and said sternly, "Although Li's grades are lower than yours, he was admitted from the automobile factory and already has six years of work experience. Theoretical grades are important, but practical experience is also indispensable. You have to understand that an international student needs thousands of farmers to support him."
At this point, Bei Bitang calmed down a bit. Zhang Xueli glanced at her expression and continued earnestly, "From a practical perspective, we must maximize the benefits. If Student Li passes the selection, he'll be able to better absorb foreign production technology. After studying abroad, he'll be able to quickly transform what he's learned into productive forces. Student Bei, don't you agree?"
As expected of an educator who was also in charge of the department's work, Zhang Xueli convinced Bei Bitang after a few brief speeches.
Bei Bitang's face remained completely calm. She said in a hoarse voice, "Professor Zhang, I understand the department's intentions. I was too abrupt in coming to you today. I'm not aware enough."
Zhang Xueli smiled and said graciously, "I've seen countless students like you. Your seniors are all more formidable than the last, and they're all troublemakers. Bei Bitang, go back, put this matter aside, and focus on your studies. I can assure you that there will be plenty of opportunities like this in the future. Even after you graduate and get a job, you'll still have the chance to study abroad."
Bei Bitang reluctantly said "hmm" and left the academy disappointed.
Although she said that and Bei Bitang understood the truth, she still felt very uncomfortable.
She came to Waibaidu Bridge again.
Preparing for the exam, enrolling, attending classes... After making up her mind to sign up for the college entrance examination, she never came here again.
The Waibaidu Bridge still looks the same as before, as if it is the only thing that remains unchanged.
The city's black wastewater and the yellow water of the natural river flow merge together, the river breeze blows, and the ferry whistle blows on the river.
Bei Bitang held the railing and stood on the bridge in a daze for a long time, until the sun set and the night lights came on.
A group of ruffian young men came from nowhere, stepped onto the bridge, took off their shirts, and lined up to dive into the river.
A foul smell rose up, and Bei Bitang came to her senses and couldn't help wrinkling her nose.
Bei Bitang was naturally beautiful, and after two years of hard study, she was imbued with a scholarly air, making her even more eye-catching.
The few unemployed young men who did not go down to the river took out the cigarette butts they had picked up from their trouser pockets, put them to their noses and sniffed them. Their eyes kept looking at Bei Bitang, as if they were going to walk towards her and talk to her in the next second.
Thinking of the recent frequent vicious social incidents that have been frequently reported in the news, Bei Bitang couldn't help but rub her arms, hurried down the bridge, and boarded the bus to the Peace Hotel.
Bei Bitang came over suddenly, and Gu Wangxi was very happy. He had originally planned to go out for dinner with Huo Shixun, but decided not to go out.
We ordered some food and had dinner in the room, and then the tableware was cleared away.
Gu Wangxi was wearing a dark blue silk robe and sitting on the sofa, watching TV programs under the light of a floor lamp.
He glanced at Bei Bitang's face. Bei Bitang was sitting next to him, holding a fruit knife and slicing apple into a white porcelain plate.
Her expression was calm, but her eyes were wandering.
Gu Wangxi asked, "Did anything happen today? Did you have a conflict with your roommate?"
The volume of the TV was not loud, but Bei Bitang could hear Gu Wangxi's voice clearly.
She shook her head and said softly, "No."
Then, Bei Bitang put the fruit knife aside, placed the cut fruit in front of Gu Wangxi, and said, "Eat fruit."
Gu Wangxi picked up a piece of apple with a small silver skewer and brought it to his mouth. He looked at Bei Bitang and asked, "You don't look alright."
No matter how sweet and delicious the apple was, even though it was cut by Bei Bitang herself, Gu Wangxi still ate it without any appetite.
He used to laugh at those men and women in love who could be so emotionally affected by their significant others, even though they were adults. But now, having been in the same situation, he realized that he was even better.
Bei Bitang's voice choked as she said, "I failed the government-sponsored study abroad exam."
As soon as she said this, Bei Bitang realized that her eyes were wet, and she quickly turned her back.
Gu Wangxi quickly put down the small silver sign, took a step forward, and sat next to Bei Bitang. Looking at Bei Bitang's beautiful profile, his heart was full of pity.
He said softly and comfortingly, "How many people are sent abroad on government scholarships every year? There are so many college students. It's already impressive that you're qualified to apply. If it doesn't work out this year, try again next year."
Bei Bitang turned around. There were no tears on her face, but her pretty face was slightly wrinkled. She murmured, "But I still feel sad."
Seeing her pitiful appearance, Gu Wangxi couldn't help but smile and asked, "Do you really want to go abroad?"
Bei Bitang nodded and said, "Wouldn't it be nice to go out and see the world?"
Gu Wangxi's mind raced, but he said calmly, "Actually, there's nothing good abroad. Schools are all pretty much the same, whether they're in the US or the UK."
Bei Bitang confided a few words to Gu Wangxi, and it seemed as if the depression and sadness in her heart were swept away at once.
When she heard Gu Wangxi say this, she remembered that Gu Wangxi was a returned businessman, who ate Western food, spoke English, and attended a foreign university.
She said with great interest, "Then tell me about your college life. I'll just pretend I went there myself."
Gu Wangxi raised his eyebrows and smiled, then placed a small piece of apple to Bei Bitang's lips, said with a suave smile, "Okay."
Bei Bitang subconsciously opened her mouth and took the apple piece into her mouth.
Gu Wangxi fed Bei Bitang fruit while talking about his college life.
Seeing Bei Bitang's eyes shining and her attentive listening, he had a plan in mind.
Since Bei Bitang wanted to go out so much and it was too late this year, he would send her out next year to fulfill her little wish and make her happy.
Let's go to the United States. He has the most friends and connections there, and there are ready-made properties. Although it's a bit far away from him and he has to be busy with business in China, it's okay to fly there during the winter and summer vacations to meet Bei Bitang.
As a boss, don’t you have the freedom to take a vacation?
Gu Wangxi had already thought about it, but he didn't plan to tell Bei Bitang right away.
He thought that Bei Bitang's birthday was coming soon, so he first completed all the procedures and then gave her this surprise on Bei Bitang's birthday.
The yellow night on the campus boulevard fell to the ground, thin and brittle, making a rustling sound when people stepped on it.
Bei Bitang glanced at Zhang Xueli, who was writing on the blackboard with his back to the students, and carefully reached out to close the window a little.
Bei Bitang seemed to have been set to an alarm clock. One minute before the bell rang, she picked up her notebook and pen, leaned half of her body forward outside her seat, and was ready to make the first sprint, rush to the podium, and ask the professor questions.
The doorbell suddenly rang shrilly in the quiet campus.
Zhang Xueli faced the students, pressed his hands downwards, and said with a smile, "If you have any questions for me, please wait. Sit down first. I have some good news to tell you in advance."
Upon hearing this, Bei Bitang, who had already run three seats, immediately returned to her seat and looked at each other in surprise.
Zhang Xueli looked mysterious, and the monitor was the first to ask, "Professor Zhang, what's the good news? Is the canteen's supply of eggs full?"
Everyone let out a low laugh.
Zhang Xueli put the chalk on the podium back into the chalk box and said slowly, "This is even better than solving the egg shortage. A large German company was invited by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to visit China for an exchange. They admire our people's hardworking spirit and are planning to sponsor several science and engineering students from our city to study in Germany to promote cultural exchange between our two countries. Don't you think this is more important than eggs?"
Dozens of pairs of eyes looked at Zhang Xueli in surprise and whispered excitedly.
Bei Bitang wasn't that excited at first, but then Zhang Xueli said, "Because this is a project funded by a foreign company and doesn't cost our country a penny, the selection criteria are naturally based on the best results."
At this point, Zhang Xueli glanced meaningfully at Bei Bitang and concluded, "Some of you must be regretting this. You didn't work hard normally, and now it's useless to feel sad! The notice will be out soon. If you think you can do it, go to the German Department and say something nice, get some food, grab some eggs, and ask the German Department alumni to help you with your German studies."
Bei Bitang's eyes were shining brightly. She didn't expect the situation to take such a sudden turn. She couldn't hold back and felt hesitant and conflicted.
Should I rush to the library to borrow German language books, or go to the podium to ask the teacher questions? This news is bound to cause a sensation, and people tend to follow the crowd, even students at Jiaotong University. Soon, all the German language books in the library will be borrowed out.
At this time, the roommate next to me whispered, "Bitang, your chance has come. You want to go to the library to borrow books to learn German? Don't worry, leave it to me. I'll go to the library and borrow them for you later."
Her grades were average, and she didn't win any honors, but she was easy-going and could sleep peacefully as long as she could do 60% of anything.
Bei Bitang usually helps these roommates reserve seats, borrow notes, and helps them review during exam week. They remember Bei Bitang's kindness, and since they can't compete with her, they might as well help Bei Bitang with all their strength.
Bei Bitang looked at her kind roommate with great gratitude.
Zhang Xueli called out "get out of class dismissed." Bei Bitang picked up her notebook, ran to the podium, and said with a smile, "Professor Zhang..."
There was no class in the next period, so Bei Bitang packed up her things and went to the library to meet up with her roommate. Her roommate had already borrowed the German book that Bei Bitang wanted, and as soon as he saw Bei Bitang, he handed it to her.
Then he pushed Bei Bitang's shoulder and said in a serious tone, "Comrade Bei Bitang, you must study hard! This is the honor of our profession. We must surpass the radio people!"
For the next few weeks, Bei Bitang didn't care whether the notice came out or not. She got up at five o'clock every day, drank half a cup of hot water, and read the alphabet aloud on the lawn of the library.
I would wait until the canteen started selling food, then run into the canteen, buy six thick steamed buns, carry a cup of water into the study room, and study for the whole day.
Even when going to the toilet, he had to go during meal times.
With the courage to take a risk, Bei Bitang was no longer hesitant to do things. She took advantage of the weekend to go to the Foreign Languages College and hired a private German tutor for herself.
Bei Bitang was only satisfied with the selection and had completely forgotten about Gu Wangxi. She hadn't come to see Gu Wangxi for a month.
This kind of situation has happened before, but it usually happens at the end of the semester, and Gu Wangxi is deeply puzzled.
I couldn't help but ask if anything big had happened at Jiaotong University recently.
Gu Wangxi had heard some rumors before about German companies sponsoring domestic college students to study in Germany, but he didn't think that this matter would be connected with Bei Bitang.
Yes, Bei Bitang fully meets the criteria, and he had not told Bei Bitang in advance that he was busy with her studying abroad. He had already contacted the school and was just waiting for her to choose.
Gu Wangxi looked at the desolate Liang Yue and laughed at himself. Excellent people will never lack opportunities. Bei Bitang is so outstanding that it seems that she will never think of asking him for help in this life.
Isn't this a good thing? Gu Wangxi was half proud of Bei Bitang, but half of his heart was filled with bitterness, ringing the alarm bell of separation.
Bei Bitang was determined to get the scholarship, and she did. Looking at the school's notice, she covered her mouth with her hands, tears welling in her eyes.
Among ordinary people, the fact that German companies sponsor domestic college students to study abroad is not as significant as a one-cent increase in vegetable prices today, but among college students across the country, it is a major event of the entire year.
Xu Zeli and Zeng Linlin, who lived in the same city, naturally saw Bei Bitang's name on the school bulletin board.
The two could still deceive themselves by chance with their names, perhaps because they had the same name, but the school name that followed made it impossible for them to cover up their mistakes and deceive themselves.
In front of outsiders, the lovers, one with a sullen face and the other with a gloomy face, walked away on opposite sides of the road without saying a word.
The following process was sleepless nights, quarrels, cold wars, and the like. Xu Zeli and Zeng Linlin have gone through these scenes countless times since their marriage.
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