After listening to him, Yang Shumei sighed and said softly, "Don't worry about what others say. If I really have ulterior motives, I will tell you directly."
"Yeah, I believe you. But, can you trust me a little more too? Tell me more about your thoughts." Zhao Jianbin said, troubled. "Like last time you suddenly became distant with me, I didn't know why."
Since the topic had come up, Yang Shumei asked directly, "If there were a worker-peasant-soldier university recruiting students, would you go?"
“If you go, I’ll go,” Zhao Jianbin said bluntly.
Yang Shumei: ......
She hadn't expected this answer, but upon reflection, it did indeed fit his style.
Yang Shumei couldn't help but chuckle. It was all her fault for worrying unnecessarily. It seemed she really needed to communicate more.
"What are you laughing at? I'm serious!" Zhao Jianbin anxiously followed her gaze. "Didn't we agree that we wouldn't live apart?"
Yang Shumei's smile faded. "But this spot is very rare. If you really get one, you won't regret it?"
Zhao Jianbin thought for a moment, "Then do you want to go to a worker-peasant-soldier university?"
"You think you can just give it to me?" Yang Shumei asked in surprise.
“Of course, I’ll rent a place near the school and find a job, and we’ll go together.” Zhao Jianbin blurted out without thinking.
Yang Shumei: ......
How could he bear to part with it? You have to understand that the value of a worker-peasant-soldier college degree is extremely high these days.
Trainees not only learn professional knowledge, but also participate in a curriculum that integrates teaching, research, and production, including military physical education courses focused on combat readiness. The program aims to cultivate pillars of society who will contribute to China's heavy industry, light industry, military, and aerospace endeavors.
It is no exaggeration to say that attending a worker-peasant-soldier university is the most precious learning opportunity available to young people today.
Students at this university are recruited through a recommendation system. Any worker, farmer, People's Liberation Army soldier, or young cadre who is "politically sound, physically healthy, around 20 years old, has a junior high school education or above, and has more than three years of practical experience" can apply.
However, due to the recommendation system, with far more applicants than available spots, backroom deals have become commonplace. Every year, various methods are employed to secure the recruitment quotas, leading to numerous disputes.
"I won't go to the Workers', Peasants' and Soldiers' University. I want to wait for the college entrance examination to be reinstated and then take the exam to return to Beijing." Yang Shumei was deeply moved and expressed her ideal.
The Workers, Peasants and Soldiers University lacked specialized training and had a wide range of student qualifications. She and Yao Yao had already agreed to take the college entrance examination together and go to universities in Beijing.
Zhao Jianbin smiled upon hearing this: "That would be even better, that's my goal too. I was just thinking that if you go to the Workers, Peasants and Soldiers University, I will study on my own and, after the college entrance examination is reinstated, take the exam and apply to a school in the same city as you."
Yang Shumei was stunned when she heard this. She was sure that she had not mentioned going to university to Zhao Jianbin. How did he come up with this idea?
Zhao Jianbin understood her question and explained with a smile, "My older brother told me this. He also told me to save more money so that if necessary, I could take a break from work to find a tutor in the months before the college entrance examination resumes."
Yang Shumei suddenly realized why he had been so energetic lately, coming here to study with everyone no matter the weather.
Thinking of Yao Yao, she asked again, "Will Zhao Honghui also take the college entrance exam?"
"No, he has other plans, but I don't know what they are." Zhao Jianbin's eyes lit up as he looked at Yang Shumei and said, "Shumei, let's take the college entrance exam together. Let's not compete with others for that worker-peasant-soldier university spot, what do you think?"
“Okay! Then go back and explain it to your parents, so they don’t try to sabotage you behind your back and end up you not getting the spot.” Yang Shumei instructed him, “But you can’t talk about the college entrance exam in a big way. Just say it’s our guess and anything is possible in the future.”
"My parents have this idea? How come I didn't know?" Zhao Jianbin was very surprised. How could his parents keep such a big thing from him!
Zhao Jianbin added, "Don't worry, I won't publicize the college entrance exam. Shumei, look, it's better to talk things out openly!"
“Yes! I wasn’t very confident before, but I can see you’re serious. Let’s work together, and we’ll definitely make our dreams come true!” Yang Shumei smiled. The gloom that had been hanging over her heart for days was completely dispelled by Zhao Jianbin, and she saw the light of day again.
That night, after Zhao Jianbin returned home, Wang Qiufen and Zhao Lao Er pulled him aside and asked him if he had understood the situation clearly.
Zhao Jianbin told them what had happened during the day, and then asked about the Workers, Peasants and Soldiers University.
Zhao Lao Er said, "I did have that idea, but there won't be any openings until next spring, so I haven't taken any action. Where did you hear about it?"
"Never mind where I heard that, Dad. I'm not going to the Workers, Peasants and Soldiers University. Don't bother trying to persuade me..."
Before Zhao Jianbin could finish speaking, Wang Qiufen exploded: "You're so enthusiastic about studying every day, wouldn't it be better to go to a worker-peasant-soldier university for further studies? Are you just reluctant to leave Yang, the educated youth...?"
"Mom, let me finish. I'm determined to go to a university in Beijing. I'll take the exam as soon as it's reinstated, and then I'll take you and Dad to Tiananmen Square to watch the flag-raising ceremony." Zhao Jianbin interrupted his mother and shared his thoughts.
People in China today have a very special feeling for the capital. After hearing Zhao Jianbin say this, Wang Qiufen opened her mouth, but the words got stuck in her throat.
Zhao Lao Er asked, "Did you hear some inside information from Yang Zhiqing?"
"No," Zhao Jianbin denied outright. "But after studying history books, I know that behind every dynasty's golden age, there was no shortage of talent cultivation and selection. Our country's development also cannot be separated from talent, so give me a few years, and I will work hard."
Wang Qiufen didn't understand: "Wouldn't going to a worker-peasant-soldier university also help you become a talent?"
“That’s different! These spots are so rare, and there are a lot of people with connections in them. I’d rather get into university through my own efforts.”
“His father, since our son is ambitious, let him give it a try?” Wang Qiufen looked at her husband.
Zhao Lao Er fell into deep thought. If the college entrance examination could really be reinstated, his eldest son entering university through the exam would certainly be better than attending a worker-peasant-soldier university. Besides, the number of places at worker-peasant-soldier universities was too limited, and he wasn't confident he could secure a spot. Since his eldest son had a goal to strive for, he shouldn't dampen his enthusiasm.
Thinking of this, Zhao Lao Er said, "I'll give you five years. If the college entrance examination hasn't been reinstated by then, you'll have to start thinking about getting married and having children."
Before Zhao Jianbin could even speak, Wang Qiufen objected: "Five years is too long! He'll be twenty-five by then, an old bachelor."
Zhao Jianbin didn't like hearing that. "Mom! What's wrong with being twenty-five? Look at my older cousin, he's got Xie Zhiqing now, isn't that great!"
"Hmph!" Wang Qiufen didn't say anything more. If her eldest son, who didn't go to high school, really got into university, she would be laughing in her dreams.
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