In the three-person room of the guesthouse under the cover of night, Meng Si Ning, Su Qing, and Zhou Li sat together, sharing their experiences and expectations for the selection process. Su Di's gaze was firm as he said with emotion, "This opportunity is hard-won, we must seize it firmly."
Zhou Liqiu nodded vigorously, her tone carrying a sense of urgency: "Yes, I heard that only five people will be selected. The competition is fierce. We have to help each other."
Meng Si Ning agreed, smiling, "Yes, I hope we can all improve together." After the conversation, Meng Si Ning lay in bed, reflecting on the day's events. She knew she still had gaps in her professional knowledge and needed to work harder. So, she stood up, opened her canvas bag, pulled out her translation textbooks, and began diligently reviewing under the dim light of the desk lamp. Su Qing and Zhou Li did the same. Under the dim light, their focused figures formed a picture of striving for progress.
Meanwhile, in Youcaoling Village, Jiang Tang was busy paving the asphalt road. After several days of intensive work, the road was mostly finished. The villagers watched the road gradually take shape, their faces filled with joy. Jiang Tang was also extremely pleased. However, halfway through, it suddenly started to rain, forcing the construction to be temporarily suspended.
The next morning, Meng Sining arrived early at the Translation Department. The training officially began. The instructors, all experienced members of the Translation Department, drew upon the available materials to explain translation theory and techniques in a simple and accessible manner, sharing numerous practical examples. Meng Sining listened intently, her pen scribbling down notes in her notebook, not missing a single point. During breaks, she proactively asked questions, and the other candidates around her were equally eager. Their thirst for knowledge put a tremendous pressure on Meng Sining.
At night, Meng Si Ning entered the space with a somewhat depressed look on his face. "There are always people better than you. Anyone who can come here is extraordinary. They all have quick minds. Tangtang, I'm worried that I can't compare to them."
Jiang Tang patted her shoulder and comforted her, "What are you afraid of? You're pretty smart. How about calling Xiao Er out and letting him figure it out?"
"No need. If I do that, no matter whether I can be selected in the end, I will lose the motivation to move forward. I have only been here for a few days and I have learned a lot." Meng Si Ning said slowly, with determination in his eyes.
"Don't worry. There's no point in worrying. Just give it your all. Have you been racking your brains lately? Here, six walnuts to replenish your body." Jiang Tang smiled and handed over the drink.
Meng Si Ning took it and couldn't help laughing. After hearing what Jiang Tang said, he felt much better.
The next day, Meng Si Ning was in class when the guard suddenly called in, saying someone was looking for her. She hurried out of the classroom and was surprised to find that it was her mother and Uncle Lin.
"Ningning!" Mother Meng walked over quickly, her eyes full of concern as she looked her daughter up and down. "Have you lost weight? Are you eating well here? Are you getting used to living here?"
Meng Si Ning smiled and held her mother's hand, saying, "Mom, I'm doing fine here. I don't have to worry about food and clothing. You and Uncle Lin don't have to worry."
Uncle Lin smiled and nodded. "We called home, and Siyun said you were here. I came to see you, and I felt relieved."
Meng Si Ning nodded and explained, "When I came here, I told my younger brother that if you called, I would tell you the address. Last time you called, you only said you were coming to Beijing, but didn't say where exactly, so I couldn't find you."
Because the training period didn't fall on Sundays, Meng Si Ning couldn't leave for long. She stood at the door, chatting with her mother and Uncle Lin, sharing her experiences of the past few days. Mother Meng listened, sometimes smiling, sometimes frowning, and admonishing, "Ning Ning, take good care of yourself here. Don't study too hard, and take care of your health."
"Mom, I know. The training here is arranged very reasonably, everyone works very hard, and I have learned a lot." Meng Sining responded.
Near noon, Meng Si Ning suggested: "Mom, Uncle Lin, let's go to the state-owned restaurant to have a meal and talk while we eat."
The three of them went to the state-owned restaurant and ordered a few dishes. During the meal, Meng Sining detailed the training content and selection process for the translation department. Mother Meng and Uncle Lin listened attentively, offering suggestions from time to time.
"Ningning, this is a rare opportunity, so you should give it your all. No matter what the result is, we will support you." Uncle Lin said earnestly.
Meng Si Ning nodded, a determined light flashing in his eyes: "I will, Uncle Lin."
After dinner, Meng Sining agreed with her mother and Uncle Lin to visit them again on Sunday. She then returned to the translation department and continued her intense studies.
Back in Xinliang, Lin Xiaodi was leaving for a competition tomorrow, and Liu Xiulan was busy packing for him. As she walked out of the main hall, she saw a tall man in military uniform standing in the yard.
"Comrade, who are you looking for?" Liu Xiulan asked in confusion.
The man saluted politely and replied, "Auntie, my name is Lu Cheng, and I'm Meng Si Ning's boyfriend."
Liu Xiulan's eyes lit up, and she looked Lu Cheng up and down, unable to help but praise him: "Oh, what a handsome young man! Did you know that Si Ning went to Beijing?"
At this time, Lin Xiaodi ran out of the house and excitedly grabbed Lu Cheng's hand: "Brother Lu, my sister went to Beijing to take the exam in the translation department. I am also going to Beijing to participate in the competition tomorrow."
Lu Cheng raised his eyebrows and thought to himself.
In a blink of an eye, the road to Youcaoling was finally open.
The two-meter-wide asphalt road is so lively that children can jump and skip on it, making it much more convenient to go to school.
Although they occupied the land of Shaluo Village, the people of Shaluo Village were also very happy because they no longer had to walk on bumpy and muddy roads.
The happiest village was Liulin Village, as their village was delayed because of the two villages behind.
With the opening of the road, the second farmers' market began.
Still so much stuff and vegetables.
But after the last publicity, more people came this time.
The villagers are busy every day, but there are not enough vegetables to sell.
The grain and oil produced by the commune have been sold out. Although the popcorn is cheap, it sells out quickly.
Director Wang looked at the situation and decisively held a meeting, preparing to continue using the newly delivered grain to press oil.
"This year, Caotou Village gave us some of our famine relief in the form of rapeseed. Why not just bomb the rapeseed?"
Sun, the commune's treasurer, was naturally willing. The commune had only a few accounts before, but now it was different. The commune's granary could also make a profit: "I think it's feasible. After we hand over some grain, the warehouse will also have a lot of storage."
Secretary Zhou said: "We can't sell all the grain, so we can sell one-third. I'm going to apply for the income to see if we can provide electricity to a few brigades that don't have electricity.
Also, our commune now exports a lot of agricultural products, especially Youcaoling. For their tea business, they have to call us, which is not convenient. We also export the fruits from Liulin, the tofu skin from Zhangwan, and the vermicelli from Shilin.
Next year, the brown sugar workshop in Shaluo Village will also begin. Every brigade needs a telephone."
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