The provincial college Zhang Ziwen had been admitted to was located in the city, saving him the trouble of backing up. Compared to a higher education college, this technical secondary school wasn't very large. However, the surroundings were quite quiet. Not far away was a residential area, and a few streets away were also lined with state-owned restaurants and supply and marketing cooperatives.
Overall, the conditions are pretty good.
Before reaching the school gate, I saw young men and women who looked like students coming in and out. There was even a banner hanging at the school gate welcoming new students.
Zhang Guoqing whispered to his nephew, "Are you sure you read the registration date on the admission letter correctly?"
Zhang Ziwen also found it very strange. He shook his head and said, "I've watched it several times. I can't be wrong."
Zhang Guoqing patted him on the shoulder and said, "You'll know after asking around. Don't worry, there won't be any problems."
After saying that, he looked at the group of children behind him and said, "You guys go in and keep quiet. Walk around the campus. Xizi, you're the eldest brother, so keep an eye on your younger siblings. I'll take Ziwen to the office first."
Xizi: "Don't worry, uncle. We won't move around when we get in. We'll wait for you on campus."
Zhang Guoqing nodded and took the children to the school gate.
He didn't rush in, but went to the duty room at the door first. Seeing an old man inside, he quickly took out a cigarette and handed it to him, saying with a smile: "Uncle, you have one."
The old man shook his hand. "No need. What's the matter?"
Seeing him staring at the cigarette reluctantly, Zhang Guoqing took out his lighter, lit it, and handed it to him. "Don't be polite, old man. My child got into our school this year. The registration date on the notice is next week. Why is the school putting up a banner? Did I make a mistake?"
The old man took it, took a deep drag, and said with a smile, "You're not mistaken. This banner was just hung this morning. I heard that people from other provinces and even farther away have come here in the past two days."
"Since we live close together, can we sign up earlier?"
The old man pointed in a direction and said, "I don't know the details. Go over there. There are teachers there. You can ask them and find out."
"Uncle, what's your name? I'll need your continued attention to my child from now on."
"Haha, no need to mention your last name, Mo. Who is this student to you? Your brother or...?"
Hearing this, Zhang Guoqing laughed and said, "You must have seen it wrong. This is my eldest nephew. I'm the youngest in the family, so I'm older than him. Uncle, I'll go in first. I'm sorry to bother you."
"What's the trouble? Young man, you'd better report in first. If you arrive early, you can get the first choice of bed. I always hear those kids say that the room is close to the toilet."
Zhang Guoqing nodded in understanding and placed the remaining half pack of cigarettes on the table. "Uncle, please don't despise it. This is my filial piety to you. Please help me look after the children in the future. Thank you."
"Oh, no need..."
Zhang Guoqing had finished speaking long ago, and he pulled Zhang Ziwen out of the door and walked inside, waving to the old man with a smile.
After walking for a while, he whispered to the confused child, "Don't underestimate the gatekeepers. They are often the most well-informed. First, they are older, have seen more, and know more. If they can give you a few more pointers, they can help you avoid a lot of trouble."
Secondly, there is competition among school teachers, but they don't want to guard the gate, so the old man is in the safest position. Safe, he is not in the police station, and he can see everything most clearly.
Thirdly, anyone who wants to inquire about a student's character will first consult the old man at the door. And another key point: if anyone from outside the school comes looking for trouble, he's the first line of defense."
Zhang Ziwen exclaimed: "Uncle, you are so smart!"
Zhang Guoqing smiled and shook his head. "These aren't clever tricks. When you experience more, you'll naturally understand them. Don't go out of your way to please others when you enter or leave the gate. Just be respectful to the elderly and help with any small things that come to your way."
At school, treat your teachers and classmates equally, no matter how nice they are to you. Be especially careful with your words and don't let them get away with it. Don't confront bullies directly; if there are any issues, resolve them privately. If you encounter problems, don't be afraid; protect your own safety first. Safety comes first. Too much talk leads to mistakes. Mind your own business. Remember these three things.
Zhang Ziwen nodded seriously. He knew his uncle was teaching him the ways of the world. He was no longer a child, and he understood that if he said something wrong, it would quickly implicate the entire family.
Zhang Guoqing patted him on the shoulder and said, "Don't be nervous! We're not troublesome, but we're not easy to bully either. Focus on your studies these few years. After you graduate, your uncle will find a good job for you. Now smile, and let's go meet the teacher."
Zhang Ziwen smiled and nodded. He felt much more at ease after hearing what his uncle said.
"Hello, teacher." Zhang Guoqing stood at the door and knocked on the open door.
A middle-aged man with glasses raised his head and looked at the door in surprise, "What's the matter?"
"Hello. My child was admitted to our school this year, but the registration date listed on the admission form hasn't arrived yet. I happened to see the banner at the entrance today, and I'd like to ask if they can register early."
The middle-aged teacher put down his pen and pointed to the seat in front. "You take a seat first. Did you bring your child's admission notice and household registration certificate?"
Zhang Guoqing glanced at his nephew, saw him shake his head slightly, and smiled, "I didn't bring it with me from home. However, I have a request, I wonder if your school can accommodate it?"
The middle-aged teacher said doubtfully, "You tell us first, and we will do our best to solve it."
Zhang Guoqing smiled at him. "I'm going back to Beijing to go to school in a few days. You know what I miss most when I'm studying away from home is my family. Can I take my child back home for a few days after he registers in the next two days and then send him back here when school starts?"
The middle-aged teacher nodded and said, "That's no problem. It's okay if you register a few days late, as long as it doesn't miss the registration time on the notice."
After hearing this, Zhang Guoqing understood what was going on. He was worried that if he reported early, the problem of having to live on campus would be solved, and the rest would not be a problem.
"Thank you, teacher. I'll go back and discuss this with the child's parents. Sorry to bother you."
"It's okay. You can come over anytime."
After bidding farewell to the teacher, Zhang Guoqing walked out and asked the children to go back.
"Do you want to report first?"
"My second uncle prepared the household registration transfer documents for me two days ago. If I go back now, I can still make it here tomorrow. However, my younger uncle..."
"It's okay. Tell your uncle if you have any ideas."
Zhang Ziwen rubbed his head shyly. "Since the teacher just now said the time on the notice is correct, I'll come back later. I want to learn to grow up on my own and come and sign up by myself."
Zhang Guoqing patted the boy with satisfaction and gave him a thumbs up.
"Uncle, I just feel a little embarrassed. I feel like I have let you down."
"Silly boy, I wish you could grow up quickly and be able to stand on your own two feet. It's okay to sign up later. Just have fun these few days and get all your school supplies ready."
Zhang Ziwen glanced anxiously at Xizi, asking for help. Why didn't he let his uncle arrange the registration in advance? He was worried about his uncle's high spending.
Over the years, his uncle had given his family so much, and his father had never hidden it from the three brothers. He always reminded them to remember this kindness and to be filial to his uncle in the future.
Why is this happening again?
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