Xu Xiangyang watched their discussion, unable to get a word in edgewise.
He has no access to these kinds of things normally; it's true that every circle is different.
Hearing this, Fatty Lu sneered and said, "That propaganda minister rose to power through rebellion, what kind of ability does he have? He's just someone who stirs up trouble. If there's an opportunity in time, we'll find him something to do. If he sets his sights on us, we're in for a world of trouble!"
Judging from his words, the newly appointed propaganda minister is someone everyone knows.
Xu Xiangyang sat quietly to the side, listening for any news that might be of benefit to him.
Hearing what Fatty Lu said, Ma Xinping said, "Don't be impulsive. We'll see what happens. For now, let's just wait and see. If he really wants to make a move, he'll have to see if his reach is long enough."
As expected of the son of a high-ranking city official, he wasn't afraid at all. His composure was something Fatty Lu couldn't match.
Cao Yajun said, "The newly appointed minister does want to achieve results, but he won't reach for money from above. He's probably just a gunman, working for someone else."
Their opinions were similar, and upon hearing this, Fatty Lu calmed down.
Ma Xinping glanced at his watch; it was almost noon. He turned to look at the person who hadn't spoken.
"Yongqi, you cook. Let's eat something before we part ways." This is his home, so it's normal for him to treat guests to a meal.
"Okay, I'll go see what's in the kitchen." The man stood up, nodded, and then turned and left.
Fatty Lu patted his belly and said, "We're in for a treat this time! Wu Yongqi's barbecue was really delicious last time. Remember to call me next time you make barbecue with cumin."
There's no cumin sold in the new town, but Wu Yongqi's family has the means to have it mailed back from elsewhere.
"Sending that thing all the way here, it'll be past Chinese New Year by the time it arrives. Let's talk about it later." Ma Xinping knew a lot about Wu Yongqi's situation, so he could answer directly.
The group sat chatting, and the conversation eventually turned to Xu Xiangyang.
"What is Comrade Xu's educational level?" Ma Xinping asked.
Although Xu Xiangyang did not know his intention, he answered truthfully: "I graduated from high school and failed the college entrance examination last year, so I haven't studied since."
There's nothing shameful about this. Nowadays, most educated people have only a junior high school education, the majority have a high school education, and a small number have college degrees.
Everyone knows that education is the only way out, so if a child has talent, you have to sell everything you own to support their education.
Once you graduate from university, you're guaranteed a government position. It's like the saying, "When one person attains enlightenment, even their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven." That's pretty much the idea.
But now that universities are closed, where can we go to university?
Hearing that he only had a high school diploma and was so young, Ma Xinping said, "Comrade Xu, haven't you thought about taking the self-study college entrance exam? Although you can't attend classes now, you can still take the exam later if you study on your own."
His words were purely a suggestion; whether or not Xu Xiangyang went was his own decision.
Xu Xiangyang nodded after hearing this. He had thought about this problem before, but it wasn't that easy.
Putting aside how long it has been since he last touched a textbook, given the current situation, there's no way he can get his graduation certificate.
If you want to graduate from university, you'll have to wait. After this year, you can try going to night school if you want to study later.
Cao Yajun shook his head and said, "This is not easy. Judging from the current situation, it won't be over in less than three to five years."
He has his own opinions, mainly because things have been quite chaotic lately. Rebels can even become officials, isn't that absurd?
If it's just a temporary thing, then it's impossible to become an official.
Ma Xinping also fell silent. During this period, not only the older leaders were terrified, but even the younger generation like them were greatly affected.
If you want to establish a stable foothold, you have to choose a side; if you choose the wrong side, you're finished.
Cao Yajun turned to Ma Xinping and asked, "I heard there was a meeting in the province a couple of days ago. Is there any news?"
Ma Xinping shook his head. "Not yet, and my dad hasn't told me either. But it must be something important, let's see."
Although these younger ones don't have much ability, they can gather information for the adults and do some minor things.
The leaders ignored these issues; as long as no major problems arose, everything was fine, saving them the trouble.
Fatty Lu sighed, "The supply is so tight right now, and the market situation isn't good either. This can't go on."
His father worked in a food factory, so he was quite knowledgeable about these things, and he himself worked in municipal administration. (Here, "municipal administration" refers to the municipal government department, not a smaller department.)
Xu Xiangyang agreed with him but remained silent; things couldn't continue like this. However, the supply problem had to continue indefinitely, since the entire country was supplying Beiping, and supplies to other areas were insufficient.
Don't be fooled by how full the supply and marketing cooperative's grocery stores are now; by the end of the year, there won't be much left on the shelves.
Everything was rationed, and the supply was limited. If you wanted to buy more, you had to find your own way.
At this moment, Wu Yongqi opened the door and said, "The food is ready, let's go eat."
"Oh dear, I'm starving! Let's go, let's eat!" Fatty Lu was getting impatient; he'd been waiting for ages.
The group went outside to the room next door. Inside was a living room with two closed doors, which were probably the bedrooms.
On the table was a plate of braised chicken, steamed buns, and three side dishes.
I didn't expect this young man to be so skilled; he really knows how to cook.
"It has to be Officer Wu's cooking that's the best; even the best chefs outside can't compare." Fatty Lu kept praising the delicious food as he ate.
Xu Xiangyang took a bite and thought it was pretty good, but definitely not as exaggerated as Fatty Lu had described.
After the group finished eating, they tidied up a bit and prepared to part ways.
Before leaving, Ma Xinping called out to Xu Xiangyang, "Comrade Xu, don't forget about those leather shoes."
Although cotton-padded leather shoes may not be as prestigious, wearing something that others don't have can certainly provide psychological satisfaction.
Xu Xiangyang smiled and nodded, "Okay, no problem."
It's just a few pairs of cotton leather shoes; there are plenty of them in the space. You can have any pair of the same style.
On the way, Fatty Lu rode off on his bicycle first. His home wasn't far, so riding a bicycle was enough for him.
"Secretary Cao, Comrade Xu, I'm leaving now. Take care." He said goodbye, then waved and rode away on his bicycle.
Cao Yajun turned to the person next to him and said, "Comrade Xiao Xu, do you have any plans lately?"
planning?
Xu Xiangyang raised an eyebrow at him. "There's no plan. After all, the path is so narrow, where are we going to find connections?"
What he said is true. If you had connections, who would want to be a driver? You're so young and your back is already giving out.
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