"What happened, Professor Lin?" Wen Ruan asked nervously.
To be honest, making this decision was really not easy. It took a lot of effort to convince her family and she herself made up her mind. If she didn't go this time, she felt that she would have a hard time making the same decision and sticking to it next time she had the chance.
"The school just received a document from higher authorities these past few days, requiring priority to be given to recommending outstanding undergraduate graduates, especially those who intend to pursue a master's degree in the UK..."
"Of course, you don't need to worry. You meet the requirements. No matter how you look at it, you are the most qualified person."
"But... the problem now lies with yourself, or rather your family. If you agree to go, it's not as simple as just going on an exchange program for a year. There's also a master's program, so it might take up to two years in total."
"Do you want to reconsider?" Lin Qingyou was also somewhat helpless. Wen Ruan was the most talented and gifted student he had ever seen in all these years. It would be such a pity if he didn't seize this great opportunity.
Upon hearing this, Wen Ruan was stunned for a long time. She hesitated, unsure how to speak to Song Yan and the others again.
It was originally agreed that it would only last a year, but plans can't keep up with changes, and the time has been extended...
Lin Qingyou noticed Wen Ruan's hesitation and said, "The school needs to submit the final list before the end of the workday tomorrow afternoon. Do you want to call your family to discuss it first? It would be best if you could tell me the result this morning."
"If it really doesn't work out..." Lin Qingyou said with some regret.
"If all else fails, the school still has time to react... to ask other students... if they have any interest in going abroad for exchange programs..." Lin Qingyou also felt a bit embarrassed, but still managed to offer his suggestion with difficulty.
Upon hearing this, Wen Ruan nodded, indicating that she understood.
She knew that with such a great opportunity, there must be many people in the school lining up to wait, and perhaps many were waiting for her to give up her spot so that others would have a chance.
It must have been quite remarkable that Professor Lin Qingyou was able to withstand such immense pressure and allow himself such a long period of consideration.
Afterwards, Lin Qingyou left the office, leaving Wen Ruan with all the free time and space.
Wen Ruan had always known Song Yan's office phone number, but had never had the chance to call it. Back then, because Wen Ruan was going to accompany Song's mother to Haishi to take care of Song Heng, who was seriously injured, Song Yan spent a lot of money to install a telephone at home so that it would be more convenient for him to talk to Wen Ruan on the phone.
He even gave Wen Ruan his office phone number so that if Wen Ruan needed anything and he wasn't there, she could contact him immediately by phone.
Wen Ruan had never had the chance to make the call before, but she never expected to need it today...
Wen Ruan had never realized that making a phone call would be so difficult. She struggled for a long time before painstakingly pressing down each of those numbers.
The phone rang several times, and with each ring, Wen Ruan grew increasingly nervous. She felt that if the call wasn't answered soon, she wouldn't have the courage to continue...
Fortunately, not long after, Song Yan's voice came through the phone: "Hello, this is Song Yan from the Commerce Bureau."
Wen Ruan could tell from the phone call that Song Yan was busy. Even while on the phone, she could hear him turning pages of documents and the occasional scratching of a pen on paper...
After a long while, Song Yan still hadn't heard a sound from the other end of the phone and became somewhat puzzled: "Hello, may I ask who this is?"
"Song Yan..." Wen Ruan felt a lump in her throat as soon as she opened her mouth; she really didn't know how to begin.
Song Yan seemed to hear a sob in Wen Ruan's voice over the phone, and he instantly tensed up. He sat up straight, put down what he was doing, and anxiously asked, "Ruan Ruan?"
"What's wrong, Ruan Ruan? What happened? Where are you now? Don't panic, tell me slowly." Song Yan patiently and gently comforted her.
“I’m at school now, with Teacher Lin. Teacher Lin just said that the exchange program slots should be given priority to outstanding graduates who want to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK…” Wen Ruan tried her best to remain calm and clearly express what Lin Qingyou had told her.
"So you still meet the requirements, don't you?" Song Yan paused for a few seconds before reassuring her.
“Hmm, but…” Wen Ruan hesitated…
"Yes, I know, no need to say anything, I understand. Go if you want to. I'll be waiting for you at home. Don't worry, I'll take care of everything." Song Yan took a deep breath and said.
"If you ultimately get a place, how long do you need to stay in the UK?"
Professor Lin said it would take at least two years...
"Yes, that's great. It's a rare opportunity, and it's perfect since I don't have a chance to go abroad anyway. Given my current career trajectory, unless I go abroad on official business, I probably won't have many opportunities to go abroad."
"Perfect, you can go see the world for me..."
Wen Ruan was deeply moved by Song Yan's firm encouragement and support over the phone, and was speechless.
"Honey, go tell the school about your decision now. No matter what, your family and I will support you. Wherever you go, we'll be waiting for you to come back."
The two chatted for a few more minutes before finally hanging up.
After hanging up the phone, Song Yan sat at his desk in his office, lost in thought for a long time, his mind filled with complex emotions and a sense of unease...
After finishing her conversation with Song Yan, Wen Ruan stood up and went to the end of the office corridor to find Lin Qingyou.
When Lin Qingyou saw Wen Ruan approaching, he stubbed out his cigarette and asked, "Have you discussed everything?"
He noticed that Wen Ruan's eyes were red, as if she had just been crying, and he was worried, wondering what decision she had made.
He really thought highly of Wen Ruan as a student, but there was nothing he could do. Life is full of constraints, and while enjoying love, there are bound to be many restrictions as well.
"Yes, everything has been discussed and agreed upon."
“Professor Lin, I’m going!” Wen Ruan replied quickly, her eyes firm.
Wen Ruan was somewhat afraid, afraid that if things weren't settled quickly, she might change her mind...
"Okay." Lin Qingyou quickly nodded in agreement, then returned to his office, picked up the application form Wen Ruan had submitted earlier, and wrote on the letter paper:
I recommend Wen Ruan, a student from the Department of International Relations, Class of 1977, to study in the UK. I hope you will approve this application.
Finally, he wrote down his name.
He then gave her some instructions, telling her to go home and prepare some things, especially some necessary documents, and arranged for her to come back to the school the next day to discuss the rest of the preparations and the final departure date to England. Finally, he took Wen Ruan's application, turned around, and left...
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