Chapter 197: The Interview (Part 1)

Bluffing, followed by more bluffing. Despite Shen Lingyao’s joy and the thunderous applause from those around, no one believed Zhao Qingfeng could actually top the exams.

Qingfeng’s mother didn’t believe it, nor did Shen Kuo. Even the chickens, ducks, geese, and dogs raised by Aunt Wang in the courtyard of the beer factory’s residential building, upon hearing it, didn’t believe it.

Do you know what being the top scorer entails? It seemed Zhao Qingfeng aimed not just to be the top scorer in the county but in the province as well.

The sensational scenes from the past ten years were vividly remembered. If Zhao Qingfeng really became the provincial top scorer, wouldn’t the entire Shuangyang County celebrate for seven days, declaring a holiday for everyone?

Perhaps that’s an exaggeration. However, the added value that would come with it would be significant.

The most likely outcome would be County No. 2 Middle School raising its admission standards. Since the appearance of the county’s top scorer ten years ago, many students from the provincial city had been attracted to the school.

It’s easy to imagine. If Zhao Qingfeng, currently at County No. 2 Middle School, became the provincial top scorer, the entire school, including Old Yan, the principal, and everyone involved, up to the county and provincial education bureaus, would likely want to honor him!

No one believed Zhao Qingfeng’s claim. They all laughed good-naturedly, assuming Zhao Qingfeng was just taking advantage of Shen Lingyao.

Shen Lingyao’s face turned crimson with embarrassment. But she didn’t want to be ‘bullied’ by the ‘annoying’ Brother Qingfeng in front of so many people. Puffing her cheeks and pouting, it took her a while to muster the courage to say, biting her lip, “Fine, if you really become the top scorer, I’ll marry you! I’ll even wash your clothes, cook for you, do the dishes, and bear you ten chubby babies. Is that okay?”

Embarrassing words are sometimes hard to say. Yet, at certain moments, like now, they become a relief to express.

The crowd laughed even louder and applauded. Everyone hoped this childhood sweethearts pair would last forever. Embarrassed beyond measure, Shen Lingyao covered her face and squeezed out of the crowd.

Zhao Qingfeng was thrilled. Whether he could become the provincial top scorer, he wasn’t sure. But he had dreamt about it these past few days. As the saying goes, say what you want to say, do what you want to do, be bold. What if dreams do come true?

Otherwise. Dragging on, who knows when their relationship could become clear? It was better to use this seemingly joking wager to take their relationship a step further.

“Mom, Aunt Ding, Uncle Shen, you’re going to have grandchildren.” Zhao Qingfeng was determined to be shameless to the end. His words made the three adults embarrassed yet happily laugh.

“Student Zhao…” After recording for a while, a reporter finally interjected, “We’ve heard from your family and friends. Now, could you share your feelings and experiences during the act of bravery?”

Several questions were prepared. The first was, why was Zhao Qingfeng so brave, and where did his courage come from?

“Courage…” Zhao Qingfeng thought for a moment, “Three people. The first is my father, who taught me to be brave since I was young. The second is my Uncle Shen, a man full of justice. The third is Deputy County Mayor Pang. His speech at the oath-taking ceremony gave me a lot of courage, not just in studies but also in life. So, aside from my family, I am most grateful to Deputy County Mayor Pang.”

Well said! The reporter was satisfied, “Student Zhao, these weren’t my words…”

Of course! Zhao Qingfeng was paving the way for future government projects, naturally talented, without needing to be taught.

The reporter continued, “Student Zhao, given your act of bravery, what are your views on the incident itself, such as on kidnappers, or any other aspects you’d like to share?”

Zhao Qingfeng first asked how many more questions there were. The reporter indicated it depended on the time; if the answers were quick, they’d ask more, otherwise fewer.

Zhao Qingfeng had a lot to say on the topic, especially with provincial and city radio personnel present, broadcasting live, potentially catching the attention of higher-ups. He faced the camera, as if speaking to Gao Zhanpeng’s father, Gao Hu, and shared thoughts that impressed all the reporters.

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