Chapter 152

Nearly a hundred people from Qingfeng Town participated in this preliminary exam, which shows how many third-generation educated youths had been yearning for the opening up of the college examination for the past decade.

About ten teachers were involved in grading. The English exam papers were separated, while the other papers were scrambled and divided into several stacks, concealing the names. 

Each subject’s respective teacher only grades their assigned subject, and after completing the revisions, they pass them on to the teacher who will give the grade for another subject. In this way, they passed on the revised papers several times and finally finished grading all examination papers.

The results from the English teacher came out first. The teacher checked multiple times before confirming that indeed, there were three perfect scores. Since the names were covered, they had no idea who they were.

Teacher A said, “I thought English would be the hardest subject, but surprisingly, there are three people who got perfect scores. However, apart from these three, the scores of others are not high. The second place only scored 80+ points, and there are barely ten people who got passing grades.”

Teacher B broke open the tape that was covering the names of the examinees, arranged the papers in descending order of scores, and picked up the three papers with perfect scores. “Let’s see who aced it: Han Cheng, Han Jing, and Su Xiaoxiao. Why do these names seem like they’re from the same family?”

Other teachers also sorted papers for arts and sciences. 

Teacher C, who was responsible for arranging the answer sheet for the Art subject, said: “It’s just a family. Isn’t Han Cheng Director Han, who applied for the postgraduate exam, and Han Jing is Fantuan? One of the three children who were serialized in the daily newspaper didn’t have to take part in the preliminary exam, but they were all driven to the shelves by everyone. Fantuan is said to have only read the high school textbook for a week, and Su Xiaoxiao is their hostess. She is serious about taking the college entrance exam. Let me see who is the first in arts.”

Teacher C got stuck when she saw the name. “Su Xiaoxiao?”

Teacher C admired, “When I was grading, I thought there was a mistake in the test paper and thought it was the answer sheet because there were answers besides the questions. Now look at Su Xiaoxiao’s handwriting; they are almost the same as the printed ones. Just by looking at her handwriting, you can tell how hardworking she is. She got full marks in the objective questions and only lost a few points in the subjective ones.”

The sorting of science papers also came out. Teacher D, holding Han Cheng’s paper, was also full of admiration: “The first in science is Han Cheng. He also got full marks on the objective questions and lost a few points on the subjective ones. His handwriting is impeccable. It’s no wonder such an excellent couple can raise a child like Han Jing.”

Teacher A sighed, “The whole family got perfect scores in English, and each took the top spot in arts and sciences, respectively. I feel like this year’s provincial champion belongs to them. It would be great if this family were all students of our school. By the way, how were Han Jing’s scores in the science and arts subjects?”

Teacher C found Han Jing’s paper: “Han Jing scores 82 points, fifth in arts. All answers are correct. The blank spaces are probably the topics he hasn’t studied, and we don’t need to talk about his handwriting. We see it in the newspaper every day. Sigh, what kind of people are they? Are they born to discourage others? How old is Han Jing this year? Ten? He’s in Fourth grade, right?”

Teacher E’s son happened to be in the same grade as Han Jing, so he knew Han Jing’s situation better: “Han Jing skipped a grade. He’s already in sixth grade this year, just like my son. But Han Jing tops the class every year, while my son lags behind. Compared to Han Jing, I feel like throwing my own child out.”

Teacher C said, “I’ve heard many people aren’t convinced. They even curse Director Han behind his back, saying that comparing them to a child who hasn’t graduated from elementary was too insulting. Those who score higher in the liberal arts section are either in-service teachers or just graduated last year. Among the seniors, there really isn’t anyone who scored higher than the child who hadn’t graduated from elementary. Not to mention, even I, a teacher who teaches Chinese to seniors, might not necessarily score as high as the child who hadn’t graduated from elementary.”

Teacher D nodded and said: “Learning itself requires reviewing the old to understand the new. People like Han Cheng and Su Xiaoxiao, who seem to have never stopped learning over the years, naturally passed on this trait to their children. I completely admire this family.”

Other teachers chimed in, “That’s true.”

That night, several teachers stayed overtime to finalize the grades and rankings. Early the next morning, they posted the ranking list at the school gate, only revealing the comrades who achieved the passing rate. Neither the names nor the ranks of the comrades who got a score below the passing rate were disclosed; they were only given a serial number based on the order of their names, making it easier for them to collect their papers at the security booth.

Comrades who participated in the test were already waiting at the gate. As soon as the small blackboard was brought out, everyone rushed to find their rankings. Those who couldn’t find their names went to collect their papers according to the serial numbers. Everyone was buzzing with discussions, creating a livelier atmosphere than the market.

It wasn’t surprising that Han Cheng and Su Xiaoxiao ranked first, but what was most important was that they truly couldn’t get a higher score than the child who hadn’t finished elementary school! 

Those who previously doubted Han Cheng, saying that ‘comparing them to a child who hasn’t graduated from elementary school was too insulting’ were now disheartened. 

“I feel ashamed to face anyone. I’m really not as good as an elementary school student.”

“It’s not that the elementary students were better than us, it’s Xiao Fantuan who is just better than us. We see Fantuan in the newspaper every day. His parents are Su Xiaoxiao and Han Cheng, who ranked first. Their child always ranks first in his school. So did the third-grade Doubao. My children were in the same class as him, and they were beaten (academically) by him every day.” 

This was the parent of Doubao’s classmate, who had graduated seven or eight years ago. He barely passed, not feeling inferior but rather content, knowing that there was no shortcut besides diligently studying.

“Anyway, let’s give it a try this year. If it doesn’t work out, we can review for another year and try again next year. We’ve been waiting for so many years, a little more time won’t hurt.” This comrade actually did quite well, scoring eighty points. With a little effort, there’s still hope.

“I think it’s good to understand our own bottom line. Without taking the test, I wouldn’t have known my foundation was so weak. I only scored over 30 points, which saved me from having unrealistic dreams all day. I’ll go register for a review class first and try again next year. Good luck to you all.” 

This comrade graduated from high school in the same year as Su Xiaoxiao. He hasn’t touched his books much in the past ten years. When he saw the red marks on his paper, he knew he had no hope. Instead, he felt relieved and didn’t hide his paper; anyone who wanted to see it could see it.

A teacher who scored only a few points higher than Fantuan said, “Compared to Head Han’s family, I feel ashamed. I haven’t put down books over the years, but I only read books that I find interesting, not as comprehensive as them. Anyway, after knowing where I am lacking, I’ll just focus on improving it. I just need to study hard.

The principal came out at this time and said to everyone, “Comrades, this was just a simple test. I believe after taking it, you all have a preliminary understanding of your foundation. We can’t say for sure how much harder the real college entrance examination will be, maybe ten or twenty times harder. I don’t want to discourage you, but if you can’t even pass such a simple test, it’s better not to waste money on the registration exam. It’s better to review seriously for a year and fight again next year.

Of course, if you still want to give it a try, it is not impossible to feel the depth of the college entrance examination questions. I have also discussed this with our military district leaders and will set up a special class for comrades who passed the qualifying score and the current high school seniors to review together. We will work hard to sprint for this year’s college entrance examination, and students below the passing rate can also participate in the school’s supplementary classes, first catching up on the basics before deciding.”

“If you don’t want to or don’t have time to attend classes at school, then arrange your own time to review at home. The school welcomes you regardless. Decide for yourselves and go to Xiao Lin to register.”

Someone suggested, “Principal, can’t we ask Director Han’s family to help us review? We know that Head Han and Comrade Su also have to take the college entrance examination, so, if they can’t spare the time, can we at least ask Fantuan to help us review English? He scored full marks in English. I heard Fantuan is very good at teaching. The students in Fantuan’s class who don’t study well often ask him for help. Hu Laohu’s son used to have poor grades. I heard Fantuan helped him improve.”

One suggestion naturally led to some dissent: “I didn’t hear you wrong, did I? Did you ask a primary school student to give us a lecture? Aren’t you afraid of making a fool of yourself when you say it?”

The person adjusted their heavy glasses and replied, “In learning, the one who advances ahead becomes the teacher. Failing to get into college is a real embarrassment. As long as it improves our grades and helps us get into college, I have no objection even if a kindergarten kid helps me review.”

Another person agreed, “My other grades aren’t that good, but I’m better in English. I want to apply for an English major. I hope the competition will be less intense. Principal, can you do this? I heard Fantuan only attends school for half a day and spends the rest of the time at home taking care of his siblings. We are willing to let those taught by Fantuan form a small group. Could you please invite him to teach us? When the time comes, you can also tell him that it’s okay to bring his siblings.” 

The college entrance examination is their only way out and a chance to change their situation. They are willing to seize any opportunity, even if it’s just a glimmer of hope.

The principal was greatly shocked, and after the shock, his mood became complex. The school’s teaching resources were indeed stretched thin. However, the idea of letting a ten-year-old kid teach adults in their twenties and thirties seemed absurd to him.

But he still said, “I’ll have someone ask and give it a try.”

…

Unlike the bustling scene at the high school gate, Su Xiaoxiao’s family carried on with their usual routines.

Su Xiaoxiao didn’t go to check her scores, but Yali did and immediately came back to share the good news with Su Xiaoxiao.

“Xiaoxiao, how did all of you in your family manage to do this? You and Han Cheng are the top scorers in liberal arts and science, respectively, only losing three or four points each. Even Fan Tuan scored over eighty points, and your whole family got full marks in English!”

Yali had just passed the minimum passing mark herself, thanks to the cram sessions Su Xiaoxiao gave her during this period.

Su Xiaoxiao promised to make grilled fish for the kids and was currently marinating the grass carp with scallion, ginger, and garlic.

Su Xiaoxiao wasn’t surprised by this result. She smiled and said, “If you review for ten years like me and Han Cheng, you can do it too. Diligence makes up for dullness.”

Yali helped her light the fire and shook her head. “You’re both smart and modest. The children you teach also take after you.”

“Like me?” Su Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but laugh. “Xiao Doubao can at least be called modest, but can you find another kid as arrogant as our Fantuan?”

At that moment, someone outside shouted, “Hello, is Comrade Han Jing at home?”

Han Jing? Su Xiaoxiao and Yali exchanged glances. Su Xiaoxiao shook her head and said, “It’s the first time I’ve heard someone call our Fantuan like that. I always forget that Fantuan’s real name is Han Jing.”

Yali: “Same here. If someone called Zhang Xiuyuan, I’d need a moment to react. I’ll watch the fire; you go see who it is.”

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Lucia: Hi, dear readers! From now on, I will unlock chapters between 8-9 PM (GMT+8) every day. I don’t know why it takes a lot of time before the unlocked chapters are displayed on NU. Oh, and by the way, I sometimes mass unlock chapters! I also unlocked chapter 152-160. Enjoy~

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