The homeroom teacher looked at Cen Huai’an with a proud smile. “I told you, the best schools are still to come. Our affiliated middle school is no worse than any other; what other middle schools have, we have too.”

Cen Huai’an responded with a simple “Mm,” and without hesitation, he began filling out the form. He needed to list his grades, various awards, and the recommendations from the school and teachers.

After he finished filling it out, the homeroom teacher said, “In the past, after such recommendation forms were submitted, some high schools might not accept them, thinking that the grades were insufficient or lacking other outstanding talents. But Cen Huai’an, with your grades and awards, No. 4 High School would be blind not to accept you.”

Holding the recommendation form, the homeroom teacher’s smile never faded. “Alright, wait for the good news!”

When Cen Huai’an got home, he casually mentioned the recommendation form at the dinner table to Chuxia and Cen Zhengnian.

“Mom, Dad, I might be going to No. 4 High School for high school.”

Chuxia wasn’t surprised. “Didn’t you already mention this?”

Cen Huai’an had already discussed going to No. 4 High School with Chuxia and Cen Zhengnian after confirming it with Zhang Lu.

“No,” Cen Huai’an stopped to serve some food, looking at Chuxia and Cen Zhengnian. “I filled out the exemption recommendation form for No. 4 High School.”

He explained how the recommendation form worked.

Chuxia’s smile widened even more as she served him some meat. “An’an, you’re great. This is wonderful news. Even if you don’t perform well in the high school entrance exam, you don’t need to worry.”

“Mm!” Cen Huai’an thought the same.

This was a double guarantee.

He wasn’t the kind of arrogant genius who wanted to prove his ability by rejecting the recommendation.

Two days after filling out the recommendation form, an unexpected guest arrived at Chuxia’s home.

It was the deputy director of the research institute where Cen Zhengnian worked, but he was responsible for administrative matters and had little contact with research staff.

Therefore, both Chuxia and Cen Zhengnian were surprised and unclear about his intentions.

“Zhengnian, you are a well-known young researcher in our institute, with a limitless future. I’ve heard Director Yan praise you before, but seeing you today, I realize Director Yan was too modest.”

The deputy director’s flattery made Cen Zhengnian frown slightly, raising his guard.

He couldn’t figure out the deputy director’s purpose but suspected it must be significant.

“Director Wang, you flatter me,” Cen Zhengnian replied indifferently, not very enthusiastic.

His career advancement was related to Yan and Min, and administrative staff handled the institute’s daily life, not their research work.

Director Wang didn’t get angry and maintained his smile. “Zhengnian, you’re just too modest. Where is your son Huai’an?”

Cen Zhengnian replied, “He’s out.”

Cen Zhengnian’s suspicion rose further regarding the connection with An’an.

His gaze fell on the deputy director’s son who had come along.

The deputy director’s son looked about fifteen or sixteen, probably in middle school and possibly taking the high school entrance exam this year as well.

“My son is also taking the high school entrance exam this year and is in the same grade as Cen Huai’an. However, he isn’t as capable and doesn’t stand out at school.”

The research institute’s affiliated middle school had more than one class per grade, and the deputy director’s son was not in the same class as Cen Huai’an.

He stood there with his head lowered, looking like a well-behaved child who listened to his parents, but Chuxia noticed his hands fidgeting with his clothes and occasional glimpses of annoyance in his eyes.

“Director Wang, you flatter me. If you have something to say, just say it directly.”

Director Wang didn’t expect Cen Zhengnian to be so direct.

Seeing Cen Zhengnian take a sip of his tea, Director Wang realized that Cen Zhengnian preferred to skip the pleasantries.

Director Wang sighed and pulled his son closer, saying, “He’s not doing well, so as his father, I have to come and ask you to…”

Director Wang finally got to the point: he wanted Cen Huai’an to give up his exemption recommendation for No. 4 High School so that it could be given to Director Wang’s son.

Before Director Wang could finish, Cen Zhengnian interrupted firmly, “Director Wang, there’s no need to discuss it further. We won’t be giving up the recommendation; An’an needs it.”

Director Wang, well-prepared for this request, immediately countered, “Zhengnian, don’t refuse so quickly. Consider this: Cen Huai’an’s grades are excellent, and he can get into No. 4 High School without issue. If you give up the recommendation, my son can attend No. 4, and Cen Huai’an can also go to a good school. Isn’t that a win-win situation?”

Chuxia, overhearing this, wanted to spit in Director Wang’s face.

What “win-win” situation? It meant sacrificing Cen Huai’an’s rights for the benefit of his son.

Director Wang’s suggestion was impractical; if Cen Huai’an were to fall ill before the entrance exam and perform poorly, it would be disastrous.

Cen Zhengnian remained resolute, rejecting the offer firmly, “We won’t give it up. Director Wang should request another spot from the school.”

Cen Zhengnian’s sarcastic look made Director Wang’s anger flare up, but he quickly suppressed it. “Zhengnian…”

Director Wang tried to say more, but Cen Zhengnian stood up and said, “Director Wang, please leave. This matter is non-negotiable.”

He made a clear gesture to show that he was ready to escort them out.

Director Wang’s smile vanished, replaced by displeasure. “Zhengnian, we’re not asking for the spot for free.”

Cen Zhengnian said nothing more, simply moving their belongings outside the door. “Please leave.”

Director Wang, grumbling to himself, took his family and left.

He was clearly annoyed and knew that staying any longer would be embarrassing.

As the deputy director of the research institute, he lived in the same residential area but on a higher floor.

Director Wang told his wife to take their son home first.

He looked deep in thought as he walked away.

“Dad…” Director Wang’s son grabbed his arm. Seeing his father’s stern expression, he hesitated and then muttered, “Forget it. I’ll go home and study.”

When Cen Huai’an arrived back at the residential area with his three big dogs, he coincidentally ran into Director Wang.

Seeing Cen Huai’an, Director Wang’s face lit up, and he called out, “Huai’an, Huai’an!”

Cen Huai’an stopped, looking puzzled.

He recognized Director Wang but had little interaction with him, so he couldn’t understand why Director Wang was calling him.

“Huai’an, Uncle has something to discuss with you.” Director Wang rubbed his hands together with a friendly smile, but Cen Huai’an felt as if Director Wang was eyeing him like a piece of meat, ready to pounce.

Cen Huai’an frowned and said, “I’m just a kid. If you have something to discuss, talk to my parents.”

He shook the dog leash, and the three dogs immediately surged forward, barking loudly and ignoring Director Wang as they ran past him.

Director Wang jumped aside, watching Cen Huai’an and his dogs run off, his anger growing.

“Just you wait. You’ll see!”

When Cen Huai’an entered the house, he quickly drank a glass of water.

The three dogs mimicked his actions, eagerly drinking from their bowl.

“Mom.” Cen Huai’an took a fan and sat across from Chuxia, with Cen Zhengnian beside her.

“Director Wang stopped me in the courtyard just now and wanted to discuss something,” Cen Huai’an said.

He could still feel the scheming in Director Wang’s eyes and words, making him uncomfortable.

Chuxia’s expression turned stern. “You did the right thing. You don’t need to listen to anything he says. Just ignore him if you see him in the future.”

Chuxia then told Cen Huai’an what had transpired.

Cen Huai’an’s expression hardened with dislike. “I won’t give up my spot.”

Cen Zhengnian added firmly, “Don’t worry. Your mom and I will make sure your spot is secure. No one can take it from you.”

Originally, Chuxia and Cen Zhengnian thought that their firm refusal would make Director Wang give up, as there were other exemption spots available.

However, to their surprise, Cen Huai’an was called to the principal’s office at school.

Besides the principal, Director Wang and his family were also present.

“Cen Huai’an,” the principal said with a kind gaze, clearly fond of a student who brought honor to the school year after year.

The principal appeared troubled. He didn’t want to force Cen Huai’an but had to bring him in because Director Wang had strong connections.

Before anyone could speak, Cen Huai’an immediately said, “There’s no need to waste your effort. I won’t give up the exemption spot for No. 4 High School.”

With that, he turned and walked out, not giving anyone face.

The principal smiled at Director Wang, showing no signs of anger. “Director Wang, Cen Huai’an is unwilling. Why don’t you choose another high school? There are two exemption spots available, and your son meets the criteria.”

Director Wang shook his head and pressed down on the recommendation form the principal was holding. “Principal, this spot was allocated by the school. Can’t we bypass the student’s wishes?”

“That’s not possible.” The principal pressed the recommendation form down further. “The spots are allocated based on various factors, including grades and awards. The school can’t simply give the spot to anyone; it must be fair.”

The principal’s attitude also became assertive.

Director Wang had connections, but that didn’t mean he could get away with everything.

Being the principal of the affiliated middle school wasn’t something that came easily.

Director Wang pushed some documents toward the principal again. “Could you please make an exception?”

---

After returning home, Cen Huai’an told Chuxia and Cen Zhengnian about Director Wang’s visit to the school, which sparked their anger.

“Director Wang coming to find us is one thing, but what’s with his repeated attempts to approach An’an? He even went to the school! Does he think we’re pushovers? Zhengnian, we can’t let this slide so easily!”

Cen Zhengnian patted Chuxia’s shoulder to calm her anger and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll go see my teacher.”

After saying this, Cen Zhengnian left the house.

Chuxia frowned for a moment and then urged Cen Huai’an, “An’an, you should go with your father to see Elder Yan. Just keep your head down and don’t say anything.”