Chapter 190: The Door Leading to the Upper Level Has Officially Closed to You!

Qin Shi greeted the teachers and students of Xin Yi High School, then followed Fang Butang and got into that black sedan bearing the Education Committee's white plaque.

"Qin Shi... should be going to participate in the Four Great National Universities' enrollment."

Xu Mo, holding the banner, revealed a look of envy in his eyes.

The Four Great National Universities, for any student, are the Holy Lands in their dreams.

More accurately, they are the optimal path to achieve a class leap.

"Old Qin is truly impressive! He securely won first place in the Top Hundred Competition, completely deserving of a Four Great National Universities enrollment quota!"

Zhou Ning said happily; his dead party making good, he naturally felt happy.

"Our Old Factory Street has finally produced... how does that old saying go? Oh, the Wenqu Star! Securing an admission notice from the Four Great National Universities is absolutely the Wenqu Star descending to the mortal world!"

Zhao Yunzhu had presented flowers and also returned to the formation.

She recalled previously at the Talent Apartment, running into Qin Shi, to today being the center of attention, the Education Committee picking him up; she couldn't help but feel a sense of unreality.

Altogether not much time had passed; the former ordinary classmate from the Hongzhi Class had already soared into the sky!

The speed of his rise was truly inconceivable.

"Can't even touch his shadow anymore."

Zhao Yunzhu felt discouraged; she was, after all, a top student in the Elite Class, and her family conditions were also outstanding.

Yet standing before Qin Shi, it was as if they were separated by a whole world.

She glanced at Xu Mo; the latter's mindset seemed to have adjusted, appearing calm at this moment.

"Having once attended the same school as Jiao Yang, after graduation, it can also serve as a talking point."

Xu Mo smiled and said.

During the time he and Qin Shi lived in the Talent Apartment, he felt very unconvinced in his heart.

Later, witnessing Qin Shi strike Lu Hui until his Dao heart shattered, jealousy and curiosity arose, wanting to know the secret of the other's rapidly increasing life force.

Until that Patrol Department extracurricular activity, Qin Shi, acting as an Instructor, borrowing his hand, cleanly and neatly settled Zheng Yun; only then did he realize the gap between the two, they were fundamentally not on the same level.

After accepting this point, his mindset instead became peaceful.

Sparrows may envy wild geese, fear eagles, but cannot possibly have any extraneous thoughts toward a true Dragon.

Because the distance is too far, fundamentally cannot touch it!

"Go back. Wait for Qin Classmate's good news; don't know which National Academy he will choose?"

Xu Mo put away the banner, looking at Zhou Ning.

The latter shrugged and said:

"Old Qin, this person, has always had his own ideas. The Four Great National Universities don't have much difference, right? They're all the same top-tier highest academies!"

Zhao Yunzhu took up the conversation, explaining prettily:

"Of course there are differences. Southwest United's predecessor was the famous Yu Nan Military Academy; countless General-star fierce figures have come out of it, the academy and the military have a very good relationship, called the 'Cradle of High-ranking Officers'.

North China Imperial Capital needs no explanation; more than half of the Three Departments and Nine Bureaus are alumni, and it's in the central hub location; graduating from there, prospects are vast, hailed as the 'Red High Tower'.

Revolutionary Tongwen, the true New Martial Arts faction's main base, and also the frontline technology position; like United Pharmaceutical, Pharmacist Buddha Enterprise, every year giving massive sponsorship, just to keep the qualification as a campus recruitment partner.

Yangchen Museum, no need for more words; you only need to understand, since San Tan Heavy Industry was built, thirty-seven Chief Engineers, forty-three Chief Designers, Yangchen Museum contributed two-thirds. To the extent that the so-called San Tan Heavy Industry, the size of Dongxia's 'Tian' character, once had the saying of 'Yangchen Clique'."

Zhou Ning listened in a daze, with a feeling of not understanding but sensing awesomeness.

No way around it; the Four Great National Universities' reputation, although very weighty, is too distant from Old Factory Street.

Just like workers' children won't care what policies beneficial to people's livelihood the Imperial Capital issues, and won't care which super consortium Haizhou has reached a project cooperation with again.

"In my view, most likely it's still North China Imperial Capital, or Southwest United."

Xu Mo judged.

"Qin Classmate is Old Martial Arts faction, probably won't choose Revolutionary Tongwen where New Martial Arts faction is king. As for Yangchen Museum, haven't heard Qin Classmate is interested in the Mechanical Path."

Zhao Yunzhu thought for a bit, also felt it quite reasonable, and added:

"I heard people say, Southwest United these years has been competing with the Yinghuo Ancient Star's Officer School. The latter looks down on the former quite a bit, saying Southwest United are all Young Master Soldiers, gilding their resumes, actual combat trash."

Xu Mo, usually counting as half a military buff, knows the various War Corps quite well, frowned and said:

"Can't put it that way either. The several War Corps Southwest United cooperates with are the Seventh War Corps garrisoned in the Bei Dou Xing Yu, and the Ninth War Corps in the He Xie Star Region; the war intensity in these two places is relatively low, indeed not as fierce as the Fourth War Corps.

But Young Master Soldier is definitely slander; the Seventh War Corps' new generation General-star, Mo Zhen Ting, is still our Hengzhou fellow villager; he's already been awarded the Golden Spike Shoulder Insignia, promotion speed like riding a rocket."

Several people boarded the school bus; Class Teacher Qian Feng heard their discussion and said confidently:

"The Education Committee side will definitely arrange it well. Qin Classmate's case is Special Recruitment, even harder than testing in; I estimate there will still be some assessments in between."

Zhou Ning asked curiously:

"What's the difference between Special Recruitment and admission?"

Class Teacher Qian Feng replied:

"Special Recruitment is the Youth Class, three-year system, senior year directly conscripted, participating in various high-spec national-level projects. Youth Class graduates from the Four Great National Universities are hot cakes; wherever they go, they are Heaven's Chosen."

Zhou Ning, hearing this, couldn't help but worry; he never doubted Old Qin's ability.

But the Four Great National Universities' Youth Class threshold is indeed high.

Don't know if he can cross it!

The black sedan drove to the Education Committee Building; Fang Butang brought Qin Shi to the large conference room on the fourth floor.

"You wait a moment; the Four Great National Universities' enrollment teachers are already on the way."

The conference room was very spacious; that oval massive solid wood tabletop occupied more than half the space.

Qin Shi had just sat down when a Secretary brought hot tea.

"Committee Member Fang..."

"Just call me Teacher Fang. I used to be the principal of Qiguang Heng University, and I've been a teacher for several years, so that feels more natural."

Fang Butang's attitude was very gentle.

"Teacher Fang."

Qin Shi went along with it readily.

He had many strengths, the most prominent being his respect for elders and care for the young.

"I've talked with Lao Chen, and I think highly of your future. The Four Great National Universities are Dongxia's highest academies, and also the brilliant pearls on the crown of the education world."

Fang Butang seemed to be having a heart-to-heart, probing Qin Shi's thoughts.

"Xiao Qin, I won't beat around the bush either. Before the Four Great National Universities' enrollment teachers come over, I have a few words I want to say to you."

"You winning first place in the Top Hundred Competition this time let the Patrol Department shine, and Lao Chen's back has been straighter in meetings ever since, his words carrying more weight."

"Lao Chen feels you're fully qualified to be this region's Supernova. I've met with the Education Committee for several seminars, and we think there's no problem. After all, your results speak for themselves — even Zhou Yuanchen from the Central City Education Bureau is no match for you."

Lao Zhou, this time he's truly been reduced to a backdrop, a stepping stone!

Qin Shi roughly understood Lao Zhang's feelings.

Famous at a young age, then trampled on — lose once and be nagged about for a lifetime!

From then on, whenever battle records were mentioned, whether it was Qi Wuxiang, He Lanchan, or the First Generation Ten Greats, not one failed to bring up Lao Zhang of the Nanhuang Dojo in the same breath.

Just thinking about that taste makes one's heart churn!

"Many thanks for Teacher Fang's nurturing."

Qin Shi stood up and bowed slightly; young people must also understand propriety.

"This is what you fought for yourself; I merely went with the flow. To speak frankly, if you hadn't acknowledged that predecessor from the Nanhuang Dojo as your master, and thereby come into conflict with the Central City's Education Bureau, including the Ying Clan, it wouldn't have even been my and Lao Chen's turn — Central City would have snatched you up long ago."

Fang Butang smiled amiably, pressing his palm down to signal Qin Shi to sit, no need to be restrained.

"I want to hear your thoughts, Xiao Qin. Do you yearn for the Four Great National Universities? Lao Chen appreciates you greatly and values you highly. As people of Tai'an, we naturally hope a talent like you can stay in Tai'an, but the Four Great National Universities' enrollment is indeed a grand gate leading to higher places..."

"I'm willing to stay in Hengzhou, stay in Tai'an."

Qin Shi said crisply.

"I know no one would give up the Four Great National Universities. You saying this, Xiao Qin, I also don't... hmm?"

Fang Butang froze, abruptly raising his head, his calm face unable to hide his loss of composure.

"What did you just say?"

Qin Shi's tone was indifferent, without fluctuation, like stating a conclusion reached after countless deliberations.

"I want to stay in Hengzhou, stay in Tai'an. Uncle Chen, Teacher Zhang, including you — all of you have given me much help, and I hope to be able to repay it."

Fang Butang's throat moved twice, yet he couldn't squeeze out half a sentence.

As someone who had been in the system for years, having seen mutual deception and pure self-interest, he knew very well the allure of the words "future prospects."

Being specially recruited by the Four Great National Universities — a brilliant, boundless future — was practically within reach.

Therefore, Fang Butang held no real hope that he could persuade Qin Shi.

He had always been a good judge of character; this Nanhuang Dojo inheritor, though young in years, was absolutely not someone whose resolve could be easily shaken.

However...

"Xiao Qin, are you sure?"

Fang Butang even suspected whether his own eyes and ears had failed him, that he'd misheard.

"I was originally planning to discuss it with Teacher Zhang, but since Teacher Fang you've brought it up, I'll just decide for myself. I believe Teacher Zhang will also approve of my decision."

Qin Shi's emotions were stable, his gaze calm.

This inexplicably made Fang Butang feel a bit defeated, then he immediately revealed obvious delight:

"Lao Chen really didn't misjudge you! Xiao Qin, rest assured. The Four Great National Universities may be a grand future, but that path is also rugged. You stay in Hengzhou, stay in Tai'an, complete your studies, and Lao Chen and I guarantee — you absolutely won't be wronged!"

As the saying goes, people go upward, water flows downward.

Who could get into the Four Great National Universities and be willing to stay behind?

Chen Ruofu and Fang Butang hoping so much for Qin Shi to complete his studies in Hengzhou — on one hand, they hoped to gain eye-catching "political achievements," increasing the Tai'an Urban Circle's speaking weight; on the other hand, they also considered Qin Shi's conflict with the Education Bureau and the Ying Clan.

"Thank you, Teacher Fang."

Qin Shi still maintained his courtesy.

He didn't feel he was losing out — the Nanhuang Dojo's Universe Furnace Secret Canon, He Lanchan's Xu Kong Meditation Method, were enough for him to cultivate for quite a while.

As for resources, relying on the Entropy Sea Bank and Xu Kong Mining, there wouldn't be any urgent shortage either.

Moreover, the Tai'an Urban Circle, as a local administrative unit, received no small quota each year.

"Since we've agreed, then when the Four Great National Universities' enrollment teachers come later, please have Teacher Fang receive them for me."

Qin Shi stood up and said.

"You don't plan to meet them, hear the conditions they offer? With your performance in the Top Hundred Competition, the Four Great National Universities will very likely specially recruit you, letting you into the Youth Class."

Fang Butang hesitated.

Although he personally very much hoped Qin Shi would stay in Hengzhou, he would also respect the student's own choice.

Acting overbearingly and making decisions for the other party would only create grudges and enmity.

Many system insiders have too heavy a habit of acting unilaterally, and in the end it backfires, turning small matters into big ones.

"Teacher Fang, I once read a sentence that I quite agree with. The past is a ghost, illusory and intangible. Only the future has weight."

Qin Shi nodded lightly, his tone very firm:

"Once a person makes a decision, that matter is destined to become the past, no need to look back. In my eyes, only the infinite future exists — that is what I am willing to chase."

Fang Butang's expression tightened, and he said solemnly:

"Instead, you've taught me a lesson. Good, I understand. The Four Great National Universities' enrollment teachers — I'll handle them."

Qin Shi bowed slightly in thanks, then took his leave, exiting the large conference room.

……

……

The official car stopped at the doorway of the Education Committee Building. The driver saw a familiar modified red motorcycle and said to the two enrollment teachers:

"That's it! The one that just forced us to stop!"

Teacher Wei subconsciously frowned:

"The motorcycle's owner went into the Education Committee Building same as us? Could it be that one?"

Young Teacher Li asked:

"Who?"

The driver opened the car door, Teacher Wei got out and said:

"The Editor-in-Chief of Outlook Weekly, Kang Yun'er. She's also staying at the Black Flame Grand Hotel, same floor as us. Heard she's waited this long just to do an exclusive interview with Student Qin Shi."

Young Teacher Li's eyes brightened slightly, a bit resentful that Old Wei hadn't said so.

Had he known he'd be sharing a hotel with the beautiful Editor-in-Chief of Outlook Weekly, he would've created a chance to chat her up.

"Let's go, Little Li. That Top of the Hundred Strong Competition champion is already waiting for us. In a bit, let's keep our attitude gentle, explain the advantages of entering the Four Great National Universities clearly."

Teacher Wei said as he went up the steps.

"Just announcing who we are is enough. Hengzhou isn't a super frontline, just a borderlands administrative star. I can't imagine anyone here who could refuse enrollment from the Four Great National Universities."

Young Teacher Li didn't take it seriously.

He glanced back at that modified red motorcycle, involuntarily fantasizing about that beautiful Editor-in-Chief's dashing bearing.

He thought to himself:

"If there's a chance I definitely have to get to know her!"

The two enrollment teachers had just entered the elevator when the iron grille of the other elevator opened, and Qin Shi walked out from inside.

His steps were steady, his windbreaker fluttering slightly. He stood at the doorway of the Education Committee Building, just about to leave, when a gaze caught his attention.

Wearing a red-and-black motorcycle suit outlining a fairly spicy figure, that female rider leaned against the wall, as if waiting for someone.

She tilted her chin at Qin Shi, then swung her long legs onto the motorcycle, executed a beautiful spinning U-turn, and rode to the bottom of the building's entrance steps.

"Get on, Student Qin Shi who refused the Four Great National Universities. I've been waiting for you a month."

Qin Shi's gaze darkened slightly, then he thought of something:

"Editor-in-Chief Kang of Outlook Weekly?"

Kang Yun'er nodded with a smile:

"Didn't call me beautiful woman, plus ten points. Little brother, do you know? From the moment you walked out the Education Committee's gate, that door leading to the Upper Class of East Xia has already closed to you?"

The Four Great National Universities have stood for several thousand years. Their profound foundation and lofty status mean they won't allow themselves to throw out an olive branch to a borderlands administrative star's youth again and again.

Anyone, even scions of the Nine Surnames, only gets one chance.

"Is that so? That's truly a pity."

Qin Shi shrugged, walked toward Kang Yun'er.

He had no hesitation or awkwardness whatsoever, calmly straddling the motorcycle's rear seat.

"There's an old saying from the Old Era: when a divine spirit closes a door for you, you have to open a window for yourself. Ms. Kang, sorry to keep you waiting. Before the interview, could you first take me home?"

(Chapter End)