Chapter 575

October 21st was the first spring breeze that the broad masses of the people felt in the tide of the era. Because on this very day, the good news that was closely related to millions of educated youth in all walks of life and millions of families behind them was published. On the front page of every media newspaper, the announced news was the resumption of the college entrance examination.

Before, it wasn't certain. Although most people studied, they didn't have that sense of urgency. This time, the news of the resumption of the college entrance examination spread throughout the country, but it also said that the exam would be in December. Now that they knew the time, the nervous feeling in their hearts immediately came up, as if someone had a small whip chasing them from behind, feeling very anxious. After all, many people hadn't flipped through books for many years, and many people hadn't studied the courses after the suspension of classes at all. Thinking that there was so much knowledge they didn't know, but the time was only one month left, it would be strange if they weren't anxious. The college entrance examination at this time was truly a "leap over the dragon gate."

Because Cheng Army Supervisor was annoyed by the noise of the children at home and was afraid of leaking the news, he ran to his relative's house to review, just like in the original drama, preparing to show his face in the courtyard, show off, and let people look at him with new eyes, knowing that he, Cheng Army Supervisor, had ability.

Han Chunming didn't care about Cheng Army Supervisor. Under the reluctant farewell of his colleagues at the Yili Food Factory and the resentment of Taozi being abandoned, he spent two days handling the transfer of his personnel relationship and happily went to work at the hardware company, running business.

This position was naturally excellent for Han Chunming. He could go on business trips to other places, stroll outside to collect things, and broaden his horizons. After two years, he could also seize the opportunity to ride the wind and waves earlier, which was not bad.

Su Meng probably suffered from pre-exam syndrome, putting a lot of pressure on herself and studying day and night. The biggest relaxation was naturally the husband-and-wife activities with Wang Yan at night. In fact, this was the only use Wang Yan had now, helping her vent the accumulated irritability. Most of the rest of the time, even breathing was wrong.

Wang Yan didn't have much to say either, and he played quite well with the child. Because he could carve wood, he could make guns, cannons, cars, animals, and so on. He would take the child out to stroll in the warm weather all day, and he became the "king of children" nearby, very popular. It was also because of this that his son, who couldn't say a few words yet, was young, and couldn't walk steadily—he would sit on the ground as soon as he was touched—became a quite popular little baby. Children a few years older than him were mostly patient enough to play with him.

There was no help for it; who told the little one to have a father who could carve wood and a sack of good-looking, fun toys... Of course, if it weren't for this, other children wouldn't bully him. If there were no toys, and if Wang Yan weren't so kind, no children would play with the little one.

Because the parents of those children were mostly of the same generation as Wang Yan, they also knew the legend of Wang Yan. They would definitely warn their own children not to bully Wang Yan's son, and even not to get close to him, saying they couldn't afford to offend them. Small children didn't understand that much, but when their parents said it often, they would naturally be a bit timid when facing the little one who was only a little over one year old.

This is a very sad thing, but it is an unavoidable reality. Not all parents are strong; there are many hard-working masses in this world who are trying to live. If possible, which parent would instill that "cowardice" into their child who doesn't know anything yet...

In December, Su Meng participated in the college entrance examination. On the first day, she relaxed because the questions were too simple. After two days of exams, she was still muttering when eating at home that there was really no difficulty. When reporting her preferences, she was full of confidence: the first was Peking University, the second was Tsinghua University, the third was Normal University, the fourth was Post and Telecommunications University (the later Post and Telecommunications University), the fifth was Industrial University (the later University of Science and Technology)... Anyway, they were all good universities in Beijing, and later they were all "Double First-Class" universities.

After waiting for two months with full expectation, just after the New Year of 1977, not long after entering 1978, the admission letter from Peking University was delivered to the door by a courier pedaling a "Big 28" bicycle with a green People's Post bag on the seat.

"Grandpa Wang, congratulations, congratulations! Your wife Su Meng got into Peking University! You two are both from Peking University. I don't know how many people envy you."

Wang Yan, who was playing with the child in the snow at the door, walked over and nodded with a smile: "Sorry to trouble you."

"Hi, isn't this the job I do? I dare not say it's trouble; it's all serving the people." The courier waved his hand, rummaged through the bag for two envelopes, and sighed: "There's another one here for Cheng Army Supervisor in your courtyard. He got into Beijing Normal University. Grandpa Wang, please take it along and send it to him. Oh my, there are two university students in these few alleys, and they are both in your courtyard. It's truly amazing."

Taking the two envelopes, Wang Yan asked: "Didn't you also participate in the college entrance examination? How was it? Where did you get into?"

"The admission letter hasn't arrived yet. It definitely won't be as good as your wife's. I'll be content if I can get into a university." The courier covered the bag's pocket: "I'm leaving first, Grandpa Wang, there are still many families to deliver to."

"Okay, thank you. The road is slippery with snow, be careful."

Watching the courier ride away, Wang Yan called out to the little one who was banging the snow with a small shovel: "Let's go, son, it's quite cold. Let's go back and warm up first, and play again in a while."

"Play again in a while." The little one learned it with a thick tongue, then gave his biological father a sweet smile, and continued to play with the snow...

He was still too small and didn't understand anything. The little thing was wearing three layers inside and three layers outside. His tender little face was frozen red, and his nose was running, but he hadn't played enough yet.

Wang Yan didn't force the child to go back, just confiscated the tools, and then turned to the gate. The little one was stunned for a moment, thinking his father was playing some new game with him. He reached out his hands and ran stumbling, even fell down halfway, climbed up and followed, and just like that, returned home.

The stove fire was burning very well, and the small room was surrounded by heating. Although the house was leaking wind everywhere, it was precisely this leaking wind that made the room as warm as spring, but not very stuffy, and the temperature was just right.

Su Meng sat by the window, which had been changed to double-layer thermal insulation glass, occasionally looking at the snow scene in the courtyard outside. The withered trees covered with snow, the blue stone water pool, the snow-covered ground, feeling the warmth in the room and thinking about the cold outside, drinking a cup of hot tea, without the noise of the large courtyard in the past, she only felt that life was beautiful, and it was a special kind of taste.

Hearing the sound of the door opening and feeling the cold air, Su Meng rolled her eyes; this father and son were ruining the atmosphere. She first looked at her precious son who walked in, then squatted down to pat the snow off her son's body, and couldn't help but say: "You say it's snowing so hard, it's good to stay at home. You have to go out to play. Look, your nose is frozen. What if you catch a cold later?"

"Don't worry, his physique is good. Besides, what's the big deal about catching a cold? It's fine, children have to play, have to be active." Wang Yan put her admission letter on the table: "Here, be happy, the admission letter is here."

"Which school?" Su Meng was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly picked up the envelope, looked at the words "Peking University" on the cover, and then hugged the child on the ground and kissed him: "Son, Mom got in, got into Peking University. Mom will be a university student in the future. Are you happy? Are you glad?"

The little one looked at his abnormal mother without understanding, then giggled and learned to speak: "Are you happy..."

Putting down the child and rubbing his little head: "What are you holding in your hand?"

"Admission letter."

"Who..." Halfway through, Su Meng reacted, opened her eyes wide and asked: "It wouldn't be Cheng Army Supervisor's, would it?"

"It's his, sent by Beijing Normal University."

"I didn't expect him to be quite amazing, he got in without a sound." Su Meng curled her lips, then said: "Go, go to the backyard, hurry up and tell my grandmother and the others this good news, and be happy together."

After speaking, she turned to take the military coat Wang Yan was wearing from the coat rack, draped it over her shoulders, took the little one, and walked out with the envelope.

Wang Yan shook his head and smiled, followed behind to close the door, and strolled toward the backyard.

Passing by Cheng Army Supervisor's door, he knocked on the door and greeted him. After a while, Cheng Army Supervisor came out with a cotton-padded jacket, asking carefully: "Grandpa Wang, what is it?"

"Your admission letter."

Looking at the envelope in front of him, Cheng Army Supervisor hurriedly took it, glanced at it, and grinned: "Oh, I just went to take the exam casually, didn't expect to get in directly. Thank you, Grandpa Wang. You say this delivery person is also, how could he let you deliver it? Why don't you come in and drink some tea?"

Wang Yan gave a light laugh and turned to leave.

"Hey, Grandpa Wang, where did Su Meng get into? Mine has arrived, her admission letter should have come too, right?"

"Peking University!"

Wang Yan didn't look back and walked straight toward the old Su family, which had already become lively.

Cheng Army Supervisor looked at Wang Yan's back with gloomy eyes, then smiled, turned around and returned to the room to share the news with his parents. Although it wasn't as good as Su Meng's, and couldn't compare to Wang Yan, this lucky person who was recommended to university early, hey, he got into university...

Wang Yan didn't stop Cheng Army Supervisor from taking the college entrance examination because it wasn't necessary, and Cheng Army Supervisor hadn't provoked him to that extent yet. Only the previous classmate reunion counted once, and the one who lost face was Cheng Army Supervisor. So let him show off first. The so-called "if you want him to perish, first let him go crazy." Play slowly, don't worry, there are still decades to go.

Entering the door of the old Su family, Su Meng was taking off her precious son's thick coat. The house here was the same as the front courtyard, all with new double-layer glass windows and several more heating radiators, just to be warmer in winter. This was changed in 1975. At that time, it was to keep Su Meng warm during pregnancy, so these things were brought back. The extra ones were sent to Han Chunming and Old Guan.

Grandma Su, Su Fu, and Su Mu were reading the admission letter that had just been opened. It wasn't so fancy at this time; it was just a piece of paper, saying congratulations on being admitted to the Chinese Department, and the start time. It was just such a light piece of paper, but it had the weight to change a person's destiny.

"It's really good. Now our family is a family of university students." Grandma Su smiled and put down the paper, stood up and said: "I'll go melt some meat, let's eat something good tonight."

Wang Yan sat on the side and replied: "Okay, I'll go out and buy some roast duck and other things later to celebrate."

Grandma Su didn't scold Wang Yan for being a prodigal son this time. Not to mention that all sorts of messy things could be bought, Su Meng's uncle would send some money back to subsidize them from time to time. This was also the reason why Su Meng was glamorous and a fashionista in such an era in the original drama. Wang Yan's own salary was not small, reaching more than 50 yuan, which was a preferential treatment for his kind of talent.

And although he wasn't completely leading the project research, after more than two years of breakthroughs in multiple computer-related technologies, he also had bonuses rewarded by the state, totaling thousands. This money was enough to spend; after all, money was very valuable at this time.

Because they had always eaten together, the rice, flour, grain, oil, meat, and vegetables in the house were basically bought by Wang Yan in piles, along with other messy things. Basically, the old Su family didn't spend money, which was also a disguised way of saving money, saving the old Su family's money.

It was also because of this that the Su family didn't nag about how Wang Yan spent money, and his ears were finally quiet...

The family talked happily, and the three of Grandma Su didn't close their mouths.

In the original drama, Su Meng got into Beijing Normal University, and Grandma Su didn't show much excitement, but now it was different. Su Meng got into Peking University, and Peking University was different.

Although Su Fu and Su Mu were indifferent to fame and wealth and didn't get involved in anything, just focusing on teaching and living their lives, their daughter got into Peking University, and the student surpassed the master. How could they not be happy? And no matter how much they didn't like to show off, they couldn't resist the feeling of showing off their children. When they went to work later, other teachers would ask how their Su Meng was doing, and they would reservedly reply, "It's okay, quite good, got into Peking University..." That feeling, hey...

After being happy, Wang Yan pedaled his bicycle against the wind and snow to go out, bought some fish, meat, and fruits, and returned.

Just as he arrived outside the courtyard, he saw Grandpa Guo sweeping the snow at the door with a broom. This old guy shouted: "Buying so much stuff again? University students are different. Is it your wife who got into Peking University, and you're going to celebrate tonight?"

Taking out two apples from his pocket, after some pushing and shoving, he handed them to Grandpa Guo. Wang Yan smiled: "You are well-informed, you know this already?"

"Where, the whole courtyard knows. Just now Cheng Army Supervisor went to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy meat and I bumped into him. Oh my, that loud voice, it was impossible not to know. He said he got into Beijing Normal University. This kid is really amazing, usually doesn't make a sound, and I haven't heard that his studies were very good before, but he got into university directly, you tell me."

"It's quite unexpected. Alright, Grandpa Guo, stop sweeping. It's snowing so hard, it won't stop for a while, let's talk about it tomorrow."

"Idle is idle, move around. Don't worry about it, go back."

"Then you be careful." Wang Yan cared casually and pushed the car into the courtyard.

Unsurprisingly, there was also an envious and jealous soul in the courtyard driven by the body, sweeping the snow in the courtyard.

Seeing Wang Yan push the car in, Han Chunming nodded and greeted: "Grandpa Wang, buying stuff in this snowy weather."

"Su Meng got into Peking University, celebrating with the family tonight." Parking the car, Wang Yan took things off the handlebars: "Not happy about picking up a bargain now? Not feeling good in your heart?"

Han Chunming let out a long breath and came to Wang Yan's side with a broom to sweep: "I just can't understand, someone like Cheng Army Supervisor can really get into university? We were all in the same class. I didn't graduate from junior high, and he didn't either. I didn't read books or study on my own, and someone like him definitely wouldn't study on his own. He only reviewed for a month, and he got in?"

"Didn't I tell you before? It's the first exam, the questions must be simple. After all, there are many people like you, and the questions can't be too difficult. I reckon next year's questions might be harder than this year's, but the difficulty is limited. If you want to take it, it's still in time, there will be no chance later."

"Forget it, I've been doing quite well in these two months, the salary is not low, and I'm very free, and it's convenient to do anything. Didn't you say, old man, that I can achieve things, just waiting for the opportunity."

Wang Yan smiled and patted him on the shoulder: "Soon, I reckon, it's just a matter of these two years. What you need to do now is to accumulate connections. As the saying goes, it's easy to do things with people. When the time comes, it will be like a roc rising with the wind for a day, soaring up ninety thousand miles. By then, you kid will be a big boss named Han. Come, future big boss, I'll give you two apples first, don't forget to take care of your brother in the future."

"You're just making fun of me, old man." Han Chunming took the apples and put them in his pocket, planning to give them to his wife and mother when he got home. He said: "However, if you want me to take care of you in the future, these two apples are not enough."

"How so?"

Han Chunming changed his face in a second, giggling: "Forget it today, you have to celebrate with your wife. How about we go to my master's place to drink tomorrow? I really don't feel good in my heart, only Du Kang can help me."

"Okay, you buy the vegetables, I'll bring a few bottles of Moutai."

"Settled, Grandpa Wang. It just so happens that tomorrow is Sunday, I'll call Xiao Ma in a while to see if he's coming. Let's have a good drink, you go slowly."

Han Chunming was naturally generous. They had been drinking together for two years. Although he didn't pay much, he still paid some, after all, there wasn't much to begin with. And even if he paid little, he still put in the effort. People with talent are different; his skills were improving day by day, and his cooking was almost catching up to Wang Yan's.

As for the other drinking buddy, Ma Du, he wasn't a bad person either. He didn't come empty-handed every time he came back, and they played quite well together. They had to call to greet each other during holidays. He hadn't come this year yet. I guess if Han Chunming made this call, he would definitely come over tomorrow.

With a smile, Wang Yan didn't enter the room, but went straight to the backyard with the things. Tonight, they were having mutton hot pot. This thing goes well with snowy weather...

The family sat around the table. In the center of the table was a copper pot. On the table, there were only two things: one was several plates of meat, and the other was a pile of green vegetables.

The little ancestor couldn't eat this thing yet, so he was given millet porridge separately, steamed tender chicken cake, and cut fruit. At this moment, the little one ignored the toys all over the floor, just clung to Grandma Su's leg, raised his head and looked pitifully. Children don't understand much, but he knows who can satisfy him. In this family, if you ask who doesn't dote on him, it must be his biological father. If you ask who dotes on him the most, it must be his great-grandmother. Avoiding harm and seeking benefit, the little thing has a feeling.

Grandma Su had no choice but to boil the mutton, feeding him piece by piece. It was cooked in a mushroom soup pot, so it had some flavor and wasn't so muttony. The little one followed his father and had a good appetite. He was also a meat eater, ate several pieces, and then patted his stomach and ran to the side to play with toys.

Watching the child go to play, Su Meng smiled: "This is good. By March, we two can go together and come back together."

Wang Yan shook his head: "I suggest you live in the dormitory. The coursework is heavy when school just starts. You have to find a rhythm for learning. Not to mention the spirit of hanging your head from the beam and drilling a hole in the wall to steal light, reading in the morning and self-study in the evening is a must. I can pedal a bicycle in less than an hour, but you can't. And, I haven't really attended classes for a few days, I've always been doing research, so I'm quite free. Look at me, I leave at seven or eight in the morning and come back at four or five in the evening, but you can't."

Before Su Meng could stare, Su Fu nodded in approval: "Wang Yan is right. Mengmeng, although you got into Peking University, you can't relax your studies. You are different from Wang Yan. He is naturally smart, and you rely on hard work. You can't be treated the same. When the time comes, live in the dormitory and come back to see the child every few days. Since you got into university, and such a good university, you must study hard and not waste such a good opportunity, let alone waste the country's resources. How many people want to take the exam but can't? Did you hear that?"

Su Meng curled her lips: "Yes, your daughter, I, am a fool, and he is the smart one..."

Su Mu looked at her daughter amusedly: "Wang Yan is right. I know Wang Yan is researching that computer and doing high-tech. I and your father have paid special attention to it. In these two years, he has been on the news a lot. He is a serious scientist. It's enough for him to be your teacher, and you're still not convinced."

Wang Yan laughed and touched Su Meng's head: "Actually, this is also good. You live in the dormitory there and can cultivate feelings with those classmates. Utilitarianly speaking, these people are the smartest people in our country, and it's such a good school. When assigning work, they will definitely be good units. You can use them to help each other in the future. Non-utilitarianly speaking, everyone is a classmate, and there will be people to play with when you have nothing to do in the future. Look at before, every day is work, then go home to look after the child, how boring that is, isn't it?"

"Hmm, this makes some sense, I forgive you..." Su Meng patted Wang Yan's hand away and picked up meat from the pot to eat.

Grandma Su looked at Su Fu and Su Mu, thought for a while and said: "Wang Yan, what are your plans for the child?"

Wang Yan was stunned for a moment, then smiled knowingly: "Are you talking about having another one?"

Seeing Grandma Su nod, he continued: "I told Su Meng before, one is enough. Don't talk about passing on the family line or spreading branches and leaves. Our family can afford to raise another one, but it's too tiring to serve this little ancestor. This is quite good, so don't look for trouble for yourself."

"Hmm, I think so too." Su Meng nodded repeatedly: "Just like me, our family only has me as a daughter, so I enjoy the love of you few. If I had an older brother, older sister, younger brother, or younger sister, I definitely wouldn't be so comfortable. Look at Han Chunming's family and you'll know. And that Cheng Army Supervisor, he's so old, and he still kicks his younger brother twice for no reason. Let's just have one child, give him all the love, let him be healthy and happy, how good that is..."

Grandma Su couldn't laugh or cry: "It's me, the old woman, who talked too much. You guys, do whatever you want..."