Chapter 170

It is the time of the college entrance exam once again.

On the morning of June 7th, amidst the attention of all, as the bell for the Chinese subject exam rang, the 2014 college entrance exam officially kicked off.

Under the careful guidance of teachers, the attentive companionship of parents, and the escort of staff from all walks of life, candidates are heading firmly toward the direction of their dreams, running toward their own "sea of stars."

At the Ningyang County High School exam site, warning signs and prompt boards were posted everywhere, and volunteer service team staff were serving the college entrance exam. Looking at those busy figures, we know that Ningyang is ready for the 2014 college entrance exam.

At 8:00 AM, at the High School exam site, more than a hundred meters from the school gate, one could see the prompt board "Exam Hall Ahead, No Honking." Exam-escorting vehicles drove toward the exam site in an orderly manner under the guidance of traffic police, and many candidates and parents walked together on the sidewalks on both sides.

At the entrance of the exam site, signs were posted everywhere, reminding candidates of the ID cards, admission tickets, and other exam supplies they needed to carry before entering.

Under the guidance of the exam site security personnel, candidates said goodbye to their parents one after another and entered the exam hall in an orderly manner.

Ningyang County Education Bureau Director Lu Fan introduced to reporters that the exam site had made sufficient preparations in terms of security, setting up a special college entrance exam material storage room equipped with tissues, 2B pencils, pencil cases, heat-relief items, etc. The medical room had long since classified and stored the necessary medicines, including heatstroke prevention, wound treatment, cold medicine, and other types, and was also equipped with a 120 ambulance, so that if candidates felt unwell, they could be treated at any time to ensure they successfully completed the exam.

Across the street, banners full of blessings were hung. Various units and merchants had set up tents a day in advance, carefully preparing mineral water, common medicines, stationery, and everything else for the candidates, and plastic stools were placed every meter for parents to wait and rest.

Eager, uneasy, expectant... the candidates' families and friends also had complicated feelings. Parents sat in the red tents built for them, chatting with each other.

The teachers escorting the students held various slogans to cheer them on in fancy ways: "Go for it," "Dreaming in June," "Set off for the future"... There were also volunteer service teams from various work posts in Ningyang County, who high-fived the candidates and shouted to cheer them on.

Under Lu Fan's careful organization, the Ningyang County Education Bureau did everything it could!

In the days of youth, live up to the prime of life and keep moving forward! Yes, having bathed in different storms, life has become more colorful. These experiences are worth remembering. May the students chase their youthful dreams on this important day and live up to their prime!

After the exam started, Lu Fan personally accompanied the provincial inspector to patrol the exam, and assigned Deputy Director Wang Fei to accompany the municipal inspector, having previously told Wang Fei to stay close and not let any accidents happen.

Lu Fan specifically let the provincial inspector walk on his left side while he led the way in front.

Walking to the fifth exam hall, Lu Fan discovered through the window that a candidate was copying from hidden notes. Lu Fan deliberately spoke loudly with the provincial inspector about the layout of the exam hall and the invigilation process, attracting the attention of the candidates and invigilators.

When the two walked into the exam hall, they only saw the diligent and responsible invigilators and the students burying their heads in their answer sheets.

Since arriving in Ningyang, these provincial and municipal inspectors had become guests of honor of the Education Bureau. Deputy Director Wang Fei hosted them throughout, not only serving them good food and drink but also taking them to "Wutong Xiaoqi" the next night to relax, all for the sake of the smooth progress of the college entrance exam.

The tense atmosphere of the college entrance exam shrouded Ningyang. During these long yet short three days, the inside and outside of the exam halls were wrapped in a solemn and respectful atmosphere, appearing quiet and orderly.

Students, carrying dreams and aspirations, stepped into the exam hall and devoted themselves wholeheartedly to this important battle in their lives. Every question was a challenge, and every minute and second was filled with tension and expectation. They wrote their future with sweat and wisdom, fighting hard for the goals in their hearts.

Outside the exam hall, parents waited anxiously. They stood silently under the scorching sun, their eyes revealing endless worry and expectation, praying silently for their children in their hearts, hoping they could perform at their best and realize their dreams.

During these three days, the college entrance exam in Ningyang County showed an efficient and orderly side. Whether it was the students' fighting spirit, the parents' deep companionship, or the Education Bureau's meticulous organization, they all formed a moving picture.

After the last subject ended, the students walked out of the exam hall with a sense of relief, their faces beaming with tired yet gratified smiles. They knew that no matter the result, this experience would become a precious treasure in their lives.

Parents rushed forward one after another to give their children the warmest hugs and words of encouragement. At this moment, success and failure were no longer important; what was important was that they had fought and worked hard for it.

After the college entrance exam came to an end, Deputy County Chief Zhao Sijie stood at the highway entrance, smiling as she saw off the provincial and municipal leaders.

She took a deep breath, her heart that had been hanging finally fell back into her stomach, and she turned to look at Lu Fan beside her, saying: "After being busy for a few days, it's as you wished, right?"

Lu Fan's mouth curled up slightly, and he lowered his voice to respond: "It's all for the beautiful tomorrow of Ningyang's students. For the future of Ningyang, this is exactly what we educators should do!"

"Alright, eating Ningyang's food, I know where my seat should be! The college entrance exam is over, but it will take more than ten days for the results to come out. I hope we can achieve breakthrough results this year. However, the middle school entrance exam is also coming soon. You should pay attention and make the preparations fully."

"County Chief Zhao, for the college entrance exam and middle school entrance exam, both of us are like a bride on a sedan chair for the first time! You can't be a hands-off manager; you must provide frequent guidance for the exam preparation work."

Zhao Sijie suddenly called Lu Fan aside and whispered: "It's summer vacation soon; it's time to hire teachers and principals, right?"

"Yes, any instructions? I will go all out!"

"People nowadays have great connections and use all kinds of relationships to find me; it's really hard to refuse. Sigh, I need to arrange one principal, transfer six teachers to the county seat, and one person needs to go to the Education Bureau's recruitment office or teaching research office."

Lu Fan considered for a moment and said: "Okay, give me the list, I'll find a way!"

"Is it difficult?"

"Even if it's difficult, it must be done. You've already given instructions; can I be vague?"

"It's really a helpless situation. To tell you the truth, I have a preliminary plan to get married at the end of the year. Recently, I've thought a lot. For a family to last long and be harmonious, someone really has to make sacrifices. Your Brother Wu is better than me in both ability and potential, so I have to be the one to sacrifice!"

"Ah?"

"What? You don't want me to leave?"

"From a work perspective, we have cooperated very tacitly, and I believe Ningyang's education is thriving and has a promising future; I am indeed a bit reluctant. From a friend's perspective, I hope you and Brother Wu can be happy, fulfilled, and together for a long time."

Zhao Sijie looked at Lu Fan meaningfully and said significantly: "There is still half a year left. You can consider this as getting the news in advance; you must strive for what you should strive for!"

Lu Fan sighed helplessly and replied: "Sigh, the division level is a big hurdle; many people can't cross it in their whole lives. I have neither background nor connections; it's too difficult!" Then he said half-jokingly: "How about you help put in a good word?"

What surprised Lu Fan was that Zhao Sijie replied with a serious face: "It's not difficult for me to put in a good word for you, but it won't be of much use! Wait until I find an opportunity to ask Xiaohua if it's convenient for him to step forward and plead for you, but don't hold too high expectations; after all, he is just a small secretary!"

Lu Fan muttered to himself, my good big sister, isn't this little matter of mine just a single sentence for your father?

Fortunately, there is still half a year before County Chief Zhao transfers. For the sake of his future, no matter what, he must conquer this "hill"!

"County Chief Zhao, it's Friday, are you going back to Chang'an?"

"There's nothing to do here, let's go back!"

"Exactly, I also have some business in Chang'an, let's go together on the way!"

Zhao Sijie didn't think much of it and laughed: "Then I'll take your ride. I'll go back to the office to pack up first, and we'll set off at five o'clock sharp."

After parting, Lu Fan went to the most famous cold noodle shop in Ningyang and packed ten portions of cold noodles. County Chief Zhao had a special fondness for the cold noodles from this shop.

After buying the cold noodles, Lu Fan went non-stop to pick out a few cans of good tea and put a few cartons of cigarettes in the car. These were all gifts prepared for Director Han Guishan and Secretary Wu Xiaohua.

With a rare promotion opportunity in front of him, Lu Fan knew he had to spare no effort to strive for it!

At five o'clock, Lu Fan picked up Zhao Sijie at the county government gate on time and said casually: "County Chief Zhao, I passed by the cold noodle shop just now and packed a few portions for you to satisfy your cravings in the next few days at home."

Zhao Sijie laughed: "After I transfer, I guess I'll often miss this taste!"

"That's no problem, I'll send it to you once a week, and you can eat it every day. If you're too busy to get away, I'll have someone bring it down to you."

Zhao Sijie said happily: "I'll believe you since you said it. If there's any week I don't get to eat cold noodles, I'll settle the score with you! There are no outsiders now, call me Sister Zhao. Calling me County Chief every time makes it distant!"

Lu Fan hurriedly climbed up the pole and laughed: "Then I'll be presumptuous, Sister Zhao!"

Halfway there, Lu Fan took advantage of the time Zhao Sijie went to the restroom at the service area to dial Wu Xiaohua's phone.

Men and women in love both have lovesickness. Secretary Chen Deming had gone to Chang'an, and Wu Xiaohua was daydreaming in his office. He answered the phone and said: "Xiaofan, is everything okay?"

"Brother Wu, in another hour and a half, Sister Zhao and I will be in Chang'an!"

"Ah? You're back?" Wu Xiaohua was happy and laughed: "You little rascal, pulling a surprise attack on me! Xiaofan, I'll book the restaurant and send you the information later. Last time I went to Ningyang, I ate, took, and stayed; it's settled today, I'm fully responsible!"

"Brother Wu, no trouble, I'm on official business, it can be reimbursed!"

"One thing is one thing, just listen to me!"

Multi-book-title test begins, ending today, quite important!

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