Chapter 232: Going to University Is All About Gilding

Dad and Mom dressed up for the occasion; it's rare that they're happy, so Lu Cheng can't refuse.

"Alright, the whole family will go to stroll around the university campus. Sis, write a big poster on red paper, then paste it on the board later; I'll take it to the school."

Lu Ying, while eating, asked, "What should we write?"

Lu Cheng thought and said, "Just write: the parents of outstanding youth Lu Cheng, Lu Beitang and Comrade Chen Xianglan, are coming to inspect Qingbei University; please have all levels of leadership prepare the reception…"

Chen Xianglan snapped, "Don't lecture me!"

Although they live in the Capital City, Lu Beitang and Chen Xianglan have never been to a university; today, thanks to their son, they can finally take a look inside.

Stepping outside, Pang Ya greeted, "Aunt Xianglan, you look so lively today. Let's go to the department store—what are we buying? The whole family is coming along."

The whole family only tags along when buying big items, like a television; the envious glances follow from the moment we step out of the mall's entrance until we return home.

Chen Xianglan smiled, "We're not going to the department store; we're going to the university. Today Lu Cheng is supposed to register, and I'm afraid he'll lose his way again. That kid has been directionally challenged since childhood."

Lu Cheng was speechless; he knows better than anyone which air‑raid shelter in the Capital City connects to which tunnel.

Pang Ya realized Chen Xianglan was happy and wanted to go see; if it were her own child, she'd have to make a big fuss.

"Aunt Xianglan, congratulations—your family now has a university student; our Siheyuan is suddenly in the spotlight."

Even though everyone is reluctant to admit that Lu Cheng is getting better and better, the fact sits right before their eyes.

So Pang Ya must maintain good relations; when Lu Cheng improves in the future and the family has any issue, such a close neighbor will surely help resolve it.

Pang Ya's words made Chen Xianglan beam with joy.

"Oh, what's with the spotlight? We're all neighbors living in the same courtyard; we'll have to help each other later."

At that moment, Wu Guiwen heard the commotion, carried a washbasin and came out, "Lu San'er, you're about to go to university; is there anything you need help with?"

If you ask Wu Guiwen for help, you'll have to pay a price; besides, Lu Cheng really doesn't need any assistance.

"Thank you, Teacher Wu; everything has been arranged by our bureau."

Wu Guiwen persisted, "Don't be so formal; we're neighbors, and I'm part of the education system. Though I'm about to retire, I can still pull some strings."

"For example, how you chose your major, whether you want to change it—I can ask around and take care of it."

Wu Guiwen thought it through: as soon as Lu Cheng asks him for help, he can use that as an excuse to sell the television to the Lu family.

He now regrets buying the television; he originally hoped that letting everyone watch would cement his standing in the courtyard and later sell tickets for profit.

Years ago, people strongly condemned the practice of paying for tickets to watch TV.

Since only his family had a TV in the Hu Tong, after a few days of complaints he couldn't hold out, and many started willing to pay to watch.

Earning a couple of yuan a day, he could recoup the TV's cost in less than a year.

Just as Wu Guiwen was excited, after only two days someone—perhaps Wang Baduzi—reported him.

The Street Office said his behavior was a capitalist remnant that must be cut off, ordering the TV seized on the spot, nearly scaring Wu Guiwen to death.

He wrote a Guarantee Letter, paid a fine, and finally saved the TV.

Reselling tickets using the TV is now impossible, yet he can't keep letting everyone watch; it drains his own electricity and makes a mess everywhere.

If he stops letting people watch, they'll accuse him of being stingy.

The whole situation becomes untenable; the TV turns into a hot potato.

So Wu Guiwen thought of selling it to the Lu family again, but he'd need a pretext—if he could help Lu Cheng, that would be it.

But Lu Cheng has no use for his help at all.

"Teacher Wu, you're being overly enthusiastic today; I can't get used to this."

Wu Guiwen laughed awkwardly, "We're neighbors; we ought to help each other."

Lu Cheng, regardless of Wu's motives, said, "Thank you, Teacher Wu. My major was set by the bureau; it's written on the Introduction Letter—I am studying mechanical manufacturing."

The College of Mechanical Manufacturing at Qingbei is top‑ranked nationwide; graduates are assigned to heavy industry units.

Meanwhile, vocational‑school graduates usually go to light industry.

Compared to that, heavy industry offers higher prestige, broader prospects, and better pay.

Hearing Lu Cheng's major, Wu Guiwen was instantly at a loss for words.

It's already such a good major; there's no need for him to pull strings to change it.

Noticing Wu Guiwen's expression, Lu Cheng teased, "You look a bit disappointed, Teacher Wu."

Wu Guiwen forced a smile, "No, no, the major is fine, fine—uh… I'm going…"

At the East Wing Room entrance, Yue Min and his wife were squatting, shelling sunflower seeds.

Yue Min muttered, "Your university studies seem lackluster—what mechanical manufacturing? You might end up as an apprentice at a steel mill; then ask my dad, he'll get you a good post."

Zhao Daye, with seniority at the steel mill, can speak up; seeing Lu Cheng also studying mechanical manufacturing, Yue Min's confidence surged.

Chen Xianglan shot a sideways glance, "What apprentice? We're Borrowed Students; the department sends us for further study, and after graduation we return to the Railway Department with immediate promotion. Don't speak without knowing."

Yue Min's wife retorted, "Exactly, don't speak without knowing—he's going to be gilded, destined for a high official position; be careful or they'll arrest you for speaking out."

Hearing his wife's sarcastic tone, Chen Xianglan rolled up her sleeves, ready to start a fight, but Lu Beitang hurriedly pulled her away.

"Alright, alright, today's son registration is a happy event; no need to get all worked up."

Chen Xianglan, fuming, "What a mess—Zhao Daye is such a good man, yet he produced this kind of person; he just can't stand seeing others do well…"

……

The university campus always exudes youthful beauty; Lu Cheng saw so many warblers and swallows that his eyes were dazzled.

The youthful faces, the graceful figures…

No, I must quickly settle Lin Zhenfeng's matter and divorce Lin Qingyan a year early; then I can freely wander among the blossoms.

Others attend university to learn knowledge and later serve the motherland and society; Lu Cheng attends this university partly to gild his credentials and partly to make friends and expand his network.

Graduates of Qingbei University will become key officials or top talents in various fields.

This means Lu Cheng's connections will span the whole country, with contacts in every industry.

With the Introduction Letter, he quickly completed enrollment; the college, considering Lu Cheng is a Borrowed Student, assigned him fewer courses than regular students.

This is still the academy's first time accepting such a special student.

On the contrary, after graduation Lu Cheng must also return to work in the Railway system; otherwise it will be deemed a breach of contract, his diploma will be revoked, a blemish will be left on his file, and even if he goes to other units he will not be hired.

There are advantages and disadvantages; the advantage is that Lu Cheng can thus raise his academic degree, and future promotions will have no ceiling.

The disadvantage is that he will only be able to work in the Railway system thereafter, effectively tying him down.

After completing the enrollment procedures, he accompanied his dad and mom for a tour around the Mechanical Manufacturing Academy, then Lu Cheng went to the Cultural Troupe and found Su Feixue.