Chapter 228: The Genius Girl Whom Tsinghua and Peking University Compete to Recruit

Xuejie thought she understood everything after reading a porn book, but when it came to actual practice, she panicked completely and had to let Wei Ming guide her hand over hand.

Wei Ming had two hands—one for teaching, one for exploring; Xuejie looked thin, and she truly was thin, but not flat— one hand fit perfectly.

The foot-washing water prepared last night had finally served its purpose—it was still warm. After washing her hands, Xuejie poured it out and told Wei Ming to wash too; though it was called a foot basin, this was its first use.

During this process, Xuejie couldn't avoid seeing it—earlier it had been hidden under the quilt, hmm, now it wasn't swaggering anymore, much more obedient.

What a dreamlike morning—her relationship with Xiao Wei had taken a huge step forward, Gong Yu thought, looking down at her palm.

"Oh no!"

Wei Ming suddenly cried out; he was still weak and had wanted to hold Xuejie close a while longer, but then he remembered: "This courtyard isn't finished renovating—the renovation crew will arrive soon to start work, and they have keys!"

"What!"

Gong Yu was terrified—if anyone saw them like this, how could they ever show their faces again? She quickly pulled together her disheveled top. "Let's go quickly."

Wei Ming sighed: "I was going to fry some cicada nymphs for you."

"We'll eat them another time—let's pack up and leave fast," Gong Yu urged, secretly relieved—she'd never dared to eat them anyway and had been wondering how to refuse.

"I'm going to the latrine."

When Wei Ming came out of the latrine, he saw Gong Yu holding something, looking as if she wanted to say something but held back.

"What's wrong, big sister?"

Gong Yu: "I, I bought you a gift in Shanghai—a Shanghai-brand watch. I know you already have a watch, and it's better than mine, but I heard successful people always own more than one. Keep it and use it."

After speaking, Gong Yu shoved the watch into Wei Ming's hand and went to the restroom herself.

Actually, before coming, Gong Yu had planned for Wei Ming to swap his watch for the one she bought, hoping it would become the only watch he ever wore.

But when the words were on her lips, she softened and didn't force Wei Ming to make a choice.

Perhaps she was afraid he'd choose someone else.

As they pushed the motorcycle out, Gong Yu saw Wei Ming had already switched to her Mudu watch, and she couldn't help but smile sweetly.

With few people around, they found a small shop in the alley for breakfast, then Wei Ming took Gong Yu back to the General Political Department Theater Troupe.

"When the courtyard is renovated, I'll give you a key," Wei Ming promised as they parted, adding that the locks would definitely be changed by then.

She nodded and asked, "But when you return from your hometown, don't forget to come see me—I don't know how many days I'll stay in Beijing."

"Huh?" Wei Ming asked. "What? Did Shanghai Film Studio call you again for a role?"

Several scripts had indeed been offered to Gong Yu; she said seriously, "If you don't like them, I'll turn them all down and stay focused in Yanjing."

Before they got together, she'd agonized over whether to stay in Yanjing or return to Mudu, but since becoming close with Xiao Wei, her heart had only one choice: Wei Ming.

But Wei Ming shook his head: "They're reaching out because they recognize your talent. If you believe in the script, take it—true love isn't about being together every single day."

Gong Yu longed to hug him after his thoughtful words, but they'd reached her workplace, and with people coming and going, they could only part ways.

Next, Wei Ming went to Xintiandi; Xiao Mei was always the first to arrive at the store, and she was doing a great job as manager.

"Brother Ming, you're here!" Mei Wenhua pulled Wei Ming aside and whispered, "When I got back yesterday, the staff told me Comrade Gong Yu came looking for you!"

Wei Ming: "I know."

"You know? Did you see her?"

"Ah, well," Wei Ming cleared his throat, "Tomorrow Xiao Hong and I are heading back to our hometown—could you keep an eye on the renovation crew?"

"Got it." Mei Wenhua silently added to himself: and Yunyun too.

Then Wei Ming went to Peking University, first visiting Director Wei's new office; though his rank hadn't changed, he now managed his own department, and the office had gotten bigger.

"What's that you're carrying?" he asked.

Wei Ming: "I caught these cicada nymphs last night, soaked them in saltwater all night—they're nicely pickled now. Let's ask the cafeteria chef to stir-fry them for lunch."

Wei Anping couldn't help but laugh and sigh—this kid really had initiative.

"You'll have to ask yourself—I don't have that kind of clout in the cafeteria."

"Then leave it with you—I'm getting transferred soon, and carrying it around would be a hassle."

"Alright, leave it here."

"Also, please pass along the illustrations for Issue 4 of 'Black Cat Detective' to my aunt."

After Wei Ming left, Wei Anping picked up the bag, hefted it, swallowed hard—wow, it was heavy!

At the school magazine office, though several colleagues were away for summer vacation, those present, knowing Wei Ming was leaving, held him back with laughter and goodbyes.

Though Wei Ming was often late, left early, or took leave, he'd treated his colleagues to countless meals—this was the kind of comrade you wanted!

Yang Hao, who'd been treated the most by Wei Ming, was especially reluctant: "Little Wei, come back and visit often!"

Wei Ming replied, "Of course, of course—I'll need to come back to develop photos, right?"

But in his heart, he was thinking: once the courtyard's cleaned up, I can set up a darkroom there—I'll need to ask Brother Hao what to buy.

Then Wei Ming went to the library to complete his employment formalities; he didn't need to be on duty, and Director Xie Dao yuan promised him he could come anytime before school started—there wasn't much work anyway.

And after joining, he wouldn't be handling the tedious tasks of lending or returning books; instead, he'd manage the reference book room—quiet, easy work, and perfect for researching while writing.

Wei Ming shook Director Xie's hand repeatedly in thanks; come August, he could focus entirely on polishing his work. If needed, he could even cut ties with Nan Xue and Bei Lin, locking himself away in the courtyard—though he feared they wouldn't let him go.

After finishing these tasks, Wei Ming returned to Uncle Anping's office, carried their lunch to the staff cafeteria, sweet-talked Master Fan, paid him a processing fee, and got back a huge plate of fried cicada nymphs.

Master Fan had already eaten five of his cicada nymphs—he knew exactly how many.

But since Master Fan used plenty of oil and the cicadas smelled amazing, Wei Ming let it slide.

Master Fan: I'm a cook—I've gotta taste the seasoning!

When the fried cicadas arrived, Wei Ming urged his uncle to taste first.

"Mmm, delicious! When I was a kid, your dad and I stole some oil from home and stir-fried them once—I'll never forget it; it was pure heaven!"

Wei Ming chuckled: "That heavenly taste must've cost you dearly."

Thinking of it, Wei Anping teared up: "We both ate them, but it was your dad's idea—he wiped his mouth and bolted, leaving me to take the beating—both moms went at me at once!"

Wei Ming asked: "Didn't Grandma give Dad another beating?"

"What for? When he got back, your grandpa had already been urgently recalled to the army—no one had time to deal with him." Uncle Anping sank into memory—this had happened nearly thirty years ago.

Wei Ming and Wei Anping only ate half the plate; passing colleagues kept grabbing one or two, until finally Uncle Anping got frantic.

"My son and daughter haven't eaten yet!"

But in the end, they couldn't save any—Wei Anping, like Wei Ming, had excellent workplace relationships and was always generous.

Wei Ming comforted him: "These lose their crispness after a few hours. How about this—I'll bring Xi Zi back with me and we'll go catch more at night, fresh and hot."

Wei Anping said solemnly: "I'm looking forward to the good news you'll bring back."

After lunch, Wei Ming returned to the Overseas Chinese Apartment and called Zhu Lin's workplace to ask if Beijing Film Studio had replied—she'd left her office number.

"Not yet. Aren't you at work?"

Wei Ming: "I'm heading back to my hometown tomorrow—why would I be at work? I've got to pack up."

"Oh, back to your hometown?"

Wei Ming smacked his forehead—he'd told Xue-jie but hadn't told Lin-jie yet. Luckily, Lin-jie didn't notice the tone, so he explained again.

Zhu Lin pursed her lips, hesitated, then asked: "Xiao Hong and the others won't be coming back for now, right?"

"Yeah, definitely not for now."

"Then wait for me at home—I'll take a day off," Zhu Lin said.

Wei Ming: "..."

Wait, I already gave everything this morning—you're coming again?!

Wei Ming wasn't physically incapable—he just felt guilty—but since it was inevitable, he quickly started doing push-ups to prepare.

Of course, he had to put away Xue-jie's watch and put back on Melinda's.

While waiting for Zhu Lin, Wei Ming spotted a used sanitary napkin wrapper in the trash.

He blurted out, "Holy shit!"—this must be Xiao Hong's! Yunyun's time is long past!

Wei Ming couldn't help humming: "I waited so long, finally today has come!"

His little sister was finally a woman.

That night, when Wei Hong and Yunyun returned home, they found a large pack of sanitary napkins on the bed—Wei Hong had worried Yunyun's supply might run out.

In the afternoon, Wei Ming and Lin-jie visited Friendship Store—he bought Xiao Hong this essential, got Lin-jie a small gift, and restocked his own color film.

Xiao Hong quietly tucked her brother's thoughtfulness into her bag, too shy to say thanks. Early the next morning, they took the bus to the train station; Wei Ming carried the July issue of "Harvest," which featured his old friend Bai Hua's novella "Mom! Mom!"

Xiao Hong carried the economics books Wei Ming had borrowed for her; while waiting, she finally asked him about her confusion regarding finance and stocks.

As a middle-aged man in his past life, how could he not have been through the ups and downs of China's A-share market? Wei Ming had lost money, and his only lesson: never touch the A-share market.

At one point, he'd wanted to write a TV drama about China's stock market, modeled after TVB's "The Greed of Man," and during that time, he gained deeper insight into finance and stocks.

The more he learned, the more disappointed he became with the A-share market; the project never materialized, and he quit investing entirely.

Buguogeimeimeishangshangkehaishikeyide ， Erqieguoneizhongkaigushizhichuqueshiyouhenduofacaijihui ， Zhibuguozaihoulaijiubianchenglejiucaichang 。

In the afternoon, they arrived in Ping'an County; Teacher Zang had said results would be released today.

As usual, Wei Ming and Xiao Hong first visited the Yang household to borrow a motorcycle from Grandpa.

Grandpa Yang said: "I figured you'd be back. Your teacher Yang said to go straight to school after returning."

"Got it!"

When they arrived at County No. 1 High School, dusk was falling—candidates usually checked results in the morning, so the campus was empty.

！

But before they even stepped through the school gate, the gatekeeper shouted, "Wei Hong's back!"—and suddenly a middle-aged man appeared.

"Wei Hong! Where are you?!"

Xiao Hong politely raised her hand: "Here I am."

The man immediately stepped forward, adjusted his glasses, and said solemnly: "Student Wei Hong, hello, I'm Teacher Lai—you can call me Teacher Lai. Welcome to Tsinghua!"

"Ah, I got into Tsinghua?" Wei Hong was stunned. Had the state already decided this? Couldn't we discuss it? I wanted to go to Peking University.

Wei Ming realized this must be a Tsinghua admissions officer—yet they'd come all the way to Ping'an County, a small place. Clearly, Xiao Hong's scores were outstanding.

"Teacher Lai, hello. I'm Wei Hong's older brother. My sister's first choice was Peking University, wasn't it?"

Her second choice was Tsinghua.

"Yes, that's true," Teacher Lai went on, "but people sometimes make impulsive choices. Someone as gifted in science as Wei Hong belongs at Tsinghua. If she goes to Peking University, her future is ruined. Come to Tsinghua—any major you want."

Wei Ming chuckled. "Teacher Lai, Peking University isn't bad. But saying that in front of a Peking University person? Not very polite."

"Ah, you—you're from Peking University?" Teacher Lai was stunned. The genius girl's brother was also a genius!

Wait—that didn't make sense. As far as he knew, since the college entrance exam resumed, Ping'an County had never produced a single student admitted to Tsinghua or Peking University.

"Student, you're not pulling my leg, are you? Are you really from Peking University? What year? What department?"

Wei Hong said solemnly: "Let me introduce you: former Peking University security guard, later dorm supervisor of Shao Yuan, editor of the school magazine, now librarian at Peking University's library—a rising writer, poet, musician, and glutton: Wei Ming, my beloved older brother!"

"What? You're Wei Ming? The Wei Ming who wrote 'The Herdsman' and 'The Flock Class'? The Wei Ming who wrote 'Ideal' and 'Love Life'!? You're siblings?!"

Wei Ming nodded. "Yes."

After receiving confirmation, Teacher Lai didn't give up. He apologized first: "I'm sorry—I didn't mean to say Peking University is bad. It's just that Wei Hong is a science genius, and Tsinghua suits her better. Peking University's campus culture is too loose and free. I'm afraid such a young girl might go astray."

Wei Ming: "Don't worry. I'll supervise her at Peking University and make sure she focuses on her studies."

Teacher Lai: "Comrade Wei Ming, our Tsinghua library is also excellent. We can offer you any other position too."

Never thought he'd benefit from his sister's fame. Wei Ming politely declined: "Thank you, but I have no plans to switch jobs."

The Tsinghua admissions officer sighed. "I never expected to meet someone like you. Still, I hope you'll seriously consider which university suits Wei Hong better. If she joins Tsinghua, we can even guarantee her a fully funded overseas study spot right now."

Wow—already promising a fully funded overseas spot before she even enrolled? Wei Ming was curious. "Thank you for Tsinghua's sincerity. We'll consider it. But just how high were my sister's scores?"

Teacher Lai: "Top in Hebei Province's science stream. You didn't know?"

"What?!" Wei Hong's eyes lit up instantly.

Wei Ming grabbed her sleeve, afraid she'd float away.

But as they stepped into the teacher's office, Xiao Hong walked with wide, crab-like strides.

She'd expected good results—but not this good.

Total score: 530. She'd estimated 440. She'd lost most points in Chinese and Politics, some in Physics, Chemistry, and English, and none in Math.

Could 440 really be first place? Or had she performed beyond her potential?

Wei Ming was equally stunned. In his past life, she'd repeated a year. Though she'd scored over 400 and ranked first in the county, she hadn't made the provincial top. Because of her college choices, she'd only gotten into Beijing Normal University, then wasted years in emotional turmoil.

Clearly, the study materials he'd provided, the good food and rest, and the worry-free home environment had created this year's top scholar.

Since Wei Hong took the exam in her first year of high school and studied with the graduating class for her final half-year, she had two sets of teachers—and both sets were present, along with the principal.

They'd received her scores from the provincial office in the morning, and the entire teaching staff had erupted.

Not only were Tsinghua and Peking University guaranteed—she was the province's top science student!

Number one! The top scholar!

The principal grabbed both homeroom teachers and laughed heartily: "I won't claim this glory alone—it belongs to every teacher here!"

Although students usually didn't know their exact rankings, the top scholar was an exception—being the province's number one, the result was specially announced, even without today's media frenzy.

The principal planned to make the most of this opportunity. He'd already written a red-and-black announcement to post, and contacted newspaper correspondents he knew, aiming to make Wei Hong a model student.

Then provincial leaders would know that this backward, under-resourced little county had produced a top scholar—how could the county or district dare withhold funding and policy support?

At that moment, Wei Ming and Wei Hong walked in.

Last time Wei Ming returned to school, the principal had been effusive with warmth. Today, he was reduced to a bystander beside Wei Hong. The principal chatted with her for a long while before remembering her brother was still there.

Teacher Zang Kefou told Wei Ming: "Wei Hong scored 451. She's just one point ahead of the province's second-place student—but over fifty points ahead of our school's second!"

Wei Ming asked: "How did our school do overall?"

Teacher Yang, Ah Long's mother, told Wei Ming: "This year's science cutoff is 340, arts 310. We have 520 students—about 53 passed the line."

"Wow, that's over 10% admission rate!" Wei Ming exclaimed. "My cohort was only 5%."

Teacher Yang smiled. "This year, because of the preliminary exam system, there were over a million fewer test-takers nationwide, so overall admission rates rose. But our school performed exceptionally—definitely above average."

The principal now gripped Wei Ming's hand seriously: "We must thank you, Comrade Wei, for bringing back those study materials from the capital. They've helped immensely—many students changed their fates because of you."

Wei Ming hurried to protest: "I don't deserve such praise."

Then the principal brought up media interviews.

"It's not just the media—they want to meet Wei Hong. Since the college entrance exam began, our county has never produced a top scholar. What an immense honor!"

Indeed, even Wei Anping, once the pride of Ping'an County, had never been a provincial top scholar. Wei Hong's achievement overshadowed his. Wei Ming would have to write a letter to his father alone.

But Wei Ming made a request: "Could the interviews and meetings with officials be held in our village?"

"Ah, wouldn't that be impolite?"

Wei Ming: "I just want parents in our village who still don't understand the value of education to see what happens when a child succeeds—especially a girl. How much attention she can draw."

After her time in Beijing, Wei Hong would become another success story, inspiring every person in Gouzitun.

Too bad private companies didn't exist yet—if they did, Wei Hong could've become instantly wealthy just from corporate awards, making the rewards of studying far more tangible.

Wei Hong added: "Yes, let them come to Gouzitun. Our village just built a new road—easy to get to."

The principal hesitated when Wei Ming spoke. But now that Wei Hong had spoken, he didn't hesitate at all.

"Fine! Done!"

It was getting late. Wei Ming pulled his sister aside. "Teachers, please get some rest."

Meanwhile, Wei Anping saw it was quitting time and stood up quickly—he planned to take Xi Zi out tonight to catch cicada nymphs.

Yesterday, he'd told his wife about the deliciousness of cicada nymphs. Lü Xiaoyan had protested, demanding some too. Xi Zi was excited about the nighttime hunt.

But as Wei Anping rose, his phone rang.

"Director Wei, this is Pi from Admissions. You've got to help me!"

"Brother Pi, what's going on?"

Teacher Pi said: "Wei Hong from Ping'an No. High School is your niece, Wei Ming's sister, right?"

"Yes."

"I knew it," Teacher Cai said. "I thought since she's family, I could wait. I went to Shijiazhuang first to secure Hebei's arts top scholar. But then Tsinghua's Teacher Lai went straight to your hometown. I feared he'd use sweet talk to steal our niece."

"My niece did well?"

"Outstanding! Provincial science top scholar! Perfect score in math, perfect in physics, English just one point short. We desperately want a student like her! Her first choice is Peking University's Economics Department—I'd hand her the acceptance letter right now if I could. But I won't reach Ping'an County until tomorrow."

Hearing the good news, Wei Anping laughed heartily: "I can't rush back home right now. Brother Pi, don't worry—Wei Ming knows what to do."

After hanging up, Wei Anping murmured: "Our family ancestral grave is smoking again!"

…

(Guaranteed double chapter—another chapter should follow soon)

(End of Chapter)