Chapter 8, Aphorisms
Yang Fan naturally knew the address of the Wanling Office, so after stepping out, he took a taxi directly there. Upon arrival, he saw Shen Ning from a distance, his figure resembling a ball, peering around with a face full of excitement and eagerness.
On the desk lay a diploma, and Zhou Ming gently placed the diploma in front of Yang Fan, saying: "This is your master's diploma; I have already taken care of it for you"
Yang Fan signaled the driver to stop, smiling as he said to Shen Ning: "You little vixen, still as plump as ever"
Shen Ning undoubtedly relied on his father to enter the revolutionary ranks, while Yang Fan genuinely achieved third place in the city-wide junior high school entrance examination to gain admission to Wanling No. 1 Middle School
As it was getting late, Yang Fan stood up to take his leave. Zhou Ming called out to him, saying, "Wait a moment." As he spoke, he turned around and pulled a book from the bookshelf, handing it to Yang Fan, saying, "Take this and have a look. There are still some aspects in this book that can be referenced."
Seeing Yang Fan, who appeared with a weary face and the smell of alcohol, Zhou Mingdao's heart immediately began to churn. The anger he felt earlier transformed into a wave of guilt. Zhou Mingdao suddenly realized that over the years, his concern for Yang Fan had evolved from an initial sense of repaying an old acquaintance to a mindset akin to that of an elder towards a younger generation. Due to this mindset, Zhou Mingdao held high expectations for Yang Fan, akin to a desire for his child to succeed. Yang Fan had maintained a remarkably composed demeanor over the years, and Zhou Mingdao hoped to cultivate him into a mature young man.
The diploma has arrived, and your level is set at the position of a researcher at the department level. Old Master Chen has some words for me to convey to you; once you go down, everything will depend on yourself. Since you accepted Old Master Chen's arrangement at that time, consider this path and the library road as your own choice. In the future, Old Master Chen will not provide you with much support, and as long as I do not violate any principles, there should be no major issues on my side. Decide on a time for your departure, and I will have someone buy the plane tickets. I will take care of your connections for you to bring along. Once you arrive in Jiangnan, you can rest at home for a while, but do not take too long. The official document appointing Liu Qing as the Secretary of the Jiangnan Youth League Committee has been formally issued, and you can directly approach him to arrange for your reporting. The specific work arrangements have likely already been made by Old Master Chen. At this point, Zhou Mingdao's words, though implicit, are quite clear: Old Master Chen's investment will depend on Yang Fan's performance to determine whether it is a one-time deal.
Yang Fan and Shen Ning appear to be absolute polar opposites in terms of personality and academic performance, yet these two individuals surprisingly became close friends in no time
Leaving Zhou Mingdao's home, Yang Fan returned to his residence, which was a one-bedroom apartment. The space was not large, but it was quiet for one person. Paying a rent of 600 yuan per month for such a room in the capital city was essentially equivalent to living for free. Of course, Yang Fan did not have the means to secure such a place; it was arranged by Zhou Mingdao.
"Hey, you bird-brained person, still so reserved. The most stylish 'Dynamic Duo' of Wanling No. 1 High School has reunited." Shen Ning naturally would not let it go and replied.
Zhou Mingdao opened his eyes and quickly glanced at Yang Fan, noticing that his expression was as usual, and couldn't help but smile, "You little sly one"
Hehe, it's hard to explain in just a few words. Let's gather first at the Wanling Beijing Office and discuss in person.
Yang Fan dialed Shen Ning's phone number. After two beeps, a wildly arrogant laughter came from the other end: "Wow, I won"
Yang Fan listened in confusion and couldn't help but laugh and scold, "Win your head! What nonsense is this? Wretched person! Where are you? Tonight, I will treat you to drinks and indulge in debauchery."
The past sprouts like wild grass in spring, growing uncontrollably.
Yang Fan was taken aback, as it seemed that he had not even gone through the process of his graduation thesis and defense, yet the diploma had already been arranged. It then occurred to Yang Fan that Zhou Mingdao, the president of the Academy of Social Sciences, held a significant position and wielded considerable influence in the political arena. If he wanted to obtain a diploma, it seemed like it would be effortless for him. Yang Fan's mouth moved a few times, but ultimately he closed it, patiently waiting for Zhou Mingdao to continue.
After nearly two hours of tumult with You Yani, Yang Fan felt a bit weak in the legs. Reflecting on the situation, it seemed somewhat absurd, yet Yang Fan did not regret it. What young person doesn't have a bit of fire in them? Over the past two years, being around Zhou Mingdao, Yang Fan felt he had become too conventional. Throughout the taxi ride, he pondered how to explain the situation, but after much thought, he realized there were no good excuses, so he simply decided not to explain who loved whom. Yang Fan also understood that this incident might leave a negative impression on Zhou Mingdao, potentially affecting his future prospects. Upon careful reflection, if given the chance to do it all over again, he would still pounce like a hungry wolf at the sight of You Yani's exposed white chest. This is the true nature of youth; once something is done, there is no need for regret.
The television was on, but Zhou Mingdao was unaware of what program was being aired, his gaze drifting between the TV and the door. "Is there some unexpected development at https://m.hetushu.com? Or is it because Yang Fan is dissatisfied with today's arrangements?" he thought to himself, feeling a bit uneasy.
Zhou Mingdao sensed the reluctance in Yang Fan's tone rather than anger, and he felt a wave of comfort in his heart: "With the current advancements in transportation, it takes only half a day to travel from Jiangnan to the capital. Whenever you have leisure time, you can come back easily. You are still young; after returning, you must conduct yourself modestly and never flaunt your possessions. It is essential to uphold integrity as the foundation of one's character. While small tricks may yield temporary success, they cannot last in the long run. In summary, adhering to the principles of maintaining personal integrity and being concerned for the people will ensure that you remain invincible."
Zhou Mingdao wrote in neat small regular script, "A gentleman is diligent all day long, remains vigilant in the evening, and faces danger without blame." This phrase comes from the "I Ching" and conveys the idea of relentless effort, constant vigilance, and the notion that one can remain unscathed even in the face of danger. From this statement, Yang Fan could discern that Zhou Mingdao was still concerned about his own youth.
The sound of the doorbell interrupted Zhou Mingdao's daydreaming. As the young maid hurried to open the door, Zhou Mingdao glanced up at the quartz clock on the wall, which indicated that it was 9 o'clock.
Zhou Mingdao originally planned to have dinner with Yang Fan, but the wait turned out to be unexpectedly long. The food was reheated several times, and Zhou Mingdao at one point considered making a phone call to urge him, but ultimately refrained. The dissatisfaction from the waiting gradually grew in an imperceptible manner
Zhou Mingdao was momentarily taken aback upon seeing Yang Fan, but quickly regained his composure. He couldn't help but marvel at the young man's quick wit; many matters became clear with just a slight thought. Reflecting on the initial decision to bring Yang Fan into the Academy of Social Sciences, Zhou's true intention was merely to repay the favor from years ago, which had also been discussed with Old Master Chen. The idea was to allow Yang Fan to gain more exposure in the capital, so that when he eventually ventured out, his horizons would be broader. In hindsight, Zhou Mingdao was uncertain whether this arrangement was right or wrong; perhaps it would have been a good choice for Yang Fan to focus solely on his studies.
Yang Fan took a look and found it was a copy of Li Zongwu's "The Study of Thick Blackness". He casually flipped open the pages and saw a line of text on the first page: "This can be considered a technique, but it is not sufficient to be a principle." Technique refers to means, while principle refers to the fundamental.
Yang Fan is undoubtedly a good student in the eyes of the teacher. In an effort to influence Shen Ning, who is a poor student, the teacher assigned Yang Fan as Shen Ning's deskmate, and they have sat together for three years.
Zhou Mingdao realized his mistake; Yang Fan, despite his composure, is ultimately a 22-year-old young man. Excessive demands can only lead to counterproductive results, leaving everyone exhausted and disheartened
Wanling No. 1 Middle School is the best secondary school in Wanling City. Generally, there are three types of people who can gain admission: one type excels academically and is admitted based on merit, another type gains entry through connections, and the last type naturally buys their way in. Of course, the latter two categories are in the minority; otherwise, the school's graduation rate would be difficult to guarantee. Without a high graduation rate, students and parents would naturally not flock to it.
Have you eaten? If not, let's have a little something together, " Zhou Mingdao said with a friendly smile, which was an unexpected outcome for Yang Fan. Based on the years of understanding Zhou Mingdao, this elder appeared calm on the surface, but in reality, he was always very strict when it came to teaching.
Yang Fan nodded slightly, indicating his understanding, yet still maintained an indifferent demeanor as he said: "Once I leave, I don't know when I will be back. Master, do you have any final instructions?"
Having been by Zhou Mingdao's side for nearly two years, Yang Fan seems to have never flattered his master. Just now, he subtly offered a hint of praise. Zhou Mingdao suddenly realized that this disciple does not appear to be as obedient as he usually seems; many of his thoughts appear to be well concealed. It seems that many of his concerns were unnecessary, as Yang Fan is indeed capable of adapting.
Zhou Mingdao spoke to this point, his face showing signs of fatigue, as he leaned back against the sofa. Yang Fan hesitated, then noticed a copy of "New Annotations on the Book of Changes" placed on the desk. He knew it was Zhou Mingdao's proud work in recent years, and feeling a slight stir in his heart, he stepped forward to pick up the book and said: "Having been by my master's side for two years, I would like to take this book as a memento. I will read it when I have nothing to do, as if my master were here teaching me. I kindly ask my master to inscribe a few words in the book."
Yang Fan originally planned to browse the internet for a while and then rest. He recalled meeting Shen Ning, his genuine best friend from high school, today. The mention of Shen Ning stirred a sense of warmth in Yang Fan's heart, as it seemed that he had never done anything serious with this guy. It was this fellow who introduced him to adult films for the first time, and the first fight he got into was also because this guy was competing with someone else for a girlfriend. It seems that the first time he skipped class was also at this guy's request. Reflecting on those past events feels somewhat absurd and childish, yet it was truly joyful. The first fight he got into was also because this guy was competing with someone else for a girlfriend, and the first time he skipped class was also at this guy's request. Reflecting on those past events feels somewhat absurd and childish, yet it was truly joyful
Both individuals were lost in their thoughts, rendering the meal somewhat tasteless. After haphazardly picking at a bowl of rice, they simultaneously set their bowls down.
"Go to the study, I have something to discuss with you." Zhou Ming maintained his calm demeanor, which left Yang Fan somewhat uncertain about his intentions
Isn't there any need to explain being two hours late today? Yang Fan thought to himself, but he did not take the initiative to explain. Instead, he quietly sat down to have a meal with Zhou Mingdao.