Chapter 2: Roll Away to the College Entrance Examination
The crown prince honestly shouldered the large backpack that the old man had prepared for him and walked out of the house. He glanced at the axe that had accompanied him for more than ten years in the small courtyard. After a moment of contemplation, he decisively unfastened the backpack and stuffed the axe directly into the cotton padding inside the bag
Only a fool would want to stay in a mountain valley for a lifetime!" Wang Shizi suddenly became excited, just as he was about to say something more, a virtual screen suddenly lit up in the room. On the screen, an elderly man, who appeared spirited despite his age, was walking along a small path leading to the mountainside, heading towards the house where the two were.
"Hmph, how is this not your concern? I have already used my connections to help you secure a good spot. Your belongings have also been taken care of. Today, you will go to the First High School in the county to meet Principal Yan. Your ID card and examination permit are with him, preparing for the college entrance examination in two days!" The old man looked at Wang Shizi's puzzled expression and coldly snorted as he spoke.
With only 2 days remaining until the college entrance examination, the atmosphere is naturally tense. In this era where everything is aligned with the enrollment rate, the performance of students not only concerns their future prospects but is also directly linked to the school's benefits in the coming year. Therefore, both teachers and students in the senior graduating class naturally place great importance on the upcoming examination.
This is not a problem; the papers have long been prepared and are all left there. Not just two sets, but even ten sets are available! Teacher Chen immediately agreed, as such a small matter that goes with the flow is certainly worth doing.
The words of the Crown Prince evidently infuriated the old man, who scolded, "Do you think that letting you sleep every night on that high-energy knowledge inheritance chair is for no reason? What you have learned over the years is a hundred thousand times more valuable than simply going to school. Your current level is not just a thousand times stronger than those experts and professors from the highest institutions in Huaxia. The reason I am sending you to university is that you have completely lacked exposure to the outside world over these years. First, you will go to university to broaden your horizons and learn about human relationships! In short, from today onwards, your life will be in your own hands! After this trip, you won't need to come back! By the way, haven't you always envied other people's children for having female classmates? Once you step out into the world, you will have that too!"
"Alright, the village chief is arriving soon, let's hurry up!" the old man nodded and said
Ah, wait! Principal Yan suddenly called out to Teacher Chen, who was about to leave, "Xiao Chen, that child will come over today. You should prepare two sets of mock exam papers for the college entrance examination for him to practice before the test!"
Under the chairmanship of the principal, the brief morning meeting quickly concluded, and the homeroom teachers began to disperse. However, the homeroom teacher of Class 5 specifically stayed until the end
"Village chief, my old bones can't hold out much longer. This time the heir is going out, and in case something happens to me, don't inform him. I can't delay the child's college entrance examination!" The old man said with a face full of regret.
"Old Wang, your words are quite distant. My grandson is not by my side. Ever since you brought this child to settle in Yanjiacun over a decade ago, I have always regarded him as my own grandson. Moreover, for so many years, this child has been waking up early and working hard to gather firewood in the mountains. If it weren't for him, the older generation in the village would have had a much harder time during the winters. Therefore, when you said you wanted to send him out for the college entrance examination, I wholeheartedly support it. Our Yanjiacun is too poor; it doesn't matter if we suffer a bit in our lifetime, but we cannot let the children suffer. As long as the child works hard, everything else can be discussed." The old village chief said with a sigh.
Then let it be as you wish, no matter what, this time I will owe you a personal favor! Alright, don't waste any more time here, hurry up and go motivate the children. Put aside your burdens, focus on the exam, and strive for everyone to achieve good results! Principal Yan said with a wave of his hand
You heartless thing
The village chief is here to pick you up. The Principal Wang I entrusted is the village chief's son. The old man casually explained, then solemnly turned to Wang Shizi and said: Remember our agreement? Once you go out, even if you die, you must absolutely not reveal anything about this place
Rest assured, which matter you mentioned have I not accomplished? As the old man Yan Su rose, Wang Shizi also began to respond with caution.
Hehe, Principal Yan, you may continue to deceive. I am not unaware of the situation in your hometown. Even now, there is no road access, and the entire mountain area has more than ten villages sharing a single primary and middle school, with virtually no teaching resources. What kind of outstanding children can be nurtured? Do not use yourself as an example; I know very well that you were brought to the county by your mother for your education! This Teacher Chen is evidently quite familiar with Wang Xiaozai and spoke without any reservations.
"Nonsense, do you really want to spend your whole life with me in this remote valley?" The old man looked up at the ceiling.
Mayor Yan, we entrust our family's heir to you. If he doesn't achieve something significant this time, don't let him come back! The old man stared at Prince Wang, who was rubbing his nose after sneezing, and entrusted him to the mayor.
"Then it's settled!" Teacher Chen replied and turned to prepare to leave the conference room
Principal Yan, you mentioned last time that the student who was supposed to join our class for the college entrance examination has not reported today. You had convinced me that this child might have received quite a good education, which made me look forward to some impressive performance from him in the final mock exam. As it turns out, he didn't even show up for the mock exam at all. Principal Wang, this is quite unfair of you!
"Alright, let's do it this way! Young Master, you take the luggage and go out first. I have a few words to discuss with the village chief privately!" Upon hearing the young master agree immediately, the old man's expression softened.
You need not pressure me! If you truly have the capability, you would not shy away from even the final mock exam, would you? In any case, I will not allow it; the college entrance examination results of this Wang Shizi must not be included in the class's statistical data
Did you hear that, Young Master? The village chief has high hopes for you. You must work hard and achieve good results, do you understand?
County Town No. 1 Middle School
Principal Yan, I absolutely believe that the child has good character, but character cannot be linked to academic performance. Currently, the school's admission rate is tied to our bonuses and professional titles, and the more you say this, the more uncertain I feel. You must promise me that the child's grades will not be included in the data statistics for our Class 5
Ah, Teacher Chen, what you said is not correct. I assure you that child is absolutely a good kid with excellent character. Not to mention anything else, you know the situation back in my hometown; my old man refuses to come to the county town with me. For these past few years, all the firewood at home has been chopped by that child.
I? The college entrance examination? I haven't attended a single day of classes, and you suddenly want me to take the exam? What am I supposed to be tested on? Old man, have you lost your mind?" Wang Shizi listened to the old man's words, still wearing a look of confusion and disbelief.
Hmm? Teacher Chen, have you thought this through? What if this child turns out to be a promising talent and achieves an astonishing score? You would be at a great loss! The school has already issued a notice this year to reward the homeroom teachers of students who are admitted to key universities!" Upon hearing this request, Principal Yan did not get angry; he merely spoke in a teasing manner.
For a child who has been trapped in the mountains for a full seventeen years, primarily interacting with individuals from the generation of their grandparents, and who has only recently gained some understanding of the outside world through the internet, what could be more exhilarating than the opportunity to venture out and engage with the world beyond?
... ...
In fact, what he said was merely a jab at the teacher Chen in front of him; he himself did not believe that the children from the mountains could achieve anything in this college entrance examination. After all, Wangjia Village is exceedingly poor. If it were not for his father specifically traveling dozens of miles through the mountains and spending several hours in a car to come to the county town to ask for this favor, he would never have taken on such a trivial matter. Although it is indeed possible to register for the college entrance examination directly in today's society, it is quite troublesome. In fact, if it were not for his father specifically traveling dozens of miles through the mountains and spending several hours in a car to come to the county town to ask for this favor, he would never have taken on such a trivial matter. Although it is indeed possible to register for the college entrance examination directly in today's society, it is quite troublesome.
"Alright, alright, I still stand by what I said. Just don't regret it if a genius emerges later!" Principal Yan said with a wave of his hand
Early in the morning, all the homeroom teachers of the graduating classes arrived at the school's small conference room to begin preparations for today's pre-examination rally for the college entrance examination, providing the students with one last boost of encouragement before this most important exam of their lives
Ah, village chief, I was just saying that. No need to trouble yourself; we are all of a certain age and know our own bodies well. I am just worried about any unforeseen circumstances. However, you must remember the matter I entrusted to you today! No matter what, the children's exams are the most important.
"What?" The Crown Prince looked at the old man's serious expression, momentarily taken aback, and then asked with suspicion, "Old man, are you serious?"
"I have devoted myself to nurturing you all these years, and you actually have the audacity to tell me that you have never attended school? With your level of ability, the college entrance examination is merely a formality. I had originally arranged with the school for you to take the preliminary exam before the college entrance examination a few days ago, but I, being an old fool, got the timing wrong. Therefore, you must set off today, or it will be too late!" the old man explained with considerable patience.
"Old Wang, why are you speaking such pessimistic words? Are you feeling unwell? I will have Yan Laosan from the village come to check on you later!" the village head said dismissively.
At the same time, Crown Prince Wang suddenly sneezed twice without any warning, drawing the attention of the three people who were engaged in conversation.
Rest assured, Grandfather, Village Chief, I will do my utmost! I will achieve good results and bring glory to Yanjia Village!" Wang Shizi nodded earnestly, not displaying the same carefree demeanor he had when alone with the old man in front of outsiders, yet his eyes could not hide the excitement within.
... ...
"You have been nurturing me with great care? I said, old man, you can't just fool me because I have read little. Over the years, what have you taught me besides making me chop wood? If you no longer wish to take care of me, just say so!" Wang Shizi said, making a pitiful expression.
The two elderly men in the room could not see the small movements of Prince Wang at this moment; they were seriously discussing the issue.