Chapter 1, the greatest fear in life is examination

Be careful while walking

Jianfan said, not without a shameless persistence, that he has managed to get through every exam in this manner

The young man, with a humble smile on his face, flustered as he stuffed his note into the envelope, let out a long sigh and wrote down his name clearly: Jian Fan

Hello, Teacher Mei! Jian Fan ... ...

That's just how it is!" Jian Fan replied awkwardly.

Two troublesome friends got into a scuffle. When Jian Fan started to throw punches, he realized that Fei Shiqing had gained quite a bit of weight in the two months they hadn't seen each other. Jian Fan found that he couldn't even wrap his hands around Fei Shiqing's neck. With a slight delay in reaction, he was instead knocked off balance by Fei Shiqing's big belly, almost falling over. As he turned around, Jian Fan, light and agile, managed to grab Fei Shiqing's neck from behind, causing the hefty guy to gasp for breath and shout for help before he finally let go. After releasing him, Jian Fan kicked Fei Shiqing's ample backside and shouted, "Get lost! Don't let me see you again!"

Fei Shiqing immediately understood that this was certainly not good! He firmly grasped his brother's hand and said affectionately: "Alright, I understand! No questions asked! We brothers will bear the burden together, how could I possibly mock you?! ... ... Did your mother scold you again?"

Three thousand?" Jian Fan raised an eyebrow

The fat man's flesh jiggled with every movement as he smiled and gestured to Teacher Mei, running over to pat Jianfan on the shoulder, as if they were reuniting after a long separation, when in fact they had just been hanging out together before the exam! Mei Yuyun did not mind her son being with Fei Shiqing; aside from the fact that the fat man was visually unappealing due to his excess weight, there was no concern that he would lead her son astray. Moreover, when her son stood next to Fei Shiqing, it was undeniable how handsome they looked together.

... ...

The invigilators were personnel sent by the county government, shaking their heads vigorously while shouting at everyone to leave the classroom. They had to be quick and agile in collecting the exam papers, chaotically herding a group of candidates out of the classroom like a flock of sheep.

... ...

There is no way around it; the era of obtaining a dispatch certificate after entering university and returning to one's hometown to enjoy a stable government job is over. It has become increasingly difficult to secure a position within the system, job opportunities are scarce, and competition is fierce. Even the small local government offices in rural areas, which were previously overlooked, have now become sought after by university graduates.

Fei Shiqing shouted in revenge, speaking with great pride and laughing in an extremely lewd manner. When Jian Fan lowered his head to find a stone to prepare for a confrontation, the car and the laughter had long since faded away

Jianfan did not think much of it, considering that when simple matters are elevated to the level of theory and examination, he would most likely be at a loss. This examination has always been a blow to one's self-confidence. If this continues for another two times, Jianfan has no doubt that it would strip away even the confidence one has in being human

Jianfan shook his head and quickened his pace, ignoring Fei Shiqing: "Let’s see... the more we talk, the more it drags on. It’s almost twelve o'clock, and the store will get busy soon!"

"Nonsense, no wonder they call you scrap! If you don't speak, no one will take you for a mute." Jian Fan shot Fei Shiqing a glare, feeling quite embarrassed by this concern.

Although they are attacking each other, they still extend a warm invitation... From childhood to adulthood, I have often been both amused and exasperated by this chubby friend. Moreover, their circumstances are very similar; they attended school together, repeated a grade together, paid high tuition for university together, and graduated together. They are still unemployed together. The two of them have never engaged in any opportunistic conversation; they often end up wrestling with each other, yet they have never turned against one another. This carefree friend has this advantage: no matter how angry they get, it never lasts beyond a night.

It has been a year since graduation, and this is the only opportunity you have had. Look at your disposition; you must have failed the exam again

Brother Guo, we are good friends, and we can talk about anything as we go along. Haven't we already returned! If you have connections, hurry up, don't miss this opportunity; who knows when the next one will come... You see, everyone has come back now, we can't just go out again, can we? It would be best to secure an administrative position; if that doesn't work, getting a public institution position is also acceptable. If that fails, even a corporate position can be managed somehow. We need to have a place to settle down first, right?" Fei Shiqing spoke with conviction, and it seemed he truly meant well.

Why do you always bring up my girlfriend? It's infuriating!" Jian Fan was immediately angered upon hearing this. This was a concern that weighed heavily on his mind, second only to work, and it had been brought up again by Fei Shiqing.

The urgent ringing of the bell echoed throughout the campus of No. 1 High School, heard by all!

Aunt, it will be ready soon... it will be ready soon... I have to write down the name first!

Throughout my life, the only two individuals I have ever feared are my mother and my younger sister. Aside from these two whom I cannot contend with, once I step outside, I become the most formidable figure in the eyes of others. With a fierce expression and glaring eyes, Jian Fan exudes an intimidating presence without needing to be angry, while the obsequious role has now fallen to the overweight Fei Shiqing.

Ah!

Jian Fan turned around and stared at Fei Shiqing with ill intent: "You!? With that body! That woman would have sexual desire for you, but appetite would be more appropriate!"

Mom, you go ahead and do your thing, I'll just follow Shi Qing..." Jian Fan said, putting his arm around the chubby guy's shoulder, eager to quickly wrap up the heart-to-heart with his mother

Hehe... Brother Guo, how come you still don't understand? The exam is merely a facade; the essence lies behind it! Now that we have entered society, the exam is not just an exam; it is a comprehensive index that combines money, connections, power, and scores! In the past, teachers determined your fate; now, it is the leaders who decide our destiny. If the leader says it's fine, scoring zero is also acceptable! You still don't know me well; even if you give me the answers, I wouldn't be able to copy enough to pass. Fatty Fei Shiqing laughed proudly while holding his belly! In the past, teachers determined your fate; now, it is the leaders who decide our destiny. If the leader says it's fine, scoring zero is also acceptable! You still don't know me well; even if you give me the answers, I wouldn't be able to copy enough to pass. Fatty Fei Shiqing laughed proudly while holding his belly!

Hi hi ... ... What are you talking about? It was you who gave me this nickname!" Fei Shiqing retorted unhappily

The plum rain season speaks of yet another orchid being poked over, noticing that the son's complexion is poor, and fearing the ridicule of acquaintances, she scolds him while pushing the bicycle. After all, the child has grown up, and this form of corporal punishment may not be effective.

Walking all the way back to the restaurant. The county town is not large; walking east along Yizhong Road to the end, you will find the restaurant run by my father. It is neither too big nor too small, and it has a very catchy name:

Bell ... ... bell. ... ... ... bell ...

The overweight individual was ambiguously pulling on Jian Fan, seemingly with the primary intention of finding a companion to go into the city with.

Jianfan was so angry that he laughed

The three invigilators looked at a group of candidates who did not resemble students, and they all exchanged knowing glances, shaking their heads. Their feelings were quite complex! This was the recruitment examination for personnel in the township and county government, and all the candidates were recent and past university graduates. In total, there were thirteen positions available, but over one hundred people had registered, resulting in an admission ratio of nearly ten to one.

A panting, chubby man is running towards the two people, it is Fei Shiqing, Jian Fan's childhood playmate and also a student of Mei Yuyun

Hey, don't go, what am I saying to you? Let's go to the city for some fun, are you going or not! Don't you want to see your dear Xiangxiang?

Alas, the two of us are becoming less and less like human beings; I am even worse off than you. I can no longer discern whether this is a societal issue or a personal problem... In the past, people used to say that laid-off workers were pitiful, but in fact, we are even more pitiable, as we don't even have the opportunity to be employed, let alone laid off. I truly envy you, Lao Fei; if I had a father who was a director, would I still have to worry about these things?" Jianfan shook his head vigorously.

When it was time to submit the exam, I suddenly pulled my hand back and, unwilling to give up, changed an answer I had doubts about from "A" directly to "B"

What about good ideas? If I had good ideas, would I still be unemployed at home? ... ... In the countryside, isn't it just about farming, planting trees, raising sheep, and feeding pigs? It seems as if no one has ever spent time in the countryside, why make it sound so complicated?

Fei Shiqing, with a concerned expression for a friend, extended three chubby fingers

Those who should attend will attend, and those who should not will not, what else can be done

The aspirations and ideals in school are all beautiful; however, once one steps out of the school gate, the beauty remains within the school, leaving only unachievable ideals behind

This is also an unavoidable situation; the sapling has grown into a tree, and no amount of pruning or nurturing can aid its growth now

One must not show any leniency when dealing with this individual; when you are annoyed, he will only make you more so; if the pot is not to be opened, he will specifically bring it up!

Jian Fan was furious upon hearing this and suddenly reached out to grab the leering fat man by the throat

The first pot of Oolong tea

Pig head, I haven't repaired you for a year, and you are still wagging your tail. Is it fun to tease your pot sister...

Mom, what good does it do to be anxious! Besides, isn't it good that I'm running a restaurant with Dad? Didn't I go to my uncle's to work as a security assistant? I can earn money too, so why must I take the civil service exam to become a township official? Is our family suited to be officials? Looking back seven or eight generations, we were either farmers or skilled craftsmen; miracles are not going to happen to me. Even my uncle only got a big hat after serving in the military and transitioning to civilian life. Mom, can I cook for you? I've almost learned all of Dad's cooking skills, and I will take care of you in the future!" Jian Fan said with a smile, always trying to make his mother happy, while carefully smoothing out the wrinkle-free fabric of her clothes, putting on a flattering demeanor.

Fei Shiqing's father was originally the secretary of the township party committee, and by the time he went to university, he had already been promoted to the director of the transportation bureau. Once they graduated, the differences among students became starkly apparent. Jian Fan had been thriving in school, but upon leaving, he felt constrained and unable to make progress; in contrast, Fei Shiqing, with his advantageous father, was not in a hurry at all, simply waiting for arrangements from home. This thought left Jian Fan with a sense of disappointment.

"There is something, of course there is something..." Fei Shiqing, seeing Jian Fan about to leave, pulled Jian Fan along and said mysteriously, "Let me ask you, has your family made any offerings? I can tell you, my dad said that this time, we need to reach this amount before we can talk.

"How did you do on the exam?" Mei Yu Yun said with a long face

By the way, I also paid a registration fee of fifty yuan! It was all for nothing!

"I can't believe it, Brother Guo, you are really blind. Don't blame me for taking advantage of the situation!" Fei Shiqing joked, his cheeks trembling, and his small eyes gleaming with mischief.

The aunt's gaze was even more lethal, filled with hatred as if she had encountered a class enemy

The issues concerning agriculture, rural areas, and farmers, the policies of exemption and subsidy, the promotion of science and education in agriculture, poverty alleviation and development... A series of terms that are so simple yet still not fully understood, my mind has been turned into a mess by the examination questions from township officials. What is new rural construction, what are the seasonal agricultural practices, what is the "three transformations, four modernizations, and five improvements" of the county committee and county government? In the final essay question, they even forced these students who have just graduated and know nothing about rural life to come up with innovative ideas for the socialist new countryside!

Behind her, someone shouted loudly. When Jian Fan turned around, she smiled! When Mei Yu Yun turned around, she also laughed

Mom..." Jian Fan elongated her voice, her face filled with distress, gently reassuring her mother: "You needn't worry unnecessarily. I can see that there is no chance this time; the candidate has already been predetermined. The exam is merely a formality; I am just here to take the blame!"

Are you wishing for us to be blind? Jian Fan glared at Fei Shi Qing with an unfriendly look

Mother's lecture began, and Jianfan wore a listening expression. As Mother passionately expressed her thoughts and her emotions were about to escalate, he suddenly wrapped his arms around her shoulders and, with a cheeky smile, said: "Mom... please don't make me feel so moved all the time, okay? You are the pride of your son, and you don't have to force me to become your pride as well. I am already proud of you, Dad, and my sister. That's enough! Our family has plenty of pride as it is!"

Sighing silently with a sense of resignation

Oh, there is one last person, a rather sneaky individual who has no idea how many answers he has copied, sitting in the corner at the back of the classroom, still scribbling away! As he sees the invigilator approaching him, he immediately presents a very humble and flattering smile! A young man in his twenties, he undoubtedly possesses a smile that is quite disarming

As soon as the teacher left, Fei Shiqing immediately couldn't wait to speak, and Jian Fan's expression changed instantly, her finger almost poking the chubby boy's face, as she scolded, "Don't ask me how I did on the exam!"

Damn it, with a flick of her wrist, she poked Jian Fan's head with her orchid fingers, wearing an expression of anger as if she were disappointed in iron that could not be forged into steel. As a teacher, her professional habit kicked in; upon encountering a mischievous student who was not studying properly, just seeing that drooping head made her furious

The mother and son bear a striking resemblance, with a beautiful mother and a handsome son. However, while they inherited beauty, intelligence seems to have been lacking! To be honest, even Jian Fan felt it was impossible not to be angry. The saying "A renowned teacher does not teach their own children" has proven true in her case. Her mother has countless successful students, many of whom have gone abroad to study, yet she has been unable to teach her own son well. Despite being an English teacher, she could not manage to teach her son English, and after three years of tutoring and supplementary lessons leading up to the college entrance examination, Jian Fan still did not pass English. To be frank, even Jian Fan felt it was impossible not to be angry. The saying "A renowned teacher does not teach their own children" has proven true in her case. Her mother has countless successful students, many of whom have gone abroad to study, yet she has been unable to teach her own son well. Despite being an English teacher, she could not manage to teach her son English, and after three years of tutoring and supplementary lessons leading up to the college entrance examination, Jian Fan still did not pass English. He managed to enroll in a third-tier university by spending money, but upon graduation, finding a job became a problem! When it comes to recruitment, there are exams to take, which not only frustrates Jian Fan but also adds to Mei Yu Yun's distress.

The last exam paper was handed over to the invigilator, who shot a glance at the candidate Jian Fan, as if scolding, "What were you doing all this time!" Upon noticing that the candidate had just changed an answer, she couldn't help but chuckle with a hint of schadenfreude and remarked, "Why did you change the correct answer!"

The ringing broke the silence in the examination room! The invigilator had just called for the papers to be handed in, and the sounds of chairs being pulled, papers rustling, and students whispering turned the classroom, which had been quiet for over two hours, into chaos. The young men and women, regardless of their appearances, rolled up their sleeves and dashed between seats at a hundred-meter sprinting speed to copy answers! They would catch anyone they could and ask them, copying from whoever they could!

Fei Shiqing, upon hearing this, suddenly realized and responded, "Don't blame the government for a hard life! It's still what you taught me... Didn't our sociology professor in college say that graduation does not equal employment, but rather signifies unemployment? We must always be prepared to accept re-education from society! Only when the re-education is completed can we find employment!"

Meiyu Yun smiled and said, "I will ride my bicycle and leave!"

The rainy season does not overly blame the son; the current job market is much more severe than in previous years. Some graduates who have been out for two or three years are still staying at home, while those in better situations are aimlessly wandering around the city looking for jobs. The worse ones are even relying on their families for basic needs. However, my son is much better off than them. He is helping out at a restaurant and has joined the security team as an auxiliary police officer, actively working to earn money. At least he can manage to take care of himself.

The atmosphere between the mother and son eased. For the moment, they forgot the unpleasantness of the exam, and Jian Fan quickly seized the opportunity to shift the topic to his younger sister. His sister was the top student in the county in the college entrance examination, which was a source of pride for the whole family, especially for their mother. Even Jian Fan felt quite proud!

Fei Shiqing smiled, but one must first hold their belly; otherwise, the belly fat shakes too much, making it easy to fall down

As soon as the exam was over, I let out a long sigh; the exam is much like the disparity between ideals and reality. No matter how well I think I have prepared, I always perform poorly. Moreover, this sigh is deeper than any I have experienced before.

Oh dear, why are you even stingier than your father? What can 3,000 do? You might not even be able to treat someone to a meal! ... At least 30,000 is needed; that's just the entry fee! Who knows how much it will cost before you can actually start working?" Fei Shiqing had a look of shock on his face; these two who run a restaurant are stingier than one another.

The candidate with the surname Jian and the given name Fan lowered his head in disappointment and hesitantly left the classroom

Come back early in the evening

This fat man!

"Hehe... My dad said that since I don't have much of a future anyway, I should go to the countryside and mix in, maybe become a village chief or a rural official. After a couple of years, I can return to the city, and who knows, I might get a chance to be promoted to deputy township head or something like that, which would be even better," Fei Shiqing said proudly.

At such a young age, what are you thinking? Instead of putting in the effort, you only look for excuses. You are unable to implement your work, and I see that you are not even a little bit anxious about it

Jianfan did not find it beautiful at all! Instead, there was a simultaneous bitter feeling in his heart and stomach, as if he had made a mistake. He moved slowly, and when he got closer, he forced a silly smile and said, "Mom, what brings you here?"

Upon exiting the teaching building, a warning line was overhead, with a banner reading "Unified Examination for Recruitment of Personnel in Wulong County Townships". Beneath the banner stood a graceful woman, dressed in long pants and a short-sleeved shirt on this hot day, embodying the standard image of a teacher from No. 1 High School. Always so serious, she leaned against her bicycle, occasionally greeting those coming in and out. Many students recognized her; she is Mei Yuyun, the English teacher at No. 1 High School. Many students were still surprised, after all these years, that the teacher remained so beautiful.

The orchid finger is light, having been subjected to various forms of punishment from childhood to adulthood, whether on the buttocks or the back of the head. This is no joke; it is not just thick books but also broom handles and feather dusters.

Where there is desire, there is hope; appetite is also a form of desire! Hehe... your lovely one likes my figure the most!" Fei Shiqing grinned and chuckled.

Despite the young man possessing a striking appearance and a radiant smile, it seems that he has chosen the wrong target. The one collecting the papers is a woman in her forties, who pays no attention to the flattery evident in the examinees' eyes. She taps on the desk as if issuing a warning to lawbreakers: "If you don't submit your papers soon, I will have to mark you with a score of zero!"

"Oh, how ridiculous..." Fei Shiqing said, with a hint of schadenfreude in his tone.

Ah ... ... Ah ... ... Jianfan ... ...

My son's intelligence quotient is not high, but his emotional quotient is not low...! ... Mei Yu Yun often comforts herself this way

There is not even a shred of discipline awareness, is this how all university students are now? With an attitude like yours, how will you ever step into the workforce in the future?" The proctor, fiddling with the papers in her hands, scolded the examinee for a moment. The other two invigilators watched this examinee like hawks.

What does that mean? Upon seeing the plain expression on Mei Yu's face, one could tell that it was likely not very good.

Jianfan said he was about to get up and leave, feeling anxious and restless in his heart

Jian Fan was walking ahead, while behind him, Fei Shiqing, feeling somewhat disgruntled, made a face and called out from the car, "I'll call you next Saturday! ... ... If you don't go see that girl of yours soon, just wait to wear a green hat ... ... Haha ... ... "

Then what about you? Have you made any progress?

Mom, I am on duty today and will not be able to return home until after midnight

"Waste material, your father is the director, my father is a master craftsman, how can that be compared? Your father is living off the people's wealth, my father earns his living through hard work, it cost him over 100,000 to support me, how can I bear to pressure him to find me a job? Besides, my sister is still in university, he has to be able to provide for that! ... If I had known it would be like this, I wouldn't have returned to the county town; I might as well have found a job in the provincial capital and muddled through!" Jian Fan shook his head, feeling a bit annoyed! He knew that finding a job after graduating from university was difficult, and his degree from a third-tier university was really not enough, so he didn't dare to think about making it in a big city. He went straight back to his hometown, but who knew that the employment situation there was just as grim as in the big cities! ... If I had known it would be like this, I wouldn't have returned to the county town; I might as well have found a job in the provincial capital and muddled through!" Jian Fan shook his head, feeling a bit annoyed! He knew that finding a job after graduating from university was difficult, and his degree from a third-tier university was really not enough, so he didn't dare to think about making it in a big city. He went straight back to his hometown, but who knew that the employment situation there was just as grim as in the big cities! Today, during an exam, he discovered that there were even graduates from previous years, two or three years out, coming to join in the fun. It seems that the job market is not just generally severe! It looks like there is no hope for a stable salary. Today, during an exam, he discovered that there were even graduates from previous years, two or three years out, coming to join in the fun. It seems that the job market is not just generally severe! It looks like there is no hope for a stable salary.

Ah! ? ... ... You ... ... Hehe! Mei Yu Yun was momentarily taken aback before realizing that her son was teasing her. She pushed Jian Fan away, shaking her head and laughing helplessly as she said, "You, always so glib. If only you had half the intelligence of your sister, I wouldn't have to worry so much, sigh ... ... "

Ah! ? I will change it back... ! ... ! ... Upon hearing this, Jian Fan regretted it and wanted to snatch the paper back. The aunt waved her hand and shot a glare, causing Jian Fan's hand to freeze in mid-air

This statement is not false. From childhood to adulthood, Jian Fan has generally been at the bottom of the rankings in exams. What does this mean? It means carrying the list at the very end of the rankings

"Useless! Just like your father, spending a lifetime revolving around the stove." Mei Yuyun smiled. Her son, raised with the lessons of a small broom, although lacking in academic achievements, knew how to care for others, to inquire about their well-being, which was a small consolation. Looking back at her son, who was almost a head taller than herself, she shook her head affectionately and said: "Xiao Fan, why haven't you made any progress? Do you think it's easy watching your father work from dawn till dusk? Your uncle helped you get into the public security team, but can a temporary auxiliary police officer last long? ... You need a stable position with a fixed job, one that won't expose you to the wind and rain for a lifetime, isn't that better than your current situation? ... Your mother is also worried about you, but you need to put in the effort too..."

Jian Fan curled his lips in disdain and said, "It sounds like the county government is your family business! ... ... Given today's exam questions, with your pig brain, scoring thirty points would be normal; anything above that would be from copying! The problem is, you have no one to copy from, do you? If you don't know anything, who are you going to copy? ... ... Did you know the questions in advance? I've never seen you so confident during an exam before?"

Whether there is something or not, if there is nothing, I will take my leave. I still need to return to the hotel to assist my father, and I am too lazy to engage in idle chatter with you, you scoundrel.