Chapter 26: Drink This Bowl of Poisonous Chicken Soup

At nine o'clock in the morning, Jiangcheng was already enveloped in blazing sunlight. Inside the Hanlin Pavilion Bookstore, which was not particularly spacious, Zhang Chu’s family stood ready, prepared for what was to come.

Just then, an SUV bearing the emblem of Jiangdong TV pulled up in front of the store, followed by a black sedan from Jiangdong Daily. The province’s two most authoritative media outlets had arrived in unison.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Chu’s homeroom teacher, Tao Zhixin, and Principal Liu Chengzheng accompanied the media, apparently intent on conducting a thorough interview.

“Zhang, your family’s bookstore seems quite impressive. You must read a lot, don’t you?” Liu Chengzheng said pleasantly, racking his brain for praise that clearly delighted Zhang Chu’s father.

Zhang Chu was standing at the entrance of the bookstore, squinting with a smile. “Yes, our bookstore carries a wide variety of books. Many titles you won’t find at Xinhua Bookstore can be found here. It’s perfect for enjoying an afternoon coffee while reading.”

Tao Zhixin looked at his student with a complicated expression. He had once thought, seeing Zhang Chu leave the exam room early and alone, that the boy had given up. Yet, in just a few days, his impression had been overturned—Zhang Chu’s oral answers to the math problems after the exam were all correct, and now his Chinese essay had scored full marks. Clearly, he didn’t truly understand this student at all!

At this moment, the journalists had set up their equipment. Wan Jianzhong, the reporter from Jiangdong TV, took one look at the bookstore and was nearly certain: this must be a student who loves to read.

“Zhang, congratulations on achieving the first full-mark essay in Jiangdong Province’s college entrance exam. Your piece, ‘The Death of Red Hare,’ was written in such a short time. What do you think made that possible?”

Without hesitation, Zhang Chu replied, “I wrote it so quickly because I had a clear plan in mind. The whole essay was as if etched in my memory—I simply wrote it out.”

And indeed, it was so—a product of an outside-the-exam aid opportunity. The essay truly felt as if it had been imprinted in his mind. He was telling the truth.

Wan Jianzhong frowned; this answer wasn’t quite what he expected, so he pressed further: “Having written such an outstanding essay, do you have any secrets or experience to share?”

“First, I must thank my parents for giving birth to me smart. You know, the ugly duckling becomes a swan not because it worked hard, but because its parents were swans.”

Zhang Chu paused, then continued, “Innate talent is beyond our control, but acquired skills can be changed. Some people give their all, yet end up worse than those who barely try. When those more gifted than you are still working hard, what good is your effort?”

“Many think their only problem is poor essay writing or going off topic, but in reality, they can’t solve the big questions, don’t understand reading comprehension, and their multiple-choice answers are just as hopeless.”

Principal Liu Chengzheng listened, breaking out in a cold sweat—this child was praising his own intelligence in every possible way!

He quickly interrupted, speaking to the camera, “As the saying goes, reading thousands of books makes the pen divine. Growing up surrounded by so many books, Zhang must have accumulated a great deal of knowledge.”

“No, no, Zhang Chu never really liked reading much as a child,” Zhang Bowen promptly corrected, speaking honestly. Previously, Zhang Chu’s favorite pastime was computer games.

Wan Jianzhong, the reporter from Jiangdong TV, wanted to throw away the microphone—how could this interview possibly continue?

Zhang Chu, however, earnestly advised, “For most people, don’t aim for a perfect essay. Focus on raising it to a normal level.”

Everyone present couldn’t help but roll their eyes—they were, after all, the ‘ordinary people’ Zhang referred to.

Zhou Tong, the reporter from Jiangdong Daily, covered her mouth, laughing. She had never seen anyone quite like Zhang Chu. His words might not be pleasing, but they were certainly honest.

To speak truth so sharply was its own special talent!

The overall exam results hadn’t yet been announced, so their conversation centered only on ‘The Death of Red Hare’—not even its content, but the circumstances around it.

As principal, Liu Chengzheng naturally wanted to steer the conversation toward school education, showcasing the achievements of Jiangcheng Experimental High School. Hearing Zhang Chu’s words, his throat nearly broke from coughing, but Zhang Chu paid him no mind.

“What I want to tell everyone is, don’t be too nervous about the college entrance exam. After all, the first time is unfamiliar, but the second time is easier—you can always repeat a year. Don’t let a single test paper decide your future; there are dozens of papers in the exam.”

“If you don’t do well in Chinese, don’t cry—after you finish the math test, you’ll realize you cried too soon.”

Facing the camera, Zhang Chu unleashed his full energy. He had no idea whether Jiangdong TV would cut out all his remarks, but saying what he wanted was what mattered most!

Chu Lan felt as if she didn’t recognize her own son—his words were far too sharp.

“Ahem, I’d like to remind parents and students that everyone has their own way of learning. What works for Zhang Chu may not work for you. Thank you, Zhang Chu, for accepting the interview. I wish you admission to your ideal university.”

The TV reporter hurried to regain control, muddled by Zhang Chu’s biting advice and eager to end the interview.

Zhang Chu, still relishing the moment, added, “One last piece of advice: don’t tear up your books after the exam—you might have to repeat the year.”

Was there any need to curse others so?

The greatest curse for any exam candidate is repeating a year—no one wants to endure hellish training twice.

Ideally, one would score top marks everywhere and get into a prestigious university.

The media loves interviewees with a story. If every exam candidate were mature and cautious, audiences would have grown tired of it over decades.

Jiangdong TV and Jiangcheng TV are not on the same level. Jiangdong TV can be watched nationwide, regularly ranking among the top three channels by ratings.

Jiangcheng TV is just an ordinary city station, viewable only by locals, its influence incomparable.

The reporter from Jiangdong Daily wanted to dig deeper into Zhang Chu’s past, but was intimidated by that barrage of biting remarks and decided these highlights were enough, leaving with the TV crew.

After they drove away, Tao Zhixin spoke earnestly, “You—though talented, you’re far too outspoken. You should conduct yourself with more restraint. If your exam results turn out poorly, the media won’t let you off—they’ll make you out as a clown seeking attention.”

Zhang Chu knew only those who truly cared would say such things. He replied, “Mr. Tao, I understand. Just wait with peace of mind. Who knows, I might come back as the top scorer, and then you’ll be the teacher of the champion!”

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Ever since my old book, ‘Literary Superstar,’ was taken down, I’ve been restless. Thank you to all new and old readers for your continued support. Whether you’ve bookmarked, voted daily, or offered rewards, I won’t list everyone individually due to your numbers, but I sincerely thank you all!