Chapter 29: The Next Qian Zhongshu

While the Jiangdong Examination Board was still issuing ambiguous statements, Jiangdong University had already set its sights on this candidate for special admission. The rapid twists and turns had captivated online onlookers, who watched with delight as if witnessing the drama of the year.

Should universities break tradition to admit students with exceptional single-subject achievements?
Is Jiandong University's decision to make an exception a risky venture?
Is it reasonable to determine a student's future based on a single essay?
Even before Zhang Chu's national exam results were released, a battle for top talent had begun.

"I used to doubt whether this essay was real, but now Jiandong University has given us the answer."
"The exam papers are graded at Jiandong, and now the one making an exception is also Jiandong. The more you think about it, the scarier it gets!"
"I just feel this is unfair to other students. Why should writing a good essay guarantee you admission?"
"I'm disappointed in Jiandong University. I don't think this special admission complies with the rules. What if Zhang Chu did terribly in other subjects and only scored three or four hundred?"
"This is a good thing! I urge the heavens to shake off old restraints and welcome talents in all forms!"
"Let's wait and see how this unfolds. The show is just beginning."

Parents, professionals, and netizens alike plunged into heated debate, all following the case closely.

Meanwhile, the protagonist Zhang Chu had stepped out of the milk tea shop, crossed the street, and arrived at the school gate. Fortunately, he hadn't lost his student ID, or he would never have gotten in.

Everything in the school was both familiar and strange. Zhang Chu had belonged to the earliest generation born in the 1990s, and when he attended high school, the facilities had been nothing like this.

Outside the principal's office, he raised his hand and knocked. "Principal Liu, were you looking for me?"

"You move fast. Seems you were eager to meet our Jiandong University teachers," Liu Chengzheng remarked with some surprise at Zhang Chu's quick arrival, then led him to the sofa.

It wasn't just Principal Liu and Zhang Chu's homeroom teacher present; two unfamiliar middle-aged men were also there—evidently staff from Jiandong University's admissions office.

"Hello, Zhang. I'm Professor Zhou from Jiandong's admissions office. Your essay, 'The Death of Red Hare,' was truly outstanding."

Professor Zhou Shaoxiong was genial, while the other professor wore a much sterner expression and barely spoke.

Zhang Chu was a little bewildered. "Thank you for your praise. But, Professor Zhou, are you really here to offer me special admission?"

Zhou nodded, teasing, "You don't know it, but your name has circulated around Jiandong University for quite some time. Everyone says you're the next Qian Zhongshu."

The words made not only Zhang Chu but also Liu Chengzheng and Tao Zhixin freeze in astonishment.

The next Qian Zhongshu? Such high praise!

Zhang Chu shook his head repeatedly and replied modestly, "I could never compare with Mr. Qian."

He meant it from the heart. Qian Zhongshu was hailed as a cultural giant, most famous for his novel "Fortress Besieged." By contrast, Zhang Chu felt himself more a literary thief; the difference between them was like night and day.

"You're certainly not at Mr. Qian's level now, but the future is long," Zhou Shaoxiong said with a smile.

The comparison arose because of the legend of Qian Zhongshu's admission to Tsinghua decades earlier. Some say he scored zero or fifteen in math, but aced Chinese and English. The reviewing professors, struck by the grandeur of his essay, admitted him forthwith—thus paving the way for a scholar renowned for his mastery of both Chinese and Western literature.

Suddenly, the previously silent admissions officer spoke. "After discussion, our admissions office believes your essay is exceptional. We happen to have a slot for independent admission and would like to know if you're interested in joining our university."

Wang Peixuan wasn't entirely in favor of this approach, but a decision had been made by higher-ups, and he had to carry out his task.

Jiandong University's reputation in the province was beyond question. Zhang Chu felt dazed—he had struggled desperately in his previous life just to get into an ordinary second-tier university. Now a top school was courting him; the contrast was staggering.

"Zhang, you'd best call your parents. For something like this, it's wise to have their input," Tao Zhixin advised. He wanted his students to attend good schools, but also respected their autonomy.

"Is this even worth considering? We've seen your previous grades: even if your essay was extraordinary this time, your chances of making the top tier are slim. This is Jiandong University—think carefully. If you miss this chance, it won't come again," Wang Peixuan said coolly, his tone tinged with the arrogance of a top school's admissions officer.

Jiandong University was indeed excellent, but that didn't mean Zhang Chu had no better options.

Frowning, Zhang Chu felt that Tao's suggestion made sense. Shouldn't parents be consulted for something as important as choosing a university?

"This is definitely not a decision I can make on my own—my parents will have to pay the tuition after all," Zhang Chu said, holding up his phone. "I'll call them right now."

"Go ahead, go ahead. We didn't consider everything," Zhou Shaoxiong said considerately.

...

Zhang Chu took his phone out to the hallway and called his mother, Chu Lan.

The clatter of mahjong tiles was loud and clear on the other end—clearly, his mother had cultivated his own passion for the game since childhood.

"Hello? Make it quick; I just lost a hand," his mother said irritably, clearly on a losing streak.

"Mom, could you and Dad come to the school right away? Two teachers from Jiandong University's admissions office are waiting."

Drawing a tile, Chu Lan asked absent-mindedly, "What for?"

Zhang Chu guessed she hadn't heard the crucial part and repeated, "Jiandong University wants to offer me special admission. Please come quickly!"

Chu Lan's eyes went wide. "Really? Why would they give you special admission? Is it because you're handsome or something? Or is this a scam?"

Like mother, like son—Zhang Chu had had the same doubts when Tao Zhixin called earlier.

"It's real, I promise! No more talk—just come, don't keep them waiting," he urged.

After hanging up, Chu Lan beamed at her three companions around the mahjong table. "I'm done for today—got to go to my son's school."

"Chu, we agreed to play all afternoon! Why the sudden change?" one woman, about thirty, protested. They were all teachers at the same elementary school, and often played mahjong after work.

"Well, something unexpected came up. My son wrote 'The Death of Red Hare,' got a perfect score, and now Jiandong University wants to give him special admission. I have to go check it out."

Now it was their turn to be astonished.

"What? That essay was your son's?"

"Special admission from Jiandong! Your son is incredible!"

"Go, go—don't forget to invite us to his graduation banquet!"

Chu Lan, her vanity thoroughly satisfied, grabbed her purse and stood up. "Let's play again another time. Today, I really have to go."