Chapter 30: Jiang University's Strategy

Zhang Bowen drove his old Ford, which he’d owned for several years, to the entrance of Jiangcheng Experimental High School. Chu Lan was both excited and a little nervous as she asked, “Old Zhang, do you think we’re dreaming? That rascal actually has a chance to get into Jiang University?”

“It’s definitely not a dream. Let’s go inside and see what’s going on.”

It felt as if a pie had fallen from the sky, leaving the whole family a bit at a loss.

Having never set foot in the principal’s office before, Zhang Bowen put on the air of the family patriarch, shaking hands with Liu Chengzheng and the others first, saying, “Thank you all. Teacher Tao really managed to teach our mischievous child well.”

“Mr. Zhang, you must have a great academic atmosphere at home. Zhang Chu’s writing is truly impressive. His essay, ‘The Death of the Red Hare,’ is one of the best among all the perfect-scoring compositions in recent years’ college entrance exams,” Zhou Shaoxiong offered appropriate praise. If the essay hadn’t been outstanding and caused a stir, it would never have caught the eye of Jiang University’s admissions office.

Parents always relish hearing others praise their children. Chu Lan nodded repeatedly, adding, “He’s always had a talent for writing. Just a few days ago, he submitted a short story to a magazine. They say it might even win an award!”

“Oh? Really? Which magazine?” Zhou Shaoxiong hadn’t known about this and asked with genuine interest.

Zhang Chu gave an embarrassed laugh and explained, “It’s not a major magazine. It’s for a Sherlock Holmes-themed contest held by ‘Epoch Mystery.’ I had nothing to do after the exams, so I wrote a story.”

“Very good, it’s great just to have your work selected. When it’s published, I’ll be sure to buy a copy and read it.”

At this point, Wang Peixuan shook his head and remarked, “I’ve never even heard of that magazine. It probably doesn’t have much influence, right?”

Zhang Bowen immediately retorted, “‘Epoch Mystery’ is actually pretty good. It’s the largest domestic mystery magazine.”

“Well, even if it’s the largest mystery magazine, I’ve never heard of it. Zhang, you’d be better off focusing your energy on literature instead. Not many people read these mystery stories, and they won’t help your future.”

Zhang Chu realized he had never offended Wang Peixuan, yet from the beginning the teacher had exuded an air of superiority. Whether it was with Teacher Tao a moment ago or now with the discussion about ‘Epoch Mystery,’ it seemed his ignorance was worn as a badge of pride.

“Whether my time is wasted or not isn’t for others to decide. I think it’s worthwhile,” Zhang Chu replied neither humbly nor arrogantly. He wasn’t desperate to get into Jiang University—he had every reason to stand tall.

There’s a difference between asking for a favor and having nothing to ask for. The score Zhang Chu achieved in the exam gave him the confidence to make his own choices.

Zhang Bowen, concerned, asked, “Teacher Zhou, does Jiang University really have the option of special admissions now? Wouldn’t there be a lot of obstacles or problems?”

After all, the college entrance exam is a sacred matter. It would be wonderful if Zhang Chu could enter Jiang University, but if he failed, wouldn’t it make admission to other schools difficult as well?

“At Jiang University, we recently started a Humanities Science Experimental Class, which includes majors like Chinese Language and Literature, Classical Philology, Editing and Publishing, History, Philosophy, and Literature & Museology. Although Zhang Chu comes from a science background, we believe he has considerable talent in the humanities. He may choose from among these majors,” Tao Zhixin explained, unwilling to see the student fall into any traps.

Tao Zhixin quietly asked, “Is this special admission guaranteed regardless of his score, or does he still need to meet Jiang University’s minimum threshold? Or is there an allowance for lower scores?”

As the best university in Jiangdong Province, Jiang University certainly had the authority for independent recruitment, but Zhang Chu’s terms had yet to be finalized.

Now, college entrance exam applications are only submitted after results and cut-off lines are announced. If Zhang Chu selected Jiang University but wasn’t admitted, that would be a major problem.

Wang Peixuan spoke up, “We plan to base the decision on Zhang Chu’s exam results. If he meets Jiang University’s minimum, all the better. If not, we’ll proceed with special admissions. Zhang Chu, you must have checked your answers after the exam. What’s your estimated score?”

“I think my score will be very high—probably high enough not to need special admissions or a lower threshold,” Zhang Chu answered truthfully. He’d had outside help for Chinese, inside help for math, and among all the subjects, only the integrated sciences might drag him down a bit.

Even if he wasn’t the top scorer, he shouldn’t be far from it.

His words made the principal’s office fall silent. Everyone had their own thoughts.

This child really doesn’t know how to speak, Chu Lan thought, wanting to knock her son on the head. Even if he could score that high, wouldn’t it be smart to keep Jiang University as a backup? If his estimate was off, at least Jiang University would still be an option.

Liu Chengzheng frowned slightly. Yesterday’s interview had already shown him how sharp young people could be these days. College admission is a major life event; it’s not to be taken lightly.

Tao Zhixin was truly a good teacher. He tugged at Zhang Chu’s sleeve and cautioned him not to be so absolute in his words.

Wang Peixuan, already reluctant to admit a special candidate for a perfect score essay, now saw someone unappreciative and said coldly, “Then I wish you luck getting into Jiang University on your own merit.”

The ever-amiable Zhou Shaoxiong refrained from making a hasty decision and advised, “Zhang Chu, why don’t you discuss this with your parents first? We can have a final conversation tomorrow. No matter what, Jiang University would be very happy to welcome you.”

Admissions aren’t decided in a day. Zhang Bowen, too, wanted to go home and discuss things behind closed doors. He nodded, “Alright, we’ll give you a definite answer tomorrow.”

“Zhang Chu, don’t act on impulse. Being specially admitted to Jiang University is the dream of countless students. Think it through carefully when you’re home, and don’t make any rash decisions,” Tao Zhixin whispered in Zhang Chu’s ear, “Also, pay attention to whether they offer a written promise of admission or a pre-admission agreement. Verbal assurances mean nothing.”

“Thank you, Teacher Tao. I’ll think it over carefully.”

After saying their goodbyes to the teachers, Zhang Bowen left the building with his wife and son.

“Old Zhou, you represent Jiang University. If you admit just anyone, the school’s reputation will suffer,” Wang Peixuan’s prejudices came to the fore. He admitted the essay was excellent, but to admit a candidate based solely on one outstanding composition could bring serious criticism to Jiang University.

Zhou Shaoxiong shrugged helplessly. “This was all decided with the admissions office and the university’s approval. Besides, Jiang University is never short on controversy. If we don’t act before Tsinghua and Peking University make their moves, the media’s attention will go elsewhere.”

Every year, when the exam results come out, the fiercest competition is always between Tsinghua and Peking University for the top scorers. Amid the spectacle, a top university like Jiang University is usually just a spectator.

But now, by announcing special admission for Zhang Chu, Jiang University finally had its moment in the spotlight.