In April, news about the exchange student program finally materialized. The university secured a spot for study abroad in the United States.
This was the first spot the university had successfully obtained since the resumption of the college entrance examination, highlighting its immense value.
The department specifically convened a seminar. After persistent efforts by Huang Jianjun and Chen Yinchu, the Foreign Languages Department managed to secure this coveted position.
"Does your department have a student named Jiang Yuwei?" the principal asked abruptly after the meeting concluded.
Huang Jianjun and Chen Yinchu exchanged a glance, with the latter nodding and replying, "Yes, she's a student from the '77 cohort, in the class I'm teaching."
"Her academic performance is good, isn't it?"
Chen Yinchu responded, "Mmm, she receives scholarships every year."
The principal continued, "The selection of exchange students is of utmost importance. You must ensure strict adherence to standards. If there are talented individuals, do not let them be overlooked."
Both Chen Yinchu and Huang Jianjun understood the unspoken message: the principal favored Jiang Yuwei.
"Sir, our class also has a student whose academic performance is on par with Jiang Yuwei. She's currently working as a teaching assistant in the Mathematics Department and is an outstanding student with excellent moral character."
Selecting a candidate shouldn't solely rely on influence; long-term considerations were also crucial. Chen Lishu intended to remain at the university after graduation, and upon returning from her studies abroad, she would undoubtedly become a key figure in the department. As he was aging, even if he wished to teach for a few more years, his physical condition and energy wouldn't permit it.
Huang Jianjun chimed in, "Old Chen, I recall she was the freshman representative and gave a speech at the opening ceremony this year?"
"Yes, that's the one."
"Come to think of it, wasn't she the one who initiated the English Corner and represented our school in interviews with the newspaper?"
"Precisely. She has progressive thinking, is proactive in her work, and often helps her classmates. Her reputation among peers is also excellent."
The principal...
He had merely asked a question, and these two were now singing a duet in front of him.
"Publicly funded study abroad is a significant matter. Although this is only the first year, it will certainly not be the last. Our college will have more opportunities for students to study abroad in the future. In any case, you must take this seriously, ensure strict selection, and conduct thorough review work. Students recommended for the examination must have a clean family political background and be outstanding individuals who have developed comprehensively in moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic, and labor aspects."
Emerging from the principal's office, Huang Jianjun patted Chen Yinchu's shoulder. "How was it, Old Chen? Did we cooperate well?"
"If they don't even give me this bit of face, don't expect me to play chess with you, a terrible player, anymore."
Afterward, both couldn't help but laugh.
"Leave the matter of the quota to you. After all, there's only one spot, and having too many people doesn't make much sense. I think it's best if it's just the two of them. Regardless, the final decision will depend on the examination results."
Chen Yinchu nodded. Upon returning to his office, he summoned both Chen Lishu and Jiang Yuwei.
"I assume you both know why I've called you here. The quota for the publicly funded exchange student program has been approved, but due to various reasons, our university only has one spot. I've called you both here because your performance and academic achievements have been outstanding. However, you will still need to take the study abroad examination, which consists of written and oral components. Please prepare yourselves during this time..."
Leaving Chen Yinchu's office, Jiang Yuwei couldn't help but cast a glance in Chen Lishu's direction. She was determined to secure this exchange student spot. Her grandfather had already spoken to the principal, but she hadn't expected Chen Lishu to still be eligible to participate. Moreover, judging by their recent conversation, their relationship seemed to be quite close.
The examination comprised both written and oral sections. Jiang Yuwei believed their written performances would be similar, but the oral examination was uncertain, as Chen Lishu's spoken English was even better than that of some teachers, which was likely why she was a teaching assistant.
"What is it? Why are you looking at me like that? Don't you recognize me?" Chen Lishu asked with a smile, turning her head as she felt Jiang Yuwei's gaze.
"I will definitely get this exchange student spot," Jiang Yuwei stated before turning and exiting through the staircase on the other side.
...
Seeing them both summoned to the teacher's office and then entering the classroom one after another, Yang Lili suddenly realized something. The pen in her hand creaked ominously as she gripped it tighter.
After working so hard for so long, was she still not even going to have a fair chance to compete for selection?
"Lishu, what did the teacher want to talk to you about?" Zhang Xue asked curiously as Chen Lishu approached. "Was it about the publicly funded exchange student program? Are you going abroad? Will you forget your good friend me after you've studied overseas?"
"How could I possibly?" Chen Lishu replied with a smile. "Even if I can go, I'll only be back in about a year. Don't worry, you're so considerate and charming, I'd never forget you, no matter who else I forgot."
"Hehe, I knew you liked me the best."
"Crack." The fountain pen in Yang Lili's hand finally snapped into two pieces due to excessive force.
Regaining her composure, and fearing that her classmates might notice her distress, Yang Lili hastily concealed the broken pen in her desk drawer.
After a moment of hesitation, as if having made a firm decision, she stood up and left the classroom.
"Knock, knock."
"Come in." Chen Yinchu, engrossed in writing, looked up at the sound of the door opening. He was slightly surprised to see Yang Lili enter. "Student Yang, is there something you need?"
He had some impression of this student; she was usually quiet but very diligent and had good grades.
Yang Lili clenched her fingers at her sides, took a deep breath, and raised her head. "Teacher, regarding the exchange student program, could you please give me a chance to take the examination as well?"
This was the first time she had proactively advocated for herself. She felt a mix of excitement, nervousness, and even a touch of timid fear, but having spoken, her hands and feet felt cold and numb. She forced herself to continue with the words she had carefully rehearsed. "I will definitely work twice as hard and will absolutely not let you down if you give me this opportunity."
Chen Yinchu noticed her nervousness and smiled, gesturing for her to relax. "It's alright. It's good that you have the desire to compete. I'll speak with the department head later. It shouldn't be a problem."
Previously, he had considered that since there was only one spot, there was no point in having too many people participate in the examination. Now that Yang Lili had expressed her interest, and her qualifications were generally suitable, even if her grades weren't quite as high as the other two, Chen Yinchu saw no reason to object to her participation.
Hearing Chen Yinchu's promise, Yang Lili let out a sigh of relief, her eyes welling up with emotion. She bowed deeply to Chen Yinchu. "Thank you, teacher, for giving me this opportunity."
Recalling information he had gathered from other students, Chen Yinchu kindly inquired, "Your family... if you are indeed selected, will there be any issues?"