Chapter 278: Waiting for the Wind, We Run Together ①
“Then what about you? What school do you want to go to?” Nie Qiu placed the book in her hand on the bedside table and looked at Huang Yan. She knew that they had worked hard for almost a year, and most people would definitely be able to get into an ordinary high school. A few from their Class 10 could even get into a key high school, as they had already taken two mock exams and their classmates’ grades were good. However, if some people on campus persuaded parents to let their children attend a vocational high school, many parents would likely change their minds.
Many of those who persuaded them were so-called teachers and principals.
The principal hoped that students who couldn’t get into high school wouldn’t take the Senior High School Entrance Examination. This would increase their school’s enrollment rate, as the enrollment rate was calculated based on the number of students who took the exam and the number who were admitted. If those who couldn’t get in didn’t take the exam, the enrollment rate would significantly improve.
As for the teachers in the slow class, they would hope to get a commission. There were too many vocational schools, and recruiting students was already difficult. They would send students and teachers from their own schools to do promotion and give speeches in various classes. Then, the homeroom teachers of each class would also start persuading their students to attend vocational schools. For each student they introduced, the teacher would receive a certain commission.
The speeches and persuasions from these principals, teachers, and classmates were essentially a round of brainwashing for the students, telling them what society needed and what jobs they would be assigned. It was as if everything was for the students’ own good.
A truly good teacher should be like Teacher Yang, encouraging children to participate in the Senior High School Entrance Examination. If they pass, they can continue their studies and pursue a broader path. If they don’t pass, they can continue with junior high school, or attend a vocational high school, or some might even leave campus.
Teacher Yang’s point was that no matter what, they should participate in the Senior High School Entrance Examination. Without trying, how would anyone know if they could pass?
“Didn’t we agree? We’re going to Provincial First High School together!” Huang Yan glared at Nie Qiu. “But two people in our class have already picked up enrollment brochures for vocational schools. I think it might be because their parents said something, or maybe they’ve lost confidence in themselves.”
“Those people promoting vocational schools didn’t go to the fast class to promote,” Huang Yan said to Nie Qiu. “Three-fifths of the students in Class 9 might go to vocational school, half of Class 8 might go, and some from Class 7 and Class 6 as well.”
“As long as we make a decision and don’t regret it, that’s what matters. Others have the right to decide their own life,” Nie Qiu told Huang Yan. “No matter what, you still have to put in the effort.”
“Don’t worry,” Huang Yan nodded vigorously. “Don’t worry, I will definitely work hard, work harder, and work even harder. My rank in the entire grade was over one hundred and thirty in the last mock exam. If I keep working hard and maintain this, I will definitely be able to get into Provincial First High School.”
Nie Qiu smiled. “That’s good. I was afraid you wouldn’t get in!”
“Don’t always underestimate me, okay? The day before yesterday, Teacher Yang handed out last year’s Senior High School Entrance Examination papers, and I got first place in the entire class!” Huang Yan raised her head. “Don’t always look down on me.”
“Okay, okay, I won’t underestimate you, I won’t underestimate you. I’ll think highly of you.” Nie Qiu said with a smile. Huang Yan was sixteen years old, but not quite sixteen. Every time she saw Huang Yan speaking with a willful, stubborn, or unconvinced expression, Nie Qiu couldn’t help but feel that Huang Yan was like a younger sister to her, and she really wanted to treat her well.
Nie Aiwen arrived at the hospital with lunch. Nie Aifang also called Huang Yan over, and the four of them started eating together. Huang Yan didn’t stand on ceremony; she had been eating lunch with Nie Qiu at the hospital every day for the past few days anyway.
