“How is student Chen Feng?”
Wang Ziwei’s heart was in her throat.
“He scored the highest mark, 85 out of a perfect 100.”
Director Zhou replied with great excitement.
This international politics class monthly test was very difficult. Logically, no one should have passed, yet there was someone who scored 85. Furthermore, this student was not a full-time student, but an off-campus one.
This was unprecedented in the history of Ducheng University.
“That’s unlikely. I asked several professors about this test, and even they only managed to pass. How could Chen Feng score 85?”
Wang Ziwei could hardly believe her ears. If Chen Feng had passed, she would believe it. But scoring 85? She truly couldn’t believe it.
According to the professors of the international politics class, anyone who could score 85 on this paper would definitely be qualified to work in China’s think tank.
The problem was, Chen Feng was currently only a deputy town head, still a far cry from China’s think tank.
“The 85 includes bonus points. Everyone scored very poorly this time. Out of 100, most scored around 20. To make the scores look better, every student was given a base score of 20 points. That means Chen Feng actually scored 65. If Chen Feng truly has talent, scoring 65 shouldn’t be difficult.”
Director Zhou explained briefly.
“I understand, Director Zhou. I was just about to look for Chen Feng. I’ll tell him his test results.”
Wang Ziwei said with excitement.
“Oh, right. While you’re telling him his score, also mention that next week, he’ll be participating in a debate competition representing Ducheng University. If Ducheng University wins this debate, he can get his degree certificate in three days instead of waiting half a year.”
Director Zhou said earnestly.
“Understood, Director Zhou. I will tell Chen Feng about this.”
With that, Wang Ziwei went to find Chen Feng.
Chen Feng, as usual, was in the library.
“Chen Feng, I have two pieces of good news. Which one do you want to hear first?”
Wang Ziwei said softly.
“Since they are both good news, there’s no order. Just tell me them.”
Chen Feng asked with confusion.
He had just been outmaneuvered by Wang Zihao and Wang Zishan. They had used the resources of the Ducheng Wang family to make the international politics class monthly test exceptionally difficult.
Frankly speaking, this was the most challenging exam he had ever taken.
Given this, how could there be good news? Let alone two pieces of good news.
“With our relationship, I wouldn’t lie to you. The first piece of good news is that you scored 85 in this monthly test, ranking first. Even with the 20 bonus points, it doesn’t affect your first-place standing. The other good news is that you can get your second degree from Ducheng University three days early and return to be the deputy town head.”
Wang Ziwei said excitedly.
“Teacher Wang, is that true? Ducheng University never issues degrees early, does it?”
Chen Feng asked with doubt.
“According to normal procedures, Ducheng University doesn’t issue degrees early. However, in special circumstances, they do. You’re an experienced veteran in the political arena, you should know that nothing is set in stone. The leaders of Ducheng University said that next week, there’s a national university debate. If you lead the Huaxia University team to victory, Ducheng University will naturally issue your second degree early.”
Wang Ziwei explained.
“That’s possible! However, Teacher Wang, Ducheng University is the highest institution of learning in Huaxia, with countless top scorers from the national college entrance examinations over the years. I’m just a graduate from a second-tier university, with no particular advantage. Why do you need my help for next week’s debate?”
Chen Feng asked with confusion.
“Chen Feng, this is where you’re mistaken. A debate requires not only intelligence and academic qualifications, but more importantly, life experience. You’ve been working at the grassroots level of the political arena for so many years; in terms of experience, you absolutely crush these pampered elites from Ducheng University.”
Wang Ziwei looked at Chen Feng with admiration.
Chen Feng smiled modestly upon hearing this.
“Teacher Wang, logically speaking, you’ve put a lot of effort into my exam results this time, and I should thank you properly. However, the national university speech competition is next week, and I need to start preparing immediately, so I won’t have time to accompany you.”
Chen Feng said directly.
The national university debate competition next week was a great opportunity, and he had to give it his all. This way, he could return to Mingshan Town three days earlier.
Although the environment at Ducheng University was infinitely better than in Mingshan Town, he still preferred being at the grassroots level at this stage.
The longer he stayed at the grassroots of the political arena, the more grounded he felt.
If he stayed for a few more years and built up his strength, he would be able to gallop through the political arenas of Jiangcheng, the provincial capital, and even the capital city.
“I have one last question. After I ask it, I’ll leave. How do you plan to prepare for next week’s debate?”
Wang Ziwei asked curiously.
“I will watch recordings of past Huaxia University debate competitions repeatedly. It’s like preparing for the college entrance examination; you cram practice questions before the exam. Without practice, no matter how intelligent you are, you won’t score high.”
Chen Feng replied earnestly.
Wang Ziwei deeply agreed.
That was precisely how she had scored so high in her entrance exams for Ducheng University, and then for her master’s and doctoral degrees – by cramming practice questions before the exams.
Cramming questions primarily improved one’s test-taking speed and intuition. Combined with academic talent, high scores were achievable.
After reminding Chen Feng to take care of his health, Wang Ziwei left.
After Wang Ziwei left, Chen Feng immediately called Cheng Lu over, and they went to a hotel near Ducheng University to watch recordings of past Huaxia University debate competitions.
Cheng Lu felt very happy.
Chen Feng was truly a sincere person; he hadn’t forgotten her when the opportunity for fame arose.
However, Cheng Lu also felt a bit worried.
After watching recordings with Chen Feng for two days, Cheng Lu discovered a problem: she didn’t have much talent for debating.
It felt like reading a foreign language.
“Chen Feng, forget it. I won’t participate in the debate team. My intelligence…”
Cheng Lu said dejectedly at noon.
“Miss Cheng, you should have confidence. You are a top student at Ducheng University.”
Chen Feng said with a smile, trying to persuade her.
“Chen Feng, I can barely call myself a top student at Ducheng University. Back then, I got into Ducheng University with a high score. But you’re different from me; you’re a versatile talent, proficient in all aspects. I’m not like that. I’m fine in other areas, but when it comes to debating, I’m truly not good. I look at the debaters from previous years, their minds and souls are simply awe-inspiring. With my brain, debating them would be a hundred percent loss. So, I don’t want to hold you back.”
Cheng Lu said, defeated.
“Hmm, women do tend to be a bit lacking in debating. But it’s okay, you can be the scribe and just jot down some key phrases. It’s not that difficult.”
Chen Feng replied after thinking.
“Isn’t that letting me reap the benefits of your debate achievements for free?”
Cheng Lu replied with some embarrassment.
“You are my woman, it’s only right.”
Chen Feng blurted out a sweet phrase.
Cheng Lu was stunned for a moment, and her face immediately turned red with happiness and relief.
She had witnessed Chen Feng’s growth step by step over the years!
In the past, Chen Feng was a shy young man, driving for Mayor Qin, at the very bottom of the political ladder!
Now, he was a rising star in Jiangcheng’s political scene, with immense progress.
In terms of women, he had also improved.
Before, Chen Feng wouldn’t even dare to look her in the eye. Now, he could utter sweet nothings with ease.
It had to be said that the political arena was indeed a dyeing vat, capable of changing a person rapidly.
“By the way, Chen Feng, do you know who our Ducheng University delegation’s strongest opponent will be in this national university debate?”
Cheng Lu asked tentatively.