The college entrance examination, which had been suspended for a decade and was resumed for the first time, was truly efficient. The preparations were swift, the exam was held quickly, and the scores were released and admission notices sent out in no time.
The exam took place at the end of November, and by mid - December, the scores were out. After receiving the scores, the school called Yan Xue.
Mainly because she had performed exceptionally well. Yan Xue was somewhat of a well - known figure in Changshan, so the school took the initiative to convey the good news to her.
After getting the news, Yan Xue called Yan Jigang at his school to inform him that the scores were out and to ask how he had done.
As it turned out, Yan Jigang was also about to share his good news with her. He had scored 346 points, a full 60 points higher than the second - ranked student in his school.
In this year's college entrance examination, the full score was only 400. For liberal arts students, the exam covered mathematics, Chinese, politics, history, and geography; for science students, it was mathematics, Chinese, politics, physics, and chemistry.
Yan Jigang had graduated some time ago and had only studied for a month. In an era when learning was generally not highly regarded, his score was definitely not low.
This was evident from his obviously excited voice. The only factor that might have an impact was English, but his proficiency was also much higher than that of his peers.
Yan Xue congratulated her younger brother. After calming down a bit, Yan Jigang quickly asked, "Sis, how about you? What score did you get?"
Since Yan Xue had graduated some time ago and was worried about performing poorly, she had started reviewing several months in advance. Her score was even higher than Yan Jigang's.
She scored 362. She did well in mathematics, Chinese, physics, and chemistry, but her performance in politics was a bit lacking.
However, she had an advantage. While others had achieved their scores entirely through their own abilities, she didn't have much to be proud of, so she didn't publicize her result.
But even without publicity, those who needed to know still found out. Qu Mingli even inquired about the overall provincial scores for her and told her that she should be able to get admitted.
Sure enough, in January, both she and Yan Jigang received their admission notices, which were very simple and plain pieces of paper in the envelopes.
The paper only contained basic admission information and the deadline for registration, along with the official seal of the committee. There was also an enrollment guide in the letter, listing the items to be prepared.
First, it was the household register, followed by the transfer certificate for grain and oil relations. They also had to bring 15 - day national general - use grain coupons and a collection of the selected works of the leader.
Although the style was different from previous times, when Yan Xue held the notice in her hand, she felt a lump in her throat.
How long had she been waiting for this admission notice? Two lifetimes, two different time - spaces, and two lives intertwined in dreams and reality.
In her dreams, she would often achieve her wish, but when she woke up, she would feel lost. She dared not show her disappointment and had to greet customers with a smile and take care of her father.
She read the words on the notice one by one again. Suddenly, she felt a hand land on her head and gently ruffle her hair. It was Qi Fang.
The man looked down at her. Amidst the room full of joy, he only had eyes for her, as if he could understand all her feelings at that moment.
He was the only one who knew about the deep - seated regret hidden in her heart. He wanted to help her make up for that regret, fill the void, and heal the wound.
Yan Xue smiled again. Her eyes were brighter than ever, as if there were stars twinkling in them.
Suddenly, the Yan family had two college students. Even without publicity, with their scores out there, people around them soon found out.
Moreover, since Yan Xue had been admitted to a university in Yanjing, it meant that she would leave the cultivation center and Changshan.
This was different from her transfer from Jinchuan to the county. This time, she was going far away, and it was really possible that they might never see each other again. Everyone was both happy for her and felt a sense of reluctance.
But despite the reluctance, after the last meeting of the year, Yan Xue packed her things and submitted her resignation letter to Qu Mingli.
"I was still thinking of recommending you to a worker - peasant - soldier university, but you got admitted on your own," Qu Mingli said with a sigh.
More than eight years had passed, and the years had also left their mark on the secretary's face. Apart from his gentle nature, he now exuded more calmness and composure.
Yan Xue smiled and said, "It's all the same. In the future, I'll have to trouble Secretary Qu to take more care of the cultivation center."
"Definitely. I've already applied to the provincial government to develop auricularia auricula cultivation as a characteristic industry in Changshan City," Qu Mingli revealed.
After saying that, he looked at the resignation letter and asked, "You're leaving. Don't you have any plans for me this time?"
Obviously, he was joking. Yan Xue also replied with a smile, "No. As for things like increasing production and selling products outside the province, it's up to the next manager."
Actually, she did have some plans, but it was still too early to reveal them. She would have to wait until after the reform and opening - up.
She wondered if Qu Mingli would still be in this position at that time. If not, she hoped they could find a trustworthy person to take over.
But Changshan was his foundation and starting point. She believed that like her, he would also cherish this bond and take care of this land.
She also hoped that this land and these forests would survive the future transformation from logging to forest management and have new possibilities and a new beginning.
After all the official business was discussed, the years of pleasant cooperation between the superior and subordinate came to an end. However, they still had a good personal relationship.
Qu Mingli said with a kind smile, "Once you go to university, Qi Fang will probably follow you, right? The provincial tractor factory has been trying to transfer him to the province."
The notice of the Science Conference had already been issued, and it was confirmed that it would be held on March 18. Qi Fang would participate with the provincial delegation at that time.
The provincial tractor factory was unaware of the situation here and had been trying to poach him, but Qi Fang refused. It wasn't simply because he wanted to go with Yan Xue.
Yan Xue didn't hide it from Qu Mingli. "It's been announced that postgraduate admissions will resume next year. He wants to apply to the Graduate School of the University of Science and Technology of China."
Qi Fang had wasted ten years. Although he had successfully improved the hydrostatic system, he only had an undergraduate degree, and it was not easy for him to conduct independent projects.
Without the plot in the original story where Wu Xingde stole his teacher's research results and without the single - minded pursuit of revenge, after careful consideration, he decided to continue his studies.
Coincidentally, with the resumption of the college entrance examination, postgraduate admissions were also put on the agenda. Due to the tight schedule, the admissions for 1977 and 1978 were combined.
Currently, graduate schools in various universities were being re - established, and the first one to be approved was the Graduate School of the University of Science and Technology of China.
Affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the school's learning content was personally determined by the academy. In this era, its scientific research strength was stronger than that of the graduate schools of Tsinghua University and Peking University.
Yan Xue thought it was a good thing. Machinery was Qi Fang's passion. Being able to continue his studies and simply pursue his love was better than turning his passion into a tool for revenge.
With his engineer - level qualification and the important project he had completed, he could apply for his own research projects during his postgraduate studies.
Perhaps one day, he might still embark on the path of starting a business as in the original book, but it would be his own choice, not the only way out he was forced into.
So, the family's last Spring Festival in Changshan passed by. This time, there was no need for Yan Xue to be on duty, and she could quietly stay at home waiting for the baby to arrive. The Second Old Lady took care of her while also helping her grandson prepare things for school. She was kept busy running around the house every day.
Yan Xue's due date was in February, so she definitely couldn't make it to school registration. Fortunately, she had considered this long ago. As soon as she received the admission notice, she wrote a letter to the school.
In the letter, she explained her situation and hoped that the school could be lenient and allow her to register one month later after giving birth.
Maybe the school had never seen anyone take the exam while pregnant, but her score was indeed not low. It was thirty or forty points higher than Yanda's admission score in the province.
In the end, the school replied and agreed to her delayed enrollment. If it was really inconvenient, she could also enroll with the class of '78 in the autumn.
So, only Yan Jigang had to go to school for registration at the end of February. It was the first time for the little grandson to go on a long - distance trip alone. How could the Second Old Lady not worry?
However, Yan Jigang himself wasn't that nervous. "It's okay, Grandma. When sister was my age, didn't she come to the Northeast alone?"
"That was out of desperation," the Second Old Lady said. "Do you think I wanted her to go so far alone? It's just that in this era, you need a letter of introduction everywhere you go, so there are no child - snatchers."
Yan Xue stood there, supporting her waist and watching. She was in the late stage of pregnancy and had difficulty moving around, so she couldn't help the Second Old Lady with the packing.
Just then, the postman came and said there was a letter for Qi Fang. Yan Jigang, being quick - footed, immediately went out to pick it up for his brother - in - law.
When he came back, Qi Fang was already standing at the door of the inner room. He took the letter, glanced at it, then tore it open and took out the letter paper, handing the envelope to Yan Xue.
Yan Xue took a look. "It's from our dad." Just as she was wondering if there was something important, Qi Fang froze.
His hand holding the letter paper tightened. After a long while, he shifted his gaze to Yan Xue's face. "Our dad said that the authorities are going to rehabilitate some scientists."
Indeed, the authorities were going to rehabilitate some scientists. They would not only restore their reputations but also hold an urn - placement ceremony next month.
Su Changqing was not among these well - known scientists, but this was at least a sign that the authorities were willing to clear the grievances of these intellectuals and give them justice.
Wasn't this the very sign that Qi Fang had been patiently waiting for all these years and that Wei Shuxian had been longing for?
"Contact Master - mother and ask her to write a petition and go to Yanjing to plead for justice. We'll also write one ourselves. We won't wait," Yan Xue said softly.
It would take another year or two for a full rehabilitation. Instead of waiting anxiously, it was better to take the initiative.
Qi Fang looked at her gentle and determined smile. "Okay." Just as he was about to go to the writing desk to write a letter, he saw Yan Xue holding her belly, and her face suddenly changed.
He immediately went over to support her. "What's wrong? Is it time to give birth?" He saw Yan Xue nod affirmatively.
Now, the Second Old Lady no longer cared about her little grandson, and Qi Fang no longer cared about the letter. They quickly packed things and prepared to send Yan Xue to Jiangcheng City Hospital.
Changshan had just been established as a city, and many things, such as the medical level, hadn't caught up yet. To have a safe delivery, they still had to go to Jiangcheng.
Although Yan Xue had had a prenatal check - up before and there was no abnormal fetal position, indicating a normal delivery was possible, it was still more reassuring to have a doctor who could perform a cesarean section.
Qi Fang rode his bicycle to find the driver at the cultivation center. The driver then drove the cultivation center's car to send Yan Xue to Jiangcheng City Hospital.
Qi Fang and the Second Old Lady were in the back of the car. Of course, they sat in the cart behind. Only little Qi Yanyu was left in Yan Jigang's care.
This time, the process was faster. Only three hours after she entered the hospital, the cries of a baby came from inside.
The nurse who assisted in the delivery came out to announce the good news. "The mother has given birth to a baby girl. Both the mother and the baby are safe."
Qi Fang immediately asked the nurse, "Can I go in and have a look?" The nurse went back inside. "Let me see if everything is ready."
After a short while, she came out and informed the family members that they could go in. Qi Fang and the Second Old Lady rushed in. Qi Fang headed straight for Yan Xue.
Maybe because the delivery was fast this time, Yan Xue looked a bit better than last time, but she was still sweating all over and her face was pale.
Qi Fang talked to her for a few words to make sure she was okay. Then he noticed the nurse weighing the baby and asked, "This time, it's not a son, right?"
It seemed that he hadn't listened at all just now. And what did he mean by "this time, it's not a son"? How much of a psychological shadow did he have about having a son?
Anyway, the nurse was quite speechless, and so was Yan Xue. Fortunately, it was a girl. Otherwise, the baby would have been guarded against by the father from birth.
After Yan Xue took a short nap and had the millet porridge cooked by the Second Old Lady, she looked at the swaddled baby beside her pillow and suddenly remembered something. "Is it February 14th today?"
The Second Old Lady was used to the lunar calendar and didn't react at first. It was Qi Fang, who was about to take the bowl out to wash, who turned his eyes and looked over. "Yes."
This little one really knew how to pick a date. Nine years ago, it was also on this day that Yan Xue and Qi Fang got married.
Just as Yan Xue was thinking this, Qi Fang was looking at her. "It's been nine years since we got married."
He had thought of it too. Yan Xue's eyes curved into a smile. Seeing this, the Second Old Lady quickly snatched the bowl and chopsticks from her grandson - in - law.
"The water room is over there by the stairs. I'll just go to the toilet," she said, completely forgetting that she had just gone. Then she took the things and left.
Qi Fang sat back beside the hospital bed. He looked at the new - born baby girl and then at Yan Xue. "February 14th is also Western Valentine's Day."
His voice was low, mellow, and gentle, as if tinged with a touch of tenderness. Yan Xue was slightly surprised. "You know that too?"
Well, it wasn't strange since he was proficient in both Russian and English.
It was just that when they first met, they hadn't thought much about it. Looking back now, they found that everything was just right.
The next day, little Qi Yanyu came to see his new - born sister with his uncle. He didn't say anything, but his big almond - shaped eyes were wide open, obviously thinking that his sister was a bit ugly.
This time, Yan Jigang was the experienced one. He told his nephew, "She'll look better as she grows. You were like this when you were a baby too."
The little nephew obviously didn't believe it, but since he was already a 'big nephew', he still had to praise his sister for being cute against his will.
Qi Fang could tell what was going on in his son's mind but didn't expose him. Instead, he asked Yan Jigang, "Did you bring the things?"
"Here it is." Yan Jigang immediately took out a wolf's fang from his inside pocket. There was already a red string on it that the Second Old Lady had tied before.
Qi Fang carefully tied the wolf's fang around his daughter's neck. Now, Yan Xue had one, Yan Jigang had one, Qi Yanyu had one, and the little daughter had one. All four wolf's fangs finally found their owners.
Seven days later, Yan Xue was discharged from the hospital. Fully covered up, she went home to continue her confinement. Their Valentine's Day baby also had her own name, Qi Zhiyu.
Yan Xue thought of the letter before her delivery and what Qi Fang had been thinking and longing for over the years. "Is it the 'Zhiyu' from the phrase 'the kindness of meeting and knowing'?"
Qi Fang had just written down these two characters on the paper. Hearing this, he closed his pen, turned his eyes to look at her, and said, "No."
Yan Xue was taken aback. He then whispered again, "It's the 'Zhiyu' meaning 'to know and meet'."
The teacher was the first half of his life, his guide, and also his lifelong regret and unfulfilled longing.
But fortunately, God sent him a rainstorm and a hailstorm, and then in the long cold, gave him someone to hold an umbrella for him and accompany him on the journey.
There were some people he would always keep in his heart, but from now on, the one who would accompany him on the way forward was this unexpected encounter he had by chance.
It was their two children they had conceived together, it was his grandma and Jigang, and it was this family they had gradually built up from difficulties.
Three days later, Yan Jigang shouldered his bag, said goodbye to his grandma who had taken care of him for many years, his sister and brother - in - law, and his little nephew and niece at home. Then he took the train to Yanjing alone.
Half a month later, Qi Fang set off for the provincial capital. In the provincial capital, he wrote the first letter to Yan Xue to report his safety, and then went to the capital with the provincial delegation.
On the day when Yan Xue finished her confinement, he just arrived in Yanjing. He was arranged to stay in a state - owned hotel near the Great Hall with the delegation.
There had been many meetings in the capital in the past two years, and the staff in charge of preparing for the meetings had gained experience in receiving guests. After settling them down, they also told them that they could move freely during their free time outside the meetings.
Qi Fang was looking at a certain direction outside the hotel without saying a word at that time. After the delegation counted the number of people again and was dismissed, he picked up his things and prepared to go out.
"Going to send something to your brother - in - law?" The engineer from the provincial tractor factory who shared the room with him was quite familiar with him and knew that he had a brother - in - law studying at a university in Yanjing.
Qi Fang didn't deny it. Before going out, he looked in that direction again and then took the bus to send the newly made pancakes from home to Yan Jigang.
Yan Jigang was at an age with a big appetite. The food stamps issued by the school definitely weren't enough. The family also got some national - wide usable food stamps for him.
When he came back, the sun was setting in the west and the setting sun covered the ground. Qi Fang was about to return to the guesthouse when someone called him from not far away, "Xiaofang."
There were only a few people who would call him like this. Qi Fang paused for a moment, then turned back and saw Qi Kai sitting on a bicycle not far away.
"It really is you." Qi Kai immediately got off the bicycle and walked a few steps quickly. "When did you come back? Where's your wife? Didn't she come with you?"
Five years had passed since their last meeting. Qi Kai didn't look as thin as before, and he had shed his tired and depressed look and regained his vitality.
But when the two brothers met, they still felt a bit strange to each other. Qi Fang looked at him and said, "I came here alone for the science and technology conference."
Although there had been correspondence between the two sides in the past few years, most of the letters were written by Qi Jingwei. Qi Fang would at most send back a photo or let his eldest son at home write a few words.
Qi Kai didn't know that Su Changqing had left something for him, let alone that he had improved the system and got the qualification to enter the conference.
Hearing what he said, Qi Kai couldn't hide his disappointment. He also felt that his rejection back then had pushed the person further away, but at the same time, he was proud of him.
Even after wandering in the border area for more than a decade, when he came back, he was still that teenage genius who had been admitted to university at the age of fourteen and could still stand on the podium dazzlingly.
His back was straight, his belief remained unchanged, and the things he had always been persistent about would soon be within his reach, although it was many years late.
After a long while, Qi Kai said to his younger brother, "Since you're back, go back and see our dad. He's getting old and his health is much worse than before."
Qi Fang didn't say a word. Qi Kai's full - hearted complexity and eager expectation were like the setting sun at this moment, sinking bit by bit.
Just then, someone came out of the hotel, saw Qi Fang, and shouted, "You're back! We were just talking about you. It's time for dinner."
Qi Fang responded and was about to walk back. Qi Kai felt his heart sink even more, but he didn't know what to say and what else he could say for a moment.
Just at this time, Qi Fang suddenly turned his head. "By the way, Yan Xue was admitted to Yanjing University, and her brother was admitted to the Foreign Languages University. I want to find a house in the capital."
