0p0 Chapter 270 Chen Shuning and his sister apply for admission to National Tsing Hua University
Chapter 270 Chen Shuning and his sister apply for admission to National Tsing Hua University
Xiang Qianjin's gaze fell on Chen Shuning's hands. Her fingers weren't particularly pretty; the skin was a bit rough, and there was a bump on her right middle finger. The Chen family wasn't well off, and Chen Shuning had said she wanted to work in the fields to earn work points.
Most 19-year-old rural girls would have long since resigned themselves to fate, following their families' arrangements to marry and have children. But she persevered, striving to change her destiny through education. What sustained her?
"Comrade Chen Shuning, can you tell me about your ideals?"
"My ideal?" Chen Shuning paused for a moment, his face full of longing, and said with a smile: "Actually, I can't really say what my ideal is, but I want to do something for women.
Comrade Xiang Qianjin, you're a journalist, and you must have seen many women whose minds are shackled. They spend their days confined to the kitchen stove, talking about their children all the time. Women shouldn't be like this.
We should be able to work in a variety of industries, just like men, and shine in our favorite professions. The President said women hold up half the sky, and I want to make this a reality, not just a slogan.
Xiang Qianjin's face was solemn. She had not expected that such a young female comrade could say such words.
Thinking of her situation and the contempt she received from her male colleagues at the newspaper, she nodded. What men could easily achieve, women had to work a hundred times harder to be on the same level as them.
There is still a long way to go to achieve gender equality.
Xiang Qianjin said admiringly: "Comrade Chen Shuning, I have confidence in you. You will definitely be able to realize your ideals."
Chen Shuning said softly, "Comrade Xiang Qianjin, you must be very outstanding."
Xiang Qianjin raised his eyebrows and asked, "Why do you say that?"
"You are a lesbian. To be a reporter for the China Daily, you must be an outstanding person."
Xiang Qianjin showed a sincere smile. She and Chen Shuning had something in common, that is, they did not succumb to fate and worked hard to move towards their ideals.
Chen Jiawang's voice came from outside the house. Xiang Qianjin looked outside anxiously and said, "Comrade Chen Shuning, let's go out! I want to interview your brother."
The Chen family courtyard was crowded with people, including leaders and reporters, as well as villagers who came to watch the fun.
Chen Jiawang was surrounded by people. He had just returned from the fields and was wearing a straw hat and ordinary clothes. His trouser legs and shoes were still stained with mud.
Chen Aiguo also rushed back. It was the first time he had seen such a large-scale event. But he did not show any fear. He was proud of his children.
After the greetings, Director Liu took out an envelope and handed it to Chen Shuning.
"It's a huge burden for a rural family to support two college students at once. This money was allocated to you two by the Anding County Culture and Education Bureau. I hope you can successfully complete your university studies."
Director Liu looked at Chen Aiguo with a hint of envy in his eyes and said with a smile: "Comrade Chen Aiguo, it is not easy to support your children's education. Thank you for your hard work!"
"Please rest assured, leaders, no matter how difficult it is, I will send my two children out. Besides, the leaders are so supportive of my two children's education, I can't let them down."
"Haha..." Director Liu laughed heartily, then pulled out a wad of change from his pocket and handed it to Chen Jiawang: "This is the money all the comrades in our Culture and Education Bureau collected for you and your sister. It's not much, but it's a token of our appreciation."
Xiang Qianjin had already set up her camera. She called out, "Everyone, please stand still. I'll take a few photos of you."
The flash went off, and everyone's faces were frozen on the film.
Xiang Qianjin took another photo of Chen Shuning and Chen Jiawang before putting away the camera.
After the commotion, the Chen family compound returned to peace. A truck pulled up at the door. Chen Jiaxing unloaded several large boxes from the truck, opened the door, and called out, "Jiawang, come out and move some stuff."
Chen Shuning was counting the money when he heard his eldest brother's call. He quickly put the money away and ran out.
Chen Jiaxing grinned widely as he walked in carrying a box. "Shuning, you and Jiawang really make me proud! I just got back from a business trip, and the factory leader told me that our family has a top-scoring daughter."
"Brother, you're finally back." Chen Shuning ran to the door and walked into the house with the box in his arms. "I've been waiting for a long time, just waiting for you to come back with these things so I can start working."
"Where are my parents? Why aren't my grandparents home?"
"Mom and Dad are working in the fields! My second brother went to town to look for Zhou Dajiang. Grandpa and grandma..." Chen Shuning said with a teasing look, "Grandpa and grandma are out showing off."
"Hahaha..." Chen Jiaxing moved the last box in, scooped a bucket of water from the water tank, and drank it up in gulps.
"Brother, I have some boiled water hanging out. I'll get it for you."
Chen Jiaxing waved his hand, put down the water scoop, and asked, "Shuning, don't take it anymore. I've had enough. Which university did you and Jiawang report to?"
Chen Shuning was silent for a moment, then said, "My brother and I applied to National Tsing Hua University, but we originally wanted to go to USTC."
"Why didn't you go to HKUST? Shuning, studying is related to your future. I hope you can go to the university of your choice."
"Well...Brother Guo hired a teacher to give my second brother and me some exams. He's a professor at National Tsing Hua University. After he found out my second brother and I's results, he called Dad."
Chen Shuning washed his hands and continued, "Brother, I originally wanted to study law, but Professor Zhang said that the number of people I can help is limited.
If I apply for his major and participate in academic research, once I achieve results, I can speak out on behalf of the majority of women. This is called saving the country in a roundabout way."
Chen Jiaxing frowned and said, "Isn't this just empty talk?"
"Brother, it's a shame that my grades are good enough for a law major." Chen Shuning explained, "The country needs technical talents, and my second brother and I are willing to do research."
Chen Shuning was silent for a moment and said, "Brother, I have thought it through clearly. I am not someone who will be led by others. I have independent thoughts."
Chen Jiawang picked up the scissors, opened the package, and said while working, "No matter what decision you make, big brother supports you!"
Chen Jiawang took out the parts from the box, put them on the ground, and said, "Shuning, I asked, you need glue sticks to make hairpins, so I bought a box of them."
Chen Shuning came over, looked at the white glue stick, and asked, "Brother, how do you use this thing?"
"You can use this thing by heating it up. Put it on a candle and burn it. When the glue stick melts, apply it to the hairpin and then stick the decorations on."
Chen Shuning had already opened the package and looked at the colorful things, a smile appeared on her face.
"Shuning, you and mom make these at home. If Zhou Dajiang can't sell them all, I'll help you sell them. I know a few friends in business who can help."
Chen Shuning nodded and said, "Brother, the county has allocated some money for my second brother and me. We have enough money for our studies. You don't have to support us. Just hurry up and have a child with my eldest sister-in-law!"
Two red clouds climbed up Chen Jiaxing's cheeks. Chen Jiaxing coughed twice and hummed vaguely.
"I have to rush back to the factory. Our factory is doing well this year. I'll take a day off tomorrow and leave again the day after tomorrow."
"Brother, let's go back after dinner!"
Chen Jiaxing waved his hand and said, "No, it's not far from Anding County to Dahe Town. I'll be back too late, and the leaders will be dissatisfied."