https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-165-The-Eldest-Son-s-Path-to-Wealth/12849296/
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Chapter 166: The Value of a Peking University Degree
Chapter 166: The Value of a Peking University Degree
10:00 AM.
Outside the County Education Bureau.
A middle-aged man emerged from the building, his face beaming with excitement, clutching a notebook in his hand. This man was none other than Li Hongjun, the homeroom teacher of Class 34 at Songshan High School. He was here to check and record the college entrance exam scores for his students.
"Teacher Li!"
As soon as Li Hongjun stepped out, he heard a familiar voice. Looking up, he saw his star student, Deng Yunheng. With a wave of excitement, he exclaimed, "Deng Yunheng, you're this year's top scorer in the liberal arts for our city! Your score is even 9 points higher than our initial estimate. You're guaranteed a spot at Peking University!"
While Deng Yunheng had been confident about his estimated score, the actual results always carried a bit of uncertainty. This was why his father had advised the family not to publicize his exam results just yet.
Now, with his teacher's confirmation, Deng Yunheng finally felt a weight lift off his shoulders. "That's great news!"
Deng Shirong, who was also present, felt a surge of pride. However, his psychological age of nearly 80 years quickly helped him regain his composure. He smiled and greeted the teacher, "Hello, Teacher Li. I'm Deng Yunheng's father."
Li Hongjun hurriedly responded, "Hello, Mr. Deng!"
After a few polite exchanges, Deng Shirong extended an invitation, "Teacher Li, I've been meaning to meet you for a while now, but I never found the right opportunity. It's a rare coincidence to meet you here. I'd like to invite you to dinner to thank you for your guidance of Yunheng over the past two years."
Li Hongjun's face lit up, "Thank you, Mr. Deng. It's all part of my job."
More pleasantries followed, but Deng Shirong's persistent invitation eventually convinced Li Hongjun to accept.
...
Half an hour later.
At a restaurant on West City Road, Deng Shirong and his son enjoyed a meal with Teacher Li Hongjun, engaging in lively conversation.
Deng Shirong asked, "Teacher Li, how many students from Songshan High School were accepted into universities this year?"
Swallowing a mouthful of food, Li Hongjun's face broke into a radiant smile, "Three students in total, and two of them are from our Class 34."
"This shows how effective your teaching has been," Deng Shirong praised, though he couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy. Without his second son's unexpected achievement, out of over 200 graduates, only two would have been accepted into university. The acceptance rate was less than 1%, making the college entrance exam a true test of one's mettle, akin to a thousand soldiers crossing a narrow bridge.
Of course, due to the extremely low acceptance rate, the value of a university degree in this era was unparalleled. Even students from the same university in later times couldn't compare to those of today.
Deng Yunheng interjected, "Teacher, is the other student the class president?"
Li Hongjun chuckled, "Yes, it's him. His score was even 12 points higher than our estimate, so he's also guaranteed a place at a university."
Deng Yunheng wasn't surprised. The class president had always been a strong student. In fact, during their first year of high school, Deng Yunheng's grades were not as good as the president's. It was only after he started to study harder in their second year that his grades began to improve dramatically.
The three of them continued to chat and eat, spending nearly an hour before concluding their meal.
Even after Li Hongjun left, Deng Shirong did not invite him to the celebratory dinner for his son's university acceptance. Although the scores were in and Peking University was a sure thing, Deng Shirong was cautious and preferred to wait for the official acceptance letter before making any plans.
Since the date for the celebration was still uncertain, it wouldn't be appropriate to extend an invitation to his son's teacher just yet.
...
After inviting Mr. Li to finish his meal, it was already noon.
Deng Shirong and his son, after much inquiry, finally found the county theater troupe's headquarters.
Upon explaining their purpose, Deng Shirong and his son were introduced to the troupe's leader.
After exchanging pleasantries, Deng Shirong asked, "Director Zhou, I’d like to inquire about the cost if we want to invite your troupe to perform in the countryside. How much would it be?"
Director Zhou smiled and replied, "Comrade, it depends on the play. If it’s a short play that can be finished in a day, it would cost just a few dozen yuan. However, if it’s a long-running play that takes ten to fifteen days, it would cost a few hundred yuan."
Deng Shirong thought for a moment and then asked, "Does your troupe have any plays that can run for seven days and nights?"
Director Zhou nodded. "Of course, 'The Legend of the White Snake' fits that description."
Deng Shirong asked again, "If I invite your troupe to perform 'The Legend of the White Snake' in the countryside, how much would it cost?"
Director Zhou calculated in his mind and said, "At least 210 yuan."
This price did not surprise Deng Shirong.
Unlike puppet shows, which can be performed by a small group of four to six people, or even just two for a small troupe, live theater requires a larger cast. For instance, a grand play like 'Five Horses Patrol the City' needs over thirty troupe members. Even a simpler play requires at least seven to eight people.
A play like 'The Legend of the White Snake' would involve more than ten actors and crew members. Performing for seven days and nights (with regular breaks, of course) for 210 yuan was not an unreasonable fee.
"Director Zhou, if you could offer a slightly lower price, I’ll ensure your troupe members are well-fed and well-housed."
"Comrade, this price is already very reasonable..."
The two then began to haggle, and Deng Shirong managed to negotiate the price down to 180 yuan.
Once the price was agreed upon, Director Zhou asked, "Comrade, could you tell me which commune you want the performance to take place in and the specific date?"
Deng Shirong replied, "The location is Bangjie Village in Songshan Commune. The exact date isn’t set yet, but I’ll contact you once it’s confirmed."
Director Zhou frowned. "Comrade, that won’t work. If we don’t know the date, we’ll be left waiting and unable to take on other jobs."
Deng Shirong understood and explained, "Director Zhou, the reason I want to invite your troupe to perform in our village is to celebrate my son. He should be admitted to Peking University, but until the acceptance letter arrives, I can’t be entirely sure. I hope you can understand if I wait until the letter arrives before notifying you for the performance."
Hearing this, Director Zhou was taken aback. His gaze toward Deng Shirong and his son changed.
Even in the future, admission to Peking University would earn anyone high regard, let alone in this era when it was particularly prestigious.
Director Zhou, realizing the significance, became incredibly enthusiastic. He even reduced the price from 180 yuan to 100 yuan and promised that his troupe would be ready to perform at a moment's notice, without any delay.
This moment left Deng Shirong deeply moved. He gained a new appreciation for the value of Peking University, one of the top institutions in the country.
(End of Chapter)
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