https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-171-We-Both-Owe-Our-Success-to-Our-Younger-Sister/12849302/
Chapter 173: Even Among the Talent at Peking University, Be the Shiniest Star
Chapter 173: Even Among the Talent at Peking University, Be the Shiniest Star
Seven days passed in the blink of an eye.
During these seven days, the open space in front of Deng Shirong's house was always crowded with people, even the walls were packed with spectators, all eager to catch the performances.
Most of the families in Bangjie Brigade put aside their less important tasks, preparing their meals early in the morning and rushing over to watch the shows. When the performers took breaks for lunch and dinner, the audience would also rush back to eat, only to return as quickly as possible to secure their spots.
It's no wonder everyone was so enthusiastic. Entertainment was scarce in this era, and live performances like this were a rare treat, perhaps only seen once a year. Missing this opportunity meant waiting for who knows how long for another chance.
Moreover, the troupe was performing "The Legend of the White Snake," a classic Chinese love story that captivated the villagers. In the future, the TV series "New Legend of the White Snake," starring Zhao Ya-Chi, Ye Tong, and Chen Mei-Qi, would become a sensation across the region, even winning the annual viewership championship on CCTV-1 and CCTV-8 in 2004.
This demonstrated the immense popularity and influence of the story.
Over these seven days, the villagers were so engrossed that they lost their appetite and sleep, eating a quick bowl of congee in the morning before rushing to the performances. Their enthusiasm rivaled that of modern mahjong players.
Today, the finale of "The Legend of the White Snake" finally arrived.
After the troupe members finished their performance and took their bows, the villagers reluctantly dispersed in small groups.
"Uncle Nine!"
Once the audience had left, Director Zhou and his troupe members came to bid farewell to the host. He said sincerely, "We are leaving now. This rural tour has been the most enjoyable performance of my career. The food and accommodation here were excellent, and the audience was very enthusiastic. I hope we have the opportunity to perform here again in the future."
Deng Shirong laughed and said, "Director Zhou, your troupe's performance was truly outstanding, bringing 'The Legend of the White Snake' to life. You enjoyed performing, and we enjoyed watching. There's no need to wait for the future. I'm inviting you back for another performance in November."
Director Zhou's hope of returning was just a polite expression. He knew it would be difficult to have such an opportunity again. But he was taken aback by Uncle Nine's direct invitation, unsure if it was a joke.
"Uncle Nine, are you serious?"
Deng Shirong nodded and smiled, "Director Zhou, as you can see, my eldest daughter-in-law is a few months pregnant. I originally planned to invite a film crew to screen a movie to celebrate the birth of my grandchild.
However, after watching your troupe's performances these past few days, I discussed it with my daughter-in-law, and we decided to skip the movie and invite you back for another performance instead. It will still be a seven-day run, and you can choose the play. What do you think?"
Seeing that Uncle Nine was serious, Director Zhou immediately responded, "Of course, I appreciate your trust, Uncle Nine. Let's discuss the details when the time comes, okay?"
Deng Shirong said, "Sure, I just wanted to give you a heads-up. We can talk about the specifics later."
They exchanged more pleasantries before Director Zhou left with his troupe, elated.
...
After the performances ended, Zhang's mother, who had enjoyed a few days of comfort, was ready to return home.
Zhang Xiuping tried to persuade her, "Mom, there's nothing for you to do back home. Why don't you stay a few more days?"
Zhang's mother, of course, wanted to stay. Life here was comfortable, with good food and a peaceful environment. But after staying for seven or eight days, she felt it would be inappropriate to extend her stay any longer.
So, Zhang’s mother could only make an excuse, "Xiu Ping, there are still many things to do at home. Your older brother and sister-in-law, as well as your second brother and sister-in-law, are busy with their businesses. I need to go back and help with cooking and feeding the chickens and ducks. When you’re ready to give birth, I’ll come over to help and stay a bit longer."
Zhang Xiu Ping couldn’t press the matter further and said, "Alright, then. Your sister-in-laws are indeed busy with the store, and I’m quite big now, so it’s not convenient for me to visit you and Father. Whenever you have the time, please come and see me!"
"Sure, I know. We’ll come when we can!"
...
As the seven days of celebration came to a close, the news of Deng Yunheng’s admission to Peking University spread throughout Shuangwang. Countless parents, while envious, couldn’t help but use Deng Yunheng as an example to inspire their own children. He had become the quintessential "other people’s child."
...
After the seven days of festivities, the Deng household returned to its usual tranquility. With their second brother as a shining example, Deng Yunsheng and Deng Yunheng studied even harder than before.
Previously, their main motivation for studying hard was to earn the cash rewards from their father. However, after witnessing the glory their second brother received upon receiving his acceptance letter from Peking University, they were now driven not only by the rewards but also by the desire to follow in his footsteps and experience the same honor and celebration.
In contrast, Deng Yunhua, whose academic performance had always lagged, could only sigh in envy. He had indeed put in serious effort when their father first set the reward standards, but as they say, studying often requires a certain level of talent. Hard work doesn’t always guarantee success.
If hard work led to visible results, many students would have the motivation to study. After all, who wouldn’t want to be a top student? However, when hard work yields little improvement, and the lack of progress becomes discouraging, it’s only natural to give up and settle for mediocrity.
As for Deng Yunzhu, the academic underachiever, she was content with just passing. Her goal was to finish junior high and high school smoothly, and that was enough. Anything beyond that was just wishful thinking.
For those currently in school, including Deng Yunzhen and her sister-in-law Zhang Xiu Ping, who were self-studying at home, they also became more diligent. Although they didn’t need to take exams or plan to attend university, their father emphasized the importance of mastering high school-level knowledge to stand on their own in society.
Of course, Deng Yunheng, who had been accepted into Peking University, didn’t let his success go to his head. He didn’t become complacent or lose sight of his goals. Instead, he continued to hold himself to high standards, reviewing and reinforcing his high school knowledge in preparation for the challenges of university.
As their father often said, being accepted into Peking University was just the beginning. The real competition would be with the top students from all over the country. Only those who could excel in this environment would truly be the pride of the nation, with limitless prospects ahead.
Deng Yunheng took his father’s words to heart and silently vowed to stand out even among the talent-rich environment of Peking University.
(End of Chapter)
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