Chapter 415: Holy Cow, the Deputy Head? The Teacher and Classmates Were All Shocked!

Chapter 415: Holy Cow, the Deputy Head? The Teacher and Classmates Were All Shocked!

Songshan High School.

The classmates from Class 34 who had come to attend the ten-year reunion were gathered in small groups, chatting about their recent lives.

The relationship between people is quite mysterious. Although everyone was a classmate, some classmates might have only been surface acquaintances during school, and might not have exchanged more than ten words. However, some got along exceptionally well, to the point of being inseparable.

Therefore, after greeting each other, the classmates who had come to the reunion would first seek out the ones they played well with during school to chat.

At this moment, Zhu Chenglong was chatting with another classmate, Li Huaqiang, about their recent lives.

Li hua qiang asked, "Brother, where have you been making money over the years?"

Zhu Chenglong smiled and replied, "Making money? I've been working in Shenzhen all these years, and you? Where are you making money?"

Li hua qiang answered, "After graduation, I went to Beihai to join my Uncle Qilu. I helped him manage a brick factory there and even got married and had a child."

Zhu Chenglong envied, "That's pretty good. At your Uncle Qilu's brick factory, you're the boss, living freely. Unlike me in Shenzhen, where I work over ten hours a day, sometimes even up to thirteen hours, though the salary isn't low, but the freedom is too limited.

So this time, I came back to attend the class reunion, and took the opportunity to resign and plan to develop back home."

Li hua qiang responded, "Developing back home is good too. Working outside is not a long-term plan. You should be married by now, right?"

Zhu Chenglong replied, "I got married early, and my child is already in elementary school. How about your child?"

Li huaqiang answered, "Mine is still in kindergarten."

Just as the classmates were chatting in small groups about their recent lives, one of them suddenly shouted,,, "The class representative has arrived!"

Upon hearing this, everyone chatting idly looked up.

In Class 34, there were two influential figures. One was Deng Yunheng, who naturally got into Peking University, the most impressive one. The other was the class representative, Chen Wenfeng.

Now, as the class representative Chen Wenfeng arrived, he naturally drew the attention of all the classmates.

"Teacher, everyone, it's been ten years since we last met, everyone is doing well, right?"

Chen Wenfeng greeted the teacher and all the classmates with a smile, appearing very impressive, showing that he had done well over the years.

"Class representative!"

The classmates also greeted him enthusiastically.

Li Hongjun greeted him with a smile, "Chen Wenfeng, you're here!"

Chen Wenfeng asked, "Teacher, how have you been these years? It's been so long since we last saw you, and as students, we really feel ashamed!"

Li Hongjun smiled and replied, "I'm doing well. I'm already very content with this heart. Since graduation, the most important thing for me has been to do a good job, which is stronger than anything."

Chen Wenfeng chatted with the teacher for a few moments, then scanned the crowd, and asked, "Is classmate Deng Yunheng not here yet?"

"Not yet!"

"I don't know if Deng Yunheng will come to this class reunion."

"He will definitely come. The ten-year reunion was suggested by Deng Yunheng himself, how could he not come?"

"..."

Li Hongjun smiled and said, "Don't worry, Deng Yunheng will definitely come."

Just as the classmates were about to ask, a large bus pulled up to the school gate.

Then, Deng Yunheng got off the bus, just as the saying goes, "Speak of the devil, and the devil appears."

"Teacher, everyone, everything is well!" Deng Yunheng greeted everyone with a smile.

If the arrival of the class representative Chen Wenfeng had already drawn everyone's attention, then Deng Yunheng's arrival directly made the scene boil over.

After all, the classmate who had gotten into Peking University, a top-tier university, had been a significant figure over the years. Everyone had been boasting about Deng Yunheng, and how a high school classmate had gotten into Peking University...

Therefore, upon seeing Deng Yunheng arrive, everyone couldn't help but go over to greet him.

The former head of guidance, vice-principal, and principal, upon learning Deng Yunheng had arrived, also hurried over.

After exchanging greetings, Liu Liming stood up and said, "Everyone, teachers, and classmates, it's been a long time since we last gathered. I suggest we go to a restaurant for lunch and chat as we eat. What do you think?"

Chen Wenfeng immediately responded, "It's indeed lunchtime, but this lunch shouldn't be hosted by a female classmate like Liu Liming. As the class representative of Class 34, it's my responsibility to treat everyone to lunch, Liu Liming, don't argue with me."

Liu Liming smiled and replied, "Class representative, women can hold up half the sky. You can't underestimate us female classmates. I have the capability to treat everyone to lunch."

Chen Wenfeng said, "Liu Liming, I wouldn't dare underestimate you female classmates, but today's lunch should indeed be my responsibility as the class representative."

Deng Yunheng smiled and said, "Liu Liming and class representative, don't argue with me. I've already arranged everything. We'll have lunch at Songwangwei, the same place where we had our farewell meal ten years ago. This is how we should start and end."

After finishing the rice noodles, we will all board this large bus and head to Bobai. Once we get there, we'll have dinner at a restaurant, and in the evening, I'll arrange for everyone to sing at a karaoke hall. I've already arranged the accommodations, so just follow me," Deng Yunheng said.

Hearing this, Liu Liming and Chen Wenfeng couldn't help but exchange a glance, both wearing a wry smile. Their plan was simply to treat the teachers and classmates to a meal, and they hadn't thought of anything else. Compared to Deng Yunheng's arrangements, theirs were on a completely different level.

Li Hongjun, who was aware of Deng Yunheng's background, agreed, "Alright, let's follow Deng Yunheng's arrangements."

The principal and others also voiced their approval, and the classmates naturally had no objections.

Thus, the group of classmates walked to Songwangwei to have rice noodles.

After Deng Yunheng's arrival, 36 out of the 42 graduates from Class 34 attended the reunion. Only six classmates were absent, which was quite remarkable considering the ten years that had passed.

After all, most of the classmates had already gotten married and had children, and many were no longer in their hometown, having moved to Guangdong for work or married elsewhere. It was truly not easy for them to return for the reunion.

This demonstrated how much the graduates of Class 34 valued this gathering.

Soon, they arrived at the noodle stand that had been operating for many years. Deng Yunheng instructed the owner to cook a bowl of rice noodles for each person, priced at one yuan each.

It was already the 1990s, and the days of three to five fen per bowl of noodles were long gone. Prices had risen significantly.

As one bowl after another was served, the classmates couldn't help but recall the scene from ten years ago, when all 42 of them had eaten here together. Back then, they were all in the prime of their youth, full of anticipation for stepping out into the world beyond school.

Now, after ten years, only they themselves knew how much they had changed.

Although a high school diploma was already considered quite good in the 1980s, unless one had connections, it was difficult to secure a job in a public institution. Among the classmates, some had started small businesses, some had gone out to work, and others had returned to farming.

Each person had made different choices, leading to different paths in life.

After finishing their bowls of noodles, the group left the stand with a sense of reluctance. They were not reluctant to leave the half-old owner but were nostalgic for their unrestrained youth.

...

Twenty minutes later.

The group boarded the large bus heading to Bobai.

On the bus, Li Hongjun clapped his hands and said with a smile, "Classmates, it has been ten years since we last met, and each of us has undergone significant changes. Let's share our situations with each other. I'll go first to set an example.

After graduation, I taught three more batches of students, but only two of them went on to university, which is far from the achievements of your batch. I am now the head of guidance at the school, and my son is in high school. His academic performance is average, ranking in the top few in his class. He has little chance of getting into university, but he might have a shot at a junior college..."

Li Hongjun finished his introduction, drawing applause from the group.

"My situation is as such. Now it's your turn."

"The head teacher has set an example, so I'll start by throwing out a brick to draw out the jade," Zhu Chenglong said, responding first. "I got married the second year after graduation and now have two children, the older one already in elementary school. I've been working in Shenzhen with my wife for the past few years, but I recently resigned and plan to return home to develop. That's my situation."

After Zhu Chenglong finished, the classmates spontaneously applauded.

Li Huaqiang, who was sitting next to him, continued, "After graduation, I went to Beihai to work and currently manage a brick factory. I also got married and have two children, who are now in kindergarten..."

"I started farming after graduation and am currently engaged in planting at home..."

"I graduated and..."

One by one, the classmates began to speak up, briefly sharing their recent lives.

Soon, most of the classmates had finished their introductions. Some had done well, while others had not, which was related to their family backgrounds and personal choices.

After another classmate briefly shared his situation, Liu Liming smiled and said, "I'll share my situation. After graduation, I moved to Guangzhou with my relatives and met my husband by chance, getting married. I am now the mother of two children and run a clothing business in Guangzhou. If the teacher or any classmates come to Guangzhou in the future, remember to contact me. I'll definitely treat you to a meal."

“Liu Liming, you’ve really become a businesswoman!”

“Doing business in Guangzhou, that’s no small feat, Liu Liming, you must have made a fortune!”

“Looks like Liu Liming has married well, no wonder she said she would treat us to a meal.”

“...”

After listening to Liu Liming’s brief introduction, the classmates all praised her enthusiastically.

In this era, it was already impressive for a rural girl to marry into a county town. Now, Liu Liming had married into a big city like Guangzhou, which was naturally enviable.

Liu Liming was indeed the best-married female classmate in the class. Hearing the compliments from her classmates, she beamed with pride. Everyone has a bit of vanity, and who wouldn’t want to shine in front of their old classmates? Now that she had, she felt very pleased.

Of course, she still had to be modest. The more praise she received, the more modest she needed to be, and Liu Liming understood this.

After Liu Liming briefly shared her situation, two more classmates followed suit. By this point, out of the 36 classmates who had come to the ten-year reunion, only two influential figures had yet to speak.

Seeing this, Li Hongjun, the former class teacher, directly called out, “Chen Wenfeng, why don’t you share your situation? I only know that after graduating from university, you were assigned to work in Wuzhou, but I’m not sure which specific unit.”

Chen Wenfeng smiled, cleared his throat, and said, “After graduating from university, I was assigned to work at the Agricultural Machinery Bureau in Cangwu County, Wuzhou. I was quite lucky and received the favor of the county leadership. Not only did they marry their daughter to me, but they also promoted me to the position of bureau director. I consider myself to have met a benefactor.

If any of you classmates come to Wuzhou, just contact me. I can’t promise much, but I can definitely help with food and accommodation.”

Upon hearing this, the classmates were all taken aback.

“My goodness, no wonder you’re the class representative, you’re truly impressive. The director of the Agricultural Machinery Bureau is a full-section-level cadre, equivalent to the secretary or mayor of our town. You’re a real big leader now!”

“Amazing, no wonder you’re a university graduate. You’ve become a full-section-level leader just a few years after graduation. Your future is truly boundless!”

“Class representative, what level is your father-in-law?”

“Since you’re already a full-section-level leader, your father-in-law must be one of the top-ranking officials in the county.”

“Class representative, don’t forget us if you become even more successful!”

“Class representative...”

All the classmates were high school graduates and had a better understanding of the world than the villagers who couldn’t read. Most of them knew the value of being the director of the Agricultural Machinery Bureau and a full-section-level cadre. Moreover, the class representative’s father-in-law was a powerful official in the county, which made him even more impressive.

Thus, the classmates, in addition to being amazed, all praised him enthusiastically.

After all, the relationship with classmates is one of the more solid social connections. Having such a powerful classmate brought them glory as well.

Even if they didn’t need anything from him, it was still a good topic to boast about.

Not only the classmates, but even the principal praised him, “Chen Wenfeng, you’re truly remarkable. Our Songshan High School has another leader. If you have the chance, come back to visit your alma mater more often.”

After all, to become a full-section-level cadre at such a young age, with a county-level leader as a father-in-law, and being a genuine university graduate, he was bound to rise to the department level if he didn’t make any mistakes. Such a level was something even the principal had to take seriously.

“Principal, I will definitely visit the alma mater more often to see you and the other teachers.”

After responding to the principal, Chen Wenfeng smiled and said to the other classmates, “My father-in-law is the county magistrate of Cangwu County, a full-department-level official.”

Hearing this, the classmates naturally praised him even more.

Compared to Liu Liming, the businesswoman, Chen Wenfeng, the official, undoubtedly held a higher status in the hearts of the classmates.

After the classmates had praised him enough, Liu Liming looked at Deng Yunheng and said, “Deng Yunheng, it’s your turn. You, a top student from Peking University, have made history for our Songshan High School. Tell us about your situation after graduation. I’m so curious.”

The other classmates also turned their attention to Deng Yunheng. The class representative had only graduated from a regular university and was already a full-section-level cadre. So what level of cadre was Deng Yunheng, who had graduated from Peking University?

Not just the other classmates, even Chen Wenfeng was extremely curious.

He had rushed back to attend this reunion largely because of Deng Yunheng. He really wanted to know how Deng Yunheng, who had been a heavy burden on him during the college entrance exam, had developed after graduation.

What level of cadre was he now?

Deep down, he still had a bit of a competitive spirit.

After all, in the first semester of high school, his grades had consistently been at the top of the class, which was why he had been chosen as the class representative.

But Deng Yunheng had later surpassed him, not only overtaking him but also breaking the record by getting into Peking University, creating history for Songshan High School. The dazzling achievements of Deng Yunheng had overshadowed his own, making him seem ordinary in comparison.

Over the past ten years, Chen Wenfeng had been harboring a deep-seated desire to win back a victory.

His good fortune had led him to gain the favor of his father-in-law, becoming the director of the Agricultural Machinery Bureau, a full-section-level cadre. This gave him some confidence to compare himself with Deng Yunheng, not hoping to surpass him in rank but at least to stand on equal footing. That would be his victory.

As for the other classmates, they didn't think so much about it. They only knew that a classmate who graduated from an ordinary university had become a full-section-level cadre. So, Deng Yunheng, who graduated from Peking University, must have achieved even more, right? What rank had he reached now?

This filled everyone with anticipation.

Li Hongjun, hearing this, said with a smile, "I know quite a bit about Deng Yunheng's situation. Let me tell the classmates about it!"

Fortunately, Deng Yunheng had little interest in such self-praising introductions. Since the class teacher was willing to do it, he could save himself the trouble. He smiled and said, "Sure, you can tell the classmates about my situation, Teacher."

Li Hongjun nodded, his face slightly flushed with excitement, and said, "After graduating from Peking University, Deng Yunheng went directly to work at a ministry, starting as a full-section-level cadre. Two years later, he was promoted to deputy division level and then transferred to work in Fujian. By the beginning of last year, Deng Yunheng had become the county magistrate of a county, a full-division-level cadre."

Upon hearing this, the classmates were stunned!

Especially Chen Wenfeng, who could hardly believe his ears.

He had been thinking of competing with Deng Yunheng, but despite his father-in-law's promotion, he had only reached the full-section level. Deng Yunheng, however, had started at the full-section level and had rapidly risen to the full-division level, on par with his father-in-law.

This was simply unbelievable.

While the other classmates might not understand the intricacies of the government hierarchy as well as Chen Wenfeng, they knew the vast difference between full-section and full-division levels. It was like comparing the sky to the ground, completely incomparable.

"Holy cow, Deng Yunheng, you are amazing!"

"Full-division level? That's the same as the class representative's father-in-law, right?"

"Did I hear that right, starting at the full-section level? That's the value of a Peking University degree, isn't it?"

"My God, Peking University graduates are different. To become a county magistrate in their twenties is simply mind-blowing."

"..."

When Li Hongjun revealed Deng Yunheng's rank from last year, the entire room erupted in excitement.

Hearing the classmates' exclamations, Li Hongjun looked at Deng Yunheng with a flushed face and asked, "Deng Yunheng, I mentioned your position and rank from the beginning of last year. Has anything changed in the past year?"

Though Deng Yunheng didn't want to boast, since the class teacher had asked, he didn't hide it and said, "I am now the top official of Fushan, a county-level city, and my rank has been promoted to deputy department level."

Upon hearing this, not only the classmates but also Li Hongjun and the principal were stunned, their eyes wide open.

"Deng... Deng Yunheng, you... you have been promoted to deputy department level?"

The principal was so excited that his whole body trembled, and his speech was halting.

The vice-principal (former head of guidance) and Li Hongjun were no better, trembling as if they had epilepsy. This news was simply too explosive.

That was a deputy department level. They were just leaders of an ordinary town high school, and even in front of section-level leaders, they had to be respectful, let alone a deputy department level official, which they had never encountered in their lives.

Most crucially, Deng Yunheng had only graduated a few years ago and had already been promoted to deputy department level. What level of leadership he would reach in the future was beyond the principal and others to even imagine.

Thinking that such a high-ranking official had come from their Songshan High School, the school leaders couldn't help but feel extremely excited.

As for Chen Wenfeng, he was completely stunned. He was the most knowledgeable about the government hierarchy among those present and, therefore, understood the value of Deng Yunheng's deputy department level. It was laughable that he had even thought of competing with Deng Yunheng after graduation. It was the height of overestimating himself.

Compared to Deng Yunheng's deputy department level, his mere full-section level was insignificant.

At this moment, Chen Wenfeng was thoroughly convinced! If the gap in rank had been smaller, he would have continued to compete with Deng Yunheng, hoping to win once. But with such a vast and unbridgeable gap, his mindset had completely changed!

It was like what people often say: when you have a net worth of one million or ten million, you might have many envious and jealous people around you. But when you have a net worth of one billion or ten billion, the envy disappears, leaving only admiration.

...

PS: Holy cow, with such high subscriptions yesterday, you guys have set a new record! The author is truly amazed! Thank you for all the donations and monthly votes. I really want to burst with gratitude, but I can't, and I really want to punch myself...

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end