Chapter 488: Reunion After Ten Years, Friendship Endures

Chapter 488: Reunion After Ten Years, Friendship Endures

Bobaixian High School has a long history, founded during the Qing Qianlong period. Its predecessor was the Huanyu Academy and the county's high primary school. During the Qing dynasty, it produced 15 imperial scholars and 104 provincial scholars, making it a remarkable institution.

Before the liberation, the school was known as the "Revolutionary Cradle of Southern Guangxi and the Cultural Vanguard of Baizhou."

Now, during the summer vacation, the school is usually deserted except for a few teachers and staff living in the dormitories.

However, today, people are continuously gathering at the school. Some arrive on motorcycles or bicycles, others on hired tricycles, and some even walk.

These are not just any people; they are the graduates of Class 136, Bobaixian High School. Today, they are here to fulfill their ten-year reunion, attending the ten-year anniversary class reunion.

At the school gate, a prominent banner reads, "Bobaixian High School Class 136 Graduates Ten-Year Reunion."

Class 136's homeroom teacher, Chen Haining, is exceptionally happy. After teaching for over twenty years, this is the first time he has attended a graduates' reunion, making it a significant highlight of his teaching career. His joy is understandable.

If this were in a later era, attending graduates' reunions would be a common experience for veteran teachers, nothing unusual.

However, this is the 1990s, when communication was limited. Most teachers and students lost contact after graduation, and the idea of a ten-year reunion was almost non-existent.

Even if someone had the idea, it was incredibly difficult to organize.

In an era where communication relied solely on letters, organizing a class reunion after ten years was truly a daunting task.

But for the students of Class 136, organizing this ten-year reunion was not as difficult.

This is because they have a core figure, and this core figure is none other than the class president, Deng Yunsong, who was admitted to Tsinghua University.

Ninety-nine percent of the students at Bobaixian High School are from Bobaixian, and who in Bobaixian doesn't know the name of the Ye Deng Clan? As a member of the Ye Deng Clan and a top student admitted to Tsinghua University, Deng Yunsong's ten-year reunion call was something that any classmate with the means would eagerly attend.

Ten years have passed since graduation. Most classmates have been struggling in society, even those who attended university and then entered the workforce. After experiencing the harsh realities of society, they naturally understand the importance of connections.

To put it bluntly, having a benefactor can be more beneficial than years of hard work.

Thus, except for those who could not take leave from their jobs, most classmates returned to attend the reunion.

Bobaixian High School, being the best high school in the county, is far superior to mediocre schools like Songshan High School.

In Deng Yunheng's class, only three students from Songshan High School were admitted to university, while in Deng Yunsong's class, not only did five students from Class 136 get into university, but another six were admitted to junior colleges, a significant difference.

These students who were admitted to university and junior colleges all entered public institutions after graduation.

Now, after five or six years, the most successful among them is a classmate named Liu Jiaxing, who is currently the deputy director of the county power bureau.

Among those who entered society directly after high school, the most successful is Zhang Wenlong, who is now a contractor with a net worth of several hundred thousand, making him a prominent figure among his classmates.

At the school, the classmates who have arrived are chatting with each other, reminiscing about old times.

In this era, class reunions are still relatively pure, with the main purpose being to gather and share memories of their school days. Unlike in later times, when many reunions have become occasions for comparison and one-upmanship, losing their original meaning.

After chatting for a while, the conversation naturally turned to Deng Yunsong, the organizer of the ten-year reunion.

A classmate asked, "Old classmates, have you been in touch with the class president over the years? Where did he end up working after graduating from Tsinghua?"

Another classmate chimed in, "I'm also curious. Does anyone know?"

Zhang Wenlong smiled and replied, "I know. After graduating from Tsinghua, the class president stayed in the capital to work at the Ministry of Finance, starting as a full-section chief, which is quite impressive."

Upon hearing this, the few classmates who knew the inside story remained calm, while those who didn't couldn't help but widen their eyes.

Especially Liu Jiaxing, who had worked hard for several years after graduation to become the deputy director of the county power bureau, a deputy-section chief. He was already considered a prominent figure in the class, having received much praise from his classmates.

But now, compared to the class president, a top graduate from Tsinghua University, the gap was instantly apparent.

The class president's starting position was one he would have to work for at least ten years to achieve. Truly, the graduates of top universities are exceptional.

"Really impressive. Even the town's party secretary and mayor are at this level."

"All professions are inferior, only scholarship is exalted. The ancients were not wrong!"

"Really, I never expected such a big difference between universities. When I was admitted to university, I thought I would become an official right after graduation. It turns out I was overestimating myself. I still have to work my way up."

Though the promotion speed for those with higher education is much faster, compared to someone like the class president, who became a full-section chief right after graduation, it really makes one feel inferior. It's like comparing goods; the difference is so stark that you might as well throw away the inferior ones!

"……"

As the classmates continued to marvel and express their feelings, another classmate asked curiously, "Zhang Wenlong, the class president was a full-section chief right after graduation. What level is he now? Is he still working at the Ministry of Finance?"

Zhang Wenlong shook his head and said, "I'm not sure what level the class president is now, but I know that he was promoted to deputy division chief after two years of work. I reckon he's probably a full division chief by now. As for where he works now, you might have to ask the homeroom teacher for that."

The classmates all turned to look at the homeroom teacher.

Chen Haining smiled and said, "Deng Yunsong called me to organize this ten-year reunion. I do know his situation quite well. Do you want him to tell you himself when he arrives, or should I tell you now?"

"Teacher, stop teasing us. Just tell us!"

"Yeah, we can't wait to know how successful the class president is now."

"I think Zhang Wenlong's guess is correct. If the class president was promoted to deputy division chief after two years, he's likely a full division chief by now."

"……"

Hearing the classmates' requests, Chen Haining smiled and replied, "Zhang Wenlong's guess is correct. Your class president is indeed a full division chief. He is currently the deputy head in Yongkang, Zhejiang, holding a significant position of power."

"Amazing!"

"When the class president was admitted to Tsinghua University, I knew he would achieve great things, but I didn't expect that in just ten years, he would already be a full division chief. Even the county magistrate is at this level. It's truly astonishing!"

"This is the value of a Tsinghua University degree!"

"Sigh, if I had known back then, I would have worked harder. Even if I couldn't get into Tsinghua, I could have aimed for a key university. Now, I wouldn't be struggling like this."

"Unfortunately, there's no such thing as a regret pill. If there were, I would have given it a try."

"Enough of that. I'm not trying to discourage you, but key universities aren't just about effort. Accept reality and stop daydreaming."

"……"

Chen Haining sighed, "Back then, when you didn't study hard, I talked to each of you, urging you to work harder and not to waste this rare opportunity. Unfortunately, you didn't listen to me, and now it's too late to regret it!"

"Teacher, we're really sorry for disappointing you back then!"

"Sigh, we were immature back then, dreaming of the real world without realizing how hard it would be."

"Back then, our parents were always there to support us, so we never truly understood the difficulties of life. If we had listened to the teacher's advice, we would be in a better position now."

"……"

Most of the classmates who entered society right after high school have struggled for ten years. Only a few have succeeded, while the majority are not doing well. They all regret not studying harder back in school.

If they had the chance to go back to their student days, most of them would be willing to put in their best effort and study hard.

Especially those who bear the burden of supporting their families and have never had a day of peace, if they had the chance to go back, they would be willing to endure any hardship to study, even more so than anyone else.

After all, compared to the daily toil of manual labor, the hardships of studying are nothing.

Unfortunately, there is no regret pill, and life doesn't offer a second chance.

Just as these classmates were regretting not studying hard enough back then, a familiar yet unfamiliar voice called out, "Teacher, classmates, it's been ten years. How are you all?"

Everyone turned to look and greeted him:

"Class President!"

"Class President!"

"Deng Yunsong!"

Deng Yunsong walked up and greeted each teacher and classmate.

After the greetings, Deng Yunsong said, "Teachers and classmates, let's take a tour of our alma mater. It's been ten years since we last visited."

Chen Haining smiled, "You should definitely take a good look around. The school has changed quite a bit over the past ten years."

The other classmates also agreed, and they all began to walk around the school.

The old teaching buildings, dormitories, and activity areas were still vivid in everyone's memory, but the new buildings and facilities were less familiar, so the teachers helped explain them.

After half an hour, they had finished touring the school.

At the school gate, the teachers and classmates who attended the reunion took a group photo.

"Teachers, classmates."

After the group photo, Deng Yunsong smiled and said, "Let's head to the Suifeng Restaurant. I've already made all the arrangements!"

"Class President, we won't be shy then!"

"I've been looking forward to seeing your family's restaurant!"

"Class President, thank you for your hospitality today!"

"Class President……"

Ten years ago, on the night of their graduation, when Deng Yunsong proposed the ten-year reunion, he mentioned that the Suifeng Restaurant belonged to his family. Therefore, both the teachers and classmates remembered this clearly.

For the ten-year reunion, Deng Yunsong had already informed the homeroom teacher and offered to cover all the expenses.

Therefore, when the class president mentioned Suifeng Restaurant, the teachers and classmates were not surprised.

So, some walked, some rode bicycles, and together they headed to Suifeng Restaurant.

Bobaixian High School is on Cultural Road, while Suifeng Restaurant is on West City Road, which are not far apart, only a few minutes' walk.

Upon arriving at Suifeng Restaurant, they immediately saw a banner hanging at the entrance that read, "Ten Years Reunited, Friendship Endures," followed by a smaller line that said, "Bobaixian High School Class 136 Graduates Ten-Year Reunion."

Suifeng Restaurant has been operating in Bobaixian for over a decade and remains the most upscale restaurant in the county.

Among Deng Yunsong's teachers and classmates, only a few had ever truly entered Suifeng Restaurant, and for most of the classmates, this was their first visit.

The experience of seeing Suifeng Restaurant from the outside versus the inside was completely different.

Seeing the spacious interior, the teachers and classmates were all impressed.

The tables inside had already been set up to accommodate all the teachers and students.

After everyone was seated, the waitstaff brought tea.

Since it was not yet lunchtime, homeroom teacher Chen Haining said, "Classmates, ten years have passed. Many of you have already started families and are working in various fields. Let's take turns and introduce our current situations."

Zhang Wenlong, sitting next to Deng Yunsong, smiled and said, "Teacher, let me start by breaking the ice."

Chen Haining smiled and said, "Sure, Zhang Wenlong, you go ahead."

Zhang Wenlong beamed and said, "After high school, I started working in construction with my uncle. After about half a year, I became familiar with the industry and began to take on small projects through family connections. Business has been good, and over the years, I've made quite a bit of money.

Now, I'm married and have two children. Life is pretty good."

"Mr. Zhang, you're impressive. You should take care of us old classmates more often!"

"Sigh, people can't really be compared. I also worked in construction after graduation, but after so many years, I'm still just an employee. You, on the other hand, have become a boss. I envy you so much!"

"Mr. Zhang, in terms of wealth, I doubt anyone in our class can match you, except maybe the class president."

"..."

After Zhang Wenlong briefly introduced his situation, many classmates expressed their admiration. They had already known from previous conversations that he had accumulated a net worth of several hundred thousand, a level of earning power that was unmatched in the class.

The reason Zhang Wenlong's wealth was placed behind the class president was that no one knew the true extent of the class president's family wealth. Considering that his family had opened Suifeng Restaurant, an upscale establishment, over a decade ago, and being a member of the renowned Ye Deng Clan, no one could gauge just how wealthy his family was.

Hearing the praise from his classmates, Zhang Wenlong humbly responded, and then it was the next classmate's turn.

One by one, the classmates took turns to introduce their current situations.

Despite over a dozen classmates being unable to attend the reunion for various reasons, there were still about thirty attendees. Among these, the classmates who had graduated from university and junior colleges naturally had stable jobs in public institutions, with respectable status and positions.

A few classmates were engaged in small businesses, and while their income couldn't compare to Zhang Wenlong's, earning one or two thousand yuan a year was not difficult, and their economic conditions were relatively good.

The rest were mostly workers, either helping their relatives or taking odd jobs. These classmates had relatively poorer economic conditions.

Some were helping with family chores or engaging in farming and livestock.

In short, they were involved in a wide range of professions.

After Zhang Wenlong, the introductions went around the circle, and finally, it was Deng Yunsong's turn.

Deng Yunsong said, "You all know about my work, so I won't elaborate on that. Let me tell you about my family instead."

This statement immediately caught the attention of the teachers and classmates.

Deng Yunsong briefly said, "I got married within two years of graduating from university. My wife is my colleague at the Ministry of Finance, a graduate of Renmin University. She is currently the director of the finance bureau in Lishui, Zhejiang, and is also a full division chief. We have one child, who is now four years old (in local terms, this is referred to as 'four years old' in the sense of a person's age)."

"Truly impressive, class president!"

"You even married a full division chief?!"

"Admirable, truly admirable! Class president, you are the ultimate winner in life!"

"..."

Every teacher and classmate present was stunned.

Initially, everyone already held Deng Yunsong in high regard. A graduate of Tsinghua University, with exceptional abilities, he had become a full division chief at a young age, with a promising future. Additionally, his family's financial condition was evident, clearly indicating they were well-off.

All these factors already made him impressive!

But no one had expected that Deng Yunsong would also marry a woman who graduated from Renmin University and had become a full division chief at a young age. The combination of these two rising stars in the political arena was not just a simple addition; it was a powerful multiplication of their influence.

Deng Yunsong humbly responded a few times and, seeing that the time was right, asked the waiter to start serving the dishes.

Next, everyone began to chat and eat, with the main topic naturally revolving around Deng Yunsong. Everyone wanted to learn more about their class president, so they could share interesting stories with their families and friends after the reunion.

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(End of Chapter)

Chapter end