Lin Nianhe handed a Chinese language entry test to Xu Li, and then checked the time before passing him a fountain pen:
"You should begin the test now. It will last ninety minutes. If you score well, you'll need to give a trial lecture, which will be assessed by the principal and other teachers. The combined results of both evaluations will determine whether we ultimately hire you."
Xu Li's hands, having been honed through many years of labor, were no longer those of a scholar aloof from worldly tasks. His fingertips and the palms of his hands were covered in calluses, and the backs of his hands bore the scars of chilblains, with countless other tiny marks.
Holding the delicate fountain pen, he looked a bit like Kong Yiji.
He stared at Lin Nianhe, somewhat dumbstruck.
He really hadn't expected there to be a test.
After Principal Wu had mentioned Lin Nianhe's background, he had guessed that they sought him out because Elder Ji must have put in a good word.
