Fang Bai arrived at the school gate of Oubei No. 1 High School, ready to step inside, when a gatekeeper, about sixty years old, called out to him, "Young man, what are you doing?"
Fang Bai handed him a pack of cheap cigarettes and an orange, which surprised the gatekeeper, "So generous!"
"Uncle Wang, I'm a graduating senior, my name is Fang Bai. I'm here to enroll in the retake class, and I live nearby, so I'll be commuting from now on."
"Oh, I see.
If you're going to commute, it's best to tell your homeroom teacher. Go register first."
Gatekeeper Uncle Wang was delighted to receive the cigarettes. He felt this student was very sensible and polite, and immediately smiled kindly.
"Okay, I'm going to register now. Goodbye, Uncle Wang." Fang Bai waved to Uncle Wang, then swaggered into the teaching area.
Gatekeeper Uncle Wang also waved, feeling that this student was too polite.
Watching the student enter the campus, he took out the cigarettes he had received, gently tore open the packaging, pulled out a stick, struck a match to light the tip, and squinted, taking a satisfying puff.
With his salary, he couldn't afford to buy this kind of packaged cigarette, usually smoking hand-rolled tobacco.
Fang Bai walked into the campus, reminiscing as he went.
Oubei Middle School is divided into a junior high section and a senior high section. The senior high section has 30 teaching classes and 6 retake classes.
The school covers a total area of over one hundred mu, and the senior high teaching building is four stories tall, having been newly built just a few years ago.
In terms of student enrollment, it is at an upper-middle level in Wen City.
The best students from junior high were unfortunately lured away by vocational and normal schools, where they could graduate in three years and be assigned jobs, as the concept of university was still relatively vague to them.
Fang Bai's original senior year Class 871 had a total of 60 students and was a top-tier class, but only 12 passed the regular undergraduate line. Among them, 2 exceeded the key university line by not much, but were not admitted to key universities.
The university admission rate was low, like thousands crossing a single-plank bridge. Being able to get into a vocational college was already very impressive.
In those years, there were many retake students. Over 40% of high school graduates each year were retake students, some even studying for five or six years.
For example, Oubei Middle School had about one thousand high school graduates each year, with nearly four hundred of them being retake students.
Fang Bai got closer and closer to the senior high teaching building, and he could hear teachers lecturing and students reciting.
As soon as he stepped onto the teaching building stairs, the class bell rang.
Fang Bai carried a bag of fruit and walked towards his old homeroom teacher's office, Room 106.
Students passing by looked at Fang Bai, some curious: Why is this handsome guy carrying a bag of fruit?
Additionally, Fang Bai's attire was somewhat fashionable—jeans, T-shirt, and board shoes—plus the confident and composed expression on his face, made him look quite handsome, somewhat out of place among the surrounding students.
As Fang Bai arrived at Office 106, he just happened to meet his old homeroom teacher returning to the office after class.
"Homeroom teacher, long time no see."
Luo Ziyang, in his thirties, heard the student in front of him call out and carefully sized him up. After recognizing who it was, he was slightly surprised, "Oh, it's Fang Bai! I almost didn't recognize you. What are you doing here…?"
"I came to register for the retake class and also to visit my homeroom teacher."
"You're a good kid. I just finished class, come on in and let's chat." Luo Ziyang paused, then patted him on the shoulder.
Most students are quite reserved, but Fang Bai seemed different. His greeting was natural, showing no sign of nervousness, and he even brought a bag of fruit.
Fang Bai walked into the office and saw two other teachers chatting inside. He raised his hand to greet them, "Hello, teachers!"
"Oh, hello!"
Fang Bai placed the fruit on Luo Ziyang's desk, then took out four oranges, distributing them to the two teachers, and placed two more on an empty desk.
Four teachers shared one office. Fang Bai had bought 16 pieces of fruit, so the remaining 10 were for the homeroom teacher. Luo Ziyang politely accepted them.
"You're too kind, student. Fruit isn't cheap these days."
Fang Bai chuckled and said, "They're from a relative's house. I just brought some for all of you to taste. Maybe I'll have to ask for your guidance in the future."
"Haha, you're good with words. You're welcome to come and chat anytime."
Fang Bai greeted the teachers in the room, then chatted with his homeroom teacher about his retake situation.
"Many students from your class are retaking the exam, all hoping to get into university.
Based on your score, if you retake, there's a good chance you can get into a vocational college, and if you're lucky, even an undergraduate program is possible.
If you want to retake, according to school regulations, you don't need to pay the retake fee, only the accommodation fee." Luo Ziyang sat down, took a sip of tea to moisten his slightly hoarse throat, and slowly explained.
"I rented a house near the school and plan to commute. I also have some business to handle, so I might not always be in school for classes.
My family's financial situation isn't great. I did a little business myself during this two or three-month holiday and earned some money.
Otherwise, even food expenses would be a problem. I also have a younger sister studying in the junior high section." Fang Bai briefly explained the situation. Otherwise, the school definitely wouldn't agree to him commuting and wouldn't make an exception just for one student.
"Your situation is a bit special. You'll need to apply to the school, and surely your business will interfere with your studies? Can't you put it aside for now?"
"I'll still be at school most of the time; I'll just occasionally need to ask for leave."
"Fang Bai, I'll take you to see the school leaders. Let's see what they say."
"Okay, thank you, homeroom teacher."
"Don't mention it. I haven't helped you much. I hope the school leaders agree."
Fang Bai smiled. A homeroom teacher of a top-tier class was still valued by the school leaders, so his words carried weight.
If he were to approach the school leaders himself, he would be insignificant. The school leaders didn't know him, and no matter how eloquent he was, it would be difficult for them to believe what this young, inexperienced boy said.
The two arrived at the central office on the second floor of the teaching building, where several school leaders shared a large office. Both the principal and the dean of studies were present.
The principal, Zhang Mubao, was wearing a white shirt and was about 60 years old. He had a 3-7 parted hairstyle, a square face, stood 160 cm tall, and was slightly fat.
Luo Ziyang knocked on the door and entered, going directly to the principal.
"Principal, hello, excuse me, I have something to discuss with you."
"Teacher Luo, come in. What is it?"
"Principal, this is Fang Bai, an excellent student from my class. He scored 480 on the college entrance exam, which was a bit below his usual performance. Now he wants to retake, and his situation is a bit special…" Luo Ziyang pointed to Fang Bai and briefly explained the situation.
In 1990, the Zhejiang key university line was 540, the regular undergraduate line was 520, and the vocational college line was 505. The differences between the scores were minimal.
After listening, the principal felt the score was quite ordinary, but still decent. There was still hope for him to get into a vocational college. Getting one more student in was better than none, as the school didn't have many who could get into vocational colleges.
He then looked at Fang Bai again and said earnestly, "Student Fang Bai, students should focus on studying, not on making money.
Based on your grades, if you study hard for the retake, getting into an undergraduate institution won't be a problem."
"Principal, you are wise. You've hit the nail on the head with one sentence. I am very grateful for your concern for students."
Fang Bai first bowed slightly to the school leaders, agreeing with the principal's opinion and flattering him, which made Zhang Mubao's eyes light up. The dean of studies and Luo Ziyang also hadn't expected Fang Bai to be so articulate and knowledgeable about etiquette.
If it were an ordinary student, standing in front of the principal, they wouldn't even be able to speak clearly.
Moreover, Fang Bai behaved neither obsequiously nor arrogantly, and said very naturally:
"However, I'm also helpless; I have no other choice. My family is poor, so I have to take some time to earn money to lighten my parents' burden.
I promise not to neglect my studies. My goal for the college entrance exam is to get into a good university, and I also hope to bring honor to the school and live up to the school leaders' expectations for students."
The principal crossed his arms and said admiringly, "It's rare for a young student like Fang to be so filial and think about lightening his family's burden so early. This is commendable.
Regarding your family situation, the school has limited ability to support you, and I apologize for that.
I hope Student Fang Bai will focus on his studies and get into a good university. I think your parents would also want that."
The dean of studies had been listening from his seat. Seeing the principal's earnest advice, he felt this student was a bit unperceptive. Turning to Fang Bai, he couldn't help but advise, "Student Fang, if you study hard now, you can easily find a job after graduation and earn two or three hundred yuan a month. That's much better than earning a small amount of money now."
"Yes, Fang Bai, the principal and the dean of studies are both looking out for your best interests." Luo Ziyang also advised.
Fang Bai smiled and said, "Yes, thank you, school leaders, for your concern.
My business doesn't take much time, probably just a few hours a week. This way, it can solve my family's financial difficulties, and the expenses for my sister and me to study won't be a problem."
"How much money can you earn in a few hours a week? Even if you can earn a few yuan a month, it won't solve the problem, will it?" The dean of studies asked directly, knowing the principal wouldn't ask such a question directly.
Fang Bai heard the dean of studies' words and knew he was being underestimated. He guessed the principal and his old homeroom teacher had the same thought.
This was normal. A high school student going into business, wasn't it just setting up a stall and selling small things, like ice cream? How much money could that make?
Sigh, sometimes it's hard to keep a low profile.
He had no choice but to show off some of his abilities, otherwise, he probably wouldn't get the principal's approval.
Fang Bai wasn't used to this kind of active showing off. It didn't feel satisfying, and if he were a bit thin-skinned, he'd be too embarrassed to do it.
Only by standing at a certain level would the principal take him seriously.
Otherwise, if he was insignificant, why would people believe him? Why would they make an exception for him and let him leave school freely?
Fang Bai stood in front of the principal, maintaining a smile. Fortunately, he had anticipated this possibility and took out two pages from his backpack, handing them to the principal.
At the same time, he said casually:
"I rented a storefront outside the school and bought a problematic radial drilling machine for three thousand yuan. After repairing it, I resold it for thirteen thousand. The owner of Hengli Company can confirm this. These are the transaction contract and rental contract I signed these past few days.
Of course, there are risks. How can there be a business without losses? Who can guarantee always making money?"
As for these business details, they were not important at all; even if he said them, others wouldn't be able to do it.
The principal took the contracts Fang Bai handed over, glanced at them, and read aloud, "Equipment Sales Contract, Buyer: (hereinafter referred to as Party A) Fang Bai, Seller… Transaction Amount (in words): Three Thousand Yuan Only, (in figures): 3000 Yuan…"
At the end of the contract, there was also the seal of Hengli Company and the signature of Wang Hengli.
After reading this initial equipment acquisition contract, as well as the final equipment sales contract and the rental contract, all three contracts were handwritten by Fang Bai and were very formal.
The dean of studies and Luo Ziyang heard the principal read and couldn't help but take them to look as well.
A moment later, everyone suppressed their surprise. The principal couldn't help but give a thumbs-up and praised, "It seems I should call you Mr. Fang. You have a great business mind, truly remarkable."
The dean of studies was also stunned. Hearing the principal's praise, the tone was set, so he could only follow suit and flatter, saying, "Young and promising!"
"Very impressive. One transaction is better than most people working for several years." Luo Ziyang had to admire him, thinking to himself how sad it was that he, working, was poorer than a student.
Fang Bai saw that the principal believed him, put away the contracts, and said with a faint smile, "Principal, please just call me Student Fang Bai. This matter has made you all laugh.
I don't have much business experience; I was forced into it by poverty. In the future, if I can just stably earn some living expenses, that'll be enough. I wouldn't dare call myself a businessman, I'm still far from success, and I need to ask everyone for guidance on a lot of social experience.
Business matters don't take up much of my time. I still prioritize my studies. What do you think, Principal?"
Fang Bai had to be humble when necessary and show off when appropriate, grasping the timing well.
And sure enough, when everyone heard Fang Bai's humble words, they admired him even more.
Even the dean of studies, who initially had a prejudice against him, now greatly admired him, feeling that this student was different: he had ability, knew how to position himself, was restrained, humble, and very articulate.
If it were an ordinary student, if they were praised by them, they would probably become incredibly arrogant.
"Alright then, I'm making an exception for you."
The principal smiled gracefully. Seeing Fang Bai's business acumen, he actually hoped he could continue to develop in business and help the school in the future.
Moreover, this student knew how to humble himself so much, showing high emotional intelligence, which made him admire him even more.
"Thank you, Principal, thank you, Dean of Studies." Fang Bai shook hands with him, and then with the dean of studies.