Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 414 Let's do it together

In the study on the second floor, Chen Fan looked at Jiang Lili, who was trying to suppress her emotions but couldn't control them, and felt a pang of sadness.

She arrived here at the age of 14 and has been here for nearly four years. According to the unwritten rule, she will have to stay for at least another three years.

However, the idea that one can return to the city after seven years is just a theory.

The seal is in the hands of a person; just because someone else can use it doesn't mean she can.

From the first batch of educated youth voluntarily going to the countryside in 55, to the call for educated youth to go to the countryside in 64, and then to the organized wave that formed in 68.

During this time, countless people with similar backgrounds and identities have been waiting for an opportunity, some for over a decade.

Now that she has finally gotten the chance to take the college entrance examination again, which has brought her new hope, she is being maliciously blocked at the very moment she is about to succeed. Who could bear that?

Chen Fan sighed softly, unsure of where to begin offering advice.

She encountered difficulties from the very beginning. Some people overcome numerous obstacles and, despite having passed the exam, can only look on with envy.

There are even cases where students who finally got into university and attended classes for several months were expelled simply because of a few anonymous letters…

That was utterly tragic!
The reason he firmly rejected Teacher Guo's overtures and prevented Jiang Lili from applying to Jiangnan University was because the distance was too close and the target was too great. If too many people knew that she had been admitted to Jiangnan University, the letters would keep disturbing her peace.

Have you ever heard of letters being sent from Jiangsu to universities in Inner Mongolia?
The kind that perseveres!

Have you ever heard of someone sending a letter from Shanghai to a university in Nanjing?
The kind that sends one to every leader!

Have you ever heard of letters being sent from all over the country to universities in the capital?
Most of the letter senders were complete strangers, who were simply driven by righteous indignation and dared to "fight," treating stamps as worthless.

The number of anonymous letters that year was in the tens of thousands, and hundreds or even thousands of people left campus in despair because of them.

Alas, this is utterly outrageous.

Of course, there were also many lucky ones who survived.

Just like that cliché yet down-to-earth saying, "Because I've been rained on myself, I'm willing to hold an umbrella for others."

Countless students with backgrounds similar to Jiang Lili's, or even worse, survived their school years safely under the steadfast protection of the school's teachers and leaders, thus changing their lives.

That was their greatest stroke of luck in life.

But Chen Fan didn't know if Jiang Lili would be lucky enough to have that opportunity.

Therefore, he wanted to do everything he could to plan for her.

When Jiang Lili's crying subsided, Chen Fan took out a handkerchief and handed it to her, saying, "Wipe it off."

Jiang Lili didn't seem to hear, or perhaps she didn't reach out to take it.

Chen Fan pursed his lips, pulled her hand away, wiped away her tears, and said, "Go to the bathroom to wash your face, and take a coat with you. I'll take you to the prefectural committee."

The moment her fingers touched her face, Jiang Lili's face turned bright red and her mind went blank.

She hurriedly snatched the handkerchief from his hand and ran to the bathroom next door.

Chen Fan went back to his room to get a coat and some other things, putting them all in his backpack. When he came out, he ran into Jiang Lili, whose face was flushed red after washing it. He smiled slightly at her and started walking downstairs.

After going downstairs, he asked Jiang Lili to get her clothes first, and then went to the tea table in the living room. He greeted the group briefly, said nothing more, and left with Jiang Lili amidst their strange looks.

The two arrived at the dock one after the other. It wasn't until Chen Fan started the machine that Jiang Lili, as if waking from a dream, looked up and around before finally fixing her gaze on Chen Fan's face and whispering, "Where are we going?"

Chen Fan glanced at her, then turned back to the steering wheel. "To the Prefectural Committee."

Although he knew many people in the county, he didn't have any connections in the Education Bureau. Moreover, the clerk in the school district office had just mentioned that the Prefectural Education Department might also receive the letter, so he might as well go directly to the Prefectural Committee and get things done at the same time.

As for hoping that the people in the county bureau and the clerks in the school district office would let him go voluntarily, Chen Fan had also considered this possibility.

However, he couldn't gamble on other people's kindness, so after thinking it over, he decided to do the work first.

Hearing his words, Jiang Lili's previously chaotic mind finally cleared up, and she looked at him and asked, "Is there any way?"

Chen Fan looked at her and smiled, "You forgot? Teacher Guo and Teacher He work in the Education Department of the Prefectural Committee. Although they are not from the Education Department, Jiangnan University has a bigger reputation than the Education Department. Asking them to help us should make it easier to get the admission ticket."

In fact, this year's policy is very clear: "Only individual performance is considered, and the best candidates are selected." However, because there is no precedent, many people are hesitant to take the plunge, and many people, adhering to the principle of "it's better to do nothing than to do something wrong," are still clinging to the old system.

After this year, a large number of people like Jiang Lili were hired, and the people responsible were not only not punished, but were also publicly praised, which made everyone see the situation clearly.

By next year's college entrance examination, such incidents will basically no longer occur.

Even the political background check has become much less stringent. As long as one is not involved in illegal or criminal activities or has an extremely poor reputation, even a family like the Jiangs can pass the check smoothly.

Unfortunately, that's in the future.

However, Chen Fan can now use this as a basis to ask acquaintances for help.

Others might worry about being held accountable later, but he knows they won't. As long as he can explain things clearly to Teacher Guo and the others, they'll understand with their intelligence. They can easily lend a hand and gain a favor—why not?

Hearing Chen Fan's words, Jiang Lili felt a little relieved.

Teacher Guo and Teacher He are both teachers at Jiangnan University and work in the Education Department year-round, so they should be able to help with this, right?
……

But when the two rushed to the Education Bureau, Chen Fan was shocked to hear, "Teacher Guo and Teacher He are both away on business?"

Teacher Su glanced at the little girl behind him who had turned pale instantly, then looked at Chen Fan. A thoughtful look flashed in his eyes, but he remained calm on the surface and said with a smile, "He left the day before you came to the prefectural committee to take photos. He was going to attend a seminar on middle school textbooks to prepare for next year's textbook revisions."

I heard this was a closed-door meeting; all the participating teachers were cut off from all contact with the outside world until the conclusion was reached, so it's unlikely they'll be back anytime soon.

Secondary school textbook seminar?
Chen Fan immediately understood. What kind of textbook discussion was this? And did textbook compilation really need to be kept out of the public eye? He was certain that Teacher Guo and Teacher He were 100% involved in the drafting of the college entrance examination papers. Only this kind of work required absolute secrecy.

For the two teachers, such an opportunity is naturally a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, not only adding a glorious chapter to their resumes, but also a very rare experience in their lives.

But why now of all times?
Even with Chen Fan's composure, he couldn't help but rub his face lightly and force a smile. "Thank you, Teacher Su. I'll come back when they return."

After saying that, he was about to leave with Jiang Lili.

At this moment, Teacher Su quickly stepped forward and asked, "Teacher Guo specifically mentioned you before he left, saying that if you need any help, you can tell me."

Chen Fan hesitated for two seconds, then shook his head and smiled, "Thank you, I'm fine, I just happened to be passing by. Goodbye."

After saying that, he waved to Teacher Su and resolutely turned to leave.

Once outside, he turned back to look at Jiang Lili, whose face was filled with sadness, and said softly, "I'm not familiar with Teacher Su, so it's not convenient for me to ask him for help with this."

Jiang Lili raised her head and forced a smile, "It's okay."

Chen Fan took a deep breath, looked around at the bustling traffic on the street, and seeing that no one else was around, continued, "This kind of thing requires the help of someone you know well. Before you're sure of Teacher Su's attitude towards this kind of thing, it's best not to ask him."

He paused for a moment, then said to her, "It's alright, don't worry. You know I have a good relationship with the leaders of the Health Department. They are all from the Prefectural Committee, so they might know someone who can speak up in the Education Department. Let's go to the Health Department and take a look."

Jiang Lili pursed her lips, looking at his slightly tired face. She wanted to say "never mind," but the words wouldn't come out.

Chen Fan didn't bother to guess what she was thinking, waved to her, and walked forward.

After taking the bus to the Health Department, Chen Fan felt right at home. He went to Yan Liyuan's office first, but unfortunately, Yan was not there. Otherwise, a powerful leader in the Health Department would surely have been able to speak with the Education Department.

Yan Liyuan wasn't at work, so Chen Fan didn't sit idle either. He turned around and went to the Political Work Department to find Sister Zhou.

As soon as they entered the political work section, a group of female comrades started shouting again. They only calmed down and put on a mature and composed demeanor when they saw Jiang Lili hiding behind Chen Fan.

Sister Qin took two steps forward, leaned close to Chen Fan, nudged him with her elbow, and whispered, "Who is this?"

They brought me here without even saying hello; this can't be a normal relationship!

Without turning his head, Chen Fan smiled and said, "She's a student I took on in Lujiawan. I brought her here to take care of some business."

After saying that, she gestured to Jiang Lili, "Little Jiang, say hello to the older sisters."

Jiang Lili immediately bowed slightly and greeted them politely, "Hello, ladies. My name is Jiang Lili. You can just call me Xiao Jiang."

Upon hearing this, Sister Qin and the others breathed a sigh of relief.

Oh, you're a student. That's alright then.

Lin Liwen and Xia Yuping then busied themselves pouring tea.

However, some people still had doubts. Sister Yu leaned closer to him and whispered, "Is he really a student? Why did you bring a student here?"

Chen Fan smiled and said in a low voice, "I have many students in Lujiawan, and she is just one of them. It's almost time for college entrance examination registration, and there's a small problem. I wanted to come and ask Sister Zhou if she knows anyone in the Education Office who can help me solve it."

As soon as I heard "Sister Zhou," she came out of the inner office. "I knew it was you as soon as I heard her voice."

As she spoke, she glanced at Chen Fan, then at Jiang Lili, who stood somewhat shyly at the door, and said with a smile, "You've come here for something, haven't you? I can tell. You came here with something just to see us. If you're not carrying anything, you definitely have something to say."

He turned and walked back, saying, "Come in."

Chen Fan couldn't get a word in edgewise while listening to her speak. After she finished, he waved to Jiang Lili and followed her into the office inside.

Lin Liwen and Xia Yuping also brought in tea and placed it on the desk. Xia Yuping, disregarding that they were in the boss's office, smiled at Chen Fan and said, "Xiao Fan, you're amazing..."

Before she could finish speaking, Lin Liwen interrupted, "Last time you gave us a whole set of self-study books for math, physics, and chemistry, and not long after, the news of the resumption of the college entrance examination was announced. Did you receive the news in advance?"

Chen Fan chuckled, "I did receive the news in advance, but didn't I notify you as soon as possible?"

That was truly a coincidence. You all helped me so much, and I wanted to give you something to express my gratitude. But I didn't know what to give you. Then I suddenly remembered what Sister Zhou said about you being high-achieving graduates from vocational schools, so I thought I'd give you a set of study materials. I think you'd like them.

Even though it was the second time they had heard this, Lin Liwen and Xia Yuping were so embarrassed that they scratched their toes on the ground.

Sister Zhou really made them proud. It was indeed a vocational school, but it was through a recommendation that they got in, and they weren't exactly top students.

Originally, the family was planning to let them work for two years to catch up, and then use their employer's quota to recommend them for university, but they didn't expect the college entrance examination to be suddenly reinstated.

If Chen Fan hadn't given each of them a set of self-study books on math, physics, and chemistry beforehand, they probably wouldn't even know where to begin their studies, and would have ended up as vocational school students. Now they can at least give it a shot.

And because of this set of books, even the "top students" who never paid any attention to them before started to flock around them, hoping to borrow the books from them to review.

This was a gift from Chen Fan, how could I possibly lend it out? I originally wanted to refuse outright, but some people had already convinced their parents, so I had no choice but to agree to let them come to my house to copy it. In this way, I received countless words of thanks.

Therefore, it's hard to say whether the favors Chen Fan received from his family before or now are more of a debt of gratitude.

Xia Yuping opened her mouth, wanting to say something more, but Sister Zhou started to shoo her away, saying, "Why do we have to catch up now? Can't you see Xiao Fan has important business to attend to? You'll have plenty of time to talk after he finishes his business."

The two then chuckled awkwardly, went outside, and closed the door behind them.

Sister Zhou glanced at the somewhat flustered Jiang Lili and suddenly asked, "Are you the youngest daughter of the former deputy director of the cotton mill, Jiang?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Lili suddenly panicked and involuntarily looked at Chen Fan.

Chen Fan smiled at her, then turned to look at Sister Zhou, "Sister, have you met her before?"

Sister Zhou leaned back, crossed her legs, picked up her teacup, took a sip of water, and then slowly said, "A few years ago, I went to the cotton mill on business. At that time, her father was the deputy director of the factory. I had dealings with him a few times and also met her mother and sister."

She suddenly smiled and said to Chen Fan, "You don't know, back then her older sister had just been admitted to a vocational school and had grown into a beautiful young woman. Many people were eyeing her and wanted to propose marriage when she grew up."

Then she turned to look at Jiang Lili, "The younger sister looks almost exactly like the older sister, except she's a little less energetic."

After saying this, she couldn't help but sigh softly.

At that time, Jiang Tiantian passed the entrance exam with the highest score (those recommended for admission will have an entrance exam after registration, which mainly tests their knowledge base). She was in high spirits and her mental state was naturally extraordinary.

Jiang Lili had lived in the countryside for three or four years, and today she suffered such a huge blow; it's no wonder she was in such a bad mood.

Even though both sisters fell on hard times, their fates were quite different.

Chen Fan looked at Sister Zhou and understood what she meant.

She knew a bit about the Jiang family's situation and roughly guessed why she had brought Jiang Lili over.

In that case, it wouldn't be appropriate for him to speak up first.

If it can be done, she will definitely have more to say; if it can't be done, saying it herself will only add to her troubles.

With neither Teacher Guo nor Teacher He available, and no favors to be made, if even Sister Zhou declines, Chen Fan will have to find another way, or find Jiang Lili a new high school so she can take the college entrance exam next summer.

But if he did that, he would still have to do favors for her and waste a year of her time, which wouldn't be worth it no matter how you look at it.

fortunately.

Sister Zhou turned to look at Chen Fan, a slight smile playing on her lips, and said directly, "You brought her here, it shouldn't be related to hygiene, right?"

Chen Fan's face instantly lit up with a smile. Since Sister Zhou had given the hint, it meant that there was still room for discussion.

He immediately laughed and said, "Well, the college entrance exam is coming up soon, and my student's registration is having a bit of trouble. I was hoping to find someone in the education department to help me out. But I don't know anyone there, so I had to come to you for help."

Sister Zhou turned to look at Jiang Lili, her eyes full of curiosity, "How is your student's knowledge level?"

Chen Fan gave a thumbs up without hesitation, "This is definitely it. As long as she takes the college entrance exam, she will definitely pass."

Sister Zhou looked at him again, "If she can take the college entrance examination, what university does she plan to apply to?"

Chen Fan glanced at Jiang Lili, then turned to her and said, "You know her situation is rather special, so I want her to apply to a place that's far away, whether it's the capital, Shanghai, or Guangzhou, the farther the better."

Sister Zhou nodded slowly, "Yes, the further away she is, the less trouble there will be. It would be best if no one knew where she went."

She paused for a moment, then looked up at Chen Fan. "I understand the situation, but I can't give you a definite answer right now. Don't go back for the next couple of days. Stay at the prefectural committee office. I'll let you know once I've found the right person."

Then she looked at Jiang Lili and said, "If all else fails, you shouldn't go back. After all, you're the person involved. There's no reason to ask someone for help and not even show your face."

Jiang Lili nodded quickly, "Mhm."

Then he started to worry: if he didn't go back to Lujiawan, where would he stay?

Going home won't work; that would definitely be discovered by someone at the cotton mill, and the trouble would only get worse.

Staying at a guesthouse?

But I don't have a letter of introduction!
Chen Fan could tell what she was thinking just by looking at her face, so he smiled and said, "Sister Zhou asked you to stay, she must have made arrangements for you, why are you in such a hurry?"

Upon hearing this, Sister Zhou rolled her eyes at him and said, "I didn't make any arrangements. If you want to make arrangements, go ahead and make them."

Jiang Lili was at a loss, but Chen Fan laughed and said, "You said it yourself, so I'll arrange for her to stay at the guesthouse next door. I remember there's a nice single room next to the cadre's quarters. Why don't you stay there?"

Sister Zhou immediately pointed at him angrily, "I've never even stayed in the cadre's room, but you act like you're at home as soon as you arrive. If it weren't for the 'First Aid Manual' earning the department over 100,000 yuan, do you think the guesthouse would give you the green light!"

The tens of thousands of yuan was only the money the department received; another large sum was handed over to the Provincial Health Department. To the leader in charge of logistics, Chen Fan was like a benefactor, and the leader treated him with special care and consideration.

Chen Fan accepted all comers without hesitation, and even did so intentionally.

Sometimes, aloofness doesn't bring people closer; instead, it can create distance. Yan Liyuan and Sister Zhou were very warm towards him after he started treating the health department like his own home. Human relationships are sometimes just that subtle.

But Jiang Lili was unaware of these circumstances.

When she saw that Sister Zhou had actually scolded Chen Fan, she felt terrible. When she left the clinic, she kept her head down and looked sullen, showing no joy at all that her matter had been resolved.

Chen Fan walked ahead, glanced at the bus stop not far away, and said, "Let's go find your sister and ask her how things are going, whether she's registered yet."

If even Jiang Lili received anonymous letters, there's no reason why Jiang Tiantian would be let off the hook.

After he finished speaking, he walked forward.

He had only taken two steps when he heard no sound from behind, so he turned around and looked at Jiang Lili, who seemed downcast, with a puzzled expression. "What's wrong?"

Jiang Lili slowly moved over, biting her lip tightly, her head down and silent, her eyes, though unseen, were filled with a look of struggle.

Just as Chen Fan was about to ask another question, he saw her raise her head and force a smile as she said, "Xiao Fan, I don't want to take the exam anymore."

Ok?
Chen Fan was full of questions. Everything was fine just now, so why did he suddenly not want to take the exam?

Before he could ask a question, Jiang Lili said, "Even if I pass the exam, those people won't let me off the hook. They'll write letters to the school and relevant departments, and I'll have to return the exam anyway, so I don't want to take it anymore."

Chen Fan looked at her tear-filled eyes and sighed softly, "Tell the truth."

Jiang Lili lowered her head unconsciously, and two lines of tears slid down her face. "I was just telling the truth."

Seeing her like this, Chen Fan couldn't help but feel a little irritated, and in his anger, he put his hands on his hips and spun around in place.

But after I stopped and looked at her again, my heart softened.

After a two-second pause, he asked softly, "You don't want to take the exam, and you don't want your sister to take it either?"

Jiang Lili was stunned. She was in a state of confusion and completely at a loss.

Chen Fan said, "If I can solve your exam problem, we can also solve your sister's problem. Since your sister can pass the exam, you can definitely pass it too. Why give up?"

After several seconds, Jiang Lili murmured, "But I don't want you to go around begging for help."

Chen Fan was stunned. It was because of this reason?
He scratched his head, and said with a wry smile, "So, you don't want to take the exam because of this?"

Jiang Lili lowered her head even further, not daring to make a sound.

Chen Fan took a deep breath and smiled at her, "Then you're overthinking it. I'm not going to ask for help; I'm giving others the opportunity to ask me for help in the future."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Lili looked up, her eyes filled with confusion.

Chen Fan smiled and shook his head, then took out a handkerchief and handed it to her, "Wipe yourself first, otherwise if others see this, they'll think I'm bullying you."

Jiang Lili quickly glanced around and saw that quite a few people were looking in her direction. She quickly took the handkerchief and wiped her face.

After she finished cleaning up, Chen Fan pointed ahead and said, "Let's go, we can talk as we walk."

The two walked side by side toward the bus stop. Chen Fan said softly, "You have to understand one thing: this is different from giving a beggar half a bowl of rice. When someone helps you, it's not an act of charity, but an exchange of favors."

Don't think I'm begging for help. No matter how much a person without ability begs, no one will lend a hand. On the contrary, a person with ability doesn't need to ask; people will naturally lend a helping hand.

I went to Sister Zhou because of this situation. I went to them because they are valuable, and because I am valuable, they were willing to help me. In the future, they might come to me for other things as well.

This is an exchange of favors, which is fundamentally different from asking for a favor. Do you understand?

Jiang Lili pouted, stole a glance at him, and quickly lowered her head again. "But, what she said about you just now..."

Chen Fan was taken aback. "You mean Sister Zhou? What did she say about me?"

The mere mention of this ignited a fire within Jiang Lili. "It's just that she said you were staying in the cadre's quarters without permission."

Upon hearing this, Chen Fan couldn't help but laugh out loud, "Oh, so that's why you're angry?"

He pointed back and laughed, "You don't know, Sister Zhou talks to me like this to show we're closer. Would you casually say something like that to someone you're not close to?"

Jiang Lili then realized what he meant, gently shook her head, and looked at him, asking, "Really?"

Chen Fan laughed, "If she really had a problem with me, she wouldn't have agreed to help, much less offer to let us stay here temporarily. As for the cadre quarters, who is she? She's the head of the political work section of the health department! Even the logistics director is under her jurisdiction. If she didn't want me to stay, she could have just told the guesthouse. I wouldn't even be able to stay in the dormitory, let alone the cadre quarters, believe it or not?"

Jiang Lili tilted her head, her eyes thoughtful. So that's how it is.
Chen Fan smiled and shook his head, but his gaze was exceptionally gentle.

Unexpectedly, this girl was so angry with Sister Zhou that she didn't want to take the college entrance exam.

In terms of intelligence, the Jiang sisters were the most intelligent among the people Chen Fan met in Yunhu. However, intelligence is only related to learning ability. Social experience and interpersonal skills can only be understood through personal experience.

In this respect, the older sister is much better than the younger sister.

However, this is not Jiang Lili's fault. After all, she went to Lujiawan after graduating from junior high school and was isolated for a long time. Jiang Tiantian only came once a year and only taught her how to avoid trouble. She didn't need to learn how to deal with people at all!
To this day, she is still practically a blank slate when it comes to interpersonal skills.

But the more she does this, the more it seems that her emotions are genuine.

Chen Fan looked at her, feeling a warmth in his heart. After several seconds, he smiled and said, "Let's go find your sister and try to get things done together."

(End of this chapter)