Siheyuan: Starting from the driver

Chapter 758 That day has finally arrived!

Time finally rolled to that day that captivated the night school students.

Whether I can graduate depends on today.

The night before, almost no one was able to sleep peacefully.

Yu Xingmei tossed and turned in bed, silently reciting formulas in an attempt to fall asleep, but she couldn't drift off and instead became increasingly awake.

Left with no other choice, I could only lie in bed and imagine over and over again the consequences of what if I didn't make it through.

Qi Mengru imagined receiving her graduation certificate countless times in her mind, and each fantasy was exciting.

Jin Jianxian was no better off. He went to bed early but stayed awake until dawn, listening to the chirping of insects outside the window and imagining the scene of the teacher reading aloud.

He was more anxious than anyone else. He had already fallen out with the factory manager, Bao Daxing. If he could successfully obtain his graduation certificate, he would have a solid foundation for everything.

Li Kailang forced himself to sleep for a few hours, but beneath the calm surface, there were still undercurrents of turmoil.

I tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep.

On the last half day, no one could fall asleep.

The next day.

Summer days are early, but many people, like Yu Xingmei, Qi Mengru, and most of the night school students, get up two or three hours early with thick dark circles under their eyes.

I was so excited that I couldn't fall asleep. One by one, I got up, washed up, and looked at the sun outside the window. For the first time, I really hoped that it would pass quickly.

Some people couldn't wait and left early, their steps becoming heavier as they approached the familiar gates of the night school.

The roads that were once familiar now seem somewhat strange.

Even before the appointed time, a large number of people had already gathered at the entrance of the university, in twos and threes, either silent or talking in hushed tones, the atmosphere as heavy as the sea before a storm.

No one made a loud noise; everyone's face was filled with anxiety and uncertainty.

"Xingmei! Mengru! Over here!" Jin Jianxian, with his sharp eyes, spotted the two girls in the crowd who were also pale-faced and quickly waved.

The three of them gathered together, glanced at each other, and understood the heavy worry in each other's eyes. For a moment, they were speechless.

Li Kailang arrived just in time and, seeing the three of them, said, "You're all here."

Jin Jianxian gave a wry smile: "How could I not come? Even if it rains knives today, I have to come."

A joke, but it did nothing to dispel the tension in the air.

Qi Mengru even felt her calves go weak.

As 9 p.m. approached, the gates of the night school opened, and everyone gradually returned to their classrooms.

This time, the classroom was still the same classroom, but the feeling was quite different.

The students were chattering away in the classroom, their voices even louder than at the school gate.

Pat pat pat——

Not long after, a familiar sound of footsteps approached, and everyone's ears perked up as they immediately returned to their seats.

Finally, a familiar figure walked in.

Yan Wanbin came in with a serious expression, carrying a thick stack of sealed brown paper bags.

The air seemed to freeze; I could clearly hear the noisy cicadas chirping outside the window and my own heart pounding like a drum.

Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on the file folder in Yan Wanbin's hand.

Yan Wanbin surveyed the entire room, cleared his throat, and his deep, serious voice broke the suffocating silence:

"classmates!"

Everyone's heart skipped a beat, and Yu Xingmei instinctively grabbed Qi Mengru's arm.

Qi Mengru winced in pain, but she couldn't care less at that moment and grabbed Yu Xingmei tightly with her own hand.

"Today is the day the results for the first graduating class of the night school are released!" Yan Wanbin's voice carried a hint of fatigue, but more so a solemnity and unquestionable authority.

"First of all, on behalf of all the teachers of the evening college and the mentors who participated in the review, I would like to thank you all for your hard work over the past three years! You overcame difficulties and persevered on this path of learning. Your dedication deserves respect!"

The applause rang out sparsely a few times, and then quickly faded away.

The applause seemed so weak and powerless at this moment, because everyone was eager to know the result.

Yan Wanbin continued, "In this assessment, both the theoretical and practical parts must reach the passing grade, which is 60 points or above, in order to graduate."

"This is the bottom line standard that meets the requirements of the Education Bureau, society, and factories. There is no room for negotiation."

"Our entire review process, from initial review to cross-review and final approval, is conducted under supervision to ensure absolute fairness, impartiality, and transparency!"

His words were resolute and completely eliminated any room for wishful thinking.

Many people's faces paled even more instantly.

"Now, the results of the theory exam will be announced!" Yan Wanbin opened the file bag, picked up a document from it, and spoke in a loud voice.

He took out his reading glasses from his pocket, put them on, and opened the register.

The entire room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; the only sound was rapid breathing.

"Wan Yongzhi, theory score: fifty-seven points." Yan Wanbin read out the first name.

"Ah!" A suppressed, short gasp rang out from the crowd, which was then drowned out by a deep sigh.

Wan Yongzhi swayed, his face ashen, and he lowered his head, as if all his strength had been drained away in an instant.

I failed the theory test, so graduation is hopeless!

A brutal opening caused the temperature in the classroom to plummet, sending a chill straight to the heart.

"Bi Jinhai, Theory Score: 61 points."

"Xue Changshan, Theory Score: 63"

One name after another, one cold number after another, was read out.

Some are happy and some are sad.

Upon hearing their passing grade, some people excitedly pinched their thighs, trying their best to suppress a sound.

More often, however, students appeared pale-faced and grief-stricken, with a significant proportion scoring below the passing grade.

Yu Xingmei bit her lower lip tightly, feeling as if her heart was about to leap out of her chest.

When she heard the name "Yu Xingmei", she trembled.

"Yu Xingmei—" Yan Wanbin paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the nervous Yu Xingmei, "Theory score: Seventy-five points!"

"Buzz!" Yu Xingmei's mind went blank. Overwhelmed with joy, she felt dizzy and leaned against Qi Mengru. Tears streamed down her face.

75 points! Just barely made it! You passed! You passed!
She vividly remembers that she didn't finish the last few questions, but she never expected that the basic questions would barely tie the score!

Overwhelmed by joy and sorrow, she could barely sit still.

Qi Mengru, who was standing next to her, was extremely nervous as she tried to support her, because she was likely to be next.

"Qi Mengru—" Yan Wanbin's voice rang out again.

Qi Mengru was suddenly jolted awake, forgetting even to breathe.

"Theory score: 71 points!"

"Phew~~~" A sigh of relief came from the side; it was Jin Jianxian and Yu Xingmei.

Qi Mengru felt as if all her energy had been drained away. She leaned softly against Yu Xingmei, panting heavily, a relieved smile on her face, tears welling up in her eyes.

pass!

Upon hearing that both of them had passed, Kim Geon-hyun and Lee Kai-leung were genuinely happy for them.

But I was even more nervous, afraid that I would fail.

"Jin Jianxian, Theory Score: 85 points!"

"Okay!" Jin Jianxian's tense shoulders relaxed instantly, his clenched fists finally loosened, and a confident smile appeared on his face.

This score was expected.

Finally, Yan Wanbin's gaze fell on the last member of the four-person group: "Li Kailang—"

All eyes in the room instantly became focused.

Jin Jianxian, Yu Xingmei, and Qi Mengru disregarded their own safety and looked at Li Kailang with concern.

"Theoretical score—"

Yan Wanbin's voice unusually trembled slightly, containing a hint of barely perceptible admiration, "Ninety-one points!"

"Wow!"

An uncontrollable gasp erupted in the classroom!

"Ninety-one points? You must be kidding me."

"So high? Am I dreaming?" "It's the same exam paper, how could he score so high?"

Ninety-one points! What an incredible score!

How did you manage to score 91 points on that exam paper with a huge number of questions and "stingy" marks?
"Li Kailang, you're capable!"

"congratulations!"

"This is probably our highest score."

The three congratulated him, and Li Kailang was equally incredulous, never expecting to score so high.

His initial thought was simply to get by; he didn't think about anything else.

"Thank you!"

Li Kailang could not hide his excitement and nodded slightly to the teacher.

Soon, the theoretical scores were announced, and the atmosphere in the classroom became strange.

Those who passed were still beaming with relief and joy, while those who failed were dejected, their eyes filled with gloom.

The theoretical part alone eliminated nearly a third of the applicants!

How many people are in a class?

Those who failed the theory test were as if they had been sentenced to death; their eyes dimmed completely, and many silently wiped away tears.

But I could only force myself to listen, because there was still a sliver of hope that the teacher might pull off a miracle.

As it turned out, Yan Wanbin's subsequent words shattered that last bit of hope.

Yan Wanbin put down the theory test results and gestured for everyone to be quiet.

Then he took out a document from the bag.

Final practical test scores and evaluation results sheet!
"What we just announced were the theoretical scores, but whether you can graduate will ultimately be determined by the combined scores of both subjects!"

"Those who fail the theory test do not need to attend the practical test. According to regulations, they will not graduate. You can leave now, or you can choose to stay and listen, but please keep quiet!"

"The practical assessment results and final graduation evaluation results are now being announced!"

Yan Wanbin's voice was even more solemn than before.

"According to regulations, all students who fail the theoretical exam will not be eligible to graduate, regardless of their practical exam results. This is regrettable."

Yan Wanbin's words were cold and clear.

Suppressed sobs rose from the crowd, but he gave them no time to cry.

"Now, we will announce the practical exam scores and final results for those who passed the theoretical exam!"

Yan Wanbin picked up his practical skills report card.

This caused Jin Jianxian, Yu Xingmei, Qi Mengru and others, who had just relaxed a little, to tense up again, even more so than when they were listening to the theory test results!
Even if you pass the theory test, failing at this crucial hurdle will only cause you more pain!
The list is read aloud in order of name.

"Bi Jinhai, practical skills score: 73. Theoretical score passed, practical skills passed—graduation granted!"

"I passed! I passed!" Upon hearing that he had graduated, Bi Jinhai jumped up in celebration, unable to contain his excitement.

Seeing Bi Jinhai dancing and celebrating in the classroom, everyone couldn't help but feel happy for him.

This makes those who failed the theory even more saddened.

"Quiet! Bi Jinhai, if you make any more noise, your grades will be invalid!" Yan Wanbin shouted.

Startled, Bi Jinhai immediately sat up straight, looking just like a primary school student.

Yan Wanbin then announced: "Xue Changshan, practical score: 59 points. Theoretical score passed, practical score failed—not to graduate!"

"What!" Xue Changshan exclaimed incredulously, blurting out, "How could I have failed? Teacher, did you make a mistake in grading?"

"Shut up!" Yan Wanbin shouted. "The scores for both exams were reviewed and approved by several teachers through initial evaluation, cross-review, and final review. There were no errors!"

"The list I have here has been checked repeatedly by all the teachers, and there is absolutely no way it could be wrong!"

Yan Wanbin's reasoned and well-founded rebuke left Xue Changshan in a difficult position.

"I'm so sorry, teacher."

Yan Wanbin understood Xue Changshan's mindset, nodded and accepted the apology, and then announced the results.

"Yu Xingmei—"

When that name was mentioned again, Yu Xingmei's tears, which she had just stopped, began to well up again. She gripped the hands of Qi Mengru and a girl next to her, her knuckles turning white.

"Practical skills score: 67 points. Theoretical score passed, practical skills score passed—graduation granted!"

Another brief burst of cheers ensued, and Yu Xingmei almost collapsed.

Double pass! Double pass! She did it!

"I did it! I did it!" Yu Xingmei couldn't help but celebrate with Qi Mengru.

"Qi Mengru—"

Qi Mengru kept her eyes tightly closed, seemingly afraid to hear any sound.

"Practical skills score: 61 points. Passing both theory and practical skills – graduation granted!"

"May God protect us!"

Qi Mengru murmured softly, her whole body exhausted, and tears finally rolled down her cheeks—tears of joy.

“Jin Jianxian—” Yan Wanbin’s gaze lingered on Jin Jianxian for a moment.

Jin Jianxian held his breath and concentrated.

"Practical skills score: 89 points. Passing both theory and practical skills – graduation granted! Excellent!"

A soft murmur of admiration rippled through the classroom.

Kim Geon-hyun's smile widened, radiating confidence.

He graduated smoothly, and a weight was finally lifted from his shoulders. He no longer had to worry about Bao Daxing making things difficult for him when he went back home.

Finally, it came to that name again: "Li Kailang—"

This time, all eyes were not just focused, but also filled with curiosity and a kind of anticipation of knowing the answer in advance.

His theoretical knowledge was already impressive, and during the practical exam, Teacher Yan patted him on the shoulder and repeatedly said "good!"

Yan Wanbin pushed up his glasses, his gaze falling on the report card, as if he needed to double-check the number.

He took a deep breath, his voice clearer and louder than when he read out any of the previous results, even carrying the force of announcing a major achievement:

Practical skills score: 97 points!!!

boom! ! !
"97 points? Really?!"

"The theoretical score is 91, and the practical score is just as high?"

"Double 90?! Is this even human?!"

The classroom erupted in chaos! Ninety-seven points?! Is this even human?!

This means that Li Kailang achieved near perfection in all details and technical aspects during practical operation!

Teachers can only deduct points from the most stringent areas.

It's important to know that the teachers reviewing the documents are either engineers or experts in this field.

To achieve such a high score means that in some aspects, he is better than these teachers.

Even when Yan Wanbin read out the number, his voice was filled with obvious excitement and barely suppressed exhilaration.

He looked up at Li Kailang, his eyes overflowing with admiration and praise.

"Passing both theoretical and practical exams—graduation granted! Overall ranking—first in both subjects among the first graduating class! Exceptionally outstanding performance!!!"

First place in two subjects! Exceptionally outstanding!
These eight words, like a gold medal, are firmly nailed to Li Kailang.

The astonished, envious, and admiring gazes of his classmates enveloped him like searchlights.

Faced with such a tremendous honor, Li Kailang's clenched fists and slightly pursed lips revealed that he was not entirely unmoved.

After all the names were read out, only those who had passed both the theory and practical tests could stand up straight with a joy that was almost exhausting.

The list was read out, and the matter was settled.

Some laughed, some cried; the great joys and sorrows of life unfolded in the small classroom.

Yan Wanbin pressed his hands down, and the classroom fell silent again, with only suppressed sobs and excited whispers remaining.

His gaze swept over all the students who had passed the assessment, and his voice regained its solemnity:
"Now, on behalf of the Evening University, I officially announce! Yu Xingmei, Qi Mengru, Jin Jianxian, Li Kailang, a total of seventeen students!"

"After rigorous admission screening, three years of systematic study, and a final dual assessment of theory and practical skills, you have passed!!!"

Congratulations to the first graduating class of the Evening University!!!

(End of this chapter)