Cao Yang entered his senior year of high school this year. Because his school was a key high school with military-style managent, he could only co ho on weekends, and his grades consistently ranked in the top ten.
His parents did not put much pressure on him, so his achievents were entirely his own.
In November 2001, Cao Yang participated in a physics competition and astonishingly won the First Prize. Of course, that wasn’t what excited him the most. What thrilled him the most was that representatives from the National Defense Science and Technology University were coming to his school to personally select candidates. His First Prize in the physics competition ant he had one foot in the door of the National Defense Science and Technology University. As long as he passed the interview and physical examination smoothly, his admission to the university was virtually guaranteed.
Mingxia, although a stepmother, was truly impeccable in her care for Cao Yang. When she heard the good news, she was very excited and expressed a strong desire to celebrate.
But Cao Yang felt embarrassed, "Mom, we shouldn’t make such a big fuss. It would be the sa if we celebrated after I secure my admission. Let’s wait a bit longer."
Unexpectedly, this waiting lasted until the end of the first sester’s final exams, during which Cao Yang made a breakthrough and ranked within the top five, securing fifth place—a considerable improvent.
The interview team from the National Defense Science and Technology University conducted Cao Yang’s interview after the final exam results were out. The entire interview was conducted in English, and Cao Yang, undaunted by the situation, remained calm and honest. When he encountered questions he couldn’t answer, he straightforwardly admitted his ignorance rather than giving evasive answers. He even told the interviewer that he couldn’t make any judgnts on matters that had not been verified.
The teachers from the National Defense Science and Technology University were very pleased and granted Cao Yang an admission pass on the spot, aning he had succeeded in the interview.
"Next, you’ll face a political review and physical examination. If these are passed, you won’t need to attend classes next sester. You can just wait until August next year to start military training at the university."
When Cao Yuan walked out of the school doors, he felt as if he was floating. However, seeing his stepmother holding his little brother and his grandmother pulling his little sister waiting for him in the cold wind, a smile gradually spilled across his face. He ran towards Mingxia, "Grandma, mom, I did it, I got in!"
Cao Yuan couldn’t co to cheer him on because of work, but Cao Yang had already got used to his father’s busy schedule. He gave Gong Mingxia a big hug, nearly in tears as he spoke, "Mom, I succeeded in the interview. As long as there’s no issue with the upcoming political review and physical exam, I can directly join the university."
Gong Mingxia was uncontrollably excited, "Quick, go ho and call your mom. Let her share the joy."
Now, Mingxia and Xu Li were already good friends. Both families often dined out together, maintaining a harmonious relationship which sotis surprised her, but this also reflected the character of Xu Li and Cao Yuan—because of their integrity, they were open and composed.
When Cao Yang got ho and saw the massive new addition in his room, he was so shocked he couldn’t close his mouth, "My goodness!"
Xiao Xiao was also looking at her brother excitedly, "Are you happy? Surprised? Mom said you would definitely get in, and you’d surprise us, so she wanted to surprise you too. This is what she and dad picked out for you at the tech market last weekend. Try it out!"
Gong Mingxia had bought Cao Yang a computer, "This is sothing your dad got through a comrade. Check out the specs yourself. It’s a custom-built compatible machine. We don’t know much about it, so we’re not sure if it’s any good, but this computer is for ho use. Also, here’s a card..."
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