Chapter 45: Competition Among the Factions (Long Chapter, Seeking Engagement)

Jia Chuanbin was somewhat astonished when he stepped off the vehicle.

Wangjia Village truly did not match his imagination; he had originally assumed it would be a relatively prosperous village. However, upon seeing the earthen houses lining the roads alongside a few scattered brick buildings, Jia Chuanbin felt a renewed sense of confidence in his mission to persuade Wang Donglai.

Having already asked for directions, Jia Chuanbin did not dare to delay, fearing the representatives from Peking University might catch up to him. He headed straight for Wang Donglai's home.

By this time, many people had already gathered at Wang Donglai's house. Having heard that Wang Donglai had topped this year's liberal arts examinations as the provincial *Zhuangyuan* (top scorer), they had all come to join the excitement. Some had even suggested setting off firecrackers to celebrate, though Wang Yanxing had refused.

As soon as Jia Chuanbin appeared, Wang Yanxing went forward to meet him, asking with confusion, "May I ask who you are?"

As a teacher from a top-tier university's admissions office, Jia Chuanbin carried a profound scholarly air.

"Hello, I am Jia Chuanbin from the Tsinghua University admissions office. Is this Wang Donglai's home?" Jia Chuanbin asked politely, shaking hands with Wang Yanxing.

"Yes, this is my home. I am Wang Donglai's father. Teacher Jia, please, come in and sit." Upon hearing Jia Chuanbin identify himself as a Tsinghua admissions teacher, a smile immediately spread across Wang Yanxing's face. While warmly ushering Jia Chuanbin in, he shouted loudly, "Shuxian! A teacher from Tsinghua's admissions office is here! Tell Donglai to come out first!"

Entering the main hall, Jia Chuanbin finally met Wang Donglai.

"Student Wang Donglai, congratulations! The national liberal arts *Zhuangyuan*! With a score of 737, you have significantly raised the ceiling for the top score in liberal arts. Looking back at all previous top scorers, you are unparalleled!" Jia Chuanbin said to Wang Donglai with a sincere expression, giving him a thumbs-up.

"Teacher Jia, you flatter me. Please, have a seat!" Wang Donglai remained calm, showing no arrogance or vanity despite Jia Chuanbin's praise.

After sitting down, Jia Chuanbin did not rush to state his purpose; instead, he began to chat casually with Wang Donglai. The topics ranged from astronomy and geography to social affairs and various anecdotes. Even Wang Yanxing and the others nearby were captivated by the conversation.

The more they talked, the more Jia Chuanbin sensed Wang Donglai's extraordinary nature. Although he was a student, he gave off an incredibly mature impression. His words were pithy and profound, and some of his insights even provided Jia Chuanbin with valuable enlightenment.

"Student Wang Donglai, I believe you know why I am here. I would like to reiterate the conditions Tsinghua can offer. How about you listen to them before making your decision?" Jia Chuanbin glanced discreetly at the time, realizing he could no longer afford to idle in small talk, and got straight to the point.

"Please, Teacher Jia, go ahead!" Wang Donglai naturally did not refuse and immediately invited Jia Chuanbin to state Tsinghua's rewards.

However, before Jia Chuanbin could speak again, a clamor of voices erupted from outside.

"Uncle Yanxing! The admissions teachers from Peking University, Fudan, Zhejiang University, and Tangdu Jiaotong University are here!"

As this voice rang out, the people in the room stood up instantly. Wang Yanxing and Cao Shuxian rose to greet them, while Jia Chuanbin's face filled with annoyance and regret.

A stream of people poured in, instantly filling the spacious hall to capacity.

"Hello, Student Wang Donglai, I am Teacher Liu from the Peking University admissions office."

"Well done, Student Wang Donglai! Our Qin Province has produced a liberal arts *Zhuangyuan* with 737 points—the highest in the country. I am Director Qi from the Tangdu Jiaotong University admissions office."

"Student Wang Donglai, I am from Zhejiang University..."

"Student Wang Donglai, I am from Fudan..."

"Student Wang Donglai, I am from Nankai..."

In an instant, several people surrounded Wang Donglai, each introducing their respective universities.

By now, many villagers had also gathered to watch the spectacle. Hearing these teachers mention their prestigious universities, the villagers' eyes lit up with a mixture of envy and jealousy as they stared at Wang Donglai.

*Wang Donglai from Wang Yanxing's family is going to strike it rich!* This thought flashed through the minds of the villagers. Some of the older ones even began to wonder where Wang Donglai's ancestors were buried, questioning if it was some sort of auspicious feng shui site.

Seeing himself surrounded by so many admissions teachers, Wang Donglai realized it was time for him to step up.

"Please, everyone, be quiet for a moment. I need to discuss my university preferences with the teachers. I hope everyone can cooperate. Thank you." Wang Donglai stepped forward and addressed the crowd.

Hearing that Wang Donglai had serious business to attend to, the people in the room cooperated.

Five minutes later, only the admissions teachers from various universities, Wang Donglai's family, Wang Qingchen, and Wang Donglai's second uncle and eldest uncle remained in the hall.

"Teachers, please forgive me. First, I want to thank you all for your kindness in traveling all the way from Tangdu. I see your sincerity. However, there are six top-tier universities present, each of which is a dream for many, and I find it difficult to choose which school and major to select."

"I did not expect to receive such favor from all of you, and I apologize for the trouble and exhaustion this has caused. Since I am not very familiar with each university, I hope you can provide detailed introductions..."

Wang Donglai acted with grace and poise. After speaking, he waited for the teachers' responses.

The admissions teachers exchanged glances, each wanting to see what the others were thinking. They were no fools; they could tell that while Wang Donglai's words were polite, his true intention was to see which of the six offered the best conditions.

Had Wang Donglai's score been lower—just an ordinary *Zhuangyuan*—Jia Chuanbin and Liu Yuanqing might have simply stood up and left. The pride and honor of Tsinghua and Peking University would never allow them to accept such terms.

But Wang Donglai was no ordinary top scorer. He was a 737-point *Zhuangyuan*. He had earned that right!

"Student Donglai, let me go first. The status of Tsinghua needs no introduction; we are an absolute top-tier institution in the country. No matter what major you wish to study, we can provide the best conditions. From the moment you enroll, you can participate in national key projects. I can even recommend you for a combined Bachelor's and Master's program, and if you wish to pursue further studies abroad, the university can facilitate that."

"Our school is not only top-tier domestically but also renowned globally. We have collaborations with several world-famous universities, and in your sophomore year, we can recommend you for overseas study."

"Additionally, outstanding students can apply for positions at the university after graduation, allowing them to settle in Beijing with permanent residency and official government status."

As Jia Chuanbin spoke, he watched Wang Donglai's expression closely. To his disappointment, despite all this, Wang Donglai's expression remained largely unchanged. His heart sank with a sense of foreboding, but he had to finish his pitch.

"Furthermore, the university can waive four years of tuition, and there are subsidies for students from rural areas. Given your academic ability, I am sure you can secure a National Scholarship. Beyond that, the university can provide a 50,000 yuan prize."

After finishing, Jia Chuanbin waited quietly for a response. Whether it was an illusion or not, Jia Chuanbin felt that Wang Donglai's expression shifted slightly when he mentioned the 50,000 yuan prize.

Wang Donglai said nothing. He did not care about the conditions Tsinghua offered. Going abroad was out of the question! Although Western technology was currently advanced and held high international prestige, to Wang Donglai, it meant nothing. With his "cheat" in hand, he held the world! Therefore, the long list of previous conditions was not as practical as the final 50,000 yuan.

His gaze shifted to Liu Yuanqing from Peking University, wanting to see what Peking University could offer.

"Peking University focuses primarily on liberal arts, which is a better fit for Student Wang Donglai. As long as you choose Peking University, you may pick any major you wish. Our various talent cultivation programs and opportunities for overseas study will all have slots reserved for you. If you wish to pursue a Master's, you can choose any professor at Peking University..."

"In addition, Peking University is willing to provide a 100,000 yuan *Zhuangyuan* reward!"

As he spoke the last sentence, Liu Yuanqing deliberately looked at Jia Chuanbin with a hint of provocation. If Tsinghua offered 50,000, Peking University would offer 100,000!

Noticing Liu Yuanqing's expression, Jia Chuanbin felt a surge of anger, his face darkening.

Wang Donglai nodded after hearing this but remained silent.

The subsequent universities, while also top-tier, were slightly inferior compared to Tsinghua and Peking University. Consequently, the cash rewards they offered became increasingly heavy.

By the time it reached Tangdu Jiaotong University, Director Zhao Chengpeng's heart was already cold; he didn't even believe Wang Donglai would choose them. Although Tangdu Jiaotong was a premier institution, it lacked standout advantages compared to the others, even being at a disadvantage regarding overseas training. If it weren't for the fact that Wang Donglai was a local from Qin Province and lived close to Tangdu, and because Zhao Chengpeng wanted to try his luck, he probably wouldn't have come at all.

Now, regardless of the outcome, Zhao Chengpeng had to demonstrate the prestige of Tangdu Jiaotong. He decided to go all-in.

"Compared to the previous schools, the conditions we offer at Jiaotong might be slightly less, but this year the National Natural Science Foundation of China has established the Excellent Young Scientists Fund. As long as you maintain this level of academic excellence in university, Jiaotong will support you fully. Furthermore, we will do our utmost to cultivate you through the Distinguished Young Scholar and Young Talent Development programs."

"Once you have achieved results, you can choose to be recommended for postgraduate studies at Jiaotong, stay on as a lecturer, associate professor, or professor. Finally, Jiaotong will do everything in its power to help you become a 'Changjiang Scholar,' guiding you step-by-step to the pinnacle of academia—though all of this is predicated on you possessing sufficient capability."

"Additionally, as a university in Qin Province and since you are a student of this province, we are offering you a 300,000 yuan scholarship."

Everyone present was shocked by Zhao Chengpeng's words. What he described was staggering. He had painted a brilliant future for Wang Donglai: postgraduate recommendation, staying at the school, lecturer, associate professor, professor, Changjiang Scholar. The path was laid out clearly and with immense sincerity.

Just as the crowd was reeling from the shock, as if feeling it wasn't enough, Zhao Chengpeng showed a look of determination and added through gritted teeth, "If Student Wang Donglai requires it, I can personally authorize the university to lease a prime-location storefront to you at cost price."

It could be said that such a condition exceeded even his authority as the admissions director. But he felt it was worth it! A 737-point liberal arts *Zhuangyuan* would undoubtedly top the news this year. There are *Zhuangyuan* every year, but a liberal arts *Zhuangyuan* with such a score had never appeared before. Wang Donglai possessed immense advertising value; he was the ultimate recruitment advertisement. If Wang Donglai chose Tangdu Jiaotong over Tsinghua or Peking University, it would be a once-in-a-lifetime publicity opportunity for the school.

Listening from the side, Wang Yanxing and the others were flushed with excitement, their eyes shining brightly. The conditions these famous universities were offering to entice Wang Donglai were beyond anything they could have imagined. To earn 300,000 yuan before even enrolling, to be guaranteed a teaching position, and to have studies abroad paid for—it was beyond their wildest dreams.

Amidst the varying thoughts of the crowd, Wang Donglai finally made his choice.

"Director Zhao, I would like to ask: is this scholarship before or after tax, and when can it be disbursed?"

Hearing Wang Donglai's question, Zhao Chengpeng was overjoyed. He immediately made a decision: "300,000 yuan after tax, and it can be in your account today!"