Chapter 47

Chapter 3: Verbal Sparring

Fang Mingyuan, after leaving the office, could hardly suppress the joy in his heart. It was as if he was thirsty and someone had brought him a pillow. He was just pondering how to raise funds, and the Japanese had come to offer money! With this funding, many of his planned projects could finally be initiated. It was now 1988, and the policies had become much clearer, significantly reducing the risk of falling into traps. Moreover, his relationship with the Su family had grown increasingly close, providing him with a strong backing. This allowed Fang Mingyuan to act more freely.

Over the past four years, the first major speed increase in China's railways was nearing completion. The train speeds had increased from the original 30-40 kilometers per hour to around 80 kilometers per hour. The benefits were evident: the same railway could now handle twice as many trains, greatly alleviating the strain on China's railway transportation and contributing significantly to the country's economic development. The public also widely praised this improvement. As the initiator of this reform, Su Huandong had achieved significant political gains. He was now the first deputy minister of the Ministry of Railways, and he would officially join the ranks of full ministers at the end of 1988 when the old minister retired. Given the importance of the Ministry of Railways to the nation's economy and people's livelihood, its power far exceeded that of any other department.

Therefore, Old Mr. Su had always shown a special favor towards Fang Mingyuan, treating him like a nephew. During the Spring Festival two years ago, when Fang Mingyuan visited the capital, Old Mr. Su had proactively offered to send him to Jingshan School for his education.

Jingshan School, founded in 1960, was a joint effort by the Publicity Department and Beijing Normal University. It enjoyed significant autonomy in its educational reforms and gathered a group of renowned teachers from across the country. The first batch of special-grade teachers in China's primary and secondary schools was born here. It was a key school both nationally and in Beijing, and one of the centers for the UNESCO Asia Education Renewal Program. National leader Deng Xiaoping had inscribed for Jingshan School, "Education should face modernization, face the world, and face the future." Moreover, it was one of the first schools in China to introduce computers. In 1979, Vice Premier Fang Yi, who was in charge of science, technology, and education, brought an IBM PC from the United States and donated it to Jingshan School. The school immediately used this valuable PC to establish the first computer teaching and research group in primary and secondary schools nationwide, and subsequently became the first to offer computer courses, writing the first computer textbook.

Therefore, in the 1980s, those who could enter Jingshan School were either outstanding students or the children of national leaders, like Su Huandong's granddaughter, Su Yinxue, who was then a student in the primary school section of Jingshan School. However, Fang Mingyuan politely declined the offer, promising Old Mr. Su that he would transfer to Beijing before high school and then ask for his help.

In his previous life, Fang Mingyuan entered the capital in September 1989. This meant that in at most a year, his household registration would be transferred to the capital. If he still refused to go to the capital for his studies at that time, even Old Mr. Fang might not forgive him. The time he had left in Pingchuan County was indeed limited. He still had many things to do in the next year.

While pondering his future direction, Fang Mingyuan almost collided with someone at the classroom door.

"Move! A good dog doesn't block the way! I'll kick anyone who blocks my way to death!" The speaker was Cao Hu.

Fang Mingyuan raised an eyebrow. Why was this guy so unpleasant? He stepped aside to let Cao Hu pass. As Cao Hu walked out with a smug look, Fang Mingyuan loudly said, "When I meet a dog on a narrow path, I always give the dog the right of way!"

Cao Hu's smug expression immediately froze, and the classroom erupted in thunderous laughter. Several boys even pounded the desks and whistled. Regardless, Fang Mingyuan was a senior in the class. Although he was usually low-key and didn't have close relationships with his peers, he had no conflicts with anyone. Moreover, he had held the top spot in the grade for five years, earning the admiration of his classmates. Cao Hu, being a newcomer, had not yet integrated into the class. Therefore, when a conflict arose, it was clear which side would be supported. Besides, Cao Hu had initiated the provocation this time.

Cao Hu's face couldn't help but turn red. His father, Cao Yinpeng, had come to Qinxi Pressing Equipment Factory, but originally, he didn't plan to bring Cao Hu along. Although the factory was of a high level, its school was limited in educational quality. However, Cao Hu had a violent temper and often got into fights, causing trouble at school. If he didn't come along, the elderly at home couldn't control him. Moreover, before leaving, Cao Hu had injured a classmate over a minor issue, causing a lot of trouble. Thus, Cao Yinpeng had no choice but to bring him to Haizhuang Town first and then find a suitable school for him.

Cao Hu knew that Fang Mingyuan had a high reputation in the class. He had heard about Fang Mingyuan's name from some teachers before entering the school. Being someone who liked to dominate in class, he couldn't help but feel不服 (unconvinced). So when he realized that the person he almost collided with was Fang Mingyuan, he almost instinctively said that sentence. When Fang Mingyuan stepped aside to let him pass, Cao Hu felt a deep disdain—such a tall guy, but a coward, what a waste of height!

However, Fang Mingyuan's next words immediately changed the situation.

"I know, I know, dogs have rabies, and once it breaks out, there's no cure!" Liu Yong added, fueling the fire.

The classroom burst into laughter again, drawing the attention of students from other classes in the hallway, who poked their heads out to look.

The laughter even caught the attention of the teachers in the office, and several of them were already standing in the hallway. Although Cao Hu was arrogant, he wouldn't dare to fight in school on his first day of transfer, especially with teachers watching.

"Hmph! Just wait and see!" Cao Hu glared at Fang Mingyuan, "I..."

"Move, move! I get it, go ride a donkey!" Fang Mingyuan said impatiently.

"Ride a donkey?" Not only was Cao Hu confused, but the classmates in the class also looked at Fang Mingyuan with surprise.

"If you don't understand, you said you'd wait and see, right? Riding a donkey to read a book—just wait and see!" Liu Yong, who had been with Fang Mingyuan for a long time, understood his speaking habits and said with disdain.

"Haha..."

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