Bottom Line - Novel on Higher Education Anti-Corruption

Author: Ji Huawen / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: A congratulatory phone call from Beijing, like a powerful arm, swept all the department-level leaders and key figures of the master's program application units into the luxurious private room "Canglang Ting" of Linhu Xuan. The master's program, which seemed hopeless, made a breakthrough and miraculously passed the critical "expert scoring" hurdle. Not to mention others, even President and Secretary Zhang Xinghang himself couldn’t have dreamed of such good news falling from the sky. This sudden piece of good news was like a spring thunder, dispelling the heavy chill that had lingered in Hezhou University for the entire holiday, hidden in its very bones. The long-cold and quiet "Canglang Ting" swept away the recent gloom and was soon filled to the brim with loud, joyous congratulations and well-wishes, exaggerated laughter and praise. One after another, officials of all sizes arrived, though almost all stumbled on the slippery ice, covered in mud and water on their pants and shoes, yet none failed to rush in and shake hands with Zhang Xinghang upon entering. They gathered around the old Zhang, showering him with all sorts of praise and flattery, congratulating him on yet another great achievement at Hezhou University. Old Zhang, harboring a bundle of doubts, smiled feignedly, beaming with pride, clasped his hands in respect, and kept muttering, "Congratulations, congratulations! It’s everyone’s, everyone’s!" Vice President Zhu Zhixiu stood by Zhang Xinghang’s side, equally beaming as he shook hands with everyone, his eyes sparkling uncontrollably. General Manager Li Laifu of the Logistics Group and Director Yuan Feng rushed about, busy with arrangements and greetings. Only the Director of the History Department, Liang Huapu, circled around a few times, unable to get close to Zhang Xinghang and unsure of what to do or how to contribute, so he settled down to sit in a corner. Yuan Feng was busy greeting the acting director of the Chinese Department, Shi Nan, when he glanced back and noticed a fleeting displeasure cross Zhang Xinghang’s face. Following the old man’s gaze, he saw Liang Huapu was boldly occupying the seat that should have been Zhang’s, happily cracking nuts. Yuan Feng quietly poured a cup of tea and placed it where Liang Huapu should have sat, calling out, "Director Liang, come here for some tea!" Liang Huapu replied, "It’s fine, it’s fine, this is great!" Yuan Feng had no choice but to quietly approach him and whisper in his ear. Liang Huapu was startled, stood up hastily, and accidentally knocked over a chair. When he tried to pick it up, he bumped into a tea girl, causing a complete mess. The room full of people wanted to laugh but dared not, stifling their giggles with "gugu" sounds. Yuan Feng was also a bit annoyed, but luckily Shi Nan quietly walked over and led the bewildered Liang Huapu to sit beside him. Just then, Li Laifu, who had been busy arranging everything, entered and announced loudly, "Everyone, everyone! Today is a joyous occasion for Hezhou University, and the Logistics Group will cover all expenses! We just hope everyone eats and drinks well and makes a night of it!" Amidst enthusiastic applause, he instructed the manager of Linhu Xuan behind him, "Good cigarettes, good wine—bring it all! Abalone, bear paw, sea cucumber, shark fin—whatever you have, bring it! I’m telling you, we’re rare this happy today. This is a big deal for the school’s advancement, and you handle it!" The meal lasted until late at night. Seeing that Zhang Xinghang was drunk, everyone left in a hurry at the end of the meal, leaving only Li Laifu, Yuan Feng, and Liang Huapu. Li Laifu didn’t leave because he was also drunk, Yuan Feng didn’t leave because of his duty—he had to ensure Zhang Xinghang was safely sent home. Liang Huapu, however, stayed out of genuine gratitude. He felt that all the benefits he had received—first, second, third, and fourth—were thanks to Zhang Xinghang, especially this time with the master’s program application. Without Zhang’s efforts, how could there have been anything good for Liang Huapu? Seeing Zhang Xinghang’s drunken and drowsy state, he couldn’t shake his worries or his reluctance, so he decided to stay and help the old man get home safely. P2-3