Chapter Seventeen: The Report (Seeking Recommendations and Favorites)
Page 1/3
Li Jie first called Geng Geng. Upon hearing his voice, she was so excited that she shared her joy with him, even more thrilled than when she first learned he ranked second nationwide in the Capital Media University’s professional subject exam. She also lightly complained that she had trouble reaching him by phone. Li Jie explained that he had been in an interview and couldn’t answer the call. He then mentioned that he planned to lay low for a few days at another residence and might not come to see her during that time.
In the following days, countless reporters gathered around Li Jie’s residence, causing Aunt Zhang great distress. In the end, she could only helplessly accept the situation. When asked about Li Jie’s whereabouts, she simply said he had gone out and she didn’t know when he would return. The influx of reporters nearby caused hotel prices to surge dramatically in a short period, with rooms in high demand and hard to find.
Frustrated reporters, lacking firsthand information, turned to interviewing Li Jie’s teachers and classmates. Old Lu sensed the unfavorable situation and had already closed his doors early on.
...
“Famous Writer Mingri’s Identity Revealed? It’s Him!” — White Wave News
...
“The Untold Side of Gaokao Top Scorer Lu Xinghe” — Soso News
...
“The Genius Writer Turns Out to Be Him—Gaokao Top Scorer” — Southern Network
...
“Famous Writer Mingri Breaks Gaokao Record” — New Beijing Daily
...
While reporters frantically searched for Li Jie, Liu Jihua hurried back to the station. After quickly compiling the exclusive interview with Li Jie, the editor-in-chief assigned extra staff to work overtime crafting a thorough feature. Once published, the article stirred a huge sensation. As the first-hand exclusive, it caused waves across numerous media outlets, catapulting Liu Jihua into the station’s upper management’s spotlight. His promotion accelerated like a rocket, leaving those who had hoped to interview the gaokao top scorer frustrated and regretful.
The exclusive interview, “Exclusive—Famous Writer Mingri’s First Media Interview,” faithfully captured Li Jie’s responses. It revealed his creative motivations, views on writing, and a preview of his new book, painting the portrait of a talented and confident young man through a flowing narrative.
For example, Li Jie shared everyday tidbits that delighted his fans reading the report, such as:
Page 2/3
“What is the most important decision in your life right now?”
“The most important decision? It’s something I’m about to do, but I’m not ready to tell you yet.”
...
“What are your hobbies?”
“When I have free time, I enjoy reading, music, writing, and occasionally cooking some of my favorite dishes.”
...
“What are your life plans?”
“Finish university well, have a lifelong romance, travel to different places to see various sights and taste diverse cuisines, write several novels I want to write, and live a warm and fulfilling life.”
...
“Do you have any advice for your juniors?”
“Study hard, get into your ideal university, manage your time wisely, and I wish all juniors great success in next year’s gaokao.”
...
“What would you like to say to your alma mater?”
“Thanks to Zhenhua! It provides all passionate students with excellent teachers and a great learning environment. I also thank all the teachers for their dedication—without you, Zhenhua wouldn’t be what it is today.”
...
Page 3/3
While this widely circulated report was making waves, Li Jie was at his new residence, chatting on the phone with Geng Geng, imagining their future university life together. The school found it hard to believe Li Jie had chosen the History Department at Capital Media University. From the head of guidance to his homeroom teacher, they repeatedly urged him to reconsider, feeling such a choice wasted his talent. Even his future instructors joined the persuasion efforts.
Ultimately, Li Jie remained resolute in his decision. The teachers gave up, recognizing that he alone would fill out his application. For Li Jie, the choice of major mattered little. His primary reasons for attending university were, first, to be with Geng Geng, and second, to relive the collegiate campus experience. He chose history because of his deep interest in the subject, believing in the wisdom of learning from the past: “Using bronze as a mirror, one can correct one’s attire; using people as a mirror, one can discern gains and losses; using history as a mirror, one can understand rise and fall.”
During the remaining summer vacation, after the media frenzy subsided, Li Jie spent his time either rushing to complete his manuscripts or enjoying moments with Geng Geng. The two were inseparable, never finding their time together dull; instead, it flew by quickly, with the start of university just around the corner.
Geng Geng, under the pretense of exercising, opted to travel to school with classmates instead of being accompanied by her parents. She and Li Jie agreed to take the train to Yanjing together. Since Harbin wasn’t too far from Yanjing, her parents didn’t think much of it, utterly unaware that their precious daughter had already been quietly claimed by Li Jie.
On August 31, Geng Geng’s parents accompanied her to the train station, showering her with countless reminders. Even her usually taciturn father couldn’t help but nag, repeatedly cautioning her to be careful at school, not to go out alone late at night, to maintain good relationships with classmates, as if there were endless things to say. Having never ventured so far alone before, Geng Geng was overwhelmed, and watching her father’s eyes redden, she too broke down in tears.
At the station, after more farewells, her parents reluctantly left the ticket hall. Li Jie, watching the scene from afar, quickly approached Geng Geng, gently embracing her from behind. The familiar scent soothed her, bringing a sense of peace—thankfully, he was still there with her.
Li Jie slowly turned her around, speaking softly to comfort her: “If you miss them, just call more often. Take my computer to your dorm, and whenever you have time, video chat with your family on QQ. We’ll come back together during the National Day holiday. It’s going to be fine.”
“Mm, okay. It’s just that this is the first time I’ve been so far from home alone, and I’m a bit unsettled.” Geng Geng’s voice was low and hoarse from crying.
“You still have me by your side. I will never leave you!” Li Jie said earnestly.
Hearing this, tears welled up in Geng Geng’s eyes again—this time from emotion. She hugged Li Jie tightly, her tears soaking his shoulder. After several minutes, she gently pulled away.
Once the train departed, Geng Geng’s spirits lifted, no longer weighed down by farewell sorrow. Li Jie kept diverting the conversation towards happier topics, reminding her that soon she would reunite with Beta in Yanjing. At the mention of Beta, Geng Geng’s expression brightened as she excitedly talked about their plans to visit the Great Wall, the Forbidden City to eat Peking duck, and tour the Summer Palace.
“Great! Great! Can I join you?” Li Jie asked with a smile, watching Geng Geng daydreaming.
“Of course, that’s a must! In our plan, you’re the gofer, the bag carrier. Without you, how could we enjoy ourselves?” Beta had initially planned the trip as a girls’ reunion, not intending to bring Li Jie, but gave in after Geng Geng’s strong insistence. Beta teased Geng Geng, saying, “Oh my! You two are inseparable. And you say you’re not a couple—just stubborn as a mule!”