Chapter 21: Special Admissions for Colleges and Universities

Su Qiao approached Shen Wei in a hushed tone and said, "Shen Wei, there's something I need to discuss with you. Can we step outside for a moment?"

Shen Wei had been assigning topics to the study group members when she put down the test paper and inquired, "What's the matter?"

Observing Shen Wei's expressive eyes, Su Qiao couldn't help but recall how she had helped struggling students earlier, making her feel even more uneasy. She spoke, "It's not suitable to talk here. Let's go outside."

In the class, Shen Wei consistently held the top position, while Su Qiao was a close second. Many students considered them as the future top performers in the college entrance exam and naturally expected them to be a perfect match.

Su Qiao, especially, believed they were destined to be together.

At this youthful and ignorant age, boys often develop inexplicable feelings for excellent girls around them.

Currently, Su Qiao found herself harboring such feelings for Shen Wei.

This affection had first blossomed during Chen Xiao's initial clinic, but it reached its peak when Shen Wei volunteered to join the school group.

"Shen Wei, it's been December already, and the college entrance exams are nearing. You're spending your time giving lectures to those struggling students in the study group. Isn't it a waste of time?" Su Qiao said, her frustration evident.

Shen Wei had a different perspective, countering, "I don't think it's a waste. By helping them, I also reinforce my own knowledge."

Frustrated, Su Qiao exclaimed, "Shen Wei, you're a top student! Do you really need to review with those less capable students? Everyone's time and energy are limited. I hope you can focus on yourself during this crucial time."

Observing Su Qiao's desperation, Shen Wei reluctantly put aside her test paper and agreed to follow her outside.

Chen Xiao, who was observing the situation, didn't mind and took a sip of water.

Once on the balcony outside the classroom, Su Qiao spoke seriously, "Shen Wei, it's already December, and the college entrance exams are just around the corner. Yanjing University and Shuimu University will be recruiting one or two students from our province before winter vacation."

"I have a high chance of being recruited by Yenching University because of my participation in their Summer Olympiad Summer Camp and my achievements in the competition. It's practically certain."

Although her family had urged Su Qiao not to mention the special treatment, she couldn't hold back sharing it with someone she cared about deeply, especially when she felt her achievements were being overshadowed by Chen Xiao.

Shen Wei was visibly taken aback by Su Qiao's revelation.

She had heard about special admissions from colleges and universities and even fantasized about being lucky enough to be specially recruited by her beloved Yenching University.

But Su Qiao's words shattered that dream. Special treatment and fairness were just an illusion; it turned out to be an internal decision!

Shen Wei's family was well-off, but her parents were intellectuals without such conniving ways.

Su Qiao's family, on the other hand, had a different background—her parents had struggled in society for many years and knew how to pull strings for their children's success.

"Shen Wei, don't you want to study at Yenching? You must study hard and get admitted to Yenching University, and we can both study there together!" Su Qiao's words were impulsive, and she almost blurted out, "I like you."

Shen Wei managed to muster a smile and said, "Then I'll congratulate you in advance."

Shen Wei returned to the classroom, uncertain if Shen Wei understood the true meaning behind her words.

Chen Xiao had been observing Shen Wei's expression all this while, and now she appeared quite concerned.

High school students often faced mentality issues, which worried Chen Xiao. What did Su Qiao say to Shen Wei?

Just then, their head teacher, Teacher Liao, entered the room.

"Everyone, please quiet down and return to your seats. I have an announcement to make."

As the class settled down, Teacher Liao continued, "As you all know, although our city of Jiangcheng is relatively small, the quality of education at Jiangcheng No. 1 Middle School has always ranked among the top in the province, second only to Jiangzhou No.1 Middle School in terms of college entrance exam rates."

"Due to our school's outstanding reputation, many colleges and universities believe that we can produce excellent talents. To encourage everyone to study diligently and identify talents that meet their criteria, starting tomorrow, Yenching University, Shuimu University, Jiangzhou University, and other key institutions will visit our school to recruit a group of students from Jiangyang Province."

"Our school has certain connections with these universities, and they will inspect outstanding students in our school next week. If any of you qualify, you'll be specially recruited."

As the class erupted in excitement, Shen Wei remained silent, while Su Qiao held her head high, looking at Teacher Liao with a gleam of expectation in her eyes. She was already imagining being specially recruited by Yenching University and the envious glances from her classmates.

Chen Xiao, however, knew too much about this kind of situation. In this era, special and point admissions were even more valuable than regular exams, and they often involved reserved quotas for certain individuals.

There was no need to compete for such opportunities, and it wasn't worth the effort.

As Teacher Liao continued to speak, "To be considered for these special admissions, any student who has ranked in the top ten of the school in the last three unified examinations can come and register with me. The school will then recommend about five outstanding students to interview with the college admissions team."