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Chapter Eighty-Four: The Future Looks Back at the Present as the Present Looks Back at the Past
That evening, the Beilan County news channel reported during prime time that the former Director of the Beilan County Public Security Bureau, Wang Guodong, was under investigation due to work-related issues. It was confirmed that there were indeed disciplinary violations during Wang Guodong's tenure. The organization decided to issue a serious warning within the party and to remove him from his position as director. As for the recent rumors about Wang Guodong having a mistress, they were merely the fabrications of a small group with ulterior motives. Residents were encouraged to focus on their work in the coming days and contribute to Beilan County's efforts to become a civilized city.
Once the news aired, it immediately sparked a wave of skepticism, especially regarding the mistress allegations. Many viewers scoffed, saying, "The more they explain, the worse it gets." However, people's attention quickly shifted to other trending events, and Wang Guodong's situation gradually faded from public view.
After Wang Guodong's downfall, Zhang Qiu was eager to share this good news with Liu Fangfei. Without her assistance, this matter would not have gone so smoothly. After Zhang Qiu dialed Liu Fangfei's number and called her "sister," Liu Fangfei picked up and cheerfully asked Zhang Qiu, "Let me guess why you called me. Is it about your director's situation?"
Zhang Qiu was surprised by how quickly Liu Fangfei was aware of the situation and remarked, "The reporters are really well-informed."
Liu Fangfei chuckled proudly and said, "I knew about this before it was even announced."
Realizing this, Zhang Qiu suddenly understood that Liu Fangfei had learned about the news not from any report but through her family's mysterious connections.
"By the way, when are you going home? I want to come visit you in Beilan County," Liu Fangfei laughed, sounding quite cheerful.
"At the end of the month, probably around the 9th," Zhang Qiu replied uncertainly about the exact date and added, "I'll let you know once school announces the holiday schedule."
"Great! It's settled then."
Zhang Qiu shared the same news with Yang Yu and others. When they returned to school that noon, they gathered again. They went back to the same barbecue restaurant as last time; for these financially strapped students, it was their best option. The same group of friends came together again, but this time everyone wore bright smiles.
Having reflected on their experiences and reunited once more, they felt a deep sense of connection as each expressed their thoughts. Sometimes people only grow closer after sharing certain experiences together, even if they were strangers before.
They not only felt happy but also witnessed the impressive capabilities of Zhang Qiu, the acknowledged leader. The change in Police Chief Wang Guodong did not significantly impact them; they were not well-versed in the matters of officialdom, and it didn't really matter. What truly made Gao Zhi, Zhao Pingchuan, Wang Zhengxiang, and Yao Yu feel empowered was the ability to end their reflection period early.
It is important to note that Beilan High School, as the prestigious first academy of Beilan County, had the strictest discipline among all schools in the county. To have their previously imposed reflection period revoked was almost impossible. Yet, Zhang Qiu managed to accomplish this impossible feat. Not only did he return, but he also brought them back with him, which was something they had never even dared to imagine.
Before long, the Boss brought over a plate of skewers sizzling with oil—golden grilled meat skewers, perfectly cooked meatballs and tripe, crispy sweet sausages with curled edges, and fragrant green beans that made one unable to resist swallowing. Knowing that Zhang Qiu loved cold beer, the Boss even brought an ice-cold beer specifically for Zhang Qiu's table.
Zhang Qiu encouraged everyone to enjoy the skewers. Wang Zhengxiang grabbed a sweet sausage and took a big bite, laughing as he chewed, "This is exactly what I craved while at home." Everyone laughed and began to pick up skewers to eat and raised their beers to drink, enjoying each other's company.
Gao Zhi walked over to Zhang Qiu with a glass in hand, holding it up and saying, "Brother Qiu, I really want to thank you for allowing us to return to class early this time. Here’s to you." With that, he tilted his head back and drank it all.
Zhang Qiu raised his glass as well and drank it down. From Gao Zhi's eyes, Zhang Qiu sensed a hint of stubbornness and boldness, along with a strange feeling he couldn't quite identify. He didn't know what it was and didn't intend to find out.
Gao Zhi sincerely thanked Zhang Qiu; this time at home for reflection had a significant impact on him. He had stayed shut in at home, afraid of what people in the village would think of him. Gao Zhi empathized with this; his determination to study hard stemmed from his past experiences. Choosing to follow Zhang Qiu was driven by similar thoughts. At this moment, however, Zhang Qiu remained unaware of Gao Zhi's feelings.
With Gao Zhi leading the way, others also came forward to toast Zhang Qiu. Zhang Qiu welcomed everyone’s gestures and raised his glass in response; cheers erupted from the crowd. The lively atmosphere even affected the Boss of the barbecue shop, who came over to join in a toast with everyone while reminiscing about his own youthful days.
"When I see you all, it's like seeing my younger self back then; those were truly good times—brotherhood without any other distractions—it was beautiful," said the Boss, his eyes surprisingly moist. He quickly added, "Keep drinking; I’ll go check on things in the kitchen," before hurriedly walking away to discreetly wipe away his tears in a corner.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes being served, Zhang Qiu addressed everyone: "This time returning to school, everyone should be mentally prepared." After observing their reactions, he continued, "With Wang Guodong gone, Liu Xiaolong has lost his protection and can no longer act as arrogantly as before."
Everyone responded positively with applause. Zhao Pingchuan laughed and said, "Brother Qiu, now that your uncle has become the director, no one will be able to stop you!" As soon as Zhao Pingchuan finished speaking, another round of applause followed.
Zhang Qiu waved his hand with a smile and said, "Don't say that; I don't want to become the second Liu Xiaolong." Everyone laughed at this. Zhang Qiu added, "My uncle is very serious; if I dared to act like Liu Xiaolong did, he would definitely catch me himself."
Zhang Qiu saw that everyone was skeptical and shook his head helplessly, smiling as he said, "The lessons from the past serve as a guide for the future. We must learn from Liu Xiaolong's mistakes; if we become the next Liu Xiaolong, there will be countless people like you and me opposing us. When you practice your classical literature during morning self-study, make sure to memorize the Lantingji Xu well. Don't forget that line, 'Those who come after will view the present just as we view the past.'"
"Alright, alright, Brother Qiu has had too much to drink and is showing off his classical literature," Yang Yu teased from the side, causing everyone to laugh.
Zhang Qiu patted Yang Yu on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Knowledge changes destiny; I firmly believe in this statement." He then looked at the others and added, "You all should too. Regardless of your grades, I hope you read more—read those works that have been tested by practice."
Zhang Qiu's words resonated deeply with the talented students from Beiluan No. 1 High School.
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