Chapter 32: Meddling in Others' Business Out of Sheer Boredom

"Are you certain you don't want this special admission spot?" Zhou Shaoxiong asked repeatedly. As a member of Jiangdong University's admissions office, he had indeed encountered many who turned down the university, yet even now he found himself somewhat stunned.

Most of those who declined in the past were top scorers or had been accepted by foreign universities outright, but a situation like Zhang Chu's—this was truly unprecedented.

"Mr. Zhou, Jiangdong University is an excellent school, but I don't wish to take a path that would draw so much criticism," Zhang Chu replied sincerely. "Which school I can attend will depend on my scores. I don't need any special treatment."

Wang Peixuan felt as if he must have lost his mind. He had been uncomfortable when Zhang Chu was offered special admission, and now, with Zhang Chu refusing it, he felt just as unsettled. Still, his expression gave nothing away as he said coolly, "I hope you've thought this through. You're giving up a place at a prestigious university for an uncertain exam result. There will be no turning back."

In any case, Jiangdong University had achieved its goal; the entire nation had seen their name splashed across the headlines. Many students and parents who might never have considered Jiangdong now knew about the school.

Like Tsinghua and Peking University vying for the top scorers, it was all about making a stir and cementing their reputation as leaders in the field. Ironically, those hard-won top students often faded into obscurity soon after.

Zhang Bowen glanced at his son and said with conviction, "No regrets. We'll leave it at that."

Zhou Shaoxiong and Wang Peixuan did not press the matter further. The special admission process had already drawn criticism within the academic community, and the student's voluntary withdrawal was something of a relief for the university.

"Jiangdong University will always welcome you, Zhang Chu. We hope to see you on campus next semester."

"We'll know tomorrow afternoon whether that's possible. Thank you for your efforts, gentlemen!"

Zhang Chu was well aware that this special admission offer was nothing more than a performance orchestrated by Jiangdong University, and he had been forced into the role of actor. The benefits went to them; he appeared to have gained nothing and, worse, had become the target of widespread criticism.

Fortunately, reputation points did not lie. With the nationwide media campaign in full swing, Zhang Chu had amassed a staggering 480,000 reputation points—enough to last him a long while.

"You should have thought it over more carefully. How could you just turn it down?" Tao Zhixin said, deeply worried. After all, this was Jiangdong University. For a student from an ordinary class like theirs, even getting into a top-tier university was a struggle, let alone a renowned institution such as this.

The duck was almost in hand, only to fly away!

Liu Chengzheng felt even more regretful. Another Jiangdong University admit would have been a great addition to his record, and now he didn't feel like saying another word.

Zhang Bowen sighed, "The child has grown up and can make his own decisions. He knows what's best for him."

"Mr. Tao, Principal Liu, we'll take our leave now. Goodbye!"

Zhang Chu waved and walked out of his high school campus, bidding formal farewell to that chapter of his life.

…

At noon, Jiangdong University released another bombshell announcement: "After careful consideration, Zhang Chu has decided to forgo the special admission offer from our university."

The simpler the news, the more serious its impact. While debate still raged about whether he should accept, Zhang Chu had already given his answer.

No one had expected Zhang Chu to actually turn down Jiangdong University; he had refused a pie that had fallen straight from the sky.

"Wait, was it Zhang Chu who didn't want it, or did Jiangdong cave to public pressure and withdraw the offer?"

"Is he out of his mind? Who refuses a special admission from Jiangdong?"

"Must have been too much public pressure. If he'd taken it, the backlash would have overwhelmed him."

"Typical case of studying himself stupid."

"Could it be that his scores won't meet Jiangdong's minimum, so he turned it down to save face?"

"As a Jiangdong student myself, I'm relieved he didn't accept. Otherwise, our university's prestige would have suffered."

"Looking forward to what comes next. I'm curious to see which university this bold Zhang ends up attending."

"All hail the legend!"

"So much character—completely different from all those past academic stars."

"Such audacity! I hope his refusal is grounded in confidence, not just impulse."

"Respect, brother!"

Zhang Chu had, to some degree, become an online sensation. His "poisonous chicken soup" remarks in a previous interview resurfaced, and combined with his rejection of Jiangdong's special offer, he suddenly became the idol of a new generation of students.

Blazing his own trail, refusing to be a bookworm.

But many were critical too, seeing his choice as shortsighted.

"If Zhang Chu were my child, I'd beat him. How could he pass up such an opportunity?"

"What a pity. For a moment's pride, he might miss out on a good university—these decisions last a lifetime."

"He'll regret this for the rest of his life."

"Where did he get the nerve to turn down Jiangdong?"

Zhang Chu found such comments rather exasperating. The internet had no filters; all kinds of opinions could be found.

His classmates and close friends, on the other hand, were utterly shocked by his decision.

Wei Wenlin and Feng Tianrui went straight to Zhang Chu's family bookstore to pay homage to the legend. He could write in classical Chinese and even had the audacity to refuse Jiangdong University, the most coveted school in all Jiangdong Province.

"Zhang Chu, you even turned down Jiangdong? Are you aiming for the heavens?" Wei Wenlin said, full of admiration. "I won't help any old lady cross the street, but you I respect."

Feng Tianrui was equally astonished. For them, Jiangdong was a distant dream, and now their own friend had refused it—it felt surreal.

"Do you know our class group, the grade group, the school forums—they've all gone crazy! Why'd you refuse Jiangdong? Was it because their conditions were too harsh?"

Zhang Chu shrugged. "I have better options. Why accept special admission? If I go to Jiangdong, I'll do it through the front door, with my own results."

Wei Wenlin gave him a thumbs up. "Brother, you truly are my brother now. If anyone else said that, I'd punch them."

"Take it easy. It's just Jiangdong. My sights are set on Tsinghua and Peking. By the way, are you planning to apply to schools in the province or elsewhere?"

"Results come out tomorrow. We'll see. If my grades are too poor, I won't be able to go far even if I want to," Wei Wenlin said, frowning with worry over his prospects.

Every college entrance exam student felt the same anxiety—full of dreams for university life, yet uncertain about the future and which school might suit them best.

"I'm not as good as you. I'll probably stay in Jiangdong; there are more spots here," Feng Tianrui admitted. His grades weren't great, so local universities seemed safer.

Suddenly, Wei Wenlin asked, "Weren't we supposed to get our driver's licenses together? Zhang Chu, why haven't you signed up? We're about to take the written test!"

"I'm already a pro behind the wheel. I'll let you guys get a head start, then catch up easily," Zhang Chu replied.

What could he do? The honorarium from 'Deductive Reasoning Magazine' hadn't come in yet—he was broke and couldn't afford to sign up for lessons!