"I need to verify your situation, so you will stay put at school these days and catch up on the lessons you've missed.
November is when mid-term exams are held, don't fail them.
Universities back then were not as lenient as they are now; teachers kept a tight grip on students' studies, and mid-term and final exams were still a reality.
In later times, apart from some prestigious universities, many had abolished mid-term exams. Even final exams were often just a formality, with teachers highlighting key points, or even just changing the numbers in problems while keeping the question types identical, as if afraid someone might fail.
Yet, even then, many students still failed, and there was cheating. Some even boldly declared that a university experience without failing a course was incomplete.
The quality of students under such an educational system simply could not compare to those from the eighties and nineties.
Many students just coasted through four years. Upon graduation, those who had studied diligently pursued postgraduate studies or civil service exams, while those who had wasted four years panicked.
They sent out countless resumes, but found nothing substantial to fill in regarding their specialties, interests, or professional skills. After four years of university, their only notable skill was staying up late playing games.
Many, after finishing four years of university, not only let loose and learned nothing, but also ruined their health. A look at university physical fitness tests revealed that with even moderately strict teachers, many would fail.
In high school, even if not everyone could play sports, running a few laps was usually manageable. After attending university, they became unhealthy.
Universities back then were not as relaxed as in later times. While not necessarily advocating for all-round development in morals, intellect, physical fitness, aesthetics, and labor, they were generally strict in terms of studies and physical education.
Many university students still participated in collective labor. Some universities even had their own farms, vegetable patches, and pig farms. Students were scheduled to work in rotation after classes. During busy farming seasons, students were expected to work in the fields.
"Teacher Zhang, um, um, could this start from tomorrow? I need to find a place to live today."
Chen Yang thought of his wife and children still staying at the guesthouse. He definitely had to make arrangements for them before he could feel at ease. However, after finally explaining himself to Zhang Yingying, he felt embarrassed about having to go out again after being absent for a month.
"Chen Yang, am I giving you too much leeway?"
"Or do you think I'm too easygoing and have a good temper!"
Zhang Yingying had intended to ask her father to verify Chen Yang's accounts with the director of the Shanghai Bureau of Industry and Commerce. But then Chen Yang wanted to go out again.
It seemed he treated the school like his own home, coming and going as he pleased!
"Teacher Zhang, I have no choice. My wife and three children are currently sleeping on the streets. This is not a viable situation.
The youngest child is only a few months old. I am eager to atone for my mistakes, and I rushed to you immediately to confess, not even having the time to settle them.
How about this: let me go and settle them, at least find them a place to live. Once that's done, I promise to study diligently and will absolutely not cause you any more trouble.
Chen Yang spoke freely, figuring he'd deal with things as they came, and worry about future mistakes later.
"You're married? And you have three children?"
Zhang Yingying stared at Chen Yang, her mouth agape. This news was even more shocking than Chen Yang's two-million-dollar order from Hong Kong and the large sum of US dollars he brought back.
It was in women's nature to be interested in gossip.
To them, this piece of news was even more sensational than Chen Yang acquiring half a million US dollars.
"I was a rusticated youth in the countryside. Having lived there for so many years, and at the most passionate age, it's normal for sparks of love to fly."
Chen Yang replied matter-of-factly. Young people, with such burning passions, how many could truly resist?
This was why, even knowing that getting involved and married in the countryside might mean not returning to the city, people still couldn't resist tasting the forbidden fruit.
Things were very conservative then. If you had relations and then refused to acknowledge it, you risked being beaten to death.
"Cough, cough, that's true too."
Zhang Yingying was so stunned by Chen Yang's bluntness that she couldn't speak. She was still an unmarried young woman, and this brat couldn't even temper his words when speaking to her face!
"Go on then, go on. I'll give you one day. You will be in class tomorrow. If I don't see you in the classroom, you'll regret it."
"I will have someone verify these two situation reports you've brought. Once there are no issues, I will explain to the school. As for how the school handles it, that's beyond my control."
"Be careful when you return, kid. Don't stir up any more trouble, or I won't be able to protect you either."
Zhang Yingying frowned with a headache. This was her first time as a teacher, and she encountered such a situation. It gave her a splitting headache.
No, she had to find her father today and ask him to quickly verify the matter with the Shanghai Third Radio Factory.
If everything Chen Yang had done was true, then she would have a basis for her explanation to the academic affairs office tomorrow.
Their East China University of Finance and Economics was a proper institution for finance and economics, producing students who not only founded the first factory in the country, directly leading to the employment and prosperity of over three thousand farmers.
It also helped state-owned factories in Shanghai introduce new production lines, solving their foreign exchange issues. This was equivalent to saving a state-owned factory and preserving the jobs of over three hundred state enterprise workers.
Either of these two achievements alone would be a matter of pride for East China University of Finance and Economics, no matter which student accomplished it.
However, Chen Yang was not a graduate. If he were, the school would definitely hang banners and hold him up as a role model for all students.
"Okay, thank you very much, Teacher Zhang. Once I've moved, I'll invite you to my place for a good meal."
Chen Yang thanked her profusely and then shot out like a rocket. If not now, then when?
Watching Chen Yang disappear in an instant, Zhang Yingying had no one to vent her frustration on. This brat had used her and then cast her aside without even a proper goodbye.
Chen Yang didn't care what Zhang Yingying was thinking. He rushed out of school directly towards the guesthouse where Shen Xue and the others were staying. This guesthouse had been arranged by Hou Yong and was located next to the Bureau of Industry and Commerce.
Hou Yong had also arranged for people to help Chen Yang scout for houses. Several options were available, waiting for Chen Yang to view them. According to his requirements, he preferred a detached house, even if it was a bit further away, rather than squeezing into a dormitory building with his entire family, even if it were on the Bund. Chen Yang was unwilling."