30: Chapter 30 Youth and Patriotism

"Concern for the weak is a brilliance of humanity rooted in the bloodline of the Chinese nation, one that has shone throughout the five-thousand-year river of history..."

"...Look at those figures stooped over the fields, the backbones guarding the mountains and rivers; they are echoing this oath that has traversed six hundred years—may there be no hunger or cold in the world, what does it matter if this body turns into firewood."

"This is the most romantic kind of concern!"

Shen Weiyue finished reciting the essay he had written. Below, all the students had their mouths agape, like ducks with their necks stretched, staring at him in astonishment.

Holy crap, is this something a high school student from little Class 6 could write?

Anyone who didn't know better would think a director had snuck into the class; we've got a traitor in our midst!

After a few seconds of silence, a huge uproar broke out in the classroom.

"Holy crap, is this an essay written by Cultural Reference?"

"Damn it, if it wasn't signed, I'd think I was listening to the county party secretary speaking on TV."

"As expected of Sect Leader Yue, who unified the Five Mountains, he actually has such patriotic sentiments. If he gets into Renmin University of China, won't he be riding on our heads as an official and shitting on us?"

"I am impressed, no wonder he got 57 points. I'm convinced; I definitely couldn't write this."

Listening to the rising and falling discussions, Shen Weiyue returned to his seat without changing his expression.

Zhao Qingyan's eyes shifted, her gaze unexpectedly extremely gentle. She had the gratified feeling of watching a jade tree in her own family grow up to become talented, and her assessment of Shen Weiyue in her heart rose significantly.

Even if he were a donkey, he would be the kind of Ferghana horse of a donkey that brings its own dry rations!

Honestly speaking, in any other subject, Zhao Qingyan could brazenly say she crushed Shen Weiyue, but for Chinese, she admitted she couldn't compare to him.

Director Shen, with his cultivation from future generations, produced an essay full of grounded sentiment, ruthlessly crushing everyone in the class, suppressing them until they were completely convinced, and even making them want to foam at the mouth.

The Chinese teacher was greatly relieved, feeling that he had taught a great literary master, filled with a sense of pride.

"Does everyone have any thoughts after listening? Ye Lingtao, stand up and share."

Ye Lingtao, who was currently confused, heard his name called. Ten thousand grass-mud horses galloped in his heart, and he stood up reluctantly.

He thought for a few seconds, but lacking vocabulary, he simply clapped loudly and roared one word: "Good!"

"That's it?"

"Yeah."

"..." The Chinese teacher was speechless. "Your essay score was the lowest this time. Do you have nothing else to say?"

"I can't describe it. I just feel that after listening to Shen Weiyue's essay, my whole body is full of energy. I don't even feel hungry without eating. I just want to go back to my hometown, put on the reins, and plow two acres of land..."

"Sigh, it's hard for you. Since you can't say what's good about it, then just memorize more. After class, take Shen Weiyue's essay and copy it once. It's best to memorize the well-written sentences; you might be able to use them."

The Chinese teacher waved his hand listlessly. Such rotten wood, how could it be carved?

He scanned the room again, switched to a kind and benevolent smile, and spoke softly to Zhao Qingyan: "Qingyan, could you say a few words?"

"Okay." Zhao Qingyan did not disappoint, picked up Shen Weiyue's test paper, and stood up.

"This essay is good in three aspects. First, the framework structure is not the common general-specific-general pattern, which can make the essay graders' eyes light up."

"This essay has a standard structure of introduction, development, transition, and conclusion. It has a clever opening, a smooth transition, a thought-provoking twist, and finally a highly elevated ending. This structure is rich in rhythm and cadence, but it is not easy to write well."

"The second good point is that the article cites classics and uses many clever adaptations of ancient poetry. There is even rhyme between the phrases, which makes it very comfortable and beautiful to read."

"The third good point is the high and far-reaching conception. Articles should be written for the times, and poetry for the events. This essay is based on the perspective of Chinese civilization, focusing on the vast masses of working people, and has the feeling of the sages establishing a destiny for the people."

"It's not that such essays are never encountered; many students intentionally try to write them to elevate the conception, but they often fail, appearing very deliberate, or even feeling far-fetched. However, this article does not have these problems; the emotion is sincere, which is very rare."

"Whether it's the structure, the wording, or even the conception, it is all top-notch. The grader giving it 57 points is well-deserved, and I highly approve!"

While Zhao Qingyan was commenting, the Chinese teacher nodded in intoxication, his approval undisguised.

Such praise, even Shen Weiyue himself felt it was too much.

Heaven have mercy, he just incorporated his feelings from working on the front lines for many years in the future into the essay, yet Zhao Qingyan was able to analyze it into a flower.

This left him, the author, dumbfounded. This Fox's logical thinking ability is really powerful.

"Sigh, comparing people to people makes one angry. She's pretty and so badass; heaven is really not fair at all."

"If I remember correctly, this is the first time in the last three years that Zhao Qingyan has given such high praise to someone else's essay."

"One Cultural Reference, one Nickname; could it be that they aren't 'unsociable', but 'standing out from the crowd'?"

There was another round of discussion below the platform.

Without needing any signal, Zhao Qingyan sat down after finishing. The Chinese teacher didn't mind and praised her highly: "Look, look at how student Zhao Qingyan analyzes things. You all should learn carefully."

"Regarding Shen Weiyue's essay, basically everything I wanted to say has been said by Qingyan. This essay will be posted at the back of the classroom after class; you can go read it yourselves."

"Student Shen Weiyue, I hope you continue to maintain this state and strive to have such a good performance during the College Entrance Exam. Keep it up!"

As the Chinese teacher spoke, he turned and wrote a sentence on the blackboard: Though my position is humble, I dare not forget to worry about the country.

"Students, taking this topic as an opportunity, I want to talk to you about some issues regarding the adaptation of poetry, and how to find resonance from the famous quotes of ancient sages in your writing to enhance the charm of your essays..."

He guided the topic to the content he had already prepared and began to enter today's real lesson, clearly intending to bring out his best skills.

Everyone was listening intently, and Shen Weiyue himself was also thinking carefully, except for Zhao the Fox, who glanced at him from time to time, looking like she wanted to say something but held back.

After a long while, Director Shen finally couldn't help but ask her: "Do you have something you want to say?"

Zhao Qingyan didn't open her mouth. Just as he gave up asking, she suddenly added: "You are very good."

This slow-paced way of communication gave Shen Weiyue a cerebral hemorrhage, and he blurted out: "Do you like it?"

Zhao Qingyan nodded and replied: "I like this kind of patriotism very much."

"I meant the person." Director Shen was even more speechless.

"I complimented you once and you're already getting carried away? Talking nonsense again."

"..." The topic ended, and silence returned.

Shen Weiyue lost interest in communicating with this fox, but a few minutes later, this fox inexplicably blurted out a nonsensical sentence:

"Shen Weiyue, I hope you maintain this innocent heart, no matter what situation you are in in the future, okay?"

This was the first time he had heard such a pleading tone from her.

The thought he had to retort was completely gone, and he subconsciously replied with an 'Hmm'.

But the fox actually smiled happily.

"The person is also quite good."