C8 A Place to Enroll in a University

Lee Ming from the Provincial Museum's management team quickly chimed in, "Mr. Chu, as a descendant of the Yan and Huang, surely you wouldn't want our nation's treasured stamps to end up in foreign hands, would you?"

It was a coordinated effort among the three men, and now it was Shen Zhaoqiang of the Stamp Museum's turn to speak. "The offer may not be high, but there's a silver lining. Your son is on the cusp of his college entrance exams, right? We can petition our superiors to secure him a spot at Yanjing Post and Telecommunications University!"

"Direct admission to Yanjing Post and Telecommunications University?" Chu Yunhe and Ma Yan were visibly taken aback.

"Yes, and he could pursue an integrated bachelor's and master's degree program. Upon graduation, he'll be a qualified master's degree holder. Yanjing is among the first sixty-one '211 Project' universities in the country. He's sure to land an excellent job afterward. Isn't that what we, as parents, all want for our children—a promising future?"

Seeing the look on Chu Yunhe and Ma Yan's faces, Shen Zhaoqiang knew his words had struck a chord. He felt a wave of reassurance wash over him.

With a smile, he settled back onto the sofa. "Yanjing is under the purview of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. Even though its functions were transferred to the Ministry of Information Industry and the State Postal Bureau at the Ninth National People's Congress in March, we still have the clout to make special requests to the leadership."

After taking a sip of tea, Shen Zhaoqiang continued, "Our National Stamp Museum has always maintained a close relationship with the former Ministry. Recommending your son for admission to the university is well within our capabilities."

In truth, they had settled on this bargaining chip during their journey. The museum, funded by the state, didn't have an abundance of resources—it would be impossible to acquire Chu Yunhe's rare red-stamped small circle stamp with their limited funds alone.

But they had an edge that others lacked. As a cultural heritage institution, they had natural ties to the government, making this recommendation slot a significant bargaining chip at their disposal.

Now it was Chu Yunhe and his wife's turn to exchange glances. The prospect of their son being directly admitted to a prestigious university like Yanjing Post and Telecommunications was alluring, especially considering his current academic standing.

Chu Jun's grades were decent within his class, but in the grand scheme of Tianhai High School's senior year, they were only average. Securing a spot at an undergraduate institution seemed likely, but gaining entry to a top-tier national '211 Project' university would be nothing short of a miracle.

In today's world, gaining admission to a prestigious national university is an incredibly proud achievement, one that honors one's ancestors. Furthermore, since the government no longer guarantees job placements after graduation, the university one attends has a direct impact on future career prospects.

Every parent dreams of their child's success, a hope that has run in our blood since the days of ancient scholars striving to become top imperial examiners. Faced with such an opportunity, Chu Yunhe, as a father, was not willing to let it slip away.

Besides, even if the stamp sold for only eight million, it would alleviate his immediate financial crisis. The leftover four million could serve as seed money for a fresh start.

Chu Yunhe could see the same thoughts reflected in his wife Ma Yan's eyes. He surveyed the room, taking in the faces of those present, and then his gaze landed on the two police officers who had been standing quietly to the side. With that, he came to a decision.

"Alright! Since—"

"Dad, I don't want to go to Yanjing Post and Telecommunications University!" At that moment, just as Chu Yunhe was about to consent, Chu Jun, who had been lurking in the shadows, spoke up and cut him off.

"Ah?" Chu Yunhe was taken aback, and all eyes in the room turned to Chu Jun.

Chu Jun was frustrated. The red revenue stamp with the double overprint and tiny characters was only fetching eight million, a sum far below his expectations. He had a grand plan in his mind, a bold scheme to amass wealth.

Having been given a second chance at life, he couldn't justify squandering it by simply waiting for the end. He was determined to secure his family's happiness. Money might not be everything, but without it, many things were out of reach.

It wasn't just Chu Yunhe who needed funds to make a comeback; Chu Jun had his own ambitions for start-up capital.

"Jun, you don't yet grasp how challenging it is to get into a top university. Maybe you should discuss it with your homeroom teacher tomorrow at school. Getting into a 211 university is quite an achievement!" Chu Yunhe understood his son's high hopes for the stamp's value and knew he wouldn't be satisfied with the current offer.

"Dad, I have my sights set on a different school, one that's certainly better than the Post and Telecommunications University!" Chu Jun declared earnestly, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

"Jun, don't talk nonsense. Better than the Post and Telecommunications University? Are you aiming for Tsinghua University or something?" Ma Yan's worry was palpable as she heard her son's claim, and she quickly shot Chu Jun a warning glance.

"Mom, you hit the nail on the head. I do intend to apply to Tsinghua, and I'm confident I'll get in. So this guaranteed spot really doesn't mean much to me. Plus, I found this stamp in a pile of old books, so I think I deserve a say in the matter, right?"

Chu Jun was keen to shoulder the conflict himself, reasoning that his youth might spare him any serious backlash from the distinguished guests from Beijing. Should he misspeak or cause offense, surely they wouldn't stoop to quarrel with a mere high school student.

As he spoke, Chu Jun's foot nudged the wooden box of old books, a subtle but clear assertion of his claim over the rare Double Headed Dragon stamp.

"Dean Zhao, you see, even my son is giving me grief now!" Chu Yunhe caught on to his son's tactic, realizing that Chu Jun was playing hardball to boost their bargaining position. He gave a rueful smile and shrugged in resignation.

"Chu Jun, my boy, I had no idea it was you who unearthed this valuable Double Headed Dragon!" Lee Ming, from the provincial museum's management, noticed the change in the Yanjing directors' expressions and quickly stepped in to counsel Chu Jun.

"But let me tell you, it's great to have lofty goals, but it's important not to overreach. You're talking about getting into Tsinghua University—do you know how competitive it is?"

"I've looked into it recently. Last year, 980,000 students were admitted to college, but Tsinghua only offered admission to fewer than 1,800. Our province has fewer than 20 spots. It's like trying to cross a single-log bridge with an army!"

Lee Ming's advice was heartfelt as he patted Chu Jun on the shoulder, adding, "Yanjing Post and Telecommunications University is truly excellent. It's among the first-tier 211 universities, and it consistently ranks within the top 60 nationwide. Opportunities like that don't come around often."

Chu Jun absorbed Lee Ming's sincere words while observing Zhao Changjiang, the director of the National Museum of Fine Art. The elder had approached earlier and was now crouched by the dilapidated wooden box, handling a book with the utmost care, as if it were a precious gem.

"Old Shen, get over here quick!" Zhao Changjiang abruptly rose to his feet, his face ashen with shock. "Take a look at this—there are ten volumes of fragmented Song Dynasty 'Wenyuan Yinghua' right here!"

"What? 'Wenyuan Yinghua'? Ten volumes?" Shen Zhaoqiang reacted as if he'd been pricked by a needle, leaping up and hurrying over.

Chu Jun was somewhat dazed. What in the world was 'Wenyuan Yinghua'? Could it be that the book Zhao Changjiang was holding was another priceless gem?