He Passed!

The day after tomorrow, morning.

Qu Yunxuan's living room.

Dong Xuebin and Mom had originally planned to ask Aunt Xuan to go grocery shopping in South City with them, where the vegetables and meat were cheaper. But as soon as they entered, they found Xiao Dong and his mother, Aunt Xu, sitting on the sofa chatting with Aunt Xuan. Mom did not bring it up and instead pulled over a chair to join the conversation. The Dong Family and the Xu family had a poor relationship, especially Dong Xuebin and Xiao Dong, who had never gotten along. But people in the Capital City cared about appearances, so neighbors would usually exchange a few polite pleasantries when they met.

"Xiao Ping, I heard Xiao Bin has been studying lately?"

"Yeah, the National Civil Service Exam is only half a year away. What about your Xiao Dong?"

"He's looked over some books too. As long as the next exam questions aren't too unusual, he'll definitely pass."

"Ah, your son is such a relief. Unlike our Xuebin, whose grades were never very good growing up."

Dong Xuebin gloomily held the chilled can of Coca-Cola Aunt Xuan had handed him and drank without joining their conversation. Ever since the interview ended the day before yesterday, he had known his chances were slim. The chief examiner had a prejudice against him, which meant he had almost no chance of passing. He had been in a bad mood these past two days and had barely spoken.

"Drink slowly." Qu Yunxuan pulled out a napkin and dabbed the Coke from Dong Xuebin's lips. "What are you thinking about?"

Seeing Qu Yunxuan treat Dong Xuebin so well, Xiao Dong's gaze turned venomous.

Dong Xuebin gave an awkward smile. "I was thinking about the exam."

Qu Yunxuan sighed. "Let nature take its course. Don't push yourself too hard. It hurts Auntie to see you like this."

Aunt Xu said with great superiority, "Exactly. I said this last time too. The chances of fresh graduates passing the Civil Service Exam are far too low. You should go out into society and work first, gain some experience, then spend time focusing on the National Civil Service Exam in two or three years. Sharpening the axe does not delay the chopping of wood. Otherwise, you'll be like my colleague's child, constantly bouncing between the National and Capital City exams after graduating from college. Two or three years passed, and he still hadn't gotten in. What a waste of time."

Qu Yunxuan did not like hearing that. "Not necessarily."

Aunt Xu nodded. "With better luck, maybe he'll pass the written exam once out of every three tries."

Qu Yunxuan stroked the back of Dong Xuebin's head and fiercely defended him. "Our Xiao Bin is smart too. He'll definitely be fine in the next National Civil Service Exam."

Xiao Dong shifted his gaze from Aunt Xuan to Dong Xuebin. Nearly a month had passed, and Xiao Dong had emerged from his previous slump and regained his confidence. "My written exam results are out. I got an 85 on the Administrative Aptitude Test. I heard this year's questions were difficult, and not many people scored above ninety. What did you get again?" An 85 on the Administrative Aptitude Test meant Xiao Dong had probably scored almost nothing on the essay portion. Otherwise, the 110 interview cutoff for Customs would have been easy to clear.

Dong Xuebin gave him an indifferent look. "I forgot too."

Xiao Dong smiled. "You did badly, huh? Want me to tutor you?"

"No need. I'll study on my own." What fake concern, like a cat crying over a dead mouse.

Perhaps because Aunt Xuan was there, Xiao Dong was constantly trying to show himself off. "Fine. If there are any questions you don't understand, come ask me."

Aunt Xu beamed as she patted Xiao Dong on the shoulder. "The Administrative Aptitude Test is my son's strength. I asked several neighborhood kids who took the Civil Service Exam this time, and none of them scored above eighty. The best score was only sixty-five, far behind him. And while our Xiao Dong's essay score was a little low, it wasn't bad compared to others. Lots of them didn't even get fifteen points on the essay section."

Mom said admiringly, "Your son will definitely be as capable as Section Chief Xu someday."

Aunt Xu chuckled. "Who knows what he'll be like in the future?"

Ring, ring, ring. Dong Xuebin's phone rang. He took it from his pocket and held it to his ear. "Hello?"

"Hello, is this Dong Xuebin?" A middle-aged man's voice came from the other end. It was impossible to tell his age—perhaps forty, perhaps fifty, perhaps sixty.

"This is Dong Xuebin. And you are?"

"This is the Political Department of the Chengxi State Security Bureau Branch. The city bureau sent over the political review results this morning, so I'm notifying you. Report to the Political Department of the Chengxi Branch Bureau at nine o'clock next Monday morning. Write down the address: fifty meters east of the intersection on Zixin Road, Chengxi District, on the south side of the road. It's the unmarked compound. Due to special circumstances, we will not issue a reporting notice. You only need to bring the originals and copies of your ID card, household registration booklet, and graduation certificate."

Dong Xuebin was stunned. "Huh? You mean... you mean..."

The other party said in a formal tone, "You have passed the Civil Service Exam and the political review. We are in urgent need here, so your reporting date is earlier than at other government agencies. If you are unable to report before next Friday for any reason, the bureau may revoke your admission. Please take note."

Dong Xuebin hurriedly said, "No, no, there's no problem. I'll definitely be there next Monday."

"Very well." Papers rustled over the phone. "You have been assigned to the General Affairs Department. As for the specifics, we'll discuss them when you report." Unlike other government agencies, State Security did not have applicants select a detailed department before recruitment. There was only the broad category of "administrative department," and the actual assignment depended on their arrangement.

"Okay, okay. Thank you."

"That's all." Beep, beep, beep. The call ended.

After putting away his phone and sitting back down, Dong Xuebin's emotions surged so wildly that even his hands trembled slightly.

Mom looked at him with concern. "Did you find a job? What company? How's the pay?"

Aunt Xu said, "Right, get a job first, then take the Civil Service Exam while you work. Don't take this the wrong way, but even if you still don't pass next time, at least you'll have a monthly salary and be able to support yourself."

Xiao Dong looked down at Dong Xuebin. "Does that company pay two thousand a month?"

Dong Xuebin could not be bothered to argue with him. Sitting upright, he turned toward his mother. "Mom, I need to tell you something."

Mom blinked. "What?"

Dong Xuebin cleared his throat. "Um, well... ahem, ahem. I passed the Civil Service Exam."

Mom nearly sprayed out a mouthful of tea. Coughing, she set down her cup. "What did you say? You passed what?"

"I said I passed the Civil Service Exam."

"Bullshit." Mom glared at Dong Xuebin. "Are you trying to make your mom happy?"

Qu Yunxuan pinched his arm in annoyance. "You became a civil servant without even taking the interview? You little rascal, since when did you become so funny? It's all right. It was only one exam. Work harder next time and you'll pass. Stop thinking about it all day and think of something happy."

Dong Xuebin cried out. "Mom, Aunt Xuan, when have I ever lied to you? I really passed. They already called to notify me."

"Huh?" Mom, Qu Yunxuan, Aunt Xu, and Xiao Dong were all stunned.

P.S. The next chapter will be posted at midnight tonight. It's time to push for the rankings in the new week, so please leave us Recommendation Tickets at midnight. Many thanks.

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