Day 1...
Day 2...
Day 3...
Some days passed.
As Dong Xuebing had gotten good results from using Backduring the test, he did not waste this special power these few days. Heexperimented with this power every day to see what else he got use it for. Hedecided to use this power to change his current life. He wants to get out ofpoverty. This was the reason why he needs to be familiar with all the uses ofBack.
After experimenting for a few times, he found out something.
The results of his experiments: First, when he was chattingwith someone and said or thought of the words like "Back" or "Return," there will not be any effect. It was onlywhen he consciously wanted time to return back to 1 minute ago, and he said the words "Back," "Return,""Reverse," etc. then it will work.
Second, Back might indeedbe an "unlimited" power. When the clock struck00:00 hrs and started a new day, he will be able to use the power without fail.But Dong Xuebing did not test if he usedBack 2 seconds after midnight and returned to the previous day, 11:59 hours,will he get to use Back again when it reaches the next day.
Third, Dong Xuebing was still not accustomed to the timechanges from the time he uses Back and after he uses Back. It was okay if he was sitting. But if he was walking,speaking, or making some movements, when using Back, he was not able to reactwhen the time returns. He might trip or unable to continue talking. He made areminder to himself to be careful when using his power. He does not want totrip and fall in the middle of the road and then die from a traffic accidentagain.
Of course, after practicingfor so many days, Dong Xuebing had gotten used to using Back, and not every time he will trip.
On the other hand.
Dong Xuebing's mother and Aunt Xuan tried to cheer him up byavoiding talking about the Civil Servant Entry Test. They tried to say somehappy topics in their conversations to distract him.
"Haha, Xiao Bing, look at that hippo on TV. Why is it sougly?"
"That's right. But the hippo is still cute.... Hahaha."
"Eh, I have never seen that type of parrots. There are somany species of birds in Africa."
Looking at his mother and Aunt Xuan trying to cheer him up,Dong Xuebing could only smile. "Mum, Aunt Xuan, I will go and study now. Youtwo carry on watching TV."
Dong Xuebing's mother looked at her son worryingly: "TheNational Civil Servant Exams is still far away. You should have a break. Don'ttire yourself."
Dong Xuebing nodded.
Qu Yunxuan uncrossed her leg and stroked the back of DongXuebing's head. "You have been hiding in your room for so many days. This isnot right. Come and watch this documentary with me. It is dinner time soon. Iwill cook personally today. Tell me, what do you want to eat?"
"Ok, ok." Dong Xuebing replied while sneaking a peek at hercleavage from her loose top.
Ring, ring, ring. Dong Xuebing's handphone rang.
"Let me answer this call first." Dong Xuebing looked at the caller ID, andit was an unknown number. He walked away towards the potted plants near thewindow and answered: "Hello?"
"Hi, are you Dong Xuebing?" It was a sweet female voice.
"Yes, I am. May I know who'scalling?" Dong Xuebing used his shoulder to hold the phone and picked up thespray bottle to wet the leaves. The water mist became water droplets on thegreen leaves and dripped onto the dry soil.
The woman over the phone said: "I am calling from the City'sState Security Political Section. As our department is a bit special, we do nothave a website and will not upload the results and information of thecandidates. Therefore, we are notifying you about the interview over the phone.Please take down what I am going to say." The other party should be a Beijingnative from her accent. The way she speaks was professional and courteous.
Dong Xuebing was stunned for a while before replying: "Ah...Please give me a min."
Dong Xuebing's mother who was on the sofa looked at him:"Xuebing, who is calling?"
Dong Xuebing nervously gestured to his mother and said:"Mum, pen, and paper."
Qu Yunxuan blinked and took out a pen and a supermarketbrochure from the drawer under the coffee table and pass it to him. "There isno white paper. Is this ok?"
"Yes, yes. Thank you." Dong Xuebing placed the supermarketbrochure on the windowsill and said: "I'm sorry to keep you waiting. I got a pen and paper with me."
The woman paused for a while and said: "It's like this. Youhave passed your entry test, and youroverall marks are the fourth among allthe candidates. Please be at the Municipal personnel bureau at 09:00 am foryour interview on the day after tomorrow. The address is City West Lianhuachi EastRoad A, No. 5, Baiyun Times Mansion Building, 22-floorroom 2216..."
"Yes, yes... Thank you... Thank you..."
The woman told Dong Xuebing about the things to note andreminded him to bring his ID before hanging up.
Dong Xuebing was excited. He kept his phone in his pocketand turned around: "Mum, I will havesomething on in the morning the day after tomorrow. You must remember to wakeme up. I cannot be late."
Dong Xuebing's mother asked curiously: "Where are you going?Why are you so happy?"
Dong Xuebing laughed: "I will tell you on that day. I amgoing into the room to do my revision."
Qu Yunxuan tugged Dong Xuebing's mother and pointed to thedirection of the room with her chin: "Could it be that Xiao Bing had found ajob?"
"Maybe." Dong Xuebing's mother replied. "It's good that hefound a job. He can't be staying at home all the time." She said and sighed."Hope he will be able to pass next year's National Exams."
Back in the room.
Dong Xuebing folded the brochure with the address and placeit carefully into his wallet. He looked at the books and notes on interviews onthe desk and said a prayer. This was the day he was waiting for. Fourthposition? It was lower than he expected. Seems like many people had applied forthe job at the State Security.
Dong Xuebing, you must get the job!