Chapter 7 – Civil Servant Entry Test
The next morning, Dong Xuebing prepared to leave for his test.
Qu Yunxuan, visibly nervous for Dong Xuebing, fussed over every detail. "Xiao Bing, remember to manage your time carefully. If you get stuck on a question, guess and move on. You might not have enough time. Did you bring extra pencils, erasers, and your ID? Make sure you have everything you need." She adjusted his T-shirt and wiped his shoes with a damp cloth.
Dong Xuebing, a bit overwhelmed, said, "Stop, stop. I'll take care of my shoes myself."
Qu Yunxuan continued, "The test starts at 9 a.m. Use the time now for a quick review."
Dong Xuebing's mother came out from the kitchen with a bag. "I packed some fruits and a bottle of water for you."
Qu Yunxuan took the bag. "I'll take Xiao Bing to the venue and bring him out for lunch after the morning test. We won't be back because the venue is quite far, and he has another test in the afternoon."
Dong Xuebing's mother asked, "Don't you need to work today?"
Qu Yunxuan replied, "I took the day off."
Dong Xuebing's mother insisted, "You don't need to take the day off. I can go with him."
Dong Xuebing added, "That's right. You don't have to come with me."
Qu Yunxuan playfully pinched Dong Xuebing's cheeks. "Your Aunt is worried about you. Sis Luan, you should rest at home. The weather is hot, and you should take care of your health."
Dong Xuebing's mother, knowing how close Qu Yunxuan was to them, relented. "Yunxuan, I'll leave him in your care. Xuebing, just do your best."
Dong Xuebing nodded. "Yes."
At Beijing No.15 Middle School, the test venue was marked by a large red banner: "Beijing Government Agencies Civil Servant Test Venue No. 15 Middle School." Outside, a notice reminded candidates to show their ID and admission letter, and to do their best. The area was crowded with people—some parents, some spouses—each waiting anxiously for their loved ones.
Dong Xuebing and Qu Yunxuan arrived, and immediately, Qu Yunxuan attracted attention with her beauty. She spoke to Dong Xuebing as if she were a mentor. "Don't be nervous. Try your best. If you pass, I'll treat you to a big meal. Do you prefer Western or Chinese cuisine? And remember what I said in the taxi: keep track of your time. The multiple-choice section is only two hours."
Dong Xuebing smiled, taking out his phone. "I remember. I can't bring my phone in, so I'll leave it with you."
Just then, Mrs. Xu and Xiao Dong appeared.
"Yunxuan, you're here too? Are you sending Xiaobing?" Mrs. Xu asked casually. She seemed confident about Xiao Dong's chances. "That's great. After the test, we can have tea together. It's been a while since we chatted."
She turned to Dong Xuebing. "Do your best." Her tone was polite but conveyed little hope, given her son's previous attempts.
Xiao Dong, ignoring Dong Xuebing, addressed Qu Yunxuan, "Sis Qu, why are you here with him?" He was puzzled by her sudden closeness to Dong Xuebing's family.
Dong Xuebing thought to himself, *If she weren't here with me, do you think she would be with you?*
Qu Yunxuan's demeanor remained warm. She handed Dong Xuebing a small cloth bag. "I got this for you; it's supposed to bring good luck."
Moved by her support, Dong Xuebing took the bag and walked through the school gates.
Inside, Dong Xuebing noticed Xiao Dong near him. As Xiao Dong walked toward his classroom, Dong Xuebing followed at a distance. When Xiao Dong entered a room, Dong Xuebing noted the classroom number and the position of Xiao Dong's seat.
Xiao Dong looked back and frowned. "What do you want?"
Dong Xuebing smirked. "Just wanted to know where you're seated."
Xiao Dong glared. "What does it matter to you? We're not in the same room. Are you planning to copy my answers?"
Dong Xuebing shrugged. "Maybe... Just be careful with your answer sheet."
Xiao Dong dismissed him and went to his seat. Confident in his preparation, Xiao Dong was sure he would perform well.
Dong Xuebing then located his own classroom, Class 026, which was two rooms away from Xiao Dong's. He took his seat in the third row by the wall.
As the examiner entered, checking for cheating materials, Dong Xuebing noticed the tension among his fellow candidates: a young man sweating profusely, a girl fidgeting, and a man slapping his face to calm his nerves.
Dong Xuebing took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. He looked around the room and silently prayed, Today's the day. Please let the questions be manageable...