Chapter 6 – Conflict with Section Chief Xu!

The next three days passed quickly.

Dong Xuebing woke up early each morning, dedicated to his memory practice. He used his ability, Back, three times to refine his study techniques. He experimented with various methods to become more adept at manipulating time, ensuring he could make the most of his second chances.

The day before the test arrived.

At Beijing Cancer Hospital, Dong Xuebing continued his intensive study sessions under Grandpa Hu's guidance. Grandpa Hu, whose son was an examiner in Shanghai, had imparted invaluable knowledge to Dong Xuebing. The sessions had shifted from Dong Xuebing asking questions to Grandpa Hu challenging him with practice questions and scenarios. These questions often veered from the standard materials, delving into the practical responsibilities of a civil servant. Grandpa Hu's advice on essay responses and his insights into the examination's nuances were shaping Dong Xuebing's preparation.

"...The data presented concerns our citizens misbehaving while overseas. Write a suggestion for the head of the Tourism Bureau. Your answer should be relevant, actionable, and concise, not exceeding 400 words," Grandpa Hu instructed.

Dong Xuebing began to write his response.

Grandpa Hu shook his head, pointing out the flaws and then guiding Dong Xuebing through the correct approach, explaining the importance of understanding the direction and key points of the answer rather than rote memorization.

As the afternoon wore on, Grandpa Hu asked, "Have you remembered everything?"

"Yes," Dong Xuebing replied, handing Grandpa Hu a few tissues.

Grandpa Hu patted Dong Xuebing's arm with a smile. "Your friends and classmates are also taking the test in Beijing, right? Keep everything I've taught you to yourself. Don't share it with them. This old man's knowledge may be limited, but I've done my best."

Dong Xuebing expressed his gratitude, "I don't have many friends. My classmates have moved on to private sector jobs. I'm the only one pursuing a civil servant career. I truly appreciate your help."

Before Dong Xuebing left, Grandpa Hu wished him success. "Do well on the test. The future of China relies on the younger generation like you."

Dong Xuebing nodded gratefully.

Back at North Heping Street, Dong Xuebing ascended the dusty stairs to his apartment. As he reached his door, he heard the sound of another door opening. Section Chief Xu and his family were descending the stairs. Dong Xuebing's mother greeted them, "Section Chief Xu, you're home early. Are you going out for dinner?"

Section Chief Xu nodded curtly, while Mrs. Xu cheerfully announced, "Tomorrow's the test. We're taking Xiao Dong to Quanjude for dinner."

Dong Xuebing's mother remarked, "Quanjude is quite expensive."

"Not really. It's not a high-end restaurant," Mrs. Xu replied. Xiao Dong, with a scornful glance at Dong Xuebing, pressed the doorbell to Qu Yunxuan's apartment. When there was no answer, he pressed it again.

Dong Xuebing's mother quickly explained, "Yunxuan might still be at work."

Disappointed, Xiao Dong turned to his parents, "Let's go."

Dong Xuebing knew that Xiao Dong had been pursuing Qu Yunxuan, despite her modest background. Section Chief Xu's family had not objected to this pursuit, given Qu Yunxuan's attractiveness.

Upon entering his home, Dong Xuebing witnessed Section Chief Xu and his family continue down the stairs. Section Chief Xu accidentally kicked a garbage bag left outside Dong Xuebing's door. The bag, filled with greasy leftovers, stained Section Chief Xu's shoes and pants.

Enraged, Section Chief Xu turned to Dong Xuebing's mother. "What's wrong with you? Why is the garbage left here? Was this intentional?"

Dong Xuebing's mother immediately apologized, "I'm so sorry. I was just about to take it downstairs."

Xiao Dong sneered, "Can't you be more cultured? Do you think our corridors aren't dirty enough?"

Dong Xuebing, witnessing his mother's distress, couldn't hold back his anger. "You talk about culture? If you were truly cultured, would you throw trash out of your windows?" He recalled the incident when he and his mother were almost hit by a garbage bag thrown from Section Chief Xu's window. It was common knowledge among neighbors that Section Chief Xu's family was notorious for their careless disposal of trash, yet no one dared to confront them.

His mother tugged at his sleeve, "Xuebing, stop it!"

Xiao Dong glared at Dong Xuebing. "Who do you think you are to speak here?"

Dong Xuebing retorted, but his mother pulled him back.

Mrs. Xu intervened, "Old Xu, don't argue with a child. We're neighbors. Let's just forget about it." Turning to Dong Xuebing's mother, she added, "Xiaoping, we're going to dinner now. Please don't leave garbage outside like this again."

Fuming, Dong Xuebing watched as Section Chief Xu wiped his shoes with a napkin and turned away. "Let's go. The car is waiting."

Xiao Dong looked at Dong Xuebing and his mother with disdain before following his parents down the stairs.

Dong Xuebing's mother closed the door and sighed. "Xuebing, we can't afford to offend them."

Dong Xuebing was still boiling with anger. "How can government officials be so unreasonable?"

"Let's not dwell on it," his mother replied.

That evening, Qu Yunxuan arrived, carrying bags of vegetables and meat. She had grown close to Dong Xuebing and his mother over the past few days, sharing meals and spending time together like family.

As Dong Xuebing's mother served dinner, Qu Yunxuan noticed the tension. "Sis Luan, I heard from the lady downstairs about what happened. Is everything okay?"

Dong Xuebing's mother recounted the incident. Qu Yunxuan frowned, "I know that family isn't very nice. Xiao Dong has been pursuing me, but I've turned him down multiple times. Just a few days ago, Section Chief Xu told me at the supermarket that I should be honored his son likes me. He made several unpleasant remarks."

Dong Xuebing clenched his fist. "Does he think he's a high-ranking official or something?"

"Let's focus on your test tomorrow," Qu Yunxuan said, wiping a grain of rice from Dong Xuebing's face. "Do your best and show them that you can succeed, regardless of what they think."

Dong Xuebing took a deep breath. "Don't worry. I'll make sure to pass the test!"

---

Translator's notes:*

- **Bo Sea**: [Bo Hai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohai_Sea)

- **Quanjude**: [Quanjude](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quanjude)

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