Chapter 253: Willing to Accept Second Place
Ning Xiyue’s eyes fell on the registration form that Mayor Huang had handed over, and her mind kept turning over possibilities.
What did Mayor Huang mean by this? Could it be what she thought it was?
But this position was hiring two warehouse clerks — the chances were already very good.
Not to mention anything else, with her brother’s ability, getting this job would be easy. The hope was high.
Competition for a rural position wouldn’t be too fierce; only people from their two teams would realistically apply. And only two sent-down youths in the teams even met the requirements, so the chance was highest.
There was no need for extra steps.
Could it be that Mayor Huang was worried some hidden influence might affect her brother?
Yes, that must be it. In a society where personal connections matter, even her brother’s great ability would be useless if there were some backstage manipulation.
But with Mayor Huang overseeing things, it was different. They had a reliable supporter. Whoever was in charge of hiring would think twice before acting, ensuring the process was fair and just.
She knew Mayor Huang was fair — at most, he would just give a little help.
Sigh… dealing with leaders was tiring. You always had to guess the deeper meaning behind every action, which was mentally exhausting.
She decided to stop guessing. No matter how much she speculated, she wouldn’t figure it out. Better to just continue observing, listening, and eating.
Next to her, Ning Qingyuan looked over the registration form and smiled:
“Brother Huang, I’m just coming to town the day after tomorrow to check if the mail from home has arrived. I can take the form there myself. You’re busy — there’s no need to trouble you with such a small thing. I also want to visit the commune to get a feel for the atmosphere. Don’t worry about me; let me handle it freely.”
Ning Xiyue was surprised. Such a small matter, yet her brother declined so decisively.
But this was exactly her brother — straightforward, honest, principled. He wouldn’t take advantage of others or seek special treatment. She supported whatever he did.
Mayor Huang was also somewhat surprised. He paused, put down his chopsticks, and looked at Ning Qingyuan with increasing approval. Cheerfully, he said:
“Good. Then you go submit it yourself. You can prepare in advance and submit the day after tomorrow. After that, remember to come with Xiyue to our home for a meal and see TaoTao. This child will probably miss you, so you must come see him often.”
“Alright, thank you, Brother Huang. I’ll come play with TaoTao then,” Ning Qingyuan nodded, putting the registration form back in his bag.
“Don’t worry, Brother Huang. Whenever we come to town, we’ll see TaoTao,” Ning Xiyue said softly to TaoTao, who was eating. “TaoTao, don’t forget us, okay?”
“I won’t forget, brother and sister!” TaoTao swallowed his food and said loudly, causing everyone at the table to laugh.
Ning Xiyue laughed heartily. She and her brother called TaoTao’s parents “brother and sister,” but TaoTao insisted on calling them “brother and sister” too. The generational titles were all mixed up — no choice, everyone used their own terms.
After laughing, Sister Li called everyone to order:
“Alright, alright. We’ll talk after we eat. Let’s eat now; the food is getting cold. Once we’re full, we can sit and take care of other things.”
“Yes, eat, eat! Make yourselves at home,” Mayor Huang said, picking up his chopsticks to echo Sister Li. “Try this braised fish in the middle — it’s Sister Li’s specialty, absolutely delicious.”
“Okay, we won’t be polite then,” Ning Xiyue said with a smile, picking up a piece of fish.
With Ning Xiyue taking the lead, Ning Qingyuan and Comrade Li also began eating. Finally, everyone was focused on the meal, no more small talk.
After eating, the siblings played with TaoTao for a while until he was tired.
Before leaving, Ning Xiyue reminded Sister Li and Mayor Huang about TaoTao’s health precautions.
Though he was recovered, it had only been a hundred days since the injury, and hands and feet were still fragile. Carelessness could cause new injuries. The medication had to continue.
Sister Li took notes diligently, and TaoTao stood beside Ning Xiyue, tugging at her pants. After finishing her instructions, she bent down to say goodbye. TaoTao was reluctant to let her leave.
Ning Xiyue patted his head, coaxing him: “TaoTao, Sister Xiyue will come see you the day after tomorrow. Don’t worry — I’ll come often from now on.”
TaoTao held tighter, shaking his head pitifully.
“TaoTao, come here. You’re a big kid now. Only obedient children get visits from Sister Xiyue,” Sister Li said sternly.
TaoTao slowly let go and toddled over to Sister Li, glancing back at Ning Xiyue and Ning Qingyuan. He obediently said: “TaoTao will wait for you.”
Ning Xiyue waved: “Okay, goodbye, TaoTao. When you miss us, look at the little bear and kitten.”
“Goodbye, TaoTao. Brother Huang, Sister Li, we’re leaving. See you the day after tomorrow,” Ning Qingyuan greeted, pushing his bicycle.
“See you later,” Mayor Huang and his wife said as they saw them to the gate.
The siblings rode their beloved bicycle back to the sent-down youth dormitory at Dayu Team.
Back at the dorm, Ning Xiyue pulled her brother into the kitchen, and they sat down to discuss the job.
Ning Qingyuan took out the registration form and a pen, beginning to fill it in.
“Sis, don’t you think I was silly to refuse Brother Huang’s help?”
“Not at all. You did the right thing. I support everything you do. You’re my role model,” Ning Xiyue said proudly.
“With my ability, getting this position will be a piece of cake. We’re going about it fairly, winning on merit — that’s the main thing. Just focus on preparing yourself.”
It wasn’t a big deal. Seeing Mayor Huang’s happy smile, it was clear he respected Ning Qingyuan as a friend — long-term friendships relied on character. A capable friend was far more valuable than petty gains.
Ning Qingyuan was happy. Being praised by his sister boosted his confidence, and he said excitedly:
“Yes, I believe I can do it. Among the sent-down youth, no one reads as much as I do. I study every day and remember my middle and high school lessons well.”
“I believe in you, brother. But if we’re talking about reading, I’ll gladly admit second place — no one dares claim first!” Ning Xiyue said without humility, then laughed heartily.
Ning Qingyuan laughed along: “You’re right — I’m willing to accept second place.”
“But you still need to prepare well. The youths in our team are all serious about learning,” Ning Xiyue reminded him, even though she had full confidence in him.
“There are strong contenders in our team — not to be underestimated.”
“Okay. I’ll start studying as soon as I get back, giving it my all for this position.”
Feeling a sense of urgency, Ning Qingyuan quickly finished the form and hurried off to Dayu Team with his bicycle.
