Chapter Thirty-Four: Reform (Part Two)

(PS: There’s a group number in the synopsis—come join us, everyone is welcome to discuss and share ideas!)

“They simply obey and learn, study until eighteen, study for the college entrance exam, study until they enter the so-called ‘free’ university. Then, upon stepping onto the university campus and facing graduation, those whose qualifications aren’t enough, who can’t find suitable jobs, suddenly realize they’re a bit lost—after all these years, it seems they haven’t learned anything truly useful. As for work, they’ll do whatever they can.”

“But what about education in those developed Western countries? From childhood, they nurture every kind of interest. Whatever you like, you develop; schools have all sorts of clubs for you to join. The whole childhood is free and easy, and many people, even at a young age, study what they love in great depth. When they reach university, they delve even deeper. Thus, talents emerge everywhere.”

Zhou Huaxing’s words left everyone in the room silent. Though reality isn’t quite as exaggerated as he described, society does seem to be moving in that direction.

“But isn’t it because our families’ average economic circumstances still can’t compare to those Western countries? How many families can afford the costs for their children to pursue interests from an early age?” A sharp voice broke the silence.

“That’s precisely why the creation of ‘Master’s Net’ perfectly solves this problem.” Zhou Huaxing gave a meaningful smile, as if everything was already under his control, and continued, “Keep in mind, China is currently the most severely aged country in the world. The founding of Master’s Net turns this disadvantage into an advantage: elderly people nationwide can find suitable apprentices, passing on their lifelong skills or unique expertise; meanwhile, children from poorer backgrounds who wish to learn what they love can find free mentors. Isn’t this a win-win situation?”

Someone was about to voice an objection, but Zhou Huaxing cut them off, “As for the rigor, safety, and authenticity of the mentors, and the interaction between mentor and apprentice, these aren’t our concerns. The internal staff at Master’s Net will strictly oversee these aspects, preventing any ill-intentioned individuals from slipping through and corrupting children. Also, schools don’t need to have all supporting measures in place immediately—it can be gradual. And if a child genuinely loves and wants to learn something, their mentor certainly won’t stand by idly. Helping others, the old guiding the young, has always been a traditional virtue of the Chinese nation. Isn’t it worthy of support and praise for Master’s Net to revive tradition in such a pragmatic society?”

“But if Master’s Net becomes big, wouldn’t teachers and staff at training institutions lose their jobs?” Another opposing voice appeared, but its conviction seemed to be waning.

Zhou Huaxing smiled, “Teachers and mentors are not at odds. Historically, there were private tutors as well as mentors and apprentices. They’re not mutually exclusive. Teachers educate groups of students, year after year, while mentors carefully nurture one or a few apprentices, perhaps for a lifetime.

“As for those training institutions, yes, there will be losses, but that’s inevitable. When online shopping boomed, everyone thought it would devastate brick-and-mortar stores, but in reality, they didn’t vanish entirely—they just diminished. Master’s Net is the same. It merely provides a platform for mentors and apprentices to meet and communicate, but doesn’t offer the professional equipment or facilities for every industry, so it won’t deliver a fatal blow. In the future, if training institutions want to survive, they must adapt—perhaps by providing venues and equipment, or hosting competitions. That depends on their own responses. In the tide of reform, clinging to the old ways means inevitable extinction!”

Zhou Huaxing’s words became sharper, his gaze steely, silencing any further opposition from those present.

Then came his final, unquestionable statement.

“In summary, this reform must proceed. I will report to the Chairman now, draft a plan, and seek approval.”

Reform is always a double-edged sword, accompanied by disagreement and misunderstanding; but if it is inherently correct, the result will surely be more good than harm.

China’s administrative efficiency often fluctuates, swift at times and slow at others, unpredictable. But this time, the support and communication regarding Master’s Net progressed with unusual speed.

The leaders at the top are perceptive—they’re well aware of the current problems in education. It’s just that their responsibilities are overwhelming, each person busy with their own duties, and when it comes to education, there’s no good solution. Ultimately, the root issue is poverty.

So, when Zhou Huaxing’s report was submitted, it immediately caught their attention. He was assigned full responsibility for the matter and granted considerable authority.

Zhou Huaxing promptly convened another meeting, assigning tasks at all levels, with one goal: to fully support and help Master’s Net, making it the vanguard of this educational reform.

First, he negotiated with the national broadcaster for positive publicity, so Master’s Net would be recognized and understood by the masses.

Next, he evaluated schools, focusing on primary and secondary institutions, and, according to existing conditions, added interest courses—music, dance, art, basketball, football, etc.—allowing students to freely choose. Each week, there would be no less than two classes, not overlapping with existing physical education or music classes.

Then, a province would be selected to pilot reforms in the minor, middle, and college entrance exams, adding an interest subject. If a student possesses a special skill—basketball, football, piano, etc.—and reaches a certain technical level, they’d receive extra points proportional to their proficiency. Testing must be fair and just, with absolutely no deceit.

At this point, some might raise the issue: isn’t adding this subject inherently unfair? Children from wealthy families, in a better environment, naturally learn their interests better.

Is it really so?

In fact, talent and perseverance have little to do with one’s environment of birth. Take football, for example.

Cristiano Ronaldo, an undisputed superstar of the sport, famed for his incredible body fat ratio.

What brought him to this stage? Family? Environment?

Clearly not. Those familiar with Ronaldo know he once couldn’t even afford a hamburger.

His superstar status was achieved solely because, from a young age, he identified his love for football and persisted day after day, year after year.

Of course, there’s another factor: the system. A robust football system allowed Ronaldo to be discovered and nurtured.

Does China lack people with football talent? Or is it that children, even if talented, can’t persevere?

Those who understand, understand.

The same goes for Kobe Bryant—four o’clock in the morning in Los Angeles.

To become strong, perseverance is always indispensable! Otherwise, you’ll only be a fleeting spark, quickly forgotten, not the one who laughs last.

Therefore, Zhou Huaxing is determined to reform the exams. Since Chinese people excel at tests, let other subjects become just like knowledge—achievements can also be gained through exams.

This way, children’s talents can be discovered and cultivated from an early age.

Zhou Huaxing knows this step may be bold, as it’s not just the development of a system, but the perfection of an all-encompassing framework.

Literature, physics, languages, arts, sports…

As long as you reach a certain level in any field through talent and persistence, it can be used to add points in exams!

Perhaps this is difficult—no, extremely difficult—the chances of success infinitely small, but Zhou Huaxing is undaunted!

Even if only a few robust talent development systems are established, Zhou Huaxing considers it a gain!

What does China have the most?

People! Land!

Zhou Huaxing believes that unity is strength—nothing is impossible.

If things like mobile phones and atomic bombs, unimaginable to ancient people, can be created, how hard can a system really be?

All that’s needed is time, and he intends to be the first wave in this tide of reform.

Even if it’s like a moth to a flame, he will not hesitate!

Zhou Huaxing knows that once the system is perfected, talent will be cultivated ceaselessly.

From the NBA’s dominance, Hollywood’s steady stream of classics, more than a third of Nobel laureates born in America… and so on, it’s clear.

A system is crucial!

And Zhou Huaxing also knows that everything requires time and decisions.

Fortunately, Master’s Net has shown him the direction.

Finally, he sent people to contact the team at Master’s Net, informing them of all the matters, so they could walk the road ahead together in unity.

……

If Lin Lang knew things had developed so far, he, as the initiator, would surely be dumbfounded, unable to believe it.

But Lin Lang’s heart would be overjoyed. Though he hadn’t expected such rapid progress, nor anticipated Zhou Huaxing’s kindred spirit.

So, when Li Zecheng and Wan Cong sat in the meeting room, eyes wide, conversing with representatives from the Ministry of Education and then relayed the news to Lin Lang—

Lin Lang, alone in his study, was stunned, then he smiled.

He smiled brilliantly, just as he did the first time he saw his son and wife after being reborn. (Don’t ask why Lin Lang didn’t smile in the first chapter scene; let me tell you quietly—he was actually smiling in secret.)

Then, Lin Lang’s expression turned solemn, for he thought of Zhou Huaxing.

A man he had deeply respected in his previous life, and now, even more so in this one.

Lin Lang pondered for a long while, took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly, making an important decision.

Originally, in this life, he wanted to spend more time with his family, with Lin Nan and Ye Xinlan.

But now Zhou Huaxing had moved him—nearing sixty, still single-heartedly serving the nation.

Lin Lang decided to use the most extensive, advanced basketball knowledge in his mind to create a league surpassing the NBA!

To be the first to charge in the tide of reform!