The Path of Power

As Ethan Cole walked out of the gate of Cambridge State University, he let out a heavy sigh of relief. "Finally graduated," Ethan thought to himself. Ethan comes from Riverton City. Although Riverton City is said to be the most economically developed region in America , Ethan's home is in a rural area of Maple County, located in the southwest of Riverton City, where the economy is still very weak. His father works in a local township-run enterprise, and his mother farms at home. He is the eldest son in the family, and he has a younger sister who is four years younger than him. Because both children are in school, and the family's income is very limited, they live a very poor life. Ethan is a very sensible child. Starting from junior high school, every summer he would ride his bicycle to nearby farms to collect peaches and pears, and then go to various towns to sell them to earn tuition fees for himself and his sister for the next semester, so as to reduce the burden on his family. However, this did not affect his academic performance. After graduating from junior high school, Ethan was admitted to Maple No. 2 High School, the best high school in Maple County. He then became the top scorer in the college entrance examination in Maple County and was admitted to Cambridge State University, the highest institution of learning in America . After graduating from university four years ago, he was admitted to Cambridge State University's Department of Economics for a combined master's and doctoral program. Today, he finally passed his doctoral dissertation defense and officially graduated. "Ring ring..." A phone ring pulled Ethan back to reality. He took out a second-hand old Motorola phone that he had bought from a flea market for 150 dollar. "Ethan, today is to celebrate your doctoral graduation. Come over to our house for dinner tonight." "Oh, I understand, thank you, Professor Harold" Ethan hung up the phone, a warm smile on his lips. The caller was his mentor, the renowned economist Prof. Harold Williams. Prof. Harold was among the first batch of economics PhDs from Cambridge State University after the Cultural Revolution and had previously been a visiting professor at Harvard Business School. In the early 1990s, he returned to Cambridge State University as the head of the Department of Economics. His research in the field of economics was highly relevant to America 's current development, and he made outstanding contributions to America 's transition from a planned economy to a market economy and the development of the securities market. He is now the vice president of Cambridge State University and an academician of the America Academy of Sciences. Ethan was fortunate enough to become Prof. Harold's graduate student, ranking first in the combined master's and doctoral entrance examination. After studying under Prof. Harold for a period of time, Prof. Harold was delighted to discover Ethan's extraordinary comprehension and learning ability. During their three years of close interaction, Prof. Harold imparted all his knowledge to Ethan, hoping his student would carry forward his scholarship. Because his student came from a poor family, Prof. Harold also took good care of Ethan's livelihood, increasing his research stipend in various ways and frequently inviting him to his home for meals during holidays. Ethan felt deeply grateful to Prof. Harold. To him, Prof. Harold was a true mentor who taught him knowledge, principles of conduct, and provided him with meticulous care in his life. At 6 p.m., Ethan arrived at the staff quarters behind Cambridge State University on time. The entire staff quarters were shaded by large trees and very quiet. He pressed the doorbell in front of a quaint two-story building with a courtyard. "Ethan is here! Old Harold is waiting for you in the study. I have a few dishes to cook, and we can eat as soon as they're done." A woman in her thirties with a gentle appearance and elegant demeanor opened the door. "I'm sorry to trouble you again, Madam," Ethan said respectfully. "It's alright, you graduated today, which means you've completed your apprenticeship. It's something to celebrate," the teacher's wife said with a smile. Anyone who saw Ethan's teacher's wife would be astonished; wasn't that a national icon? Prof. Harold's wife was Laura Williams, a host on Global News Network. Global News Network broadcasts live nationwide every evening at 7 PM, with six hosts taking turns anchoring; almost everyone in the country knows them. Laura is the head of the broadcasting team. Ethan was also incredibly excited to see his teacher's wife for the first time, thinking to himself, "Finally, I've met a national icon in person!" Upon entering the study, a man in his forties sat at an antique-style desk, looking down at documents. This man, exuding a refined and scholarly air, was none other than Ethan's mentor, Prof. Harold. "You're here! Have a seat!" Ethan walked to the front of the sofa and sat down properly. Prof. Harold put down the documents in his hand, leaned back in his chair, and looked at his disciple with eyes full of affection, even doting. Ethan was his most outstanding student. In the past three years, he had published several academically valuable papers in the field of economics, and his performance in his doctoral dissertation defense that afternoon was particularly outstanding. This made Prof. Harold very gratified. "What are your plans after graduation? Would you like to stay at the university as a faculty member?" Cambridge is the capital of Oregon, and Cambridge State University is the number one university in Oregon. Staying in Cambridge is the dream of many students studying there, let alone staying to teach at Cambridge State University. "Teacher, I want to go back to my hometown to work." Ethan has been away from home for seven years. Since coming to Yanjing for university, he's only returned once, once after graduation. During winter and summer vacations, he works to earn tuition and try to ease the burden on his family. After being admitted to graduate school, he worked on a research project with Prof. Harold, so his family no longer needed to send him money. His younger sister also has excellent grades; her middle school entrance exam score met the admission requirements for Maple No. 2 Middle School, so going to university shouldn't be a problem. However, the family simply can't afford for both of them to go to university. His sister chose a vocational school after graduating from junior high and started working last year. Ethan wants to go back to his hometown to work mainly so he can take care of his family; his parents are getting old. "Oh!" Actually, Prof. Harold called Ethan over today to discuss his job assignment after graduation. A few days ago, the Oregon State Party Committee sent a letter to Cambridge State University, hoping to recruit several economics graduate students this year. Upon seeing this letter, Prof. Harold thought of Ethan. The central government is focusing on building the River Delta economic zone, and Oregon State, as a member, is facing a moment of economic take-off. At this time, working for the Oregon State Party Committee would be a good choice for Ethan. "Recently, the Oregon State Party Committee came to the school to recruit several graduate students majoring in economics. Considering that you are a doctoral student in economics and a member of the Communist Party, the school has decided to recommend you. What do you think?" Upon hearing this, Ethan felt a warmth in his heart. Being assigned to work in the party committee of a major economic province was no easy feat, especially since he was from Maple in Riverton City, only 150 kilometers from Lincoln City, the capital of Oregon State. The expressway between Riverton and Lincoln City had recently opened, making travel very convenient. Thinking of how thoughtful his teacher had been, he gratefully said, "Thank you, teacher, for securing this opportunity for me. I am very willing to work in Oregon State." "The main thing is that you have the ability. If you weren't capable, the school wouldn't have recommended you." Prof. Harold said, picking up a pack of Marlboro Reds, tossing one to Ethan, and taking one for himself. Ethan quickly got up, took out a lighter, lit one for Prof. Harold first, then lit one for himself, taking a deep drag—it was very mellow. Ethan had a bit of a smoking habit, usually smoking cheap cigarettes like Peony, which cost a little over three dollar, but he could only get a few good cigarettes from his teacher. Prof. Harold smiled as he watched Ethan smoke. He stood up, took two cartons of Marlboro Reds from the cabinet under the bookshelf, and handed them to Ethan: "Take these. It'll be hard to get cigarettes from your teacher again." Ethan blushed slightly and accepted the cigarettes: "Thank you, teacher." "Old Harold, Ethan, stop chatting, it's time to eat," Laura called out from outside in a voice familiar to people all over the country. "Come on, let's go eat. Your teacher's wife has been busy all day, celebrating your graduation." Prof. Harold patted Ethan on the shoulder, and the two walked out of the study together. "Hey, why hasn't Nathalie arrived yet? Wasn't she supposed to be back today?" Prof. Harold and Ethan walked into the restaurant and saw Laura busy working alone, so they couldn't help but ask. "I just called, I'll be there soon, I was already at the gate." Just as Laura finished speaking, the doorbell rang. "We're here, Ethan, please sit down. You're the star of the show today, it's a celebration for you, please sit down! Please sit down! I'll go open the door." Laura gestured for Ethan to sit down while hurriedly walking to the door to open it. "Auntie, what delicious food did you make today? I could smell the aroma from the doorway. I've been traveling with the reporting team these past few days, eating instant noodles or boxed lunches every day. I'm going to have a good meal today." A clear voice came from the doorway. "Great! You're benefiting from Ethan's good fortune today. It's the day he graduates with his doctorate and completes his apprenticeship under your uncle. Your aunt made lots of delicious food today." A tall and beautiful figure walked in behind Laura. Her white dress accentuated her pure temperament. She had delicate eyebrows, long curled eyelashes, big, watery eyes, and a very exquisite face. She was definitely a beauty. She is Natalie Green, the daughter of Laura's eldest brother. Because Prof. Harold and Laura had no children of their own, they doted on their niece Natalie. Natalie had always admired her aunt and aspired to become a broadcaster like her. She enrolled in the broadcasting program at Cambridge Broadcasting Institute. She usually lived at Laura's house. During this period, which coincided with her pre-graduation internship, Laura arranged for her to intern at National Media Network . "Nathalie, sit down quickly. Try your aunt's cooking today. This child must be exhausted from running around outside these past few days." Prof. Harold genuinely liked his wife's niece. Ethan had met Natalie a few times before. Since Natalie was his mentor's niece, Ethan always treated her with great courtesy. "Hello, Natalie!" Ethan stood up from his seat and nodded to Natalie. Natalie grew up pampered and became the campus belle of Yanjing Broadcasting Institute after entering university. She had countless suitors, and people sent her flowers almost every day, and not just one. She was so popular that everyone loved her. Therefore, Natalie had an extremely high opinion of herself. Only Ethan, dressed plainly, was always polite and courteous to Natalie. Unlike the male students at school who would fawn over her like bees to honey, or deliberately act cool to get her attention, Natalie automatically categorized Ethan as the latter, assuming he was just a cool country bumpkin, and usually treated him coldly. Natalie was in a bad mood today. She had just received a call from her father, Daniel Green, on the way home. He told her that her internship was over and she had to return to Lincoln City to work; she wasn't allowed to stay in Yanjing. Natalie had originally planned to stay and work at National Media Network after her internship. But her father's attitude was firm, showing no sign of compromise, which made Natalie very depressed. Seeing Ethan's usual "cool" expression, she couldn't help but feel annoyed. So when Ethan nodded and greeted her, she kept a cold face, raised an eyebrow, and pretended not to hear, sitting down opposite Ethan. At this moment, Laura was busy serving dishes, and Prof. Harold also went in to get wine, not noticing Natalie's attitude towards Ethan. Upon seeing this, Ethan was surprised and thought to himself, "I don't think I've ever offended this young lady. What's going on?" But Ethan maintained his usual calm and indifferent expression and politely waited for Natalie to sit down before sitting down himself. "Ethan, let's have a good drink today." Prof. Harold walked over with a smile, holding a bottle of Moutai. "Look at you, you've found another opportunity to drink." Laura put the dishes on the table, glared at Prof. Harold, and then smiled at Ethan, saying, "Ethan, your teacher Wu isn't feeling well, so make him drink less later." Although Laura and Prof. Harold didn't have children, they had a very good relationship. "Understood, Madam!" Ethan quickly stood up, took the Moutai liquor from Prof. Harold's hand, opened it deftly, filled Prof. Harold's glass, then picked up the drinks on the table and poured some for Laura and Natalie. Finally, he filled his own glass, raised it, and said to Prof. Harold and Laura with deep gratitude, "Today I graduate. Thank you, teacher, for your guidance and care over the years. I would like to toast you and your wife." "Ethan, I'm very pleased to see you graduate today. As a university teacher, my greatest hope is to teach and nurture students, and you are my most outstanding student. I'm so happy! Come on, drink!" Prof. Harold picked up his glass with great satisfaction and drank it all in one gulp. "Hey, drink slowly!" Laura took a small sip of her drink. "Come on, Ethan, sit down and eat." The meal passed in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Natalie didn't say much, only glancing sideways at Ethan a few times and snorting disdainfully. After the meal, Ethan took the two packs of cigarettes given to him by Prof. Harold and got up to say goodbye. "Come to my office tomorrow morning," Prof. Harold said as he saw Ethan to the door.