The narrator begins by asking the young man what his parents do. The young man tells him that his parents are good at cooking and that he has been good at both. He tells the narrator that he does not want to go to school because he thinks that fame is a shortcut to life. He says that he is very good at character and learning. He explains that he wants to continue his studies for the sake of himself and his future. The narrator says that this young man does not have the talent to be a good student. He does not even know how to appreciate the beauty of the vegetables. He adds that he sometimes wondered if he was joking. He thinks that he will never be among the five people who will live in the dormitory of the zone. He also says that his movements are "uncouth" because he has not worked hard enough. He believes that he can do anything as long as he works hard. He wonders if he is good enough now, but if he works a bit harder, he will be better. He is sorry that he did not tell him the truth when he was young.