Jiang Wanqing's words surprised and delighted everyone. To put it bluntly, they were just strangers who had met by chance, yet she was willing to provide them with so many opportunities. It was no exaggeration to say that she had given them a helping hand.
But since this is a major event concerning the rest of one's life, it's best to proceed with caution. Firstly, it might cause trouble for others, and secondly, it might waste such a good opportunity.
Finally, a younger boy spoke up, "Then let Comrade He Meng be the liaison. Comrade Jiang and Comrade Cheng must be very busy with the assessment recently. We will give you a reply after the assessment. Thank you."
"Yes, Comrade He Meng is capable of undertaking this important task."
Everyone recommended him, so He Meng couldn't refuse and immediately agreed.
"Alright, since you all trust me so much, then I'll be the liaison. Comrade Jiang, thank you for your great kindness."
"I just can't bear to see your talents go to waste. Whether you work, continue your studies, or decide to go home and live a normal life, you all have to take good care of yourselves. Let's eat."
Too many nice words are not a good thing, so Jiang Wanqing knew when to stop. Besides, with so many people eating together today, it was bound to attract attention, so it was best to end the gathering as soon as possible.
After finishing their meal, Jiang Wanqing paid the bill and went home with Cheng Ran.
On the way, he held her hand tightly and turned to look at her: "Wanqing, there's something I'm not sure if I should say, but... I still want to remind you of something."
"Um?"
"You're being too kind to them. How do you know they're not worthy of your kindness when you've just met them?"
Jiang Wanqing patted the back of his hand: "I know your concerns. I'm not being nice to them unconditionally. Didn't you hear them say during the meal that they've been investigating the man surnamed Wang in private? They definitely have evidence that we don't know about. Just as you said, they held back a bit during our first meeting. Giving them these few days is to let them think things through, to decide whether they want to take a gamble before returning to normal life, to give us the evidence, and to seek justice for themselves."
So that's how it is. Cheng Ran was startled. He had been so focused on observing those people that he hadn't thought of this aspect. After hearing her explanation, he suddenly understood and put his arm around her shoulder.
"You're very thoughtful."
"I never said I was unconditionally good to them, I just didn't mention it today. You don't need to worry about me, I know what I'm doing. A little kindness is appreciated, but too much can breed resentment. They'll be more comfortable using the benefits after the exchange, and I'm sure they'll understand this after they go back and discuss it."
Jiang Wanqing looked in the direction where He Meng and his group had disappeared and curled her lips into a smile.
After parting ways, He Meng returned to their temporary residence. Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment, and someone stood up and made a comment.
"Comrade He Meng, do you think this Comrade Jiang is trustworthy? If she really helps us as she says, that would be an immense favor. Shouldn't we do something for her? I see she doesn't get along with that guy surnamed Wang, so they're practically our common enemy. Why don't we give her what we have..."
Before he could finish speaking, He Meng made a shushing gesture, then pointed to the door, warning that someone might be overheard.
"We've only met once. Even if she's trustworthy, we can't rush to conclusions. We risked our lives to obtain what we have. I'm not comfortable handing it over to her so easily."
"Then what do you suggest we do? Aren't we going to show any remorse?"
He Meng waved his hand, his expression serious: "I don't mean we won't give it to them, but we'll see in a few days before deciding whether to give it to them or not. The assessment is a head-on battle between Comrade Wang and Comrade Jiang. Let's see how she performs and ensure a fair and just examination environment for this year's candidates. Then we'll help her and bring down Comrade Wang!"
"Okay! We'll do it your way. So, will we still be camping out at the research institute's gate these next few days?"
“Go! We have to go! If we suddenly don’t go, it will definitely arouse that old man’s suspicion. Just act like nothing’s wrong.”
"Understood, then let's do it that way."
"Um."
Once they had discussed it, they had no more doubts. Jiang Wanqing was the first person in so many years to have given them warmth and provided them with such great help, so they didn't want to owe her a favor, nor did they want to hand over their life-saving equipment without knowing why. It wouldn't hurt to wait and see for a couple of days.
The next day, Jiang Wanqing went to the research institute and saw He Meng at the entrance. He Meng only nodded to her briefly, and both of them pretended not to know each other.
She walked inside without looking to either side...
Before I even got to the lab, Wang Yan stopped me on the way. I thought she was up to no good, but it turned out she was talking about the exam registration.
“My dad said that since you’ve decided to get involved in the assessment, then you should attend today’s meeting. The list of applicants has already been released. If we want fairness, then the list should be made public from beginning to end. Don’t say we’re bullying you or keeping it from you. Humph, it’s up to you whether you go or not.”
Wang Yan stood with her arms crossed, still looking arrogant. This father and daughter really know how to cause trouble. How much confidence must they have to be so disrespectful?
"I definitely have to go," Jiang Wanqing clenched her fists and changed direction.
There were already many people in the conference room, including Cheng Ran, who was slightly surprised to see her come in.
Others also cast strange glances at her, but Jiang Wanqing calmly and loudly spoke up.
"Director Wang asked me to sit in on the proceedings. If you have any objections, go find him."
After she finished speaking, she sat down in the audience seat. Cheng Ran glanced at her, and she shook her head to indicate that she was fine, so he sat down again.
A short while later, Wang Duo came in, holding a thick list in his hand, and scanned the attendees.
"Now that everyone is here, I'll get straight to the point. With the exam approaching, we've all put in our best effort, just like the test takers. The final list of test takers is out now, so let's distribute it for everyone to review."
Wang Duo gave his assistant a wink, and soon everyone received a copy of the publicly available registration list.
There were about twenty sheets of paper, with the names of the examinees densely printed on them, and some people raised their questions.
"Director Wang, this year, due to the expansion of the selection scope, there are many more applicants. In the past, we have set up a special examination room, but now it is obviously not enough to seat everyone. How do you plan to solve this problem?"
"Don't worry about that. Considering that each candidate is tired from traveling, and to avoid delaying or affecting their exams, we've arranged for them to take the exams at their own schools. Our staff and school teachers will supervise the process. That way, no one will accuse us of trying to cover up everything!"
As Wang Duo spoke, he deliberately glanced in Jiang Wanqing's direction. She raised an eyebrow, a cold smile playing on her lips. This old man was already subtly starting to shift the blame...
"I have a question." Cheng Ran stood up, his face grave.
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