"Principal He, this teacher of yours is quite interesting. Her family must like to make vinegar, right? If you didn't know better, you'd think she was the star of the show today, she smells so sour all over."
Zheng Yuan pointed at Teacher Tang and said the most hurtful words in the gentlest and most gentlemanly way.
At first, Ms. Tang didn't understand the implied meaning and actually raised her arm to smell her own scent. When she came to her senses, her face turned bright red.
"puff……"
Molly covered her mouth and laughed out loud, then nudged Jiang Wanqing's hand.
"This Comrade Zheng is quite good."
Jiang Wanqing didn't respond. She remembered that he had mentioned on the train that he was just an ordinary street vendor with a sharp mind.
Now it seems he's no ordinary man; describing him as someone who keeps a low profile is perhaps too simplistic.
"Hello, Teacher Jiang, let me reintroduce myself. My name is Zheng Yuan, and I work at the Beijing Automobile Factory." Zheng Yuan extended his hand to Jiang Wanqing.
He actually works at a car factory, and he's the factory manager... That position is impressive in itself, and he's still quite young. Upon hearing his words, many unmarried female teachers' eyes lit up, and they couldn't wait to step forward, shake Zheng Yuan's hand, and introduce themselves to him.
Jiang Wanqing remained calm and simply smiled, saying, "Hello, my name is Jiang Wanqing. I won't say anything more, as I'm sure Comrade Zheng already knows."
She didn't hold his hand, and Zheng Yuan didn't feel awkward at all; he simply turned to Molly naturally.
"You're Molly, the educated youth who went to the countryside, right?"
"Yes, Comrade Zheng has a very comprehensive understanding. Hello, hello."
Molly shook hands with him generously and took the opportunity to explain on Jiang Wanqing's behalf.
"You know that Teacher Jiang is married, right?"
"Ha, I know, I understand."
He pushed up his glasses and didn't talk to Jiang Wanqing much or make any more physical contact with her.
Inside the auditorium, tables were arranged in a large circle, forming a makeshift dance floor. Food was placed on the tables, and several old-fashioned stereos were also nearby.
Jiang Wanqing, Mo Li, Zheng Yuan, and Principal He sat in the middle, their eyes focused on each other.
In order to make a good impression on Zheng Yuan and to make the donation process go more smoothly, they kept saying nice things to him.
"Comrade Zheng, our two teachers will be taking the exam soon. Why don't you two have a chat?"
"Oh? I wonder which school Mo Zhiqing and Teacher Jiang want to apply to?"
"Wanqing wants to go to Huada University, and I want to go with her too, but my grades are much worse than hers, so I don't know if I have any hope." Molly scratched her head shyly.
Jiang Wanqing poked her lower back, shook her head, and whispered a reminder: "Don't make a fuss, there are no results yet."
"Professor Jiang has excellent grades, and Huazhong University values talent. I believe you will succeed," Zheng Yuan said, his eyes sparkling. "What major do you want to study?"
We'll see.
Because of what happened on the train, Jiang Wanqing remained wary of Zheng Yuan; she didn't believe all coincidences were just coincidences...
"Hahaha... Everyone, stop chatting and start eating, jumping around, and singing! I specially borrowed some sound equipment today. It's a rare opportunity, so don't waste it!"
The principal clapped his hands, signaling everyone to liven up the atmosphere. Some people were eager to try, their bottoms almost leaving their seats, but they were afraid of being accused of stealing the limelight, so they didn't dare to move.
At this moment, Zheng Yuan stood up, looked at Jiang Wanqing with a faint smile on his face, and extended his hand.
"Ms. Jiang, would you be so kind as to perform an opening dance for me?"
Her expression changed, and she refused directly: "I'm sorry, Comrade Zheng, I'm from the countryside and I don't know what kind of dance to do. You should choose someone else."
Seeing Jiang Wanqing's displeasure, Molly blinked, and just as she was about to speak, Teacher Tang jumped out again.
“Teacher Jiang, that’s not right of you. This is a new era. I know you’re worried about gossip, but if you’re upright and honest, what’s there to be afraid of when it’s just dancing?”
"Hehe... Teacher Jiang, Comrade Zheng meant well. After all, he even sponsored your and Mo Zhiqing's future schooling. Dancing for a bit won't hurt. I'm right here, everyone can be a witness. Modern women shouldn't be so arrogant and shrug."
Some people wished they were the ones invited, and instantly felt that Jiang Wanqing was ungrateful. They snorted and made sarcastic remarks.
"What are you pretending for? You can't have it all. What kind of person occupies a position without doing anything? If you don't want it, then give up the opportunity."
"That's right. We said she could bring her family today, but she didn't. What's she doing taking advantage of this opportunity now?"
Even her usually amicable colleagues voiced their dissatisfaction at this moment. Jiang Wanqing smiled faintly. It's not difficult for ordinary people to maintain a superficial harmony as long as their interests are not infringed upon, but they will turn against each other when their interests are touched.
Jiang Wanqing raised an eyebrow and sighed almost imperceptibly. If she really gave up the opportunity, these people would only take advantage of her kindness. If she accepted Zheng Yuan's invitation, there would be even more rumors.
Just as Molly was about to stand up and accept the invitation for her, Jiang Wanqing pressed her hand down, stood up, and glanced around at everyone.
"I really don't know ballroom dancing. Comrade Zheng has come all this way, and I don't want to refuse him. How about this, I'll make a fool of myself and dance a solo to start things off, and then everyone can improvise as they please. What do you say?"
Molly was taken aback for a moment, then immediately chimed in, clapping her hands.
“A solo dance would be great. I know ballroom dancing. To avoid stepping on your feet, how about Comrade Zheng and I dance together? Didn’t you just say that Wanqing and I are the main characters today?”
Molly's playful demeanor eased the awkwardness among them, and Zheng Yuan smiled and put his hand down.
"Then after Comrade Wanqing finishes her opening dance, shall I have Wanqing and Mo Zhiqing dance one as well?"
"OK."
Those who had ideas sat down sheepishly, falling silent. They dared not dance alone; they only wanted a chance to get close to Zheng Yuan.
Teacher Tang turned her face away and muttered sarcastically, "What a pretentious act!"
When Jiang Wanqing stood in the center of the dance floor today, the dress she wore blended perfectly with the sunlight streaming into the hall, making her look like a forsythia basking in the early spring sunshine.
As the music began, Jiang Wanqing started dancing. At first, she was a little clumsy and even missed the beat, but as the music reached its climax, she found her rhythm and became more and more immersed in the dance...
Everyone stared in disbelief. When the music ended, the auditorium was silent for several seconds.
Jiang Wanqing, slightly out of breath, took her bow...
"Wow...so beautiful, so gorgeous..."
Someone exclaimed in surprise, and then Zheng Yuan led the applause.
"No wonder Comrade Wanqing chose to dance solo. If you really danced ballroom with me, I'm afraid I would have held you back," he said modestly.
Jiang Wanqing shook her head and smiled, then returned to her seat. Molly handed her a clean handkerchief that she had tucked into her pocket.
Wipe your sweat.
"Thanks."
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