Are you there? Do you have time recently?
(Small Theater) Night Road ~ Moon
Once you start your life from 8 am to 2 pm, there is no turning back. I never thought that a painter’s life would involve staying up until 2 am to do homework. During this period, I saw it.
I have seen the rising sun in the morning and the bright moon at night. Because I was afraid of walking at night, I brought a small knife with me. It was ridiculous. What use could a folding knife that was not even as big as my thumb be?
In order to save money, we have steamed buns for breakfast, noodles and rice bowls for lunch, street burgers and pancakes for dinner. At this time, a bowl of spicy hot pot is a luxury.
In the past six months, my father and uncle came to see me once, and my mother came once. My mother took me in at night and asked the hotel auntie with concern to meet me on the road if possible. From this period on, I would only take the main road, never the small road, no matter how far the journey was. I would never walk slowly if I could walk fast, and I would never go to dark places. There would be street lights wherever I went.
During this time, I really didn't have any friends in the studio. Maybe it was because I wasn't sociable. I didn't want to be someone's meal ticket, nor did I want to treat others as meal tickets. I wasn't here to make friends. I wanted to fight this battle with strength. The only connection was with Han Muze, a friend I kept in my heart for decades.
~~~
As Huihui spoke, she placed the hot water bottle on Qiyue's belly.
"Qiyue, you are as honest and innocent as a child, which is why you have won the hearts of our children. You are sincere and warm like the sun, which is why you have won the recognition of our teachers. It can be said that the Fourth Campus and Qiyue complement each other. Your reputation among students, parents, and teachers is higher than that of the principal. This is also your strength."
However, your principles are your principles, you clearly distinguish between right and wrong, and you would rather break than bend. This is also your shortcoming."
"I'm not as good as you in terms of teaching and parenting, but I'm clear-headed in management, and you're not as good as me."
Yes, those who are involved in the matter are often confused, while those who are on the sidelines can see things more clearly. Qi Yue is such a person. She is not rational when she should be rational, and not emotional when she should be emotional. She sticks to principles and abides by discipline. She doesn't act awkwardly and walks her own way and follows her own path.
"Brother Hui, I still say the same thing. Yes, I don't admit it. But there won't be a next time. Not for myself, but for this trust, for the four campuses that I have known and accompanied to this day, and for my comrades."
Hui Hui nodded in satisfaction: "Done, call it a day."
Qi Yue looked at Hui Hui who was standing up: "Why, you're leaving now? You're just going to class. Why are you going to class when you're sick?"
"Teacher Qiyue is always here, this is nothing."
"Why are you so anxious? You're so anxious that you don't even sit for a while when you get home."
"Qiyue, everyone has their own difficulties. After breaking free from one cage, who knows if the next one will be a trap?"
"It's getting more difficult, but unfortunately, the pain I'm feeling right now doesn't allow me to think too much. I won't stay any longer, and we'll see you at the regular meeting."
"How heartless!"
After Huihui left, Qiyue covered herself with a nap blanket, looking out the window, watching the leaves gradually turn yellow. Just like that, she sat there quietly, blankly, and silently. The sunlight sprinkled on Qiyue's body, making her feel warm. This feeling, quiet and peaceful, without any rush or impatience, was really good.
"If possible, let's just sit there and enjoy the peaceful days."
A few days later.
The General Manager of the Jinghuai Region said, "Teacher Qiyue, please take a seat. As you know, the principal of your campus resigned a month ago, but we haven't found a suitable replacement recently. Therefore, we have decided that you should take over the position of principal of the fourth campus."
After hearing this, Qi Yue thought to herself, "I'm afraid this isn't just an aftereffect of the previous baby refund incident. This is a punishment for me."
"Teacher Jin, I personally feel that I am not qualified for the position of principal. As you know, I am okay in teaching, but I am still lacking in management skills. It is really difficult for me to take on such a big responsibility."
"We've considered this before, but based on the current situation, no one is more suitable for this position than you. You've been a teacher since the founding of the four campuses, and have been with them throughout their growth. You're also highly recognized by students and parents. Therefore, no one is more suitable than you."
"This is forcing me to do something. If I refuse too strongly, it won't be good. But I don't want to be a principal. I'm not good at managing people. If I can't figure it out by then, it will be even more difficult."
The regional manager saw Qi Yue's dilemma and said, "Don't worry about that. We will respect your personal career plans and continue to recruit principals for the four campuses. However, during the period when the principal position is vacant, you will still have to act as principal. However, we cannot give you a specific date for the recruitment of the principal at the moment. I hope you don't mind."
Qi Yue finally let go of her worries and breathed a sigh of relief. "Principal Jin, don't worry. During this period, I will take good care of the four campuses and ensure the coordination of their enrollment progress, teaching quality, after-sales service, and other aspects. Furthermore, the teachers in our four campuses are all excellent and will not slack off. They will work even harder."
Walking out of the headquarters building, Qiyue stood at the bus stop, feeling the beauty of nature's gift. It had been a long time since she felt so relaxed, and it had been a long time since she had been alone quietly. The holiday was about to come, although it was only one day, but it was also very good.
In this way, autumn has passed and winter has arrived, and the four seasons of the year have cycled again.
In early winter, the snow everywhere gives the city a new look.
The gloomy weather, the biting cold wind, the invisible sunshine, the unfelt warmth, just like people's mood, sink to the bottom.
"It's November now, and winter has arrived in the blink of an eye. Another year is about to pass. I pray that I can make it to this new year, but I dare not hope for more."
"Qiyue, it's porridge for breakfast again. What are you having for lunch? I'll order it in advance. Today is Saturday, and you have classes all day again." Zhenzhen walked into the office and asked.
"Tomato and egg noodles."
"I've been eating it for almost half a month, and I'm still eating it."
"Really? I don't want to eat either. You see, I can't speak very clearly now. My ulcer is really serious this time."
"But, Qiyue, look, if the ulcer hadn't restricted your appetite, you wouldn't have lost weight."
Qi Yue rolled her eyes at Zhen Zhen and said, "This way of losing weight is painful and torturous. I don't want it. My students all say that I can't even speak as clearly as they do now."
"This time it's strange. Your ulcer used to heal in a day or two. Plus, you're always very careful, alternating between tomatoes and B2. This time it's worse than usual, and it hasn't healed even after all this time."
Qi Yue looked at Zhen Zhen helplessly, as if to say with her eyes: "I don't want to either."
Dudu
"Are you there? Do you have time recently?"
"My mother knows that I have classes on Saturday, so she won't easily send me a WeChat message so early." Qi Yue felt a bad feeling in her heart, and the tense feeling caused by fear suddenly filled all of Qi Yue's senses.
Qi Yue hurriedly called: "Hello, Mom, why did you suddenly send me a WeChat message this morning?"
"Nothing, I just wanted to see if you're busy lately. If not, I'll go home and rest for a while. I miss you."
"Is there something wrong at home? What happened to Dad?"
"No, what could happen at home?"
Qiyue didn't say anything more and hung up the phone. Even if she asked further, her mother wouldn't say anything. Because she was afraid of worrying Qiyue, Lan's mother always picked light-hearted things to talk about.
"Hey, big sister, is there something wrong at home? I asked my mom, but she didn't tell me, she just said she missed me."
"Well, it's not very good. Your father won't let me tell you. If you have time, come back."
"Sister, what do you mean by bad? It's my dad..."
Qi Yue was scared and didn't want to ask anymore, fearing that the answer would be the worst. The usually strong girl couldn't hold it in any longer and stood in the office crying, scaring Teacher Zhenzhen who came in.
"Aiya, why are you crying? Your dad is fine, he's just not in good health. He vomited blood last night and was hospitalized. If you have time, come back and see me. I'm still at home. Don't you believe what I told you?"
Qi Yue held back her tears and said, "I understand, big sister. I will go back today."
After saying that, Qiyue hung up the phone and told Zhenzhen that she had to ask for leave because of something at home. Zhenzhen looked confused. She knew that if it wasn't a serious matter, Qiyue would not easily ask for leave, especially when the first class was about to start in 20 minutes.
Zhenzhen went out and arranged the teachers as Qiyue said to ensure that the first class could go smoothly.
Qiyue walked out of the campus as quickly as possible. When passing the front desk, she nodded to Teacher Zhenzhen. After all, they had lived and worked together for two years, and there was still a tacit understanding between them. Zhenzhen also immediately understood what Qiyue meant.
"I'm not sure when I'll be back. Call me if you need anything."
While waiting for the bus, Qiyue called Huihui. Huihui had already passed her internship and was officially the teaching manager of the Jinghuai region. Qiyue said while holding back tears, "Brother Hui, something happened at home. I've asked for leave from the regional manager. Can you fill in for me for a few days?"
Qiyue's students mostly recognized each other, and their parents were also familiar with their teachers. With Qiyue uncertain about her return date, Huilai's role as substitute and campus caregiver was the best option to avoid delaying her course progress. She had previously attended classes with Qiyue when she didn't have classes at the other four schools, so she was familiar with Qiyue's students and had a good understanding of the campus. Right now, there was no other best option.
Huihui knew that Qiyue wouldn't have spoken unless it was a matter of great importance. Someone so strong and patient, someone who hadn't asked for leave even when parents were harassing her, or when she had a foot injury or ulcer, wouldn't have abandoned her class of children. She immediately said, "I'll be there right away."
So, Qi Yue returned to the dormitory and packed her luggage as quickly as possible. By the way, she put the birthday gift she had prepared for Mei Mei in advance under her pillow in the dormitory.
Dudu
Sitting in the taxi, Qi Yue sent a short message to Mei Mei.
"I'm sorry, Meimei. I'm afraid I can't celebrate your birthday in person this time. Something happened at home, so I have to go back first. I've put the birthday present under your pillow."
"Be safe, call me if you need anything."
Because it wasn't a holiday, the train was sparsely populated. Qiyue sat alone in the corner of the car, wearing a mask. Uncontrollable tears flowed like a flood. No one knew that this night had been the most agonizing eight hours of her life.
"Even though I used to get carsick, I still felt it was wonderful because the train would take me where I wanted to go. At the end, there would be people waiting for me, and there would be things I loved. It was the future I was full of anticipation and longing for, it was hope. But now, outside the window is endless darkness, it is the cold of winter, it is a destination I don't want to reach, it is a fact I have already guessed but don't want to face, it is despair."
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