"Well... Professor Zheng, please calm down. Although I am the principal, salary increases are not something I can decide. Besides, there are salary regulations for every position in the school, and it's not like you can just raise a salary whenever you want," Principal Zhou said helplessly.
Professor Zheng shrugged: "So there's no room for negotiation?"
"No, no, that's not it." Principal Zhou had no choice but to smile apologetically. "Your salary can't be increased, but I can try to get you more benefits in other ways. I also hope that you will stay and continue teaching for my sake and for the sake of the students majoring in folk music."
Professor Zheng shook his head: "Principal Zhou, don't try to coax me with sweet words. Do you think I don't know how much the benefits will increase? Let me make this clear: Xinghai is offering me an annual salary of 100,000 yuan. If you can't match that salary, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
"One hundred thousand..." Principal Zhou opened his mouth, then smiled wryly, "That's really... Oh, Chu Yang, you're here. Wait a moment, I'll finish talking to Professor Zheng first."
"There's nothing more to discuss. I'll just brew a pot of tea here and wait for your decision." Professor Zheng got up, sat down at the tea table, and slowly boiled water to prepare tea.
Chu Yang glanced at him twice, then silently went inside.
He knew Professor Zheng; he was an associate professor specializing in yangqin (a type of Chinese dulcimer), and was considered the most qualified teacher in the school's folk music department. In addition to teaching yangqin, he also taught guzheng (a type of Chinese zither) and guqin (a type of Chinese zither).
Although not exceptionally outstanding, for a university like Yuebei University, which doesn't primarily focus on art, having teachers of this caliber is already quite remarkable.
I heard that Principal Zhou visited him three times to invite him, all so that the students could have better mentors.
Judging from the current situation, is it because he's dissatisfied with his salary and wants to change jobs?
It was quite a coincidence; just as we were about to invite Professor Li Changyuan over, someone voluntarily moved to another seat.
Principal Zhou took off his glasses, rubbed his temples, and slowly said, "Chu Yang, what do you want to see me about?"
“This…” Chu Yang looked at Professor Zheng.
Professor Zheng waved his hand: "What could students possibly have that I can't stand to hear? Just talk about your stuff."
Chu Yang frowned, then smiled and said, "I was afraid that if I said it, Professor Zheng, you might feel uncomfortable."
"Me? Feeling unwell?" Professor Zheng became interested and said with a smile, "It seems it has something to do with me after all? I remember you, classmate. You were the one who played the suona during military training last semester, right? You had a lot of lung capacity, but your technique was too rough and very immature."
Then he crossed his legs and said with interest, "Since it concerns me, I have no need to avoid it. I want to hear what you're going to say that will upset me."
This piqued Principal Zhou's curiosity, and he gestured, "Sit down and let's talk."
Chu Yang sat down and said, "It's like this, Principal. Have you heard of Teacher Li Changyuan? I'd like to invite her to teach in our school's Department of Folk Music. What do you think?"
"Pfft!" Professor Zheng spat out a mouthful of tea and sneered, "Li Changyuan? Are you kidding me, classmate? I hope you're not talking about the Li Changyuan I'm thinking of."
Chu Yang said seriously, "It's the one you're thinking of, the daughter of Professor Wang Xunzhi, a successor of the Zhejiang school of zither, the creator of 'Fighting the Typhoon' and 'High Mountains and Flowing Water,' and currently a professor in the Department of Folk Music at Huaxia Art Academy, a leading female figure in folk music, Teacher Li Changyuan."
"...Huh?" Principal Zhou finally reacted, blinking, "Chu Yang, are you serious? Master Li can really come?"
Chu Yang nodded and said, "I've already made the arrangements, there shouldn't be any major problems."
At this moment, Professor Zheng scoffed, then burst into laughter: "Li Changyuan? Li Changyuan? You said you'd invite her? From the Huaxia Art Academy, the highest institution of folk music, to the art academy of Yuebei University? Haha... Just kidding, I really can't believe such an absurd thing, haha..."
"So, what this student was talking about earlier, the thing that made me uncomfortable, is this it? Haha..."
He laughed as if he had heard the funniest joke, showing no sign of discomfort whatsoever, but instead laughing heartily.
Chu Yang ignored him and instead asked Principal Zhou, "Teacher Li Changyuan is coming, will you accept him?"
"Of course we'll accept them! The entire school will give them a grand welcome!" Principal Zhou said without hesitation, then incredulously added, "Chu Yang, this is no joke. Are you telling the truth?"
"How could it be true?" Professor Zheng laughed again, slowly took a sip of tea, and said, "What level is Li Changyuan that he would condescend to come to a small place like Yuebei University? Don't be ridiculous, really don't be ridiculous. There's a limit to how much young people brag... Never mind, I won't argue with you."
He stood up and said, "Principal Zhou, please think about my matter carefully. This afternoon is the deadline, and I also need to give Xinghai an answer."
Principal Zhou grew anxious and urged, "Professor Zheng, please sit down for a while..."
"No, thank you." Professor Zheng waved his hand and walked towards the door.
Just then, I heard a cell phone ring behind me.
Then Chu Yang said, "It's a call from Teacher Li Changyuan."
Professor Li paused in his steps.
How could that be? It must be fake.
Chu Yang turned on speakerphone, and a somewhat familiar voice came from the other end: "Little Chu, I've thought it over. I just wanted to ask about the salary..."
"Don't worry about salary, Teacher Li, just keep raising it," Chu Yang said with a smile.
Li Changyuan said, "No, that's not what I meant. It's fine now. I can see that you really put your heart into it. I agree to this."
"That's great, thank you for your trust, Teacher Li. I happen to be here with the principal, let him say a few words to you." Chu Yang said, handing his phone to Principal Zhou.
Principal Zhou was still a little dazed.
Lee Chang-won? Really Lee Chang-won? What a shrew...
"Principal Zhou?" Chu Yang reminded him.
"Oh!" Principal Zhou quickly composed himself, cleared his throat, and said politely, "Professor Li, I am Zhou Heng, the president of Yuebei University! Thank you for your kind regard and trust in our university. It is an honor for our school and for the students of the Department of Folk Music to have you teach here!"
Li Changyuan smiled and said, "Principal Zhou, you are too kind. It's mainly because Xiao Chu's girlfriend is exceptionally talented. I rarely encounter such a good disciple, and I want to go and teach her properly so that my skills can be passed down."
Principal Zhou was taken aback: "Yes, yes, Professor Li truly has a heart full of love for his students... Hmm? Xiao Chu's girlfriend?"
Chu Yang's heart skipped a beat. He had planned everything meticulously, but he had overlooked the old lady's situation.
He quickly replied, "Oh right, isn't that Jiligulu's daughter?"
She mumbled something vague, then winked at him as she spoke.
Principal Zhou was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized something and was inexplicably pleasantly surprised.
"Alright, Professor Li, I'll make all the necessary preparations and wait for you to come and start your teaching career!"
"Okay, I'll take care of the handover at the college first, then I'll pack up and head over."
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