Chapter 217: She

"Hello, Professor Liu, this is Xiao Xu."

"Yes, I've returned to Jingcheng; your side must be nearing the end of term and the holidays soon, right?"

"Right, I wanted to ask about Comrade Xiaoli's further studies; she should have improved quite a bit compared to before, shouldn't she?"

"Hehe, you're flattering me; ultimately it's all thanks to your guidance."

"By the way, I wanted to ask what the school's current policy is regarding retaining graduates."

"Ha, I understand; I know Xiaoli is a further‑study student, and I don't expect to get her a formal position right away."

"How about we meet for a meal when we have time and discuss this?"

"Sure, sure, let's meet tonight at Donglaishun, at six o'clock."

"Alright, you go ahead with your work, goodbye."

After hanging up, Xu Yuexin leaned against the headboard.

When he heard Tian Xianma say that after her further studies she couldn't stay in Jing, Xu Yuexin had already begun planning to solve this problem for her.

The call earlier was to arrange a dinner with the female assistant professor of the Chinese Dance Academy to discuss the possibility of Tian Xianma staying at the school.

Because artistic troupes receive performance subsidies and can take private gigs, recent dance graduates prefer to join those troupes rather than remain at academic institutions.

And that is precisely Tian Xianma's opportunity.

Even though she's a further‑study student and can't immediately obtain a formal position, she could first become a contract worker, gradually working toward it until the school has an opening.

Of course, being a contract worker isn't that easy either.

Surely there are others who share Xu Yuexin's thoughts and have set their sights on this slot.

So tonight, when meeting the female assistant professor, we must be methodical and strategic, and communicate well with her.

Thinking that, Xu Yuexin got up from the bed and headed out to the state‑run herb shop.

At the herb shop, he spent ten yuan to buy two jin of donkey‑hide gelatin, then went to the neighboring tea shop and bought half a jin of premium early‑spring tea, which he packed into a bag on the way home.

That evening, Xu Yuexin carried the bag to Donglaishun, reserved a table, and waited quietly.

When six o'clock arrived, the female assistant professor showed up.

"Hello, Comrade Xiao Xu."

Upon seeing him, the female assistant professor immediately smiled and greeted, "Are you again planning your big work lately?"

"I don't dare claim that; just a few casual short pieces."

Xu Yuexin smiled, rose to greet her, and they walked together to the table and sat down.

"Professor Chen, my relative works at a donkey‑hide gelatin factory; their unit gave out generous benefits this year and sent me a lot of gelatin."

"I thought gelatin is nourishing and beautifying, good for female comrades, so I brought it for you."

Xu Yuexin handed the bag to the female assistant professor.

"This... is a bit too valuable."

The female assistant professor said apologetically, "And also too much."

"Not too much. It's only two jin; it'll disappear as you eat it."

Xu Yuexin thrust the bag into her hand, refusing to let her decline, "And there's also tea inside—premium early‑spring tea; it's perfect to drink after the gelatin."

Seeing Xu Yuexin's sincere demeanor, the female assistant professor couldn't help teasing.

"Early‑spring tea, huh? Does your family have a relative who grows tea?"

"No, actually not; I bought the tea myself."

Xu Yuexin said cheerfully, "Let's order. What broth would you like?"

"I'll follow your lead; you order, I like everything."

"No, no, you should order..."

……

After a back‑and‑forth, they finally finished ordering after a few minutes.

"Clear water broth, lamb meat, right, the beef should be rib‑eye, plus a portion of sliced white radish, a portion of chrysanthemum greens, a portion of napa cabbage, and six grilled lamb skewers."

Xu Yuexin gave the order to the waiter, then turned back to the female assistant professor, intending to bring up Tian Xianma's staying at the school.

"Weren't you asking me about Comrade Xiaoli's staying at the school? I just thought about it."

Just as he was about to speak, the female assistant professor brought up the topic herself, "The school's policy on formal positions is quite strict; unless you're a full‑time graduate, it's hard to get a slot immediately."

"Unless Comrade Xiaoli is willing to become a contract worker, I can think of some ways to help."

"Right, that's what I thought too. Didn't I tell you on the phone this afternoon? I'm hoping to let her stay first, and deal with the formal position later."

"Of course, if possible, it would be best to place her in a role related to dance teaching or research."

"After all, you saw how strong Xiaoli's dance foundation is; throwing her into logistics would be a waste."

"You want her to work in a dance‑related position, right...?"

The female assistant professor smiled after listening, "The lamb skewers are ready; eat them while they're hot."

"Hey, Donglaishun's grilled skewers are unbeatable."

Xu Yuexin hurriedly handed the female assistant professor two skewers, then took one for himself.

Obviously, the other side felt that finding a temporary dance‑related post for Tian Xianma would be difficult, so they would bide their time and wait for another chance to raise the issue.

After finishing the lamb skewers, the broth and side dishes were brought to the table, and Xu Yuexin decided to order a bottle of wine.

"Can you drink?"

He asked the female assistant professor.

"I can, many male comrades at the institute can't outdrink me."

The female assistant professor replied gladly.

"Alright, comrade, please bring a glass of Chinese liquor."

Xu Yuexin felt a smile in his heart and called out to the waiter.

Since you're willing to drink, there should still be room for negotiation.

Soon, the drinks were placed on the table; Xu Yuexin poured a small cup for the Assistant Professor and one for himself, and the two toasted.

At that moment the pot's broth boiled, and Xu Yuexin used the communal chopsticks to place two slices of lamb on the Assistant Professor's plate and two for himself.

"Thank you, you are really too polite."

The Assistant Professor, flattered, quickly thanked Xu Yuexin.

"I should be the one to say I'm the polite one."

Xu Yuexin smiled and said, "How did Xiaoli perform during her further studies? She shouldn't have caused you any trouble, right?"

"Xiaoli performed excellently; all the teachers in the class praised her to me, saying her dancing is good."

"She gets along quite well with classmates and teachers, so I don't have to worry at all."

"So, as you gave me these things today, I truly feel I am undeserving."

"You are being modest. Without your initial invitation, she couldn't have come to the institute for further study."

"Heh, that's not certain. With her dance foundation, she might be able to secure the opportunity herself."

"Relying on herself, it's not that easy to obtain."

Xu Yuexin made small talk with the Assistant Professor, his brows slightly raised, and said, "By the way, may I ask if you are lacking an Assistant Teacher?"

"No."

The Assistant Professor shook her head and said, "Some teachers at our school have Assistant Teachers, others like me do not."

"I plan to wait until the school recruits graduate students next year and reserve this position for the newly admitted students."

"Oh… so that's how you arranged it."

Xu Yuexin paused briefly, then shifted his tone, "Then perhaps we could let Comrade Xiaoli transition into the Assistant Teacher position for a year first?"

"When the graduate students you recruit arrive next year, she can relinquish the position then; it's not too late."

"You say transition…"

The Assistant Professor slightly averted Xu Yuexin's gaze and fell into thought.

She could indeed hire an Assistant Teacher right away.

The problem is, Xu Yuexin is speaking of a transition in name; if next year Liu Xiaoli fails to become permanent and cannot find a more suitable Temporary Worker position, can she still be forced out of the Assistant Teacher role?

The Assistant Professor hesitated and thought.

Seeing her still not reply, Xu Yuexin took the initiative to speak.

"I understand; you intend to use the Assistant Teacher post to cultivate a new generation of young teachers for the school."

"I can assure you that Xiaoli working in this position will not affect your future arrangements for your outstanding disciples."

"After a year, she will certainly vacate the position."

Xu Yuexin assured the Assistant Professor.

He believed that having said so much, the Assistant Professor should be unable to refuse.

"Um, there's no need to go that far; even if she doesn't have a more suitable post after a year, she can still continue as an Assistant Teacher."

Sure enough, after some hesitation, the Assistant Professor said.

"Alright, since you agree, I'll have her prepare her résumé tomorrow and send it to the school."

"No need to be so formal; have her come to my office the day after tomorrow to register, that's enough."

"Choosing who becomes an Assistant Teacher is basically a matter of a teacher's word; the institute won't interfere."

"Okay, anyway thank you."

Xu Yuexin refilled the wine and raised his cup once more.

The Assistant Professor also smiled, lifted her glass, tilted her slender neck, and drank it in one gulp.

She didn't brag at first; she truly could drink more than some male colleagues.

That night, after finishing hot pot, Xu Yuexin walked from Donglaishun back to Guogongfu, humming a song halfway.

"Good luck comes, wishing you good luck…"

"Good luck brings joy and love…"

Tonight's meal finally solved Tian Xianma's work problem.

Even if she's only a Temporary Worker, at least it's a position in a major Jingcheng organization.

In the next two years, the major Jingcheng units will continuously expand in scale.

By then, her Assistant Teacher post turning into a full teacher will be a given.

Of course, if the chance arises during that period, returning to the Cultural Troupe is also fine.

As for what to do if, after a year, Tian Xianma can't find a better position, we'll discuss it then.

There's no need to think that far ahead; in an era of rapid societal change, overthinking is meaningless and only wastes spirit.

At worst, we can speak a few kind words with the Assistant Professor later and let Tian Xianma stay on.

Xu Yuexin pondered.

……

The next day, Xu Yuexin met Tian Xianma at the entrance of Panjiayuan.

As soon as they met, Xu Yuexin saw that Tian Xianma was meticulously dressed today.

She wore a flowing aqua silk dress, a delicate jade bracelet of warm green on her fair wrist, and a refined small Shoulder Bag on her shoulder.

A pair of slender beautiful legs were tightly wrapped in flesh‑colored stockings, and together with the fitted silk dress, showcased the graceful figure of a dancer.

"Let's go, to look for a record."

Xu Yuexin stepped in front of Tian Xianma and said naturally and generously.

Actually he was thinking, when he later tells Mother Tianxian the news of staying at school, how happy she'll be.

"Mm, you're familiar with this place, just take me straight there."

In Mother Tianxian's eyes, anyone willing to spend effort hunting for waltz records must be an expert.

"Which kind of record are you looking for?"

Xu Yuexin led Mother Tianxian along the roadside stalls inward, asking her, "Classical music or pop music?"

"Classical, I want to try choreographing with classical music."

Mother Tianxian said.

"Alright, got it."

Xu Yuexin guided Mother Tianxian deeper, passing by various stalls.

At Panjiayuan, the vendors sell everything—daily second‑hand goods, old items, records, used books…

There are even stalls selling beast bones.

As they walked inward, Mother Tianxian's eyes were drawn to the assorted goods, some overwhelming to take in.

When she saw a huge beast skull at the neighboring stall, she couldn't help but exclaim.

"What a huge head."

"Is this an elephant's head?"

Xu Yuexin followed her gaze and saw that on the ground indeed lay a beast skull as large as a small table—calling it spectacular would be an understatement.

"Let's go."

Xu Yuexin took Mother Tianxian's jade hand and said, "Aren't we still buying records?" Mother Tianxian had planned to pause, but when he took her hand she left reluctantly, looking back several times at the massive skull.

"What animal is this, anyway? It's so big."

"Fake."

Xu Yuexin, seeing they had walked away, lowered his voice and said, "It must have been glued together."

"Huh?"

Mother Tianxian widened her eyes in surprise.

Fake beast bones—this kind of thing is extremely common.

No matter how realistic the fake is, as long as it can deceive people in the end, it's fine.

Even if it doesn't fool anyone, it's okay; the cost of faking is low, just a bit of glue expense.

After a while, Xu Yuexin led Mother Tianxian to the stall where he had bought records last time and asked the vendor what records were available.

"They have everything like 'Blue Danube', 'Voice of Spring', 'Heroic Symphony', etc.; which one do you want?"

"Give me a copy of 'Blue Danube', 'Adeline by the Water's Edge', and another of 'Swan Lake'."

Xu Yuexin rattled off the list of titles.

"Done, that's nine coins in total."

The vendor picked up the three records, wrapped them in cloth and asked, "Anything else you want?"

He had dealt with Xu Yuexin a few times, so Xu Yuexin's familiarity was normal to him.

Meanwhile, several customers nearby looking for records turned to look at Xu Yuexin, their gazes lingering on him for a moment.

These days, being able to list so many classical pieces in one go—what an expert.

"Do you have any songs you want to hear?"

Xu Yuexin looked at Mother Tianxian and said.

"One more, 'Moonlight Sonata'."

Mother Tianxian thought carefully and said.

Records aren't cheap; each costs three coins.

She must spend on the pieces she wants to hear most.

"Alright, four records, twelve coins."

The vendor rummaged through the pile of records stacked like a small hill, finally selecting one to hand to Xu Yuexin.

"I'll pay."

Mother Tianxian quickly pulled cash from her pocket and handed it to the vendor.

Xu Yuexin, seeing this, didn't argue over paying; he simply placed the records into his Shoulder Bag and packed them.

"You don't have a phonograph there, do you?"

After packing the records, Xu Yuexin asked Mother Tianxian.

"No, I'll look around behind me to see which friend's family bought one; then I'll bring the records and use her machine."

"That counts as mutual help."

Mother Tianxian shook her head and said.

"Listening at my house would be fine."

Xu Yuexin, seeming nonchalant, said.

"But I have to go back later."

Mother Tianxian reminded him, then laughed, "Do you expect me to take the train every week to Jing and come to your house to listen to music?"

"Who said you have to go back?"

"I've already found you a matching job; why would you go back?"

Xu Yuexin said with a faint air of dominance.

Huh? Mother Tianxian froze in place, replaying Xu Yuexin's words in her mind.

He actually… found a job for himself in the extremely scarce arts sector? Mother Tianxian was struck by overwhelming happiness, her heart pounding wildly.

"Really? Thank you so much."

"Which department is it?"

Tian Xianma said gratefully, then asked cautiously.

Tian Xianma thought that the job Xu Yuexin found for her should be in the suburbs such as Tong County or Changping.

Because she knew that jobs in the urban area were really hard to find.

"It's at the place where you're currently furthering your studies, the Jingcheng Dance Academy."

Xu Yuexin said plainly, "From now on you'll be an Assistant Teacher for Assistant Professor Liu."

Tian Xianma was once again struck by happiness.

Heavens, it's such a good position at a Dance Academy!

One should know that the dance atmosphere there is strong, the school's climate is very upward, and it's a place she has dreamed of going to.

Tian Xianma could hardly believe that one day her beautiful dream could come true.

"Don't just stand there; remember to bring the documents tomorrow and report to Assistant Professor Liu."

Xu Yuexin patted Tian Xianma's shoulder and said, "This time I asked Assistant Professor Liu to find the job for you; later remember to respect them."

"Mm, don't worry, I've always respected her."

Tian Xianma quickly replied, "Should I go thank her later?"

"No need, you just need to be diligent on the post later; the Assistant Teacher duties are also plenty."

Xu Yuexin said, "Only by doing the current work well can there be a chance for further development."

"Alright, I will work hard."

"Thank you for doing me a great favor."

"If it weren't for you, I couldn't stay in Jing."

Tian Xianma thanked Xu Yuexin again, a hint of embarrassment in her beautiful eyes.

"Alright, let's go back and listen to music."

Xu Yuexin nodded and said, walking with Tian Xianma toward Guogongfu.

On the way, the two passed a high‑end fashion boutique.

Tian Xianma suggested to Xu Yuexin that they go in to look, and she picked out a finely made shirt and a tie for him.

"You're tall and broad‑shouldered; this shirt will definitely look good on you."

Tian Xianma held the shirt in front of Xu Yuexin and gestured, "Go try it on quickly."

"By the way, don't forget the tie."

When Xu Yuexin walked toward the fitting room with the shirt, Tian Xianma slipped the tie into his hand and said.

"No need, I usually don't wear a tie."

Xu Yuexin returned the tie to her, took the shirt, and entered the fitting room.

A short while later, he emerged wearing the brand‑new shirt and looked at himself in the mirror.

"I was right, right? It looks so dashing."

Tian Xianma stared seriously at Xu Yuexin in the mirror, her face slightly flushed as she praised.

After speaking, she took twenty yuan from her Shoulder Bag and handed it to the clerk.

"Sorry to make you spend money."

When they left the shop, Xu Yuexin said to Tian Xianma.

"Just a small token of appreciation."

Tian Xianma stared at Xu Yuexin a bit dreamily, shook her head and said.

Xu Yuexin was already tall and upright; in this shirt he looked exceedingly handsome, radiating heroic bearing.

Tian Xianma's eyes now barely left his figure.

"Really want to thank me?"

"Then give me a kiss."

Xu Yuexin walked on the road, slightly raising the corner of his mouth as he said to the Tian Xianma beside him.

Tian Xianma was startled, quickly looked around, and after realizing no one heard, she breathed a sigh of relief, her delicate face turning red.

"Don't speak carelessly, we're outside."

Oh... that means it's okay at home, right?

Xu Yuexin again reached a corporate‑level understanding, flashing a knowing smile.

Back at Guogongfu, Xu Yuexin led the vermilion‑painted gate, clasping Tian Xianma's shoulder with both hands.

"You just said we were outside."

"Now you can kiss me."

"..."

Tian Xianma hadn't expected him to still be thinking of that, and was instantly mortified.

"Then you... close your eyes."

Tian Xianma thought for a moment and said.

Xu Yuexin nodded and, as Tian Xianma instructed, closed his eyes.

At that moment, he clearly felt a warm breath drawing near.

Soon, Xu Yuexin's cheek felt two soft, moist patches.

When Xu Yuexin opened his eyes, he saw Tian Xianma's face flushed bright red, shyly turning her head to the side.

"All kissed, let's go listen to a record."

Heavenly Mother said in a voice as fine as a mosquito's.

She never could have dreamed that one day she would voluntarily kiss Xu Yuexin!

"That was you kissing me; I haven't kissed you yet."

Xu Yuexin said without discussion.

After speaking, he placed his large hand under Heavenly Mother's chin, forcing her to turn her face toward him.

Then, Xu Yuexin kissed Heavenly Mother's cherry lips...

"Ah..."

Heavenly Mother hadn't had time to push Xu Yuexin away before he firmly seized her mouth, leaving her only able to emit a muffled sound.

Xu Yuexin's large hand slipped down from Heavenly Mother's shoulder, and, through her sheer dress and flesh-colored stockings, began to lightly stroke her perky buttocks.

A dancer's body... the feel is just wonderful! Xu Yuexin sighed with unusual pleasure as his hand roamed.

After a long while, Xu Yuexin finally ended his embrace, kiss, and assault on Heavenly Mother, releasing her.

Heavenly Mother, flushed, gasped for a moment before calming down.

"Next time, don't do it in the courtyard."

Heavenly Mother, still feeling the lingering heat on her face, lodged a complaint to Xu Yuexin.

But before she could finish, she fell into embarrassment herself, stammering, "It's just... too shameful!"

"A wall that high, what's there to fear?"

Xu Yuexin placed his hand on Heavenly Mother's shoulder and said, "Go listen to the record quickly."

"Hmm..."

Heavenly Mother covered her burning cheek with her hand and, following Xu Yuexin, walked toward the main courtyard.

Entering the bedroom, Xu Yuexin, like last time, set the record, connected the Phonograph Power Supply, and sat beside Heavenly Mother to listen carefully to the music.

This time, he played "Adeline by the Water's Edge".

Soon, the room resonated with calm, beautiful, and soothing music.

Heavenly Mother listened earnestly, and soon, just like last time, became completely immersed.

Xu Yuexin, however, was fine and did not become overly absorbed.

Because before his transmigration, when he was in high school, the school class bell was the climax of "Adeline by the Water's Edge"...

That somewhat made him recall his senior year.

Soon, after the piece ended, Heavenly Mother remained immersed in the music, unable to savor it for a long while.

"I feel this piece seems to want to express something,"

Heavenly Mother stared blankly at Xu Yuexin and said, "What kind of story do you think is hidden here?"

Ha, ask that? That's when he can show off his own flair.

Xu Yuexin turned to Heavenly Mother, feeling a joy inside, and said.

(End of Chapter)