Chapter 34: Pity at First Sight

The storefront—the Suxi Township Office in Hengyue City—was located on a street in the agricultural wholesale market. In front was a bustling trading market, and behind it faced the Xiang River; pushing open the window, one could see the mirror-like river water.

The storefront was divided into two main parts, front shop and back warehouse, connected by a small passage in the middle. Above the warehouse was a small attic, which became my bedroom.

I divided the front shop into three: the part facing the street was the storefront, inside that was my office, and further in was the bedroom for Xi Meizhu and Pan Xiaoqin.

After we three finished eating, we walked back. As soon as we entered, Pan Xiaoqin patted her stomach and shouted: "Full and satisfied, time to sleep."

I invited Xue Bing to sit in my office, stood up to pour her a cup of tea, smiled hypocritically, and politely asked her to provide guidance on the company's work.

Xue Bing pursed her lips and smiled: "I'm a music teacher, how would I know how to do business?"

I said: "Being a teacher is my greatest wish. I also graduated with a teaching degree, but the state was afraid I'd mislead the students and wouldn't let me teach. Actually, how I wish I could be a teacher. Just think, an engineer of the human soul! How great, how sacred."

"You're an official, don't make fun of us teachers." Xue Bing said seriously, shifting her chair.

"It's true." I declared solemnly: "If I say one false word, may I be struck by lightning."

Xue Bing was clearly surprised by my lack of restraint; she looked at me with a calm expression.

She was wearing a very appropriate outfit that outlined the beautiful curves of her body. Because of her artistic temperament, a noble air emanated from her. Her legs were slender and seemed resilient, and her slightly bent arms were like spirits on a musical staff. Her eyes were filled with two pools of clear spring water, clear and transparent, and her small nose had soft curves. A waterfall of black hair was casually held by a hairpin, cascading over her chest, trembling slightly with her calm breathing.

This was a woman like a clear spring in the mountains; her demeanor, as if she didn't eat the food of mortals, made me feel ashamed of my own inferiority.

She seemed to notice me sizing her up, and a blush instantly covered her cheeks.

"Secretary Chen also studied teaching?" Xue Bing seemed very surprised: "Which year did you graduate?"

I said: "I studied at the Normal University, class of '92."

"Oh," she said with exaggerated admiration: "You're a senior; the Normal University is in the provincial capital. You're a predecessor. Me, I just graduated from the Hengyue City Normal School."

I smiled and said: "I wouldn't dare claim to be a predecessor; I didn't work hard enough, studied for four years, and never taught a day."

"So Secretary Chen was also meant to preach, teach, and resolve doubts; I think we have common ground here." Xue Bing took a sip of tea and said with a smile.

"Of course!" I said with great certainty: "If I had another chance, I would definitely choose to stand on the podium."

Xue Bing hesitated, paused for a moment, and then said faintly: "In every profession, there are complaints. Actually, I still wanted to join your company, but you didn't want me..."

I remembered the resume of hers I had seen, and I remembered Liu Quan's words. I complained about her in my heart; could this be blamed on me?

I had to play dumb and said: "When did Teacher Xue want to join the company?"

Xue Bing glared at me and said: "You don't know? Are you trying to fool a ghost!" She giggled: "A single word from Secretary Liu ruined my future." Her sudden laughter made her unpredictable.

"Right." She patted her head as if she had just realized something: "Almost forgot the main business."

I laughed and said: "What other main business does Teacher Xue have?"

"Of course I do." Xue Bing looked at me seriously: "Secretary Liu arranged for me to come because you are going to build a basketball court for our school. Isn't that right?"

I hemmed and hawed, not answering directly.

Seeing I didn't express an opinion, Xue Bing got a bit anxious, kicked me with the tip of her shoe, and said: "Hey, what do you mean?"

I said: "This matter has been discussed. Isn't it that it hasn't been decided yet!"

"I'm here to decide it with you right now."

"You can decide?"

"Yes."

"I don't believe it."

"Believe it or not, that's up to you." She puffed out her cheeks and looked at me provocatively: "Tell me, what can't I decide?"

I hesitated for a moment and said: "Can you also decide about the auditorium?"

"I can."

"What will you do when you have meetings in the future?"

"Hold them in the open air."

"Whose idea is that?"

"Both the Secretary and the Principal have expressed their views. We're just waiting for you."

I pondered for a long time, tapping my fingers lightly on the table, and asked slowly: "How much money does it take to build a court?"

"It depends on what kind of court you want to build. Thirty thousand or fifty thousand is not little, one hundred thousand or one million is not much." When Xue Bing talked about the main topic, she suddenly revealed her true nature.

"What kind of court do you want to build?" I looked at her with a smile. This woman gave me a feeling of wanting to get close to her.

"What's the use of what I want? I have no money." Xue Bing sighed helplessly.

"I do." I said, refilling her cup.

"Yours is yours, not mine." She seemed to listen to the movement from Pan Xiaoqin next door and smiled.

It was just such a light, faint smile that made my heart flutter and my thoughts wander.

"As long as you speak up, you can build it however you want, okay?" I probed her.

She seemed to smell something strange in my words, and her snow-white, smooth face instantly turned crimson, as if a morning glow had bloomed on her face.

"You really listen to me?" She stared at me, not believing it.

I nodded seriously and said: "I have to make it clear, this court is being built because of you, I must pay for it. Otherwise, no one else can. Of course, the auditorium will be completely handed over to our company to use as a processing plant."

Xue Bing was startled by my naked confession; she lowered her head, her long eyelashes covering her deep, pool-like eyes, and her originally crimson cheeks were as lovable as a honey peach in her shyness.

The air in the room suddenly became ambiguous; neither of us was embarrassed to speak again, each lowering our heads, silent.

Just then, Pan Xiaoqin came in and asked: "Is Teacher Xue staying at the company tonight?"

I looked at Xue Bing, and she looked at me. She looked so pitiful that one couldn't help but feel for her.

I said: "We're all from the same hometown, don't be too formal, just stay at the company." ===== CHAPTER 35 =====