Professor Gao pondered for a moment. "Why don’t we have the teacher from the English Department, the one who usually writes the speeches, deliver it?"
Qin Siyuan spoke up, "That might not work. Old Lin is approaching sixty."
This would be an image problem. If the foreign guests saw a female teacher in her sixties giving the speech, wouldn’t they think Qing University had no one else?
Just when they were at a loss, the department head arrived.
Even the usually laid-back department head was anxious now. "Professor Gao, this is terrible! Principal Wang stressed this matter repeatedly before he left. If we mess this up, he’ll be furious when he returns."
As he spoke, he paced back and forth like an ant on a hot pan.
Finally, he made a decision. "We can only pick the best from among the students. Professor Gao, this person must have a good image, and their English must be impeccable. We can’t let these foreigners laugh at us! If worst comes to worst, they can just read from the script."
He then turned to Qin Siyuan. "This task is usually arranged by the student council. You make the call."
Just as Qin Siyuan was about to speak, Shen Wanqing spoke up reservedly, "I can give it a try. I’ve seen senior students rehearsing their speeches at the student council, and I’ve memorized some of it from listening."
The entire class let out a knowing chuckle. She’s certainly put a lot of thought into this, they mused.
At this point, the department head and Professor Gao couldn’t be bothered with other options. They’d see how she performed first.
Shen Wanqing confidently stood up and, with rich expression, began to introduce Qing University’s history, its current situation, and some of its humanistic spirit in English...
The script itself was well-written, and she recited it fluently. However... neither Qin Siyuan nor Jiang Wanyin looked pleased.
The department head also seemed to find it hard to put into words. After a moment of thought, he began, "Student Shen, you’re certainly dedicated, and your memory is good, but your enunciation is a bit..."
He then said quickly, "Let’s find someone else!"
Qin Siyuan was still struggling to find a suitable candidate when Jiang Wanyin spoke up, "Why not let Gu Anxi try? Even if she can’t recite it from memory, reading it directly shouldn’t be an issue for her. Besides, her image is suitable."
After speaking, he smiled at Gu Anxi.
Gu Anxi hadn’t expected to be singled out; she always kept a low profile and never participated in such activities or public events.
Just as she was about to refuse, Chu Yan, to everyone’s surprise, chimed in, "Exactly! As long as Gu Anxi is standing there, even if her English is a bit unrefined, the foreign guests won’t mind."
Shen Wanqing was furious; Chu Yan was clearly making a dig at her.
Qin Siyuan, however, felt they could finalize this. He had other matters to attend to, so he asked Shen Wanqing to get the English script from the student council. He was confident because he and Gu Anxi had grown up together. Gu Anxi had started learning English at the age of five and spoke with a perfect London accent.
She probably can’t recite it from memory, he mused, but her reading will be pleasant to listen to.
Shen Wanqing lowered her eyes and agreed, her expression clearly showing she was enduring this indignity.
Before leaving, Qin Siyuan felt a pang of guilt, sensing he had neglected her.
In front of the academic building, he placed the student council office keys in her palm. "I have to go. Get the script and go straight to the auditorium. The foreign guests will be arriving any minute; we’re out of time."
As Qin Siyuan walked away, Shen Wanqing stood watching him, her fingers clenching tightly.
How could he treat me this way? she fumed internally. When Gu Anxi had a problem, he rushed to help. Now he wants Gu Anxi to speak in front of the foreign guests! Qin Siyuan, do you even care about me at all? I can clearly recite the script, yet you insist on having Gu Anxi read it. Aren’t you just trying to let Gu Anxi steal the show?