Chapter 256: Chapter 248: Inviting Qiao Jing to be a Judge
Zhan Nanqing muttered something quietly and opened the materials she had brought over, handing them to Qiao Jing, “Here are the materials you asked me to print.”
“Distribute them to the other staff.” Qiao Jing said expressionlessly, as if nothing had happened just before.
Zhan Nanqing received them, and before leaving, she secretly glanced at Qiao Jing’s belly.
If only she were really pregnant, how wonderful that would be. Then she could be the aunt of Professor Qiao and Divine Doctor Jing’s child. She couldn’t help but feel it would bring her great honor to say it out loud.
Lou Xinrou popped into Zhan Nanqing’s mind, causing her to frown and feel conflicted.
Although she really wanted Qiao Jing to be her sister-in-law, Lou Xinrou was also a friend she had grown up with…
Seconds later, Zhan Nanqing’s earlier thoughts had significantly dissipated.
Xu Moqian was still in the lab, cautiously gave Qiao Jing a look, and asked again, “Are you sure you don’t want to check your pulse?”
The surrounding space returned to silence. Qiao Jing calmed down and began to reflect on the scene of her retching earlier, murmuring in her mind.
Even though she took emergency contraception afterward, she vomited it up later, but it was during her safe period, so the odds of pregnancy were very low. She probably wasn’t pregnant.
But the symptom earlier did resemble a pregnancy reaction. Yet it was clearly her safe period, plus the medication had been in her stomach for some time before she threw up.
By that time, some of the medicine had likely been digested. The possibility of being pregnant wasn’t too high, so why did she retch?
This time, Qiao Jing also couldn’t determine her exact condition. She hesitated for a while, then slowly raised her hand, ready to check her pulse to find out for sure.
Perhaps because she was a bit nervous, she could feel her heartbeat quickening. What if she was really pregnant? That wasn’t included in her medical expenses.
Just as her fingers touched her pulse, a voice filled with joy interrupted Qiao Jing’s diagnostic motion.
“Professor Qiao! Professor Qiao! Research has made a breakthrough! Come and have a look!”
Although the person hadn’t arrived at Qiao Jing’s lab yet, the voice had traveled from far and near.
Seconds later, a flurry of rushed footsteps came from the lab doorway; the person was clearly running in excitement.
“Professor Qiao, hurry and check our research results!”
Sounds similar to celebrations were also coming from other labs. Qiao Jing put down her hand, hurriedly stood up, and followed the newcomer to review the findings.
That afternoon, Qiao Jing received a phone call.
When she saw the caller ID, she was somewhat surprised since they hadn’t been in contact for a while.
“Good afternoon, Miss Qiao. Have you been busy lately?”
“Not too bad, what’s up?”
After saying that, Qiao Jing continued, “Is there something you need? Just say it.”
“Alright, I won’t take up much of your time then. Actually, it’s . There’s an upcoming piano competition, and my chronic rheumatism has flared up, leaving me in a lot of pain. I can’t make it, so I was wondering if you could help me by serving as a judge.”
“I’m just an amateur. I’m afraid I won’t be much help,” Qiao Jing politely declined.
After hearing her response, Master Chen said, “You’re being too modest. I really have no way to participate and can’t find a suitable replacement. I’ve thought it over, and you’re the only one who can help me.”
He was telling the truth. As far as playing the piano was concerned, even he felt inferior to Qiao Jing. If she were to serve as a judge, she’d be many times more professional than himself.
“I’m sorry, but I truly am an amateur, not as professional as you guys,” Qiao Jing also thought about the competition.
This was a grand piano competition held every three years in the capital.
This competition held a status second only to the world competition in the piano community, well-known figures were sure to attend.
The three judges selected were also of national caliber, and Master Chen was the most capable among them domestically and even had an international reputation.
“The competition starts tomorrow, and I really can’t find anyone else. I place great importance on this event. I hope you can indeed replace me,” Master Chen pleaded earnestly.
“What time does it begin tomorrow?” Qiao Jing frowned and responded.
Speaking of which, Master Chen had once been her piano mentor, somewhat like a teacher to her. Later, she had surpassed him.
“It starts at eight in the morning. I’ll speak to the organizers, and you can just show up then!”
“Okay, I understand. I’ll be prepared to go.”
Meanwhile, in a WeChat group.
The group only included Su Manhan, Zhan Nanqing, and Lou Xinrou.
Su Manhan tagged Lou Xinrou, “Xinrou, are you going to participate in this piano competition?”
“I’ve already registered,” Lou Xinrou sent a voice message, her tone cheerful.
Zhan Nanqing cheered Lou Xinrou on, “I believe in you! After all, you’ve been studying piano for seven or eight years. You can definitely achieve excellent results.”
“Plus, you’ve won first and second place in other competitions before. You can certainly do it again!”
Su Manhan also sent a message, “Nanqing and I will accompany you tomorrow. You’re sure to win a prize, go for it.”
Lou Xinrou smiled and curved her lips, thanking them.