"Hmm." Professor Fei took her homework and looked it over carefully. The elegant handwriting was pleasing to the eye even before discussing the correctness of the answers. Upon closer examination, it turned out that all the completed questions were correct; the only one left undone seemed to be due to lack of time.
In just a few months, Xu Nianhua didn’t entirely catch up with their pace, but she had at least kept up with a significant part. She was certain that by the time summer vacation came, Xu Nianhua would definitely be able to catch up with them, and next semester, she could smoothly join them in their sophomore year!
For Xu Nianhua to have achieved this in such a short time was indeed rare and promising.
With a sense of admiration, Professor Fei looked at Xu Nianhua. The love for talent made Professor Fei feel an urge to teach her everything she knew. She asked, "Nianhua, what are your plans for the summer vacation?"
Xu Nianhua was nervous, unsure what Professor Fei was going to say, when she suddenly asked her this.
"Our studio still has some orders, so I might go home a bit later." Xu Nianhua hadn’t calculated exactly, but she was sure she’d return to South City later than the others.
"This summer I will be hosting guests from France, and I’ll need a French translator. Are you interested?" Professor Fei inquired.
Xu Nianhua’s eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at Professor Fei and said, "Professor Fei, I, I’ve only studied French for six months, I’m afraid I’ll mess it up."
She was quite self-aware. If it was English, she would have confidently agreed without hesitation, but with French, she felt that a level of self-awareness was necessary. What she knew at the moment was limited to basic greetings; to be a translator, she still had a long way to go.
"Don’t worry, it’s just for you to get some experience and practice. You definitely wouldn’t be up to the task of a real translator," Professor Fei said, fond of Xu Nianhua for her intelligence and humility, her clear self-assessment, and her ability to know when to advance or retreat.
Xu Nianhua’s eyes lit up with excitement as she said, "Then I’m willing to go."
Learning from books and attending regular classes was never as effective as true interaction with French speakers. This was the best way to improve oneself.
"Professor Fei, thank you, thank you for giving me this opportunity."
Xu Nianhua was well aware that this opportunity was rare and was very grateful that Professor Fei was willing to offer it to her.
"If you really want to thank me, study hard during this time and keep up with everyone. If there’s anything you don’t understand, you can come and ask me," said Professor Fei, looking at Xu Nianhua with a kind gaze. "The timing is set around mid-July; prepare yourself well."
"Okay, thank you, Professor Fei."
Returning to her dormitory, Xu Nianhua shared the exciting news, attracting envious looks from her roommates.
"Nianhua, my aunt really thinks highly of you!" Fei Jiayi said with emotion, her eyes full of envy as she looked at Xu Nianhua. "My aunt hasn’t been in good health and seldom takes on students personally, but it looks like you’re going to be her last and closest disciple soon."
Fei Jiayi’s words were tinged with nothing but envy.
"That’s your own aunt, why don’t you let her teach you?" Liao Jinling asked curiously.
Fei Jiayi laughed it off.
An idea struck Liao Jinling, and she asked, "Fei Jiayi, don’t tell me it’s because your grades are too poor, and since Professor Fei is used to good students, she doesn’t take you?"
Fei Jiayi retorted indignantly: "Not at all, I didn’t want anyone to accuse me of nepotism. Besides, I got into Beining University all on my own."