Director Hu, upon hearing that the student is from Beijing University, immediately knew who it was: "Han Xinyan, I presume? Welcome."
Xinyan stepped forward: "Director Hu, hello, this is my recommendation proof."
Director Hu didn’t take the proof; he already knew Han Xinyan: "Xinyan, no need to see the recommendation proof. Although I’ve never met you in person, I’ve long heard about your English proficiency."
Shan Ximei didn’t expect Director Hu’s high appraisal of Xinyan and couldn��t help but look at her in a new light.
Knowing they had business to discuss, she smiled and said, "Alright, I’ve brought the person here, I’ll leave now."
Xinyan nodded at her: "Thank you."
Shan Ximei waved at Xinyan: "No need to thank me, it’s my duty."
After finishing her words, she greeted the people in the office and left.
Director Hu asked Xinyan to sit down, and after brief chit-chat, he said: "I trust you’ve looked through the profiles of the members of the inspection team. Later, you’ll accompany the reception team members to greet them at the airport."
Xinyan nodded: "Alright."
Just as they finished speaking, someone walked in from outside: "Director, it’s about time, we should head out. The car is already waiting at the door."
Director Hu stood up and spoke to the male colleague at the other desk: "Let them know to prepare for departure."
The male colleague got up: "Okay, I’ll go right away."
Xinyan followed Director Hu outside the main entrance, where she met the staff responsible for the reception work.
Director Hu introduced Xinyan to everyone: "This is Han Xinyan, temporarily assigned from Beijing University, responsible for accompanying translation for the main members of this inspection team. Welcome."
Xinyan stepped forward: "Hello everyone, I am Han Xinyan. In the upcoming work, I kindly ask for your guidance."
After some brief pleasantries, and seeing that everyone was present, Director Hu looked at everyone: "Let’s go."
Everyone gradually boarded the car heading to the airport.
*
On the other side, after leaving the school, Qiao Shanmei was at a loss for what to do next.
She never imagined that just a few casual remarks could ruin her bright future. How could she face returning home?
How would she explain to her family if the neighbors and relatives of the family compound found out she was expelled; how could she face anyone in the future?
The more she thought about it, the angrier she got, feeling injustice at the school’s unfair treatment, believing they bullied her for not having connections or a background.
Just as she was feeling lost and helpless, she ran into Li Yutong, who was out handling some affairs.
Li Yutong thought she was mistaken, but upon closer inspection, it was indeed her: "Qiao Shanmei, what’s going on?"
Qiao Shanmei saw it was Li Yutong; her face turned grim: "It’s none of your business."
Li Yutong, with some sarcasm, said: "At first, you probably laughed at me quite a bit. Didn’t expect that in such a short time, you’d follow in my footsteps; it’s truly delightful."
Qiao Shanmei was so annoyed she almost resorted to violence: "Shut up."
Li Yutong didn’t heed her words: "Tell me, how did you get expelled? Maybe if I’m in a good mood, I can give you a hand."
Seeing her indifferent, Li Yutong pressed further: "Or do you plan to slink back home like this?"
Qiao Shanmei truly felt indignant, but she knew someone like Li Yutong, who could have others take exams for her, couldn’t be a good person.
But considering her friendless situation in this vast Capital, her only option seemed to be going back home.
As Li Yutong mentioned, she really was unwilling, deeply unwilling.
After a long silence, maybe she came to terms with it; she explained her situation: "I’ve finished, how are you planning to help me?"
Li Yutong stared at Qiao Shanmei for a long time, seemingly making a decision: "I can help you, but there are conditions. Nothing in the world comes free."
Qiao Shanmei now had no other choice: "Alright, tell me."
Li Yutong glanced at Qiao Shanmei’s luggage: "Follow me first, when we settle down, I’ll tell you later."
Qiao Shanmei frowned, contemplating for a while, knowing she had no choice, although she had some words to say: "Okay, you better not deceive me, or I won’t fear the consequences, and in the end, it’ll be mutual destruction."