Chapter 1375 - 898: Gathering
Qingbao hesitated for a moment, "Not really, isn’t it normal to not want to go to work after being at a job for a long time?"
"Taking a long rest can also make you anxious."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Nian turned to look at Qingbao twice. It’s normal when others say this, but it didn’t quite fit when she said it.
Is she turning into a slick old hand?
It shouldn’t be.
"Is the dog... classmate still not regretting anything?" he asked, "Or is it some other trouble?"
"No." Qingbao took a sip of warm water, "I’m a bit tired, can’t teach as wholeheartedly as before."
"It’s not so much about not being able to cope with working as it is about not being able to accept being so easily deterred by a setback."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Nian rubbed his chin.
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing much, you’ll understand when you reach my age." Qingbao answered maturely.
"Come on now?"
Jiang Nian couldn’t hold back; Qingbao wasn’t shy about surfing the web either, "Teacher, don’t you like teaching anymore?"
"Not really." Qingbao shook her head, "Teaching is enjoyable, and leaving the job is quite a pity."
Jiang Nian listened for quite a while before he finally understood.
Her spirit was hurt.
It’s like being the good guy all along and getting cheated once; your faith collapses, and you can’t be good or bad anymore.
Once bitten by a snake, you fear ropes for ten years.
Putting effort into teaching and gaining rewards. This is the source of Qingbao’s happiness, which she can’t continue now.
So, she appears hesitant.
This matter isn’t easy to handle, and Jiang Nian didn’t have any good ideas, but he hadn’t intended to solve it at all.
Human ability is limited, and he’s not omnipotent.
"Teacher, cheer up, Zhen Nan is a place where nothing is surprising, I’ve addressed... no."
"Persuaded countless fools, a place where a bride price hits the ceiling, can it be normal?"
Qingbao: "..."
"Hearing you say that, I almost want to transfer to another school."
"Yuhang is pretty good."
Qingbao was speechless, "Of course I know it’s good, it’s not so easy to get into, they might reduce staff in a few years."
"What about teaching at a university?" Jiang Nian suggested, "The pay is decent at Beijing University, who knows, you might even teach me."
Qingbao: "...."
"That sounds even more unrealistic, mentioning teaching at Beijing University. Why not say go to Qinghua University to be a professor instead?"
"Can’t a teacher go?"
"That’s just nonsense." Qingbao took another sip of warm water, chatting randomly until she forgot what she wanted to say.
"Might as well stick it out, it’s not that bad."
"True." Jiang Nian nodded.
He stayed at Qingbao’s for more than an hour that afternoon, besides chatting on the balcony, he just sat there playing games.
After that, he padded home.
Old Jiang couple returned after visiting relatives and, seeing Jiang Nian entering, asked a couple of questions but didn’t bother with his affairs.
"Going to Little Dragon Pond tomorrow, are you going?"
"No."
Jiang Nian refused outright, "Xu Qianqian isn’t going either; they’re leaving tomorrow, I’m planning to see them off."
"Then we’ll go later, you can use the car first." Li Hongmei never questions the kids’ plans much.
"No need."
"How will you send them off without a car?" Old Jiang turned his head from the sofa, "You use it first, don’t worry about us."
"A friend has a car."
Upon hearing this, Li Hongmei sensed something off.
"A guy or a girl?"
Jiang Nian didn’t answer, mumbled a few words then went back to his room. After a short nap, he went to the opposite door around five.
Knock on the door.
Song Xiyun came to open the door, looking a bit awkward. She glanced at Jiang Nian, but he showed no unusual expression.
"Where is she?"
"In the room."
"Oh, well call her for dinner later." Jiang Nian casually took off his down jacket, wearing only a thin white shirt.
"Aren’t you cold?" Song Xiyun took his coat.
Jiang Nian paused, not because of the cold. Just surprised that Xiao Song handed him the coat.
Hmm...
Not angry anymore? (tactical lean back)
"Nah, the kitchen is quite stuffy." He coughed, "Let it be first, I’m going to cook."
Song Xiyun wanted to say more, but just nodded.
"Oh, oh."
Jiang Nian rolled up his sleeves and solidly cooked a meal. Once the dishes were served, he only took two sets of bowls and chopsticks.
First, observe Xu Qianqian’s reaction.
If she shows her expression like at noon. No words needed, walk away first, and push back, causing her guilt.
All in all, Jiang Nian benefits.
Otherwise, if Xu Qianqian initiates an invitation. Then sit down, continue to engage, and see how things go.
Still benefits.
"Knock, knock, knock." Jiang Nian walked to Xu Qianqian’s room door, knocked, "Come out to eat."
The room went quiet for a moment, then she sluggishly stepped out.
"Oh."
Seeing her reaction, Jiang Nian casually took off his apron, preparing to strike first, finding an excuse to exit.
"I have some errands, you all go ahead..."
"Not even time for a meal?" Xu Qianqian gave him a look, then went to the kitchen for bowls and chopsticks.
Jiang Nian’s spell got interrupted, so he had to stay.
"Alright then."
"Here you go!" Xu Qianqian put the bowls and chopsticks in front of him, then quietly returned to eat, hard to speak up.
Jiang Nian wasn’t bothered, after a few bites he said.
"What the!"
"Why is the duck in my bowl bitter?"
The two women instantly looked up, confused, they glanced at Jiang Nian, then picked a piece of duck and tasted it.
"Not bitter."
"Mine is normal, just fine."
"Impossible!" Jiang Nian said confidently, then took the meat from Xu Qianqian’s bowl, "For me, it tastes bitter."
Xu Qianqian: "...."
Alright, this crazy freak.
He’s got tons of tricks.
.....
As night fell.
Jiang Nian didn’t linger, tidied up and left. He was patient, willing to take things slowly with the two women.
If no opportunity presents itself, then just wait.
He had experience, knowing that time won’t shortchange the prepared but will challenge those who rush blindly.
With the door closed, the two women looked at each other.