Chapter 1406 - 913: Gathering (Part 2)
"That being said..." Qingbao finished and shook her head, "A tutor is also a teacher, let’s go together."
At the restaurant entrance, the waiters are neatly dressed.
"Hello, do you have a reservation?"
"Yes."
On the other side, Jiang Nian arrived early. A few minutes earlier than the others, unaware of Qingbao’s dilemma.
However, even if he knew, it would still be the same.
The invitation would still go out.
If he couldn’t invite them this time, he’d find even less luck next time. So why worry about it?
Only, he probably didn’t expect. That a teacher from two years ago would see him as a threat.
After all, once out of school, only the social dynamics remain. From student and teacher to young entrepreneur and teacher.
As they followed the waiter.
"Teacher, you..." Jiang Nian just stood up, his gaze falling on Qi Xue, "Xue...Oh no."
"Teacher Qi?"
Jiang Nian chuckled, a double surprise.
He often contacted Old Liu, but due to various reasons, it wasn’t convenient to find Qi Xue outside of school.
After all, what to talk about?
The teacher is busy with students, and it’s not appropriate to ask anything serious. Who knew Qingbao’s partner was Qi Xue.
"Sit, sit, sit."
"Oh...thank you," Qi Xue was somewhat flattered, not so awkward anymore, "You should sit too."
Jiang Nian casually pulled chairs for the two of them.
"Sure."
Qingbao: "???
What’s he laughing about?
Though, Jiang Nian’s thought process is indeed odd. It’s normal for most people not to understand.
At the dining table, the atmosphere gradually became harmonious.
Qingbao was reserved, Qi Xue lively. But there wasn’t much to talk about, hesitant to ask anything too mundane.
So, they could only talk about trivial matters.
In general, some local customs seen in the past two days. The shops they visited in the afternoon, and the manager’s instructions.
Jiang Nian was also choosing topics, mainly focusing on Zhen Nan and the school.
"Which grade does Teacher Zhu teach?"
"I’m not sure, probably still at the tutoring center," Qi Xue frowned, this should be a teaching benefit.
After finishing a cycle, they rest after teaching grade four.
The reason it’s a rest is that there’s no mandatory assignment. As long as they teach well, they can proceed straight to self-study.
And, their salary is higher.
"Oh, is that so?" Jiang Nian thought to himself, impressive, Zhu Yin is probably like Lan Lan, they both are hidden players.
Other than that, Qingbao mentioned Old Liu’s recent events.
"Director Liu is getting promoted."
After the meal, everyone was satisfied.
At least, from Jiang Nian’s perspective. He took turns engaging the two, ensuring no one felt neglected.
Qingbao and Qi Xue, somewhat, also learned of how Jiang Nian made his fortune, couldn’t help but gasp.
Incredulous.
Jiang Nian also gathered information, there have been quite changes in Zhen Nan. Even the school has significantly improved its prospects.
In fact, it was thanks to their graduating class. Several Beijing University admissions exploded, which parent could remain calm?
They all gave a thumbs up, the old campus was indeed impressive.
Additionally, Jiang Nian also acquired other intel. Recently Qingbao has been traveling during her free time, she seemed a bit dispirited.
Hmm...
Can’t say that, maybe her spirit had dispersed. Recondensing might require a long process.
As they discussed this, Qi Xue inadvertently remarked.
"Don’t think too much, maybe in a few years she’d be married, not much thought left for teaching."
With one sentence, the conversation was killed.
Regarding this, Jiang Nian didn’t think much. Anyway, it was just a minor episode, after dinner the teacher and student waved goodbye.
Everyone has their own life challenges, outsiders generally have no right to interfere.
Besides, brother isn’t having it easy either.
.....
Next day, Sunday.
Li Qingrong suddenly sent a message, asking where he was. Jiang Nian said he was in Yuhang, then received a reply.
"My sister went on a business trip."
"How long?"
"Half a month."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Nian immediately sprang from his chair. Such good news, Sister Ying really is impressive.
For him, this was indeed good news.
"Are you free?"
Li Qingrong: "Not busy this month."
Jiang Nian: "I’ll be back in the afternoon."
"Okay."
Putting down the phone, Jiang Nian’s mind calmed down. What...what was he coming back for, might as well go at night.
But he already said it, cannot change.
"Ah."
"Little Head Dad indeed makes sense."
But, going back earlier was good. At least he could accompany Li Qingrong, they haven’t met since their last disagreement.
Stabilizing the rear, allows better work ahead.
In the morning, he handled chores ahead of schedule. He took half an hour to call a brief meeting with department supervisors.
Mostly Jiang Nian was speaking, while the supervisors listened. The efficiency was high, completing the meeting in twenty minutes.
Finally, Zhang Wei asked.
"Boss, should we really ignore the store’s issues? Feedback has been constant, hoping the company could increase investment."
"The media keeps criticizing us..."
"Online criticism is just a phase," Jiang Nian waved his hand, "It’ll pass eventually, since simplicity is our draw."
"So we’ll hold steady, letting the buzz fade. Everything we do now will be reverse-interpreted post-factum."
Translation: Even the rich family has no surplus grain.
"Yes, boss."
Afternoon.
Jiang Nian boarded the Flying Capital City flight, ten minutes before takeoff he suddenly received Qingbao’s message.
"Heading back! (Happy)"
Hmm?
Happy?
He knows Qingbao isn’t an open person. Sending a happy emoji, either she’s genuinely happy.
Or, she’s embarrassed.
"Bon voyage!"
In response, Jiang Nian didn’t reply with any flamboyant content. He simply mentioned that he was on the plane too.
Almost taking off, already on the runway.
Qingbao: "Ah?"
"We’re on the plane too, but heading back to Zhen Nan. Oh, by the way, Teacher Qi asked me to thank you."
"Haha, convey my regards to Teacher Qi."
"Seeing her made me very happy too."
Qingbao: "Okay."
On Jiang Nian’s side, the plane was already accelerating. He looked at the screen, thinking thank goodness Qi Xue was there to share the burden.
Otherwise, Qingbao definitely would’ve been awkward.
Perhaps, she’d dodge him next time. After all this interference, they could still reminisce during New Year.
No, possibly she decides to leave.
She’s always had this idea, mentioned it in the past. It’s a bother, so she’s trying one last time.
Ah, the idealist.
On the other side, Qingbao’s plane also reached the runway. During the climb, the cabin was pitch black.
Qi Xue wore a sleep mask, yet had no desire to sleep.
"Did he say anything?"
"Oh oh, he said he was very happy," Qingbao thought for a moment and recounted Jiang Nian’s words verbatim.
Upon hearing, Qi Xue was puzzled.
"Why?"
"Perhaps Jiang Nian is nostalgic," Qingbao said, "He’s quite sentimental about every teacher."
"Two years graduated, isn’t Director Liu always mentioning him?"
"Indeed, possibly because they often see each other," Qi Xue said, though she couldn’t help but feel a bit envious.
After all, having students all over the world is elusive.
As a regular teacher, those taught over ten years are only a few hundred, staying in touch with few.
Outstanding students are even rarer.
"There’s another reason," Qingbao turned her head, suddenly came up with, "Teacher Qi, you’re very pretty."
"What?"
....
"Achoo!! x3"
Jiang Nian stuffed his nose with tissues, thinking damn it. Why is the cabin so cold, have I stumbled into a cold storage?
He shook his head, put on the sleep mask, and went to sleep.
Night falls.
Landed in Beijing, he was so accustomed to flying, he barely felt anything anymore, boarding the plane he could fall asleep instantly.
"Let’s call and check on Qingqing."
After waiting a few seconds.
"Hello?"
"Qing..." he just began, paused for a while, "Soy Milk? Why are you at the class rep’s place too?"
"The class rep invited me," Cai Xiaoqing confused, "We’re having a dinner gathering tonight, you didn’t know?"
Jiang Nian: "..."
Well damn.
Who could have known this? But he really didn’t ask, which meant he wasn’t included.
Wasn’t holding it together anymore.
The point of coming back early, was basically wasted.
"Didn’t know," Jiang Nian said, gathering his courage, "I’ll come over later, by the way Weiwei, where are you staying tonight?"