Chapter 359: Meaningful
"So where are you going for your summer internship?"
Su Li thought for a few seconds about Wu Sheng’s question. "I’m not sure yet. Probably a newspaper or a radio station."
Wu Sheng saw the light in Su Li’s eyes. "Looking forward to it?"
Su Li thought for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, I’m really looking forward to it."
She reflexively touched her stomach.
Since her rebirth in this life, Su Li had been paying close attention to her diet and taking care of her stomach.
She didn’t want to get stomach cancer and die young again.
’This time, my life won’t be cut short,’ she thought. ’I can walk my own path properly.’
Wu Sheng smiled, noticing her small gesture. "What’s wrong? Is your stomach bothering you?"
"No," Su Li said, shaking her head.
"Where are your classmates interning?" Wu Sheng asked, relieved.
"Most of them are going back to their hometowns to intern. They’ll usually work at their city’s newspaper or the local radio and television stations. The department will write a letter of introduction for any student who requests one."
This had been a hot topic of discussion at the university recently.
Su Li recalled her professor’s words and smiled. "Our professor said that students from our university are quite sought after."
Wu Sheng chuckled. "Of course they are."
This was an era where talent was in short supply.
"You won’t be going back to your hometown, then?" Wu Sheng asked Su Li.
Su Li nodded. "No."
She didn’t want to go back at all.
Ever since Pinjun became well-known, the children’s clothing from Fengcheng County had ridden its coattails, with sales soaring to the top.
According to the person in charge of the factory there, Miao Fenghua and Su Dan had caused quite a few scenes and cursed her name plenty of times.
In her letters to Su Li, Su Xing also mentioned that Miao Fenghua was just waiting for Su Li to come back.
She had already exhausted all her feelings for Fengcheng County and her old home in her past life. She wouldn’t even think of going back unless it was absolutely necessary.
"Then you should do your internship here in the Imperial City," Wu Sheng said as soon as he heard her answer.
Normally, since Su Li was to be engaged and marry into the Wu Family, he was supposed to meet her family. But seeing her attitude, Wu Sheng didn’t say anything.
It seemed Su Li wanted to cut off all contact. Still, the proper procedures would have to be followed eventually; that was a matter of respect for her.
After settling the internship matter with Wu Sheng, she arrived at school the next day to find her classmates discussing the very same thing.
With final exams just around the corner, these were things they all had to consider.
Just as Su Li had said, most of her classmates were going home for the summer. Aside from those who had to help with farm work and couldn’t do an internship, the majority were planning to do one in their hometowns.
"What about you, Su Li? Where are you going to intern?"
Hearing a classmate ask Su Li, Qu An, who wasn’t far away, immediately turned his head to listen intently.
Su Li didn’t notice his gaze. "Here in the Imperial City."
Qu An’s eyes lit up when he heard that. He quickly stood up and interjected, "I’m staying in the Imperial City too! Su Li, where are you applying? Let’s go together."
Afraid Su Li would refuse, Qu An pulled his desk mate into it. "He’s coming with us too. If we go in together, it’ll be less intimidating."
"Right, let’s go together."
The girl who had asked Su Li earlier chimed in, "I’ve already asked around. It looks like it’s just the four of us staying in the Imperial City for an internship. We should stick together."
Su Li looked at the girl’s expectant face, thought for a moment, and nodded. "Okay, sure."
’It’s true,’ she thought, ’it would be better to intern with classmates.’
Everyone was happy to hear Su Li agree, and Qu An’s eyes were practically shining.
Su Li accidentally caught his eye. Worried he would get the wrong idea again, she was careful to avoid his gaze and didn’t talk to him much afterward.
In Qu An’s eyes, however, Su Li’s behavior meant something else entirely.
The next day, Su Li arrived at the classroom to the familiar sound of an accordion. When she walked in, she saw Qu An half-sitting on the windowsill, facing the door.
Qu An could play the accordion and the melodica. With these two instruments in his arsenal, he was well-liked and very popular with his classmates.
Previously, Qu An used to bring them to class often, playing during breaks while a group of classmates sang along. The atmosphere was always passionate and spirited.
Although Su Li never participated, she enjoyed listening.
But Qu An hadn’t done this in a long time.
Su Li gave Qu An a curious glance. ’Did something good happen to him?’
Noticing her gaze, Qu An quickly greeted her.
"Su Li."
Under everyone’s watch, Su Li gave a slight smile and hurried back to her seat.
The two classmates sitting next to Qu An nudged him and gave him meaningful looks.
A thrill was visible in Qu An’s eyes, and his face was slightly flushed. His gaze was fiery as he watched Su Li’s back.
After their morning classes ended, they had the afternoon off. Su Li had originally planned to go to the factory, but the class had organized a group activity.
Since everyone would be starting their internships over the break, and some might get a chance to broadcast the news if they were at a radio station, they wanted to practice and build their confidence.
A journalist’s Mandarin pronunciation is very important, and news broadcasting was a key skill. During the second semester of their first year, Su Li and her classmates had started learning about broadcasting.
But they had only just scratched the surface. They were all still unfamiliar with it but full of passion, so after some discussion, they decided to practice together.
The plan was to practice by reading news reports to their classmates, who could then offer feedback, good or bad. It was also a way to build confidence.
After gathering everyone’s suggestions, Qu An organized the event.
When classes let out at noon, the whole class went to the cafeteria for lunch together, then gathered and headed off campus.
The group made their way to a nearby untamed lake.
The lakeside was a great spot. The willow trees offered cool shade, and a breeze blew across the water, making it feel wonderfully refreshing and comfortable.
Once they arrived, they picked a good spot, sat down on the grass in a circle, and designated a large rock by the lake as the "news desk."
Not long after they settled down, two male students who were close with Qu An returned carrying a bunch of things.
There were drinks and popsicles for every student.
"Thanks, Class Monitor."
"Don’t mention it," Qu An said, personally handing an opened drink and a popsicle to Su Li.
The two guys who had bought the snacks exchanged meaningful glances with a few other male students.
An understanding smile passed among the guys, and even the more perceptive girls noticed something was up.
The looks they gave Su Li also became meaningful.
Although nothing was said outright, everyone knew what was going on.
People supported the idea of choosing one’s own partner now, and as vanguards of the new era, they too championed pure and beautiful romantic freedom.
Two couples had already formed in their class, and the classmates were either aware of or had participated in the boys’ pursuits and confessions.
Judging by Qu An’s behavior, he was planning to make a move today.
With her view blocked by Qu An, Su Li didn’t notice everyone’s expressions. She forced a smile, thanked him, and took the items.
Everyone ate their popsicles and chatted for a while. Qu An played the accordion as they all sang two songs, and then the energetic group finally got started.
Qu An went first, reading a practice news segment.
His Mandarin was perfect, and the students applauded nonstop.
The other students took turns. Some had non-standard pronunciation with thick regional accents, while others were so red-faced they could only stammer.
There was a whole range of performances, but in the end, everyone managed to complete their report.
Su Li went up around the halfway point.
Thanks to the experience from her past life, Su Li’s performance was excellent.