Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Qin Zhiâai had expected to receive Professor Zhuâs reply the next morning; however, upon settling her bill and exiting the cafe, before she could flag down a taxi, her phone rang in her bag. It was Professor Zhuâs reply. âOf course there is. You are the most outstanding student among those from your group. If youâve made up your mind, Iâll be working at the school tomorrow morning. You can drop by at eight, and Iâll have your recommendation letter ready and get your signature. Iâll send it to the schoolâs administration office after Chinese New Year.â
âOkay, Professor Zhu.â After a brief pause, Qin Zhiâai typed, âGoodnight, Professor.â
âGoodnight.â
Qin Zhiâai sent him an emoji conveying courtesy and respect.
...
At 7:00 a. m. the next morning, Qin Zhiâai was already up. After washing up and packing her bag, she left the apartment.
By the time she reached West University, it was already a quarter past eight, and Professor Zhu had already finished a cup of tea in his office.
âXiaoâai,â he said when he saw Qin Zhiâai walking in. He picked up the recommendation letter from his desk, handed it to Qin Zhiâai, and tapped twice at the area where her signature was required. âYou just need to sign your name here.â
âOkay.â Holding the pen, she scanned through the document and signed âQin Zhiâai.â
...
As she walked out of West University, Qin Zhiâai fished out her phone and called Xiaowang. âChauffeur Wang, I would like to meet with you and Master Gu now.â
Xiaowang was stunned briefly by her firm tone but then replied, âSecretary Qin, is there something wrong?â
âYes...â Qin Zhiâai suddenly heard Gu Yusheng ask Xiaowang, âIs it Secretary Qin?â
âYes. Secretary Qin would like to meet with you,â Xiaowang replied quickly.
Gu Yusheng had been staring at his computer and typing quickly on the keyboard, but he stopped abruptly.
Although she had not mentioned the purpose of their meetup, he had some vague ideas about what it could be about.
âMaster Gu?â Xiaowang nudged when he didnât reply.
Snapping out of his daze, Gu Yusheng continued to type away on his keyboard. After a moment, he stopped again and said, âGet Secretary Qin to meet me at the Peking Clubhouse at 11.â
âYes, Master Gu.â Putting the phone back to his ear, Xiaowang relayed the message to Qin Zhiâai. âSecretary Qin, Master Gu said to meet him at the Peking Clubhouse at 11:00 a.m.â
âOkay. See you then.â
When Xiaowang said goodbye to Qin Zhiâai, Gu Yushengâs fingers slowed down on the keyboard for a moment before resuming. Eventually, he closed his laptop.
...
The Peking Clubhouse was a bit too warm.
Qin Zhiâai followed the waiter to a private room and, when she walked in, Gu Yusheng was already waiting for her inside. He was wearing a white shirt with his sleeves rolled up below his elbows but still revealing his fair but solid arm. He was casual and laid back, yet still clean and sharp.
Xiaowang greeted Qin Zhiâai before motioning for her to take a seat.
âMaster Gu and Chauffeur Wang,â Qin Zhiâai greeted them before sitting down.
Xiaowang passed her a warm cup of tea.
Because she wanted to avoid caffeine during her pregnancy, Qin Zhiâai thanked him with a smile and left the drink on the table after accepting it.