Chapter 359 – Good News
“Xiao Xu, you’re too formal. How about I call you Ningning instead?”
“Sure.” For Professor Liang, Xu Jinning had a pretty good impression.
She was a gentle, beautiful, and elegant woman, and also very charming. Xu Jinning was naturally happy to get closer to her.
“Ningning, it’s like this. My husband works in the National Translation Department…”
Professor Liang mentioned her husband Zhou Yi’s work in the National Translation Department and also mentioned that the department was in great need of capable, skilled individuals in foreign languages and translation.
“…Last time I talked to my husband about you, he was very interested and wanted to invite you to intern in his department. I was wondering what you think about it?”
Xu Jinning: …I mean… Professor Liang, with those bright, eager eyes looking at me so hopefully, how can I not agree?
However, Xu Jinning didn’t expect to receive an invitation to Mr. Zhou’s workplace.
The National Translation Department was a place Xu Jinning had never been in her entire life. She thought this must be a place everyone learning foreign languages and translation would want to go.
Just being able to officially work there would be equivalent to having a prestigious position in the country.
Xu Jinning was well aware of the value of entering this department.
Although Xu Jinning didn’t initially have any thoughts about working there, she wasn’t opposed to it either.
“Sure, should I go for an internship?”
“That would be wonderful. How about I take you on a tour of the National Translation Department tomorrow?”
“Ha, Professor Liang, even a mule in a production brigade wouldn’t be pushed so hard without any rest. I’ve scheduled Teacher Xu’s classes to start next week,” Jiang Wenxu complained. He thought it was too rushed to start the next day.
Professor Liang shot Jiang Wenxu a glare. “I didn’t say it was a full-time job right away; it’s just to visit and get familiar with the future work environment. As for when to start the internship, Ningning, there’s no rush. You can usually stay at home or attend classes at school. If there are important events or tasks that need you, we’ll contact you then. You don’t need to be in the department all day.”
Xu Jinning’s eyes brightened; she liked the sound of such an internship.
President Jiang was left somewhat speechless by Professor Liang’s rebuke. After all, if possible, he preferred Xu Jinning to stay at school all day, teaching students and imparting her valuable knowledge to them.
Realizing his own thoughts, Jiang Wenxu felt somewhat embarrassed.
Ah, this isn’t right, Old Jiang. Even a mule in a production brigade shouldn’t be worked like this.
Moreover, Xu Jinning was a talented individual. Talents should be nurtured, cared for, and further nurtured.
*
Back at the small courtyard, Xu Jinning shared the good news she had received in the president’s office that afternoon with Xu Fanghua, who didn’t have classes that afternoon, and Song Yi’s mother, who was busy at home.
Graduation certificate, appointment certificate, and internship at the National Translation Department.
“Ningning, you’re amazing! I’ve always said you’re a genius!” Xu Fanghua was very happy for her.
She knew that with her younger sister’s intelligence, she surely was no ordinary person. Just look—she was only in her second semester of the first year, and she had passed the graduation exam, not only earning a graduation certificate but also being hired back by the school as a teacher and getting an opportunity at the National Translation Department.
That’s a national department.
“Yes, Ningning, you’re truly impressive. Everyone in your family is amazing,” Mother Song also praised.
She was speaking from the heart, sincerely believing that Xu Aiguo and Zhang Ailian’s children were all exceptional.
Their two sons had made a name for themselves at home, engaging in contracting and business, earning an impressive amount of money.
Their two daughters were just as brilliant, being top scorers in the college entrance exam and high achievers at Beijing University.
Truly impressive!
Mother Song couldn’t help but think that Xu Aiguo and Zhang Ailian were indeed great at raising children.
“Aunt Song, I think you’re amazing too. Look, my brother-in-law’s medical skills are outstanding. Not only did he get into medical school, but now he’s studying abroad. I’ve heard that my brother-in-law’s younger brother, who is now in high school, also has excellent grades and will surely get into a good university. And you—you’ve taken such good care of my sister and the baby she’s expecting. You’re amazing too!”
Mother Song was momentarily stunned by Xu Jinning’s words but then burst into hearty laughter.
“Besides, my excellent sister is now married to my brother-in-law. For him to marry my sister is quite an accomplishment too.”
Mother Song: …It seems to make sense.
There was no doubt that Mother Song was convinced by Xu Jinning’s words. She looked pleased, with joy evident in her eyes.
…
Xu Jinning’s good news was not only shared with her sister and Song Yi’s mother but also had to be shared with her parents and two older brothers back home.
So, Xu Jinning made a phone call to her family.
It happened to be evening, and Xu Jinning didn’t realize that the Xu family members at home—Xu Aiguo, Zhang Ailian, Xu Xiangdong, and Xu Xiangbei—were all waiting in line to speak with her.
If it weren’t for taking care of the three children, Wen Yulan might have also joined the queue to speak with her younger sister-in-law.
Her relationship with her younger sister-in-law was very good.
The order in which the phone calls were answered clearly reflected the family hierarchy.
The first to answer the phone was naturally Zhang Ailian, the undisputed head of the family.
“Ningning, how have you and your sister been recently?”
“Have you been eating on time? No matter how busy your studies are, you mustn’t forget to eat, understand?”
“The temperature difference between morning and evening has been quite large lately, so make sure to put on an extra layer of clothing.”
“…”
A mother’s opening remarks were always familiar and tender, instantly warming Xu Jinning’s heart and causing a surge of longing she had been holding back.
“Mom, I miss you all.”
Zhang Ailian was momentarily stunned, then her gaze softened even more. Xu Jinning wasn’t surprised; if she were there, her mother would have definitely hugged her.
“Mom misses you and your sister too.”
“Ningning, Dad and your brothers miss you as well.” The three men waiting outside all spoke in unison.
They looked at Zhang Ailian with a hint of grievance, wondering when they would finally get a chance to talk to Ningning.
“Mom, big sister and I have been doing well…” Xu Jinning first updated her mother about her and her sister’s situation, reassuring her that they were both doing fine.
“I called to share some good news…”
She then told her mother about passing the graduation exam, receiving her graduation certificate, being hired as a teacher by the school, and receiving an internship offer from the National Translation Department.
“What? Ningning, you got your graduation certificate and are now a teacher? Is this true?”
“How did you become so capable?”
“And the National Translation Department—that’s a national agency. Ningning, are you working for the government now?”
