The same confusion was felt by Principal Wang, just like Zhao Chengde.
Just now, Jiang Cheng dashed into his office, boldly yelling, "Principal, I need a favor!"
"Hey! Coming!"
Principal Wang agreed, while secretly criticizing himself.
Did he agree too quickly?
As a principal, being so compliant to a student’s request, isn’t that somewhat inappropriate?
Though he was mulling over these thoughts, Principal Wang didn’t let it affect his pace and followed Jiang Cheng to Teacher Lü’s office.
"Where’s Teacher Lü?"
"The teacher had an urgent matter and left, asking me to study on my own, but Zhao Chengde has some academic issues, so I came to seek your help."
Principal Wang stood upright, pushing his robust hair back, revealing his full and shiny forehead.
"Jiang Cheng, you’ve got a good eye. Back in the day, I was quite a talent in Russian..."
"Principal, am I someone who can make you work? Just sit here and supervise us."
Jiang Cheng swiftly found a chair for Principal Wang and kindly poured him some water.
With an air of authority, Principal Wang sat down, holding his tea mug, looking satisfied at Jiang Cheng’s sense.
Jiang Cheng sat on a chair, turned to Zhao Chengde, and said, "Take out your article."
Zhao Chengde, who had been passive all along, took a notebook from his backpack, which was grabbed by Jiang Cheng.
"The handwriting is neat... Here isn’t quite right. Look, if you translate it this way, it might be better... You’re currently translating with a Chinese mindset."
"Wouldn’t it be better to translate it like this?"
Jiang Cheng went straight to the point without wasting words, generously sharing valuable insights.
Initially, Zhao Chengde thought Jiang Cheng was overstepping her abilities, but after listening a bit, he subconsciously pulled up a chair and listened more intently.
In fact, he thought Jiang Cheng explained it even better than Teacher Lü.
On the side, holding the tea mug, Principal Wang finally realized that the whole "supervision" thing was nonsense!
He was merely a breathing presence!
Though he felt annoyed at first, Principal Wang couldn’t help but chuckle.
This Jiang Cheng... she’s a little trickster.
But fair enough, what she did was right.
If she were alone in the office with Zhao Chengde, a male and a female, it would indeed be improper.
Sometimes, seemingly unnecessary actions save you from a lot of trouble.
Jiang Cheng continued her explanation, emanating a teacher’s aura.
Zhao Chengde no longer just listened passively; he asked his first question, and after receiving a detailed answer from Jiang Cheng, he proceeded to ask a second, and then a third question.
"Slurp—— tch-tch——"
Principal Wang, who had just sipped his water, found himself under the focused gaze of both Jiang Cheng and Zhao Chengde.
Seeing their serious faces, feeling guilty, he turned his head, allowing a small stream of water to retrace its path along the corner of his mouth.
When Principal Wang finished, he gently woke from his absent-mindedness.
What was he doing?
What was he guilty about?
Is he the principal or are they?
Yet, seeing the two brightest students engaging in serious study and making progress, Principal Wang felt that his earlier commotion was somewhat excessive.
In the ensuing time, not only did Principal Wang feel numb from sitting, but his backside was sweaty, leaving his pants feeling persistently damp.
Finally, when it was over, Zhao Chengde tidied his books and stood again, impacted by the exchange.
"Ms. Jiang Cheng, I’m neither as clever as you nor do I possess your vision and demeanor; I concede to you."
Jiang Cheng, too, was organizing her books, and upon hearing Zhao Chengde’s words, she didn’t brush it off.
"Comrade Zhao Chengde, the world of translation is vast. With so many countries, it’s never a one-person job."
"A real hero is never alone, but a part of a greater group."
"Let’s hope we can both strive to be part of that group."
Jiang Cheng nodded at Zhao Chengde, thanked Principal Wang, and hurried out of the office, thinking about solidifying her future network.
Jiang Cheng followed Teacher Lü to the principal’s office, where there were two unfamiliar faces.
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