When you become interested in someone's experiences and can't help but feel curious to explore, it often marks the beginning of a story.
It was already half past seven in the evening when Gu Qingqing returned to the dormitory.
It was her first official translation job, and besides the anticipation, she was still a bit nervous.
Fortunately, the completion was quite good, though this was largely thanks to Boss Tan's help, as she wasn't yet proficient enough with many professional terms.
"Why are you back so late today? Don't you usually come back before dinner?"
As soon as Gu Qingqing entered, her roommate Xu Manli asked, and her other two roommates, Zhao Wenjia and Chen Yanan, also came forward to ask if Gu Qingqing had eaten dinner.
The roommates all knew that Gu Qingqing had found a part-time modeling job for a Taobao shop.
She would occasionally bring back clothing samples, and if any roommate liked one, she would give it to them.
There were occasionally minor conflicts between the roommates, but overall, they got along quite happily.
Gu Qingqing came back too late today, and everyone was quite worried about her.
"Today wasn't for modeling; it was a translation job. It was my first time, so I wasn't very skilled and got delayed. Everyone, don't worry, and I've already had dinner."
Gu Qingqing replied with a smile.
Dinner was, of course, with Tan Jincheng, but this time Boss Tan didn't let her pay; thankfully, at least her day wasn't completely in vain.
"Huh? Didn't you leave with that boss you said was a bit handsome? How did it turn into a translation job?"
"It's still that young boss; he has several businesses,"
Gu Qingqing chuckled.
"Wow, you actually found a part-time job that matches your major! Quick, tell us, how does it feel?"
"Yeah, tell us. If it's a job related to our major, we can try it elsewhere later too. It'd be helpful for our studies."
With three women, it was quite a scene; the roommates chattered away, but Gu Qingqing was a bit disheartened:
"Oh, don't even mention it, I was really put down; my English isn't as good as his. You wouldn't believe it, the young boss's spoken English is incredibly fluent, I even want to learn English from him."
"No way, if his English is that good, why would he hire you as a translator? Is he interested in you?"
"What nonsense are you talking about? He's probably just too busy with work. Today, the young boss also spent the whole day making PPTs and even did his own design."
"Holy cow, really? A bit handsome, young, and strong work ability—what kind of monster is he?"
"Is that true? Which school did this young boss graduate from?"
Gu Qingqing didn't answer, sighing:
"Oh, never mind, I won't talk about it anymore. I need to study seriously, otherwise, I won't get any more translation jobs from Boss Tan in the future."
To earn this salary with a clear conscience, she had to show her capability.
Otherwise, with her current level, even if Boss Tan had more work for her later, she would be too embarrassed to accept it.
In a girls' dormitory, topics often revolve around men.
No matter how Gu Qingqing tried to avoid it, her roommates wouldn't let the topic of him go.
A bit handsome, very young, good at English, skilled at making PPTs, and even designing—Tan Jincheng, described in just a few words by Gu Qingqing, piqued her roommates' curiosity.
Another thing that made the three roommates curious was that Gu Qingqing actually had dinner alone with this young boss in the evening!
If lunch was unavoidable due to work, then dinner was completely unnecessary; she could have just left after finishing work.
It was known that since the semester began, Gu Qingqing had not accepted any private invitations from other male students in her class or department.
What kind of man could make Gu Qingqing break her rule?
Unable to withstand the interrogation from her three roommates, Gu Qingqing could only briefly introduce what she knew about Tan Jincheng.
Some of this information was from her usual observations, and some was obtained during chats over the New Year.
"What kind of English can you learn in high school that's better than someone who's had a year of professional English classes? Is there any justice?"
"That's outrageous, how did he learn? Qingqing's professional course grades are excellent; she's not someone who doesn't study."
"If he's really as amazing as you say, Qingqing, then it's unlikely he's only high school educated. And you also mentioned his company hasn't been open long, so he couldn't have learned all that in such a short time."
Gu Qingqing thought for a moment and said,
"He probably had some other opportunities. Boss Tan graduated a year before us, so maybe something else happened during that year."
That must be it, but Gu Qingqing wasn't clear on what exactly happened to Tan Jincheng that year.
If she had the chance, she would like to inquire.
Seeing Gu Qingqing deep in thought, Xu Manli, Zhao Wenjia, and Chen Yanan exchanged glances and winked; all three had smiles playing on their lips.
It's hard not to be attracted to a peer who is excellent in all aspects, even if their academic backgrounds don't match.
Perhaps it's not necessarily love, but for Gu Qingqing to agree to have dinner together after work certainly indicates some level of fondness.
Xu Manli had dated in high school and understood this feeling.
Thinking of this, she couldn't resist trying to probe Gu Qingqing:
"Hey, Qingqing, when are you going to introduce this Boss Tan to us? We're also studying English. If he's busy with work over there and you can't handle it, you can ask us for help too! We don't even need money; just consider it a learning opportunity."
Gu Qingqing's contemplation was interrupted by Xu Manli:
"Huh? But Boss Tan and I aren't that close yet. How can I introduce him?"
"It's fine! If you get a chance, just mention it. I'm not trying to steal your job; I just want an extra learning opportunity. Or you could bring the work back and let us look at it for reference."
"Alright then, I'll find an opportunity to ask Boss Tan. But I can't show you before Boss Tan agrees; these are his company's commercial documents."
Gu Qingqing said, a little hesitantly.
Gu Qingqing's conflicted expression made Xu Manli believe her judgment even more.
She had never thought Gu Qingqing would be afraid of losing her part-time job; after spending a semester together, the roommates knew each other's personalities.
However, Xu Manli didn't intend to tell Gu Qingqing that she was joking.
This one probably wasn't quite clear about her true feelings yet, so let her be.
While Gu Qingqing and her three roommates were discussing the young Boss Tan, the young Boss Tan was speeding along, rushing from the Yongcheng University campus to his home in Beicang.
After arriving home, the young Boss Tan still had to organize today's work, far from having such a leisurely time.
"The taste of saury, both the cat and you want to know; the scent of first love, just like that, found by us."
As night fell, the closer they got to Beicang District, the fewer vehicles were on the road.
The night radio in the car stereo was playing Jay Chou's "Qilixiang."
(End of this Chapter)
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