Deng Wenchang, who had been keeping quiet all along, spoke up. “Before leaving, let me ask you a question. What is your relationship with the ambassador couple? How do you know them?” If he did find out the answer, he would not be able to sleep tonight. Although he had lost, he wanted to know the reason so that he would not make the same mistake next time.
He wanted to know how capable Qiao Nan was. She was married to Zhai Sheng, and Zhu Chengqi was her godfather. Shi Peng, who returned to the capital a few years ago, was doing very well in the government and his only daughter was Qiao Nan’s best friend. On top of that, it seemed that He Yi and Qiao Nan had a close relationship due to Elder Lin who had retired for many years.
Qiao Nan had too many backers and supporters. Nobody could understand the excruciating pain that Deng Wenchang felt right now.
He had always looked down on Qiao Nan. But apart from not going overseas, she had a stronger political background than him!
He had figured out Qiao Nan’s relationships with other people, but what about the ambassador couple today? How did Qiao Nan get to know them? What other strengths and backers did Qiao Nan have? All these were pitfalls waiting for him.
Qiao Nan curled the corners of her lips and sneered. “I have not been to other countries, and I did not go on overseas study. But I am hardworking. During my four years in college, I worked as a voluntary guide at the Palace Museum. I got to know the ambassador couple at that time. Previously, there were some reading materials as well as the materials regarding the evolution of English words from the Arabic language that I couldn’t find in the country. They were the ones who found the materials for me.”
It was also through interaction with friends from overseas that she got to constantly practice speaking and writing in English. Even when they returned home, Qiao Nan continued to chat with them using MSN, asking for their help to look for reading materials that she needed. They had a close relationship with each other.
The western friends were very friendly and warm. Initially, the ambassador couple felt that Qiao Nan looked young and fair. She looked similar to the dolls in their country in her pink long dress.
The ambassador couple was not DINK[1]. They wanted to have children, but it had been more than thirty years and they did not have any kids. They have tried in vitro fertilization, but to no avail. It was no surprise that when they saw a young lady who looked like the doll, they were particularly nice to Qiao Nan even when they were tourists.
Qiao Nan was not only pretty-looking and good-natured, but she also had a good attitude when she was the volunteer guide. The ambassador lost his credentials during the trip. Qiao Nan searched high and low to look for them when there were not many tourists around. It took her three hours to search all corners before she found the ambassador’s documents.
After retrieving the documents, Qiao Nan merely passed them to her reporting unit so that they would return them to the ambassador.
All the people in Qiao Nan’s reporting unit were very fond of her who was hardworking at work. Since it was Qiao Nan who went to great pains to retrieve the documents, they would not take her credit. They told the ambassador what happened.
That was why the ambassador couple had a good impression of Qiao Nan.
They added each other on MSN. After the ambassador couple returned to their country, they kept frequent contact with Qiao Nan. When they knew that some reading materials could not be easily found in China and it was hard to get them elsewhere as well, they told Qiao Nan to send them the list of books, and they would think of ways to get them for her.
Initially, Qiao Nan had her hesitation and doubts. Even if the book was sold in her country, it was akin to searching for a needle in the sea. After all, the current IT industry was not as developed as ten years later.
Strangely, whenever Qiao Nan needed a book, they were able to get the book for her.
At first, Qiao Nan thought that they must have the means to find the books for her. It was only until a few days ago when she saw the photos of the visiting ambassador couple did Qiao Nan realize that they came from a family of political and military background. People like them would definitely have the means to find the books for her.
“I am not that capable, and I am not as smart. All I did was to treat people with sincerity. Comrade Deng, if you are satisfied, I have to go home.”
That day, everyone could tell from Qiao Nan’s expression that Qiao Nan knew the ambassador couple. However, Deng Wenchang made crude comments, looking down on Qiao Nan. It turned out that Qiao Nan was not boasting. Instead, it was Deng Wenchang who had one’s nose in the air and was given a tight slap to his face.
Qiao Nan did not expect a reply from Deng Wenchang. She took her bag and left the place quickly to call a car to go home. If she delayed any further, the three spoiled brats might be throwing tantrums later.
Qiao Nan left without any hesitation, but all the colleagues were in shock.
“Crap. This was the first time that I learned that something good will come out of social practice during college.” This would not do. After dinner, he would have to make an overseas call right away. He must remind his son that even if he was overseas, he must take the social practice seriously. If he was lucky, he might have a good encounter like Xiao Qiao as well.
If he participated in social practice, there would be a chance of having lucky encounters. If not, he would not have the chance at all. It was obvious what decision he should make.
“Haha. Come on. Not everyone will have such a good encounter. Xiao Qiao is well-behaved and kindhearted. As the saying goes, the good would be well rewarded. Judging from today’s happenings, it is very true.” The man who said that narrowed his gaze and cast a sideways glance at Deng Wenchang. It was obvious that his comments were directed at Deng Wenchang.
“Good. It’s good that such a good comrade is from our department. Come, let’s have another drink.” He was only concerned about Qiao Nan, who had a stellar performance. As for Deng Wenchang, who performed badly, it was uncertain if he could continue to stay in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Since he might not necessarily be part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there was no need for him to treat Deng Wenchang as part of the department and for Deng Wenchang to leave a blemish on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Deng Wenchang, who was ridiculed, could tell that their remarks were directed at him.
Since Qiao Nan could be big-headed and leave before the seniors in the department, he could leave as well. He would not accept that he was doomed to be worse than Qiao Nan and to be her stepping stone! Hmmph!
Deng Wenchang stood up, turning green in anger. “It’s getting late. I am needed at home. Minister, seniors, excuse me, I have to go. Next time…” Deng Wenchang did not finish the sentence. He was about to say that he would treat them to dinner next time.
The reason being Qiao Nan made the same comments before she left.
[1] Double income and no kids,
