Chapter 25: Making a Living with Words
“You know Teng Yi?” Wang Jing asked softly, watching Teng Yi’s retreating figure.
“Yeah.”
“How did you meet?”
Ruan Yu glanced at Wang Jing.
Wang Jing quickly waved her hands. “I don’t mean anything by it, I’m just curious. Teng Yi’s practically a legend at school. People like us usually don’t get the chance to know him.”
Before Ruan Yu could respond, Tian Cheng beckoned to them from inside.
“What are you two whispering about at the door? Come in already!”
The two answered and hurried into the office.
Tian Cheng took a sip of water, tidied the papers on his desk, and then brought up the broadcasting station’s schedule. The station aired at noon and six in the evening. Tian Cheng wanted Ruan Yu to take the evening slot, but after calculating, she realized that while the broadcast time didn’t overlap with her part-time job, she wouldn’t be able to make it to both places in time. If she committed to Tian Cheng’s request, she’d inevitably be late for her tutoring job.
Wang Jing noticed Ruan Yu’s hesitation and volunteered to take the evening shift instead. Tian Cheng didn’t immediately agree, turning to ask Ruan Yu if she had any difficulties. Ruan Yu honestly explained her situation.
“Alright then. You’ll take the noon slot, and Wang Jing will handle the evening one.” Tian Cheng was very understanding.
“Thank you, Professor Tian.”
“No need for thanks. I’ll be counting on both of you from now on.” Tian Cheng then turned to Wang Jing. “You can head back first. Ruan Yu, stay a bit longer—I have something else to discuss.”
“Okay.”
Wang Jing turned and left the office, closing the door behind her.
Now alone in the office, Tian Cheng gestured toward the sofa, signaling Ruan Yu to sit. She didn’t stand on ceremony. She had worked part-time in the publicity department all through her freshman year, helping Tian Cheng with all sorts of tasks. He knew how to make good use of her but also took care of her. Their relationship was a mix of mentor and friend, and they got along very well.
“Professor Tian, what else do you need?” Ruan Yu asked lightly.
“You’ve already ‘jumped ship’ from me—how could I still boss you around?” Tian Cheng chuckled.
“Come on, you know I’m not ungrateful. Don’t worry, no matter where I am, my phone is always on standby for you.”
“That mouth of yours—when you do speak, you sure know how to sweet-talk people.”
“Of course. After all, I plan to make a living with it someday.”
Tian Cheng’s smile deepened. After working with Ruan Yu for a year, he had long figured out her personality. Though she often appeared serious and mature, deep down, she was still a proud and stubborn girl.
“Professor Tian, so what’s this about?”
“Actually, it’s nothing.” Tian Cheng pulled an envelope from his drawer and handed it to her. “This is for you. Take it.”
The envelope was slightly open, revealing a stack of pink bills inside.
“Professor Tian…”
“Do you remember what I told you at the start of the semester?”
Ruan Yu lowered her head and stayed silent.
“You’re great in every way, except for this stubbornness. Didn’t I say that if you ever had trouble with tuition, you could come to me?”
“There’s no trouble anymore. I’ve already found a part-time job. I’m not far off from covering the tuition—once I get my paycheck, I’ll be able to make up the difference.” Ruan Yu pushed the envelope back. “Thank you, Professor Tian. I know you mean well, but I can’t take this money.”"It's not like I'm giving it to you for free. Take it for now, and you can pay me back when you're better off."
"No, that won't do. No matter what, I can't accept it."
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