Chapter 68: Each Has Their Own Strengths

The school bell rang for class, and Professor Ding glanced at his wristwatch, hurriedly saying, "That's all for now, Comrade Zhong. There's nothing much for me to do here, so you don't need to come by every day."

"Is that alright?" Not having to come every day was certainly preferable.

"We don't come here daily unless there's something important. If you need anything, just let me know; and if there's anything urgent on my end, I'll inform you right away." Professor Ding nodded slightly. "Comrade Zhong, I truly must be going. Don't let me hold you up."

Professor Ding left in a rush. Zhong Yuxiu lingered in the office for a while, finding there was indeed nothing to do. Worried that Class Leader Luo might come looking for her, she didn't leave immediately, instead picking up a book related to computers. Professor Ding often read such books; it was only natural for a few to be in the office, and she could use them to pass the time.

Though these books were quite basic for her, what she lacked most were theoretical concepts relevant to this era.

To her, every book was a good book—it depended on whether she could find enjoyment within it. Reading a book meant not only reading but also learning to search for its meaning, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses, discerning the depth of its insights.

As noon approached, Professor Ding had not returned, nor had the person she was waiting for arrived. Returning the book to its place, she stepped out of the office and closed the door, preparing to head home.

"Assistant Zhong, please wait."

Turning toward the voice, Zhong Yuxiu saw Class Leader Luo and Committee Member Xi approaching briskly. Only when they reached her did she speak.

"You've come at just the right time. Is the first draft finished?"

Luo took a breath, steadying himself. "Yes, Assistant Zhong. Sorry, we just got out of class and are running late. This is the draft I wrote last night. Please advise."

"You two go have lunch in the dining hall. I'll review it, and you can come back for it after you eat." The school dining hall waited for no one; good food had to be snatched quickly.

"What about you?" Luo asked uncertainly.

Zhong Yuxiu smiled. "Don't worry about me; I have food waiting at home."

"Alright, but we're troubling you again."

"It's no trouble." She waved her hand, reopened the office, and walked straight in.

Luo and Xi exchanged a glance and hurried off; after eating, they would return quickly, not wanting Assistant Zhong to wait long.

Seated, Zhong Yuxiu read through the draft. The opening was standard; then came the summary of last term's learning, hopes for the future, expressions of gratitude toward the school, and goals for the coming semester. Finally, there was an exhortation to inspire classmates to pursue their own life ambitions, and the concluding sentence was particularly well-chosen.

Born human, cherish each step you take.

There was little need for major revisions; Zhong Yuxiu only suggested some changes to the phrasing. She had just finished when Professor Ding returned.

"Comrade Zhong, you haven't left yet?"

Zhong Yuxiu looked up and smiled. "I had something to do; I'll be leaving soon."

"What are you working on that you forgot to eat lunch?" Professor Ding veered toward her.

"It's Class Leader Luo's speech draft. He asked me for advice." She handed him the manuscript. "You happened to return, so please take a look as well. He did a good job—the writing is decent. I only made a few suggestions regarding phrasing; otherwise, I left it untouched. I think it's ready for use as a speech."

Professor Ding read it carefully, nodding repeatedly. "Not bad. Looks promising."

"Isn't it? The officers in our class are quite capable." Each had their strengths: Luo managed the overall affairs, the former vice leader assisted, Xi excelled academically and was cheerful, lively, and talkative, able to coordinate all sides.

"Yes." Professor Ding nodded. "Now that it's revised, you should hurry home for lunch."

"I'll leave once Class Leader Luo comes to collect the draft."

He returned the manuscript to her. "Alright, then wait a bit longer. I need to get home, so I won't keep you company."

"Wouldn't want you to go hungry."

"You!" Professor Ding feigned annoyance, tapped her a few times, put down his textbook, and finally left. As he stepped out, he nearly collided with Class Leader Luo. "Ah, Luo! Is that you?"

Luo apologized repeatedly. "Professor Ding, are you alright?"

"Just startled, nothing more. Your Assistant Zhong just finished revising your draft." With that, Professor Ding went downstairs.

Hearing the commotion, Zhong Yuxiu stepped out with the manuscript, closing the door behind her. She handed the draft to Luo. "I've made some minor changes and suggestions; how you revise it is up to you."

"Thank you, Assistant. I appreciate your help." He thanked her sincerely.

"Go eat now! You're still holding your lunch box." Luo had clearly rushed so she wouldn't have to wait.

Luo smiled sheepishly. "Thank you for your concern. You should head home for lunch, too."

Zhong Yuxiu smiled, nodded, bid farewell, and walked downstairs at a relaxed pace.

Behind her, Luo couldn't wait to examine the draft, comparing his original with Zhong Yuxiu's suggestions line by line. After thorough review, he found her advice effective; returning to his dorm, he forgot all about eating, sitting straight at his desk to revise the manuscript.

At the school gate.

Zhong Yuxiu had just stepped out when Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo noticed her, along with another who saw her at the same time.

"Yuxiu."

Yan Rushan jogged over and handed her an oil-paper package. "You must be hungry; have a snack first."

"Brother Yan." Zhong Yuxiu looked down, cradling the package in her hands. "Thank you."

Yan Rushan smiled gently, eyes lowered. "Come on, let's go home for lunch."

"Alright." She gazed at him for a moment, then nodded. "You should also rest. The circles under your eyes have appeared, and you look tired; you must not have slept well, probably from overwork."

Yan Rushan was a little surprised. He hadn't expected to be cared for so often today by the normally reserved girl. Joy and sweetness swept through his heart, his hand at his side trembled lightly. This feeling was almost addictive, making him laugh uncontrollably.

"Yes, I'll remember."

Zhong Yuxiu glanced at him sideways, unsure what he found so amusing.

The walk was silent. Yan Rushan's eyes remained fixed on Yuxiu, making her uncomfortable; his gaze was so intense, it seemed capable of burning her, leaving her flustered.

Once inside the courtyard, the man beside her restrained his outward emotions a bit, and Zhong Yuxiu finally relaxed.

Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo hurried to catch up, opening the door as the pair reached the small building. The group entered in succession; Gou Dan, hearing the commotion, came out of the kitchen with bowl and chopsticks in hand.

Hao Nan, quick-eyed, went to help. "Let me, Tian Shangguo, come carry the dishes. After lunch, Comrade Zhong can rest."

"Coming."

The two helped Gou Dan set the food on the table. Zhong Yuxiu and Yan Rushan washed their hands in the bathroom, and the four gathered around the table, eating with great appetite.

"This is delicious—is it beef?" Hao Nan tasted a piece of stewed beef, his eyes lighting up.

Zhong Yuxiu nodded. "It is beef, but it's been cured, so it lacks the freshness of raw beef; yet it has a unique flavor all its own." Most importantly, it wasn't at all gamey.

"Gou Dan's cooking is the best."

After showering Gou Dan with praise, Hao Nan continued eating meat with a smile.

After the meal, Yan Rushan took his leave. The remaining three washed up and returned to their rooms for an afternoon nap.