Specialty: Jiang Xu's Pride

"That girl's stare is intense. Her eyes are so dark, they cut through you like a knife."

Wang Qing chuckled. "I guess she finds me annoying too."

"..." Ding Peng shot him a disdainful look.

Ever since that run-in with Liang Xiaoqing, Wang Qing had been thinking about her. Nothing improper, of course—he was single, she was single, so no harm in it. Wang Qing didn't have many female acquaintances; most of the women at school were already married. Thinking of the few who weren't, Liang Xiaoqing immediately came to mind.

He couldn't help it. Liang Xiaoqing was one of the prettiest at the school, the kind you couldn't miss at first glance. People are drawn to good looks, after all. He'd long noticed her, and that encounter had shown her to be easygoing. So he'd kept it in mind. At first, he figured she probably had plenty of suitors, and didn't give it much thought. It wasn't until Jin Xiao mentioned her that he learned the truth—she had no boyfriend.

Wang Qing thought it was a perfect match: they worked at the same school, could take care of each other. So he'd started getting closer to her. Now, he wanted Jin Xiao to deliver some things to her again. Nothing too special—just some local specialties from his hometown. Jin Xiao said, "If you mean it, go give them to her yourself. Why keep asking me? Xiaoqing probably thinks they're from me, so you're just letting me take the credit."

"..." At the end of the day, Wang Qing was still nervous. Last time, Liang Xiaoqing hadn't been particularly warm to him. He could tell she wasn't all that interested, though since they were acquainted, she hadn't been cold either. After mulling it over, he told Jin Xiao, "Alright, I'll deliver them myself another day."

He'd waited, but plans kept changing. He'd meant to go that Friday. After his classes, it was already five or six in the evening. He looked at the two bags under his desk and sighed. Ding Peng, grading exam papers beside him, heard him and said, "Someone like Teacher Liang isn't easy to find. You'd better seize your chance." He glanced at the goods.

"..." Wang Qing ran a hand through his hair, smoothed it down, straightened his clothes, and made up his mind to go anyway.

The teacher dormitories were in the same area, though in different buildings, but close by. Wang Qing knew it was a bit rude to show up at her place like this, but Ding Peng's words had given him a bit of courage.

At five or six, the afternoon sun hasn't lost its edge. Wang Qing had gone back to his room to change into a short-sleeved shirt, since teaching afternoon classes had him sweating. He looked fresher after the change. He carried the local specialties toward the women's dormitory, having asked around to find which floor Liang Xiaoqing was on.

The setting sun filtered through the pine trees, and the ground still radiated heat like a giant steamer. A gentle breeze brushed by, offering a hint of coolness. Wang Qing stood at the bottom, hesitating again.

—Click, click, click.

The rhythmic sound of high heels striking the pavement. Wang Qing turned, guilty. A very stylishly dressed woman was approaching—her hair permed in the latest curls, wearing a blue-and-white sleeveless dress, very fashionable, nothing like a country person. Even the female teachers at Shuiqing Middle School, few dressed so well.

Wang Qing recognized her. "Teacher Yang."

Yang Man had finished her classes today and didn't need to supervise evening study. Seeing Wang Qing standing ahead, she knew why he was there.

"Teacher Wang, here for Xiaoqing?"

Wang Qing was a bit embarrassed and didn't respond.

Yang Man smiled. "If you're here for Xiaoqing, you've picked the right time. She had few classes today, so she got back before me. If you want to see her, I'll lead the way." She glanced at the bags in his hands, then gave him another once-over, the smile staying on her face.

"Come on, come on."

Wang Qing didn't decline. He nodded and followed her upstairs.

Yang Man walked ahead. "Xiaoqing is on the fifth floor."

Wang Qing, being stout, was a bit out of breath as he climbed, but it actually helped his nerves. He admitted, "Yes, I'm bringing some specialties to Teacher Liang." He tried to cover up. "My mom made them herself. I can't finish them alone, so I'm sharing with colleagues."

Yang Man teased, "Oh? Then why don't you give me some?"

Wang Qing looked awkward. "..." He didn't take the bait and changed the subject.

When teachers got together, they talked mostly about student grades. Moving to familiar territory, Wang Qing felt more confident. After all, he was one of the few college graduates in Shuiqing Town. His teaching ability was excellent, and leadership had praised him. He had a bright future.

Yang Man thought the same. She knew why Wang Qing was here—just an excuse to see Xiaoqing. She genuinely liked Xiaoqing, like a younger sister. Wang Qing was a good match for her age, tall, honest, kind, with a good temper. Most importantly, he was a college graduate, and those were a rare treasure these days.

Considering everything, Yang Man thought it was a good fit. She was warm-hearted, so naturally she led Wang Qing to the door. "It's this room. Xiaoqing should be home. Just knock." After speaking, her gaze held a hint of significance. She gave him another look, then went into her own room, closing the door.

Inside, Liang Xiaoqing was cleaning as usual. Jiang Xu hadn't returned yet; she might be at Jiang Erya's again. It was hot, so she'd turned the ceiling fan to the highest setting, and it hummed loudly. She wore a black short-sleeved shirt and was tidying up the sofa. The afterglow filtered in through the window opposite her, dyeing the room gold. The floor mat had already been put away.

She walked barefoot on the floor, her shadow swaying with her movements. A book was tucked in the corner of the sofa—Jiang Xu's study materials. Liang Xiaoqing placed it on the coffee table and shook her head with a smile.

Since starting junior year, Jiang Xu's grades had stayed at the top, never slipping. Liang Xiaoqing sometimes thought it was because she'd raised her well, other times that Jiang Xu was naturally gifted, born to study, and she felt gratified. At least it proved her decision back then had been right.

She sat down, and the sunlight fell on her hair, turning it golden and glowing. She no longer worried about Jiang Xu's studies. She picked up the book from the coffee table and opened it—it was an exercise booklet. Every page had been filled, the handwriting neat and legible, with answers checked, and a high accuracy rate. The black ballpoint pen strokes glowed faintly in the light, and the rustle of pages turned in the air.

Liang Xiaoqing read quietly for a while, pages casting shadows on her face that vanished after a moment. She flipped through a few pages, then set the booklet back on the coffee table.

Unconsciously, her thoughts wandered again—with Jiang Xu's current grades, getting into the county high school was definitely achievable. The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became. She'd find some time to talk to Jiang Xu about it and make early plans.

With that thought, she felt reassured. Feeling sufficiently rested, she got up and continued working. The sunlight outside was a bit dimmer now, and Jiang Xu should be coming back soon.

In a little while, she'd start preparing dinner. Since Jiang Xu studied hard, she now made it a point to cook for her whenever she had free time, not just throw something together like before.

Jiang Xu was at an age where she was still growing.

She was becoming more of a mother hen. Liang Xiaoqing silently teased herself. Just then, a knock came at the door. Thinking it was Jiang Xu, she hurried to open it, a big smile on her face. "You're back, Xiao Xu. What did Jiang Erya talk to you about this time?"

Jiang Xu often chatted with Liang Xiaoqing, much more so than when she'd first arrived. Most of it was meaningless chatter, but if Jiang Xu was willing to talk, Liang Xiaoqing would listen. Sometimes Jiang Xu shared her worries, sometimes happy things, but most often, it was about Jiang Erya.

Jiang Erya's relationship with Jiang Xu had grown closer and closer. Whenever she had a problem, she'd talk to Jiang Xu, and when Jiang Xu came back, she'd roughly tell Liang Xiaoqing about it. Jiang Erya's mother didn't want her to continue her studies. Because of that, Liang Xiaoqing had even gone to Jiang Erya's house to talk to her mother. Thanks to her persuasion, Jiang Erya was at least able to continue school. But her mother said once she finished junior high, she'd have to stop.

Hearing that, Liang Xiaoqing had also sighed. Over the years, she'd lost some of her naivety. Some students she was willing to help with all her might, but others were beyond saving. If they didn't want to study themselves, no amount of effort would help. Fortunately, in recent years, Qing Middle had expanded, taking in more students. On the other hand, parents were also more willing to support their children's education.

Liang Xiaoqing had the will but not the means. She wanted all her students to have a good future, but the real effort had to come from themselves.

Back then, she'd thought she was invincible and could achieve anything.

In reality, just dealing with Jiang Xu was already a strain.

Thankfully, Jiang Xu was her pride and joy.

The smile on her face froze—outside stood a man sweating profusely from the heat.

Liang Xiaoqing felt slightly uneasy. "Teacher Wang? ..."

Wang Qing smiled and handed her the things in his hands. "Teacher Liang, I brought you some things. Hope you like them."

One doesn't slap a smiling face. Liang Xiaoqing was taken aback for a moment, then took the things. "You really trouble yourself. The things you had Teacher Jin give me last time haven't been finished yet, and now you bring more. You..."

Liang Xiaoqing felt uncomfortable, forcing the corners of her mouth up a bit more. She looked at Wang Qing, who scratched his head awkwardly, but there was a glimmer in his small eyes. "It's nothing. I still have plenty. I was worried it might not be to your taste."

"How could that be?" Liang Xiaoqing said.

Wang Qing said, "That's good."

It wouldn't do to keep someone standing outside, especially since sweat was already dripping down Wang Qing's face.

So Liang Xiaoqing had to let him in. "Teacher Wang, come in. Let me pour you a glass of water."

"...Uh." Wang Qing had been waiting for that. He came in, looked around the layout, and made small talk. "Your place is much cooler than mine. Where I live, the sun beats down when it comes out, and even with the fan on, it's still hot."

"Is that so?" Liang Xiaoqing handed over the water she'd poured. "My room faces away from the sun, so it's pretty cool."

Wang Qing took the glass with both hands. "Thanks."

Liang Xiaoqing gave a polite smile.

Wang Qing took a sip of water, sat down directly, and tried to make more conversation. She answered halfheartedly; her mind was clearly elsewhere. She was busy preparing dinner, so she didn't have much time to talk to him.

Wang Qing sat there, inevitably a bit awkward. He hadn't been there long before he was ready to leave. Liang Xiaoqing exchanged pleasantries, telling him to stay for dinner.

"No need, Teacher Liang. You go ahead with your work." With a wave, he went out.

After he came out and closed the door, he let out an almost inaudible sigh, stood at the doorway for a moment, then left.