NOVPUB
Chapter 120: Chapter 120 Si Chen Comes Forward
In the morning, after snatching Tong Yao’s business, she quickly invited her husband over by noon. Could it be she planned to undermine in secret?
The more He Fang thought about it, the less composed she became. She had a hunch that Tong Yao was up to no good, taking her husband to school. Tong Yao’s husband was a doctor, someone with a bit of status. If the school principal decided to save face, she no doubt would be out of business.
He Fang had no influential relatives, and all she could do was wait nervously outside the door, perhaps she was overthinking.
This was her first time entering the school, and Tong Yao felt lost, not knowing where to go. Si Chen was tall and took large strides, and Tong Yao constantly lagged half a step behind him. Unknowingly, he led her to the principal’s office. The door was open and the principal was sitting in his chair, engrossed in the notices sent by the Education Bureau, so much so that he didn’t notice their presence.
"This is Principal Zeng. I am going to knock on his door now. Once we’re inside, remember to relay exactly what I told you earlier. We must convince the principal to rent us the storefront. Agree to whatever demands as long as we can meet them. Anyway, we need to show thick skin..." Tong Yao nudged Si Chen with her elbow, and quietly repeated her previous words. But she was startled by his sudden knock on the door. She quickly shut up and grinned at the principal who turned to look at them.
She bowed gently, "Hello, Principal Zeng."
Seeing Tong Yao, Principal Zeng frowned. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly noticed Si Chen standing behind Tong Yao and his eyes lit up.
"Principal Zeng." Si Chen’s tone was as always-- indifferent yet respectful.
"Come in, come in." Principal Zeng’s attitude made a complete 180-degree turn. He directly ignored Tong Yao and invited Si Chen into his office.
"..."
Tong Yao was slightly taken aback by Principal Zeng’s inconsistent attitude. She walked in subconsciously following Si Chen. The conversation that followed left Tong Yao thoroughly perturbed.
"Many years have passed in the blink of an eye. I heard some time ago that you were working as a Surgeon at the First People’s Hospital. I thought I’d come to visit you sometime. We have many students who have graduated from our school, but only a few are doctors. Keep up the good work, I’m sure you have a bright future ahead." Principal Zeng was beaming as he looked at Si Chen.
While he was studying, Si Chen was his favorite student. Intelligent, good at studies yet unpretentious, he knew at that time that Si Chen would surely achieve excellent results in the future.
Si Chen did not let him down and got admission to the Kyoto School of Medicine, securing the highest score in the city. Just when he thought that Si Chen, the shining star, would shine bright in Kyoto, he suddenly returned to the First People’s Hospital in Li City and became an unknown surgeon.
Although Principal Zeng was baffled by Si Chen’s decision, he felt that Si Chen must have other plans. Exceptional people shine wherever they go. Seeing Si Chen today, mature and no longer a student, he is more certain about his suspicions.
The First People’s Hospital in Li City is just a stepping stone for Si Chen. He is destined to rise high and shine brightly.
"I simply followed my heart and chose a career I love," Si Chen spoke humbly yet confidently with the Principal, leaving Tong Yao standing there agape.
Right!
How could she forget such an important thing! Si Chen was a top graduate from this school, he surely knew Principal Zeng. Judging by Principal Zeng’s attitude, he must have had a strong and positive impression of Si Chen in the past.
Thinking about it, no school could resist having outstanding students. Si Chen would be a shining star in every school he attended.
Si Chen was too excellent, his maturity was beyond his age, and it was hard for people to remember that he was once a student.
"Is this your younger sister?" Suddenly, Principal Zeng diverted the conversation to Tong Yao. Now as he looked at Tong Yao, his gaze seemed much kinder. To his knowledge, Si Chen had a younger sister and a younger brother. This must be Si Chen’s sister.
"I’m his wife," Tong Yao blinked, and responded crisely.
"..."
Principal Zeng was taken aback, there was astonishment in his eyes as he turned to Si Chen for verification, "Are you married?"
Si Chen nodded his head, calmly responded, "We’ve been married for a little over a month."
Hearing this, Principal Zeng scrutinized Tong Yao meticulously. He had initially thought of her as a young girl, but when he heard that she’s Si Chen’s wife, he observed her more closely. Tong Yao was lovely like a star, and physically seemed to be the perfect match for Si Chen.
However, she was just a young girl in terms of her age.
Si Chen had always been very mature during his school days. Principal Zeng thought he would marry a professional woman who would be beneficial to his career. He didn’t expect him to marry a young girl.
Strangely enough, despite their differing personalities, they seemed to be a perfect match, so flawless that one couldn’t find any imperfections.
Tong Yao felt a little ill at ease under Principal Zeng’s scrutinizing gaze. She knew he was assessing her from a strict teacher’s perspective, assessing whether she was good enough for Si Chen.
Realizing Tong Yao’s tense posture, Si Chen discreetly shifted his position so Tong Yao was behind him, "Principal, the reason I’m here today is to talk about renting the storefront at the school gate."
Seeing Si Chen’s protective gesture over his wife, Principal Zeng couldn’t help but laugh heartily. He hadn’t imagined that Si Chen, who was always reticent, would have such a side. He decided not to point it out and chortled, "I knew you were here for this when I saw both of you together."
Si Chen smiled faintly and admitted, "If she wants to do business, as her husband, it’s only right that I support her."
Principal Zeng’s smile deepened on hearing this and stated his stance, "I didn’t want to rent the storefront to her before because I was worried she might not be able to be responsible for the safety of food and drinks given her young age. Now that you’re involved, what is there for me to worry about?"
If he still had some doubts and refused to rent the place to her, after the student he had once taught and who was now a doctor stepped up, the storefront would probably remain vacant forever.
Hearing Principal Zeng’s consent, Tong Yao immediately popped her head out from behind Si Chen, bowed to Principal Zeng and sincerely said, "Thank you, Principal. Rest assured, I will always put the health of the students first and will never resort to making illicit money."
"It’s quite nice, the two of you, one a doctor and the other a businesswoman." Perhaps out of love for his students, Principal Zeng’s impression of Tong Yao improved, "Being a doctor is different from other occupations. As the spouse of a doctor, you should always consider his career in everything you do."
While he didn’t explicitly say it, Principal Zeng was hinting at Tong Yao not to let her business interfere with Si Chen’s career.
