Chapter 2431 - 1536: Old Min
Chapter 2431 - 1536: Old Min
"Of course. I’m taller than Old Min now."
Old Min was speechless, smiling and scolding, "That’s because you’re wearing high heels, adding at least seven or eight centimeters, right?"
"Not seven or eight centimeters. Just five or six."
"Where are we eating?"
By the Maserati, Fang Qing stopped and asked Jiang Chen. No wonder Old Min liked her; she was so considerate, quickly resolving the awkward situation for her mentor.
Old Min’s eyes were naturally drawn to the dazzling luxury car worth millions, and tentatively asked, "Whose car is this?"
"It’s Fang Qing’s."
Tong Dan answered matter-of-factly, "Old Min, didn’t I tell you? Fang Qing is a successful lawyer now, and she earns quite a lot."
Although he had anticipated it, Old Min still couldn’t help but show a slight change in expression.
It’s true that being a lawyer is a high-paying profession, but like doctors, you need to climb the ranks.
Being able to afford such a good car indicates how strong her capabilities are.
Could it be that his knowledge is still limited?
"Fang Qing, it seems I underestimated you."
Looking at the rare luxury sports car in Sha City, Old Min clicked his tongue.
"This car..."
Qing Gege, naturally an honest person, wanted to explain it was a gift, but was interrupted.
"Let’s go to that place."
Jiang Chen spoke up.
Everyone followed his gaze across the street.
"There?"
Tong Dan confirmed unexpectedly.
Are you kidding?
Having a feast to thank a mentor, even if not at a five-star hotel, should at least be at an upscale restaurant with a recognizable name.
What kind of place is that across the street?
It can hardly be called a restaurant; it’s just a small shop, slightly better than a roadside fried rice stall, typically run by a couple or even a single person renting a small storefront, catering specially to students, no different from the fried rice shops from their school days.
Back then, fried rice cost five yuan a bowl; who knows what the price is now.
Indeed.
Where there’s demand, there’s business.
Students at Sha City High still need to eat dinner before evening study sessions.
One could say each generation has their own "five-yuan diner."
"Hmm, it’s not too far, so it’s convenient for Old Min."
Someone seriously explained their consideration, showing extreme thoughtfulness.
Tong Dan had a peculiar expression, wanting to speak but held back.
Old Min’s expression was equally complex. Although he had just suggested a simple meal was fine, come on, this is a bit too casual!
"This kind of place probably doesn’t suit Old Min’s taste..." Tong Dan said gently.
"What does Old Min think?"
Jiang Chen sought his opinion.
Faced with his gaze, Old Min was at a loss for words.
This kid.
How infuriating!
He speaks so nicely, but always ready to plan against him.
But what can he do?
As a teacher, having previously shown a noble demeanor, could he now backtrack and be picky?
"Alright, let’s go there. It’s the same wherever we eat. Students don’t have much time in the evenings, so they eat nearby; today, I’ll try what these shops offer. Let’s go, Jiang Chen."
When calling Jiang Chen, he emphasized his tone, and with that, Old Min forced a smile and led the way across the street.
If one were to rewind the clock to a few years back, someone would have to write several reviews in the political education office.
"You really have a way."
Tong Dan mumbled while walking past Jiang Chen, following Old Min.
"You endured so much, not saying a word, playing the unsung hero?"
Fang Qing watched the two crossing the street and finally found the chance to speak.
"Endured? It’s clearly an honor."
Jiang Chen chuckled, unconcerned, "Your identity is given by yourself. Want to know what I said to our class?"
"I said the director of the political education office and I became sworn brothers, so I got invited to the office for tea every now and then."
Fang Qing fell silent.
With someone like this.
How could he not be successful?
She said nothing more and walked across the street.
Jiang Chen followed leisurely.
"Fried pepper intestines, shredded meat with dried tofu, sundried bream fish..."
Staring at the dusty menu on the wall, Tong Dan finally managed to pick out a few dishes.
Since the main customers are students, the menu here isn’t extensive, focusing on being affordable and tasty.
"That’s enough, that’s enough. It’s lunchtime; can’t eat too much, don’t waste."
No wonder he works in ideological and political education, so adaptable and aware, after crossing the street, Old Min switched mindsets.
"Please sit, everyone. There’s a private room inside."
On a rest day, with not a single customer around, seeing guests coming in, the shop owner who juggled multiple roles warmly invited them to the private room.
Rather than a private room, it’s more of a makeshift compartment, small and cramped, with greasy tables and chairs, and even some storage boxes piled up. Fortunately, there are only four people, otherwise, it might not fit.
Hastily done.
Really too hastily done.
Upon entering, it felt even more inappropriate as a place to host.
Don’t underestimate the importance of teachers; as the director of the political education office, Old Min is quite an official, particularly in a key high school like Sha City High, holding educational resources and undoubtedly a desirable acquaintance for many parents.
Of course.
Old Min might not be that kind of person. After all, his salary and benefits aren’t bad, and in Sha City, he certainly belongs to the elite class, but there’s no doubt, if he has participated in gatherings before, this would definitely be the most impoverished one he’s attended.
"Old Min, have some water."
Tong Dan respected her teacher, promptly pouring him tea.
Old Min’s demeanor, true to his identity as a role model, even if the environment was too simple, didn’t show disdain or displeasure. Whatever he was thinking, he didn’t let it show; instead, he took out a tissue, wiped the table, and joked in self-mockery, "Here, we probably won’t find any pre-made dishes, haha."
Being in the leadership role does make a difference.
That mindset makes him stand out, worthy of admiration.
"Though the place might not seem ideal, the taste is actually decent; I’ve tried it before."
Tong Dan covered for Jiang Chen.
One matter is separate from another.
No matter how much they joke around privately and poke at each other, in formal situations, like when outsiders are present, she gives Boss Jiang face.
That’s the rule of conduct, the wisdom of social interaction.
Though familiar.
But if one doesn’t recognize occasions and lacks discretion, any relationship could break down.
"Eating, the taste is secondary; the key is who you’re eating with. Sitting with you today, I’m really happy, truly happy."
Speaking, Old Min took out his phone, calling to Jiang Chen, "Jiang Chen, come, take a picture of us."
See.
Here’s creating a counterattack opportunity.
As he directed Jiang Chen, Old Min signaled the two students to move closer, clearly excluding Jiang Chen, treating him as a free laborer.
Tong Dan and Fang Qing shifted their chairs.
Jiang Chen didn’t complain, but while taking the phone from him, he murmured.
"This is the latest folding screen phone, right? Not cheap."
Old Min glared.
"I spent one or two months’ wages on this, all for supporting domestic products. China must be strong!"
Jiang Chen nodded, ceased the chatter, and obediently picked up the phone.
"Say cheese."
"Click."
Time layers in the sound of the shutter.
Responsible, he took a group photo for the teacher and students, reunited after a long absence, and handed the phone back.
"Nice, very well taken."
Old Min looked at the photo on his phone and praised, "You’ve definitely taken quite a few photos for Fang Qing."
Trying to be clever again.
No one explained.
Because it seemed unnecessary to explain.
An explanation would only increase the awkwardness.
"Yeah, nowadays if a guy can’t take photos, where would he find a girlfriend? I’m Fang Qing’s personal photographer."
Jiang Chen said with a smile, having already performed once at his aunt’s house, doing it again blended seamlessly, and he could swiftly get into character.
Old Min raised his head, unconsciously putting down his phone, feeling slightly off listening to his tone of speaking.
And then he thought about the million-dollar car parked outside the school, grabbing attention, as well as Fang Qing’s excellent career.
He started to wonder.
Could this kid possibly be living off Fang Qing?
stjorthotic