Chapter 12: Not Seeking Advancement

The air in the room seemed to freeze instantly. Everyone’s eyes focused on Shen Nanqing. She instinctively lowered her gaze, a trace of nervousness flashing across her face. Then she quickly stood at attention and responded loudly, “Reporting, I wrote it.”

Shen Nanqing couldn’t help but murmur to herself. In her past life, she had been through countless battles and experienced all kinds of large-scale events—she had seen all kinds of grand displays.

But the aura of the man before her was overwhelming. He radiated a commanding presence that was both imposing and dignified. Every movement he made was full of authority, unlike ordinary civilian officials—he seemed like a seasoned general who had commanded thousands of troops in battle.

She instinctively clenched the corner of her clothes slightly, trying to keep calm.

Deputy Director Zhong raised his eyebrows slightly, a faint, almost imperceptible look of approval flickering in his eyes. He stepped closer to Shen Nanqing and continued, “The creative process must not have been easy. Tell me about your inspiration.”

She was very familiar with these two dance dramas, having performed them countless times before.

One was centered on the painful history of Jinling City, calling on everyone to remember history and pray for peace.

The other conveyed the enduring spirit of the nation.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she raised her head, met Deputy Director Zhong’s gaze with determination, and began to explain clearly and coherently. Her voice was crisp and strong, breaking the quiet in the office.

In truth, Deputy Director Zhong had been skeptical about Shen Nanqing at first. She was so young, and given her life experience, she clearly didn’t seem to match the depth required for those two dramas. But after hearing her explanation, he realized his own prejudices.

Unconcealed admiration shone in his eyes as a rare smile appeared on his face. He gently patted Shen Nanqing’s shoulder and said with some expectation, “Young comrade, you have ideas and talent. Our General Political Department needs people like you. Would you like to develop your career there with me?”

This question was not unexpected to Shen Nanqing. She feigned surprise, thought for a moment, then lifted her head firmly and replied sincerely, “Leader, thank you very much for your appreciation, but I’m reluctant to leave the current troupe. Here I have comrades who have struggled alongside me. I want to stay and continue contributing to our grassroots cultural work.”

No sooner had she finished speaking than Song Huaizhi furrowed her brows tightly, beads of sweat appearing on her forehead. Her eyes were full of worry, and she couldn’t help but urge her to reconsider.

Her tone was urgent and earnest: “Nanqing, you really need to think this through! The General Political Department is a place many dream of. It’s a bigger stage where your talent can be fully showcased and where you’ll have greater opportunities for development. This isn’t a small matter—think about it carefully.”

As she spoke, Song Huaizhi gently tugged Shen Nanqing’s arm, as if hoping this small gesture would persuade her to change her mind.

Facing Song Huaizhi’s expectant gaze, Shen Nanqing felt a mixture of emotions.

Biting her lip, she resolutely said again, “I still want to stay.”

Song Huaizhi sighed softly and patted her shoulder. “If you’ve thought it through, I respect your choice.”

Deputy Director Zhong, watching the scene from the side, showed a flicker of surprise in his eyes but soon returned to his usual composure. He nodded slightly and smiled, “Good. Having your own ideas means you’re a good comrade. No matter where you are, you have to do your best!”

In fact, Shen Nanqing’s refusal to transfer to the General Political Department was a carefully considered decision.

Putting aside the saying that “the taller the tree, the more the wind will break it,” others had joined the department through selection. If she were parachuted in directly, it would surely give others something to talk about.

Secondly, the General Political Department’s stage is indeed bigger, but the chance of running into trouble there is also much higher. She can choreograph and compose, but having been shaped by the ideological environment and living in this era, many things just don’t quite fit with her. This is a turbulent time, with tension all around—one small slip-up and it’s over for her. So she decided it was better to keep her head down and stay safe.

To be honest, she wasn’t seeking advancement at all. She just wanted to keep a low profile and take it easy. Honors and career achievements—she had already chased those in her past life. Life is unpredictable; it’s better to enjoy the moment.

The setting sun cast a warm orange veil over the sky. The outlines of the red-brick houses softened in the twilight. Smoke drifted gently from the chimneys, blending into the deepening dusk. The air was filled with the aroma of cooking, giving the residential compound a lively, homely atmosphere.

At the entrance to the residential compound hung a prominent signboard with the bold words “Machinery Factory Residential Compound,” written in strong, forceful characters—clearly the work of Shen’s father.

Shen Nanqing stood at the gate, hesitating to enter. Perhaps she was nervous about returning home; she still didn’t know how to face everyone in the Shen family.

“Ah, Qingqing’s back!” a sharp female voice called out.

Shen Nanqing’s heart tightened. Even without looking, she knew it was Li Haoxuan’s mother, Li Yanhong.

Reluctantly, she turned around to face her. Li Yanhong’s naturally narrow eyes squinted slightly, like thin slits, flashing a sly light. Her thin lips stretched into a seemingly warm smile, but it was actually full of calculation.

While calling out, Li Yanhong hurried forward with quick steps.

“Why didn’t you come back with Xiaoxuan?” Li Yanhong came close and scanned Shen Nanqing up and down. Before Shen Nanqing could answer, she went on: “Qingqing, the deputy director of our factory is about to retire due to illness. Your uncle has worked so hard for years—it’s time to see some progress. This time, you’ve got to say a few good words for him in front of your dad.”

As she spoke, she suddenly grabbed Shen Nanqing’s hand firmly with a “snap.” Her hand was sticky with sweat, making Shen Nanqing feel a bit disgusted.

Shen Nanqing pulled her hand away, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face, and replied coldly, “Aunt Li, I’m usually quite busy with work. Although I work in the same troupe as Li Haoxuan, we’re not close—I don’t even know if he’s coming back. As for Uncle Li’s work, I know nothing about it. The factory will surely make the right arrangements.”

Li Yanhong was momentarily stunned by this. Usually, as soon as she spoke, this girl would obey. Now she realized the girl had deliberately distanced herself from her son, and the answer became clear.

“Be honest with Auntie. Has Xiaoxuan bullied you? Don’t be angry. When he comes back, I’ll definitely give him a good scolding.”

As if unaware of Shen Nanqing’s coldness, Li Yanhong kept babbling on, “You two have been inseparable since childhood. You’re both grown up now—it’s time to think about marriage.”

You can’t wake someone who’s pretending to sleep.

Shen Nanqing raised her voice, “Aunt Li, haven’t you heard? Li Haoxuan is already seeing someone. Soon you’ll be happily drinking tea with a daughter-in-law. What Li Haoxuan and I had was just childhood stuff. Don’t bring it up anymore—if the girl hears it, it won’t look good.”

At that moment, many people were entering the gate. Since they all lived in the same compound, everyone knew each other. Shen Nanqing deliberately said this to save Li Yanhong from constantly bringing up their childhood closeness and ruining her reputation.

After speaking, Shen Nanqing turned and quickly walked into the residential compound, leaving Li Yanhong standing there dumbfounded.

The smile on Li Yanhong’s face froze instantly, replaced by full resentment. After a moment, she muttered softly, “That brat’s up to some nonsense again—he can’t even handle a little girl.”