Chapter 84: Rejection

How could Shen Sangyu not tell whether Zhuang Xiuhong would be successful in a translation job or not?

She had a good relationship with Mao Jie, and if she were to introduce someone to him, Mao Jie would certainly agree.

However, Zhuang Xiuhong only knew some English, and it was not enough for her to work as a translator; she couldn’t even grasp the basics.

When Shen Sangyu spoke a few sentences in English, no one in the room could understand her.

Zhuang Xiuhong was taken aback when she heard Shen Sangyu’s spoken English for the first time.

The English teacher she had before spoke with a strong rural accent, and upon listening to tapes, she had found Shen Sangyu’s English to be much better, more authentic.

Shen Sangyu didn’t speak quickly, but even then, Zhuang Xiuhong couldn’t comprehend what she was saying, causing her face to flush with embarrassment.

She couldn’t understand why Shen Sangyu would want to put her in such an uncomfortable position in front of others.

Even worse, her mother touched her shoulder and asked, “Girl, what did your sister-in-law say?”

Zhuang Xiuhong gritted her teeth, unwilling to admit that she hadn’t understood Shen Sangyu.

Zhuang’s mother was puzzled, not understanding why her daughter suddenly fell silent.

“Sangyu said that if you are determined, she can recommend you, but whether you can secure the position depends on you.” Wen Qingchuan paused and looked at Shen Sangyu, who nodded in agreement.

Wen Qingchuan continued, “Sangyu also said that if you want to earn more money, you need to rely on your own efforts. Others can provide opportunities, but whether you can succeed depends on yourself.”

Shen Sangyu was a bit surprised that Wen Qingchuan understood everything, and her eyes filled with encouragement: “Qingchuan, your translation is good.”

Zhuang’s mother looked at Wen Qingchuan in disbelief: “Qingchuan, you can speak it too?!!”

In this era, knowing a foreign language and having a high school degree could lead to a comfortable life.

But Wen Qingchuan was different. Everyone knew he only graduated from elementary school. It was impressive enough that he could recognize words; now he could even understand English.

Wen Qingchuan seemed oblivious to the astonished gazes: “I don’t speak it very well. I can roughly understand when it’s spoken slowly. My English was taught by Sangyu. In a real conversation, the speed is usually faster.”

Shen Sangyu recognized that she was giving Zhuang Xiuhong a chance. Knowing that Zhuang Xiuhong’s English was not very strong, she felt it would be acceptable to at least give her an opportunity.

However, Zhuang Xiuhong’s reaction clearly indicated she didn’t understand at all.

Shen Sangyu felt unsure, but Wen Qingchuan wasn’t afraid: “Sister-in-law, I’m afraid Sang Yu can’t introduce you to a translation agency, but you can look for one yourself next year.”

Zhuang Xiuhong appeared anxious, but she couldn’t express anger.

In this regard, she was calmer than the Wen family; lacking confidence, she couldn’t afford to lose face.

It was Zhuang’s mother who realized it later: “So Xiuhong can’t go to the translation agency? My daughter is very capable. Not only can she translate books, she can even be a translator…”

“Mom!” Zhuang Xiuhong interrupted her mother, her face flushed.

Zhuang Xiuhong lowered her voice and said, “Sister-in-law is right. I can’t do this job for the time being.”

Following that, Zhuang Xiuhong turned to Shen Sangyu and said, “Don’t worry, sister-in-law, I will work hard in the remaining months. I hope you can give me another chance then.”

Shen Sangyu felt she couldn’t refuse again, so she nodded.

But she knew it was unlikely for Zhuang Xiuhong to work in a translation agency.

Translation requires extensive knowledge.

Although Mao Jie’s translation agency only had a few employees, they were mostly married women, and their families were at least educated.

Even if Zhuang Xiuhong was well-regarded in the city, there were always people out there who were better, and when she came to Sijiucheng, where talent was abundant, she would be easily overshadowed.

Shen Sangyu genuinely felt that Zhuang Xiuhong shouldn’t pursue her career in Sijiucheng, but she refrained from saying so, knowing it would upset people.

The meal was lacking in enjoyment.

Zhuang’s father wanted to keep Wen Qingchuan engaged in conversation, but Wen Qingchuan was typically reserved around strangers, so he declined directly.

The journey home would take them three hours on foot, and an hour by bicycle.

When leaving the restaurant, Zhuang Xiuhong saw the bicycle borrowed by Wen Qingchuan and felt her mood darken.

At the end of the previous year, she had asked Wen Chao to find a way to buy her a bicycle.

Given how often she and Wen Chao had to make the long trek back, she couldn’t bear the three-hour journey each way.

She had been promised a bicycle, and even Li Shuhua had gone to Sijiucheng, but instead, she returned with a bunch of clothes.

The clothes were nice, and Li Shuhua had given her many, but seeing Shen Sangyu riding comfortably on the back of Wen Qingchuan’s bicycle made her feel envious once again.

After Shen Sangyu left, Zhuang Xiuhong looked upset, and Wen Chao quickly noticed.

He liked Zhuang Xiuhong very much and wanted to give her the best of everything.

Seeing her unhappy, he hurriedly asked, “What’s wrong?”

“What else could it be!” Zhuang Xiuhong snapped, “Your family promised to buy me a bicycle before where is it?”

Wen Chao frowned: “Xiuhong, you know our family’s situation. We’ve bought all the big things, but we just don’t have the bicycle ticket. My mother used her connections to find one for a long time but couldn’t get it. Can’t you wait a bit longer?”

Zhuang Xiuhong sneered internally.

She could only make demands now. Would she still be able to be so demanding after marriage?

“I don’t care. I told you before that I want a bicycle. Do you know how exhausted I feel every time I walk to your house?

And seeing my sister-in-law with a bicycle makes me so envious. If Wen Qingchuan can borrow a bike, why can’t you get one for me?”

Wen Chao replied, “My brother borrowed that bicycle from the village chief. It’s only temporary, and it will be returned soon.”

Zhuang Xiuhong insisted, “I want it. I must have a bicycle before getting married. I won’t marry without one!”

Wen Chao was taken aback, then started to try to placate her.

However, Shen Sangyu’s earlier display of riding the bicycle had really struck a nerve, and she was adamant about wanting one.

Wen Chao, who was quite fond of Zhuang Xiuhong, felt a surge of frustration. He thought to himself that he needed to do something to support her.

After some thought, he promised: “Xiuhong, don’t worry. I’ll definitely support you. Before we get married, I will make sure my mother gets you a bicycle!”