Chapter 43

Lu Weiguo suddenly turned to look at Shi Tingyu, and the shock in his eyes was impossible to ignore.

Although she had never said she liked him, every action of hers made him feel that she was important to him.

That soldier’s painting was truly shocking; whoever saw it couldn’t help but praise its bravery.

But this person was him!

Was this how she saw him in her mind?

In an instant, Lu Weiguo felt as if something was swelling in his chest.

Seeing the unmistakable emotion in his eyes, even in his fierce expression, Shi Tingyu suddenly felt a little embarrassed.

She looked away, coughed lightly, and said, “Alright, let’s go back.”

Lu Weiguo nodded, helped her tidy up the area, and headed home.

His legs were long, and one of his strides equaled two of Shi Tingyu’s.

Seeing her walking slowly, Lu Weiguo reached back with his long arm and accurately took hold of Shi Tingyu’s hand.

Although he continued walking ahead, his pace slowed considerably.

Being led by him, Shi Tingyu lagged behind.

She lifted her head to look at the back of his head. Regardless of his appearance, the shape of the back of his head was perfect, unlike many people nowadays who have flat heads from sleeping.

Feeling the warmth transmitted through their hands, Shi Tingyu wondered if he was nervous.

Despite his palms being slightly sweaty, he held her hand tightly, showing no signs of letting go.

On the day the mural was completed, whether it was the school’s teachers and students or the family members who often came to watch, everyone was amazed beyond measure.

Especially the dragon—it seemed alive.

At the corner of the courtyard wall, its claws were still visible.

The dragon’s head seemed to be detached from the wall, its eyes solemn and imposing.

On closer inspection, one would see the sun rising and the rivers clearing in the dragon’s eyes.

Just the dragon’s eyes alone took a lot of Shi Tingyu’s effort.

Everyone says the eyes of the dragon are the finishing touch, highlighting their importance.

Principal Ren couldn’t stop smiling.

In his heart, everything was settled.

If this mural couldn’t stand out in the competition, he would reverse his name.

Accompanying them to watch the excitement was Director Liu from the Women’s Federation’s Propaganda Department.

She had heard about Battalion Commander Lu’s wife painting the mural for a long time but hadn’t come to see it.

This time, she heard too many people talking about it and couldn’t help but be curious.

At first glance, the overwhelming shock left her trembling.

Could a person really paint this?

No wonder Director Wu said the other party was a rare talent. This wasn’t just talent; this was clearly genius.

She glanced at Lu Wenchan, who was following beside her, and saw even greater disbelief in his eyes.

Seeing this, Director Liu also sighed.

She deeply regretted it.

She had only refused Director Wu’s recommendation because of a past unpleasant experience.

Although she later found out that Shi Tingyu was indeed quite capable, she didn’t feel the kind of indispensability towards her.

And the one who caused her the trouble back then was Lu Wenchan beside her.

Director Wu had also mentioned that the other party was a rare talent, a high school graduate who was competent in many aspects. As a result, the articles weren’t good enough, and neither were the paintings.

This had resulted in the other party only being able to do basic tasks now, which was really of no help.

So when Director Wu said Shi Tingyu was also a rare talent, she felt very impatient.

Last time, it was the sister of the Third Battalion’s instructor, and this time, it was the wife of the First Battalion’s commander. Wasn’t this just disregarding them in the Women’s Federation?

Who knew that this time, she had really misjudged the situation.

When Shi Tingyu was talking to Principal Ren nearby, Director Liu stared intently, and when their conversation paused, she hurried forward.

“You must be Comrade Shi. I’m Director Liu from the Women’s Federation’s Propaganda Department.”

Director Liu stopped Shi Tingyu and reached out her hand. Shi Tingyu, surprised, shook hands with her and said, “Hello.”

Director Liu smiled and began with compliments, “Seeing you in person is truly a delight. Comrade Shi’s talent is remarkable.”

“The painting is so well done, it looks just like the real thing, really broadening my horizons.”

“Comrade Shi’s talents are wasted just being a teacher.”

Principal Ren, listening in, began to feel something wasn’t right.

“I say, Director Liu, are you here to poach people?”

Director Liu had an expression of confusion, “Hey, can’t say it like that. Everyone works hard in their positions for the modernization of the country, right? Talents are like versatile bricks, wherever needed, we move them, and everyone’s hearts are positive.”

Principal Ren: “I don’t believe a word you say!”

Words were grand, but they meant what they meant.

Lu Wenchan, seeing his usually unfriendly leader being so friendly to Shi Tingyu, felt a rising panic about losing her job.

“Well, sorry about that, Director Liu. The children in the school are the flowers of the motherland and the future of the country. Teacher Shi is so outstanding; she already has a heavy burden.”

Principal Ren said, “Take this mural, for instance; only Teacher Shi could have taken the lead. We can’t do without her at our school.”

Director Liu barely managed a smile through gritted teeth.

“Just talking isn’t enough. We need to see what Comrade Shi thinks. Women’s rights must be protected, and we can’t ignore the wishes of these military wives.”

Seeing Director Liu so eager for talent, Principal Ren couldn’t guarantee that Shi Tingyu would choose their school.

No matter how much he loved the children, he couldn’t deny that there were petty matters at school, and the office of the Propaganda Department was certainly more comfortable.

Lu Wenchan heard this and felt her heart rise.

At the full moon feast, she had just said that Shi Tingyu couldn’t join their propaganda office. Now Director Liu was lowering herself to invite Shi Tingyu. If she really entered the propaganda office, where would she put her face?

Shi Tingyu glanced at Lu Wenchan and then thanked Director Liu.

“Thank you, Director Liu, for your kind words. But right now, I really can’t bear to leave the children at school.”

Director Liu’s disappointment was almost written on her face.

“This matter isn’t urgent, Comrade Shi. Think it over carefully, and the doors of our Propaganda Department will always be open to you.”

As for whether the job was easy or not, the Propaganda Department was certainly easier. Just Lu Wenchan alone was enough for her to refuse.

As a mild social phobia sufferer, she felt the school environment was more peaceful.

Shi Tingyu’s subtle glance didn’t escape Director Liu’s notice.

On the way back, she asked Lu Wenchan beside her, “Do you know Comrade Shi?”

Lu Wenchan’s heart skipped a beat.

It was one thing to envy the cultural troupe, but now there was no one from the cultural troupe to recruit, and she didn’t want to lose her job in the propaganda office.

She said, “I do know her, Director Liu. My brother is acquainted with Comrade Shi’s spouse. We had dinner together at my nephew’s full moon.”

Director Liu gave her a skeptical look. She often mediated conflicts and was familiar with women’s little tricks. She didn’t think Shi Tingyu’s glance at Lu Wenchan meant they were close.

But one thing was certain: Battalion Commander Lu and Instructor Lu’s relationship was probably not bad.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have invited their spouses to dinner, and it wasn’t popular to bring your family and children.

“Since you know Comrade Shi, you should learn from her more often. It’s not just about your writing skills; you should improve your painting techniques. You’ve been here for a few months now, but look at the work you’ve taken on; which of them can you complete independently? If this continues, you’ll be eliminated sooner or later.”

Lu Wenchan lowered her head, feeling a wave of humiliation, but she had to say, “Yes, Director. I’ll work harder in the future.”