Chapter 69 : Thin Lips Hint

With the first group of five people, it quickly came to Liang Qingqing’s turn. She took a deep breath, smiled and stepped forward to stand in the center of the room. Politely and confidently, she said, “Good morning, teachers. My name is Liang Qingqing.”

The interviewer sitting in the middle wrote down Liang Qingqing’s name on the paper and carefully looked her up and down. Since the five people had entered the room, not only she, but all the other interviewers had, to some extent, focused their attention on this young woman.

The reason was simple, her appearance was striking. She had a slender figure and delicate features, so beautiful that those standing next to her seemed like mere accessories.

Not only that, but her vocal quality was also exceptionally good. Her voice was clear and melodious, with accurate pronunciation and standard Mandarin. Just listening to her was a pleasure.

Considering both factors, there were no female announcers in the provincial broadcasting bureau who could match her. If her academic background were satisfactory, she could be well-trained and potentially sent to work in the capital city for more advanced positions…

Even if she couldn’t make it to the capital, other large cities would probably be eager to recruit her. At the very least, major military art troupes would need such talent. Staying in this small mountain village would indeed be a waste of her abilities.

Tian Fengchun made a few small dots on the paper with her pen and had already made a decision in her mind.

She hadn’t expected to encounter such a promising candidate during her assistance work. While she was pleased and excited to have found such a gem, the time spent dealing with various bizarre interviewees had left her feeling exhausted and dispirited. Now, she felt much relieved.

“Comrade Liang, hello. Please introduce yourself briefly,” Tian Fengchun said with a smile, trying to make her serious face appear more approachable.

When she spoke, the interviewers on either side looked at her in surprise. Everyone knew that this person from the provincial capital, apart from occasionally asking a question, had mostly been listening.

They thought she was just being lazy, coming in only to go through the motions. But when it came time to make a final decision, she could accurately point out the strengths and weaknesses of different candidates.

Now they realized she was simply worn out from hearing so many candidates, as the majority of applicants were only interested in the salary and benefits, with very few meeting the actual qualifications.

It was tough for the interviewers, who had to spend time dealing with these “extraordinary people” in addition to their regular duties, sifting through the sand to find those fit for the job.

The fact that Tian Fengchun actively questioned Liang Qingqing meant she was already on the shortlist.

With this in mind, the other interviewers also wrote Liang Qingqing’s name on their papers and listened carefully to her responses.

“My name is Liang Qingqing. I am 19 years old, from Daping Village in the Hongmiao Commune. I have a junior high school education. In my free time, I enjoy reading, learning new ideas, and writing reflections on what I’ve read…”

When it came to delivering this pre-written self-introduction, Liang Qingqing was able to do so without a hint of embarrassment or nervousness. She focused on points that leaders and elders would appreciate, mentioning interests and hobbies that were advantageous for the interview.

After she finished, the interviewers nodded in satisfaction. Only the previous candidates who had completed their interviews bit their lips in regret, feeling bitter. Being from the same village, they knew very well what Liang Qingqing was usually interested in. However, none of them had any evidence to prove she was lying or exaggerating.

How did Liang Qingqing manage to make her self-introduction so concise, hitting all the key points without a single word wasted? She conveyed her personal information clearly and directly, with no unnecessary details.

In contrast, they either gave long-winded speeches or were too brief, with no standout qualities.

If they had known, they might have done the same telling a few lies was not a big deal as long as no one could catch them, and the key was to win the interviewer’s favor like Liang Qingqing did.

No matter how regretful they were, time could not be reversed.

The interviewers took turns asking questions, and Liang Qingqing answered them all with ease. By the end, Tian Fengchun suddenly stood up, took out a notebook, and smiled more broadly, “Your Mandarin is quite good. Can you read this article aloud?”

The interviewer sitting next to Tian Fengchun instinctively leaned forward to take a look, and the next moment, his pupils contracted sharply. Instead of a prepared newspaper or book, Tian Fengchun was holding her own blank notebook.

“But Deputy Director Tian, you…” must have picked the wrong one.

Before he could finish, Tian Fengchun interrupted, shaking her head, “It’s this article.”

Realizing Tian Fengchun had her own plan, the interviewer closed his mouth, his gaze toward Liang Qingqing becoming even more profound. It seemed that the Hongmiao Commune might have a golden phoenix in its midst!

The only question was whether she could handle such immense fortune.

“Yes, I can,” Liang Qingqing responded.

Hearing the title used for Tian Fengchun, Liang Qingqing’s heart skipped a beat. She glanced at Tian Fengchun again. Deputy Director? She wondered which bureau or department Tian Fengchun was a deputy director of.

At the same time, she overheard their conversation and suppressed her curiosity. Liang Qingqing took a few steps forward and respectfully accepted the notebook from Tian Fengchun. Her eyes fell on the blank page, and she subtly furrowed her brow. The sudden flash of white in her mind told her it was a mistake. But then she realized it was a test.

Given the brief exchange earlier, Liang Qingqing was sure this was a spontaneous assessment. Passing it might lead to significant opportunities, but at the very least, securing the position of a broadcaster. Failing it would mean returning to where she started, with no additional consequences.

Taking a deep breath, Liang Qingqing recalled the many times she had read through the articles. She chose an article titled “Morning Sun,” which told the story of a female doctor who, during the war, remained resolute and made selfless contributions to her country and people. The writing was profound, with a compelling narrative, and was brief enough to read within a short time.

Liang Qingqing was familiar with this article. Although she couldn’t recite it word for word, she could paraphrase it well enough, adding some of her own commentary.

Facing Tian Fengchun’s unwavering gaze, Liang Qingqing slowly smiled and began reading aloud, articulating each word with the right amount of emotion. Her reading flowed like a clear, rushing stream, vividly presenting the purity and strength of the text. It felt as if one were transported back to the turbulent era, experiencing the brief yet brilliant life of an exemplary woman.

Tian Fengchun sat up straight, her eyes blinking rapidly, her breath quickening. She was surprised by Liang Qingqing’s excellent on-the-spot reaction and solid knowledge. Tian Fengchun had prepared for the possibility that Liang Qingqing might not meet her expectations and had planned to bring her back to the county for training if needed. However, Liang Qingqing’s performance exceeded her expectations.

As Liang Qingqing finished reading, Tian Fengchun was the first to stand up and lead the applause. The interviewer who was aware of the context also clapped immediately, and the other interviewers exchanged glances. Although they eventually joined in the applause, their faces still showed some confusion. Even though the young woman had performed exceptionally, perhaps the best among all the interviewees in recent days, the others were still trying to understand the full scope of her performance.

But wasn’t it a bit much for Tian Fengchun to be so excited? She came from the provincial capital,  she must have seen countless talented individuals.

Tian Fengchun’s next words left everyone astonished.

“Congratulations, Comrade Liang, you’ve been accepted,” Tian Fengchun declared, eager to take Liang Qingqing back to the county. She didn’t care about the formalities and announced the result directly.

“What?”

“Deputy Director Tian, this isn’t following the proper procedure.”

“Exactly! Why should Liang Qingqing be accepted?”

As several interviewers spoke up, a sharp female voice interrupted their conversation. Tian Fengchun’s explanation was cut off, and she cast a displeased look toward the source of the voice. It was Ding Aija, standing among the four people present.

As everyone turned to look, Ding Aija’s face flushed red, but it did not diminish the venom in her gaze toward Liang Qingqing. Her eyes were filled with resentment, bitterness, and confusion, twisting her features into a scowl.

At this moment, Ding Aija’s earlier comments felt like stinging slaps to her face, causing her great discomfort and pain.

She, a city person, was considered as good as a professional broadcaster from the radio.

When she first met Liang Qingqing, her Mandarin was good but not up to the current standard. Ding Aija had mocked her for wanting to become like a city person, ridiculing her efforts to improve her Mandarin, believing it couldn’t change the fact that she was essentially a rural person.

Could it be that Liang Qingqing had been secretly practicing hard during this time?

“Why?”

Tian Fengchun chuckled. In her many years of experience, she had seen all kinds of people. When she noticed Ding Aija’s intense gaze toward Liang Qingqing, she understood why Ding Aija made those comments. There must have been some conflict between them, though she wasn’t aware of the details.

But Tian Fengchun didn’t like Ding Aija’s disrespect toward a fellow candidate and her indiscriminate interruption of the conversation with the leadership.

“Well, then, Comrade Ding, what is your reason for not accepting Comrade Liang?”

Ding Aija wanted to come up with a hundred reasons to convince Tian Fengchun to remove Liang Qingqing from the list. However, after reflecting on Liang Qingqing’s impressive performance and her own inability to provide any valid argument, Ding Aija could only angrily shift the topic, saying, “Wasn’t it agreed that we’d wait until all interviews were completed before announcing the results? How can you accept Liang Qingqing early? Isn’t this unfair to the others who haven’t yet been interviewed?”

“Indeed, it is unfair,” Tian Fengchun continued, following Ding Aija’s lead.

Ding Aija immediately broke into a smile. This was perfect Liang Qingqing would surely be removed from the successful candidates list and could be replaced by someone better. Whether it was the outstanding Zhou Lilan or other knowledgeable youths and villagers…

As long as Liang Qingqing didn’t get accepted, Ding Aija would be satisfied! Given the reactions of the interviewers earlier, her chances of being accepted seemed very low. Since she herself couldn’t be chosen, she didn’t want Liang Qingqing to be selected either.

Seeing someone she disliked succeed and gain such an opportunity was more painful than being killed.

However, it wasn’t long before Ding Aija’s smile was replaced by shock-inducing words.

“Therefore, I’ve decided to admit Comrade Liang Qingqing as an intern announcer at the Provincial Broadcasting Bureau. This will not take up any of Daping Village’s announcer slots, so fairness is no longer an issue.”

Hearing the mention of the Provincial Broadcasting Bureau, Ding Aija clutched her chest, nearly fainting from the shock, while Liang Qingqing was also on the brink of fainting, though from astonishment.

Not just the two of them, but everyone present gasped in surprise.

Tian Fengchun maintained her calm smile, moved the chair behind her, and walked over to Liang Qingqing. She took back her notebook and displayed the blank pages to the crowd.

“I am very satisfied with this assessment. If any of you possess the same abilities as Comrade Liang Qingqing, feel free to recommend yourselves to me. I will not belittle any talent. However, if not, I do not wish anyone to question my judgment. I, Tian Fengchun, do not engage in favoritism or corruption.”

After speaking, Tian Fengchun’s cold gaze swept over everyone present, lingering a few extra seconds on Ding Aija. Seeing her lower her head and quiet down, Tian Fengchun finally shifted her gaze back to Liang Qingqing, who was still dazed, and gently said, “Comrade Liang, prepare well. We will see you at the County Broadcasting Bureau in five days.”

“Alright…”

Faced with the formidable presence of Tian Fengchun, Liang Qingqing swallowed nervously. My goodness, could this person be the Deputy Director of the Provincial Broadcasting Bureau? Otherwise, how could she have such authority to directly determine her intern status?

This enormous stroke of luck made Liang Qingqing feel as if she had been hit by a falling star. She was so dazed she didn’t even know how to leave, only regaining her senses when surrounded by others from her team.

“Qingqing, you’re amazing!”

“Don’t forget us when you get to the provincial capital.”

“If you have any connections, could you help us get a recommendation? We also want to work in the provincial capital.”

These people, who usually looked down on her for being a pretty face, were now fawning over her so quickly. Their usual pride and confidence as intellectual youths were nowhere to be seen.

But now, with nothing set in stone yet, flattery was futile. Even if she successfully transitioned to a formal position, how could a mere announcer like her have the power to get them all into the Provincial Broadcasting Bureau?

Wasn’t that just a pipe dream?

Before Liang Qingqing could respond, she was surrounded by even more people. Those waiting at the door for their interviews and results, having caught wind of the situation from snippets of conversation, crowded around to ask what had happened.

The rapid-fire explanations about what had happened quickly changed everyone’s perception of Liang Qingqing.

Jealousy, envy, admiration…

Indescribable emotions brewed in their hearts. At this moment, everyone unusually fell silent, each of them inevitably wondering why such good fortune hadn’t fallen upon them.

If only it had been their turn.

While they were lost in their thoughts, Liang Qingqing seized the opportunity and slipped away. She didn’t relax until she had reached the middle of her family members, taking a deep breath to calm herself. Her eyes caught a familiar figure walking hunched over toward the village on a nearby path.

It was Ding Aija! Given her apparent defeat and the scolding from the leadership, Ding Aija would probably be in a state of despair for a while.

That was fine every time she encountered Ding Aija, it meant trouble.

If Deputy Director Tian hadn’t intended to accept her into the Provincial Broadcasting Bureau, Ding Aija might have indeed sabotaged her chances.

Then, who would she turn to for comfort?

“Qingqing, what’s going on? Why is everyone crowding around you?” Ma Xiuzhi grabbed Liang Qingqing’s arm, asking anxiously. The others also gathered around, guessing and speculating, all expressing concern.

Their friends and relatives who hadn’t signed up had to wait outside the commune, unable to get close. They could only watch with their eyes, knowing when Liang Qingqing went in and came out but unsure of what had happened, which left them anxious. Now that she had finally returned, they naturally wanted to know the details.

Liang Qingqing picked up the child who was hugging her leg, holding her close.

When Liang Qingqing began speaking with a smile, everyone had guessed it was good news, but they hadn’t expected it to be such big news! She had come to interview for the village announcer position and ended up being selected as an intern at the Provincial Broadcasting Bureau?

Although it was an internship, the difference between a village and a provincial capital was clear.

“Oh my gosh, Qingqing, how did you become so amazing? I’m so happy for you,” Ma Xiuzhi said with tears in her eyes.

“We’re so proud of you!” Liang Xueyong added, wiping his own tears.

Ma Xiuzhi and Liang Xueyong, both moved, shared a smile. Who said raising a daughter was not as good as raising a son? Their daughter was so successful, not any less than a son!

This was the provincial capital, the farthest place they had ever been was the county city. They never imagined their daughter would have such an opportunity, not only going to the provincial capital but also working there.

Thinking about it, Ma Xiuzhi and Liang Xueyong’s hearts raced with excitement, but they also worried about whether their daughter would face difficulties in the provincial capital, whether she would adapt, and the lack of someone to support her…

Their worries made their brows furrow deeply.

“Now only your elder brother is left,” Wang Xiaomei, after feeling happy for Liang Qingqing, couldn’t help but worry about her husband. She clasped her hands tightly and kept glancing ahead, wishing she could fly over to see what was happening.

Not long after Liang Qingqing went in, Liang Shuqiang entered another interview room. He still hadn’t come out, which was really worrying.

“Big Brother will definitely do well in the interview,” Liang Qingqing thought. After learning that Su Jinchuan was also interviewing for the technician position, Liang Qingqing knew that the chances of Liang Shuqiang being selected had decreased a bit. After all, Su Jinchuan was the male lead in the book, and with the protagonist’s halo, he could overcome any difficulties and turn bad luck into good.

She just hoped that Liang Shuqiang could secure the other spot.

Wang Xiaomei nodded. She wasn’t concerned about the result anymore, she just wanted Liang Shuqiang to come out quickly.

Perhaps their anticipation worked, because about five minutes later, Liang Shuqiang walked out and headed straight toward the Liang family’s direction. He felt an unprecedented sense of relief, so much so that he didn’t even hear the congratulations from those around him.

His face was full of vitality, showing no sign of dejection, which eased the Liang family’s worries.

“This is the first time I’ve seen so many leaders. My legs nearly went weak from fear, but luckily, I managed to get through the interview without any issues,” Liang Shuqiang said, unusually talkative at this moment. He even held Wang Xiaomei’s arm with gratitude in his eyes. “Thanks to you, Xiaomei, for helping me practice these past few days. It must have been hard for you.”

“It was no trouble at all, just some talking practice,” Wang Xiaomei said. With Liang Shuqiang safe and sound, the big worry lifted off her chest. She couldn’t help but feel a bit flustered with her arm burning where he held it, her face flushing red.

They had been married for years, but it was still embarrassing to show such affection in front of so many people. Couldn’t this have waited until they got home?

Fortunately, Liang Shuqiang released her after just two or three seconds, clearing his throat and changing the subject. “I think those young intellectuals performed better than I did. They’re from the city, after all. If I don’t get selected, I’ll accept it. I’ll work harder to study and learn new things in the future!”

Liang Shuqiang’s positive attitude made Liang Qingqing view him with new respect. She realized her initial worries had been unnecessary, Liang Shuqiang’s inner strength was much stronger than she had imagined.

After reflecting, Liang Shuqiang suddenly remembered Liang Qingqing’s earlier interview and showed a hint of concern. He looked even more nervous than when talking about his own interview, his tone cautious.

“Little sister, how did your interview go?”

Liang Qingqing smiled and was about to respond when Wang Xiaomei jumped in. “Our little sister caught the attention of the leaders from the Provincial Broadcasting Bureau!”

After hearing the full story, Liang Shuqiang was genuinely proud of Liang Qingqing.

Ma Xiuzhi took out some prepared corn cakes, and everyone sat on stones in a circle, chatting and eating.

“Later, we must make a nice meal to celebrate.”

“Let’s go to the supply and marketing cooperative and get a watermelon. I remember Qingqing likes them,” Liang Junqiang said with a grin, agreeing.

“Or maybe you just want to eat it yourself?” Ma Xiuzhi said with mock irritation, pointing at Liang Junqiang but still smiling. “But it’s a good idea. You’re in charge of this task.”

Liang Junqiang nodded repeatedly, afraid that Ma Xiuzhi might change her mind.

Liang Qingqing nibbled on a corn cake and found the scene somewhat amusing. As everyone’s attention was drawn away, she instinctively looked for Fan Yanxing’s figure. She saw him now sitting directly across from her, his gaze fixed on her without any pretense.

His stare was bold and intense.

The blatant and fervent look made her heart race faster, and her cheeks began to flush. She licked her lips to clean off the crumbs from the corn cake.

As she withdrew her tongue, she noticed that the man’s gaze deepened. He gave a meaningful smile and slowly placed his long, slender fingers on his lips, rubbing them gently.

For some reason, this seemingly ordinary gesture took on a different meaning in her eyes.

Realizing the possible implication in his actions, Liang Qingqing’s ears turned bright red.