Jiang Cheng coughed awkwardly and changed the subject; showing off was never his intention.
Too bad the deliberately heavy makeup on Huang Yuqi's face hid her flushed cheeks.
Otherwise Jiang Cheng would have noticed something odd about her right away.
If he had, he'd have felt his showing off was perfectly timed.
After all, if flexing a little could make a girl with 88/100 looks blush, he wouldn't mind doing it a few more times.
"Teacher Huang, you must be quite young—why choose to teach in a place like this?" Jiang Cheng asked curiously.
Few girls are willing to abandon the big city and endure life in such a poor, remote mountain area.
Hearing that, Huang Yuqi snapped back to her senses.
Shaking off the distracting thoughts, she regained her usual composure.
Smiling at Jiang Cheng, she said candidly, "My mother was a volunteer teacher. I watched her rush off to different Hope Primary Schools my whole life, so after graduation I followed her footsteps and came here."
Her answer took Jiang Cheng by surprise.
Only after arriving did he realize there really are people who devote themselves to ideals and love.
He discovered there are many like Zheng Qiu, holding fast at Hope Primary Schools across the world.
Glancing at the nearly soggy cup-noodles on her desk, Jiang Cheng was suddenly filled with emotion.
Judging by how she'd been eating, she must have been starving.
He pointed at the noodles. "They're about to turn mushy—eat first."
"Have you eaten? Should I make you a cup too?"
After asking she added apologetically, "Sorry, I don't have anything better to offer. I rushed back this morning and didn't shop; this is all there is."
Jiang Cheng shook his head dismissively. "I've eaten. You go ahead…"
Seeing he didn't mind, Huang Yuqi didn't stand on ceremony; picking up her noodles she said between bites, "Then I'll eat. Honestly, I skipped breakfast rushing over, and taught all morning. Don't mind me—kids will be back for class soon."
Watching the easy-going Huang Yuqi, Jiang Cheng smiled.
Still puzzled, he asked, "Conditions here are so harsh; many volunteers can't stick it out. How have you managed?"
At his words Huang Yuqi slowed her chewing, as if recalling something.
After a pause she said softly, "My mom once told me: we're not powerless to change the world—everything we do subtly changes it. If we're loving and warm, the world gets a little better; if we're cold and reckless, it gets a little worse."
Her words sent Jiang Cheng into quiet reflection.
From a certain angle, they made perfect sense.
Take yesterday's donation: to him it might equal an extravagant meal or a round of drinks.
But for the children it could spare them from bitter winters for years to come.
Likewise, Huang Yuqi's selfless stay gives these kids someone to guide their learning.
Seeing him silent, she smiled gently. "I think what you did is wonderful. Thanks to you many children carried brand-new backpacks and wore new down jackets for the first time. Your kindness may not change their whole lives, but they'll remember it forever."
Meeting her resolute gaze, Jiang Cheng smiled. "I can see your mother had a huge influence on you."
Speaking of her mother, Huang Yuqi's eyes softened even more.
"She spent most of her life volunteering," she said quietly. "We were often apart, but now I understand—she had her calling, and I want to carry it on."
Jiang Cheng lifted his eyes to her.
Though her deliberately dulled face wasn't what most would call pretty,
at that moment he found her beautiful—because of her heart, not her looks.
She possessed something he lacked.
Jiang Cheng considered himself a decent person, but only that.
To drop everything and teach here? He knew he couldn't do it.
"When you first saw me you looked flustered—anything wrong?"
At that Huang Yuqi sighed helplessly, then pointed at her clothes and whispered, "Tell me honestly—do you think I look good like this?"
Jiang Cheng looked her over, stifling a laugh. "Not bad, not too awful."
She stared incredulously. "I'll take that as a joke. I've only been away from the city a bit over a year—have young people's tastes gotten this weird?"
Seeing her act so mature, Jiang Cheng teased, "You're barely older than me. And you're wearing makeup, right? You're probably fine underneath."
Amazed he'd noticed, she exclaimed, "You could tell? Principal Zheng hasn't figured it out after all this time—how did you?"
Jiang Cheng didn't mention the system rating that had tipped him off.
"See enough and you spot it right away. Besides, your outfit's pretty deliberate—borrow the clothes from your grandma?"