Chen Mengyan nodded in full agreement.
"Exactly. Someone his age becoming principal of a university in the capital is nothing unusual. But according to my dad, this post wasn't originally meant for him. He'd always figured making vice-principal before retirement would be the pinnacle. Then a few things happened, the stars aligned, and here we are—he's walking on eggshells these days."
Jiang Cheng found that assessment easy to believe.
After all, the capital was a metropolis famous nationwide; its status and influence left ordinary cities in the dust.
It drew talent from every corner of the country—an elite gathering ground.
For many people hungry to climb the ladder, it was the obvious second choice.
In this restless city of prosperity, the competition was fiercer than imagination allowed.
Even senior managers in major corporations fought tooth and nail for the few promotion slots.
To say nothing of a university presidency at the vice-ministerial level—a position that drew every eye.
Jiang Cheng spoke up. "So you really are going to volunteer as a teacher?"
Chen Mengyan sighed softly.
She hesitated a moment before saying, "To be honest, deep down I don't much like the idea of being a teacher."
Jiang Cheng's eyes widened. "If you don't like teaching, why ask me out? Don't tell me…?"
Seeing the wariness on his face, Chen Mengyan rolled her eyes.
So her bust wasn't spectacular—she was still pretty.
Plenty of guys chased her, thank you very much.
He was acting as though she were some man-eating monster.
She mentally shook her fist at him, but kept her tone mild. "My parents were already past thirty when they had me. Both hold stable jobs, and I'm their only child. I'd never planned on chasing an iron-rice-bowl post.
With my résumé, a stint abroad would let me stay overseas without difficulty. But my mother's getting older year by year. If I leave, what happens to them? No one would be around. My father keeps hoping I'll follow in his footsteps—ugh…"
She sighed again, worry flickering in her eyes.
Jiang Cheng shot her a sympathetic look.
As an only child himself, he didn't share her dilemma.
For single-child families, it was a real headache.
Parents poured everything into raising their one child, determined to mould a star.
Yet the child's brilliance meant complete self-reliance—no need to stay under parental wings.
In this era when studying abroad was all the rage,
many youngsters stepped off the plane and never looked back.
Annual visits were rare; some stayed away for years.
Jiang Cheng was confused.
Hadn't they been talking about volunteer teaching on wechat a minute ago?
"So what exactly do you want now?"
Chen Mengyan looked at him hopefully. "Could you find me the address of the Hope Primary School nearest to the capital? Easier commute."
He raised an eyebrow. "That's it?"
He'd braced for something far trickier.
She nodded. "Exactly! I heard the Hope Primary School you funded is brand-new, well equipped, and even has a canteen. I'll be stationed there two or three years."
It was nearly ten p.m.
Jiang Cheng glanced at his watch,
then tapped out a message to Qiao Yinyin.
He turned to Chen Mengyan. "Shall we call it a night?"
As he stood,
Chen Mengyan smoothed her skirt and jumped up,
beelining for the cashier.
Before Jiang Cheng could open his payment app, she had her code ready.
After paying, she tucked the receipt into her bag.
Outside, she pointed toward a red bentley at the curb.
"Wait here—I'll grab something for you."
Spotting the colour-wrapped bentley continental, Jiang Cheng's brows rose.
Whoever claims academia is impoverished can answer to him.
When she popped the trunk he waved her off. "No, no, too much trouble—"
He struck an exaggerated pose straight out of an internet meme.
Chen Mengyan burst out laughing.
Though this was their first formal meeting,
she found him endlessly amusing.
Over the years she'd met plenty of so-called Second-generation rich kids—
arrogant or pretentious—but Jiang Cheng was different.
Even better, conversation flowed as if they'd never run out of topics.
Feigning reluctance, she cooed, "Can't take it back—Daddy—uh, I mean I picked it out specially for you!"
She caught herself mid-slip and pressed a typical Chinese gift set of cigarettes, liquor and tea into his hands.
Jiang Cheng chuckled.
When he tried to refuse, she pleaded, "If you don't take it, I'll be nagged half to death. Spare me a sleepless night…"
She winked playfully.
He shrugged in surrender.
"All right—thanks. Next meal's on me."
Delighted, she smiled. "So you really are leaving? It's late—sure you don't want to catch a movie?"
Used to her teasing, he shook his head. "No ID on me—next time."
She blinked. "A movie doesn't need…"
Mid-sentence she realised, blushed, and punched his arm.
Just like classmates horsing around back in school.
"Gee, I treat you like a buddy and you're trying to book a room with your ID!"
He laughed and leaned closer.
"Buddies don't stand on ceremony."