Chapter 114: Chapter 78: The Jig is Up, Jiangg Ning’s Fists Clench

She had spent the night in the same bed as Yaoyao.

And she had caught it too.

Her head felt a little fuzzy when she woke up this morning, but thankfully, the symptoms weren’t severe.

Chen Yuan gazed at her. A pang of sympathy hit him, knowing she was sick yet still determined to work.

’Sigh, she’s just too driven.’

“Yesterday, I spoke with Fang. In the past, students have never been very enthusiastic about signing up for the New Year’s Gala acts. So, I came up with an idea to encourage more participation: we’ll hold a few simple warm-up events.”

Everyone in the conference room listened intently.

Warm-up events?

They were intrigued.

“First, I’ve contacted a factory to custom-order a batch of pins. Even though all students are expected to attend the New Year’s Gala, we’re going to create the illusion that you can’t get in without one. We’ll announce that everyone, even school administrators, must wear a pin to attend. Of course, we’ll have more than enough pins to go around, and we won’t actually check for them at the door. I’ve even arranged with several teachers to award pins for answering questions in class.”

“Second, a photography contest. Everyone will be free to take pictures during the gala. I’ve had someone create a simple mini-app where students can submit their photos. The top five entries will receive generous prizes to boost everyone’s enthusiasm.”

“Third, a host competition. In past years, the hosts were always pre-selected, with Fang Tiankuo consistently serving as the male host. This year, however, we’re changing that. We’ll hold open auditions among the student body, and the person who gets the most votes will win the right to host. Fang, you don’t have any objections, do you?”

Jiangg Ning turned her head to ask him.

“Of course I don’t.”

After hearing about these three warm-up events, everyone’s eyes brightened.

Admittedly, these plans were simple and direct, but they were sure to quickly ignite the students’ enthusiasm and heighten their anticipation for the New Year’s Gala.

Jiangg had really put a lot of thought into this.

Unlike the old Youth League Committee, Jiangg was younger and had a better grasp of what kinds of activities students enjoyed. The moment she presented her three proposals, it undoubtedly strengthened the resolve of everyone in the room to make this gala a success.

Then, to everyone’s surprise, Jiangg suddenly called out another name. She turned, her eyes scanning the dozen or so students from the Arts and Culture Department before finally landing on Chen Yuan.

“Chen Yuan?”

“?”

Chen Yuan froze, not expecting to be called on at all.

“You have a good look for it, and Minister Liu told me you have hosting experience from high school. I’ve already put your name down. I trust you have no objections?”

“Huh?”

He stood there, stunned for a few seconds, before nodding. “No objections.”

At that moment, every student in the conference room turned to look at him, especially the girls.

In front of so many people, Jiangg was actually complimenting Chen on his looks!

While everyone else thought the same, hearing it come from Jiangg was somehow unbelievable.

’Does Jiangg think Chen Yuan is handsome too?’

A few of the girls broke into knowing smiles, feeling an inexplicable urge to ship them.

It took all of Chen Yuan’s willpower not to laugh out loud. He’d received plenty of compliments in his life, but none had ever made him this happy—especially not one delivered so casually by Jiangg in front of everyone.

A sweet feeling blossomed in his chest.

“Alright, that’s all. Everyone, please go back to your respective classes and start drumming up some excitement. A formal notice will be sent to the class presidents. Meeting adjourned!”

Jiangg clapped her hands, and the tense atmosphere in the room finally broke. Everyone stood up and politely said their goodbyes.

One by one, they filed out of the conference room.

…

…

Chen Yuan deliberately dawdled, waiting to be the last one to leave. He and Jiangg Ning seemed to have an unspoken understanding as they both waited in the conference room until every last person was gone.

He peeked into the hallway one more time to make sure the other students were already downstairs.

Only then did he shut the conference room door and walk briskly over to Jiangg Ning.

“Is there something else, Chen?” Jiangg Ning asked, feigning confusion. It was utterly adorable.

“Yes.”

“Then say it.”

“Thank you for complimenting my looks, Jiangg. You’re very beautiful yourself,” he said in a low voice.

“Oh? How so? Write an 800-word essay explaining it.”

Jiangg Ning closed her file and met his gaze, a smile touching her eyes.

Perhaps it was the overly serious atmosphere of the conference room or the general tension of being at school, but after a moment’s hesitation, Jiangg Ning took the initiative and held Chen Yuan’s hand. “This isn’t being cold, is it? I did promise you.”

“Your hand is so soft, Jiangg.”

“Hmph…”

“How about a hug?” Chen Yuan suggested.

“Here?”

“Yes, right here.”

“Well… alright.” Jiangg Ning’s cheeks instantly flushed red. Bashfully, she stepped forward, rose slightly onto her tiptoes, and gave Chen Yuan a tentative hug.

She’d missed him a little over the past two days.

As they hugged, both of their hearts pounded like war drums. Maybe doing this at school was just too thrilling.

“Okay, I’m satisfied.”

Chen Yuan didn’t push his luck, partly because he was afraid they’d be discovered.

“You should go. I’ll head back to my office after you’ve left.”

“Okay.” Chen Yuan stroked Jiangg Ning’s hair, gazing at her beautiful face and her eyes, which held a gentle smile. The same woman who had been so cool and composed in front of her students was now this gentle in front of him.

The contrast was simply intoxicating.

“Bye-bye,” Jiangg Ning said, tilting her head slightly.

“Bye-bye,” Chen Yuan said with a wave. Just as he was about to close the door, he popped his head back in. “Oh, right. I brought that cold medicine you took at my place. I’ll drop by your office this afternoon to give it to you.”

With that, he gave Jiangg Ning a smile.

CLICK—

The door shut completely.

The sound of his footsteps faded into the distance.

But after hearing what Chen Yuan said, the expression on Jiangg Ning’s face froze, as if she’d been hit by a paralyzing spell.

“The cold medicine you took at my place last time.” Those words struck her like a bolt from the blue.

She stood there, stunned, unable to process it for a long time.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep