Chapter 141

Zhong Ning cleared her throat and tried to speak seriously. "Today was my fault. Next time I’ll treat everyone to a meal."

Before anyone else could say anything, Fu Nanshuang spoke in a mocking tone. "No need for you to treat. With the generous Zhong Zinuan around, who would ever have to spend money?"

Someone lowered their gaze, already working on expression management.

That was just how it was. Those who could enter the student council either had strength or background. Except for the few whose conditions were a little weaker, who among them had such poor family circumstances that they couldn’t afford this money? Or they could even just put it on the public account. The student council’s budget was still quite large.

Every time it was her who paid, making it seem as though everyone else was taking advantage, like stingy iron roosters who wouldn’t part with a single feather.

At first, people had pushed back politely, but later on, no one bothered anymore. They just watched Zhong Zinuan put on her performance.

This level of sarcasm was nothing in Zhong Zinuan’s eyes. Nothing could shake her position. Her smile didn’t falter, as if it was nothing more than a dog barking.

Zhong Ning pursed her lips, suppressing laughter.

"After the finals are over, don’t rush to go home, everyone. Let’s spend a week on a cruise," Fu Nanshuang said as she looked at Zhong Zinuan, raising her eyebrows with a smile. "Pack your clothes, just bring your luggage and yourself. It’s my family’s cruise ship, play however you like."

She drawled, "No need for anyone to treat."

Zhong Ning: Pfft.

She really couldn’t hold it in anymore. Forcing out an almost off-pitch "I’m leaving" through clenched teeth, she quickly turned, grabbed her laptop from where she had set it aside, and dashed toward the door.

She was afraid that if she delayed even a moment, she would laugh out loud regardless of the occasion.

That would be a bit too unsightly.

Just outside the villa, the icy wind rushed against her. Zhong Ning sneezed twice on the spot, but it still couldn’t stop the laughter tugging at her lips.

A car with its hazard lights on was parked ahead. She jogged over lightly, opened the car door, and said loudly, "Shiqing, you don’t know, what just happened was really killing me with laughter…"

Xie Shiqing held out a serving of French fries with ketchup and handed it over. "Eat while you talk."

Zhong Ning first gave her a quick peck on the cheek before taking the fries, then animatedly recounted Zhong Zinuan’s embarrassing moment.

Xie Shiqing’s sharp comment was, "She loves nothing more than showing off with words."

Zhong Ning laughed heartily and fed her a fry in return.

On Monday, it was time for classes again. Zhong Ning got herself ready early, had breakfast, but Xie Shiqing didn’t go with her today—she had to make a trip to the company.

They said goodbye at the door of their home, exchanging a lingering, affectionate kiss, before Zhong Ning drove herself to school.

That morning, she had two full classes. After lunch, she still had one more. When she was eating with her roommates at noon, a few of them asked why Xie Shiqing hadn’t come to class with her today.

A top student was truly a top student. When her roommates were discussing the parts of the lecture they didn’t understand, someone cleared it up in just a couple of sentences.

Outstanding people really did end up with other outstanding people.

Zhong Ning could only explain that she had to be busy with work.

Xie Shiqing was supposed to be very busy anyway. Recently, just to stay close to Zhong Ning, she had pushed most of her work onto her deputy.

After class, Zhong Ning first went to print her proposal before heading to the Zhong Corporation building. She hadn’t expected to once again run into Zhong Zinuan at the front desk, smiling as she chatted with the receptionist.

As Zhong Ning walked over, she overheard her say, "I remember you’ve been at this post for quite a while now. Haven’t you considered transferring to another department?"

The receptionist gave an awkward yet polite smile. "I don’t have that kind of ability. This position is already enough for me. If I switched to something else, wouldn’t I just be holding other people back?"

She was also an English major. Often, when foreign clients came, she had to step forward immediately to greet them and ask about their purpose, not simply register visitors.

On top of that, she had learned some other languages. Though not deeply proficient, she was fully capable of handling work-related conversations.

Besides, Zhong Corporation’s salary was not low. The work wasn’t exactly easy either. She was both the company’s facade and needed to be quick-witted and skilled in organizing language under pressure.

Zhong Zinuan seemed to mention it casually, but the moment her eyes caught Zhong Ning, she put on a look of false surprise. "Oh my, isn’t this Little Ning? Did you come to hand in a proposal today?"

Zhong Ning smiled at her. "Yes."

Zhong Zinuan’s smile widened as she slowly walked over, speaking unhurriedly. "What a coincidence, I’m also here to hand in my proposal. Just now, Assistant Hua even said my plan this time was really good."

Zhong Ning laughed. "You said the same thing last time."

"Does Little Ning not believe me?" Zhong Zinuan covered her mouth with her hand and let out a chuckle. "Perfect timing then. I printed an extra copy—let me show you."

She pulled a stack of documents from her bag and handed them to Zhong Ning.

"Little Ning is still young, with so much left to learn. You haven’t even finished your university studies yet. You’re trying to run before you’ve learned to walk. Today, your elder sister will give you a lesson—let me teach you what a truly outstanding proposal looks like, so you can see where your own shortcomings are. Don’t always aim unrealistically high. Be down-to-earth, show your true skills, instead of trying to take shortcuts."

Her eyes gleamed with undisguised pride. Zhong Ning took the documents, opened them, and glanced inside. Her expression froze instantly.

She skimmed through rapidly, ten lines at a glance, finishing the entire contents in no time.

Her breath caught.

This was clearly her proposal!

---

Chapter 54

The thin few pages of the proposal now felt as heavy as a thousand pounds. Zhong Ning abruptly lifted her head, staring at Zhong Zinuan in disbelief. The corners of the latter’s lips curved in a smile, her gaze lofty and cold, as she said slowly, "Little Ning, isn’t my proposal well written?"

Zhong Ning: "This is clearly…"

Zhong Zinuan cut her off. "Clearly what? My proposal has already passed Assistant Hua’s review. She acknowledged it."

She curved her lips, leaned slightly closer, and whispered by Zhong Ning’s ear, "If you want to compete with me, you’re still too green."

Straightening up, she feigned concern. "Do you feel like your own proposal is too poor? You should go back and write another one. Young people need to try more. Don’t be afraid of failure."

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