Teacher A: "Xiao Yun, the principal is looking for you."
Mo Qingyun quickly put down her work and walked towards the principal's office.
The teachers behind her, however, had already harbored some opinions about this recently famous sign language teacher.
Teacher A: "Have you guys noticed that our principal always likes to call for Xiao Yun?"
Teacher B: "I've noticed it for a long time. Every time it's lunchtime, the principal orders an extra portion, saying it's for Xiao Yun!"
Teacher C: "And when we leave work in the evening, the principal deliberately waits for Xiao Yun!"
Teacher A: "Yes, yes, I've seen it too! What do you think, does the principal like Xiao Yun?"
Teacher B: "Definitely! Otherwise, why would he take such good care of her?"
Teacher C: "Isn't it because Xiao Yun is popular? She's quite the celebrity now, even running for a public welfare figure. Hey, did you guys vote for her?"
Teacher A: "Voted, of course. How could we not? The principal said in a meeting that it's an assignment!"
Teacher B: "Let me tell you something, but you absolutely can't spread it around, okay?"
Several teachers leaned their heads together, listening intently to the gossip.
Then, they quickly covered their mouths, their eyes widening as they exchanged knowing glances.
Teacher A: "Is that true?"
Teacher B: "I saw it with my own eyes."
Teacher C: "Oh my god, I never expected her to be that kind of person, having a boyfriend and still flirting with our principal!"
Teacher B: "Disgusting, isn't it?"
Teacher C: "This is too disgusting..."
Teacher A: "She's coming out, she's coming out."
Seeing Mo Qingyun emerge from the principal's office, everyone quickly dispersed. The sensitive Mo Qingyun also noticed that they seemed to be acting strangely, as if they were suddenly keeping their distance from her...
***
Ou Yunchen bought flowers and Mo Qingyun's favorite takoyaki. He arrived early at the entrance of the education center to wait.
In the teachers' office, the teachers were also packing up to leave work.
Xie Youlin: "Xiao Yun, can we go?"
Mo Qingyun nodded, picked up her bag, and followed him.
The teachers behind them began to whisper again.
Teacher A: "Look, they're leaving together again."
Teacher B: "I just heard from the receptionist that Mo Qingyun's boyfriend is waiting outside!"
Teacher C: "Ah? Let's go, let's go, there's a good show to watch!"
***
Ou Yunchen saw Mo Qingyun, who was about to walk out, at a glance. He walked towards her quickly, but Mo Qingyun seemed a little surprised. Another man slowly walked out from behind her and stopped Mo Qingyun.
Ou Yunchen: "I'm here to pick you up from work, happy?"
Mo Qingyun nodded stiffly.
Ou Yunchen extended his hand to Mo Qingyun, but she hesitated to take it.
Ou Yunchen: "What's wrong?"
Just as Mo Qingyun was about to take out a pen, Xie Youlin spoke.
Xie Youlin: "Xiao Yun has an appointment with me. You should go by yourself."
Ou Yunchen glared at Xie Youlin with growing anger.
Xie Youlin: "Let's hurry, we can't be late for the first time."
Ou Yunchen: "You're going on a date? Mo Qingyun, you're going on a date with another man?"
Xie Youlin: "Think whatever you want. Please, let us pass."
Xie Youlin stubbornly pulled Mo Qingyun and walked away quickly. Even though Mo Qingyun looked back several times, trying to explain, she could only open her mouth in vain, unable to make a sound.
Ou Yunchen watched as Xie Youlin pushed Mo Qingyun into the car and drove away without looking back. In anger, Ou Yunchen threw the flowers and takoyaki on the ground.
Seven days. Every day he lay on the hospital bed, longing to see this little mute girl as soon as possible!
But today, Mo Qingyun had slapped him in the face. It seemed this mute girl had run into someone else's arms!
***
Sitting in Xie Youlin's car, Mo Qingyun kept looking back. She knew Ou Yunchen must have misunderstood her!
Xie Youlin: "Xiao Yun, we have to meet the leaders from Tomato City, so we can't be late. That's why I was in a hurry to pull you away. You're not angry, are you?"
Mo Qingyun waved her hand. She knew what was more important at this moment.
Xie Youlin: "By the way, I've already told the leaders in advance about your background. They said they will help you find your brother."
Mo Qingyun quickly wrote: "Can that really happen? That would be great!"
Xie Youlin: "There's one more thing I want to tell you. You need to be mentally prepared."
Mo Qingyun turned her palms down, then flipped them over, asking.
Xie Youlin: "I heard from the city leaders that the public welfare figure selected this time might be invited to the Paris Debutante Ball."
Mo Qingyun had never heard of it and didn't understand why she would need to attend such a ball.
Xie Youlin: "According to the rules, the Paris Debutante Ball invites a girl of ordinary background every year. Last year, it was an outstanding young ballet dancer. This year, the organizers want to invite a public welfare figure."
"And your recent online popularity, along with the positive feedback from your videos about caring for deaf-mute children, has been excellent. So, the city has the intention of having you participate."
Mo Qingyun shook her head. She didn't want to go. She felt she couldn't dance and would only embarrass herself.
Xie Youlin: "I think you should go. This is an opportunity for you."
Mo Qingyun still shook her head.
Xie Youlin: "Think about your brother. We've been looking for him for so long here without any news. Perhaps he's not here."
Mo Qingyun was slightly moved. If it was to find her brother, she was willing to do anything.
Xie Youlin: "The Debutante Ball is world-class, and everyone there is very influential. Even if you are unknown, with their spotlight, you will gain attention. Perhaps your brother will notice you."
Mo Qingyun nodded. She agreed with Xie Youlin's opinion.
Mo Qingyun then wrote: "But I don't know how to dance."
Xie Youlin smiled: "That's why we need to prepare in advance. But you don't need to worry too much. What if you're not selected as the public welfare figure in the end?"
Mo Qingyun also smiled, but she had already ignited her fighting spirit. She needed this spot, and perhaps then she could get closer to her brother!