mesbooks Chapter 76 A Wonderful Feeling
Chapter 76 A Wonderful Feeling
In the provincial capital, Lin Chen and Tang Yuwei were having dinner.
The two chatted for a while, sharing the trivial things they had experienced since they separated, which finally dispelled the awkwardness of not seeing each other for many days.
Tang Yuwei became increasingly relaxed, her gaze changed slightly, her body began to soften, and her clear eyes sparkled with mischief.
Suddenly, Lin Chen felt her foot touch his thigh.
Whether intentionally or unintentionally, Lin Chen glanced at her. Tang Yuwei casually smoothed her hair, her fingertips moving gently, but her ears were flushed a faint pink, and there was a hint of smugness in her eyes, like a kitten that had stolen a piece of candy.
Young people really know how to have fun; they never play by the rules.
Lin Chen felt a little itchy from his teasing. They had never been intimate before, and Lin Chen still had some psychological burden towards her, after all, she was much younger than him. But after they had been intimate, Lin Chen had completely opened his mind.
Come and go as you please, I'll always be there for you.
Neither refuse nor take initiative nor be responsible.
After talking for a while, Lin Chen felt a bit thirsty and was about to get the kettle to pour some tea when Tang Yuwei also got the kettle.
And so, their hands touched.
The two were stunned for a moment. Lin Chen thought she would shrink back, but Tang Yuwei did not. Instead, she gently pinched the back of his hand with her fingertips, then slowly stroked along the lines, and finally simply covered his hand completely.
"Class monitor, your hands are so cold." Tang Yuwei's eyes flashed with a girlish shyness, but also with a proud courage. In her heart, the class monitor was a blockhead, and she always had to take the initiative.
Lin Chen felt her warm, smooth skin, and seemed to hear her heartbeat gradually quickening. Lin Chen's chest also felt a surge of heat, which slowly spread until he felt hot.
However, just then, a waiter walked by, and the two separated.
It was already seven or eight o'clock when they finished dinner, and the night was getting dark. Tang Yuwei took Lin Chen's arm and suggested, "Let's take a walk around our alma mater. I can show you around the exam room tomorrow."
Lin Chen did not refuse and followed her into the familiar yet unfamiliar campus. The streetlights cast dappled shadows on the ground through the dense foliage, and stepping on them gave one the illusion of time flowing backward.
"I practiced dancing here every day for four years of university," Tang Yuwei said, pointing to the gymnasium not far away, her tone tinged with nostalgia. Lin Chen suddenly stopped in his tracks, then belatedly realized, "You're also from XXX Hydropower School?"
Tang Yuwei's face immediately fell, she shook off his arm, and deliberately looked aggrieved: "Class monitor, you're only finding out now? You don't care about me at all."
Lin Chen chuckled. He naturally knew that Xinhai had a deep connection with this school. The school had been supplying talent to the company for many years, and half of the senior executives of the provincial company were alumni. Last year, they even jointly established a water affairs training base. The expert selection was held here this time, which was to promote the base and verify its results. In the future, the training of the entire industry might have to be moved here.
Lin Chen knew Tang Yuwei was just being coquettish, so he switched into his "scumbag" mode: "I really didn't expect that a monastery like XXX Hydropower School could produce such a beautiful girl like you. If you were in our year, the line of suitors would probably stretch all the way to Paris, France."
This string of compliments hit the girl's heart perfectly. Tang Yuwei's mood instantly brightened, and she happily leaned over, hugging Lin Chen's arm: "You're smart to know what's good for you."
The evening breeze in the provincial capital was getting cooler. Her arm was pressed against his, and her warm body temperature seeped through their clothes. Lin Chen stiffened for a moment, but ultimately did not move, letting her lean on him as they slowly walked forward.
The school was densely wooded, with intertwined branches and leaves that blocked most of the streetlights, leaving only dappled light and shadows falling on the two of them, creating a fairytale-like romance in Tang Yuwei's eyes.
After graduating from university, Lin Chen never returned here, afraid of running into classmates or teachers who would ask about his recent situation.
Lin Chen had attended several college reunions over the years, but he knew that these so-called reunions were just carefully organized by successful people to show off, and he didn't want to be a supporting character for them.
However, now that Lin Chen has some money in his pocket, he feels much more at ease. Walking on campus, he can hold his head high, especially with a young and beautiful girl by his side, which makes him even more excited.
Because it was the weekend, the campus was very quiet.
As you walk along, you'll see many couples entwined in dimly lit corners, in various positions: some sitting directly on each other's laps, some lying in each other's arms, and some in a frog-like position. Even when they see people coming, they don't restrain themselves and even deliberately become more frenzied, as if that's what makes it exciting.
You can't help but marvel at how inclusive big cities are and how wonderful university life is.
After walking for a short while, Tang Yuwei pointed to a bench under the shade of a tree: "Let's sit there for a while." Lin Chen sat down and casually remarked, "It seems a bit dark in here."
Before he could finish speaking, Tang Yuwei's soft voice rang out: "Isn't black better?"
"Okay, very good." This girl is a bit flirtatious, but she's really likable.
After a moment of silence, Tang Yuwei suddenly leaned closer and asked in a low voice.
"Class monitor, do you like me?"
Lin Chen couldn't see her face clearly in the darkness, but he could feel her presence getting closer and closer.
"Yes, everyone likes a pretty girl like you."
Lin Chen calmed himself down; he was a thirty-year-old man, he couldn't be too hasty.
"I don't care if everyone likes it, I only want you to like it." Tang Yuwei leaned forward again, her nose almost touching his chin, her warm breath brushing against his neck, sending shivers down his spine: "Just your liking."
Such straightforward language was truly irresistible to Lin Chen, a man who had kept his heart closed for many years. She had a faint milky fragrance, which was both refreshing and alluring. Lin Chen was a little confused by her and could only tactically spread his legs.
"I didn't say I didn't like you, it's just..." Before Lin Chen could finish, Tang Yuwei put her hand to his mouth to stop him from saying anything more: "There's no 'just,' I don't want any 'just.'"
The night wind picked up, and it got colder. She leaned against his shoulder, wrapped her arms around his waist, and pressed her cheek against his shirt, feeling the steady heartbeat in his chest.
The wind is too gentle, the moon too beautiful, and people too radiant.
Lin Chen looked down at the girl leaning on his shoulder, feeling her warmth and dependence, and the last bit of hesitation in his heart vanished. He slowly lowered his head, and Tang Yuwei seemed to sense it, slowly raising her head, closing her eyes, and taking the initiative to lean closer.
The moment their lips touched, Tang Yuwei was initially flustered, letting out soft sobs and struggling with a hint of coquettishness. But she quickly crumbled, tightly embracing his neck and responding passionately, wanting to melt all her longing into him.
After a long pause, Tang Yuwei raised her head, her eyes filled with tears, and said softly, "Class monitor, I should go back now."
"Okay." It's about time.
Lin Chen helped her stand up, his eyes filled with tenderness as he looked at her flushed cheeks.
Suddenly, Tang Yuwei seemed to remember something. She took out a test paper from her bosom and handed it to him, her tone urgent: "When you go back tonight, remember to take a good look at this test paper."
Lin Chen paused, looking down at the title on the exam paper, his pupils suddenly contracting: "What is this?"
Tang Yuwei hesitated for a moment, but still told the truth: "If nothing unexpected happens, it is this one. I went to great lengths to get it. I know you disdain doing such fraudulent things, but this paper has already been circulated. Many candidates came to the province weeks ago to make connections. You were the only one who was so stupid and didn't prepare anything."
Lin Chen gasped, not surprised that the exam papers had been leaked; having worked at Xinhai Company for a long time, he was used to such unspoken rules.
The selection exam may seem fair, but behind the scenes, countless shady dealings are hidden. The so-called "fair competition" is nothing more than a pie in the sky for those without connections or influence.
What he was more worried about was Tang Yuwei: "Won't this affect you?" Cheating is never a good thing.
"What impact could it have? Just don't let others see it." Tang Yuwei waved her hand, not worried at all. Even if they found out, it would be a very minor matter.
Lin Chen gripped the test paper tightly, feeling a warm glow in his heart: "Okay, but don't do this for me again next time."
Tang Yuwei: "If you want to thank me, give me a kiss."
Without hesitation, Lin Chen reached out and wrapped his arms around Tang Yuwei's waist, then lowered his head and kissed her passionately and forcefully, as if he were sucking her in completely, until she couldn't breathe before he let her go.
Back at the hotel, after taking a shower, Lin Chen spread the test paper on the table and carefully read it word by word. The test paper was very difficult, and Lin Chen looked at the answers until he understood every knowledge point, which took more than an hour.
There's nothing to be embarrassed about, and nothing to feel guilty about.
This world only cares about results, not processes. Being arrogant won't put food on the table, and pride won't bring opportunities. He must never let go of what he should hold onto, especially since Tang Yuwei risked her life to fight for it for him; he couldn't let her down.
Even if he doesn't look, others will.
Rather than clinging to useless principles and being trampled underfoot, it's better to climb up the ranks by following the rules. Only when you reach a higher position will you be qualified to break down injustices and truly do something for the people.
The next day was a written theory test by experts.
The exam was very strict. Upon entering, you were searched and your phone was confiscated. Everyone was seated more than a meter apart, and the examiners acted as if they didn't want strangers to enter. There were four cameras constantly rotating in the classroom, leaving almost no blind spots, making it virtually impossible to cheat.
However, if you try to find a solution on the spot, it's already too late for this kind of exam.
Even if you were a god, it wouldn't be possible.
As expected, it was the same familiar test paper, with not a single punctuation mark changed. Lin Chen answered the questions steadily and confidently, thinking that his speed was fast enough, but five or six people still handed in their papers before he finished.
That's fucking awesome.
Lin Chen was absolutely certain that Xinhai Group would never allow such a capable person to exist. These people must know the test paper; otherwise, they wouldn't be able to move at such a speed.
However, Lin Chen was not surprised. If he could get his hands on the test papers, so could others. The difficulty of this set of questions could be described as insane. Most people would be considered geniuses if they could score 60 points.
But for those who know they've received the exam papers early, scoring 90 points is a piece of cake, and even 100 points isn't impossible.
In this expert selection, a total of 95 people participated, but there were only 10 spots available. You're already more than 30 points behind others in theory, so it's all in vain for you to succeed in the practical exam. How can you compete with others like that?
The idea that hard work can change one's destiny is nothing but wishful thinking.
However, Lin Chen was different from the others. After finishing, they were eager to hand in their papers and leave, but Lin Chen waited until almost the same time and handed in his paper last, along with everyone else.
Lin Chen didn't care about himself, but he couldn't let Tang Yuwei be at risk. After all, she had given him the test questions. If he handed in his paper early and it exposed him and implicated her, that would be a sin.
As soon as he stepped out of the exam hall, someone called out to him from behind and warmly put their arm around him: "Lin Chen, it really is you! I recognized you at first glance."
"Wu Di~" Lin Chen was stunned for a moment before recognizing that it was actually his former college classmate, Wu Di.
I'm so happy.
But he's changed so much, he's even balding a bit.
He remembers that about ten people from his class went to work for Xinhai Company after graduation. He was like Chen Lei, a child of an employee. He chose to study this major only after he had a job. He went home to work after graduation.
"I didn't expect you to be taking the company expert exam too," Wu Di said with a smile.
"I didn't expect you to take the expert exam too." Lin Chen was always in the top three in his class and received scholarships left and right. This guy is similar to Chen Lei, always at the bottom. It's interesting to ask this kind of question.
"You're still so handsome, while I'm bald and greasy."
Wu Di grinned greasyly, wiping his balding forehead with his hand, but he didn't seem too embarrassed.
"It's normal, I lose hair too," Lin Chen replied casually, having lost all interest in small talk.
"Are you still at the Ningcheng City branch? You didn't go to the last gathering?" Wu Di started the conversation.
"I'm not in Ningcheng, that's Chen Lei, I'm in Suicheng." They must have the wrong person.
"Right, right, I got them mixed up. The county company should have good development prospects. What position are you in now? You should be at least at the deputy bureau level, right?" Wu Di slapped his forehead, his tone strange.
"You're overthinking it. I'm just a lowly staff member."
Wu Di's eyes widened in surprise, feigning astonishment: "Wow, really? I've already risen to the position of director in the county company, and you're so outstanding, and you're still just a specialist?"
This guy isn't just lacking in emotional intelligence; he's deliberately humiliating him, using his situation to glorify himself.
Lin Chen twitched the corner of his mouth, his tone icy: "There's nothing I can do, I'm not as lucky as you guys, with a good father who can bail you out."
Wu Di's expression stiffened for a moment, then he quickly tried to smooth things over: "No, I wasn't making fun of you..."
"I'm not mocking you," Lin Chen interrupted him, showing no respect whatsoever.
Wu Di smiled awkwardly, then sighed dramatically, "Actually, being a lousy director isn't very interesting. There's a lot of pressure and too many things to do. Being a specialist is much more comfortable."
Lin Chen was too lazy to argue with him and retorted directly, "Then you shouldn't do it."
"How could I refuse? My boss is determined to promote me, and I can't turn him down." Wu Di patted his chest, his smugness practically overflowing.
"Then we'll just have to tough it out," Lin Chen said calmly, his tone devoid of emotion.
"That's right, damn it, this time I took the expert exam, I'm not cut out for this, but the boss insisted on sending me." Wu Di was still acting.
"That must have been difficult for you."
"Haha, shall we eat and chat? I'll treat you to dinner!"
"No need, the hotel provides lunch."
"This stuff is edible? No, wait, I'll treat you to a nice meal, I can reimburse you when I get back."
"Really, you don't need to."
"Alright then, by the way, you have some inside information?"
"Um?"
"The exam questions," Wu Di glanced towards the exam hall. "Look at those who handed in their papers early, they must have gotten the questions."
"I didn't," Lin Chen said crisply.
"Really not?" Wu Di was still not convinced, his eyes full of inquiry.
"Really not." Lin Chen's tone was already indifferent.
Wu Di's enthusiasm instantly faded, and he waved his hand, "Alright, I won't bother you anymore."
All that enthusiastic small talk wasn't about catching up; he just wanted to find out if he'd gotten the questions and get some freebies. In this godforsaken place, Xinhai, there's no real classmate camaraderie; it's all a scam.