The Candidate for the Opening Speech

"What? Shen Jing, you applied for Chinese Arts as well?" The class monitor, while collecting the registration forms, exclaimed in surprise.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Boyue turned to look at Shen Jing. Shen Jing also chose Chinese painting?

Some classmates whispered to each other, "Could it be that Shen Jing saw Qiao Boyue's choice and decided to follow suit?"

"I've never heard of Shen Jing being skilled in Chinese painting. But Qiao Boyue excels in it. If Shen Jing signed up for a project with her, wouldn't she be asking for humiliation?"

Seeing the classmates going too far with their comments, the class monitor tapped the desk and said, "Alright, everyone, stop making baseless speculations. Shen Jing, don't mind them. Since you've chosen the project, give it your best. The classmates are just talking nonsense. Don't let it bother you."

Shen Jing responded with a nonchalant "Mm."

After receiving the registration forms, the counselor left contentedly, and English teacher Chen Qin entered the classroom. It was her class for this period. "I just saw the counselor. I assume you all know about the art festival, right?"

As the students nodded, Chen Qin continued with a smile, "I am responsible for organizing this art festival. I hope all of you will actively participate. Besides that, we need a student to deliver a bilingual opening speech. This person will need to speak in both English and Chinese. I think we should choose someone from our class."

"Obviously, it should be Qiao Boyue," someone shouted. Qiao Boyue was excellent in English.

The art festival at Jingcheng University would be livestreamed nationwide. Being the one to deliver the opening speech would undoubtedly bring great attention. Qiao Boyue's lips curved with satisfaction as she stood up and said, "Teacher, I will prepare well for it."

"This..." Chen Qin was in a difficult position. She didn't expect Qiao Boyue to stand up. "Qiao Boyue, your English proficiency is indeed impressive. However, Shen Jing's spoken English is superior to yours. So, for the opening speech, I've chosen Shen Jing." Chen Qin couldn't forget Shen Jing's impeccable American English from their previous encounter.

As Chen Qin's words fell, the entire Class A fell into an awkward silence. Those who had just suggested Qiao Boyue for the role now kept their mouths shut. Qiao Boyue's face turned red from embarrassment.

Shen Jing hadn't anticipated Chen Qin choosing her either. She suddenly felt a headache. According to Jingcheng University's rules, students had to participate in the art festival every year. There was no way to get out of it. However, she really didn't want to deliver the opening speech. She stood up and said, "Teacher Chen, thank you for the recommendation, but you should find someone else for the opening speech. I think Qiao Boyue would be great."

Shen Jing had been extremely busy lately. She hadn't even finished preparing Principal Liu's medicine, and the situation with the Old Master Fu was still a problem. How would she manage to go to Hua City?

"Shen Jing, are you rejecting the teacher?" Chen Qin clutched her chest, wearing a pained expression. "Apart from you, I can't find another suitable candidate. Your heartless rejection makes me very sad."

Upon hearing this, Qiao Boyue's face became even more unpleasant. While Shen Jing didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She hadn't expected this serious English teacher to be such a drama queen. Seeing Chen Qin's expression of 'I'll fight you if you don't agree,' Shen Jing had no choice but to agree.

Upon hearing Shen Jing's agreement, Chen Qin instantly looked delighted. Even her enthusiasm during the class was threefold compared to usual. Qiao Boyue, on the other hand, was fuming, her pen nearly breaking in her hand.

...

After school, Shen Jing left the campus.

"Little divine doctor!" As soon as she exited the school gate, she heard someone calling her. Shen Jing stopped and saw Old Master Mu sitting in a car, warmly waving at her.

"Hello, Miss Shen," Mu Tong, the Old Master's Mu personal assistant, greeted Shen Jing respectfully with a bow.

"Little divine doctor, get in the car. I'll take you out for a meal," Old Master Mu invited warmly, beckoning Shen Jing to join him. Shen Jing didn't refuse and got into the car.

At the same time, Qiao Boyue walked out of the school gate and happened to see Shen Jing getting into Old Master Mu's car. However, the distance was too far, and Shen Jing's figure passed by in a flash. Qiao Boyue couldn't be certain if it was really Shen Jing. She thought she might be overthinking. Old Master Mu had come to pick up the divine doctor. How could Shen Jing be qualified to ride in Old Master Mu's car? Even the Shen family in Hua City had to make an appointment if they wanted Old Master Mu.

Qiao Boyue withdrew her gaze. So what if Shen Jing delivered the opening speech at the art festival? So what if Shen Jing spoke better English than her? In terms of Chinese arts, could Shen Jing match her? Qiao Boyue had to prepare well for the art festival. Perhaps this would be an opportunity for her to enter the National Chinese Arts Association. Once she made it there, Shen Jing wouldn't even be qualified to stand beside her.