"I will always love you," the handsome man beside Chairman Yi Ren remarked, his English flawless, hinting at a subtle British accent.
Fei Fei had been startled by the applause, causing her tears to subside. The other children watched curiously as the adults engaged in conversation. Just then, hurried footsteps approached us from the opposite direction; it was Ci Xing.
"Mr. Tang, Chairman Yi," she greeted politely, bowing slightly. The man nodded in response, his demeanor polite and composed.
"I loved the way you sang that song," Mr. Tang suddenly directed his attention toward me. I found myself momentarily at a loss for words.
"Thank you, sir," I replied softly. Adopting the chairman's respectful tone, I figured it would be wise to err on the side of politeness, especially considering the man's apparent significance.
"Haa, I had no idea you possessed such talent, Miss Kasi. You're truly wonderful with the children," Chairman Yi chimed in, his tone fluttering with enthusiasm. "Mr. Tang, this is the new English teacher I told you about. She's from America. I believe getting children started with English at a young age will make it easier for them as they continue their studies."
"You are correct; the best time to shape a child is when they're still young. You have a vision, Ren," Mr. Tang replied soothingly, his hands clasped behind his straightened back. He spoke with an equilibrium that exuded confidence and command. In my experiences, I had encountered many composed individuals, but none quite compared to Mr. Tang.
"Great," the chairman responded, relief evident in his voice. He glanced at Mr. Tang, seemingly awaiting further commentary.
"It's been a while, Ci. How have you been?" Tang inquired with genuine warmth.
"I've been well, thanks to your generosity," Ci Xing replied, her eyes brightening.
"Generosity is merely opportunity met with effort. Your work speaks for itself." His praise was a blade-precise, disarming.
Fei Fei squirmed in my arms, burying her face in my neck before peeking at Mr. Tang.
"Such a lovely child," Tang remarked, stepping closer to us. I tensed as he approached. It felt like the topic of their conversation had taken an unexpected turn. Mr. Tang reached out as if to lift Fei Fei from my arms, but she firmly resisted, clinging to me.
"Teacher Kasi, who is this shushu?" Fei Fei asked, her question causing the atmosphere to shift awkwardly. I realized she had referred to Mr. Tang as 'uncle.' I watched as Tang's hands slowly fell back to his sides, regaining their position behind his back, a polite smile still gracing his face. My lips twitched.
"Haaa, these children," Chairman Yi hurriedly interjected, nearly sprinting toward us. He glanced nervously between Mr. Tang and myself, uncertain on how to proceed.
"Miss Kasi's students are quite marvelous," Mr. Tang commented, redirecting the conversation with ease.
"Children of their age often are," the principal interjected quickly, attempting to fill the awkward void.
"Hm, I understand," Tang replied, his attention still on the children.
"Let me help you, Kasi, with taking the children back to class," Ci Xing offered as she gently took Shen's hand, leading some of the other children away.
I nodded politely at the chairman and Mr. Tang as I carried Fei Fei, following Ci Xing's lead.
Classes were over for the day, and I headed toward the staff room to pack my things before retreating to my sleeping quarters. Upon entering, I was greeted by excited voices. Mei Lín and Jun Cai were engrossed in conversation.
"Miss Kasi, you're back!" Mei Lín exclaimed.
"Yes, I just saw off the children," I replied.
"So, did you really meet Mr. Tang?" Mei Lín asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
"Yes, he was with the chairman," I confirmed.
"Wow, how was he? Is he as handsome as the rumors say? What was his speech like?" Mei Lín fired off.
Jun Cai suddenly coughed, interrupting Mei Lín's enthusiasm, causing her to snap back to reality. "Must you interrogate her? Mr. Tang isn't some celebrity."
"It's just that the Tang family is a household name in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province," Jun Cai explained, his tone one of admiration. "Tang Wei Long studied in China during his childhood before excelling at Oxford University and topping his class. His family's investments have transformed Mingde School into what it is today. People across China praise Mr. Tang for being an exemplary figure-someone who genuinely cares about the underprivileged and is a devoted father. He runs the family business, and it has thrived ever since he became the official chairman."
I nodded, taking in the information. The way Mr. Tang carried himself alone spoke volumes about his responsibility. Considering Jun's brief history, it wasn't hard to see why he had admirers, just as some Americans adored Michael Jackson.
"He seems great," I commented, trying to match the enthusiasm in the room.
"He is great! His family dotes on him. Whatever he desires, they gladly oblige. I would be spoiling him rotten if I were his mother-why can't I be his mother?" Mei Lín sighed dramatically.
"Didn't you formerly say he was your husband? Now you want him as your son?" Ci Xing chuckled as she entered the room, teasing Mei Lín.
The others burst into laughter, and a light-hearted debate ensued about Mr. Tang's attributes and the qualities they admired in him.
After our lively discussions settled, I decided it was time to head out. Feeling drained from the day's events, I called it a day. Back in my quarters, I slipped into comfortable pajamas, donned my bonnet, and savored a hot shower.
Once refreshed and relaxed, I applied coco butter lotion to my skin and climbed into bed. However, as I lay there, the image of Fei Fei calling Mr. Tang 'uncle' invaded my thoughts. I chuckled when I recalled the look of helplessness on his stern face, the way he slowly withdrew his hands, and the forced smile he wore. Children truly have a way of expressing honesty without realizing their impact.
As I started to drift into sleep, I contemplated the unexpected turns of the day and what might lie ahead.With those thoughts, I closed my eyes, allowing myself to rest.
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