Su Beibei: Really. Let me tell you, last time a guy who was pursuing me actually said there's a "Harbin Province" and a "Northeast Province" in China. I almost fainted. I'm not kidding you, there really are people like that who have gotten into university. I don't know how he even got in!
Daqi: I've heard about it, probably from people in private schools.
Su Beibei: Not only that, but it's even funnier.
Daqi: Tell me about it.
Su Beibei: Last time, our student union officers went on an exchange visit to universities in Hangzhou, and they went to Zhejiang University. After they came back, someone boasted to me, "Beibei, so Chairman Mao graduated from Zhejiang University! Chairman Mao was so great!"
Daqi: What? Chairman Mao graduated from Zhejiang University? He was a genius! Why would you say that?
Su Beibei: I didn't reveal anything at the time, I just asked him, "How do you know Chairman Mao graduated from Zhejiang University?" Well, let's just be frank, it was our department's organization minister who told me. He said, "I visited Zhejiang University and saw a statue of Chairman Mao on campus." That was his reason.
Daqi: Haha, your department's organization minister is an idiot. Chairman Mao, this great man, never went to university, but his knowledge was indeed the best; he served as a librarian at Peking University for several years. Following his logic, since there's a statue of Chairman Mao in Rongzhou's May Day Square, would he say that Chairman Mao was also the mayor of Rongzhou?
Su Beibei: Haha, Chairman Mao was a great man. It would be a disservice to him to be a mayor. He was the great leader of all the Chinese people! So, it's understandable why many people in our school are looked down upon. The reason lies with themselves. Today, you really made me happy by putting down Chen Wenjun, one of the so-called "Four Great Talents" of the Chinese Department at Binhai Normal University! This time, they don't dare to completely dismiss the people from our school.
Daqi: He's just a kid, I'm just messing around with him, I don't take him seriously. Even if someone like Chen Wenjun is highly talented, it's all in vain.
Su Beibei: Why?
Daqi: A person who is overly aloof is destined not to achieve much. Truly learned people are always humble and open-minded. Of course, this is just my personal opinion.
Su Beibei: Big brother, I really admire you! Don't you get tired of reading such profound books?
Daqi: It's tiring, but I enjoy watching it.
Su Beibei: I never read the books you read. Do you think I'm superficial?
Daqi: I've never felt that way. On the contrary, I think you're a talented woman. You have a high aptitude for stage performance, and I believe you're also a very professional host. Your profession means you don't need to read those profound books. Society has a division of labor; if everyone reads profound books, how would society function?
Su Beibei: I won't discuss the workings of society with you. As long as you don't think I'm superficial, that's fine. I'm so happy to be with you; you never use your talent to intimidate others, even though you're a great talent yourself.
Daqi: Me? No way! I don't think I'm that talented at all. On the contrary, since meeting Director Bai and Teacher Zhong, I've realized how far behind I am.
Su Beibei: They are teachers, you can't compare them.
Daqi: Yes, there's still a lot to learn.
Su Beibei: Big brother, can I come to your and Xiaoling's place for a visit this weekend?
Daqi: You're very welcome!
Su Beibei: Okay, it's settled then, goodnight!
Daqi: Good night!
The text messages between Daqi and Sha Jiaxin are as follows:
Daqi: Our school is a good school too! I think it's great that I got into our school.
Sha Jiaxin: What a load of rubbish! Most college students from other schools only look at the pretty girls at our school, and when they talk about the guys at our school, they seem to think they're "uncultured." Of course, bro, you're cultured, you're different.
Daqi: Those people from other schools don't understand what art schools are. Students at art schools are different from students at regular schools. To put it bluntly, our school trains people for the stage, while their school trains people for behind the scenes. For example, do they have broadcasting talents? Even if they do, they can't compete with our graduates.
Sha Jiaxin: My boyfriend often says that I always associate with uncultured people. Ugh, I'm so depressed.
Daqi: You were high school classmates?
Sha Jiaxin: Yes. Back then, he was the most talented student in our class, and the teachers especially liked him. Now in university, the professors also value him. That's why he has that bad temper. Brother, please don't take it to heart.
Daqi: No, actually he didn't say anything to me. I think he was being quite polite to me.
Sha Jiaxin: Yes. He almost never spoke to the boys at our school before.
Daqi: That's because he's arrogant. Actually, your boyfriend is talented, but his personality will limit his development.
Sha Jiaxin: Hey, whatever. Let's just take it one day at a time. You did "educate" him today. He just texted me, asking if you're really a media student.
Daqi: Of course I am, always will be. You, Sha Meiren, are a sensible girl; your boyfriend sometimes places too much importance on "class background."
Sha Jiaxin: What are "ingredients"?
Daqi: He values whether a person graduated from a prestigious university. Am I right?
Sha Jiaxin: Yes, yes. His father is a government official, and it seems like he doesn't like me much, saying that I'm not a student from a top university.
Daqi: What kind of crappy university did his dad graduate from?
Sha Jiaxin: "It is said that he graduated from Fudan University, and his mother graduated from Shanghai Jiaotong University."
Daqi: Haha, so you're saying you'll face a lot of pressure if you marry into their family?
Sha Jiaxin: Yes. It seems that people from families like theirs place a lot of importance on so-called "class background".
Daqi: Sha Meiren, the key question is how Chen Wenjun treats you. Ignore his parents for now; if they're not happy about it, just dump him. With your looks and qualities, you have plenty of good men out there!
Sha Jiaxin: Many men pursued me, but few were as talented as Wenjun.
Daqi: That's true. How is he to you?
Sha Jiaxin: They can be okay when they don't put on airs. But they just don't like the friends I make. But I need to have my own circle of friends at school.
Daqi: Everything is interconnected. I'm not kidding, but if he looks down on the friends you associate with, it's the same as him looking down on you. What do you think?
Sha Jiaxin: I have that feeling. Hey, I don't know why, but I always feel he's not bad.
Daqi: Then treat him well.
Sha Jiaxin: Brother, my boyfriend doesn't like me being the Minister of Culture and Arts. Do you think he's right to do so?
Daqi: Why? What was his reason?
Sha Jiaxin: He said his mother was a talented woman who graduated from Shanghai Jiaotong University, but she gave up her career for his father. He hopes that I won't be so career-driven.
Daqi: Isn't that a bit too selfish of him? However, most talented men share this sentiment: they don't like their women to be too strong.
Sha Jiaxin: If it were you, how would you handle it?
Daqi: I usually respect my wife's wishes. If she wants a career, I support her. If she wants to stay home and be a good wife and mother, I'm happy with that too. The key is that she's happy.
Sha Jiaxin: But I really love the arts, especially stage performances. I love directing or dancing.
Daqi: Then you and Wenjun have fundamentally conflicting views!
Sha Jiaxin: So, I'm asking you, would you let Xiaoling become a student council officer, or allow her to have a career in the future?
Daqi: That's for sure. As long as Xiaoling likes it, I will definitely support her.
Daqi didn't lie to Sha Meiren. He'd put in a lot of effort and thought, even spending a little money, to get Xiaoling into the student council president position. All 17 of his "beauties" had voluntarily given up their careers, except for Xiao Li. Xiao Li loved being a host, but the "Fangzhong Group smuggling case" ruined her career. Through understanding Xiao Li, he also understood the psychology of these broadcasting girls. They all liked to "show off" on stage—meaning to be in the limelight. Since being with Daqi, Xiao Li's mindset had become much more peaceful. She'd come to terms with it: "Hey, might as well just be Daqi's woman. After being in the limelight for so long, she still had to step down."
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Section Reading 213
...
Sha Jiaxin: Actually, your talent is no less than Wenjun's, but why are you so generous to Xiaoling, even supporting her? Wenjun, on the other hand, never supports me. From this perspective, I really envy Xiaoling.
Daqi: Love isn't about possession, it's about making the other person feel comfortable. I admit that it's better for Xiaoling to stay home and be gentle with me than for her to be a student council member and show off. Besides, I believe that with just one word from me, she would definitely resign as student council president. But would I be that selfish? Would Xiaoling really be happy that way? Moreover, Wenjun isn't me; will he definitely accept you? Will his family accept you too? Sha Meiren, you should think this through carefully; you really can't act rashly.
Sha Jiaxin: Brother, when can I visit your place? I'd like to ask you a few questions about the future—basically, how should I handle things with Wenjun? Is that alright?
Daqi: Of course, I'll say whatever I want. Just come on over. Su Beibei is coming this weekend too, so you two might as well come together. It's my treat!
Sha Jiaxin: Okay, thank you, brother. You're so kind! Xiaoling is so lucky to have a husband like you!
Daqi: Wenjun must be so lucky to have such a beautiful girlfriend like you! Haha.
Sha Jiaxin: We'll talk about him and me later. Let's stop here for today and continue later.
Daqi: Okay, goodnight! Go to sleep early, Sand Beauty!
Sha Jiaxin: Thank you, good night!
Seeing Daqi busy texting, Xiaoling laughed and asked, "Master, who are you texting with?" Daqi replied with a smile, "Su Beibei and Sha Jiaxin." Xiaoling said, "What? Sha Jiaxin is texting you too?" Daqi then briefly described the contents of their text messages. Xiaoling said, "I think it's better for Sha Meiren to break up with Wenjun. What do you think?" Daqi said, "It depends on what Sha Meiren herself thinks. If I were Sha Meiren, I would definitely find someone else. Wenjun's parents are officials, and they value social status. What do Sha Meiren's parents do?" Xiaoling said, "I think they're nouveau riche, I heard that. Her father and mother are doing business in Shenzhen, but I don't know the specifics." Daqi nodded and said, "If her parents are also officials, then Wenjun's parents wouldn't dare to look down on her." Xiaoling said, "So what if they're officials? So many rich kids have their eyes on Sha Meiren. If it were me, I'd kick Chen Wenjun out, and his parents out too!" As Xiaoling spoke, she actually kicked her foot in the air, making Daqi laugh out loud.
Daqi said to Xiaoling, "This weekend, Su Beibei and Sha Jiaxin want to come visit our place." Xiaoling said, "Welcome! It's been a bit quiet with just the two of us. I like it lively." Daqi said, "Since the girls want to come, I can't discourage them. Otherwise, I'd like to take you home." Xiaoling said, "Let them come over on Friday night to play cards, and we'll treat them to dinner. On Sunday, I'll go home with you to see Sister Qiwen and the others." Daqi said, "Okay, that's settled then." After he finished speaking, he looked at Xiaoling, who was only wearing a thin, transparent silk nightgown. She had just taken a shower and was only wearing this one thing; the rest of her body was "vacuum-bound." Xiaoling was incredibly beautiful; her long, slender legs were crossed perfectly straight, and the dark shadow at the juncture of her legs looked both sexy and mysterious.
Daqi gently stroked her jade-like legs and said, "Ling'er, your legs are so beautiful!"
Xiaoling smiled and said, "Of all the dozen or so wives in your family, which one is worse than me?"
Daqi laughed and said, "You are all my women, and your legs are all mine. In my eyes, you are all equally beautiful."
Xiaoling said softly, "Then let's cherish and take good care of each of our legs."
Daqi nodded and said, "Don't worry, I treat you the same way I treat them. Not only should I cherish your legs, but I cherish you too." Xiaoling giggled upon hearing this, placing one of her shapely legs on Daqi's shoulder and saying, "I thought you had a foot fetish. Haha!" Daqi laughed as well, saying, "Admiring a woman's legs doesn't mean I have a foot fetish. You know my mistress, Muping, right?" Xiaoling said, "I know her very well. Yes, her legs are truly breathtakingly beautiful." Daqi said, "When we're alone together, I always spend a lot of time admiring her legs." As he said this, Daqi gently stroked Xiaoling's leg resting on his shoulder… and the two naturally began their intimate acts. Xiaoling straddled Daqi, gently undulating her body. She asked Daqi, "Master, I think Beibei has fallen in love with you. What do you plan to do?" Daqi, sweating profusely, said, "Sweetie, don't be jealous. She's just a little girl. Whether she likes me or not, I don't care." Xiaoling panted, "The more you keep her at arm's length, the more she'll cling to you." Daqi said, "Seriously, are you jealous? Tell the truth." Xiaoling shook her head, "I don't care about my many older sisters at home. I'd even love for her to become your woman. That way, I can keep her company." Daqi said, "What company? My wives at home are very understanding. Generally, they won't make things difficult for you." Xiaoling said, "What I mean is, if she really becomes your woman, I won't mind. Someone like you, brother, is destined to be a romantic. We women are crazy about you!" Daqi laughed, "So, you've gone crazy!" Xiaoling smiled, "I don't think I'm as crazy as Beibei. She knows you're with me, but she doesn't care at all." "She still has feelings for you." Daqi said, "Nothing is absolute. Maybe that little girl is just curious about me." Xiaoling said, "No, no. She's fallen for you, I can tell. Why was she so concerned about your opinion of her stage performance tonight? Actually, so many experts and professors agree with her performance, but she insisted that you personally affirm her. That's enough to prove that she's already fallen for you, she just doesn't know it yet. She's never been in a relationship before, Master, listen to me, she's definitely fallen for you, I know her. An incredibly proud woman will only bow her head in front of one type of man, and that's in front of the man she loves. She's completely lost her airs in front of you now, which means she's definitely fallen for you." Daqi said, "Ling'er, just don't be jealous. Don't worry, I won't actively pursue her. You can rest assured about that!" Xiaoling smiled and said, "Master, treat Beibei well. Don't hurt her heart, she might be her first love." Daqi said, "I'll handle it!" The two talked and acted as they went, until Daqi was completely satisfied.
Actually, while Daqi was doing *that* with Xiaoling, he was already thinking how wonderful it would be if the woman on top of him were Beibei. Daqi wasn't a blockhead; he was a sentimental man. Ever since he held Beibei while she got her injection, he had developed a bit of a crush on her. This crush stemmed from his desire to protect her; he felt that Beibei needed his protection, especially the pleading look in her eyes when she got her injection, which deeply stimulated his senses. So, he was particularly excited today. He tried his best to hold Xiaoling's slender waist and thrust his body upwards, but what appeared before him was Beibei's painful expression during the injection.
Daqi hugged Xiaoling and thought to himself: "Beibei, Beibei, you've unknowingly entered my heart. I really love you, this pure and beautiful girl! But I already have many women, and I don't want you to suffer. So, I won't take the initiative to pursue you!"
Daqi made up his mind. He was worried that if he took another woman, he wouldn't be able to explain it to his wife, Xianzi. After all, Qiwen was his first wife, and although she was quite generous to him, he couldn't let her be jealous. Actually, Xianzi would be jealous. She didn't seem so happy when he took Xiaoling as a wife. Perhaps because she considered that he didn't have any women at school, she didn't show her usual strong jealousy.
In short, Daqi was conflicted. He liked Su Beibei, but didn't want to pursue her. After all, he was surrounded by beautiful women! One should be content. If Beibei took the initiative, he wouldn't mind, just like Xiaoling pursued him. Right now, Tong Daqi was surrounded by beautiful women, and he decided that from now on he would never actively pursue any woman unless she pursued him!
The world is just so unfair, dear readers, don't feel resentful. Tong Daqi is simply born to be with beautiful women; it's destiny. Not only does Su Beibei idolize him to the point of worship, but even the two beauties, Sha Jiaxin and Shu Dongyue, are secretly thinking to themselves, as described below: "Hey, just like Li Ka-shing is born to make money, Tong Daqi is born to attract women, and beautiful women at that!" Dear readers, perhaps you too are born to attract something, maybe even a cat or dog. Haha, just kidding, don't mind! Let's see what the beauties Shu and Sha are thinking about Daqi right now. The two beauties are lying in bed, deep in thought.
Sha Jiaxin: Countless men have pursued me since I was a child. But I only love talented men. Wenjun has always been the most talented man I've ever met, and also the most arrogant and aloof. But how come Xiaoling's boyfriend, Tong Daqi, is also so talented? Wenjun really can't compare. Today, Wenjun, this "little witch," has finally met Daqi, this "great witch." The amazing thing is, Daqi is always very kind and rarely acts aloof. Unlike Wenjun, who constantly uses his talent to intimidate others. No wonder Xiaoling is so devoted to him. Xiaoling is truly blessed! It's also strange that someone like Daqi ended up at a school like Binhai Media, a school known for producing "ignorant" students.
As the saying goes, thoughts arise from the heart. When Sha Jiaxin compared Chen Wenjun and Tong Daqi, she felt that Wenjun was no match for Daqi at all. Especially in their interactions with others, Daqi had none of the airs or pretension. She felt that Daqi's image was far superior to Wenjun's! However, at this point, Sha Jiaxin only had a slight liking for Daqi.
Let's talk about Shu Dongyue. This student, who's been kept as a mistress by a wealthy man, finds Daqi quite interesting. She's a woman with rich social experience, practically mature beyond her years. She can tell that Tong Daqi is a good man—not only talented but also wealthy. Judging from his composure and generosity when he treated them to dinner tonight, he's not narrow-minded.
Shu Dongyue thought to herself: Daqi had only met her once, yet he treated her to a meal without expecting anything in return, and even tolerated that madman Chen Wenjun. It seemed he was a magnanimous person. This kind of person could definitely be a friend. He might even help her if necessary. Sigh, she felt she was a person of little fortune and needed to make a few true friends. It seemed Tong Daqi was a man she could be a friend to!
This week, everyone attended classes as usual. Daqi's class monitor, Li Xianming, suggested, "Classmates, our homeroom teacher, Han Meng, is very kind to us. The New Year is coming, how about we use our class funds to buy her some gifts? Do you agree?" Everyone said, "Yes!" So, Daqi's literature class used their class funds to buy Han Meng some gifts. On Thursday, Li Xianming and a group of class committee members delivered the gifts directly to Han Meng's house in Daqi's Cadillac. Daqi didn't even ask what they were; he simply provided transportation. Han Meng was clearly very happy that her students had gone to such lengths to deliver gifts to her home. That evening, Han Meng treated Daqi and the class committee members to dinner at a large hotel near her home. Daqi enjoyed seeing Han Meng. She was the gentlest and most beautiful female teacher he had ever met, and she had always been very kind to him.
In fact, Han Meng also quite liked the student Daqi: Tong Daqi was a very sensible person. He always thought about the teacher's feelings when things happened. If every student was like him, her job as the homeroom teacher and subject teacher would be much easier.
Now, when Daqi reads in the library, Beibei and Xiaoling are always by his side. If he goes to the special collections room, they won't follow. The school's special collections room seems to have become Daqi's personal domain. He finds it peaceful, because when he gets tired of reading, he'll have tea and chat with Old Zhong. Old Zhong is a highly learned professor, and he really enjoys Daqi's visits. The two often chat idly when they have nothing else to do. Their topics range from ancient and modern times, both domestic and foreign, to anecdotes and historical tales. Daqi loves asking Old Zhong questions, and he's quite happy to teach him. Daqi often said, "Professor Zhong, you're like the 'sweeping monk' of our school!" Old Zhong replied, "Do you think the School of Media Studies is some kind of 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils' from Jin Yong's novels? Hahaha!" Daqi laughed, "You, sir, are detached from worldly affairs, hiding in this library reading every day, just as carefree as that 'sweeping monk' sweeping the 'Scripture Pavilion' at Shaolin Temple." Old Zhong sighed and said, "Young Tong, it's not that I want to stay here, it's just that I'm getting old." Daqi asked him, "Professor Zhong, why don't you mentor graduate students? Your skills are so profound, yet you're content to sit on the sidelines?" Old Zhong laughed, "Young Tong, in principle, I should mentor a few students. The principal often advises me to mentor younger teachers. But, not to criticize others, but nowadays universities have many truly outstanding..." "People who are truly dedicated to scholarship? Heh, who knows! Maybe some exist, but this old man has never met one. Don't be fooled by the impressive titles of those so-called professors, associate professors, or PhDs. They know their own true level. I've taught at three universities, including the Chinese Department at Binhai Normal University. It used to be nationally renowned, but the current young professors are really disappointing. The same goes for prestigious universities. Ten years ago, when I attended an academic conference at Fudan University, I felt alright. But five years ago, when I represented my university at a conference at many prestigious universities for the last time, I felt differently. If there's been any major change in China, it's probably in the last few years. People seem incredibly restless," Daqi said. "Teacher Zhong, times have changed. Now we've entered the so-called information society, everyone's sitting in front of a computer, as if everyone's an expert. Haha, how can people not be restless?" Old Zhong laughed. "The spread of information through the internet is an important factor. But the deeper reason is the result of economic development. Scholarly pursuits require the ability to endure loneliness. Those who can't endure loneliness simply can't do good scholarship. Some teachers in schools today are almost as restless as the students, haha, can they teach students well? So, this old man prefers to quietly read books in this special collection room." Da Qi laughed, "That's why I say Teacher Zhong, you're a 'sweeping monk'—a true master!" Old Zhong said, "Little Tong, after you graduate from university, will you take the postgraduate entrance exam? If you're willing to take the postgraduate entrance exam..." "Old man, I can still recommend you with my old face." Daqi laughed, "Teacher Zhong, I, Tong Daqi, was never born to be a scholar. I like to play, and I come here to read purely out of interest and hobby. I don't care about any fame or research results." Old Zhong laughed, "Actually, to do good scholarship, you need this kind of mentality. I think you're a talent, it's a pity you're not pursuing scholarship." Daqi said, "Teacher Zhong, there's nothing to regret. I wasn't born to be a teacher or a researcher. But I like to ask questions of learned people like you. Please guide me in the future, Teacher Zhong." Old Zhong laughed heartily, "Ah, what a twist of fate. You, who don't pursue scholarship, come to my special collection room every day."
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Section Reading 214
Those people supported by the state, like the professors in our college, don't come to me. It's all so upside down, so incredibly upside down!
Daqi admired Old Man Zhong from the bottom of his heart. He would usually consult him when he encountered problems, and Old Man Zhong could always guide him very easily. This old man was indeed amazing; he could recite many original texts from "Dream of the Red Chamber," "Records of the Grand Historian," and "Book of Han."