CHAPTER 169: CHAPTER 169: FIGHTING SIDE BY SIDE

On her first day of secondment, Shen Qingqing saw Jiang Zhixun.

Her task was to translate technical documents related to aviation.

Naturally, this brought her into contact with Jiang Zhixun.

Jiang Zhixun at work was very different from his usual self.

He was wearing a crisp military uniform, with a determined expression, eyes burning like torches, standing straight and rigid like a ruler.

Shen Qingqing’s gaze swept over Jiang Zhixun and met his hawk-like eyes, before quickly looking away.

Fortunately, this was a formal occasion, leaving Jiang Zhixun unable to do or say anything, allowing Shen Qingqing to discreetly sigh in relief.

All day long, she couldn’t avoid Jiang Zhixun.

He was present during meetings.

No matter where she went, he followed.

Even when going to the cafeteria to eat, they went together.

Business was business, personal was personal; Shen Qingqing didn’t mix the two.

She behaved very professionally, not making a single mistake.

This was her first time dealing with such a large event, and it’s unreal to say she wasn’t nervous.

A string inside her remained taut all the time.

It was only during meals that she could momentarily relax.

Apart from the nervousness, there was also a bit of excitement.

This was the feeling she had after being acknowledged.

Jiang Zhixun got his meal, sat opposite Shen Qingqing, and looked at her with appreciation.

He had long known Qingqing had a gift for languages, excelling in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Seeing her today, she was undoubtedly competent as a translator.

Such confidence and radiance in Shen Qingqing were truly captivating.

Jiang Zhixun felt proud; this was his first time working alongside Shen Qingqing.

There was also an inexplicable excitement besides pride.

He felt it was a meaningful memory that belonged to them.

His normally tense lips now curved into an arc.

He placed some meat in Shen Qingqing’s plate, "Today was hard on you, eat more, you’ll need the energy to work."

Shen Qingqing raised her hand to stop him, speaking in a flat tone: "I have enough, no need to give me more."

Jiang Zhixun promptly placed the lean meat in her bowl and didn’t continue giving her more.

Even though her attitude was as cold as ever, it didn’t affect Jiang Zhixun’s mood.

"You’re really impressive," he straightforwardly complimented.

In a different setting, Shen Qingqing would tell him, of course, she’s impressive.

But now, in the crowded cafeteria, she felt embarrassed to say that.

She modestly said, "There’s still room for improvement."

Jiang Zhixun smiled and said, "Miss Shen, then keep up the good work. I look forward to working with you again."

His dark eyes were full of sincerity, gleaming with a smile.

Very warm.

Very honest.

Shen Qingqing inexplicably didn’t dare to meet his gaze, lowering her eyes and continuing to eat her meal.

Yet, the feeling of tightness in her chest wouldn’t dissipate.

Jiang Zhixun didn’t notice her strange behavior, thinking he hadn’t won Shen Qingqing’s favor.

He felt a pang of disappointment.

Fortunately, his resilient nature allowed him to quickly adjust.

He silently continued eating.

At this time, Jiang Zhixun’s comrade suddenly approached, "Old Jiang, is this your wife?"

The speaker was Zhou Jie, a close comrade of Jiang Zhixun in Beijing.

Shen Qingqing did not know him.

But Zhou Jie knew her.

Sitting next to Jiang Zhixun, he cheerfully explained to Shen Qingqing, "I’ve seen your wedding photos."

Seeing Shen Qingqing looking a bit lost, Jiang Zhixun, holding back his embarrassment, explained to her, "Mom has some photos from our wedding."

Jiang Zhixun could still remember that day.

Shen Qingqing was wearing a dress, her face still showed the innocence of baby fat, she said she wanted to keep a memory, so more photos were taken.

At that time, he was in a daze and did nothing but cooperate with her decision like a wooden figure.

In these years of not seeing Shen Qingqing, he was truly grateful that they had been married once and that photos had been left behind.

Otherwise, when he thought of Shen Qingqing, he wouldn’t know what to do.

The confusion in Shen Qingqing’s eyes disappeared.

She gave Zhou Jie a nod, "Hello, I’m Shen Qingqing."

Her gaze briefly touched on Jiang Zhixun, "I’m not currently Mr. Jiang’s wife."

Zhou Jie asked, "Could there be a possibility in the future? We all saw your work performance earlier. With such an impressive sister-in-law, we’d surely boast about it."

Someone chimed in, "Yeah, Captain Jiang has only Miss Shen on his mind. In the past, it was his fault. Miss Shen, please give him another chance."

So many people spoke on his behalf, and while Jiang Zhixun was grateful, he didn’t want Qingqing to feel pressured.

He solemnly said, "Let’s eat properly."

Zhou Jie gave him a look, as if to say he knew how to stand up for his wife.

Why hadn’t he behaved well before and ended up losing her?

Shen Qingqing and Jiang Zhixun’s personal affairs were not for others to comment on.

After a few jokes, the subject was changed.

Some topics were inconvenient to discuss, so Zhou Jie naturally asked about Shen Qingqing’s situation at school.

"Teacher Shen is so young and beautiful; there must be quite a few male colleagues pursuing you at school, right?"

Jiang Zhixun’s gaze was resentful, "Students’ duty is to study. What pursuit?"

Zhou Jie said, "I didn’t say it was male students pursuing Teacher Shen. There are plenty of talents at Beijing University. Surely there are single male teachers. If one catches Teacher Shen’s eye, you’d make a good match, as both are teachers with common interests."

Jiang Zhixun’s eyes shot daggers, like he wanted to swallow Zhou Jie whole.

This guy really knows how to hit where it hurts!

Originally, Qingqing had no such intentions, but being reminded like this, she might really start looking at male colleagues...

Just picturing such a scenario was unacceptable to Jiang Zhixun.

He stared intently at Shen Qingqing’s beautiful face, "Your current task is to work well; don’t rush into dating."

Unless...it’s with him.

Jiang Zhixun silently added this condition in his heart.

Jiang Zhixun had a knack for irritating Shen Qingqing.

Still wanting to maintain composure in public, Shen Qingqing was easily provoked by Jiang Zhixun.

Rolling her eyes, "As an ex-husband, please have some self-awareness and stop meddling in my affairs."

Jiang Zhixun was taken aback.

Forcing himself to speak, he said, "Precisely because I’m an ex-husband, I have to always stay aware of your relationship status, to prevent you from being deceived."

He said this with righteous conviction, and even Zhou Jie felt embarrassed for him.

Wasn’t he just worried Miss Shen might be pursued by someone else? Was there a need to make such a fuss?

Looking at Shen Qingqing’s expression, she was close to losing her temper!

Zhou Jie was convinced, had it not been for the presence of outsiders, Jiang Zhixun would undoubtedly be scolded!

Smiling to ease the tension, "Old Jiang may have a clumsy tongue. He’s clearly anxious inside, not wanting you to date anyone else, but still managed to say something so unlikeable, Miss Shen, don’t be angry with him."

Jiang Zhixun gave a barely noticeable nod.

Realizing what he had done, he quickly resumed his formal posture, sitting upright as before.

Shen Qingqing wasn’t someone who shied away easily.

But Zhou Jie wasn’t subtle in the slightest. His intervention meant the flames of anger inside she couldn’t vent on Jiang Zhixun.

Secretly, she glared at the man across from her, warning him not to stir up trouble.

Shen Qingqing continued eating.

There was still a meeting to attend later, and the task ahead was heavy. She couldn’t go hungry!