Chapter 478: Invitation by Name

Chapter 478: Invitation by Name
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Zhou Chen had suffered a setback at the hands of Xia Wan before and had been looking for an opportunity to regain face ever since.
He had been worried that Xia Chen might snatch away his opportunity, but now that Xia Chen had stated he wouldn’t sign up, his chance had come again.
He had it all planned out; after hosting the foreign guests, he would show off to those who were less experienced.
But after hearing the conversation between Xia Wan and Liu Hua, he panicked. Could it be that Xia Chen was really going to be specially approved to participate in the hosting event?
“There’s no way I can let Xia Chen go!” Zhou Chen clenched his fists, plotting how to completely eliminate Xia Chen’s chances of participating.
In Jiang Rong’s office, Xia Chen stood beside her desk, his posture ramrod straight, always appearing resolute.
“Teacher Jiang, did you want to see me about something?” Xia Chen had an idea of what it might be, but he still waited for Jiang Rong to confirm.
The classroom door wasn’t very soundproof, and although the conversation between the principal and Jiang Rong wasn’t clear, he had faintly heard his own name.
Connecting this with Jiang Rong’s expression when she returned to the classroom, he guessed the principal’s visit was related to him.
Jiang Rong looked at Xia Chen: “Xia Chen, I am here on behalf of the school to invite you to be a key participant in this foreign guest reception event.” “Of course, you can still refuse, but I hope you will consider it carefully.” “This is a rare opportunity.”
“And it is also the expectation of the school leadership. I hope you won’t disappoint the leaders of the school.”
Jiang Rong didn’t give Xia Chen a chance to interject, placing these heavy expectations on him, simply waiting for his agreement.
However, Xia Chen seemed unmoved: “Thank you for the trust from Teacher Jiang and the school leaders, but I really don’t plan to participate in this reception event.”
Xia Chen’s refusal caused Jiang Rong’s expression to darken slightly: “Xia Chen,
I think you should consider it more carefully.”
Having said that, Jiang Rong didn’t wait for Xia Chen to speak again: “Think it over tonight and give me your answer tomorrow.”
Xia Chen opened his mouth to respond but saw that Jiang Rong had already turned to start marking assignments.
With no choice, he had to leave for now.
“Xia Chen, what did Teacher Jiang want with you?” As soon as Xia Chen entered the classroom, curious classmates rushed to ask, “Is it true that you were specially chosen to participate in the reception?” Xia Chen gave a noncommittal “Hmm” as a response.
His answer set the classroom abuzz.
“It’s really the principal who personally invited Xia Chen to the reception!”
“Wow, Xia Chen’s really gained face this time!”
“To have such a person in our class really brings us honor!”
While everyone was talking excitedly, Zhou Chen felt an uncontrollable rage simmering inside him.
Xia Chen, faced with Zhou Chen’s aggressive stance, remained expressionless,
“Did I make a promise?”
“Or did I agree to something?”
“If not, shouldn’t your accusations be considered defamation?”
“I’m not like you; I don’t have such a strong sense of self-interest, and I don’t place such importance on whether or not I can participate in this reception event.”
“However, if you really don’t want me to participate…” Xia Chen paused,
“perhaps I might consider signing up.”
Xia Chen’s words nearly drove Zhou Chen to curse out loud on the spot.
The words rolled around in Zhou Chen’s mouth for a while, but he eventually managed to swallow them down.
He turned stiffly and walked away, while the others couldn’t help but let out snickers.
That evening, Xia Wan was in her room, continuing to revise the design for the signboard.
Xia Chen knocked and entered, his face full of things he seemed to want to say but was holding back.
“Brother, it’s your life; make the choice you think is right,” Xia Wan knew Xia Chen had come to seek her advice.
Xia Wan didn’t plan to give Xia Chen too much guidance, only hoping he would follow his heart.
Xia Chen’s face still looked dejected, “Actually, I’m not sure…”
“I’m just worried, worried that I might not perform well, if…”
Xia Wan looked at Xia Chen’s somewhat lost expression and walked over with a light laugh, “You have to believe in yourself.”
“But…” Xia Chen was still hesitant, as if something was still troubling him.
Xia Wan tentatively asked, “You don’t have a lack of confidence, do you? So, what else is worrying you?”
Xia Chen thought for a moment and then honestly replied, “Although my foreign language grades are decent, I’ve never had face-to-face interactions with foreigners.”
“Moreover, there’s a reception involved this time.. If I don’t do well, could it affect my future?”