Chapter 102: Chapter 102

Tian Xiang and Chen Yong took their introduction letter from the factory and boarded the bus heading to the cadre school.

Both were quite excited about this opportunity to study.

Chen Yong joked with Tian Xiang, "The attendees are all young cadres from various factories, maybe my other half is among them."

Tian Xiang glanced at him lightly, "Sure, go for it."

Chen Yong muttered, "Looking down on me, huh? Don’t think you’re the only one who can date, I, Chen Yong, can too."

Chen Yong had already noticed that Tian Xiang was involved with Meng Cheng.

Even though the two hadn’t made it public, a visit to the small grove was a clear indication of a connection.

However, with the situation in the Meng Family, and hearing that Mr. Meng had been taken away with no news so far, the likelihood of these two making it to the end was uncertain.

The training session lasted ten days, with no breaks in between.

The trainees perfectly formed a large class with about fifty people, with a roughly equal number of men and women.

They submitted their documents, received some daily necessities, and then went to their assigned dormitories.

The place was already set up as a school; everything was ready-made, so they could move in directly after receiving the items.

The dormitory had an eight-person room layout with desks in the middle, the environment was decent.

No classes were scheduled for the morning; everyone tidied up the dormitory and cleaned, while in the afternoon they attended a class meeting and received books to prepare for the start of the course.

By mid-morning, eight female classmates in the dormitory had gradually arrived, introduced themselves, and got a general understanding of each other.

Upon learning Tian Xiang worked at the Mechanical Factory, several were quite envious.

After all, the Mechanical Factory was the largest factory citywide, with promising development prospects.

As the training included participation from all city factories, some rural enterprises from peripheral areas also sent people over.

Those from smaller factories were somewhat envious of Tian Xiang, inevitably showing signs of wanting to cozy up and get close, being quite curious about the situation within the Mechanical Factory.

Tian Xiang, being very welcoming, answered questions as they came, becoming a bit of a focal point in the dormitory for a while.

Amidst the chattering, a not-so-warm voice interjected.

"Tian Xiang, your surname is Tian. Are you from the Tian Family in Sanli Lane?"

The speaker was a minor officer from the Textile Factory named Chu Yun.

Just hearing their tone, Tian Xiang could tell it wouldn’t lead to anything good, she laughed and replied, "Yes, why?"

Chu Yun chuckled, "Do you know Tian Chuying? Oh, right, you both have the surname Tian, could you be family?"

Chu Yun looked incredulously at Tian Xiang, even covering her mouth in surprise, as if something big was afoot.

Tian Xiang glanced at her forehead, thinking, prime villain number 4.

The number was rather high, a character setting of someone who inexplicably was out to stir trouble against the protagonist.

Tian Xiang replied, "What do you want to say?"

This person seemed well-informed, likely knowing about the relation between herself and Tian Chuying.

The case involving Tian Chuying had been recently defined; currently, both of them were held at the station.

The Textile Factory had issued an announcement about Tian Chuying’s temporary suspension, though not clearly stating the reason; some matters, however, had spread privately, and those aware of internal details also knew Tian Xiang’s name.

Chu Yun’s family had connections in the Textile Factory and happened to be among those privy to the inside scoop.

Earlier during self-introductions, upon seeing Tian Xiang was from the Mechanical Factory, Chu Yun immediately connected the dots.

So it turns out she is Tian Chuying’s cousin, looking quite like a vixen, hence the trouble over stealing a man.

Due to the wild rumors going around, many believed the sisters had fallen out over a man, and that man was Lu Feng.

Chu Yun laughed, "Nothing much, Tian Chuying is well-known at our factory, I just wanted to confirm whether you two currently have any connection."

Chu Yun emphasized the words "well-known" particularly, clearly not a good reputation.

Tian Xiang replied straightforwardly, "Yes, she is my cousin. However, our families don’t have much of a relationship at present, and we’re not connected."

If that was the truth, then so be it, Tian Xiang saw no need to deny.

She only needed to clarify her stance, and as for what others thought, it was not her concern.

If this led others to distance themselves from her, so be it, as differing paths cannot be reconciled.

Chu Yun hadn’t expected her to be so frank, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Others, unaware of the situation, laughed amiably, trying to smooth things over, and gradually, fewer people gathered around Tian Xiang.

By noon, the group went to the cafeteria for lunch, and the eight dorm mates divided into two groups.

It was unclear what Chu Yun said to the others, but only two were left sitting with Tian Xiang for the meal, happening to be two girls from town whom Chu Yun’s group presumably disdained, leading them to join Tian Xiang’s side.

Tian Xiang initially didn’t mind but felt somewhat angry now.

Chu Yun, being troublesome, likely spread malicious gossip about her privately.

During the afternoon class meeting, before distributing books, everyone introduced themselves again.

The ladies’ side was orderly.

The men’s side was a bit restless, often stealing glances toward the women.

As Hu Honglian mentioned, this kind of cadre training was a prime opportunity for finding potential matches.

Given that everyone’s conditions were roughly the same and they were young, some things were inevitable.

After class, Chen Yong was surrounded by male colleagues.

With about twenty girls, no contesting it was known the prettiest was from the Mechanical Factory, with her two braids, snow-like skin, and a smile like an angel.

Having encountered such a beautiful girl for the first time, many were smitten.

Chen Yong disdainfully looked at these unappealing folks around him.

Even Tian Xiang didn’t find herself suitable, could she fancy you?

Better luck being reincarnated well in the next life!

Chen Yong said, "Don’t bother, she’s already seeing someone."

Chen Yong chuckled, "With so many single young men at the Mechanical Factory, even if she weren’t involved, it wouldn’t be your turn."

Everyone was left disheartened, sighing over what could have been.

The crowd around Chen Yong dispersed, leaving one persistent fellow.

A young man named Zhou Ming from the Button Factory asked, "Who’s she seeing?"

They’re all from Red Fifth Street; perhaps if he heard the name, he might recognize them.

Chen Yong, "Why, you trying to steal someone’s partner?"

Zhou Ming laughed, "What are you saying? I just wanted to know casually."

If you’re not trying to steal, what’s there to casually understand.

Chen Yong said, "Don’t think too much, you won’t cut it, it’s not happening."

If the partner was easily taken, he’d have done it already, where does that leave you?

Zhou Ming scratched his head, realizing this wasn’t going to be easy.

But thinking of Tian Xiang, whom he deemed the prettiest and amiable, straightforward girl he’d met, he grew reluctant to let go.

Forget it, better ask someone else for more information.

The next day, the training session began.

Tian Xiang gathered her thoughts, focused wholeheartedly on her studies, and everything went smoothly for several days.

The cadre school was a bit far from Red Fifth Street, in a different district; they didn’t have breaks, nor could they leave, as it was under closed management.

However, relatives could come for visits or drop off items and such.

Tian Xiang had packed adequately and told Hu Honglian not to visit, yet she still came, choosing noon meal time, and even took a stroll around the school.