Upon actually entering the recording studio, Tang Ximian felt somewhat nervous.
“Me first!” The girl handed over her information and rushed in ahead of her.
“The inaugural address…”
Her voice was clear with a touch of sweetness, not overly deliberate, though some words weren’t entirely smooth. The girl herself seemed quite pleased, even throwing a provocative look at Tang Ximian as she exited.
Seeing the familiar equipment, Tang Ximian’s nerves eased. After testing her voice a few times, she began reading from the script in her hand.
It was handwritten, likely prepared specifically for this recruitment.
“Hello dear listeners, it’s time again for our ‘Voice of Happiness.’ Now, let’s connect to our hotline…”
Outside, the recruitment teacher suddenly slapped his thigh: “Switch it up! Give her a news broadcast script—let’s see if she can handle that!”
Her Mandarin was exceptionally standard, her tone noticeably different from her speaking voice—gentle with a hint of sweetness!
“Tang Ximian, try this one instead!”
Tang Ximian took the news script, nodded, cleared her throat twice, and instantly shifted into professional mode, her smile fading: “Good morning, listeners. Welcome to the Morning News. First, here are the headlines…”
Her delivery was authoritative and steady, her enunciation crisp, without even a hint of extraneous breath sounds coming through the speakers.
The woman standing nearby, who had been ready to watch the show, was so shocked her eyes nearly popped out: “This… this…”
“Wu Xiaoxiao, your Mandarin still needs practice, but we do have a small evening storytelling segment that would suit you well.”
Wu Xiaoxiao nodded. Though she couldn’t match Tang Ximian, at least she’d secured a position!
“I just want to ask… her academic qualifications are inferior to mine…” Wu Xiaoxiao grumbled resentfully.
The supervisor sighed: “You need to understand—we’re not just looking for people with diplomas, but more importantly, capability and cultivation! Cultivation doesn’t always equate to academic credentials!”
The supervisor stood up and called Tang Ximian out: “Miss Tang, may I ask how you developed such excellent Mandarin? Very few people here speak Mandarin this well… This position is for the morning news broadcast, which is typically live. Can you maintain this standard?”
While the announcer’s job might be somewhat monotonous, it spared one from exposure to the elements—a highly sought-after position. The supervisor was being cautious, but Tang Ximian’s performance was so fitting she was clearly a promising talent worth nurturing!
“I can handle it,” Tang Ximian smiled. “What about the salary and benefits?”
“We offer fifty yuan per month—already higher than elsewhere! Xiao Tang, you must work hard! I can see your circumstances aren’t the best. With this job, you can improve your family’s situation! It’s just your academic qualifications…”
Announcers typically held university degrees; achieving this level with a high school diploma was truly remarkable. The supervisor valued her greatly: “Are you married? Do you need to apply for separate housing?”
“I’m married. I’ll be fine in the dormitory!” Tang Ximian didn’t request special treatment. “Just having a place to stay is enough! How many days off do I get per week?”
“One break per week, two days! Since you’re on morning news, you can leave half a day early—return on Sunday afternoon in time for the next morning’s broadcast.”
“Alright.” Tang Ximian genuinely felt everything was going well: “When can I start work?”
“Next Monday. Today is Thursday, so you can go home and pack your things, and inform your family!” The supervisor finalized the arrangements promptly, not wanting to lose her!
Tang Ximian knew she had succeeded, her eyes brimming with joy: “Thank you so much! May I ask your surname?”
“My surname is Song, Song Weiguo!” Song Weiguo extended his hand with a smile: “I’m your direct supervisor, the director of the News Broadcasting Department. You can just call me Old Song!”
“Uncle Song.” Tang Ximian’s choice of address immediately closed the distance between them: “You’ll have to guide me more in the future!”
Song Weiguo thought highly of her and nodded repeatedly: “Don’t worry! I’ll arrange your dorm right away! Who did you come with?”
“My husband is outside,” Tang Ximian nodded: “If possible, could I take a look at the dorm now?”
Chu Jiangchuan never expected he’d have the chance to enter the television station. Though it was just the dormitory, it was already a place ordinary people couldn’t access.
Looking at the person standing beside him, he felt increasingly insecure.
“Jiangchuan, while I’m away, everything at home will depend on you. If anything happens, send me a message!” Tang Ximian said as they walked.
Song Weiguo had already noticed Chu Jiangchuan’s limp and cautiously asked: “Xiao Tang, your husband’s leg…”
“Combat injury, didn’t heal properly. I used to be immature and almost left him, but now I plan to earn money to buy him nourishing food to help him recover!” Tang Ximian didn’t hide her past life.
Every family has its difficulties – nothing worth concealing!
“I see. No problem. If I come across suitable medicine in the future, I’ll help you buy it!” Song Weiguo showed great kindness toward Tang Ximian.
He even bought simple meals from the cafeteria, and the three ate at the dormitory entrance before going inside to look.
Chu Jiangchuan felt reassured – having a good supervisor was truly important!
“Director Song, my wife is young, but I believe she can do her job well. Thank you for your appreciation. There’s much I can’t help her with, so I must ask you to guide her more.”
Before leaving, Chu Jiangchuan formally expressed his gratitude to Song Weiguo.
Song Weiguo casually asked: “Which unit did you serve in?”
“Third Brigade, Beijing Army.” Chu Jiangchuan still cherished memories of his military service, though now…
“Then do you know Song Zhifeng?” Song Weiguo instantly became more enthusiastic: “That’s my son! I never expected to meet his comrade here!”
Chu Jiangchuan nodded: “Zhifeng and I were good friends! It’s just a pity… we can no longer fight side by side!”
After offering brief condolences, the three parted ways.
Tang Ximian took Chu Jiangchuan to buy some blood-activating and stasis-removing medicine, brought some food for the family, and purchased a set of needles, leaving little money in hand.
The most urgent matter now was returning home. Carrying their purchases, the two went to catch the bus.
By the time they reached home, it was almost dark, and the village was quiet.
Hearing the knocking, Xu Guangfen scrambled up and hurried to open the gate.
Chu Jiangchuan entered carrying their things: “Mom, we’re back.”
“How did it go?” Xu Guangfen asked eagerly.
Chu Jiangchuan gestured for Tang Ximian to explain.
Tang Ximian supported Chu Jiangchuan with one hand while holding her mother-in-law with the other: “Of course I passed!”
“Passed?!” Xu Guangfen exclaimed, then covered her mouth, though the corners of her grinning lips still peeked out from behind her hand. “You passed! How… how much is the monthly salary?”
This was a golden rice bowl after all!
Tang Ximian held up five fingers.
Xu Guangfen dropped her hand from her mouth and broke into a foolish grin.