There was a lot people at the morning run, but no one dared to talk, as the instructor was very strict. However, the internal training for the song and dance ensemble that took place afterward was another matter altogether. The thought of Qin Cuifen alone was enough to give Sheng Ning a headache.
The union was huge, and each department had its own administrative division. The song and dance ensemble was under the authority of the inspectorate and was in a very prominent position.
To put it in modern terms, the song and dance ensemble was the eye candy of the entire union. Whenever there were important events, the union leaders would borrow members from their troupe, and they would be inspected and made to assist the logistics department in receiving the guests.
The troupe’s premises were next to the Rescue Association Building and were a stone’s throw away from each other. In fact, they were so close that Sheng Ning could hear the sound of a vehicle screeching to a halt right outside the entrance of the Rescue Association Building.
Coming and going passerby all looked over in shock. There had never been anyone audacious enough to drive so recklessly here.
Sheng Ning also looked over curiously. When a familiar back came into view, she froze midstep.
Xu Qigang was wearing his rescue uniform. Given his tall frame, the uniform made his legs look long and strong. His Sam Browne belt was loosely buckled around his tapered waist, which gave him a wild charm.
Just the image of his back was enough to fire a woman’s imagination.
Other girls around her started squealing.
Sheng Ning’s heart began to thump madly in her chest.
“It’s Beelzebub in person! It’s really Beelzebub in person…”
“He hardly ever comes here! It’s so rare to catch a glimpse of him.”
“Aren’t you afraid of him? He’s known as Beelzebub! He’s so scary.”
“I am, but he’s so handsome, and most importantly, so manly!” The person who spoke was a senior in the troupe. She’d entered a year before Sheng Ning.
Sheng Ning thought for a moment. If she remembered correctly, her name was Ruan Zhu.
“Stop talking! Aren’t you embarrassed? Everyone’s looking at you!”
At her friend’s warning, Ruan Zhu realized she’d been too careless. If any of her superiors caught her making such a comment, she’d forgo any chance of being promoted for the next half a year.
Worst case scenario, she could even get punished for it.
Ruan Zhu’s expression changed immediately. She looked around, and her gaze fell on Sheng Ning.
“Hey, Sheng Ning! You’re back so soon to resume your training? Your punishment’s over?” Ruan Zhu aggressively marched over to Sheng Ning and looked down her nose at her. She critically scrutinized Sheng Ning, and jealously flashed in her eyes.
This was the woman who had stolen her thunder when she arrived.
Everyone around noticed Sheng Ning and began looking at her in surprise.
Sheng Ning took the initiative to greet Ruan Zhu first.
Ruan Zhu had intended to ridicule Sheng Ning more, but Sheng Ning’s actions forced her to return the greeting, no matter how angry and unwilling she was.
After the greetings were exchanged, Ruan Zhu was about to speak again, but Sheng Ning beat her to it.
“Please treat me kindly,” she said.
“… But of course.” This girl seemed to have learned her lesson. “I just saw your self-criticism. It was really well written. You must have had lots of practice during your schooling days.”
“Yes. Thank you for the compliment.”
“Ha ha ha…” The bystanders saw that Ruan Zhu’s insults were like punches landing on cotton, and began to snigger behind their hands.
“What a smooth talker.” Ruan Zhu lowered her voice to where only Sheng Ning could hear her. “If what I said today gets out, I won’t let you off easily,” she said coldly.
“There are a lot of people here. Why are you only threatening me?”
“Because you’re of poor character!” With that, Ruan Zhu proudly puffed out her chest like a peacock and walked off, a group of people trailing behind her.
Sheng Ning followed and headed toward the troupe, an icy look in her eyes. Before she stepped through the main entrance, she quickly glanced at the building beside theirs, but Xu Qigang’s shadow had long disappeared.
A gentle voice rang out from behind her. “Ningning…”
When Sheng Ning heard it, she rolled her eyes and involuntarily quickened her steps.