The director unexpectedly shook his head, speaking in a gentle and approachable tone, "You don't need to be so scared. I called you over this time to tell you some good news."
"Good news?" Hearing the director say that, Shi Xinxin found it even stranger. "What good news is it?"
The director then said, "Didn't you apply to study abroad in America last time?"
Shi Xinxin remembered this matter as well, as it had been more than ten days since then. Shi Xinxin thought the matter had been dropped, and since no one announced who was going to America, she hadn't asked about it again. She never expected the director to personally bring it up today.
"Yes, I mentioned last time that I wanted to take the opportunity provided by the magazine to go to America for further studies." A flicker of hope for good news suddenly surged within Shi Xinxin.
Just as Shi Xinxin had thought, the director's smile indeed gave her a hint. "Congratulations, your application for this opportunity has been successful."
When the director delivered the news, Shi Xinxin was incredibly excited. She hadn't expected to succeed. After all, the magazine was full of talented people, and Shi Xinxin had only applied on a whim, never truly expecting to succeed.
"Really?" Shi Xinxin was very surprised. She truly hadn't anticipated this outcome.
"Yes, congratulations, Shi Xinxin." The director also seemed genuinely happy for her.
At that moment, Shi Xinxin wished she could announce to the world that she had secured an opportunity for professional advancement.
"Then, may I ask, Director, when will I be leaving for America?"
"The date has been set for you. It's in one month. This month, you need to hand over all your current work." The director began to give Shi Xinxin instructions for her departure preparations. "Also, this period of advanced study in America will last for one year. After you return, your contract will be re-signed. After all, the company is funding this trip, and we hope you will contribute to the company for a few more years."
Shi Xinxin actually quite liked her job, so no matter how many years the company planned to renew her contract, she felt she could manage.
"Of course, I understand that. Thank you very much, Director. I presume you must have put in a lot of effort for me to be selected. Thank you, Director." Shi Xinxin naturally expressed her gratitude to the director.
The director waved his hand, "This is all the result of your own hard work. Your performance has been noticed. We hope that after your advanced studies in America, you will return as a changed person, bringing new content and learning to our magazine."
After exchanging pleasantries with the director, Shi Xinxin happily left his office. Wen Xiaoxiao had already been waiting outside for a long time. Seeing Shi Xinxin finally emerge, she hurried over.
"How did it go? How did it go? Seeing how happy you are, it seems you weren't scolded." Wen Xiaoxiao eagerly pulled Shi Xinxin, wanting to know what had been happening inside.
Shi Xinxin's smile was evident. "Seeing me like this, you should know it's good news."
"What good news? Share it with me." Wen Xiaoxiao tugged at Shi Xinxin's clothes.
Shi Xinxin then said, "Let me tell you, I applied to study abroad in America last time, and the director just informed me that the spot has been confirmed, and I, Shi Xinxin, am the lucky one who received it."
"What!" Wen Xiaoxiao was overjoyed for Shi Xinxin upon hearing this. "You're amazing, Shi Xinxin! I really didn't expect you to succeed. That's fantastic."
"You're happy for me too, right!" Shi Xinxin's excitement was palpable.
"Of course!" Wen Xiaoxiao nodded, then her eyes darted around. "Speaking of which, since you've been successfully recommended, can you treat me to dinner?" Wen Xiaoxiao extended her palm, as if asking for something from Shi Xinxin.
Seeing Wen Xiaoxiao like this, Shi Xinxin generously agreed, "Sure, I'll have dinner with you, you little rascal."
"I don't want to have dinner with you, I want you to treat me." Wen Xiaoxiao made her intentions clear.
Shi Xinxin nodded. "I know what you mean, of course. How long have we known each other? How could I not know what's on your mind?"
With that, the two of them walked away happily. Shi Xinxin felt like she was floating for the entire afternoon. She was so happy about the prospect of studying in America that she seemed to have forgotten the original purpose of going abroad, and was merely delighted at the opportunity to study.
"Shi Xinxin, what's got you so over the moon that your voice is practically flying?"
After having dinner with Wen Xiaoxiao, Shi Xinxin returned home and thought of Tang Tang. This was a significant event, and she should tell her good friend.
So, Shi Xinxin dialed Tang Tang's number. However, the moment Shi Xinxin spoke her first sentence, Tang Tang had already picked up on the hint from Shi Xinxin's tone.
"Tangtang, is it that obvious?" Shi Xinxin was shocked by Tang Tang's words and asked her.
"Extremely obvious." Tang Tang, on the other end of the phone, almost rolled her eyes. "Your tone is one of someone who has encountered something happy."
Hearing Tang Tang say this, Shi Xinxin still chuckled.
"Go on, tell me what happy thing has happened? Could it be you've found a new boyfriend?" Tang Tang deliberately teased Shi Xinxin.
Shi Xinxin immediately retorted, "Not at all. I wanted to tell you that the director informed me today that my application for the study abroad program in America has been approved. I'm the only one from the entire magazine who will be going. Tell me, aren't I, Shi Xinxin, amazing!"
Tang Tang was momentarily stunned upon hearing Shi Xinxin's words. There was complete silence on the phone. Shi Xinxin couldn't hear Tang Tang and kept calling "Hello, hello," until finally Tang Tang responded.
"Shi Xinxin, are you truly happy? Are you genuinely happy about getting this opportunity? And why are you happy?"
Tang Tang's questions were very sharp. At that instant, Shi Xinxin froze, her hand holding the phone trembling slightly.
"Why am I happy?"
Shi Xinxin knew the answer to that question. She had spent the entire day deliberately hiding the most crucial part, but she hadn't expected Tang Tang to see through it.