Chapter 1236: Gong Xin Gets Engaged
As the summer holidays approached, Gu Zi found herself pressed for time. Her coursework had intensified dramaticallyâby choice.
Determined to fast-track her degree, she had enrolled in a compact schedule that left barely a moment to breathe. There would be no idyllic summer trip back to Guangcheng with the children this year.
Education came first. She was cramming four yearsâ worth of university knowledge into what felt like a single, caffeine-fueled sprint.
The goal? Graduate early and reclaim her time. She had no desire to linger on campus longer than absolutely necessary.
Meanwhile, Su Bing had entered the sixth grade, and the transformation was undeniable. He had shot up in height, his lanky frame evolving into that of a pre-teen on the cusp of adolescence.
Already, he looked like a small adult. With his current growth spurt, it was almost certain heâd surpass six feet by eighteenâtall, sharp-featured, and effortlessly handsome. That much was written in the stars.
This year was a pivotal one. Su Bing would be sitting for his middle school entrance exams, and the family agreedâafter much deliberationâthat staying in the capital was the smarter move.
The education system in Beijing simply offered better opportunities, broader horizons. Uprooting themselves to return to Guangcheng now would be chaotic and counterproductive.
So Gu Zi made the call: they were staying put.
She had just finished a set of practice questions when her phone rang. It was a call from Guangcheng. On the other end, a bright, mischievous voice chirped through the receiver.
âGu Zi! Jin Long and I got engaged today! Thank you so much for the gifts your brother and sister-in-law brought on your behalf. Iâve already sent a return gift, and a few little surprises for the kidsâespecially for Teddy! Next time, you must come back and let his godmother dote on him properly!â
Gu Zi beamed. âOf course! Iâll definitely come back for the wedding. Teddy will be expecting a gift, mind youâhe has no shame when it comes to asking. So⊠when is the big day?â
She wasnât trying to push or pryâit was pure curiosity. Everyone knew that Gong Xin and Jin Long were madly in love. The families had already met and approved. Commander Gong and Madam Chen were more than satisfied with their future son-in-law. So why stop at an engagement?
Gong Xin sighed and replied, âThatâs exactly why I called. Iâve decided I want to establish my career first. Jin Long supports me completely. I recently received an offer from Guangcheng Televisionâthey want me to join their new international news channel as a bilingual host. But⊠they also require me to cut my hair short. And you know how I feel about that.â
Ah, of course. The hair.
Gong Xin had always been deeply grateful to Gu Zi. After all, it was Gu Zi who had helped her land her first broadcasting job. Without that nudge, she wouldnât have thrown herself into study and clawed her way up the ranks.
She had since built a solid reputation as a poised, articulate hostâsheâd even been featured in a few newspapers.
Now, Guangcheng TV was launching its first-ever international news channel and actively recruiting top talent. Gong Xin was a standout candidate.
Still, doubts lingered. How long would this international program last? Was the glamour of television worth sacrificing stability? The job of a radio announcerâwhile less flashyâhad always felt safer.
And though Jin Longâs family was wealthy enough to support them both ten times over, Gong Xin wanted more than just luxury. She wanted her own success before stepping into marriage.
Their relationship was wonderful as it was. If she could lock in her dream job, sheâd have both love and a career. What could be better?
Gu Zi took a moment, choosing her words carefully. Then, with her usual mix of wisdom and calm encouragement, she said, âTelevision is only going to become more popular from here on out. Radios will eventually be obsolete, and with them, the announcer jobs. If the TV station wants you as a news anchor, go. Youâre being offered a chance to be on the frontlines of a growing industry.â
She added gently, âIâve been hearing the same thing here in the capitalâTV presenters are the next big thing. Itâs a prestigious path. As for the hair⊠please. Thatâs the easiest problem to fix. Go to a master wig maker and have a few custom wigs made. If theyâre done well, no one will know the difference. Just wear one when youâre on camera. You get to keep your long hair and your dream job.â
Women understood each other on these things. Long hair wasnât just a fashion choiceâit was an identity, a journey. Gong Xin had taken years to grow hers out, just like Gu Zi, who had never once considered chopping hers off. She knew exactly what Gong Xin was grappling with.
As for the engagement, Gu Zi had no objections to Gong Xin waiting until her career was stable. It was her life, her timing. As a best friend, her only job was to offer supportâand, when the time came, a fabulous wedding gift.
Buoyed by Gu Ziâs encouragement, Gong Xin felt her doubts melt away. Her goal was clear now: she would join the television station, rise through the ranks, and maybe one day become the face of Guangchengâs international news. And when that day came, sheâd meet Gu Zi at the topâwith pride and without regret.
âThank you, Gu Zi. I know what I need to do now.â
The very next day, Gong Xin reported to the television station.
On her official debut broadcast, Jin Long proudly gathered the entire hotel staff around the lobby television. As her face appeared on screen, elegant and poised, the hotelâs lobby manager couldnât help but mutter in awe, âWow⊠sheâs really moving up. Who wouldâve thought our city would launch its own international news channel?â
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