Foreign teachers usually have basic everyday Chinese skills, as there are certain requirements for this—otherwise, they'd struggle to survive in a foreign country without passing the language barrier.
After work, Wang Yunyue arranged to meet these foreign teachers at the East Gate, and they slowly walked over together, enjoying the spring scenery along the way.
"Yueyue, where are we eating?" There was still a clueless one who didn't know where they were dining, but as long as there was food, she came along.
People willing to come to a foreign country are generally curious about the world and eager for new experiences. While they might not be social butterflies, they don't reject socializing.
"Jade Lake Welcome Hotel, five-star, with a swimming pool," Wang Yunyue explained. She had swum there a few times; it was the only one within several kilometers.
The four of them gradually gathered, strolling slowly along the lakeside road.
"So beautiful, the sunset slowly setting. Look at that willow tree—it's gorgeous," Kyoka couldn't help but exclaim.
A-jin stammered in surprise, "You can even use the word 'willow'—that's amazing."
Inna, being a straightforward Russian, said, "Practice, practice more, like drinking. Yueyue, is there alcohol tonight?"
Wang Yunyue looked at this motley crew and couldn't help but feel a headache. Cultural differences, language barriers—how had she ended up hanging out with them?
They say birds of a feather flock together. Am I like that too? The thought flashed through Wang Yunyue's mind for a second before she dismissed it.
Whatever will be, will be.
They drew quite a few stares along the way, mostly due to the exotic vibe, especially from Inna. The other three had East Asian features and weren't as noticeable.
Zhou You had gone back to his room to sleep after lunch. When he woke up, he swam for an hour in the pool and then lounged around there.
"Fangfang, there's a self-study exam in April. Want to give it a try with your brother?"
"Yeah, we were thinking the same. We looked at the difficulty, and honestly, it's not too hard. When we simulate it privately, we feel pretty confident we can pass," Wang Fangfang said confidently while massaging Zhou You.
"Good, give it a shot. You can take it a few times a year anyway. Real exams are better practice than simulations." Zhou You lay comfortably on the chair. Wang Fangfang used to be restless during massages, but now she stayed steady, afraid to provoke him. He had worn her out before, and even her athletic physique couldn't handle it.
"Yeah, I'm calm now, no rush. I'll pass it eventually." Wang Fangfang, constantly influenced by Zhou You, had unknowingly absorbed his mindset.
"I'm treating my colleagues to dinner tonight, mainly a few foreign teachers. I want to learn some foreign languages to make traveling easier later. Want to join?" Zhou You asked Wang Fangfang. This was a strategic retreat—laying his cards on the table, all aboveboard.
Wang Fangfang paused briefly. This was the first time Zhou You had invited her to dine with his colleagues. Her mind wavered between going or not, and unconsciously, her massage pressure increased.
"Come along too, meet some people. I'll bring a few swim passes for them to try out," Zhou You said, noticing her hesitation. It wasn't like she was hard to show off. Such a good girl—meeting her was fate. Maybe she knew everything but just didn't say it.
Wang Fangfang was gentle, considerate, kind, patient, and tolerant—who wouldn't love that? She was also self-reliant and striving upward.
From their past conversations, Zhou You knew she was aware he fooled around outside, but she never said a word. Instead, she became even gentler with him.
What more could he ask for?
"Okay, I'll bring a few bottles of wine. We've stored quite a bit here, and the old ones aren't finished yet." Wang Fangfang stopped hesitating. She'd just do whatever he said, mentally pumping herself up: I'm now the owner of nearly ten swimming pools—what's there to fear?
"Alright, bring one bottle. There's a Russian girl, so we'll probably drink some." Zhou You had no idea that in just a few words, Wang Fangfang had already staged a whole drama in her mind.
Wang Yunyue texted: Senior, we're almost there.
"Good." Zhou You replied, changed clothes, and went with Wang Fangfang to wait in the private room.
As soon as they sat down, the four outside chattered their way in.
Wow.
What a mix of people.
Introductions were made.
Taking Wang Fangfang's hand, Zhou You said, "This is my girlfriend, Wang Fangfang."
Wang Yunyue found Wang Fangfang vaguely familiar. After a closer look, she couldn't help asking, "Are you the owner of the swimming pool here?"
Wang Fangfang was surprised someone recognized her. "Yes, but I'm not the owner. I work for Teacher Zhou."
"Nonsense. Manager Wang not only has shares but is also the general manager, overseeing eight swimming pools." Zhou You backed Wang Fangfang up, not letting her feel inferior.
"Don't talk nonsense. You're the major shareholder," Wang Fangfang said honestly, since it was Zhou You's colleague.
Wang Yunyue was a bit confused. Either way, it was both of theirs—why be modest? "Senior, I swim here often. Can I get a discount?"
Zhou You, hearing a practical request, replied, "Forget a discount. I'll give you a yearly pass—swim as much as you want."
Wang Yunyue was thrilled—that was worth several thousand. She quickly introduced the foreign teachers. Zhou You shook hands with each one, observing them.
Inna was tall, probably 180 cm, with a graceful figure, long legs, muscular build, fair skin, brown hair, and blue eyes—the most exotic of the group.
Kyoka was average height, with a Japanese demeanor, constantly bowing and nodding, very much in the Japanese style.
A-jin was Korean, with a face that showed signs of plastic surgery, typical of a country where everyone goes under the knife.
The group was curious about Zhou You, having heard from Wang Yunyue that he wanted to learn a foreign language, though they didn't know which one.
"Teacher Zhou, is there alcohol?" Inna couldn't help asking. Many people assumed she didn't drink because she was a woman, but where she came from, almost everyone drank—it was second nature.
"Haha, yes, of course. I know you're from the fighting nation." Zhou You laughed heartily, pulling out Jiannanchun. Moutai was a sauce-flavored liquor that Russians rarely liked; their favorite was Erguotou.
Around the table, people from all over, despite slight language barriers, had no trouble connecting.
They introduced themselves and shared stories, and Zhou You caught bits and pieces.
Finally, Zhou You expressed his desire to learn a foreign language, hoping for private lessons. Tuition wasn't an issue—he'd pay the market's top rate.
They all agreed, though Inna was returning to her country in six months, while the others had a year or so, giving plenty of time.
Inna said it was no problem and refused payment. She wanted to learn Chinese anyway, and as long as the alcohol kept flowing, that was enough.
Zhou You burst out laughing, saying he'd even let her bathe in it if she wanted.