2003: Starting with Foreign Trade

Chapter 84 Curiosity

"No need, the lady outside just poured me some water," Gu Qingqing said with a light laugh.

It seems that Boss Tan saw through my little scheme when I bought milk tea last time, and even brought up milk tea specifically.

"Sit down for a while, I'll make you a cup of coffee, I need to drink some myself too."

After saying that, Tan Jincheng looked Gu Qingqing up and down for a while: "This is the first time I've seen you wear a dress. You look quite pretty."

"It's getting hot," Gu Qingqing said, blushing.

Actually, this outfit was put together by several roommates. Gu Qingqing rarely wears skirts, but it was at the insistence of her roommates.

However, Boss Tan's outfit today was quite stylish. He wore a light gray denim jacket, black trousers, and sneakers, which made him look very energetic. If you didn't know, you would definitely think he was a student.

Another thing that made Gu Qingqing a little embarrassed was that Tan Jincheng was also wearing a white crew neck T-shirt as an inner layer; unintentionally, the two seemed to be wearing the same clothes today.

This was the second time Tan Jincheng and Gu Qingqing had met this year, but they seemed to be a little closer; they were able to chat so casually, something neither Gu Qingqing nor Tan Jincheng themselves had noticed.

"Mr. Tan, are you going on a business trip in a few days?" Gu Qingqing asked curiously as she took the coffee Tan Jincheng handed her.

In an era when tourism had not yet become a concept or industry, and there was little capital involvement, people like Gu Qingqing, even those from well-off families, rarely traveled far for leisure. They were curious about long-distance travel, especially business trips.

Many rural children have never even left the county town before high school.

Tan Jincheng and Zhang Xupeng boarded the ship somewhat haphazardly, but they shared the same thoughts: they longed to understand the world and wanted to go out and see it.

"Yes, it's a pity you're a student, otherwise we could go together to broaden your horizons. There are many foreigners there, and you'll encounter many situations where English is used. It might be helpful for your major."

Gu Qingqing was quite interested in this topic: "Is it more than the international trade city over there?"

He had forgotten that the girl was from Yiwu. Tan Jincheng couldn't answer that question because he had never been to the International Trade City. But he figured that since the Yiwu International Trade City had been so popular for so many years, and Yiwu people called it "International Yiwu," there must be quite a few foreigners there.

"I can't answer that, I've never been there; but there's really no comparison, the exhibition is a one-time massive influx of people, while yours is more like a steady stream."

“When I was studying, I often saw foreigners. My family recommended that I major in English, saying that it would be more convenient for me to deal with foreigners in the future, whether I was working or doing business.”

"That makes sense; learning English well does make work much easier."

After the turn of the millennium, Chinese people's attitudes toward foreigners changed somewhat, and it wasn't as exaggerated as it was in the 1980s and 90s. However, learning a foreign language can indeed be helpful in life.

We don't need to underestimate ourselves, nor do we need to be arrogant. We can learn anything that is useful to us.

"And what about you, Mr. Tan? Where did you learn your English? Why are you so fluent?" Gu Qingqing finally used this topic to ask the question that had been bothering her.

"Well, that's a long story," Tan Jincheng said in a mature tone.

How did I learn it? Of course, it was forced upon me by two sea experiences and more than ten years of struggle in society in my previous life. Otherwise, what could I do with the knowledge I had in high school?
"Mr. Tan, if you're so inclined, could you talk about this?" "Why are you interested in this?"

"Because this is what I studied, and I want to improve myself."

Seeing Gu Qingqing's curious eyes, Tan Jincheng said with a smile, "Are all rich kids this hardworking? Okay, then tell me."

Faced with Tan Jincheng's teasing, Gu Qingqing remained silent, only staring at him curiously with her big eyes.

Seeing this, Tan Jincheng had no choice but to briefly summarize the absurd things he and Zhang Xupeng had done after graduating from high school in 03. Then, based on his experience at sea, he compiled some stories about his self-taught foreign language experiences.

There's not much else to explain; however, Tan Jincheng's later learning of English in his previous life was indeed greatly influenced by his experience at sea. Without that year of experience, Tan Jincheng probably wouldn't have realized the importance of learning a foreign language well.

Living in a port city during an era of rapid industrial development, mastering another language is like learning another skill to make a living.

One was diligently composing, and the other was attentively listening. Gu Qingqing really didn't expect Tan Jincheng to have such an experience. Meanwhile, the two Li sisters, who were working in the outer room, were curious about what Tan Jincheng and this pretty girl were talking about. It didn't seem like they were discussing work.

The office was separated by transparent glass, and Tan Jincheng left the door slightly ajar, so the soundproofing was quite good, and the two of them didn't dare to get too close.

"Sis, what do you think is the relationship between those two people inside? They don't seem to be talking about work," Li Jinglan whispered to Li Yanning.

Gossiping is human nature. It's unbelievable that Boss Tan, who usually treats women with no special favors and seems aloof, is chatting and laughing like this today.

Don't be fooled by Boss Tan's seemingly respectful attitude towards women. He doesn't give them any special treatment at work. When things get busy, he treats men like dogs and women like men, showing no mercy whatsoever.

Privately, Li Jinglan often complained that Boss Tan's work style was not something someone under 20 years old could do.

Li Yanning was also a little curious. Judging from her appearance and clothing, Gu Qingqing should be about the same age as her sister, or even a little younger. This was the first time she had seen a young woman come to the company office since she joined the company.

What intrigued Li Yanning the most was that Boss Tan and this lady seemed to be discussing something so inconvenient that even Boss Zhang couldn't listen in, and Boss Zhang was even chased away because of it.

This has never happened before.

The two people inside were naturally unaware of what was happening outside. After learning that Tan Jincheng was learning English in such an environment, Gu Qingqing became curious about his experience on the cruise ship.

During the cruise, the ship will stop in different countries to replenish supplies. Although there are various restrictions on disembarking and entering the country, you can still enjoy some different scenery. Gu Qingqing was quite fascinated by Tan Jincheng's vivid description.

At this moment, Gu Qingqing felt that Tan Jincheng, who was knowledgeable and experienced, was exceptionally charming.

"Holy crap, what kind of look is that?" Tan Jincheng finally realized what was happening.

This is just the same trick older men use to seduce young girls; okay, we can't keep talking about this, let's get back to work.

"Alright, that's enough for today. Let's take a look at the samples."

(End of this chapter)