Chapter 252 - 103: The Top Star of the 60s Song and Dance Troupe (42)
Chapter 252: Chapter 103: The Top Star of the 60s Song and Dance Troupe (42)
Taking a deep breath, Master Yuan no longer hesitated and began writing with quick, sharp strokes. One sheet was a resignation letter, in which she cited poor health as her reason for applying for early retirement.
Xia Zhaoyun stepped forward for a look, her slender, pale finger tapping the words "early retirement." "Give up the early retirement spot as compensation for Wang Huiwen," she said. "Write that sentence in the guarantee letter. It’ll make it easier for me to plead on behalf of you and your daughter."
"Also, add a line to the resignation letter stating that you will not accept any offer from the factory to be hired back."
Master Yuan gritted her teeth. ’Just a moment ago, I was wondering what I could do with that early retirement spot, and now this little vixen has demanded it.’
’What could I do?’
She was forty years old and had never married, spending all these years raising her daughter, Little Qin, alone. For now, she could only swallow this bitter pill.
’Ever since I entered this profession, besides the huge fall I took because of Little Qin’s father, no one has ever dared to make me suffer such a great loss!’
’This little vixen truly has me by the throat, blocking off every possible escape route.’
Master Yuan swore to herself that once this ordeal was over, she would make Xia Zhaoyun pay it back a hundredfold.
Noticing the fleeting malice on her face, Xia Zhaoyun reminded her nonchalantly:
"Director Yuan, a smart person knows who to take revenge on."
"You were the ones who made the mistake first, plotting against someone’s life. I’m just an intermediary in a thankless task. I haven’t asked you for a single cent, nor have I asked for any favors in return. You wouldn’t hold a grudge against me over this, would you?"
Master Yuan quickly shook her head, forcing a smile. "Of course not. Little Xia is a capable person. For helping us smooth this over, we will definitely have to reward you properly."
Xia Zhaoyun let out a dry chuckle. "No need. Just behave yourselves from now on."
"You know I’m a capable person. I was able to get a hold over you this time and stop you from getting away with your nasty deeds. Believe me, the next time you try something, I’ll be able to sniff you out just as precisely, and then we’ll settle all our scores at once!"
"Once you’ve taken early retirement, just enjoy being a retired old lady. Don’t spend all day staring at us young girls. I’d hate for you to tarnish your legacy in your final years..."
Master Yuan was fuming with anger and frustration, but she couldn’t say a single sharp word. She just lowered her head and continued writing the guarantee letter.
After the two documents were written, Xia Zhaoyun read them over carefully and raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Xue should have just gotten to work. You can submit these now. I hope we receive some satisfactory news before noon. When that happens, I’ll delete the contents of the recording pen right in front of you."
With that, she picked up the guarantee letter, now bearing Master Yuan’s thumbprint, and leisurely departed.
Master Yuan snatched the enamel mug from the desk, but ultimately stopped herself from smashing it. Seething, she took a gulp of the tea. ’This is infuriating!’
Back in the practice room, Xia Zhaoyun resumed daily training with the girls.
In truth, over the past half-month, everyone had already drilled the dance down to the finest detail. They had practiced it over and over, so now it was just a matter of maintaining muscle memory.
Xia Zhaoyun consciously and systematically worked to improve each person’s abilities, shoring up their weaknesses and further enhancing their strengths. Only dancers like that could secure a spot among the crowd and avoid being eliminated too early.
Barely two hours later, Mr. Xue came around with Master Yuan, greeting everyone. "Girls, stop for a moment. I have something to tell you all."
After pushing the door open, Mr. Xue clapped his hands. Once everyone had stopped and looked over, he said with a faint smile:
"Director Yuan has worked in our art troupe for over a decade. She’s a veteran, a senior comrade who has been striving here since our factory’s art troupe was first established."
"Her health isn’t what it used to be, so she has requested early retirement. I’ve brought her here to say goodbye to everyone."
Everyone was stunned. This was Master Yuan, a woman with immense ambition, often so overbearing that she would sideline Mr. Xue and handle everything herself.
For her to voluntarily take early retirement was as likely as the sun rising in the west!
However, no one dared to show any happiness on their faces. They all put on reluctant expressions. "Director Yuan, we’ll miss you. We’ll come visit you during the holidays."
Wanting to make a graceful exit, Master Yuan wore an unprecedentedly kind smile. "You’re always welcome. After I retire, I’ll just be an old lady with nothing to do. If you have any problems, you can come find me anytime."
"If there’s anything at all I can help with, I absolutely won’t refuse. Of course, even if there’s nothing wrong, you can still find me to discuss dance or just to chat..."
As she finished, she shot a subtle, meaningful glance at Xia Zhaoyun.