Chapter Eleven: The Guest of Honor

(1/3)
At 5:50 in the afternoon, Bian Xiaoqi and Qin Ke arrived at the banquet hall inside the Tongyuan Telecom guesthouse. Luo Tong and Sun Shuqing had arrived ten minutes earlier than them. Both were dressed neatly and appeared full of energy.

Upon seeing Bian Xiaoqi’s vibrant and youthful appearance, Luo Tong praised her with a whistle, “Manager Bian is bound to outshine everyone tonight and dazzle the crowd with her dance.” He put an arm around Qin Ke’s shoulder and smiled, “Qin, tonight, dealing with that Jia fellow just requires a glance between you and Manager Bian.”

Qin Ke replied confidently, “We brothers will act according to the situation.”

Bian Xiaoqi also smiled, “We’ll all work together in harmony.”

At exactly six o’clock, Deputy Director Fang Daoqi led several people from Tongyuan Telecom into the banquet hall. Seeing the four energetic young men from Company A, Director Fang was in a good mood. After shaking hands with Bian Xiaoqi, he patted Qin Ke, Luo Tong, and Sun Shuqing on the shoulders with satisfaction, inviting them to take their seats.

Fang Daoqi took the seat of honor and assigned Bian Xiaoqi the position of vice host. Noticing the puzzled looks around the table, he smiled and said, “Tonight, the main guests don’t need to be strictly divided. The purpose is to foster a good relationship between us. Let’s just think of ourselves as one family.”

Bian Xiaoqi took her seat as vice host, while Fang arranged Qin Ke in the first guest seat, Luo Tong second, Sun Shuqing third, Li Jun fourth, Tongyuan Telecom Maintenance Section Chief Liang Wanhe fifth, and Deputy Section Chief Jia Yunsheng at the last seat. Qin Ke and Bian Xiaoqi immediately understood Director Fang’s intentions from the seating order.

Soon, the waitstaff brought out twelve dishes—four cold and eight hot—exquisite and fragrant. Director Fang pointed to the spread and said, “Tonight’s dishes are mostly local specialties from Tongyuan: Qingyu braised pork, Zaolin boatman’s fish, Jiangkou green carp with tofu, Bashan cured meat stewed native chicken, Pingchang fried fish, and Tongjiang white fungus with lotus seed soup. Tasting these dishes is like traveling through the mountains and waters of Tongyuan.”

“Except for Bian Xiaoqi, you three young men from other provinces are probably tasting our local cuisine for the first time. Let’s eat first; once our stomachs are settled, we’ll drink.” Saying this, Fang Daoqi served Qin Ke and Luo Tong the dishes on either side of him, filling their small plates immediately with a variety of delicacies.

Qin Ke and Luo Tong thanked Director Fang and began eating heartily, praising the food as delicious and savoring every bite.

While eating, Bian Xiaoqi introduced the characteristics of Tongyuan’s local dishes: “The boatman’s fish braised with cured meat has a rich red color but is not spicy; it carries the aroma of meat and cured pork, which enhances the fresh taste of freshwater fish. Qingyu braised pork is fatty but not greasy, tender and fragrant, made from the local specialty Qingyu pig belly with alternating layers of fat and lean meat. It melts smoothly in the mouth, rich in flavor without being heavy, and has a strong gelatinous texture. Jiangkou green carp with tofu features tender and nutritious fish meat; the delicate tofu and savory fish broth blend perfectly, the tofu absorbing the fish’s freshness, and the fish taking on the tofu’s light fragrance. Pingchang fried fish uses authentic wild river fish, fried with local rice flour, creating a crispy and refreshing texture. Bashan cured meat stewed native chicken employs high-quality local native chicken and farm-produced cured meat, combined with scallions, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers. The resulting dish is fragrant and leaves a lasting aroma on the palate.”

Everyone marveled at Bian Xiaoqi’s broad knowledge. Some even mistook her for a native of Tongyuan. Even Li Jun, born and raised in Tongyuan, admired her expertise. Director Fang smiled at Bian Xiaoqi, and Qin Ke looked at her with admiration. Her beauty, eloquence, and pleasant voice made her the perfect vice host; she was the most radiant presence at tonight’s banquet.

Luo Tong laughed, “Listening to Manager Bian’s explanations, I don’t know which dish to try first. I’m afraid if I eat too much of one, I won’t have room for another.”

Everyone burst into laughter.

Fang Daoqi brought out several bottles of white liquor, saying, “This is our local Xiao Jiaolou liquor, which traces its origins back to the late Han period’s ancient Bazi Kingdom. The scholar Wu Depu, inheriting the Ba people’s brewing techniques, established a small distillery next to the Xiao Jiao Temple in 1679 at the ancient White Clothes Town. It became known as the ‘Xiao Jiaolou Distillery,’ and the brand took its name from this. Our vast original forests give Xiao Jiaolou a cellar aroma that is elegant, mellow and sweet, naturally harmonious, clean, and pleasant to the palate. You all must try a few glasses.”

Director Fang personally filled the cups of Qin Ke and Luo Tong, while Bian Xiaoqi poured for the others.

Raising his glass, Fang Daoqi said, “On behalf of Tongyuan Telecom, I sincerely thank the young engineers from Company A for their outstanding work. Your sense of responsibility and professionalism have moved this old man. I hope you will continue to support us and contribute more to our ongoing cooperation. I will have Li Jun prepare a banner to send to your company.”

Bian Xiaoqi raised her glass, “Thank you, Director Fang, for your warm hospitality and encouragement. Relieving our customers’ worries is our duty. Our two companies’ cooperation will continue and grow stronger.”

Qin Ke lifted his glass, “Thank you, Director Fang, for your understanding and tolerance. As engineers, we bear the responsibility without excuse. After all, equipment is made by humans, and humans sometimes catch colds or fevers—how much more so for machinery? As long as we put in the effort, no problem is unsolvable. I have always had confidence in this.”

Fang Daoqi smiled happily, “Xiaoqi and Qin, well said. Let’s drink together.”

After three rounds of toasts, Fang Daoqi looked at Jia Yunsheng seated at the end and said, “Director Jia, it’s your turn to toast.”

Jia Yunsheng had not spoken a word since entering the banquet hall. Seeing Fang Daoqi treating Qin Ke and others like honored guests while ignoring him made him deeply uncomfortable. Hearing his name called, he quickly stood and raised his glass.

“Drink three glasses yourself first, then speak,” Fang Daoqi commanded before Jia could reply.

Seeing Director Fang speak personally, Jia Yunsheng dared not disobey and downed three glasses. Perhaps due to poor tolerance or mood, his grimace was obvious, his face flushed and neck thickened.

“Director Jia, you should apologize to Engineer Qin and the others,” Fang Daoqi continued bluntly.

“Engineer Qin, Engineer Luo, I apologize for my previous neglect towards you both. Please forgive me,” Jia Yunsheng said hastily, though unwilling deep down, keeping his feelings hidden, and quickly addressing Qin Ke and Luo Tong.

Luo Tong, seeing Jia Yunsheng’s stern face devoid of any smile, said to Director Fang, “Director Fang, Director Jia’s apology lacks sincerity; he hasn’t smiled once.”

Under Fang Daoqi’s intense gaze, Jia Yunsheng forced a smile. To Qin Ke and Bian Xiaoqi, it was more pitiful than a cry.

Qin Ke calmly said, “Director Jia, we may be young, but we have dignity and deserve respect. Put yourself in our shoes—how would you feel if you were treated coldly like that? Fortunately, with Director Fang’s kindness, we completed the tasks smoothly. I am straightforward; today, in front of Director Fang and Chief Liang, I have said what needed to be said. That’s that. I hope you can also have the broad-mindedness of a prime minister.”

Luo Tong and Sun Shuqing looked at Qin Ke admiringly; he had voiced their true feelings.

Bian Xiaoqi also praised Qin Ke’s words and added, “Director Jia, under Director Fang’s leadership, our two companies will continue to cooperate. Rest assured, Company A will provide Tongyuan Telecom with the best products and highest quality service.”

With Qin Ke and Bian Xiaoqi speaking so earnestly, Jia Yunsheng was sweating profusely and hastily pledged, “Director Fang, Chief Liang, please rest assured. I will correct my attitude, forget past grudges, and cooperate fully. I’ll drink this glass first to show my sincerity.”

Only then did Fang Daoqi smile, “That’s the spirit, Director Jia. Doing the work well and carefully is the best attitude.”

Qin Ke glanced at Luo Tong at the right moment. Luo Tong understood immediately, lifted his glass, and said with a smile, “Director Jia, thank you for speaking from the heart. For the sake of our ongoing cooperation, I toast you with three glasses. I’ll start.”

Jia Yunsheng looked at Luo Tong and, unwilling to refuse, drank three glasses in a row.

Bian Xiaoqi, Sun Shuqing, and Qin Ke each took the chance to drink a glass with Jia Yunsheng.

Li Jun, sitting nearby, noticed Jia was at his limit and unsteady on his feet, quickly assisting him out to the adjoining room.

Next, Qin Ke took the initiative to toast Director Fang, then Chief Liang Wanhe, and finally Li Jun. Bian Xiaoqi, Luo Tong, and Sun Shuqing followed suit. Glasses clinked incessantly, and the guests and hosts enjoyed lively conversation, reaching several climaxes throughout the evening.

(2/3)
After the banquet, Fang Daoqi invited everyone to the guesthouse’s rooftop dance hall. Inside, a group of young women, all Tongyuan Telecom employees who were known for singing and dancing, were waiting early as arranged.

The lights dimmed, and a slow foxtrot began. Qin Ke, Luo Tong, Sun Shuqing, Li Jun, and Chief Liang Wanhe were each invited to dance by a young woman.

Bian Xiaoqi invited Director Fang to dance. As they moved through the steps, she said, “Director Fang, you stood up for our young engineers today and helped them feel at ease. Thank you.”

Fang Daoqi smiled, “Xiaoqi, I went through youth too. Young people need fairness and encouragement—I understand how you feel.”

“Director Fang, your subordinates are truly fortunate to have you as their leader,” Bian Xiaoqi said with a warm smile.

“Young age is a blessing. Seeing you all makes me feel young again. I have high hopes for Qin Ke—a passionate, determined young man who is neither servile nor arrogant, polite and respectful. I also noticed he likes you, and you like him, right?” Fang Daoqi teased.

“Director Fang, you’re teasing me,” Bian Xiaoqi said shyly.

“Xiaoqi, when this song ends, I’ll go rest. This is your world, young people—enjoy this beautiful night to the fullest. My presence might hold you back,” said Director Fang.

“Director Fang, your youthful outlook and kindness make us all enjoy being with you,” Bian Xiaoqi replied with a smile.

“I’m glad you think so; I won’t just take that as flattery. My daughter Fang Qing is here too—if I stay long, she’ll scold me when I get home.” Director Fang pointed to a girl dancing with Luo Tong and laughed.

“Director Fang, I’ll come visit you at the bureau tomorrow morning,” Bian Xiaoqi said.

“Good, tomorrow let’s sign the contract for the expansion equipment,” Fang Daoqi replied.

Bian Xiaoqi called Qin Ke, and together they saw Director Fang and Liang Wanhe off. Returning to the dance hall, they saw Jia Yunsheng sitting on a bench by the entrance with a middle-aged woman. Jia looked dazed; when he saw them, he immediately stood up but hesitated to speak.

Bian Xiaoqi smiled, “Director Jia, come in. I’ll invite you to dance.”

“Manager Bian, I won’t come in. I’ve had too much to drink, and my wife came specially to pick me up. I came just to say hello and to sincerely apologize to Engineer Qin again,” Jia Yunsheng said nervously looking at Qin Ke.

“Director Jia, don’t take it to heart. The unpleasantness between us is behind us now. We’ll still be counting on your support in Tongyuan,” Qin Ke smiled and extended his hand to Jia Yunsheng.

“Director Jia, our cooperation is long-term. I hope you can let go of the past. Director Fang also told us to focus on work and look forward. You’re an important client. Company A will always support you, and we hope to become friends,” Bian Xiaoqi added appropriately.

“That’s right, that’s right,” Jia Yunsheng quickly nodded and clasped Qin Ke’s hand tightly.

After Jia and his wife left, Bian Xiaoqi said, “Qin Ke, this man can never be our friend, but we mustn’t offend him.”

Qin Ke replied, “Xiaoqi, I feel the same. It’s easy to deal with gentlemen but hard to please them; it’s hard to deal with petty people but easy to please them.”

(3/3)
Qin Ke and Bian Xiaoqi re-entered the dance hall as a slow foxtrot played again. This was the simplest dance step—if you can walk, you can dance it. The slow foxtrot suits young lovers, not to show off fancy moves but to savor the sweetness of a close embrace. The rotating lights above flickered softly; the music was gentle, and the atmosphere intimate.

They stepped onto the dance floor, bodies slowly drawing closer with the rhythm. Qin Ke held Bian Xiaoqi’s slender waist tightly; she pressed close against his strong chest. Slightly tipsy, they felt each other’s heartbeat, wishing to stay like this forever, enjoying this rare moment of sweetness.

When the song ended, Luo Tong and a somewhat plump, not very tall girl took the stage to sing a duet of “Heart Rain.”

Qin Ke remarked, “Luo Tong has danced with this girl all evening and hasn’t switched partners.”

Bian Xiaoqi said, “Her name is Fang Qing, Director Fang’s daughter.”

“No wonder,” Qin Ke laughed.

“Now Luo Tong really won’t want to leave Tongyuan for his inspection duties,” Bian Xiaoqi teased.

Luo Tong and Fang Qing sang with deep emotion, fully immersed:
“My longing is an untouchable net,
My yearning no longer a flood.
Why is it that on rainy days,
I think of you deeply…”

Bian Xiaoqi, holding Qin Ke, looked up and said, “I want to sing too. Shall we sing together?”

“What song do you want?” Qin Ke asked softly.

“Actually, you don’t understand my heart,” Bian Xiaoqi sang gently.

“No, actually you understand my heart best,” Qin Ke whispered near her ear with a smile.

After Luo Tong and Fang Qing finished, Bian Xiaoqi and Qin Ke immediately took the stage. As the charming flute melody began, they held hands and gazed at each other, their hearts stirred by the music.

Her ruby lips parted:
“You say I am like a cloud, elusive and unpredictable,
But truly, you don’t understand my heart.”

His eyes fixed on hers:
“You say I am like a dream, near then far,
But truly, you don’t understand my heart.”

She sang with feeling:
“You say I am a mystery, always unclear,
But I hide my true feelings behind indifference.”

He confessed with a trembling heart:
“Afraid I cannot bear the depth of my love for you,
So I dare not come too close.”

Her starry eyes full of affection:
“You say you must journey far, secretly sorrowful,
Not letting me see your tears.”

...

A gentle sadness lingered in Bian Xiaoqi’s melodious voice, and tender longing was expressed in Qin Ke’s deep tones. The music ended, but they remained immersed in the beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics, savoring the emotions that reached their very souls.

“Wonderful! Wonderful!” Luo Tong applauded excitedly.

“So beautiful, I want to cry,” Fang Qing said moved.

“Qin and Manager Bian really are a perfect match,” Luo Tong praised.

“What about us?” Fang Qing asked, wide-eyed.

“A golden boy and jade girl,” Luo Tong replied generously.

Next came the well-known “Butterfly Lovers” dance music, a rhythmically strong 2/4 beat. Those who knew how to tango danced the tango, while others did the basic four-step.

Bian Xiaoqi lightly stood before Qin Ke, took a sideways stance, made a cross step, hid her left hand behind her back, extended her right arm, bent slightly, and smiled as an invitation.

Qin Ke asked, “Xiaoqi, what dance shall we do?”

“Of course, the tango,” Bian Xiaoqi smiled.

Qin Ke had learned tango in college and was quite good at it. After so many years, he wasn’t sure if he still remembered the complex steps and flourishes, so he hesitated, “Xiaoqi, I haven’t danced tango in years.”

“I can lead you,” Bian Xiaoqi encouraged.

Wearing a red silk evening gown, her long hair styled into a high bun, neck elegantly poised, head tilted back, waist straight and slightly arched back, she looked proud, beautiful, graceful, and poised.

To the tune of “Butterfly Lovers,” starting from the initial pose, they stepped to the strong rhythm with sharp, deliberate movements. Their dance was crisp and powerful, with precise pauses and advances, elegant and free-spirited—more performance than the casual slow foxtrot.

Bian Xiaoqi was the brightest dancer on the floor, her steps dazzling and elegant, passionate and wild, endlessly varied. Sliding steps, crosses, kicks, spins—mesmerizing. She was at times charming, at times graceful, at times fiery, at times melancholy; sometimes like a vine entwining a tree, inseparable; sometimes like a beautiful butterfly fluttering around the tree; sometimes like a blazing flame illuminating the world. Every move was smooth and skillful, revealing excellent dance technique.

Guided by Bian Xiaoqi’s expertise, Qin Ke gradually shed his initial stiffness and entered a state of abandon. His expressions shifted from serious and stern to affectionate gazes with Bian Xiaoqi, to quick twists and glances around. He stepped back, moved forward, spun—perfectly complementing Bian Xiaoqi’s lightness, elegance, and charm.

At the final pose, Bian Xiaoqi stepped forward with her right leg bent, left leg extended, waist arched back, head tilted up, and her gown trailing the floor. Qin Ke bent forward, looking deeply into her beautiful eyes for a long moment…

“Clap, clap, clap, clap,” applause filled the dance hall. Everyone had become their audience.

This night belonged to them, but especially to Bian Xiaoqi.

(3/3)
They danced until midnight before reluctantly leaving the hall.

Qin Ke and Bian Xiaoqi walked back to the hotel along the street.

“Xiaoqi, your dancing was amazing. You’re talented at everything and masterful. You’ve shown me what true versatility means,” Qin Ke praised.

“That’s thanks to my mother’s emphasis on my training since childhood. She said music and dance help cultivate a girl’s form and temperament. I’ve loved these arts and studied them for nearly ten years. You dance well too,” Bian Xiaoqi smiled.

“I’m just a self-taught hack, while you’re almost a professional,” Qin Ke marveled at the vast difference in their upbringings.

“It’s just a hobby, nothing to boast about. Don’t overthink it,” Bian Xiaoqi downplayed.

“Most people only know three-step, four-step, or disco. How did you learn tango? It’s not easy. Who was your teacher?” Bian Xiaoqi looked at Qin Ke and asked with a smile.

Qin Ke immediately sensed her meaning and laughed, “Xiaoqi, you always say I’m overthinking, but you’re the one overthinking.”

“I’m your girlfriend; I have the right to ask. You’re my boyfriend; you must tell me. Do you have some secret?” Bian Xiaoqi insisted.

“Ha ha, what secret could I possibly have? With a sharp and clever girl like you, what could I hide?” Qin Ke smiled.

“Then tell me quickly,” Bian Xiaoqi urged.

“Xiaoqi, I only started learning to dance in my junior year of college. My teacher was also one of my professional course instructors. She loved dancing and knew all the steps well. She was very outgoing and popular with students. Our relationship was more like friends than teacher-student. At a class social event, she invited me to dance. I didn’t know any steps and hesitated. She pulled me up and patiently taught me to listen to the beat, rhythm, and melody. She said a man who can dance has an extra way to woo girls. I thought that made sense and learned from her. At first, my steps were heavy and stiff, and I kept stepping on her feet, but she didn’t mind. I gradually relaxed, learned to keep time, and adopted the right posture. By senior year, I had learned the three-step, four-step, rumba, and tango well enough to dance fairly decently. But since graduation, tonight was my first time dancing tango again, so I’m quite rusty.”

After Qin Ke finished, Bian Xiaoqi asked, “Anything else?”

“No, that’s all,” Qin Ke replied.

“You didn’t tell me the key part. Was your teacher young and pretty?” Bian Xiaoqi pressed, sensing he was playing dumb.

Qin Ke burst out laughing, “Ha ha, Xiaoqi, where do your thoughts wander? My teacher was nearly fifty then, had three kids, and the second child was older than me.”

Bian Xiaoqi scolded him playfully, pinching his arm, “Don’t laugh. You should have told me clearly.”

“Xiaoqi, after dancing tango with you tonight, how can I not think of you whenever I hear ‘Butterfly Lovers’ again?” Qin Ke wrapped his arm around her waist and said.

Then, spontaneously, he whispered a gentle poem in her ear:
“Summer night’s lantern street reflects a slender waist,
Fragrant dust floats as jade beauty glows.
The bright moon above looks on without care,
Embracing the night in its entirety.”

“The night is truly beautiful,” Bian Xiaoqi murmured, leaning against Qin Ke.