Chapter 191
However, despite his accurate pronunciation, compared to native Chinese speakers, Allen’s speech still sounded a bit stiff, like a machine without any intonation.
Su Bin really wanted to rush in and tell Allen, “If you want to practice Chinese, you can talk to me! Don’t you know the best way to learn a language is by daring to speak with others?”
But thinking about Allen’s personality, he worried that if he got caught, it might be too embarrassing for him to back down—Su Bin would be in for it then!
So, Su Bin decided to pretend he hadn’t heard anything—if Allen wanted to be mysterious, so be it. Let’s see what he comes up with.
Soon, Su Bin heard that his idol, Yu Minhong, was coming to B-country to give a speech at New Oriental School in D-city, and he was so excited to go.
When Allen heard this, he frowned and asked, “Your idol is an English teacher?”—I also taught you English, so why don’t you worship me?
“He’s not just an English teacher, he’s a motivational master!” Su Bin recalled how inspired he had been by Yu Minhong’s speeches in the past, and his blood was boiling with excitement.
Allen: “How did he motivate you?”
Su Bin: “I can’t explain it clearly, but after listening to his speech, it felt like I had just been injected with some energy, like I was full of strength!”
Allen: “…”
Su Bin, noticing the shift in Allen’s mood, added, “Do you want to come with me? Maybe Yu teacher will give the speech in English here in B-country!”—Besides, even if it’s in Chinese, Allen can still understand it!
Allen’s expression changed slightly, and he said, “Alright then,” in a tone that seemed to say, “Since you invited me, I’ll reluctantly go with you.”
Afterwards, Allen secretly searched for information about this “mysterious rival” and concluded that he was a rural-born guy who made it into Peking University and later became the president of a global chain of foreign language tutoring schools. He was quite old now… Hm!
On the day of the speech, Su Bin realized that almost everyone there were Chinese students studying in B-country. His and Allen’s appearance attracted a lot of attention since Allen was practically the only foreigner in the room—tall, handsome, and standing out like a crane among chickens. It was impossible not to be noticed.
To avoid drawing too much attention, Su Bin and Allen chose seats at the back of the auditorium.
When Yu Minhong took the stage, he greeted everyone in English. Allen immediately frowned and glared at the middle-aged man on stage, not understanding why Su Bin idolized him!
Not only Su Bin, but all the students in the room seemed to have a mysterious sense of admiration for the man. When he switched to speaking Chinese, the audience laughed and clapped constantly.
At first, Su Bin focused on Allen’s expression, but soon he was completely captivated by his idol’s speech, even feeling emotionally moved to the point of tears.
Allen’s Chinese wasn’t good enough to fully understand Yu Minhong’s speech, but he could roughly grasp the main ideas. He didn’t think it was anything special, though.
When the speech was almost over, the host suddenly looked around and said, “I just heard from a few students that the founder of the biggest Chinese-style fast food chain in B-country, ‘Boss Su,’ is also here. Is that right?”
The crowd erupted in chatter, and Su Bin realized that the attention Allen had drawn had made some of the students notice him.
The host continued, “We’re honored that Yu teacher knows you came to his speech. If you’re here, would you mind sharing some of your experiences on stage?” Yu Minhong also looked around, smiling and nodding.
Su Bin was shaking with excitement, almost running to the stage to shake hands with his idol and give him a hug, but before he could move, Allen grabbed his wrist tightly!
Seeing no one go up, the host could only awkwardly smile and say that maybe the students had mistaken who they saw.
Before the event was even over, Allen dragged Su Bin out of the venue.
On the way home, Su Bin sulked, frustrated. That was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to speak with his idol, but Allen had stopped him from going up!
The two remained silent for a while, with Su Bin noticing that Allen was staring ahead with a grim expression. Was he… jealous again? Sigh.
Realizing they couldn’t stay like this, Su Bin finally broke the silence: “So, what do you think of Yu teacher’s speech?”
Allen: “It was alright. This guy kept saying the same things—encouraging everyone to have confidence, perseverance, ideals, to work hard, and not to belittle themselves… Most success speeches are the same.”
Su Bin: “…” Damn it, I knew you understood Chinese! You’ve completely exposed yourself!
Allen had completely deflated the charm of his idol, leaving Su Bin unsatisfied. But thinking about Allen’s background and experiences, it made sense that he couldn’t relate to the motivational speech, especially the qualities of perseverance and confidence—things that Allen seemed to have been born with.
Su Bin could only mumble, “Well, you wouldn’t understand…”
Allen, still gripping Su Bin’s wrist, asked coldly, “Then explain to me, what’s so attractive about him?” Since morning, he had been watching Su Bin act all “fanatic” over another man. Allen was close to exploding with displeasure!
“…” Damn it! I know you’ve recovered well, but don’t go around using family violence on me! qaq
Su Bin twisted his wrist, but couldn’t break free. He endured the pressure and said, “T-this is a long story!”
Allen: “Take your time.”
Su Bin: “Have you ever heard of a Chinese idiom, ‘Jiàn xián sī qí’ (Seeing a wise person makes one want to be like them)? It means that when you see someone excellent, you want to become like them…”
Allen nodded thoughtfully and asked, “You want to be as successful as him? Haven’t you already experienced the success that ‘Boss Su’ has brought you?”
Su Bin: “No, no! I just felt a connection with his story.”
Allen: “What?”
Su Bin: “He came from a rural background, didn’t do well in school, and even when he got into Peking University, he was at the bottom of the class. He didn’t have many girls interested in him and was very self-conscious.”
“You’re not from a rural background, and your grades weren’t bad either. Plus, there are lots of girls chasing after you,” Allen said through gritted teeth.
Su Bin: “But deep down, I’m self-conscious…”
Allen: “Why?”
“As a child, my parents weren’t around, and I was often told I had no manners. Every time I saw other kids being cared for by their parents, I would feel envious. Many things I learned by quietly imitating others…” This was the first time Su Bin openly analyzed his inner world. “So, since I was little, I’ve always admired people who are better than me, like, like Chen Xiaotian…” Su Bin glanced at Allen, noticing his face change slightly. But it didn’t seem unbearable, so he continued, “To me, back then, she was the perfect girl—well-mannered, gentle, polite, and very driven… No matter how she treated me later, before that, I was grateful to her… And when I first came to B-country, I admired you and Cheng Ge a lot too. I thought you were amazing, especially you…”
When Allen heard the last part, he couldn’t help but laugh. He remembered how, during their first meal together, Su Bin had secretly tried to imitate him cutting a steak—he looked so adorable.
Su Bin continued, “Yu teacher is like that too. His peers were all better than him, but he kept trying to learn from them. Now he’s successful and shares his mindset and experiences with us. I can really relate to his struggles. He said we should find hope in despair, and I thought that was really motivational. Whether it was when I broke up with Chen Xiaotian or when you were hurt and lying in the hospital, I would think of that sentence. It somehow gave me strength… So, I’m really grateful to him.”
Allen repeated the words, “Find hope in despair…”
Su Bin nodded, “Yeah, and he also said life is like a marathon—it’s about endurance, focus, and persistence! Life is a process. If you get results too quickly, it has no meaning. You have to work hard and take a good look at the world.”
Those words made Su Bin think of Qin Chao, who shared similar qualities with Yu teacher. Now, Qin Chao had become the CEO of Su Boss and a true success story. Su Bin believed he could take his place and sit in that position.
“Do you regret being with me now?” Allen let go of Su Bin’s wrist and grabbed his hand instead, thinking to himself: You haven’t even experienced life yet, but you met me and I’ve completely tied you to my side…
Su Bin didn’t understand: “Why would I regret it?”
Allen: “Being with me, that’s your result.”
Su Bin retorted: “How is that the result? We’ve just started! Once your body is completely healed, we’re going to travel the world together. Remember how you once said I couldn’t let go of the material world? You’re right, I can’t, but I won’t give up on you for the world. Without you, the material world has no meaning to me. So you have to stay with me forever.”
Allen: “…”
Seeing that Allen’s expression had finally cleared up, Su Bin sighed in relief. Just then, his wrist was suddenly tightened again—“I still can’t stand you having an idol. From now on, don’t ever idolize him again.”
Su Bin: “…” Dude, is it really okay to be so overbearing!? qaq
“Well, it’s not impossible,” Su Bin suddenly had an idea and made a request, “As long as you speak to me in Chinese from now on, I won’t idolize him anymore.”
Allen frowned, thinking for a moment before saying, “You can keep idolizing him for a while longer.”
Su Bin: “…” Damn it! Why is he so unwilling to speak Chinese with me!? ╯︵┻━┻
A few months later, Allen’s friends came to visit Roland Manor. Su Bin personally cooked a table full of delicious food—braised pig’s trotters, green onion roast pork chops, caramelized sweet potatoes… The noble young masters were all eating with their lips covered in pig fat and sugar strands hanging on their faces, holding pig’s feet in their hands, all looking totally ridiculous.
Su Bin secretly found it amusing when he heard Allen turn to him and ask in Chinese, “Did you do this on purpose?” This was not the kind of food Su Bin would usually cook.
Su Bin: “…I’m going to!”
Allen frowned, “Where are you going?”
Su Bin: “&%￥#…”
Allen glared at him: “Did I say something wrong?”
Su Bin: “Pfft… No, no, you said it very well!” — What the hell! Why did Allen suddenly start speaking Chinese!? qaq
