11. Delivering the Message
He Mian sat in the living room, his posture relaxed and elegant, carrying an air of sovereign command. Emma sat diagonally opposite him, her high heels and dress immaculate, her makeup meticulously applied. Su Yun pressed her forehead in exasperation—Emma was perhaps a little too extravagant!
He Mian, the sleeping beauty, awoke leisurely after ten o’clock. Su Yun briefly explained Emma’s feelings as a devoted fan eager to meet her idol.
Emma’s native language was Spanish, and she had learned some French, but her English vocabulary was limited. Besides “You’re very handsome” and “I like you very much,” she relied on Su Yun as her interpreter.
“He Mian, I truly adore you. Before I saw you in person, I was deeply moved by your paintings. I wondered what kind of person could create such art. Your ‘Starry Sky’ is so beautiful—I love it immensely. I never expected you to be so handsome, so artistic in demeanor.”
He Mian tapped his fingers on his thigh and looked at Su Yun. Su Yun scratched her temple with her index finger. “She says you’re very talented, and your painting skills are excellent.”
“That’s all?”
“Yes.” Su Yun nodded calmly.
“She spoke so much, and you translated just a handful of words?” He Mian was skeptical.
“That’s the gist.” Su Yun was distinctly unprofessional.
He Mian glanced at Su Yun, then smiled at Emma. “Merci.”
As a quintessential fan, Emma naturally requested a photo and autograph. Su Yun played the role of photographer.
As lunchtime approached, Su Yun signaled to Emma that it was time to wrap up; they had afternoon classes. Emma, regretful, suggested, “Su, why not invite He Mian to join us for lunch?”
“I’ll ask him,” Su Yun replied, smiling.
“Emma says she needs to head to school soon and eat, so she won’t keep you any longer,” Su Yun improvised freely. In truth, Emma could have asked He Mian herself, but out of habit, she let Su Yun relay the message. No one expected the interpreter to be quite so lackadaisical.
He Mian looked at Emma’s earnest expression—she didn’t seem eager to send him away.
“You have classes this afternoon?” He Mian asked.
Su Yun nodded. “You should go now; we wouldn’t want to take up your precious time.”
Turning to Emma, Su Yun said, “He apologizes—he has other matters to attend to.”
Emma was about to respond when He Mian’s phone rang, and he stepped aside to answer. Su Yun’s words proved prophetic; work had found He Mian.
Emma was a little disappointed and bid him farewell at the entrance.
“Oh, are you Su’s boyfriend?” Emma asked in English, as fans are always curious about their idol’s private life.
Su Yun hurried to intervene, fearing He Mian might say something outrageous, and pushed him toward the door.
“Yes, I am her boyfriend,” He Mian said as he walked out.
“What nonsense are you spouting?”
The two stood at the doorway, one tall, one short.
“Well, would you prefer I say we’re not and imply some other sort of relationship?” He Mian teased.
“There’s nothing between us,” Su Yun denied flatly. “You should leave now.” Her tone suggested she was shooing away a beggar.
He Mian frowned; no one had ever spoken to him in such a dismissive manner.
Su Yun realized her attitude was lacking and quickly replaced it with a gentle smile. “Mr. He, we won’t take up any more of your precious time. Please, take care.” She finished with a slight bow, her manners impeccable.
He Mian broke into a smile. “Here’s your reward.”
A three-minute French kiss left Su Yun flushed and breathless.
“You’re so inexperienced at kissing. Next time, you should practice more,” He Mian said, ruffling Su Yun’s hair before leaving with laughter.
Next time? Su Yun watched him go and wiped her lips with the back of her hand.
The afternoon brought an interpreting course—simultaneous translation. Su Yun and Emma shared a major, but their courses differed; Su Yun specialized in English-French interpretation.
The Hebrew professor invited Su Yun to interpret a segment of audio—a presidential interview. Su Yun focused intently, and as the president spoke, she translated seamlessly and fluidly.
The professor was extremely satisfied, and her classmates were full of admiration.
After class, the professor spoke to Su Yun.
“Su, your interpreting skills are excellent, and I appreciate your talent. Recently, the Royal Translators Association asked me for recommendations, and I’d like to put your name forward. Would you be willing to try?”
Su Yun was stunned. This was the government’s official translation team; joining the Royal Translators Association was a gateway to the upper echelons, a golden path.
However, Su Yun declined: “Thank you for your kindness, professor. After graduation, I plan to return home and contribute to my country’s development. I’m sorry.”
The professor understood, though he regretted it. Everyone has their own path.
Of course, if Su Yun changed her mind, she could reach out at any time.