Chapter 32: A Great Speech In Times Of Peace And Prosperity (1)
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
In the afternoon, B University was as lively as when it had its anniversary celebration. Outside of the auditorium was full of people, among them were a great number of young students, public figures with weathered faces, white-haired scholars and professors, and of course many business people. It seemed that everyone was looking forward to seeing the famous Academician Jin Shengping speak.
Although Lu Jia’er took part in the reception work, she in fact belonged to the peripheral personnel. At the moment, she was confirming the arrangement of the podium in the auditorium with several colleagues. At this time, the mobile phone in her bag rang, and Lu Jia’er took it out. When she saw the screen showing an in-coming call from Su Han, she went to a side door and answered the call.
“Academician Jin Shengping’s speech will start at half past two?” She heard an anxious voice of Su Han.
“Yes. Don’t you have a ticket? The time is written on it!” Lu Jia’er replied.
“There is still an hour before it starts. I should be in time for it, but if I am too late to push my way into the auditorium, please come receive me!” As Su Han heard Lu Jia’er’s reply, she had calmed her breath.
“You just got up, didn’t you?” Lu Jia’er asked.
“I overslept! Cut it out. I am coming over at the speed of a rocket!” Su Han hung up the phone.
Lu Jia’er looked at the screen of the mobile phone and couldn’t help but shake her head. As a writer, Su Han was always at home all year round. When she had a writing a.s.signment to complete once it was close to the submission deadline, she often worked around the clock, and she was very lazy, except for her high enthusiasm for writing and reading. She lacked perseverance for anything else. Had it not been for Lu Jia’er’s help in spurring her from time to time, she should have turned out unspeakably.
Putting the phone back into her bag, Lu Jia’er cast a quick glance outside at the overcrowded area of people. She could not help but frown. Given the current situation, Su Han would not be able to come in even if she arrived on time.
Lu Jia’er joined her colleagues for the check-in which would begin in a while.
In less than thirty minutes, the auditorium, which could accommodate 4,000 people, was filled with a bustling audience, and the hall of the auditorium was also jam-packed with people. Everyone fixed their eyes on the big screen directly above. The speech would be broadcast live on several large electronic screens in the university, which was an audience-friendly arrangement put together by the university. So even the students who couldn’t enter the auditorium still wouldn’t miss this great speech in times of peace and prosperity.
But the summer sun was burning hot. Even if many people were holding protective sun umbrellas, heatstroke was still likely to happen.
When Su Han arrived, there was only 10 minutes left before the appearance of Academician Jin Shengping. Su Han elbowed her way through the crowd and managed to get to the entrance.
Lu Jia’er stood at the entrance, greeted her, and handed her a piece of tissue seeing her dripping with sweat. “Get in quick!”
Su Han nodded fiercely and swore that she would not be late again. But Lu Jia’er did not seem to believe the resolution of a terminally persistent procrastinator.
A few minutes later, the famous Professor He Ming of B University appeared on the podium. Today’s speech was hosted by him.
Sitting in the third row, Lu Jia’er looked up at the podium feeling worried. If Academician Jin Shengping went up and gave his speech with a cervical collar, there would be many people who would want to curse her, the cause of the accident.
After Professor He Ming’s important introduction for Jin Shengping, the audience welcomed Academician Jin Shengping with the warmest applause.
When Jin Shengping appeared, Lu Jia’er’s eyes gleamed with surprise. He had recovered so quickly!