Chapter 207: Chapter 88: Top Lady of the 60s Cultural Troupe (27)

Master Yuan had always been secretly looking for an opportunity to have her disqualified from the performance, but she had never succeeded.

But then an opportunity arose. A murderous aura emanated from Xia Zhaoyun at the memory. It was when the couple claiming to be her biological parents showed up and caused a scene.

Citing the scandal, Master Yuan ordered her to go home and handle her family’s conflicts first, then brazenly promoted her own daughter to lead dancer!

Huo Tianhao patted Xia Zhaoyun’s shoulder, walked forward with a faint smile, and placed the documents on the desk:

"You must be Director Yuan? As your direct subordinate, how has Xiaxia not received your care and concern?"

"She’s an excellent dancer, and when her family fell apart and she became homeless, even the comrades from the Women’s Federation showed their concern. When her friend requested leave on her behalf, did you not think to ask a single question? Yet you seem to be quite clear on all the rumors you’ve heard."

"Not everyone is like you, Director Yuan, able to crack the whip all year round as if wound up, pushing the comrades to improve. People need some time to heal and sort out their feelings, don’t you think?"

"She’s no longer part of the Song Family. She has changed her name to Xia Zhaoyun. You were perhaps too busy to have heard."

"But that’s alright. You can still be a qualified leader by issuing a letter of introduction for her, to serve as a witness for our marriage."

Master Yuan froze. A knot of anger tightened in her chest. "Comrade," she snapped, her voice cold, "it’s working hours. All non-troupe personnel must leave!"

Work units back then were not like those of the future. Leaders were expected to be role models and show constant concern for their subordinates. Especially in the tense political climate of the time, if someone was branded a "cold, ruthless, capitalist exploiter," their good days were numbered.

Huo Tianhao smiled and pushed the documents forward again. "Director Yuan, Xiaxia and I came to submit our application specifically during your work hours. All our documents are in order, and there are no issues with our character or family backgrounds. We ask for your prompt approval."

Taking the cue, Zhang Wendong also stepped forward with a knowing smile and presented his work ID. "Hello, Director Yuan. I’m Zhang Wendong, the Xiahua Newspaper’s reporter for the North District. It’s my honor to be doing a follow-up story on the return of our factory’s very own Hero Huo."

The moment Master Yuan heard the word "reporter," she looked down and flipped through the documents. On one page, she saw the name Huo Tianhao.

She looked up at Huo Tianhao in disbelief. The troupe had once opportunely staged a play named after him. To ensure authenticity, she had even made a special trip to Director Huo’s home to look through his photographs.

He was even more handsome and distinguished in person than in his photographs, with a commanding presence. One look was enough to know he was no ordinary man!

’But how could he have survived a fall from such a high cliff? They even found his blood-soaked clothes... How could he possibly have returned with all his limbs intact? And for that girl, Xia Zhaoyun, to reap all the benefits!’

Though a storm of shock and jealousy raged within her, she maintained a wooden expression, placed the documents to one side, and looked coolly at Xia Zhaoyun. "Song Ruoyun, are you certain you want to get married?"

"You need to understand, at your age, you are in your prime on stage. You shouldn’t marry so early and shift your focus to your family. Moreover, to prevent any accidents on stage should you become pregnant and not realize it, I can no longer let you be the lead dancer."

"After you have a child, your figure won’t return to what it was. You are, for all intents and purposes, throwing away your dance career!"

"I remember you as a very ambitious girl. If this Little Hero Huo truly understood and loved you enough, he would wait until you’ve been the lead dancer for three to five years before even discussing marriage."

Xia Zhaoyun took a deep breath and said with a light laugh:

"Director Yuan, I’ve carefully considered everything you’ve mentioned. My fiancé supports my decision to dedicate my life to my dance career, and we don’t plan on having children for at least five, if not ten, years."

"My fiancé is with the city transportation team and is on the road most of the year. I won’t need to invest too much energy into our marriage, so it won’t affect my career."

"I lost him once; I don’t want to live with that regret a second time. Please, Director Yuan, try to understand our situation. If you’re still worried, I can write you a formal guarantee stating that I will take full responsibility for any and all consequences if I were to become pregnant unexpectedly."

Zhang Wendong, growing anxious, chimed in, "Director Yuan, Comrade Xia and Little Hero Huo aren’t children. They know exactly what they want and what they’re pursuing. Can’t you just follow procedure and approve it?"

"The Party has stated that marriage is a matter of mutual consent between the man and the woman."

He swallowed the rest of his sentence. ’Even their parents have no right to interfere. For a leader like you to hold her career hostage like this... isn’t that a bit out of line?’

However, after a moment of deliberation, Master Yuan actually took out a pen and paper and had Xia Zhaoyun write a letter of guarantee. Only after that did she finally sign her name and issue the letter of introduction for her.

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