Chapter 86

The bedroom on the second floor was not very quiet, but the opposite was true on the third floor.

This room originally belonged to Han Shengyi, but Grandma Han squeezed in a 1.2-meter bed. The new bed belonged to Chu Shao, and the old bed belonged to Han Shengyi. As for the desk, it was a super large one, almost like an old-fashioned office desk. Han Shengyi and Chu Shao sat opposite each other, each busy with their own work.

Han Shengyi was reading today's newspaper. Chu Shao took out the letter paper, flattened it, and began to think about what he should write.

Han Shengyi occasionally looked up and saw his movements. He returned his gaze to the newspaper and asked, "Are you writing to Uncle Nie again?"

Chu Shao held the pen and frowned: "No, write to my grandfather."

Hearing this, Han Shengyi put down the newspaper and said, "Didn't you say you didn't get any information? How do you know where Commander Chu is now?"

Chu Shao: "I haven't found out anything else, but I have found out the address. But Grandpa Wang said that he never got a reply to the letter he sent last time, so he doesn't know if my grandfather is still there. I'll try to write one first, and let everyone know when I get a reply."

This "big family" specifically refers to Chu Jiujiu. Others didn't really care about whether there was news about Chu Xinghua, but Chu Jiujiu was different. If she was first filled with hope and then disappointed, she would be depressed for days. The lack of news about Chu Liqiang was already a headache for them, and with Chu Xinghua coming along, they wouldn't even be able to celebrate the New Year properly.

Han Shengyi understood what he meant. He stood up and glanced at Chu Shao's letter. Seeing that he hadn't written a single word, Han Shengyi smiled playfully and asked, "Do you want me to write it for you?"

Chu Shao looked up and looked at him in confusion, "I'm writing a letter home, why are you writing it for me?"

Han Shengyi: "Because I'm better at speaking than you. The letter you wrote is just like you, stinky and stiff. Think about it, your grandfather hasn't spoken to you in years, and he finally received your letter, but it only has three lines. Wouldn't he scold you for being an unfilial descendant?"

Chu Shao: "...You are exaggerating."

It was a bit exaggerated, but Han Shengyi remained noncommittal. "What I mean is, you should say something nice. Judging from the current situation, your grandfather will be rehabilitated sooner or later. He has three sons. The second son is nowhere to be found, the third son is an ungrateful person, and the eldest son is the only one who cares about him. But he's been on a mission and there hasn't been any news of him in three and a half years. At this time, you should take your father's place and be more filial to your grandfather. That way, after he's rehabilitated, your family will be able to defeat your third uncle's family."

Chu Shao put down his pen. He felt that what Han Shengyi said was not quite right. "My third uncle has cut off all ties with my grandfather. What can he use to fight our family? How dare he fight our family?"

Han Shengyi: "Relatives like these, as long as they haven't gone to see the King of Hell, will crawl back to you no matter what. They have no bottom line to begin with. They kowtow, admit their mistakes, and slap themselves a few times. Once your grandfather softens his heart, won't they dare to fight your family?"

Chu Shao: “…”

Damn, you’re so right. Mrs. Gao and her gang are really capable of doing such a thing.

Chu Shao knew that Han Shengyi was right, but he just couldn't put pen to paper. Of course he had feelings for his grandfather, but these feelings were not that deep.

Only when he was forced into a corner would he truly reveal his feelings for a moment or two. Even to his own father and his granddaughter, with whom he had depended on for several years, he couldn't find anything nice to say. Staring at the blank piece of letter paper, Chu Shao struggled for a long time, still at a loss for words.

There is no way.

Throwing the pen on the table with a clang, Chu Shao scratched his head in annoyance and said resignedly, "You write it for me first, and then I'll copy it again."

Chu Shao had difficulty in writing essays, but Han Shengyi did not have this worry. For him, writing anything was easy. He took the letter paper in front of Chu Shao and returned to his seat. Han Shengyi picked up the pen and started writing without even a pause. Five minutes later, he finished writing. Chu Shao took it and looked at it, then fell silent.

The tone is the same as his.

My habits of using words and sentences are the same as his.

I have the same shortcomings as him, such as being awkward and not being able to express my emotions well.

What shocked Chu Shao the most was that even Chu Shao himself found it difficult to tell whether the handwriting on it was real or fake.

Why bother copying this? Just put it in the envelope.

Han Shengyi put the pen cap back on and prepared to wash up and go to bed. Chu Shao saw him leaving and quickly asked him, "When did you learn to imitate my handwriting?"

Han Shengyi held the towel and turned around inexplicably. "Do I still need to learn? I can tell how to write your handwriting just by looking at it."

Chu Shao: “…”

You will definitely be a master at cooking the books in the future.

——

Although Han Shengyi's writing was very realistic, Chu Shao still copied the letter. He didn't copy it completely, but added a few words of his own between the lines. He also changed some of the things he thought Han Shengyi wrote too much.

The next day, Chu Shao stuffed the letter into a nearby mailbox. As the New Year was approaching, he didn't know how long it would take for the letter to reach Chu Xinghua.

Chu Jiujiu didn't know about this. She was busy doing another thing, which was to find out the address of the film studio.

Fortunately, this thing is not difficult to find out. No one at home knows it. She just needs to go out and ask a few more people. The bus stop is very close to Han's house. After knowing where the film studio is, she hurriedly pulled Wen Xiuwei onto the bus.

Sitting on the bus, seeing Wen Xiuwei was a little nervous, Chu Jiujiu comforted her, "It's okay, we're just going to see which way the gate opens. It's not like we're going for an interview, there's no need to be scared."

Wen Xiuwei: “…”

Facts proved that Chu Jiujiu was wrong. The gate of the studio faced west. Unlike other factories, there were basically no people here and it didn't look very prosperous. There was a building with a white sign next to it. When Chu Jiujiu passed by, she took a look and found that the words on the sign had been erased. She didn't know what this place was used for before.

Arriving at the studio entrance, the two of them stood under a street tree. Chu Jiujiu wore a pair of cotton gloves, but still didn't feel warm enough. She stuffed both hands into her pockets and peered inside the studio. She saw a man in work clothes exit one building and then walk into the other. Chu Jiujiu didn't think there was much to see here, so she turned around to ask Wen Xiuwei what she thought. When she turned around, she noticed that Wen Xiuwei looked a little excited.

To her, this is the place that represents her dreams, even though when they stand outside they can only see a few ordinary buildings.

Chu Jiujiu pulled her arm and whispered, "Let's go over and ask if they're hiring."

Even Chu Jiujiu knew that there were not many opportunities to become an actor in this era. What she said that day was too presumptuous. The problem was that now every household didn't even have a TV. TV dramas and variety shows were in a blank state, and the film industry had not developed either. There were only a few films a year, and they were all about the same subject matter, so there was too little room for development.

So at this time, if people like performing, they usually sign up for an art troupe. They don’t learn performing, but singing and dancing.

Chu Jiujiu didn't even think of asking on behalf of Wen Xiuwei if there were any acting opportunities. She felt that if there were any job openings there, no matter what kind of job it was, their trip would not be in vain.

Wen Xiuwei was a little nervous, but since she was already here, if there was a chance, she would definitely try to get it. Looking at the five-star red flag at the entrance of the studio, Wen Xiuwei nodded carefully and walked towards the reception room with Chu Jiujiu.

The old man in the reception room was taking a nap. Chu Jiujiu knocked on the window glass and called out, "Hello, is anyone there?"

The old man was woken up and his attitude was not very good, "What are you arguing about? Is there anyone you can't see?"

Wen Xiuwei was standing on the other side, so the old man couldn't see her and could only see Chu Jiujiu. He was originally furious, but after seeing Jiujiu's appearance clearly, he was stunned for a moment, and then his attitude softened a little. "Are you here to sign up for 'Scout'? What's your role? Director of Women's Affairs or the wife of a traitor? Hey, you're too young. You're too young to play the persecuted daughter of a regiment commander. No, little girl, you'd better leave."

After a few words, the old man was about to chase her away. Nowadays, the security guard is also a member of the factory. Especially in the period when most employees were sent down, even the security guard can conduct preliminary screening of actors. Chu Jiujiu was stunned for a long time. When the old man waved at her, she reacted.

Good guy, it’s better to act now than to wait for another day. The opportunity is right in front of you, come here!

Chu Jiujiu grabbed Wen Xiuwei, who was standing next to her, and knocked on the window again. Then, leaning down, she said to the old man inside, "You misunderstood! The person who signed up wasn't me, but her. Look, she's eighteen years old, has a good image and a great temperament. She can play any role, whether it's the director of women's affairs or the wife of a traitor, or the daughter of a persecuted regiment commander. Look closely at her face. Even without makeup, she looks the best as someone about to be persecuted!"

Wen Xiuwei: “…”

uncle:"……"

Wen Xiuwei's whole body was stiff. The old man looked at her thoughtfully. It was true that her fragile appearance, so delicate that water could be squeezed out of her, really fit the description of "victim".

The security guard had worked here for many years and was much more immune to beautiful women than others, but when he saw the two sisters in front of him, he couldn't help but be attracted by them. Although they were not familiar faces, it was good to add some fresh blood to the factory.

After a few seconds, the old man said, "Come back at three in the afternoon. There are always people coming this early. Coming early doesn't mean you'll be selected. Let's go, don't stand here anymore."

Chu Jiujiu responded repeatedly, "Hey! Thank you! We'll be there when the time comes. Have a good rest, we're leaving!"

After she finished speaking, she took Wen Xiuwei's hand again and ran a few steps. It was not until they left the studio area that Chu Jiujiu jumped up excitedly, "Weiwei! You're so lucky. You have an interview right after you got here. No, no, this is not an interview, this is an audition! Oh my god, our family is going to have a big star!"

Wen Xiuwei was both happy and nervous. When she heard Chu Jiujiu say that, she became even more nervous. She quickly pressed Chu Jiujiu's shoulders down and whispered, "Don't talk nonsense. There must be a lot of people who signed up. I may not be selected."

Chu Jiujiu opened her eyes wide. "Why are you so unconfident? You're so pretty, who else can I choose? Okay, let's put aside this for now. Come on, Weiwei, let's go buy you a new set of clothes. Your current ones are worn out. Clothes make the man. We still have three hours. Let's go shopping in the department store and dress you up beautifully before coming back!"

The department stores at that time were not the large shopping malls with one store after another like in later generations. Instead, there were countless stalls on one floor. The first floor sold food, the second floor sold clothes, the third floor sold fabrics, quilts and other things, the fourth floor sold various daily necessities, the fifth floor sold more expensive items such as watches and pens, and the sixth floor sold imported goods. Almost no one went to the sixth floor because the things there were not only expensive, but also required overseas remittance coupons, which most people could not afford.

Now that she is a little older, Chu Jiujiu always carries ten yuan in her hand. When she spends it all, she goes to Chu Shao for more. The clothes in the department store are much more expensive than the fabrics in the supply and marketing cooperative. Chu Jiujiu took a fancy to a woolen dress. In the capital where umbrella-shaped long skirts are everywhere, this skirt is actually hip-hugging. It is not tight, and even a little loose, but it is still hip-hugging.

Wen Xiuwei wanted to buy more conservative clothes, but Chu Jiujiu kept encouraging her to buy this one. After all, the audition was about impressing the director.

After shopping for clothes and eating at a state-owned restaurant in the city center, they returned to the studio. The security guard told them to come at three o'clock. They didn't have watches, so when the department store clock showed half past one, they returned. When they arrived, it was only a quarter after two, so they had no choice but to continue waiting outside.

It was winter, and the wind was biting cold, making Wen Xiuwei's cheeks red. Chu Jiujiu, who was waiting with her, was not feeling much better. They found a place sheltered from the wind and stood there. From about 2:30, more people came to the studio door.

Only actresses should be recruited today, so those waiting are all women, including many young and beautiful ones in their twenties, wearing light makeup and clothes that are almost as expensive as an apartment in the suburbs.

If they were dressed like this, they wouldn't have to wait outside. They could just say hello to the security guard and walk in with confidence.

Chu Jiujiu doesn't often watch movies, so she didn't know that the few people who just entered were all apprentices or descendants of famous opera masters. Opera is now in vogue, and it is difficult for actresses without a foundation to compete with them.

Around three o'clock, a man in a Zhongshan suit came out of the building and asked everyone to go in. But after entering, it didn't mean that you could see the director immediately. You had to fill in your information first, including your name, age, height, weight, and home address.

Wen Xiuwei was the last one to write. After she finished, the man in the Zhongshan suit took it and then he couldn't help but take another look at Wen Xiuwei.

This address is not something that ordinary people can fill in.

The man said nothing, so no one knew what was going on in his mind. After he left, everyone relaxed a little. Many people here knew each other. Chu Jiujiu and Wen Xiuwei stood there, feeling out of place. Wen Xiuwei didn't like chatting with others, and Chu Jiujiu felt uncomfortable if she didn't talk.

She looked around and found a girl who was also very quiet. She was standing alone in a corner, with her head down, looking very introverted. So, Chu Jiujiu asked her quietly from a distance, "What role are you auditioning for?"

The girl looked up. She was about the same age as Wen Xiuwei. She looked around and found that Chu Jiujiu was really talking to her. She couldn't help but smile shyly, "I want to sign up to be the leader's daughter. My brother said that other roles are not suitable for me. This is the only one that I have some potential in."

It turned out to be a competitor.

Now Chu Jiujiu took a good look at her. She was not as pretty as Wen Xiuwei, but she was more delicate than Wen Xiuwei.

Tsk, the competition is getting fierce.

Chu Jiujiu called the girl over. Since they couldn't be called for a while, they stood by the wall and chatted.

The girl's name is Guan Jinqiao, and she is also eighteen years old this year. Unlike Chu Jiujiu and others who got here by accident, she had already heard the news last month and had been waiting to sign up.

She was a simpleton, answering whatever was asked of her. It was only after talking to her that Wen Xiuwei and Chu Jiujiu learned that the studio never recruited actors from outside. Instead, everyone would recommend their relatives and friends after getting inside information. There were only a few opera masters, and they all knew each other. Without a recommendation, a career in acting was essentially a lifetime away.

Wen Xiuwei felt a bit heavy-hearted after hearing this. She simply had no one to recommend her. She was lucky to have made it this time. If she didn't pass, how would she know in advance next time? Furthermore, she had to find a job within two months, otherwise, she would have to return to Qingzhu Village. If she didn't seize this opportunity, even if there was a next time, she wouldn't necessarily have the chance to participate again.

Wen Xiuwei fell silent. She had been quite nervous, but after realizing this might be her only chance, all she could think about was how she would talk to the director when she saw him. She was usually very quiet, and Chu Jiujiu didn't notice the change; she was still chatting with Guan Jinqiao.

"So you like being an actor too. Our Weiwei does too. I'm here just to accompany her."

Guan Jinqiao secretly glanced at Wen Xiuwei. She was too beautiful. Guan Jinqiao didn't dare to talk to her, always feeling that she was not worthy. Chu Jiujiu was also beautiful, but she was warm and enthusiastic. Guan Jinqiao didn't feel any distance from her, so she smiled and said, "You can also sign up."

Chu Jiujiu waved her hands repeatedly, "I can't do that. I get nervous when I see the camera. Besides, after this Chinese New Year, I'll only be fourteen years old. No one will want me."

Guan Jinqiao: "It's okay. Sometimes film studios need child actors, like Little Radish Head and □□. They're all children. I heard from my brother that they're going to make another movie about the □□ martyrs next year. You can try it then."

Chu Jiujiu had no interest in acting at all, but since Guan Jinqiao said so, Chu Jiujiu agreed casually. Not long after, the man in the Zhongshan suit came out and called out names. There were only a few people there to begin with, and he called everyone away. In the end, only a few family members or friends were left waiting outside.

Chu Jiujiu was getting bored waiting outside, but the people inside were still dawdling. After a full hour, the door opened and young women of all kinds filed out.

Seeing Wen Xiuwei, Chu Jiujiu quickly ran over and asked, "How's it going? Did you get selected?"

Wen Xiuwei pursed her lips and smiled at Chu Jiujiu, "Not yet. The director said he wants to consider it between me and the other two lesbians."

Chu Jiujiu: “…”

There were only about a dozen people in total, and the director wanted to conduct a second audition. She continued to ask, "Who are the other two people?"

Wen Xiuwei replied: "Guan Jinqiao, Yu Lu."

Guan Jinqiao and the others already knew each other, but Chu Jiujiu had never seen Yu Lu before. Wen Xiuwei quietly pointed at her, and Chu Jiujiu saw that it was a short-haired young woman on the other side, who was lively and capable.

They were all actresses without any background or work, so the director certainly wouldn't choose them as the female lead. Being the troupe leader's daughter, with ten minutes of screen time, was already pretty good. Although the final decision wasn't made, at least Wen Xiuwei wasn't rejected. Chu Jiujiu felt quite satisfied. She and Wen Xiuwei walked out of the studio together, ready to catch the bus. Just as they were about to turn the corner, Guan Jinqiao's voice came from behind them.

She sat on the back of a bicycle and happily greeted Chu Jiujiu and Wen Xiuwei, "Jiujiu, Weiwei, you guys left so quickly! I was just trying to find you. I didn't expect that we were both selected. Weiwei, if you're the one who's finally chosen, please let me know."

While she was speaking, the cyclist had already stopped his bike with a creaking sound. The noise was so sharp that Chu Jiujiu couldn't help but cover her ears. She frowned and looked at the cyclist, and was surprised to find that he was quite good-looking.

He has a crew cut, thick black eyebrows, and handsome facial features. There is a scar at the corner of his eye, which not only does not reduce his appearance, but instead makes him look a little more dangerous.

He was tall, leaning on the handlebars of the bicycle, his back slightly bent, one leg on the ground. He was a little impatient listening to Guan Jinqiao's conversation with others, so when he looked over, Chu Jiujiu could still see the distraction in his eyes.

When he turned around, his casual eyes swept across Chu Jiujiu, then at Wen Xiuwei, and then his eyes suddenly stopped, the distraction disappeared, replaced by a look of intense interest and amusement.

Wen Xiuwei was completely unaware and was still talking to Guan Jinqiao. Chu Jiujiu stared at this person and Guan Jinqiao's voice happened to ring in her ears.

"Weiwei, Jiujiu, let me introduce you. This is my brother, Guan Yuelong. He just got off work at the machinery factory and is here to pick me up."

Chu Jiujiu's lips moved. Over the past three years, she had seen countless other men make this expression towards Wen Xiuwei. Every time, she acted full of hostility and drove the man away before Wen Xiuwei could say anything. But this time, looking at Guan Yuelong, Chu Jiujiu's mind shifted and she suddenly changed her mind.

After the Chinese New Year, Chu Shao would be seventeen. He hadn't taken any action before, but Chu Jiujiu had tolerated it out of consideration for his age. But this time, if he still didn't take any action...

Humph, she just didn't believe that with such a big and powerful competitor standing here, he could still remain indifferent as before.