Chapter 83 Chapter 83 Life mentor Liu Suqin.
"You two are married and have a child, so am I picked up?" Liu Ping protested loudly in dissatisfaction, but everyone was immersed in the atmosphere of pouring out their hearts to each other and no one had time to pay attention to him.
He simply used the emperor to control the other princes. He picked up little Fangfang, who was sitting obediently on her grandfather's lap, sucking her fingers, and lifted her high. With the child's silvery laughter, everyone's attention was finally focused on him. Qian Juxiang frowned in displeasure. "What are you doing? Be careful, don't drop your niece."
Despite his youth, Liu Ping was already the uncle of three children. Furthermore, his second uncle's two cousins had been his constant companions since childhood, and his older sister had given him a lovely niece. He now had a wealth of experience in coaxing children, so he didn't just throw her away. Instead, he held Little Fangfang in his arms for a while, amusing her until she was satisfied, before returning her to her grandfather's arms and expressing his request. "Sister, you've taken so much care of me, so could you please tell me what I'd like to learn?"
His nonchalant tone, like a child deliberately fighting for candy, made everyone watching him shake their heads in silence. Liu Suqin didn't take it seriously. Just as she was about to change the subject, Lin Nanjiang suddenly asked, "What's wrong? Don't you want to learn how to drive?"
Finally someone spoke to him. Liu Ping was very excited, like a restless man. He jumped behind Liu Suqin and Lin Nanjiang again, poked his head out and rested it on the back of the sofa between them, and acted shamelessly cute. "It's not a question of whether you want to or not. If there is no other choice, learning to drive is of course a very good way. But Sister Xiangxiang wants to work in an office, and I can help her find a way. She also wants to do what she likes. You guys should help me think about it too."
A naughty child's coquettish behavior is the most deadly. Liu Suqin was shocked. She used the action of slapping goosebumps to slap the head that was rubbing against her shoulder and said, "Be serious. Then tell me what you want to do?"
Qian Juxiang said in a bad tone, "He probably wants to go to heaven."
As he spoke, his hand had already reached behind him and touched the sofa pillow. He was ready to throw the pillow over to the dead boy as soon as he finished speaking, catching the dead boy off guard and killing him with a blow.
He's such a grown-up, but he still keeps thinking about one thing after another and always causes trouble for them.
Liu Ping also didn't miss his mother's gesture of being ready to attack at any moment. He was a little panicked, but not too much. Mainly because he had already started, and changing his mind at the last minute would be too unmanly. So he stuck closer to his eldest sister and brother-in-law and refused to move. He closed his eyes and said loudly, "I want to learn photography and become a dashing photographer like my sister and brother-in-law's friend Afeng!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the reaction at the scene was calm, almost cold. It was still the brother-in-law Lin Nanjiang who spoke first, with a hint of joking, "You are quite ambitious, kid. If you want to be a dashing photographer like Afeng, you can't just study, you need some talent."
Lin Nanjiang was not surprised by his answer. They were both photography enthusiasts. To be more precise, his brother-in-law was his disciple who he had personally trained!
The experience of teaching his wife and good brother to take photos is different. Lin Nanjiang teaches his brother-in-law without any scruples. If Liu Ping makes a mistake or does not do well enough, he can beat and scold him as he pleases. After all, it was Liu Ping who asked him to teach first.
Besides, he is the brother-in-law. What's wrong with being scolded by his brother-in-law? As the old saying goes, beating is love and scolding is care. If you don't love him enough, kick him.
Liu Ping is also a shameless person. Although he was scolded badly last time, he will still rush over to him next time he sees him fiddling with the camera, which greatly satisfies Lin Nanjiang's hobby of teaching and giving advice.
The uncle and nephew dared to teach and learn at the same time, and the teaching activities lasted for half a year unknowingly. One day, Lin Nanjiang suddenly realized that although his brother-in-law looked nonchalant, his attitude towards learning photography from him was unprecedentedly serious and upright.
Lin Nanjiang himself was only half-baked and could not judge whether Liu Ping was talented or not, but at least the photos he took later were better than those taken by his sister and brother Quansheng. The composition, lighting and other things were all fine, and his aesthetic taste was also okay. In addition, his sincere attitude towards learning photography and his fearlessness of hardship and embarrassment made him begin to think that his brother-in-law might be more suitable for this job.
They are all ordinary people, so they don't care about artistic achievements. It should be no problem to simply support the family. His wife and her friends all say how good the prospects of this industry are. Makeup artists and photographers are emerging industries, and their growing income is also a strong proof. Lin Nanjiang thought that even if Liu Ping's talent is average, he can gain a foothold in this industry with hard work and diligence, plus the advantage of entering the industry early.
The point is that a photographer is definitely more relaxed and decent than a driver.
However, Lin Nanjiang was just thinking about it in his mind and hadn't had the chance to ask his wife what she thought.
They have been in love for several years and have been married for three years. Since they confirmed their relationship, they have been inseparable whenever they have the chance. After marriage, they have never been apart. They are together every day and have no sign of getting tired of it. As Liu Suqin started looking for a job this year, she came into contact with all kinds of clients and colleagues. Just summarizing the diversity of species for him would take Liu Suqin three days and three nights to finish.
It was precisely because the couple had so many topics to talk about together. In addition to the endless gossip about colleagues, clients and friends, they would talk about business, savings, houses and cars from time to time. Liu Suqin could not even remember her younger brother's hobby of photography.
As for Liu Ping's future plans, that had already been decided by the whole family, so there was nothing to discuss.
Lin Nanjiang would occasionally think of it, but his attention was soon diverted by the gossip she told.
Before informing his wife, it is impossible for him to go directly to his brother-in-law or mother-in-law to give advice without her permission.
Yes, that’s the reason. It’s definitely not because he is afraid of his mother-in-law.
Neither her sister nor her brother-in-law was helpful, but fortunately Liu Ping herself was not heartless and knew how to fight for herself when the time was right.
Without having to be the first to speak out, Lin Nanjiang was still very willing to help his brother-in-law. All he had to do was pass on the message, which was easy.
Liu Ping might not have understood the good intentions of his brother-in-law, but since the storm he had imagined did not come after he finished speaking, he knew that the situation might be much better than he expected, so he bravely opened his eyes and secretly observed everyone's reactions.
The first person he looked at was Liu Suqin. Hmm, her emotions were stable. Then he observed Qian Juxiang's reaction. Surprisingly, her expression showed no emotion either. She even put down her hand that was ready to strike. Liu Ping blurted out in surprise, "Hey, aren't you all angry?"
Liu Suqin: ...
What did this boy mean when he observed her first? Could it be that in his heart, she, a gentle, beautiful, wealthy and generous sister, is more terrifying than her biological mother, Comrade Qian Juxiang?
She was suspicious of her younger brother's look in her heart, so she didn't feel angry. "It's a good thing you're being honest now. If you spend the money and then say you want to learn something else, you'll just have to wait and see if we beat you up."
Liu Ping shrank his neck. He really hadn't thought about these things.
It seems that today I got lucky.
Liu Laogen said with a smile, "Why should you be angry? Learning photography is not a bad idea. In the past, all photo studios were state-owned, and photographers were very popular. If you weren't a relative of a leader, you couldn't even become an apprentice! If you can learn this skill, we can only be happy for you."
Qian Juxiang thought the same thing. "You guys are really lucky. You're so picky about such good jobs. If you could get one a decade ago, it would be a blessing for our ancestors to be able to do so."
At this point, she glared at her youngest son and said, "Just like your sister said, it doesn't matter what you study. What matters is persistence. After you pay the money, you must study diligently and find a job after you graduate. If you change your mind midway, wasting your time, money, and the hard work of your sister and brother-in-law, then I will break your legs without them having to do anything."
Liu Ping wasn't frightened by these words at all. Instead, he took the initiative to leave his comfort zone and walked slowly to the sofa where his elder sister and brother-in-law were sitting, squeezing himself between them. "Great, if everyone has no objection, I'll come back after the New Year to learn photography! Sister, there are photography training classes here, right?"
He was so calm and composed at this moment, not because he believed that Comrade Qian Juxiang could no longer lift a knife, but because Liu Ping had confidence in himself. He had finally persuaded his stubborn mother to agree to let him change from learning driving to learning photography, which was his wish come true. If he couldn't even stick to photography, what else could he do in his life?
Go home early and dig sweet potatoes!
But Liu Xiaoping, who was so full of confidence just a second ago, hadn't even had time to warm up before his beloved brother-in-law shooed him away like a fly. "Go away, there are so many stools and sofas in the house, can't your big butt fit? Why do you have to squeeze in between us?"
Liu Ping: "Oh."
As he said that, he went to the balcony and brought back the small stool that Qian Juxiang and the others used to bathe Xiao Fangfang. He sat at Liu Suqin's feet, looking cute and obedient, waiting for a reply.
Liu Suqin organized her words and also gave an affirmative answer. "There are indeed many photography training classes here, and the tuition fees should be roughly the same. But there is a problem. Learning photography is not like learning to drive. The driving school provides you with a car for practice. Photography classes require you to bring your own equipment. I don't know if those training institutions will also require you to prepare photo developing equipment, but you must at least have a camera, and you have to choose a relatively professional camera, which is not cheap."
Obviously, the less than 3,000 yuan that the young man has is far from enough to support him to study photography.
The interest-free loan she had promised before was still valid, and her parents had also said they could advance their salary to send their fourth child to learn a skill. This year, the old couple earned several thousand yuan, and what they spent was just a drop in the bucket. It would be easy to pay for the youngest son's tuition, and he probably wouldn't even have to come to her.
The more this is the case, the more Liu Suqin wants to speak frankly so that her younger brother can cherish the hard-earned learning opportunity even more.
However, her words not only frightened Liu Ping, but also Qian Juxiang and Liu Laogen. Qian Juxiang even blurted out, "It's not cheap at all. Do I have to buy a camera like yours?"
"No, no, just prepare an entry-level one, around two to three thousand." Lin Nanjiang comforted him hurriedly.
Of course, the effect of his comforting was, well, only to make matters worse.
Qian Juxiang's expression turned even uglier. "A camera costs two to three thousand, plus tuition, books, and other materials. Photography is way too expensive."
Although she seemed to be talking to her son-in-law, her eyes were always on Liu Ping who was sitting on the small bench. Everyone could see what she meant - there was nothing good about being a photographer, he might as well be a driver.
Liu Ping did not respond to his mother's hint, but he did not say anything in rebuttal, because he himself was also struggling with his conscience and did not know what to choose.
Seeing his mother-in-law and others struggling for a mere two or three thousand, Lin Nanjiang couldn't bear it any longer. It was his wife's words that made them so depressed. He couldn't help but look at his wife again and again, thinking, look how scared she is of everyone. It's just two or three thousand. Why don't I pay the money myself? It doesn't matter whether my brother-in-law pays it back in the future. The most important thing is that the family is happy.
Unfortunately, his wife didn't even look at him, and Lin Nanjiang couldn't find a chance to speak.
Liu Suqin was admiring her little brother's ever-changing expression. She had rarely seen him so serious in her previous life, which showed that he was really concerned. So she decided to stop while she was ahead and told him her solution.
At first, she had the same idea as Lin Nanjiang. If her parents were reluctant to buy a camera for Liu Ping, she could borrow money from them. The borrowed money could be repaid slowly instead of all at once. Then, her parents would not feel so bad.
But when the topic of photography classes requiring their own cameras arose, Liu Suqin suddenly had an idea and immediately thought of a better solution. She asked, "There's a way to save money. Do you mind using a used camera?"
After Liu Ping understood what second-hand meant, he felt like he had found a lifeline. He looked at her with shining eyes and asked, "Want to sell me your camera? How much?"
"You wish! My camera is less than a year old and in great condition. How could I possibly sell it secondhand?" Liu Suqin ignored Lin Nanjiang, who was nodding frantically beside her, and chose to continue poking at her brother's heart. "Besides, siblings should be clear about accounts. I'm selling this new camera to you at a discount of 30% or 40% at most. Can you afford it?"
"I can't afford it, I can't afford it." Liu Ping still had some sense, shaking his head and waving his hands repeatedly, "Let alone 70% or 80% off, I can't afford it even at half price. But sister, besides you, who else would give me this second-hand camera?"
"The photographers in our shop talk most about new cameras from various brands every day. As long as a new model with good specifications comes out, they all want to buy it home. It is said that most of their salaries are spent on this. So they probably have old cameras that they are tired of and are willing to discard. If you don't mind, I can help you inquire about the price." Liu Suqin analyzed, "People in this industry must choose professional cameras and they cherish their equipment. At most, the camera is a little old, but it works the same."
"I'm pretty knowledgeable, so I can help you check it out when the time comes." Lin Nanjiang added, "Speaking of which, two of our regular customers are photographers. We were talking about this a while ago, and they have friends who live frugally and can't help but want to buy new equipment when they have some money. I can also help you find used cameras, or ask them to ask friends in the same industry. In short, your sister and I will work hard together to help you find a camera that meets your needs and is not expensive."
Qian Juxiang thought to herself why this job was like being possessed. Everyone wanted to buy a camera as soon as they made a little money. What was the difference between that and working for nothing?
Is the fourth child sure he wants to take this risk? After all the effort, the training, the searching for cheap, good-looking old cameras, if this kid finally learns the trick and ends up with nothing like his predecessors, Qian Juxiang can't imagine how devastated she'll be.
Qian Juxiang was about to back out again, but before she could say anything, Liu Ping had already thanked his dear sister and brother-in-law profusely, with tears in his eyes, as if he had entrusted his future to them.
Lin Nanjiang's subsequent words completely diverted everyone's attention.
"Oh, right? There are cheaper tuitions too. I heard from those two photographer clients that the official Photography Association has run a correspondence photography academy, also to train professional photographers. The headquarters is in the capital, but branches have since been established in several provincial capitals. There's also a branch next door to us, as it's considered a semi-official organization. Compared to private training institutions, the tuition is much cheaper, only a few hundred yuan a year."
When Qian Juxiang heard that the tuition was only a few hundred yuan, she immediately abandoned all her concerns and was determined to grab the bargain. "This is great, this is great, it sounds like a regular school!"
Liu Suqin and Liu Ping's attention was drawn to his last two words, and they asked in unison, "Will the training take a year, or even longer?"
Lin Nanjiang recalled, "It seems like it was only a year. I remember they mentioned that most of the teachers in this academy are expert professors, the kind who teach at universities. They were invited here because they all joined the photography association. I think the content they teach is quite in-depth, and some people even go there specifically for further training."
"Expert" was a completely positive word at that moment. When Qian Juxiang and Liu Laogen heard their sons had the opportunity to take classes taught by an expert, they were filled with awe and began to persuade Liu Ping, "Listen, this is such a great opportunity! Not to mention studying for one year, even two or three years won't be a loss; you'll actually be reaping the benefits."
Liu Suqin also agreed, "You are still young, there is no need to rush into work. You can learn more knowledge when you have the chance."
Liu Ping laughed heartlessly, "I know. Next year I'll go and apply for the school my brother-in-law mentioned. I should be able to get in right away without having to take an exam, right? Now I can pay for the tuition and camera myself without having to ask my parents for money."
"I don't know whether I'll take the exam or not, and my friends haven't mentioned it either. I'll ask them when the time comes." Lin Nanjiang smiled. "But the school is next door in Yangcheng. You'll be staying there alone for a year. How will you get food and accommodation?"
Liu Ping didn't take it seriously. "My mom said long ago that even if I learn to drive in Shenzhen next year, I'll rent a small room in a village in the city. I can't stay at your house all the time. It's no different from going to Guangzhou. When I get there, I'll see if the school has dormitories. If not, I'll rent a house nearby. I can also share meals with classmates. There must be other students from other places like me. I'll learn how they find food and accommodation."
Lin Nanjiang mentioned this with a bit of sarcasm in mind, but he didn't expect that his brother-in-law looked heartless, but he was quite sensible in his heart, and what he said was not ignorant and fearless. Since he could accept the food and accommodation conditions in the factory, and went to Yangcheng for training for only one year, there was really nothing to be afraid of.
Thinking of this, Lin Nanjiang gave a thumbs-up and praised him generously, "That's a generous thing to say, Xiaoping. You've grown up like a man! Don't worry, your brother-in-law will personally accompany you to Guangzhou and help you settle down."
"Brother-in-law, you actually want to go and take a look yourself, right?" Liu Ping remained serious for only three seconds before he started grinning like a fool again. "Otherwise, how could you know so much about this school?"
"You guessed right." Lin Nanjiang didn't mind being seen through, and instead took the opportunity to make a request, "I really want to go to class, but unfortunately I don't have time. So you have to study hard and teach me, your brother-in-law, when you graduate."
"Yeah, I promise to complete the task!"
As the uncle and aunt were talking, they stood up and linked arms, laughing. Seeing this, Liu Suqin also stood up and stretched. "Let's make this clear for now. We'll all go to Guangzhou together to send my younger brother to school, and we can also travel by the way. Go to bed early, you have to catch a train tomorrow."
Qian Juxiang heard the first half of her words and was about to open her mouth to refute her. She was too lazy to get involved. Isn't it comfortable to take care of the children at home? They are young people who like to go out. Just go by yourself and don't drag them along. But after her daughter finished the last sentence, she immediately swallowed her words and urged, "That's right, stop chatting, go back to bed, and no one is allowed to stay in bed tomorrow morning."
As he said this, he took Xiao Fangfang from the old man's arms and called his niece Liu Xiangxiang to go back to the room to sleep. For the past two days, the three women slept in the same room. Liu Laogen and Liu Ping, father and son,
Of course, Liu Suqin always slept in the same bed with her husband. When they went back to their rooms, she had already put on her pajamas and went to the bathroom to wash up.
She removed her makeup right after dinner, then applied essence and cream. After a quick wash, Liu Suqin threw herself down on the big bed and sighed, "Making chicken soup is so tiring."
That night, she served as a life coach for two consecutive sessions, tailoring two sets of development directions for her cousin and younger brother. This was indeed a bit beyond her capacity. The key point was that she didn't notice it for a moment, and it was almost ten o'clock. Thinking about having to get up at four or five o'clock tomorrow morning, Liu Suqin felt a lot of pressure.
Lin Nanjiang thought, who can he blame for this? He just reminded his wife to go to bed and get up early after dinner.
Although he was a little emotional, he couldn't bear to rub salt into his wife's wounds, so he said nothing and simply picked up the person who was lying on the quilt unable to move, moved him into the bed with skillful and gentle movements, covered him with the quilt, and then lay down in it himself, turned off the lights and went to sleep.
"Good night, husband." Liu Suqin only had time to say this before she closed her eyes and lost consciousness.
This year, the team returning home was missing Lin Quansheng, but had several more people, and the luggage also increased accordingly. Old Deng's car was obviously not enough, so Lin Nanjiang asked him to call a friend, and two cars were waiting downstairs of his house early, and they took them to the train station smoothly.
The process of checking tickets and boarding the train went smoothly, busy but not chaotic. The group still got off the train and walked out of the station hall late at night.
But this time, in the small square of the train station where passengers were rushing around, they seemed to hear someone calling them. Lin Nanjiang was the first to react, "I think I heard my brother-in-law's voice?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Suqin looked around with him, but Lin Nanjiang had the advantage of being taller. He quickly spotted his second brother-in-law He Shengli waving vigorously in the crowd. After a few quick steps, the two sides successfully met up. When she brought her family over, the other party had already exchanged a few simple greetings with his brother-in-law Lin Nanjiang and was explaining why he appeared at the station so late at night.
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