Chapter 56
Thinking about the college entrance examination, Bei Bitang said, "Guangmei, let's go back. I'll take you."
Thinking about the college entrance examination, Bei Bitang said, "Guangmei, let's go back. I'll take you."
Bei Bitang looked relieved, but Feng Guangmei was still worried and couldn't help but feel sorry for her friend.
Bei Bitang ran out of the house with tears on her face. Even the old ladies passing by knew that something was wrong with her. Bei Bitang's family members didn't make a sound. Aren't they worried that Bei Bitang would do something stupid on impulse?
Feng Guangmei smiled and said caringly, "Bitang, we both have a day off today. Now that we're both out and the weather is so nice, let's not go back yet and go shopping."
Bei Bitang said hesitantly: "This is not good, you should go home, you still have to study."
Feng Guangmei pushed her and complained, "I study hard enough, but the electricity bill is getting higher every month. Bitang, please forgive me and let me relax for a day. Only by combining work and rest can I learn better."
Seeing Feng Guangmei's miserable expression, Bei Bitang nodded and agreed, "Okay, let's go shopping and be back before night school starts."
Feng Guangmei cheered: "Today is such a beautiful day!"
Looking around, Bei Bitang said, "Then let's eat and drink our fill here. It's my treat."
After talking with Feng Guangmei, Bei Bitang's vague ideas became clearer and clearer, and she decided to do two big things.
Before that, it would be nice to have some delicious food and celebrate.
Bei Bitang was straightforward, but Feng Guangmei hesitated. She shook her head and said, "No, eating and drinking near Nanjing Road is not cheap. It's okay to just wander around, let's go back to the Shikumen area to eat."
Bei Bitang insisted, "It's easy to eat at the restaurants near home. Guangmei, it's hard for us to come to Nanjing Road. I can't go back empty-handed and waste my car fare."
Bei Bitang said so, Feng Guangmei could only say: "Okay, I will risk my life to accompany you, but we will split the money equally."
Bei Bitang couldn't persuade her, and thought about repaying Feng Guangmei in the future.
What Feng Guangmei did for her today was better than anything her family did.
As native Shanghainese, the two have visited Nanjing Road many times, but most of the time they just walked around without spending any money. At most, they would drink a soda, eat some shengjian (a fried dumpling) or order some wontons.
However, Bei Bitang and Feng Guangmei knew all the delicious old-fashioned restaurants on Nanjing Road by heart, and they spoke about them with great knowledge, as if they had tried them thousands of times, all because they were greedy.
Bei Bitang led them for a short distance first. There was plenty of time and no rush.
The two of them simply pushed their bicycles and walked.
Passing by the magnificent Shanghai General Post Office Building, this Western-style building with a big white clock and a long flagpole has appeared in many old movies.
Feng Guangmei looked at the towering building with longing, saying, "I wonder what kind of person could work there. Not to mention the Bund International Building, just this Post Office Building alone is Shanghai-style enough. If only I had a camera. Before I go to college in another province, I'll take a few photos and bring them to school to show off to the people from other provinces."
Bei Bitang said with mixed feelings, "Guangmei, you want to apply to a school out of town? Why? Aren't the schools in Shanghai good enough?"
Feng Guangmei recovered and said, "Schools in Shanghai are good, but I want to travel more while I'm still young. Otherwise, I'll be assigned back to my place of household registration after graduation. Think about it, it's hard to buy train tickets, not to mention letters of introduction. If I study in another city, my accommodation and meals can be provided by the school, which will save me a lot of money on travel."
Bei Bitang smiled and said, "You're really smart."
Feng Guangmei pretended to sigh and said sadly, "But this is just something I occasionally think about. I don't have to go to college in another city. I can't bear to leave my family, Shanghai's delicious food, and of course, you!"
As she spoke, Feng Guangmei patted Bei Bitang's shoulder heavily.
Bei Bitang didn't feel any pain at all. She said happily, "You like traveling. If you want a companion, I can save money and go with you."
Feng Guangmei said without hesitation: "Okay! It's a deal."
She stretched out her little finger, and Bei Bitang stopped. She also stretched out her little finger and hooked it with Feng Guangmei's little finger.
Bei Bitang said, "It's a deal!"
The two young girls hooked their fingers together and smiled at each other, their eyes shining on their faces.
The bells of the bell tower in the distance rang.
The two of them had no clear destination and didn't even look at the road signs. They just walked along the road ahead, went around the bends, and passed the traffic lights.
After passing by Shen Dacheng, Bei Bitang asked Feng Guangmei if she wanted to go in for breakfast.
Feng Guangmei shook her head and refused, saying that she didn't want to eat pastries.
So the two of them continued walking without stopping. Before reaching Nanjing Road, they wanted to eat all the delicious food on Nanjing Road. But when they got to Nanjing Road, they didn’t know what to eat. They didn’t want to eat this or that, and they lost their appetite.
When I walked to Yunnan South Road, I smelled a strong fragrance before I even reached Xiandelai.
The two looked through the shop window and saw that Xiandelai was packed with people.
The two of them were moved at the same time, finally there was something they wanted to eat.
Feng Guangmei spoke first, "Bitang, I want to eat something meaty, what about you?"
Bei Bitang swallowed her saliva and said calmly, "I'll listen to you."
She had been living on water, porridge, and cold noodles for a while. She was out early and back late, so she had no time to buy fish or kill them. Without the occasional fish she brought home, her family's food was declining, and she hadn't eaten anything oily in a long time.
Now that I have made a decision, my appetite has returned.
The two entered Xiandelai and waited for a while for a seat.
Bei Bitang and Feng Guangmei both ordered pork ribs and rice cakes, and asked the waiter to add more sauce.
What goes with pork ribs and rice cakes? Of course, it should be paired with gluten and bean curd soup. After ordering two more bowls of soup, the two of them sat down contentedly.
Bei Bitang went to get the chopsticks and heat them, while Feng Guangmei went to get the spicy soy sauce. They divided the work and worked together to get what they needed, then sat back and waited for the food to be served.
It didn't take long before a waiter in white work clothes came over with a wooden tray, serving pork ribs, rice cakes and a single-boiled soup.
The sauce is a transparent light red, which makes you want to eat it at first sight. It is sweet and sour, and if you get too close to the bowl, you will choke on the vinegar.
Feng Guangmei stirred the food while saying, "I still prefer pork ribs and rice cakes with a stronger vinegar flavor. The pork ribs are fried, and the rice cakes are made of glutinous rice flour. The two together are already greasy, so adding a little vinegar will make them even more delicious."
Bei Bitang picked up a piece of flat rice cake and said, "My taste is the same as yours. I also like sour food. The vinegar in the northwest is delicious, but it's a pity that it's not convenient to bring back to Shanghai. Otherwise, you can try it too."
Feng Guangmei's eyes widened in surprise, "Oh my god, what are you drinking? Vinegar! Can vinegar be described as drinking? Bei Bitang, what's this weird taste?"
Bei Bitang was unconvinced and said, "What's the big deal? People in the Northwest can't live without vinegar for a day. The vinegar brewed there is sour but not choking, and some even have a sweet taste, just like we drink orange soda."
The two chatted about all sorts of things, and the way they addressed each other changed from "Guangmei" and "Bitang" to "Feng Guangmei" and "Bei Bitang".
After brunch, the two continued strolling, walking from Nanjing East Road towards People's Square, where there were more and more tourists.
Some people also asked Bei Bitang and Feng Guangmei for directions, and they gave directions to the tourists from other places.
After the tourists thanked them and left, Feng Guangmei made small talk by asking, "Did you recognize the accent of the people asking for directions? Where do you think they are from?"
Bei Bitang suppressed the urge to roll her eyes and said, "Feng Guangmei, you're so boring! Didn't you see the words 'Harbin Pharmaceutical Factory No. 6' printed on their bags? Besides, they speak with a Northeastern accent. I've met more people from other provinces than you, a sent-down youth in Chongming."
Feng Guangmei only listened to what she wanted to hear. She clapped her hands and said loudly, "Congratulations, Comrade Bei Bitang! You got it right! A kiss as a reward!"
After saying that, Feng Guangmei pretended to kiss her on the cheek. Bei Bitang dodged while frowning tightly.
Feng Guangmei yelled, "Bitang, don't hide! You're making me sad!"
A tall, blond, blue-eyed foreigner burst into the picture between the two of them, speaking fluent Chinese, and said, "Two beautiful ladies, can I take a picture of you?"
The two were startled. Bei Bitang looked at them awkwardly, then stared at the people around them who were looking at them and making noises, and said hesitantly, "Okay."
Feng Guangmei next to her calmly tidied her clothes and even reached out to tidy up Bei Bitang's hair.
Feng Guangmei said to the foreigner in a familiar manner, "Please take a better picture of us, okay?"
The foreigner picked up the camera hanging around his neck, a happy smile on his face, and said hurriedly: "Of course, two beautiful Oriental ladies, don't worry, I am a professional."
The two stood on Nanjing Road, arm in arm, looking at the camera with a smile.
The foreigner took photos non-stop until he was satisfied. Then he said to Bei Bitang and Feng Guangmei, "That's enough, ladies. Thank you. I wanted my grandmother to see what Chinese people are like, and you helped me fulfill my wish."
Bei Bitang smiled and said, "You're welcome."
Feng Guangmei glanced at him sideways as she leaned close to Bei Bitang's ear and whispered, "Let's go ask him for two photos. One for you and one for me as a souvenir. Those photos taken outdoors will definitely look great, much better than those taken in a photo studio with the same background and clothes. Let's tell everyone that it was taken by a foreigner, and everyone will be envious."
The foreigner happened to look over, and Bei Bitang gave him a fake smile. She didn't move her mouth, only spoke with her throat. She said, "That's not good. How do you say this?"
Feng Guangmei said boldly, "What are you afraid of? He can speak Chinese."
After saying that, Feng Guangmei pulled Bei Bitang over to the foreigner, raised her head and said, "Hey, hello, could you give us two of the photos you took? My good friend and I want to keep them as a souvenir to record our friendship."
The foreigner didn't speak immediately, he frowned.
Seeing his hesitation and Feng Guangmei's eagerness, Bei Bitang smiled and said, "Sir, we can pay for it. Not only the cost of developing the photos, but also the technology."
The foreigner shook his head and said, "That's not the reason. I'm flying back to England from Hong Kong tomorrow. Today is my last day in China. I have a special darkroom at home, and I want to take these films back to have them developed."
Hearing him say this, Bei Bitang and Feng Guangmei both looked disappointed.
The foreigner tilted his head and said, "How about this, I'll leave you my home address. When you come to England, come find me and I'll give you the photos."
After saying that, he put his hands behind his back and took out the paper and pen from his backpack.
Bei Bitang's expression changed slightly, and she said hurriedly: "No need! I..."
Before she could say anything, Feng Guangmei grabbed her and ran away. Bei Bitang had no choice but to run while waving her hands behind her in a rejection manner.
The two stopped only after they were out of the foreigners' sight.
Bei Bitang was better, her face was slightly red, but Feng Guangmei was panting.
Feng Guangmei patted her chest and said in shock, "I won't dare to talk to foreigners casually anymore. And you even left me your address so I can contact them when I go abroad?! Isn't this harming me?"
Bei Bitang smiled and said, "Isn't this because it didn't work out? The public has sharp eyes, so you don't have to worry."
She looked up and saw that the two of them had just walked to the entrance of a clothing store. After eating pork ribs and rice cakes, they were no longer greedy. Now they had little interest in eating and just wanted to go in and look at the beautiful clothes and feast their eyes.
Bei Bitang took Feng Guangmei's hand and walked into the Shanghai Clothing Store. Although the clothes inside were expensive and they couldn't afford them, they shopped around and didn't come out until the afternoon.
Standing in the shadows, Feng Guangmei said, "Bitang, what do you want to eat?"
Bei Bitang replied, "I'd like something sweet and savory, maybe some butterfly cakes, from the First Food Factory or the International Hotel Bakery."
Feng Guangmei persuaded without hesitation: "The food at the International Hotel is a little more expensive, but it must taste better. Let's go to the International Hotel to buy it."
When they reached the red building of the International Hotel, they looked up for a long time. It was a very stylish building that stood out from the crowd.
The revolving glass door of the International Hotel turned slowly. Waiters in red dresses stood on both sides of the door, wondering if a car of unknown make was parked in front of the door.
People in various outfits emerged from the cars. Most men wore tailored suits, waxed hair, and always had a watch. Women wore beautiful dresses and fluorescent jewelry. Regardless of their attire, they all held their heads slightly high, their faces radiating confidence.
There were many people like Bei Bitang and Feng Guangmei squatting across the street and watching.
Feng Guangmei whispered, "I've never seen a red or sky blue car before. It's so bright and beautiful. What brand is this car? I only recognize Shanghai brands."
Bei Bitang replied: "I don't know him either. I only know Junka."
Feng Guangmei didn't expect Bei Bitang to be able to answer. She stared at the entrance of the International Hotel without blinking.
A young man not far away sneered and said, "You don't even recognize this?! This is Santana, a German car brand owned by Volkswagen..."
Feng Guangmei didn't want to listen to him showing off and was just swishing his two mouthfuls of water.
Feng Guangmei stood up suddenly, pulled Bei Bitang, swung her braid, and shouted, "Let's go! Bitang, let's go buy some butterfly cakes!"
Before Bei Bitang could respond, she dragged Bei Bitang across the street with great momentum.
You have to queue up to buy butterfly cakes. Before it was their turn, Bei Bitang and Feng Guangmei stood on tiptoe, looking at the butterfly cakes displayed in the glass window, and choosing in their minds.
Feng Guangmei pointed through the glass and said, "Comrade, I want these. Please take them out."
The two of them always agreed that the butterfly cakes tasted better if the edges were a little browned.
The butter is fragrant, the milk flavor is rich, the edges are crispy and delicious, and it is fragrant but not greasy.
Bei Bitang and Feng Guangmei ate as they walked and enjoyed themselves to the fullest.
They reached the entrance of the First Department Store and finished their butterfly cookies. They walked into the First Department Store and took the elevator twice.
They didn't go shopping, they just wanted to take the elevator. Elevators, these precious things, how many people in China have ridden them? Most people have never even heard of them.
Even Shanghai locals find it strange. Elevators can be counted on one hand. Most places are off-limits to ordinary people, with only foreign visitors or those with work permits allowed.
In order to save electricity, the elevator in the First Department Store is not often used, even though there is a constant stream of customers every day.
Bei Bitang and Feng Guangmei were also lucky this time.
After playing for most of the day, it was still early. Feng Guangmei said she wanted to go to the bookstore to see if there was any new information. Bei Bitang naturally agreed.
Feng Guangmei didn't gain much, but the two of them were so engrossed in reading comic books in the bookstore that they almost forgot the time.
When I came out of the bookstore, the sun was setting.
Bei Bitang suggested that they go back after having dinner to make the whole thing a perfect ending.
Feng Guangmei asked, what does Bei Bitang want to eat?
Bei Bitang said, let’s go to Dexing Pavilion.
When they arrived at Dexing Restaurant, they ordered a basket of fresh soup dumplings and a bowl of pickled mustard greens and pork chop noodles to share.
After coming out of Dexing Hall, the crowds on Nanjing Road were still quite large and the night lights were already on.
The two finally decided to go home, and Feng Guangmei bought two bottles of orange soda.
She sat on the back of the bicycle while Bei Bitang rode it.
Bei Bitang has excellent cycling skills and rides steadily.
Feng Guangmei held a bottle of soda in one hand and drank it herself, while occasionally extending the other bottle in front of her so that Bei Bitang could reach it and take a sip.
The soda quenched her thirst and the sun went down, but Bei Bitang was still sweating profusely from riding. Feng Guangmei wanted to jump off and take over the lead.
Bei Bitang firmly opposed it. She rode very fast all the way, first took Feng Guangmei home, waited downstairs for her to go upstairs to get her schoolbag, and then took her to the gate of the middle school where she attended night school.
After they parked their bikes, Feng Guangmei waved to Bei Bitang and then entered the campus.
Bei Bitang didn't leave immediately. She stood outside the school gate, gazing at the campus with envy and mixed feelings. Although it was a middle school, she couldn't get in. She knew that the night school's college entrance examination review class only accepted those with a high school diploma.
Of course, there are people with only a junior high school education. Feng Guangmei said that there were two people in her class who had not attended high school, but one was self-taught and had higher test scores than her, and the other was the principal's brother-in-law.
Those who are neither smart nor have connections can only watch if they want to get in.
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