Chapter 20: Don’t smile at me when the rain stops. I will want to kiss you.
Before leaving for the theater, Chen Cheng went to the flower street and bought a bouquet of flowers to wish Liang Yanling a successful debut.
Also traveling with them was Qiao Qiaoyu.
After arriving in Jiangdu, Qiao Qiaoyu sent her messages several times to ask her out. He had been recuperating from illness for some time and had not been able to make time to meet. When he heard that she was planning to go to an opera, he suggested that they go together and chat about painting.
Qiao Qiaoyu was born and raised in Jiangdu. She is a Jiangdu know-it-all and well-informed about gossip. She can always bring up a topic. Even if Chen Cheng can't speak, she can still chat non-stop and not let the atmosphere become dull.'
To be honest, Chen Cheng's acquaintance with Qiao Qiaoyu was purely accidental.
Some time ago, she came to Jiangdu for a blind date and temporarily stayed at her third brother and his wife's house. Chen Aoshuang was worried that she would be bored at home, so she asked her third brother and his wife to arrange some entertainment activities for her.
My niece Shen Bingwei was preparing for the art exam in half a year, so she went out to collect materials and took her to visit an art gallery in Jiangdu.
After visiting more than a dozen art galleries, she was attracted by a store with a unique decoration, and even more special was its name.
a rainy day.
The sign next to it has a handwritten message:
If it rains today, maybe we can see the art exhibition.
She walked into the gallery. Qiao Qiaoyu was sorting materials at the front desk. Without even looking up, she said, "It's not raining today, so there will be no paintings on display, sir."
She habitually raises the end of her voice when she speaks. Many southern girls like the habit of legato sounds, which sounds soft and a bit playful.
Even before we officially met, I had already developed a fondness for each other through our voices.
Chen Cheng looked around the gallery and saw only a few paintings on the walls, and even one exhibition area had not been decorated yet.
Qiao Qiaoyu had a bad temper and she said she would not receive her, so she let her stand in the store for a few minutes, minding her own business, and did not drive her away.
Chen Cheng left only after Shen Bingwei bought the ice cream.
It was just a minor accident, and she didn't take it too seriously.
Coincidentally, it rained the next day.
She thought of the art gallery she had accidentally entered yesterday and decided to go there again.
I want to know what the gallery is like on a rainy day.
There were quite a few people at the exhibition, and Qiao Qiaoyu was able to socialize with everyone, wandering among the ladies who looked very expensively dressed.
In comparison, Chen Cheng's clothes were much simpler. The most expensive item on her body was a white jade bracelet, which was a coming-of-age gift given to her by Chen Aoshuang.
Qiao Qiaoyu personally went forward to greet her. After discovering that she could not speak, she became more enthusiastic and explained the painting to her.
Later she went again, also on a rainy day.
After that, they became familiar with each other.
Chen Cheng showed her paintings to Qiao Qiaoyu, who was very interested and wanted to reserve an exhibition area specifically for her paintings.
But Chen Cheng had some concerns and didn't agree.
Chen Cheng bought the flowers and stood on the street waiting for Qiao Qiaoyu to pick her up.
After getting in the car, Qiao Qiaoyu came over and the first thing she said was, "Chengzi, what do you think of my suggestion?"
Chen Cheng was embarrassed and typed to her, "My family doesn't really like my painting."
"Second uncle doesn't like it either?" Qiao Qiaoyu thought that after getting married, the Shen family would no longer control Chen Cheng in every way, and she could once again fight for the opportunity to be the agent of Chen Cheng's paintings.
Chen Cheng: “He never said that.”
"Second uncle didn't tell you, why do you care what the Shen family thinks?" Qiao Qiaoyu urged Chen Cheng, "Chen, believe me, I will never reveal who you are. If the painting is sold, it will be 20-80, I will take 2 and you will get 8. As for who to sell it to and other additional conditions, it's all up to you. How about it?"
Qiao Qiaoyu is not short of money, but she is tired of being a rich lady at home, so she opens an art gallery to pass the time.
The price offered is also very generous.
Chen Cheng thought, why not ask Song Jili in the evening and hear his thoughts.
Although Song Jili supported her to do what she liked, she still wanted to know his attitude.
Qiao Qiaoyu leaned against Chen Cheng's arm and continued, "You also have an absolute say in the design and layout of the exhibition area. My sister is one of the best soft furnishing designers in the country, and she will definitely arrange it for you."
Chen Cheng was puzzled as to why he was willing to offer her the best conditions just after taking a look at the painting.
She asked Qiao Qiaoyu: "Why do you have to have my painting?"
"It's not hard to understand. There are thousands of people learning to paint in the world. I also learn to paint, but I don't have any talent. I can only paint what I see in a regular way, and I can't paint a richer world. But you are different." Qiao Qiaoyu said excitedly, "Your paintings are particularly eye-catching. I also have requirements for opening an art gallery. I just want to display the paintings I like in it. Profit is secondary."
"Don't worry, I won't let the gallery suffer losses. My husband works hard to earn money, and it's not very ethical for me to waste his hard-earned money." Qiao Qiaoyu looked at Chen Cheng eagerly.
She thought that if Chen Cheng didn't agree, she would have to play the emotional card later.
Chen Cheng is soft-hearted and not good at rejecting people.
And even though Qiao Qiaoyu showed all her sincerity, she still had to think carefully before making a decision.
Chen Cheng replied: "I'll give you an answer by the end of the month at the latest, okay?"
Qiao Qiaoyu quickly answered and said with a smile: "Then it's settled! Let's talk about some light topics. How about I go shopping with you when I have time?"
Qiao Qiaoyu suddenly remembered something that happened some time ago.
"Orange, what happened to you in Zangdu last time..."
Chen Cheng had not told Qiao Qiaoyu about it, fearing that she would blame herself. Now seeing her guilty expression, he immediately explained, "It's not a big deal, it's over."
"Well, there is also... that is..." Qiao Qiaoyu said, "Professor Zhou came to me several times to ask if you are interested in studying in the Oil Painting Department of Jiangdu University. He can arrange for you to audit the class. He really wants to make friends with you."
I originally didn't want to mention it again, but Professor Zhou helped Qiao Qiaoyu a lot in the early days of the gallery's opening, and was willing to let her represent his most popular series, which made the gallery popular.
After the last accident, Professor Zhou was afraid of being at odds with the Song family, so he wanted to find an opportunity to have dinner with Chen Cheng to strengthen their relationship and also take the opportunity to apologize.
Chen Cheng was surprised: "Should I study in the oil painting department?"
Seeing that she was quite interested, Qiao Qiaoyu said, "Well, you can go to the lectures and study anytime."
Chen Cheng was unable to choose her favorite major when she was a student, so she was very excited to have the opportunity this time.
"How about... the day after tomorrow we don't go shopping, but I'll accompany you to the Oil Painting Department of Jiangdu University?" Qiao Qiaoyu was very considerate. She could see that Chen Cheng was moved, and immediately gave a good idea.
Chen Cheng thought that since she was going out anyway, it would be nice to stop by and take a look. Besides, she didn't really want to go shopping as she was afraid of getting lost in the mall again.
In just half an hour's journey, Qiao Qiaoyu managed everything with just her mouth and started sharing gossip within the circle with Chen Cheng.
"I wonder if your sister-in-law's sponsor will come today." Qiao Qiaoyu naturally hooked Chen Cheng's arm, "I don't mean anything else, I'm just curious about which rich person always books the first show."
Passing by the door, Qiao Qiaoyu pointed at the three largest and most conspicuous flower baskets and said, "It looks like the big money boss will be here tonight."
Chen Cheng had heard of the term "sponsor" and knew that people with sponsors were not always upright.
Her nieces at home would gossip and would not avoid her, who was taciturn. She knew that most of these people were gold-diggers or gigolos who wanted to cross the class barrier and degenerate themselves.
Liang Yanling is not short of money, so why would she need a sponsor?
"This sponsor is a career fan, don't think too much." Qiao Qiaoyu saw that Chen Cheng had misunderstood, "For example, after I exhibited your paintings, I met a rich man who particularly liked your paintings. He spent a huge sum of money to buy them, hoping that with this money you can have more opportunities to realize your dreams. Do you understand?"
It can be seen that Qiao Qiaoyu really wants her agency rights, even the example she gave assumes that her paintings can be exhibited in a gallery.
Chen Cheng couldn't bear to think: "I don't have such good luck."
It would be good if someone liked her paintings, how could she dare to expect someone to spend a fortune on her.
Qiao Qiaoyu was an encouraging friend, saying, "Chengzi, you are so good, you will definitely meet a mentor. If you don't believe me, just wait and see!"
Chen Cheng smiled shyly.
As they entered the venue and the show was about to start, the lights dimmed and the voices of everyone talking gradually became quieter.
The red cloth was pulled aside, revealing wooden tables and chairs on the stage, with a gong and drum band nearby.
Chen Cheng had never watched opera before, so he stared intently at what was happening on the stage.
Before the show started, the audience in the audience were whispering to each other, and from time to time they glanced at the VIP seats on the second floor that faced the stage directly.
The strange thing is that although we were there to watch a show, there was a layer of white gauze hanging down, and we couldn’t see who was sitting inside at all.
Mysterious.
"The one above is the legendary financial sponsor." Qiao Qiaoyu had heard of him but had never seen him in person. She stretched her neck to see who he was.
Chen Cheng glanced at them a few times, not showing much interest, and was looking forward to Liang Yanling's next performance.
Half of the audience tonight are young people, and the other half are elderly people. These amateur performers are all here to support Liang Yanling, and they call themselves "Lingshe".
Liang Yanling, a famous actress and the heroine of the play, appeared on stage quickly. She first walked half a circle on the stage, stopped, looked back, and started singing with a bit of charm.
The song is Cantonese opera, but don't worry about not understanding it, there are subtitles next to it.
How to say it.
Liang Yanling in person is even more vivid than in the video, with sparkling eyes, fully armed, wearing colorful costumes, gold hairpins and jewelry, long flowing hair, and heavy opera makeup. She stands straight and walks with a swaying grace. Her every frown and smile is captivating, and the arc of her fingertips is carefully designed.
He sang the entire show with his mic on. His voice was in great shape, clear and loud, and the climax won constant applause from the audience.
Chen Cheng was not crazy about opera. It could be said that before tonight, she had never listened to a play seriously or had a deep understanding of opera.
But now, through Liang Yanling's interpretation, I have developed an interest in this traditional industry and a desire to learn more about it.
What surprised her even more was Liang Yanling, who was lazy off stage but was a master on stage, shining in her area of expertise.
Suddenly she understood why Song Jili asked her to watch Liang Yanling's performance.
Because she was always afraid of doing something wrong and was particularly sensitive to other people's emotional changes, she also noticed that Song Jili would occasionally show a surprised look on his face about her behavior and thoughts.
Maybe the lifestyle she follows is something he cannot understand.
Song Jili had something to say to her, but he was not in a hurry to say it directly. Instead, he chose to tell her in a gentle way.
If you want her to be like Liang Yanling, you should at least do what she is good at and what she likes.
I thought Song Jili and Chen Aoshuang would have the same idea, hoping that she would stay at home well-behaved and not have too much contact with the outside world. It would be best if she only had one person in her heart and eyes.
He is also...
But he would not restrict her personal freedom.
At the end of the last scene, Liang Yanling and all the actors held hands and walked forward to take their bows. Chen Cheng went backstage to wait for her in advance.
Qiao Qiaoyu has something to do at home, so she'll leave first.
Song Jili seemed to have calculated the time perfectly, and sent her a message asking: [Is it over? I'll take you home.]
Chen Cheng replied: [Just give the flowers to A Ling. ]
Song Jili: [I'll wait for you at the exit.]
Chen Cheng hurriedly replied OK.
The next second, Liang Yanling pushed open the door and yelled in a hoarse voice: "I'm so tired, so tired."
There was absolutely no way to connect the lark on the stage with the screaming woman in front of me.
Chen Cheng stood up and handed over the flowers.
"So beautiful! Xiaocheng, you have a good taste. I heard from my second uncle that you studied art. You must be an art student who knows how to match colors." Liang Yanling took it, hugged Chen Cheng, and held the flower tightly.
The assistant just walked in holding gifts from fans. When she saw Liang Yanling holding a bouquet of colorful flowers, she started praising her. Then she looked at the flower basket at the door that was worth thousands but didn't even get any attention, and felt ashamed.
After all, it was given by the sponsor, so we should at least give it some face.
As expected, there is no good ending for those who lick the dog.
Chen Cheng wrote on the memo: "As long as you like it, I wish you a successful premiere."
"I'm going on a nationwide tour soon, so the next time we see each other will probably be New Year's Eve." Liang Yanling hung on Chen Cheng, wanting to rub against him, but because she had makeup on her face, she could only stick close.
Chen Cheng patted Liang Yanling on the back to comfort her.
"After the New Year, the divorce will be settled." Liang Yanling couldn't hide her smile, but she was afraid that there might be ears on the other side of the wall, so she lowered her voice and turned it into a silly giggle.
Chen Cheng couldn't understand Liang Yanling, but as a good friend, he respected her choice.
Liang Yanling still needed to meet with her fans, interact with them for a while, drink some water to moisten her throat, and then hurried back to do business.
Chen Cheng left alone first.
At the gate of the opera house, there was only a low-key and luxurious black car in the empty parking space. Song Jili, wearing a coat, leaned on the hood, standing casually with his long legs slightly bent.
He was holding the phone, and when he noticed her coming out, he stopped chatting with her and said, "Don't call me about this kind of thing in the future. If my wife hears, she'll think I'm not a serious person."
Chen Cheng was curious and asked: What event? Whose phone number is it?
Song Jili noticed that she gestured a few times in the cold wind, her hands were blown red, so he grabbed her and put her in his pocket, not avoiding her, and said, "Fraudulent call."
Fang Xiuqi on the other side: "..."
You are so fucking noble.
Only Song Jili could turn his brother into a liar after getting married.
"Hang up. Don't make too much noise. Go home early and don't worry your family." Song Jili hung up the phone after saying that.
Fang Xiuqi listened to the beeping of the phone, his eyes widened, and he pointed at the phone and shouted: "Did you hear that? Is this what a human being says? A month ago, he was sitting on this sofa drinking until three in the morning, and now he has suddenly changed and is different from us, and started to advise us to be considerate of our family members."
Qian Zhou took a sip of boiled water and didn't answer.
He was now numb to Song Jili's daily strangely matched ties and jackets and was no longer surprised by it.
Even if you have your own ideas, you can't make random comments. If you say something extra, it means you can't bear to see him having a wife to worry about.
"What's going on? Didn't they say that Song Jili endured humiliation and married the youngest daughter of the Shen family?" Sang Yi asked with a smile.
He just returned to China, and he was the one who set up tonight's game.
I wanted to date someone, but there were only two single guys.
None of the married people or those who have a partner are vocal in the group, and when asked over the phone, they just say they are busy.
Fang Xiuqi and Qian Zhou looked at Sang Yi at the same time, with an expression that said 'are you sick?'
Sang Yi made a gesture of surrender: "What kind of look is that? What did I say wrong? Is it that the young mistress is too strict? Is the second uncle too strict with his wife?"
Qian Zhou: "I don't know whether the young mistress is strict or not, but... she doesn't seem to be the kind of person who would control my second uncle."
Thinking back, Chen Cheng has the soft and lamb-like personality, and he doesn't seem like someone who would care about others.
Fang Xiuqi: "I don't know either, but my second uncle has been refusing to let anyone know that 'my wife is too strict'."
After saying that, they looked at each other in tacit understanding.
Qian Zhou thinks that people will laugh when they are speechless: "Isn't he going to be controlled by his wife?"
"That's right...I have never cared about my wife." Fang Xiuqi was extremely sure.
Sang Yi: “…”
Is this still the Song Jili who can walk around Jiangdu without anyone daring to stop him?
Song Jili had no idea how his brothers were scheming him, and was selecting glutinous rice balls for Chen Cheng.
Chen Cheng had never eaten glutinous rice balls with fruit fillings, and was looking at the menu carefully.
Half a minute later, he pointed.
"I want grapes as the fruit filling, thank you." Song Jili took the order for her.
The two of them sat on a bench on the street and waited. Song Jili was afraid that she would catch a cold and get sick again, so he insisted that she wear a hat.
Chen Cheng was not happy to wear it because the hat looked silly with a big fur ball on top that was almost bigger than her face.
Song Jili suppressed it and said, "Don't move, be good."
Chen Cheng accused him: It's so ugly, I don't want it.
"It's not ugly at all. I bought it specially for you. It's very cute." Song Jili didn't know why, but when he saw furry things, he wanted to buy them for Chen Cheng. These soft items were most suitable for her.
"New Year's Eve is coming soon. Fang Xiuqi and his friends want to have a small gathering on the cruise ship. Do you want to go?" Song Jili said to seduce Chen Cheng, adding weight, "We will just cruise on the river. We won't go far away. The view on the cruise ship is good. You can see the big screen with the countdown, as well as the drone show and the fireworks display."
Chen Cheng was fascinated by what he heard.
"Also, Fire Tree and Silver Flower." Song Jili said.
Chen Cheng: What is this?
Song Jili: "This year's special program, the iron flower making activity, is also held by the river. Do you want to go out?"
Chen Cheng came to his senses and asked him: Why do you always like to urge me to go out?
Song Jili sighed, but still failed to deceive the little girl, and said, "I'm afraid you'll get bored if you stay at home watching the sunset all day."
Chen Cheng comforted Song Jili and gestured: No, I'm used to it, you don't have to worry.
Song Jili: "Baby, how can I not worry."
The subtle hints didn't work, so he just said directly: "I'm afraid you'll find Jiangdu boring, and slowly, you'll regret moving to Jiangdu with me."
Chen Cheng stopped and blinked at Song Jili.
The waiter called them to get their meals. Song Jili took the receipt and stood up to get them.
Looking at the man's back, she didn't expect that he would have such thoughts, because even she herself didn't think too deeply about it.
And there was a show he wanted her to see.
He hoped that she could have her own social circle in Jiangdu and gradually accept this city.
Chen Cheng jogged after him, hesitated for a few seconds, and grabbed Song Jili's hand, wanting to say something to thank him.
Song Jili was stunned, he lowered his head and saw her smiling sweetly at him.
A pear-shaped swirl formed on the lips.
He pinched her cheeks with his big palms and covered her mouth with his hands.
Chen Cheng was stunned. What did she do wrong?
Song Jili held her in his arms and whispered, "Baby, don't smile at me. I'll want to kiss you."
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