"It doesn't matter. I don't really care. After all, my talents aren't limited to playing the piano; I also have painting skills."
Song Ning patted his shoulder, and Huo Beian finally showed a helpless smile.
The two strolled around for a while, then ate at a state-run restaurant, ordering some Shanghai specialties, including eight-treasure duck and two bowls of stew.
After dinner, the two strolled hand in hand along the Bund.
You can see the sea and feel the sea breeze at the Bund.
Song Ning pointed to the Bund not far away and said, "I bet that in twenty years, a TV tower will be built here, known as the Oriental Pearl, and will become a landmark building in Shanghai."
"TV tower?"
Huo Beian looked in the direction she pointed. In those days, television wasn't common.
"Yes, I also predict that in another twenty years, televisions will be widespread, and they will be in color with lots of programs."
Song Ning spoke with great enthusiasm.
Huo Beian hugged her tightly. "My wife is amazing. She can even make predictions. I hope her predictions are true, and that our lives will get better and better from now on."
"Of course."
The two strolled along the Bund for a while and unknowingly arrived at the entrance of the Victory Cinema.
There were relatively few cinemas in those days, and they were quite rudimentary.
Huo Beian then suggested, "Wife, let's go see a movie."
Song Ning nodded. She also wanted to experience what it was like to watch a movie in a 1970s cinema.
Huo Beian bought the tickets, and the two of them went inside.
Back then, movie tickets were long strips about two fingers wide, and seats were assigned by odd and even numbers. To enter, you had to queue up from the odd and even numbered entrances on either side of the theater.
Once inside, it felt like a grand theater, with red banners hanging on either side or above the stage, bearing the slogan "Develop the economy and ensure supply."
The audience seating consisted of rows of wooden chairs.
Huo Beian and Song Ning sat down; the seats were certainly not as luxurious as modern cinema leather seats with massage functions.
The screen was just a square frame of white cloth. Soon, the screen lit up.
The projectionist took several reels of film, placed them in a specially made metal circular copy tray, and started the projection by shaking the projector.
This movie is "Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy". Movies from that era were mostly red model operas; there were virtually no romance films.
Song Ning found it quite novel and couldn't help but watch with great interest.
During the exciting parts, the audience would burst into applause.
Upon seeing the tragic parts, Song Ning couldn't help but cover her face and weep. Huo Beian reached out and intertwined his fingers with hers, holding them tightly.
He reached out and pulled her into his arms. Song Ning nestled in his embrace as they watched the movie, feeling as if time itself had slowed down. It was so warm and blissful.
After watching the movie, it was getting late. They planned to take a bus to the train station and then from there to Ganjang.
At the station, they boarded the massive articulated trains that were 14 to 18 meters long in that era.
The car was also bustling with people.
Huo Beian held Song Ning's hand tightly.
Song Ning's gaze couldn't help but drift to the scenery outside, and to the novel articulated vehicle, which she found quite peculiar.
...
By the time the two returned to the family compound, it was almost dark.
As soon as I entered the residential compound, I saw Yuan Yan, the deputy head of the cultural troupe, waiting at the entrance for quite some time.
Upon seeing Song Ning, she immediately stepped forward and grasped her hand, "Oh, Song Ning, you're finally back! I have something important I'd like to ask for your help with."
Song Ning frowned. "You want my help?"
"Yes. Our performing arts troupe is going to represent our province in the All-Army Performance Competition. The champion will get a tour in eight major cities across the country. If we perform well, there will be a bonus. But as you know, our troupe is short of pianists, so we'd like to ask you for help, Song Ning."
Yuan Yan was desperate and grasping at straws, but this arts and culture performance competition was of a very high standard. Winning an award would not only help her career but also enhance the sense of honor of the entire group.
However, Song Ning is the only one in the entire group who can play the piano.
Upon hearing this news, Song Ning was very happy, as she had always dreamed of playing the piano again.
However, she still had concerns.
"But I'm not a member of the performing arts troupe, so I'm not qualified to participate, am I?"
She almost got into the performing arts troupe last time, but Jiang Feifei deliberately complained, which ruined her job.
"It's alright. This time, I'll vouch for you. As long as you make it into the top three in the competition, I'll directly and legitimately admit you into the performing arts troupe. No one can stop you."
"Really?"
Song Ning glanced at Huo Beian, looking incredulous. Huo Beian nodded and smiled, "Wife, I support you. This is a great thing that brings honor to us."
After thinking it over, she nodded.
After all, joining the performing arts troupe and shining on stage was also her dream.
...
On the other side, Jiang Feifei was furious.
The thought of the second volume of the comic book being published soon, which would embarrass her in front of everyone, made her extremely angry.
There are still more than two weeks until they make the bet.
No, she had to find a way to stop the release of the second volume.
That day, Jiang Feifei kept getting distracted during the rehearsal with the performing arts troupe and was scolded by the instructor.
"Jiang Feifei, your positioning was wrong just now. What were you thinking?"
"Jiang Feifei, how did you dance? You used to dance so well, why did you dance like this this time?"
Jiang Feifei had no choice but to apologize.
"I'm sorry, instructor, I'll adjust as soon as possible."
At this moment, Yuan Yan led Song Ning over and warmly introduced her to everyone.
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
