Chapter 101
Director Ma followed Chu Jiujiu to the Chu family's courtyard. After entering, he was stunned.
This is too big.
There are currently less than ten people in their research institute, so they don't need such a large office.
Size is secondary. In fact, what Director Ma cares about most is not the size of the area, but the rent projected by this area.
For such a large house, rent is definitely necessary, but the funds they can apply for are really limited.
Director Ma felt that his trip was in vain.
Because Director Ma had promised her, Chu Jiujiu pushed herself to introduce the courtyard house, highlighting every advantage, determined to make sure Director Ma knew about it. Perhaps she didn't even know she had a talent for real estate sales. Director Ma's interest was palpable, but when he touched his wallet, his slight excitement instantly faded.
…
Grandpa Wang could see that Director Ma was stretched to the limit, but he didn't say anything. After all, Chu Jiujiu was too enthusiastic right now, and it would be hard for him to explain everything to her on the spot.
He could only say to Chu Jiujiu in a roundabout way, "Renting an apartment is a big deal. Jiujiu, don't say so much. Let Director Ma think about it himself. I'll tell you when he has a reply."
Chu Jiujiu thought for a moment and nodded to Wang Chunsheng, "You're right. You stay here with Director Ma for a while. I'll go to your house and call my father. No matter how much I say, it's useless. It's better for him to come and discuss it with Director Ma in person."
Having said this, Chu Jiujiu ran away. Grandpa Wang stretched out his hand, wanting to call her back, but he only touched the trail of dust that Chu Jiujiu had splashed up when she ran.
Grandpa Wang: “…”
This kid is so impulsive.
Han Shengyi knew that she had other intentions. In order to go to the Cultural Relics Archives, she would definitely not let Director Ma go easily. After a second of silence, he raised his head and smiled at the two elders, "Let's go to the west room."
…
Han Shengyi was delaying time there, and Chu Jiujiu ran back to the Wang family quickly. She knelt beside the coffee table, took out the black landline phone familiarly, and then pressed the number on it.
Grandpa Wang's landline was installed by someone else, so he could quickly contact the outside world in emergencies. It's a very advanced phone, probably one of the most advanced in China. Chu Jiujiu always feels nostalgic when she sees it, because the landlines that often appear in TV dramas all look like this.
Chu Jiujiu quickly dialed a few numbers, then sat cross-legged on the ground and waited patiently. After a while, the person on the other end picked up the phone.
"Hello, who are you?"
Chu Jiujiu walked around the phone line and answered cheerfully, "It's me, Uncle Li. Do you know where my dad is now?"
Guard Xiao Li was stunned for a moment, then told her: "The political commissar has gone home. Didn't you see him at home?"
There was no caller ID these days, so no one knew who was on the other end before they actually spoke. Chu Jiujiu said, "Oh," and quickly said, "I thought he wasn't back yet. I'm at Grandpa Wang's place, using their home phone. Got it, thank you, Uncle Li. I'll call home right now."
After hanging up, she dialed her own number again. The Chu family had installed a telephone soon after they bought their house. The Han family also had one, but they rarely used it when they were at home. Usually, when the phone rang, it was either Chu Liqiang, Wen Xiuwei, Chu Shao, or Chu Jiujiu. There was basically no chance of answering the call.
Therefore, when the phone rang, Chu Shao was obviously closer, but he did not answer it. Instead, Wen Xiuwei, who was sitting on the small balcony, quickly ran over and answered the phone.
After hearing what Chu Jiujiu said, Wen Xiuwei was still confused. She was dazed for a moment, then handed the phone to Chu Liqiang who was sitting on the sofa, "Uncle Chu, it's Jiujiu calling. She said she found a guest for you."
Chu Liqiang, who was watching the news, asked: "......?"
Tenants are indeed a type of guest, but using the word "guest" changes the meaning of the sentence greatly and always sounds strange.
Chu Jiujiu on the phone sounded very anxious. Chu Liqiang actually didn't expect to find a tenant so quickly. As the saying goes, haste makes waste.
But he rarely heard Chu Jiujiu speak in such a tone, so after hanging up the phone, he turned on the black and white TV.
"Come on, both of you come with me to see the courtyard."
The Chu family does not have a ticket for a TV at the moment. This black and white TV was given to them by the Han family after they had someone repair it. Since getting the TV, the electricity consumption of both the Han and Chu families has been rising sharply. Chu Liqiang suspected that when he was not at home, these three people did not even sleep, and all squatted in the living room watching TV.
He was worrying too much. Once it was 10 o'clock in the evening, the TV station would stop broadcasting any programs, and he could not see any pictures even if the TV was on.
…
Arriving at the courtyard, Chu Liqiang greeted Director Ma and saw him. In a few words, he saw Director Ma's difficulties. He originally thought that this deal would not be done, but Chu Jiujiu kept looking at them eagerly, which made Chu Liqiang full of questions.
With an idea in mind, he took Director Ma to a small room inside. While chatting, he asked about how Director Ma and Chu Jiujiu met. When he heard him say that he wanted to take Chu Jiujiu to the Cultural Relics Archives in the future, Chu Liqiang finally understood.
The little girl didn't really want to generate income for her family, she was just afraid that her free tickets would be gone.
Chu Liqiang chuckled and shook his head in his heart. He began to discuss the renting of the house with Director Ma seriously. Fearing that Director Ma would refuse, he also said that they could rent only part of it, such as the east wing, which was warm in winter and cool in summer. It was in the second courtyard, away from the downtown area, and not too deep. The east wing was connected with the corner room, kitchen, and utility room, a total of six rooms. Although small, it had everything.
Hearing him say that he didn't need to rent the entire place, Director Ma looked at him and then asked him cautiously how much it would cost.
Chu Liqiang smiled slightly, made a two with one hand and a five with the other.
The seven houses together cover a total area of nearly 150 square meters. Land in the capital is always expensive, and a small house of 30 or 40 square meters now rents for five or six yuan a month. Five or six yuan is actually low, given how many people are vying for it. A small house of 30 or 40 square meters is more than enough for a family of six or seven. Chu Liqiang asked for twenty-five yuan a month, which wasn't really expensive.
However, Director Ma still sighed, "To be honest, the current situation of the institute is really not good. I don't think I can afford the 25 yuan you want a month. Can we discuss it again? How about... 20 yuan?"
As a scholar, it was the first time for Director Ma to bargain with others. His face turned red and he felt very ashamed. However, the two small shabby rooms in the museum were really too small. They couldn’t even fit the materials they brought. Seven or eight people were crowded together every day, and their heads were dizzy.
Director Ma was ready to risk his reputation for his colleague, but looking at Chu Liqiang's surprised face, he couldn't help but lower his head.
Then, Chu Liqiang said, "What are you talking about? How can there be twenty-five a month? My house is so old, and the rent is twenty-five a month. Isn't this a rip-off?"
Director Ma was stunned. He raised his head and asked, "So what does your gesture mean..."
Chu Liqiang smiled and said, "I mean, the annual rent is 25 yuan. Let's rent for three years. Is that okay? If you have any changes in the middle, you can leave at any time."
His wife at home often talks about how generous the vegetable seller she knows is. Every time she goes to buy something, she gives her some extra vegetables. But Director Ma feels that Chu Liqiang is the most generous person in the world.
He was so moved that tears were about to fall. "Political Commissar Chu, you have helped our institute so much. I don't know what to say. So, I will treat you and your whole family to dinner!"
Chu Liqiang let him hold his hand. He smiled and said, "There's no need to treat me to a meal. You're not well off, so how can I let you spend money? However, if you can do me a favor, that would be even better."
Director Ma: “…”
They are really a father and daughter, even their words are exactly the same.
Originally, Director Ma agreed to bring Chu Jiujiu into the Cultural Relics Archives just once to let her know what the archives looked like. But when Chu Liqiang came, he took the opportunity of reducing the rent and made Director Ma owe him such a big favor. Then, what had been just one time turned into countless times.
As long as Chu Jiujiu wants to go, Director Ma cannot refuse. After all, their research institute is still on the Chu family's territory.
Director Ma treated the two children to lunch, and Chu Liqiang treated everyone to dinner. While eating, he drafted the contract. He would go to Director Ma's office tomorrow and write two copies by hand. Then, Director Ma and his team could move.
Chu Liqiang planned to wait until Sunday to do these things, but Director Ma was in a hurry. Summer was about to arrive, and the high temperature would be unbearable. His colleagues would definitely fall behind in their progress. He didn't care whether it was a hassle or not. After dinner, Director Ma invited Chu Liqiang to the museum. Chu Jiujiu, after knowing that this matter was settled, stopped working. She watched Chu Liqiang and Director Ma leave together. Chu Jiujiu stood at the door of the state-owned restaurant and asked a few people around her.
"Let's go home then?"
Chu Jiujiu and Han Shengyi still had something to do, but Chu Shao and Wen Xiuwei were dragged out innocently and served as a background board throughout the whole process. Apart from having dinner with them, they had nothing to do with anything else.
Wen Xiuwei: "Well, I have to go home. Sister Tan asked me to go with her to visit her master tomorrow. Her master lives quite far away, so I have to get up early tomorrow."
Chu Jiujiu asked, "Is Sister Tan the same Tan Fengqin?"
Wen Xiuwei smiled, "Yes, it's her."
When it comes to Sister Tan, no one has any impression of her, but when it comes to Tan Fengqin, even Han Shengyi remembers her.
She had performed in two model operas last year and an anti-Japanese war film this year, earning her nationwide acclaim. She was also the lead actress in the film Wen Xiuwei had just finished filming. Wen Xiuwei, only twenty-six years old, said she came from a family of opera performers and studied under a renowned master. Wen Xiuwei admired and respected her, and whenever Tan Fengqin invited her, she would always accept, and no matter how far away, she would be there on time.
So, when the four of them arrived at the fork in the road, Wen Xiuwei went back to the Chu family alone, and the remaining three went to the Han family and sat for a while.
One of the children didn't come back in the evening, so Grandma Han and Grandpa Han had dinner by themselves. Since no one came back, Grandma Han was too lazy to cook, so Grandpa Han cooked dinner tonight.
Grandpa Han’s cooking is average, the taste is just so-so, and he only knows a few dishes, so he is better at helping out.
Sitting at the Han family's house, Chu Jiujiu recounted her encounter with Director Ma. Grandpa and Grandma Han were both reminiscing about Director Ma's importance. Unfortunately, the capital was so vast that they had never even heard of the Institute of World History, let alone the somewhat low-key Director Ma.
Grandma Han got a pair of reading glasses a few days ago, and now she can finally see the people on TV. She half took off her glasses, squinted her eyes, and carefully cut the cloth in her hands.
She planned to make a pair of cloth shoes for each of the children. She always felt that the materials of the shoes sold in department stores were not good and they would definitely be stuffy in the summer.
While cutting, she asked, "So, only part of it has been rented out? What about the rest?"
Chu Jiujiu slumped on the sofa, a fruit bowl filled with several kinds of cut fruits. She picked up a peach and stuffed it into her mouth, saying as she ate, "Just leave it empty. We're not short of money at home, so there's no need to rent out the entire house. I think renting out only part of it is fine, so that if we want to go back in the future, we can go in and take a look. Otherwise, the whole courtyard will be occupied by someone else, and we'll have to knock on the door if we want to go in."
Grandma Han: "That's right. That courtyard is your old house. Your Chu family's roots are there. Renting it out isn't necessarily a good thing. Are your grandparents' tablets still in the old courtyard?"
Nowadays, it is not allowed to use memorial tablets, and burning incense is done in secret. Chu Liqiang did not set up two special memorial tablets, but just put up two photos, placed an incense burner underneath, and then placed a few fruit plates. This was considered an offering.
Chu Jiujiu was eating, and seeing her about to talk while eating, Chu Shao patted her and answered for her, "No, my father cleaned out a small room on the first floor and turned it into an incense hall. Grandpa, grandma, and my mother are all worshipped in there."
Mention of Chu Shao's mother caused a moment of silence. Meng Xiaoyu had died first, and everyone had either no feelings for her or very little. As for Chu Xinghua, while his life had been difficult, at least he had died of old age. Only Zhang Fengjuan's remains could not be found, and she still couldn't rest in peace.
Elderly people are particularly concerned with the idea of resting in peace, as if without burial, their souls will wander the mortal world, forever unable to rest in peace. Chu Jiujiu disagrees. Burial is one option, and there are many newer funeral rites, such as sea burial and tree burial. Nowadays, even if people desire a burial, they often can't afford it. Many people simply rent a small box and place their ashes there, and that's the end of it.
People's ideas change gradually. Some rules must be followed for a lifetime, while some rules really don't need to be insisted on.
The so-called finding of the body is just to make the living feel better. For the dead, she is dead, so why would she care about these things?
Chu Jiujiu ate her peach in silence. Han Shengyi propped up his head to watch TV. He lowered his eyes, pursed his lips quietly, and said nothing. Chu Shao felt helpless. Every time he mentioned this, everyone acted as if they were afraid of making him sad, and they were too cautious to speak. In reality, he was not that fragile.
The originally lively living room suddenly became quiet. After two seconds, Grandpa Han resigned himself to the responsibility of changing the topic.
"Speaking of your grandparents, Chu Shao, your step-grandmother hasn't come to cause you any more trouble, right?"
Chu Shao shook his head, "No, my dad hasn't seen anyone from their family recently."
Han Shengyi: "You have to be careful, their family didn't get anything, so they won't give up easily."
Grandma Han put down the scissors and snorted coldly, "You've severed ties with me, yet you still have the nerve to come back and ask for my inheritance. You're really shameless."
Chu Jiujiu's jaw twitched as she ate fruit and listened to others chatting. As she listened, she also spoke, "Yes, we were obviously cruel and heartless in the beginning, so we chose to sever ties with our family. But as soon as our family was rehabilitated, those relatives who had avoided us all came back in droves. And, Grandma Han, if you listen to their reasons, they're all the same. They're like, 'We had no choice, we wanted to leave descendants for our family, we didn't do it on purpose, we're also very sad to do such a thing. It makes me sick to my stomach just listening to it.'"
At this point, Chu Jiujiu sat up straight. She threw away a piece of watermelon rind and looked at everyone indignantly: "Doing something wrong is doing something wrong. No matter what the original reason was, abandoning your family to save yourself, even if you talk about it to the sky, it can only be attributed to two words: selfishness! This is because they have been vindicated, so they came here. If it weren't for this, they would never say a word to us in this life. What would the ending be like? They are doing well in the capital, getting promoted themselves, and their children are going to school, while we are still separated from our wives and children, and we are still helpless in our old age. Going out to go to school? Haha, we should just farm for the rest of our lives!"
No one spoke in the room for a long time after she finished speaking. Chu Shao looked at her strangely, feeling that she didn't seem to be talking about Mrs. Gao and the others. Han Shengyi sat there silently, without even raising his eyes.
Grandpa Han and Grandma Han had the most complicated expressions. They had also been cut off from their relationship. They suddenly thought of two people, one was their adopted son Han Jibin, and the other was Han Shengyi's mother Ruan Mengru.
The latter was undeniably vicious, selfish, and disregardful of her husband and son. She was a complete venomous snake, without a doubt. But the former always shook their hearts.
From the moment they received the money, the old couple of the Han family actually never blamed him. Especially after he returned to the capital, he sent things every now and then but never showed up. Grandpa Han and Grandma Han's feelings towards him gradually changed from suspicion to heartache. If they waited a little longer, perhaps even the heartache would gradually change.
Chu Jiujiu's emotional intelligence is almost zero when it comes to some things, but when it comes to some other things, she is as clear-headed as a piece of jade.
No matter how nicely you say it, you have been abandoned by your family without a second thought. No matter how nicely you say it, you are just useless pieces on the chessboard, with no better ending than being thrown away. You intend to forgive him, accept him again, and even want to make amends to him, but is this fair?
The person who gave up everything to take care of you is Han Shengyi. The person who fell from heaven to hell and still insisted on being with you is Han Shengyi. He did not use any tricks and did not do anything to protect himself. Now he can come back, not because he firmly believes that the future will be better, but because of his good luck.
People who made two different choices actually received the same treatment in the end. If this can be called fair, then how twisted must this world be.
Grandpa Han and Grandma Han didn't think so much. They just wanted to treat every child fairly. But they didn't know that from the moment they came up with this idea, there was no fairness in this matter.
Chu Jiujiu is a very smart person. She knows that Han Jibin is too important to the Han couple. If they look at it from the perspective of Grandpa Han and Grandma Han, they will never realize that there is anything wrong with forgiving him, because they are all good people and are willing to sacrifice themselves. But if they look at it from the perspective of Han Shengyi, they will suddenly wake up.
As the only son left by their biological son, Han Shengyi's position in the hearts of the two old people will never be shaken. Only when his interests and feelings are eroded by others, will Grandpa Han and Grandma Han truly pay attention to him.
It was past nine o'clock in the evening and Chu Shao was still watching TV downstairs. Grandpa Han stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the sky outside the window, not knowing what he was thinking about. Grandma Han was halfway through making shoes when she looked up at Grandpa Han and then lowered her head again.
Chu Jiujiu was in Han Shengyi's room at this time.
The other bed was moved and placed in the next room. Han Shengyi's bedroom suddenly became much bigger. After Chu Jiujiu came in, she lay on his bed and flipped through a magazine he was reading recently.
Magazines are like newspapers, and the articles in them are basically the same tone. Chu Jiujiu lost interest after flipping through two pages. She closed the magazine, raised her head, glanced at Han Shengyi, and found that he was watering the potted plants on the table.
This potted plant is green and lush, and it is said that it can bloom, but Han Shengyi has been taking care of it for two months, and Chu Jiujiu has never seen it bloom or even grow a few leaves.
Han Shengyi watered the flowers slowly and methodically. Every time Chu Jiujiu saw him doing this, she felt like claws were scratching her heart. Especially in this situation, the original cat's claws suddenly turned into tiger's claws.
Chu Jiujiu sat up from the bed, unable to bear it any longer. "Okay, I was wrong. I will never say that again."
Han Shengyi turned his head in surprise. As soon as Chu Jiujiu finished speaking, her voice started again impatiently.
"But I'm telling the truth. I'm not lying this time. I just want Grandpa Han and Grandma Han to know that the guy they feel sorry for has always lived a life of luxury. If even he's worthy of your pity, then all the suffering you've endured over the years has been in vain."
Han Shengyi watched her talking like a machine gun, her lips opening and closing constantly. When she finished speaking, Han Shengyi tried to hold back, but couldn't.
With a low laugh, he put down the spray bottle and walked in front of Chu Jiujiu, "I don't blame you."
Chu Jiujiu looked at him suspiciously: "Really?"
Han Shengyi nodded, "Really, I know you said those words for me."
Seeing that his expression didn't seem like he was lying, Chu Jiujiu glared at him, "Then why did you ask me to come up? I thought you were going to criticize me again."
Han Shengyi looked a little innocent. He touched his nose and said, "I didn't mean to criticize you."
"It's just..." He paused for a moment before continuing, "After hearing what you said, I wanted to stay with you for a while, so I called you up here."
Chu Jiujiu looked at him silently, her legs moving uncomfortably. Her questioning tone instantly disappeared. She snorted and twisted her body. She looked unhappy, but in fact, the corners of her mouth were raised. "You are so clingy!"
Han Shengyi laughed.
He can be clingy, but he really wants to be alone with Chu Jiujiu for a while. Even if they don’t talk, just staying in the same room can make his warm heart even warmer.
The alarm was lifted. Chu Jiujiu lay back on the bed and picked up another magazine. Chu Jiujiu flipped through it casually and asked Han Shengyi, "When are you going to expose Han Jibin? He's been sending gifts for several months."
Han Shengyi was silent for a moment, then answered her: "Wait until he comes to visit."
Chu Jiujiu looked up at Han Shengyi inexplicably, blinking her eyes. She put down the magazine, sat up, and moved closer to Han Shengyi. She asked in a low voice, "Brother Shengyi, the bad things he has done are probably more than just embezzling the dam. Do you know more? Tell me, okay?"
Han Shengyi used a finger to push away her head, "Not good."
Chu Jiujiu was annoyed: "Why! Aren't we comrades in the same trench? Besides you, I'm the only one who knows his true identity. Tell me so I can help you deal with him!"
Han Shengyi remained unmoved: "I can handle him alone."
Seeing that he really didn't intend to say it, Chu Jiujiu immediately snorted, "If you don't want to say it, then don't say it. Anyway, sooner or later, I will know it."
She was very confident, though Han Shengyi had no idea where her confidence came from. But thinking back, Chu Jiujiu did always stumble upon secrets that others didn't want to reveal. After a moment of silence, Han Shengyi looked at her and said sincerely, "I hope you never know."
Chu Jiujiu was puzzled: "Why?"
Pulling the corner of his mouth, Han Shengyi smiled at her: "Because, I'm afraid you'll vomit out of disgust."
Chu Jiujiu: “…”
——
Chu Jiujiu didn't understand what could make her so nauseous that she vomited. She often said she felt like vomiting, but that was always an exaggeration. But Han Shengyi was a man who never exaggerated. If he said Chu Jiujiu would vomit, it meant it.
After he said this, Chu Jiujiu became even more curious, but her curiosity lasted only one night. When she woke up the next day, the emotions of last night had been digested along with the dream and would never appear again.
Wen Xiuwei went to catch the bus early in the morning, and Chu Jiujiu was doing homework at home. In the evening, she brought back some food for Chu Jiujiu and Chu Shao. They were all local specialties that could be eaten as snacks.
Apart from this time, Wen Xiuwei went there several more times. In June, the matter she had kept secret for a long time finally came to light. At the dinner table, she happily announced to everyone that she would have a master in the future.
Tan Fengqin's master was a famous opera artist who occupied a faction of his own. After working with her for a while, Tan Fengqin felt that she had a noble character, was willing to endure hardships, and had good innate conditions. Her master happened to want to find an outer disciple, so Tan Fengqin took the opportunity of a meal to recommend her.
Outer disciples are different from inner disciples. Inner disciples must be taught from a young age. As the saying goes, "One minute on stage takes ten years of hard work off stage." Wen Xiuwei is already that old, and even if she wants to become a professional opera actor like Tan Fengqin, it's impossible. Outer disciples don't have so many age restrictions, nor do they need to invest so much effort. The teacher teaches freely, and the apprentice studies diligently. As long as they can learn the basics, it will be enough for Wen Xiuwei to benefit for a lifetime.
Everyone was happy for her, and Chu Jiujiu even clapped her hands. However, her happiness didn't last for two seconds. Wen Xiuwei smiled and sighed, "I can't be happy too soon. Sister Tan said that Master still wants to test me. Master has his own rules. Every one of his disciples has to be tested for a period of time. Sister Tan was tested for three months before she finally passed."
Chu Jiujiu was stunned when she heard this. "A test? Are you going to sing an opera?"
Wen Xiuwei shook her head, "No, Master knows I can't sing opera, and Sister Tan said it's mainly to test my character."
Grandma Han frowned, "That's bad."
Han Shengyi turned his head and asked, "Grandma, what's wrong?"
Grandma Han explained to the younger generation, "You don't know, some veteran artists have very strange tempers. If they were testing your singing skills, that would be easy to deal with. But if they're testing your character, I think they're probably just trying to torture you."
Wen Xiuwei: "...No way?"
Grandma Han tutted her tongue. "Of course not. Do you think these people just accept apprentices casually? Don't worry, Xiuwei, go ahead. From today on, I'll cook meat for you every meal and replenish your energy at all times. I can't guarantee the front line, but I'll definitely take care of the logistics for you."
Wen Xiuwei: “…”
Why did she sound so creepy?
No one can interfere if a teacher wants to torture a student. Therefore, even though Chu Jiujiu was worried, she didn't say anything to ask Wen Xiuwei not to go. After all, if you want to get benefits, you have to pay some price.
At the beginning, Chu Jiujiu was worried that the teacher would give him corporal punishment, but in fact, he didn't. He called Wen Xiuwei over to serve him tea and water. While he was teaching other students, he asked Wen Xiuwei to wait by the side and serve everyone like a waiter.
There was a calligraphy scroll hanging in the teacher's house with five big characters written on it: Heaven, Earth, Emperor, Parents, and Teacher. When Wen Xiuwei saw it for the first time, she knew that this teacher was a rather old-fashioned type. She must not rebel and must be obedient, otherwise all her previous efforts would be in vain.
Wen Xiuwei worked obediently as a personal waitress for more than a month. Soon, the movie she starred in was about to be released, and the studio gave Wen Xiuwei a few free movie tickets. Because she had to continue serving her teacher and could not go herself, she gave all the tickets to Chu Jiujiu.
Grandpa Wang had originally told her to go out to the movies with Wang Hongye, but it had been so long, and she had never heard Wang Hongye mention it. Holding the five movie tickets, Chu Jiujiu called the Wang family.
Grandpa Wang is in good health now, and is in great shape, but he is a little hard of hearing, so when he picks up the phone, his voice is always much louder than that of ordinary people.
Wang Hongye could hear Grandpa Wang's voice while sitting in the yard sharpening pencils.
"What—watch a movie?—Okay, okay, I got it. I'll tell Hongye right away!"
After hanging up the phone, Grandpa Wang came out cheerfully and told Wang Hongye, "Jiujiu just called and said that the female comrade in their family, the one called Wei, her movie will be released soon, and she wants you to go see it together. Don't go empty-handed, buy something to eat."
Wang Hongye saw Grandpa Wang's happy face, and he stood up silently, shattering Grandpa Wang's good wishes. "You think too much. I knew about this yesterday. Not only her, but Chu Shao and Han Shengyi will also go."
Grandpa Wang didn't care. "Then let's go together. It's better for you youngsters to play together than for you to watch a movie alone and miserable."
After saying that, Grandpa Wang turned and went into the house. Looking at his unmoved back, Wang Hongye shook his head helplessly.
There were five movie tickets, four of which were booked, but no one was going to take the last one. Chu Jiujiu thought about calling Erbao over, but she was alone. She said that every time she was alone with Chu Liqiang, she felt very nervous, but if she didn't let Chu Liqiang take her, she couldn't come to the city by herself.
Chu Jiujiu was very confused. Chu Shao, who was standing next to her, saw this and solved the problem for her. "Don't just call Erbao, call Dabao too. I gave him my ticket."
Chu Jiujiu looked at him in surprise, "You're not going?"
Chu Shao hummed.
Chu Jiujiu's eyes widened, "Weiwei's first movie, you're not going?!"
Chu Shao rolled up the newspaper in his hand and knocked it on her forehead, "Hmm!"
Chu Jiujiu: “…”
He's right not to care about Wen Xiuwei?!
Chu Jiujiu was furious, but there was nothing she could do. Chu Shao wouldn't go, and she couldn't just kidnap him. Finally, she angrily called Nie Bai and told him they wanted to go to the movies. Nie Bai readily agreed. Thanks to Chu Jiujiu, Dabao and Erbao finally had a day off. Because Chu Shao and Chu Jiujiu were such good students, their parents forced them to study at home every day, under the pretext of keeping them from falling behind the group.
Dabao and Erbao: Come on, when have they ever fallen out of the main group? You are just jealous of other people’s children!
…
On the weekend, a jeep brought Dabao and Erbao over. They played at the Chu family's house for a while, and then went to the cinema together in the afternoon.
It was the first day of the new movie's release. Today was a weekend, and the cinema was already packed with people. Many people were waiting here. Chu Jiujiu looked around and found that there were no older people, only young people, and most of them were in pairs.
There are too few entertainment activities, and people in love have nowhere to go except watching movies. Summer is here and the flowers are blooming. Seeing this scene, Chu Jiujiu can't help but think of the idiot in her family who refuses to learn.
...It's very annoying.
There was no popcorn for sale here, only snacks and herbal tea. Wang Hongye paid for snacks for everyone, and Dabao took out the money Liu Yuzhen gave him and bought five cups of herbal tea. Sitting in the dark cinema, everyone was a little excited.
Watching a movie is an exciting thing in itself, not to mention that they know the actors in the movie.
Children are not allowed to enter the cinema, but there are countermeasures for every policy. Among these people, only Erbao looks like a child. If the others pretend to be adults, the cinema staff will not be able to tell them apart. Some staff members asked Erbao and Chu Jiujiu suspiciously if they were adults. At this time, Chu Jiujiu would ask back domineeringly, of course they are adults. The height is there. Is it our fault that they have a baby face?
Staff: “…”
The person who sneaked in wouldn't be so confident. Forget it, I'll check on others.
…
Just like that, the five of them sat peacefully in the chairs of the cinema. When the opening credits came out, Chu Jiujiu didn't feel anything. But when she saw Wen Xiuwei's face appear on the screen, Chu Jiujiu immediately grabbed Han Shengyi's hand excitedly.
She didn't dare to make a loud noise, so she could only whisper, "Weiwei, it's really Weiwei!"
Erbao's face was full of envy, "Sister Weiwei is so beautiful."
The Wen Xiuwei in the movie was very different from her usual self. She felt both strange and familiar. This was the feeling of the five people present. Only at this moment did Chu Jiujiu and the others truly feel that Wen Xiuwei had become a star. After today, people all over the country would recognize her face.
While staying at the teacher's house, Wen Xiuwei skillfully made tea for the teacher. The teacher did not bring an apprentice today. He took a sip of the tea made by Wen Xiuwei, and then seemed to suddenly become interested in her life.
"You and Fengqin filmed a movie together. Is it coming out today?"
Wen Xiuwei nodded to the teacher, "Yes."
"Then why didn't you tell me earlier? It's your first time making a movie, so you should want to go and see it, right?"
Wen Xiuwei smiled faintly, "The movie has been completed. It doesn't matter whether I watch it or not. Master is more important to me right now."
"Oh? How important is it?"
Wen Xiuwei put down the teapot and said honestly: "I want to make more movies in the future. Only if Master teaches me can I do it. You can open up the future for me, so you are the most important."
The gray-haired old man laughed and said, "You are quite frank."
Wen Xiuwei looked calm, but she was actually very nervous. She hadn't figured out her teacher's temper for more than a month. He wasn't very happy when she said polite words, and he wasn't angry when she told the truth. Wen Xiuwei had no idea how to treat him, so she could only rely on instinct.
After taking two more sips of tea, the teacher seemed to have completely forgotten she was still there. Ten minutes later, he put down his teacup and twisted his neck stiffly. "Alright, I'll give you half a day off today. It's your first work after all. Go take a look and tell me what you think tomorrow."
Wen Xiuwei was stunned for a moment, then she stood up happily, "Thank you!"
After she left, the teacher smiled and shook his head, saying that it didn't matter whether he watched it or not, because he just wanted to watch it.
At three o'clock in the afternoon, Wen Xiuwei came out of her teacher's house. It would take two hours for her to return to the city. She didn't know if she could buy a ticket for the evening show. The last show at the cinema was at six o'clock. If she couldn't make it, she could only wait for a while and watch it on TV.
Wen Xiuwei walked out quickly, but as soon as she walked out the door, she froze in place.
At first she didn't quite believe her eyes. After rubbing them, she was sure that the person standing opposite her was really Chu Shao.
"Why are you here?"
When asking this question, Wen Xiuwei tightened the strap of her shoulder bag.
Chu Shao was also stunned for a moment. He didn't expect Wen Xiuwei to come out so early. Usually, she would stay at the teacher's house until five o'clock. The teacher would let her leave when it was time for dinner.
Chu Shao was a little overwhelmed. He pulled out two movie tickets from his pocket. It was supposed to be a good thing, but now he felt that he might have messed up. "I bought tickets for the 6 o'clock show at the cinema next door... How about we go get dinner first?"
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