Lantern Festival
New Year's Day has been over for a long time, but for Chinese people, the new year still begins with the Spring Festival.
In the conference room on the second floor of the newspaper office, the editor-in-chief was giving his New Year's address. This year's theme is "breaking with the old and establishing the new," which means using new methods to solve problems. Everyone in the editorial department must learn on their own so that they can keep up with the times.
During the opening meeting, their boss, Mr. Shi, added that "a strong youth makes a strong nation." He suggested that future reports should include a special feature on national education, with in-depth and continuous follow-up, covering topics related to educational science, and ideally, inviting principals from renowned schools to provide expert interpretations.
For example, the principals of Fudan University, Jiaotong University, St. John's University, and some well-known secondary schools, such as McTyeire School, St. Mary's School, St. John's School, and Gezhi High School.
Qingcheng sat at the end of the table, her mind already drifting to the clouds. It must be the fifteenth today, why hasn't she received a call yet? Gao Junxiao hadn't called or sent any letters since he left. If he hadn't told her in advance that he was going to a military exercise, she might have gone to the police station to report him as a missing person.
Although Qingcheng magnanimously prioritized the affairs of other countries, how could she remain unmoved by the fact that her return was truly delayed? She had naively believed that she was different from other women, but now she realized how arrogant and presumptuous that statement was. She needed to reflect on herself and then find a piece of paper to draw a little figure...
"He Qingcheng, Editor He." The editor-in-chief called out with a stern face. He Qingcheng, suddenly called out, immediately snapped out of her daze and put on a well-behaved smile. He continued to assign tasks, "I'll leave the matter of Principal Lady Huang of St. Mary's Girls' School to Editor He. Your own alma mater is no problem, right?"
That name, like a towering mountain, forcefully entered her consciousness, crushing her into pieces. Her clear smile gradually froze. But if she refused to interview Editor He in front of so many colleagues, it would be disrespectful to the editor-in-chief.
So Qingqing cleared his throat and said, "Editor-in-chief, actually, we always focus on prestigious schools, but we neglect the broader field of basic education. There are still some free schools and private academies that insist on providing basic education for children from ordinary families and even poor families. The principals of these basic education institutions should also be the subjects of our interviews."
Before the editor-in-chief could reply, Boss Shi seemed very interested: "Editor He, please continue."
“We can talk to the principals of basic education schools and find out why they insist on running schools. Now that the imperial examination system has been abolished, there is war outside, and people can’t even get enough to eat. Who has the time to study? There must be something that motivates them to keep running schools,” Qingcheng explained.
“This direction is indeed worth considering. In this way, our educational topics will have a more comprehensive coverage.” The editor-in-chief agreed with Qingcheng’s statement.
He whispered something to Boss Shi, and they both agreed. Boss Shi added with feeling: "As a media person, one should be more proactive in amplifying the small voices of the masses, even if the road ahead is overgrown with weeds and filled with gunfire."
Qingcheng braced herself and continued to make excuses: "I know the principal of a free school, so I can interview her directly. But Principal Huang of my alma mater is notoriously aloof. I'm too inexperienced, and she wouldn't even look at me. It would be better to have a more experienced editor contact her."
The editor-in-chief seemed to read her mind and said with a smile, "Since you entrusted this to Editor He, it must be because your overall professional abilities have been assessed. Can you interview both of them? Young people need to take initiative and shoulder responsibilities so that they can have better development in the future."
Sigh~ I really shot myself in the foot. Qingcheng has come to a deep understanding of what it means for a leader who can't make empty promises to be a good leader.
Even after Mr. Shi announced the meeting was over, Qingcheng was still immersed in the shadow cast by Lady Huang. It wasn't until the editor-in-chief patted her on the shoulder that Qingcheng came back to her senses and called out with a smile: "Teacher Li."
"A smiling face is no good. You were daydreaming during the meeting. What, are you planning to get married? Do you want to go back to being an official's wife and enjoy a life of luxury?" Mr. Li teased.
Not knowing if the editor-in-chief was trying to provoke her, Qingcheng shook her head like a rattle-drum and denied it: "No, no, I have absolutely no plans to get married anytime soon. I'm thinking about how to arrange an interview with Principal Huang. I wasn't exactly a model student before. You know how big that incident was."
"I know, that's why I asked you to make the date. I guarantee Lady Huang will accept your invitation. If it really doesn't work out, I'll cover for you. Go ahead and make the date." Mr. Li reassured Qingcheng, making her breathe a sigh of relief.
Just before Qingcheng returned to her office, her secretary, Sister Zhao, stopped her and said that during the meeting, her aunt had called and asked her to come home for dinner that night. Since Gao Junxiao was nowhere to be found, she decided to agree to her aunt's request and go home for a family reunion.
Sister Zhao reminded her, "Recently, the opinions on your novels have been very polarized. There are even accusations of plagiarism, but those are all novels that have been completed for a long time. I suspect that someone is deliberately slandering you and maliciously lowering your reputation."
"Are they some tabloid reporters? If you have time, help me find a few typical trolls. I need them." Qingcheng's eyes darted around. She thought of the fake reporter at Mr. Tang's ball before. It was probably Xu Qiao who was behind it all.
Before entering the room, Sister Zhao handed her another stack of letters, all from readers who had arrived that day. Qingcheng was already used to this; she locked the office door behind her and began to look through the envelopes one by one. At that moment, an unsigned manila envelope caught her eye.
Before she could even open the package, the phone on the table suddenly started ringing incessantly. Qingcheng raised an eyebrow and excitedly answered the phone, but the greater her hope, the greater her disappointment. Xu Xi's voice came through the phone: "Qingcheng, when are you going to talk to me about cooperation?"
"Hehe, a big star personally came to ask me to collaborate. I'm a little flattered. What should I do? I'm so nervous." Qingcheng used a joke to cover up her inner disappointment.
"If you keep doing this, I'll call you sister-in-law!" Xu Xi threatened irritably.
"Ugh~ No, I don't know your brother at all, don't disgust me." Qingcheng felt goosebumps all over her body.
"Who told you he's my older brother? My newly recognized sworn brother is your dear boyfriend, Mr. Gao Junxiao." Xu Xi's tone was full of pride. Considering that he had called Chen Yao his second brother last time, Qingcheng guessed that they had probably formed a "sworn brotherhood at the restaurant".
"Who cares about you? Avoid saying things that could cause ambiguity, or I won't write scripts for you anymore," Kiyosumi said firmly.
"No way! You sent me 'Going to the Left and Right' last time. That article was incredibly scathing. If I were to play the lead role, it would broaden my acting range. Could you consider turning it into a complete script?" Xu Xi pleaded.
Ever since discovering Xu Xi's comedic talent during the last night visit to No. 24, Qingcheng couldn't resist writing a short dark comedy called "Going Around in the World" to make Xu Xi laugh. He also felt guilty for injuring someone.
This article is used to satirize those shameless people who pursue "wealth and fortune" by any means necessary, and it seems he really likes it.
"You've always played positive roles. The male lead in 'Going Between Right and Wrong' is a comedic character who gets slapped in the face. This might affect your public image. Think it over carefully," Kiyosumi kindly reminded him.
"It's because it's different from the positive roles I've played before that I wanted to try it. How could a good actor give up a good script for some unfounded premise?" Xu Xi said matter-of-factly.
"Okay, do you want a stage play or a movie script?" Kiyosumi decided to keep herself busy so she wouldn't have time to think about it.
“Of course it’s a stage play. It’s more impactful with dialogue,” Xu Xi said. “But I heard that foreigners have developed a kind of sound film. I’ve already asked around to find out how to buy that kind of equipment. If I can get it, I want to use it in your script about Chu Nu Li Huan and be the first to try it out.”
"Are you trying to kill me with work? Go ahead and film your clown role first." Qingcheng laughed, dissuading him from the idea. She was afraid Xu Xi would be eyeing this deep pit, and she didn't have time to fill it herself.
"I'm not in a rush. Take your time writing. Some people spend three years honing a script. You need to sharpen yours until it's practically falling apart. Once we start filming, my agent will send you the contract. I guarantee you'll be satisfied with the price," Xu Xi said firmly.
"Thank you for your patronage. I wish you great success with your tickets." Qingcheng knew that Xu Xi was always generous, so she happily congratulated him in advance.
"You're welcome, it was a pleasure doing business with you." After hanging up Xu Xi's call, Qingcheng couldn't help but praise herself inwardly: Ms. He, I love how efficient you are at work. To hell with those stinky men!
Looking at the brown paper letter on the table, Qingcheng calmly opened it, drinking water as she read. Inside was Emerald's long-unseen handwriting, and the language on the letter was still concise: 102 Danshui Road, see you at 8 pm on the 16th.
Below was a shopping list: one toothbrush, two towels, one bar of soap... a suit for a medium-sized man, and men's underwear.
When she saw the last item, Qingcheng almost choked. She was both ashamed and angry. In a fit of rage, she crumpled the list into a ball and threw it against the wall. In her mind, she cursed Jade. Was this some kind of humiliation? Didn't other men buy underwear? Why did they force her, an unmarried young woman, to buy it? It was too much of a bully.
Her newly restored good mood was completely ruined. Qingcheng's eyes were slightly red, and she had nowhere to vent her grievances. Emerald was deliberately making things difficult for her. Humph! She wouldn't buy it. If she was so capable, why didn't she transfer her away? She should think about how to phrase her request to Principal Huang so that he wouldn't find fault with her.
I've put an end to your temper for you this time; you'll have to handle things yourself from now on.
Suddenly, her senior's words popped into her mind. After hesitating for a long time, Kiyosumi picked up the crumpled paper and unfolded it again...
After several loud bangs, dazzling fireworks burst in the sky one after another, turning into golden dust that fell to earth. The streets were bustling with activity, and the sound of gongs and drums filled the air in front of Longhua Temple. People carried lanterns, watched the dragon dance performance, watched the parade floats, or wrote riddles on their lanterns, celebrating the festival together in a joyful atmosphere.
The scene at the Songhu Command Headquarters next door was quite different. All the searchlights on the parade ground were on, and soldiers were orderly loading boxes and bags of supplies onto military trucks. Finally, the soldiers jumped onto the trucks and locked the ramps. One after another, military trucks, fully loaded with supplies and personnel, drove out of the command headquarters gate under the blue curtain of war.
Zhao Yong, the head of the General Affairs Department, held the checklist and watched the vehicles drive away, marking each item with a checkmark. The last military jeep stopped beside him. Gao Junxiao, wearing a military overcoat, got out of the car and saluted Director Zhao. Director Zhao returned the salute and then extended his hand to Gao Junxiao.
Gao Junxiao politely shook Director Zhao's hand and said, "It's really a lot of trouble for you, Director Zhao, to procure so many supplies in just half a day. Thank you for your hard work."
Director Zhao replied just as politely, "It's no trouble at all. It's just my duty. Commander Xiong also said that we'll prioritize your needs. It's just that time is tight, so we only prepared three days' worth of food and 400 rifles..."
Suddenly, Gao Junxiao made a shushing gesture: "As for the quantity, you know, I know, and Commander Xiong knows. If anyone else asks, please give me a discount and give an inflated number. Just say the destination is Chuansha Sanzaobang. I'll need to trouble you again later." As he spoke, he stuffed a heavy little yellow croaker into Director Zhao's shirt pocket.
Unexpectedly, the newly arrived Inspector Gao was so well-mannered. Director Zhao looked at Gao Junxiao's face and felt even more friendly. It was just a matter of secrecy, he understood: "Inspector Gao, don't worry, it's not that far away. I will go to purchase the remaining supplies tomorrow. I will only report the procurement to Commander Xiong. No one else has the right to interfere with me."
Under the moonlight, Gao Junxiao revealed a faint smile: "Of course I trust you. If this battle is fought well, Commander Xiong will be proud, and when it comes to distributing rewards, how could you, Director Zhao, who has worked so hard, be left out?"
Everyone here is an old hand at this, and Director Zhao immediately understood what he meant. He patted his chest and assured him, "Hehe, Inspector Gao is a smart man, and I know exactly what to do."
After chatting for a while, the two were attracted by a commotion. Gao Junxiao looked closely and saw that the person making the noise was his adjutant, Lu Xian. He was carrying large bags and a string of large crabs in his hand, which showed how well his family treated him. If it weren't for something urgent, he wouldn't have summoned Lu Xian back in such a hurry.
Never mind, he broke his promise to more than one person this Lantern Festival.
This silly kid didn't even change out of his military uniform or take his officer's ID. No wonder he was stopped by the guards. Gao Junxiao walked to the door and shouted at Lu Xian, "Lu Xian, go and change into your combat uniform. Don't embarrass me."
Upon hearing this, Lu Xian scurried over to Gao Junxiao, gave a military salute, and cheerfully said, "Lieutenant Lu Xian, reporting for duty."
"Alright, alright, go change your clothes. Throw all your useless stuff in my office, and take your personal belongings. We're leaving the city soon." Gao Junxiao didn't have time to think about what Lu Xian would come back in, so he could only tell him to hurry up and change into his military uniform.
Lu Xian readily agreed and headed towards the office building, but suddenly turned back: "Brother, some of the food can't be left out. These are genuine Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs; they'll go bad tomorrow if we don't eat them."
"Still want to eat crabs?" Gao Junxiao squinted and smacked Lu Xian on the forehead, saying without room for argument, "Anyone who delays military operations will be dealt with according to military law!"
"What I mean is to give it to Miss He. Wasting food is a waste of resources, so it's better to do her a favor," Lu Xian said, scratching his head.
"Anyone who delays military operations will be dealt with according to military law, including myself," Gao Junxiao repeated expressionlessly, his tone still firm.
"How could I let you deliver it personally? Let the guards take it to her house. It's a holiday, so the sentiment is enough. I'll make sure it's done quickly," Lu Xian boldly suggested.
Gao Junxiao looked up at the sky and thought for a moment, then his tone softened: "I'll give you ten minutes. There's a gift box on my desk; deliver it to the Fang residence along with the gift."
After all the transport vehicles left the headquarters, Gao Junxiao got back into his car. Besides Lu Xian, another professional transport soldier was driving; after all, they needed to rotate drivers for night driving. Chen Yao pulled his coat tighter and complained, "What are you chatting about with that old Zhao for? Let's drive."
As the car slowly started moving, Gao Junxiao explained to Chen Yao that it was best to give them advance notice of some things to avoid causing any trouble later.
"Did you tell them why you're in such a hurry to go? If they knew, they would work even harder," Chen Yao whispered with his eyes closed.
"I didn't say. If I did, there would be no point in us sneaking around at night." Gao Junxiao looked thoughtfully at the city that never sleeps outside the window. He had been busy for several weeks and finally made it back on time. He had just finished reporting the results to Commander Xiong and was planning to change his clothes and go find his girlfriend to give her a surprise.
But a phone call completely ruined his plans. Commander Xiong received a coded telegram that their monthly military pay had been robbed by Liu Shengqi's gang on the Beijing-Shanghai Railway. Moreover, they not only stole the pay but also kidnapped many passengers as hostages.
This is practically defying the laws of nature!
The Nanjing authorities dared not publicize this, as it was the first paycheck after the Spring Festival. To prevent a mutiny in the army, Commander Xiong secretly met with Gao Junxiao and instructed him to conduct a search and arrest operation to retrieve the paycheck and rescue the hostages.
"You suspect there's a mole in headquarters!" Chen Yao opened his eyes instantly.
“Otherwise, how come the news has leaked out several times? My scouts were killed, Liu Shengqi was rescued despite being beaten so badly, and the train schedules and carriages for transporting supplies are kept strictly confidential? It’s hard for me not to suspect there’s an inside man.” Gao Junxiao analyzed slowly and methodically.
"Hmph, those traitorous bastards," Chen Yao sneered. "If we don't teach them a lesson, they won't know how many eyes Lord Ma has."
Gao Junxiao glanced at Chen Yao's anger but didn't reply. Soldiers and bandits colluding to rob their own army's pay, splitting the spoils, and even getting insurance compensation—they'd get another paycheck later! What a talent!
"Hey, what a waste of all that time you spent reading newspapers every night and studying lanterns from different places. You even wanted to show off in front of Qingcheng and become a lantern riddle expert, but now you have no chance to use your talents. Aren't you angry?" Chen Yao asked deliberately.
"Shut up." Gao Junxiao felt a lump in his throat from the retort, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes. Those bastards, sooner or later he'd make them sit on the electric chair and stretch their muscles.
The car slowly drove into the street, where songs, laughter, and firecrackers blended together. Steaming hot glutinous rice balls on the stalls were an indispensable snack for the Lantern Festival. Inside the Fang Mansion, Mrs. Fang served a bowl of glutinous rice balls to everyone in the family.
Upon receiving it, Qingcheng couldn't wait to take a bite. The rich meat juice slowly flowed out of the glutinous rice ball. When she first arrived, she wasn't used to this kind of savory glutinous rice ball. In her mind, glutinous rice balls should be sweet. But after getting used to it, she thought it was not bad. Each has its own flavor.
After we finished eating, Wu's mother brought out sweet fermented rice balls. These balls were small but filled with sesame paste, like miniature versions of glutinous rice balls. They were so cute, what girl could resist such adorable little things?
Just as she was enjoying her delicious dessert, the doorbell rang. Mrs. Wu wiped the grease off her hands and went to open the door. She seemed startled when she saw who it was and called out urgently, "Miss, Miss, someone is looking for you."
Qingcheng wiped her mouth and walked to the door, where she saw a guard holding a string of crabs and a large bag of packages. She didn't know what was inside, so she accepted the gift without knowing why, but she didn't see Gao Junxiao. "Where is your Inspector Gao?" she asked.
"I don't know, the officer only assigned me to deliver the gift." The guard knew nothing when asked, so Qingcheng could only give him a red envelope to send him back.
The crab skewers, still bubbling, were taken to the kitchen by Wu's mother. It was said that if they were kept in a straw cage, they would still be able to wriggle around tomorrow. Some special pastries and cakes were also distributed to the family. Only a small, square box was taken back to Qingcheng's room.
The box made a soft sound when shaken; could it be a pendant, ring, or some other jewelry? "I can't exactly give her another pen," Qingcheng immediately dismissed the idea. The box didn't seem thick enough either. "Hmph! No originality. Don't think giving her something expensive will appease her."
Listening to the booming sounds of fireworks outside, Qingcheng calmly began to unpack. The moment she opened the box, she felt as if her heart had been struck, and an indescribable joy welled up inside her.
Ah!! How can there be such an adorable rabbit lantern in the world! Kiyosumi carefully picked up the palm-sized rabbit lantern. Its red eyes seemed to be looking at her, and several peach blossoms were drawn on its snow-white belly with pink watercolors. Two small peach blossoms were also drawn where the ears were connected.
It had wheels on its four legs so it could slide, and a small candle was already inserted inside. A riddle paper was hanging under the lamp. Qingcheng couldn't help but marvel at how detailed the man had made it. Then she saw another piece of paper in the box, and when she unfolded it, she almost died laughing.
The paper has a drawing of a human figure with the words "Gao Junxiao" written on its head. In the blank space next to it, it says in small regular script: Please write the answer to the riddle on the little figure.
Looking at the little figure on the paper, Qingcheng clutched her stomach and laughed wildly. "Hahaha, does someone actually ask to be cursed on themselves?" She tapped the little figure's head with her finger and chuckled, mocking Gao Junxiao, "How could a revolutionary soldier believe in such feudal dregs? How stupid!"
However, since you took the initiative to ask, I couldn't refuse. I'll just treat it as a little joke between lovers. Qingcheng picked up the rabbit lantern to observe the riddle below. There were four lines of poetry written on both sides, which was the riddle: The fortune teller tugged at your clothes, wanting you to stay. The divination was grand but there was no one there. You bowed to the master for enlightenment. You couldn't sleep peacefully until the scepter was removed.
It seems to be a four-character idiom. Qingcheng deconstructed the poem in her mind: "牵衣" (qiān yī), with the "衣" (yī) radical, plus "留君" (liú jūn) is the character "裙" (qún). "大而无人" (dà ér wú rén) is "一" (yī). "卜" (bǔ) with "有" (yǒu) on top is the character "下" (xià). "拜姿" (bài zī) with a dot is the character "之" (zhī). "笏板" (shǔ bǎn) is the long board held by a minister. "卧去板" (wò qù bǎn) is the character "臣" (chén).
Put together, it means: a man who is devoted to a woman.
"Tch, so indecent!" Qingcheng pouted and pointed at the little figure a few times, then choked, "Do you think your head is full of indecent things?"
Qingcheng changed her sitting posture and imitated Gao Junxiao's tone: "Miss He, you are mistaken. I am merely expressing my admiration."
"Did you make this rabbit lantern yourself? Have you given it to any other girls?" Qingcheng asked, holding up the rabbit lantern.
Kiyosumi, hands on her hips, lowered her voice and continued to imitate: "Of course not, there's only one, no other branches."
"I appreciate your kind gesture, but I haven't prepared a gift to return it to you," Kiyosumi hinted with a wink.
Kiyosumi chuckled and began rubbing her hands together: "Hehehe! Actually, I've been longing to get my hands on you for a while now. How about..."
Kiyosumi was secretly laughing when the door was suddenly flung open.
"Sis, let's go set off fireworks!" My little cousin excitedly waved his long sparkler.
"Ahem, Xiaohua, how many times have I told you to knock before entering my room?" Qingcheng scolded, protecting the letter in her hand.
"You didn't lock the door either... Hey, what's that good stuff in your hand?" Xiao Hua curiously leaned forward to examine it, but Qing Cheng slapped her paw away as soon as she reached for the rabbit lamp. Xiao Hua asked with a sly smile, "Writing a love letter to your boyfriend? Oh~ is it a curse?"
Qingcheng was too lazy to waste words with the little brat, so she opened the window and shouted loudly to her older cousin downstairs: "Dahua, take your brother away quickly, he's rummaging through my things again."
"Brother, I have some amazing news for you! Our tigress is about to be taken in! She's casting a spell on the man!" Xiao Hua shouted downstairs, completely unfazed by his sister's warning glare. This earned him a beating from Qing Cheng.
A moment later, the older cousin hooked his arm around his younger brother's neck and forcibly dragged him outside. Before closing the door, he smiled and comforted him, "Dear sister, please slowly cast your spell. Although it's not very scientific, I'll be waiting for your good news."
"Stop!" Qingcheng shouted coldly, then flashed a bright smile. "My dear little brother Dahua, since you've performed better than Xiaohua, how about I take you to Nanjing Road to buy new clothes tomorrow?"
"Okay, okay." Da Hua nodded vigorously with a smile that made his eyes crinkle.
"Sis, you're being unfair! I want new clothes too!" Xiao Hua had barely poked her head out when Da Hua forcefully pushed her back out.
Only after the two brothers went downstairs to set off fireworks did Qingcheng pick up her brush again and write four characters in cursive script. She was very satisfied with her calligraphy and then lit the rabbit lantern.
Hehe, I wonder what this curse will do. Kiyosumi felt a surge of excitement after doing something naughty. I'll wait for you to come back, my devoted follower.
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