As the new week begins, Xu Damao will start showing movies in the countryside, a trip that will take about a week to cover several locations.
Since this time travel, most of the movies have been shown nearby; this is the first time I've had to travel this far. Luckily, I have someone to rely on now.
"Minzhi, I'll be away for a week this time. You'll have to go home by yourself after get off work. Make sure you get home early and be careful."
Xu Damao is increasingly satisfied with his future wife; she's perfect in every way, from her looks to her figure. The only problem is that he's not old enough to get a marriage certificate yet, otherwise he would definitely bring her home.
"How about trying a common-law marriage?" Xu Damao was just thinking about how to enjoy life as soon as possible when he was interrupted.
"Alright, Xu Damao, go show movies in the suburbs for a few days, Minzhi won't get lost. You've been dawdling here all morning, it's unbearable."
"Laugh, laugh, Wang Minzhi, I've noticed you're poisoned too. What's so good about Xu Damao besides his big face?"
Li Tong grumbled and cursed from the side. She had eaten dog food all morning and was so full that she had to shoo them away.
"Alright, Da Mao. Take good care of yourself out there. Let your apprentice do more of the work."
And let me tell you, never get involved with other women outside, or else... hehe...
Wang Minzhi expressed concern while simultaneously threatening him. She had heard plenty of rumors about Xu Damao before. However, this time he wouldn't be going alone; at least someone would be keeping an eye on him.
Xu Damao never expected that Wang Minzhi, who had always been gentle and considerate, would change like this. Are all women so fickle?
Reluctantly bidding farewell to the radio station, Xu Damao returned to his office.
"Changqing, is everything ready?" Xu Damao asked.
"Team leader, everything is ready." Chen Changqing replied while showing the items to Xu Damao.
Xu Damao had previously thought that his constant filming in rural areas was no different from that of other film projectionists, and that it wouldn't give him any publicity for the future, so he thought of doing something different.
He then went to the section chief to apply for permission to make two flags and a banner. The flags read "Red Star Steel Rolling Mill Film Projection Team," and an iron pipe was welded onto the vehicle. Usually, the flags were inserted into the iron pipe and fluttered in the wind, so that people could recognize their unit from afar.
The banner reads "Sending Movies to the Countryside to Serve the People: Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill (small print)," and is hung on the side when movies are shown so that villagers watching the movies know about Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill.
These two small items may seem insignificant, but they were very much to the leaders' liking. Normally, the number of film screenings Xu Damao and his team showed had little to do with the steel mill; that was a task assigned by higher-ups. It was the projectionists themselves who often received some benefits.
But hanging up flags and banners is equivalent to bringing the image of the steel rolling mill to the countryside and letting the leaders show their faces.
Sure enough, the section chief thought it was a good idea, so he took Xu Damao to report to Minister Ma Xiangqian.
Minister Ma, with his foresight, changed the banner's content to "Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill Sends Movies to the Countryside to Serve the People," placing "Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill" at the beginning, with the lettering also being the same size.
"We must highlight our initiative in serving the people! Also, you should leverage the strengths of the publicity department to spread our advanced experiences."
"Da Mao is quite good; he does extraordinary things in an ordinary position," Minister Ma said.
When Gao Jin and Xu Damao came out of the minister's office, they smiled at each other. Leaders always sound nice when they speak, and upon closer inspection, they still do sound nice.
So, with the approval of some leaders, the flags and banners were quickly made. And you know what? The colors were truly inspiring.
"Changqing, we'll set off this afternoon. It'll take more than two hours by bike, and the first screening can be held tonight."
And so, Xu Damao and Chen Changqing began their mobile screenings. Braving the scorching sun, the two of them huffed and puffed as they rode towards the suburbs.
Believe it or not, the moment they waved their flag, people knew from afar that the movie projectionists were coming. They were stopped several times along the way, with people asking when they would be showing the movie in their village.
As the sun began to set, Xu Damao and his companion arrived at the first stop of their screening—Stone Village. At this time, the commune had not yet been established; it would become a people's commune the following year.
The villagers had been waiting at the crossroads for a long time, eagerly anticipating the projectionist's arrival. In the village nowadays, watching a movie is undoubtedly the most popular form of entertainment; they might only see one movie a year at most, so it's fair to say everyone looks forward to it.
After having a hearty dinner with the village officials—considered a sumptuous meal in the countryside at that time—Xu Damao and his companion began setting up the equipment and preparing for the screening in the village square. Of course, the steel mill's banner had to be hung up.
While Xu Damao and his colleague were tidying up the machines, more and more people began to gather in the square. Some started reserving spots, while others chatted on the side. Many of the bolder children even tried to touch the machines, but were immediately scolded away by the village officials.
As soon as it got dark, the movie started.
And so, Xu Damao and his companion enjoyed good food and drink, and watched movies. Their life was simple, but they were highly respected.
During his spare time during the day, Xu Damao tried to find valuable antiques and collectibles through connections with village officials, but he couldn't find many. He had no choice; firstly, he didn't know anything about them, and secondly, he was worried about causing unnecessary trouble later.
As for grain, the black market is actually safer than the countryside these days. Xu Damao stores whatever money he has, and he's accumulated quite a bit already.
On Friday, after Xu Damao and his partner finished showing the last village, they started heading back early in the morning. Of course, on their way back, they loaded their car with a lot of dried vegetables like shiitake mushrooms and wood ear fungus, as well as a few eggs.
As for the chicken, duck, fish, and meat, we ate them, but we didn't take them. According to the rules, no one will bother you if you eat them, but if you take them home, the amount involved might get you reported.
Neither Xu Damao nor his companion lacked these things, nor did they want to gamble with their future, so they refused some valuable gifts.
“Our job of showing movies in the countryside is one that people envy, so we have to be extra careful about our words and actions and keep things within limits. We can’t cross the line, or we’ll get into trouble.”
Xu Damao cautioned Chen Changqing. This young man was of good character and quick-witted; he was also a relative of his boss, so he had to give him a heads-up.
"Of course, you can still take some small things, so don't be too nervous," Xu Damao added.
Back in the city, the two first put their belongings in the car at home. Ignoring the envious glances from others in the compound, Xu Damao and his companion went to the steel rolling mill to return the machinery, and of course, to give a report.
This travel-worn appearance is perfect for showing to the boss. Otherwise, the boss will only hear that the projectionist is taking bribes and demanding favors.
"Da Mao, you've had a tough trip." Gao Jin quickly comforted them when he saw that the two were covered in dust and looked exhausted.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
