1.2w nutrient solution plus more selection table for champions...
Chapter 43
When the name Meng Yingying was uttered, there was a moment of silence in the audience seats of the auditorium.
Immediately following was a burst of wild shouts.
"The champion really is Meng Yingying!"
"At 9.9 points, she set a new record for the highest score in the entire performing arts troupe's performance. She deserved to be the champion."
"She's amazing."
"In the first preliminary round of the cultural troupe's arts performance, I completely crushed Shen Qiuya and won the championship."
"Where did this big shot come from?"
Everyone shook their heads at this question, knowing that only a few people in the Harbin Cultural Troupe knew Meng Yingying's background.
Hearing Meng Yingying being praised, Ye Yingtao and the others also felt proud.
Ye Yingtao raised her chin and gripped Meng Yingying's arm tightly with both hands, so excited that she wanted to throw her up in the air. "Yingying, I knew you would win the championship. I knew you were a genius."
“From the moment you first entered the cultural troupe for the audition, I knew that you would shine.”
At that time, she once said to Lin Qiu that anyone who could stay in the performing arts troupe either had powerful connections or was a genius.
Meng Yingying is clearly the latter.
Meng Yingying blushed slightly at the praise, and said softly, "Cherry, I'm not as good as you say."
She herself had experienced repeated failures when she was in the performing arts troupe.
Ye Yingtao glanced at Shen Qiuya and said with a triumphant air, "I knew you could outshine Shen Qiuya."
You have to understand how much they suffered before.
Their coach was suppressed by Qin Mingxiu, they were suppressed by Shen Qiuyue, and even Li Qingqing, an ordinary student, dared to make sarcastic remarks to their coach.
They were really bullied terribly.
Lin Qiu was similar; she was a sentimental person, and at this moment she was almost sobbing uncontrollably, grabbing Coach Zhao's sleeve and shaking it, "Coach, we won, we really won!"
Coach Zhao tilted his head back, tears streaming down his face, repeatedly saying, "I saw it, I saw it..."
This marks her first championship in many years, after being labeled a perennial runner-up.
Even if the championship wasn't won by her, but only by her student, it would still be enough to make Coach Zhao proud.
"Alright, please welcome our champion to the stage to receive the award."
The speaker was Qi Donghan. His voice was neither too loud nor too soft, but it was loud enough to carry to every corner of the auditorium.
The lively atmosphere at the scene instantly quieted down.
Everyone looked at Meng Yingying, who was sitting in the first row of seats in the audience. Despite being watched, Meng Yingying was not shy at all; instead, she became poised and confident.
Ye Yingtao, who was standing next to her, quickly pulled out a chair for her, and Lin Qiu made room for her.
Meng Yingying was practically pushed out of the corridor by Ye Yingtao and Lin Qiu, each step landing on the crest of a wave of applause.
She tried to remain calm, but then she heard the applause.
Her lips curled up in a disobedient way, and her eyes stung with tears, a reminder of all the practice and the bewilderment that followed each failure.
At this moment, amidst enthusiastic applause.
Finally, a result was obtained.
Meng Yingying walked through the audience, step by step, until she reached the stage.
Qi Donghan stood to the side of the stage, seemingly waiting for her arrival, and made an inviting gesture, "Welcome our champion, Meng Yingying, to the stage."
Meng Yingying really didn't expect that even the person presenting the award would be Qi Donghan.
She looked at Qi Donghan, who was usually solemn and aloof, but now his eyes were sparkling with light, and his gaze followed her intently.
This made Meng Yingying's heart skip a beat. She nodded and greeted him softly, "Commander Qi."
She was still wearing the same blue-gray short military jacket she wore during her previous performance, which made her look less docile and more dashing.
Qi Donghan nodded and temporarily took on the role of the award presenter.
He turned around and took the award certificate that was handed to him on short notice.
After Meng Yingying walked up to her, she handed it to her personally, saying, "Comrade Meng, this is your championship certificate."
When Meng Yingying took it, her icy fingertips brushed against the back of Qi Donghan's hand.
In that instant.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Qi Donghan's ears turned red at a visible speed.
Unfortunately, the people in the audience were too far away to see it.
Meng Yingying, the champion, bent down to accept the award, and was about to thank him when she noticed Qi Donghan's bright red ears.
Meng Yingying looked up, a smile on her face. She didn't understand why Qi Donghan, such a tall, imposing, and aloof man, was so...
Why do my ears turn red so easily?
Qi Donghan placed the back of his hand to his lips and coughed lightly, naturally changing the subject, "I wonder what Comrade Meng Yingying thinks about standing on the stage as the champion?"
Meng Yingying smiled slightly, then quickly composed herself and turned to look at the audience below, where Coach Zhao was sitting.
"I want to thank my coach."
"She guided me through my growth. When I failed time and time again while dancing the Red Detachment of Women, she always encouraged me and told me not to give up."
"It was her presence that kept me going and allowed me to stand on the stage and win the championship."
"Without her, I wouldn't have won this championship."
"Coach Zhao."
Meng Yingying bowed deeply to her, "Thank you for your guidance."
"You deserve half the credit for my championship certificate."
In full view of everyone, during the award ceremony on stage, Meng Yingying distributed her award certificate.
It was still assigned to her coach.
This brought tears to Coach Zhao's eyes instantly. Who could understand the feelings of this perennial runner-up, who had never won a championship?
"Coach, you can go up now."
Ye Yingtao's eyes were also red as she pushed Coach Zhao upstairs, saying, "Yingying said she would share half of the award certificate with you if she won the championship."
"Yes, Coach, please go up quickly."
Lin Qiu also urged, "We all want to see you holding the championship certificate."
Fifteen years ago, they were young and powerless, and could only watch Coach Zhao being bullied and winning the runner-up title time and time again.
Fifteen years later, they had grown up and all graduated. Meng Yingying was the best among them, and she represented Coach Zhao in the same arts and culture competition.
They won the championship.
We invited Coach Zhao to come up on stage to receive the award.
Coach Zhao stood still, but his feet seemed to be rooted to the spot, and he could no longer move.
On stage, Meng Yingying stood under the lights, holding a certificate in one hand and reaching out to her, "Coach, please come up here. This is a certificate that belongs to both of us."
Meng Yingying knew what this championship certificate meant to Coach Zhao.
Coach Zhao, with red eyes, took a deep breath to calm himself before getting up to leave.
The gaps between the seats were too narrow, and there were people sitting there, so she had to turn sideways to get out.
Ye Yingtao and Lin Qiu stood up and made way for Coach Zhao, watching him leave the audience.
Although Qin Mingxiu's score was temporarily removed when she passed the judges' panel, she remained on the panel for the time being.
As Coach Zhao passed Qin Mingxiu, she paused slightly. "You once said that I would be second best for life."
"Senior sister, look, my student has accomplished what I couldn't."
"She took me to receive the award, she took me to hold the certificate that belonged to the champion."
Qin Mingxiu sat upright in the first seat to the side of the judges' panel. Her back had always been ramrod straight, even when Meng Yingying went on stage to receive the award and win the championship. That was her last bit of pride.
However, after listening to Coach Zhao's words, her straight back was broken inch by inch by Zhao Pingshui's words.
Qin Mingxiu's fingertips still clutched the rejected rating sheet, the corners crumpled, but it couldn't compare to the words whispered in her ear—
“My student did it.”
"She is the champion, and I am the champion's teacher."
Zhao Pingshui's voice wasn't loud, but it was like iron nails driven into a wooden board, each word barbed, causing Qin Mingxiu to bleed profusely.
For the first time, Qin Mingxiu's lips trembled, and her nasolabial folds deepened to the point of being almost distorted.
She tried to maintain that fair, just, and superior smile, but as soon as her lips moved, a barely perceptible redness welled up in her eyes.
It was anger, rage, and shame.
The man who had been her subservient partner for years was now jumping around on her head, and she was helpless to do anything about it.
Coach Zhao wasn't oblivious; she countered, "Are you starting to feel unwell?"
Just like when she was first crushed by Qin Mingxiu, she remained the runner-up for a full fifteen years.
They never returned to the champion's throne.
Qin Mingxiu trembled slightly. She raised her eyes, her gaze passing over Coach Zhao's shoulder and landing on Meng Yingying, who was holding the trophy on the stage. She was simply standing there calmly, yet she was the focus of the entire audience.
The certificate shows him as a young man, full of vigor and ambition.
In that instant, Qin Mingxiu seemed to see herself fifteen years ago—
They both stood in the center of the stage, holding up their certificates of merit.
But reality defeated them the very next second.
Because fate handed Zhao Pingshui the same script that had been repeated years before, allowing her student Meng Yingying to relive her winning performance, while placing her own student Shen Qiuyue in the 9.6 seat, about to earn the title of perennial runner-up.
Her throat bobbed, wanting to utter the usual words of comfort, saying, "Qiuya, you're still young, you still have a chance."
But when she got to the point, she gave up; it was pointless.
Ordinary people only see the champion; as for the perennial runner-up, nobody cares.
Just like Zhao Pingshui back then, she forced him to leave the Jishi Cultural Troupe.
Qin Mingxiu felt bitter inside, but she still forced a smile and said, "Congratulations."
His voice was hoarse and lacked emphasis.
Zhao Pingshui did not return the gift, but only glanced at her indifferently. That glance contained no triumph of a victor, only calmness.
"Senior sister, the championship is never the end, but the beginning."
"In the future, there will be a second, a third Meng Yingying."
"And you, you can only sit on the judges' panel, watching me lead generation after generation of students past you."
After saying that, she turned and left, her back as straight as a pine tree.
One step, two steps, three steps, step by step they walked up to the high stage.
Watching Zhao Pingshui go on stage to receive her award, he looked down at himself, hidden in the shadows.
Qin Mingxiu took a deep breath, her fingers loosened, and the crumpled score sheet she had been holding fell to the ground, back side up. It was the sheet that she had given Meng Yingying a score of 9.2.
This moment has become the greatest irony.
Because of that score of 9.2, she was removed from the judges' panel; because of that score of 9.2, her student became the third place winner, while Zhao Pingshui's student, Meng Yingying, became the champion.
At this moment, she, who should have been on stage, was sitting in the audience.
Zhao Pingshui, who should have been in the audience, went on stage instead.
How ironic!
The stage steps were numerous and the lights were so bright that Coach Zhao could hardly see the path beneath his feet.
Meng Yingying, who was waiting for her from the side of the stage, grabbed her hand and said, "Teacher, I'm here."
Zhao Pingshui wanted to laugh, but as soon as her lips moved, tears fell and landed on the certificate. She sighed, "Fifteen years, I've come in second every year. I've forgotten what it feels like to be first."
Who would have thought?
Fifteen years later, she was able to stand on the stage again, touching the champion's certificate, and say to the audience below the stage, "Champion, Meng Yingying, is my student, Zhao Pingshui."
"But I am ashamed to say that as a teacher, I failed to teach Meng Yingying. Meng Yingying was able to win the championship entirely on her own."
Upon hearing this, Meng Yingying was startled and looked up at Coach Zhao, "Teacher."
Her purpose in calling Coach Zhao up was simply to give her half of the championship.
Coach Zhao's words directly attributed all the credit to her.
Coach Zhao, with a gentle expression, touched the trophy and then returned it to Meng Yingying, saying, "This is your individual certificate."
"No one can take it away from me."
"Yingying, congratulations on winning the championship!"
Meng Yingying gave a soft "hmm," her eyes slightly red.
Qi Donghan stood silently to the side until the old regimental commander had someone deliver the hastily made banner.
Qi Donghan then accepted the banner, but instead of handing it directly to Meng Yingying, he gave it to Coach Zhao.
He walked up to Coach Zhao with the banner in his hand, his voice gentle, no longer as cold as before, "Coach Zhao, I think Comrade Meng Yingying would prefer you to present the banner to her rather than me."
Coach Zhao looked up and glanced over.
The banner was made in advance, made of bright red satin, 1.2 meters long and 80 meters wide, with golden tassels hanging down the bottom, it was very beautiful.
The banner had a line of words embroidered in the middle: "Meng Yingying, individual champion of the arts performance." The last three words, "Meng Yingying," were added at the last minute.
Because they didn't know who the champion would be before the competition.
Coach Zhao's eyes welled up with tears. She accepted the banner, raised it with both hands, and with a whoosh, the banner unfurled in mid-air, the reflection of the gold threads making it seem as if the two of them were gilded.
Zhao Ping took a deep breath, suddenly stood at attention and saluted, her voice strong and resonant, yet it made everyone's hearts tremble, "Comrade Meng Yingying, receive the flag!"
Meng Yingying paused for half a second, then snapped her heels together and returned a more perfect military salute, accepting the banner with both hands.
Her voice was soft as she said, "Thank you, teacher, for presenting me with this award."
at this point.
The teacher and student smiled at each other, both seeing pride and satisfaction in each other's eyes.
A round of enthusiastic applause erupted from below.
Below the stage, Qin Mingxiu and Shen Qiuyue remained silent, finding the scene on stage too jarring.
The better Zhao Pingshui and Meng Yingying were, the more pathetic they seemed.
"Alright, alright, I know you two have a deep teacher-student bond."
The old troupe leader also came up from below, saying, "But besides the champion, there are also the runner-up and the third-place winner. We should also give them some time on stage."
The old troupe leader clapped his hands and invited, "Let's welcome the runner-up, Comrade Shen Qiuyue, and the third-place winner, Comrade Huang Yamei."
As soon as these words were spoken, Shen Qiuyue, who had wanted to hide in her seat, was forced to attract everyone's attention again.
Some people started to jeer—
"Shen Qiuyue, stop sitting there and go upstairs to collect your runner-up prize!"
"Coach Qin and Coach Zhao have both gone up, so you should go up too and present the runner-up award to your student."
It was called an invitation, but it was really just sarcasm.
Qin Mingxiu's behavior over the years has offended many people.
So the voices from the audience grew louder and louder, each one more piercing than the last, like countless needles pricking the backs of the master and his apprentice.
Qin Mingxiu's face was pale, her back was straight, but she trembled slightly under the pressure of everyone's gaze.
She remained silent.
Shen Qiuyue, the runner-up, gripped the back of her chair tightly and asked somewhat flusteredly, "Teacher, do I need to go up on stage to receive my award?"
Over the years, she has only received the championship award and has never received any other award besides the championship.
Qin Mingxiu took a deep breath, knowing that there were even greater benefits behind winning the individual competition, and she forcibly suppressed her humiliation.
He then stood up and pulled Shen Qiuyue, saying, "Let's go upstairs."
"Second place is also an award. Come on, let's go up and receive the award."
It can only be said that Qin Mingxiu is truly patient and forbearing, which is why she has been able to win two championships in one field over the years. She is a coach and a judge on the judging panel at the same time.
In terms of temperament and patience, Meng Yingying thought that her coach was truly inferior.
Coach Zhao is too honest and too straightforward. No wonder he's never been a match for Qin Mingxiu all these years.
With Qin Mingxiu pulling her along, Chen Qiuya lowered her head, suppressing her humiliation, and followed her onto the stage.
Bronze medalist Huang Yamei, on the other hand, didn't have so many thoughts. She and her coach practically ran joyfully onto the podium.
"Coach, we got third place, that's not bad."
"This is the first time in so many years that our Qiqihar Cultural Troupe has made it into the top three."
Coach Li hummed in agreement, a smile in his eyes, "You guys are pretty good."
"I'm already very satisfied with third place as a coach." As she said this, she glanced at Qin Mingxiu, whose face was pale, and said sarcastically, "Unlike someone who got second place and still has a long face. People who don't know the situation would think you came to a funeral instead of to receive an award."
That was a rather harsh statement.
When Qin Mingxiu was in a high position, she was good at interpersonal relationships and had a high status, so everyone flattered her.
Back then, she left no room for compromise in her dealings with people.
Now that she has fallen from grace, there are quite a few people who want to kick her while she's down.
Qin Mingxiu took a deep breath, gritted her teeth, and pulled Shen Qiuyue onto the stage without saying a word.
They went up on the stage.
Meng Yingying and Coach Zhao, as champion and champion coach respectively, have already secured the best positions.
Qin Mingxiu stood to the side with Shen Qiuyue.
Seeing that everyone was present, the old regimental commander handed over the remaining banners to Qi Donghan for the award presentation.
After all, he was the one who presented Meng Yingying's award before. Who would have thought that Qi Donghan would be so ruthless?
A straightforward refusal.
"It is inappropriate for me to present the awards in my capacity. I will leave now. Please, esteemed leader, present the remaining awards yourself."
The old commander, "?"
No, when you presented the award to Meng Yingying, why didn't you say that your status was inappropriate?
Unfortunately, Qi Donghan didn't even give the old troupe leader a chance to ask questions before quickly leaving the stage.
His back was slender and upright, decisive and clean, without the slightest trace of lingering affection.
This made Shen Qiuyue and Qin Mingxiu so angry they almost couldn't breathe; they had never seen such differential treatment before.
Only Meng Yingying, who knew the truth perfectly well, smiled with her lips pursed.
Coach Zhao, unusually childlike, touched Meng Yingying's arm with the back of his hand, saying, "Commander Qi is a good person."
It's really good.
He will treat her specially, argue his case, and show her favoritism, but only to Meng Yingying.
Meng Yingying's face flushed slightly, and she gently shushed him.
However, Qi Donghan's blatant favoritism cannot be concealed by a mere snort.
Shen Qiuyue glanced at Meng Yingying with an inscrutable expression.
She lowered her eyes, and no one knew what she was thinking.
The old team leader said, "Now that everyone is here, let's award the runner-up prize as well."
"Here, Comrade Shen Qiuyue, this is your runner-up banner."
As for trophies, there are none; that's because trophies are a special privilege reserved exclusively for the champion.
Shen Qiuyue was reluctant to accept the banner, because to her, the runner-up banner was not an honor, but a humiliation.
"then."
Seeing that Shen Qiuyue didn't answer for a long time, Qin Mingxiu reminded her.
Shen Qiuyue reluctantly accepted it.
After handing the banner to her, the old troupe leader said meaningfully, "Young comrade, the runner-up and third place are also personal honors. You can't just focus on the champion."
"If you don't value the honors of the runner-up and third place, does that mean you don't value our arts and culture performance competition?"
Shen Qiuyue couldn't answer the question. She clutched the runner-up banner and looked at her name printed on it.
She felt no joy, only humiliation.
The old commander saw through her nature; she was too arrogant and proud. Qin Mingxiu had spoiled this child. If she didn't change her personality, she would not go far in the future.
However, the old troupe leader naturally wouldn't say this in public. When he presented the award to Huang Yamei, she happily accepted the banner for third place.
He also thanked the old regimental commander.
"thank you."
The difference in quality is immediately apparent.
The old commander's expression softened a bit. "Third place is also your honor; it's something you earned through hard work."
Huang Yamei: "I know."
"This is the result of countless days and nights of hard work, and I will naturally cherish it."
"It doesn't seem like someone wrote that they got in through the back door, so they definitely wouldn't look down on the runner-up."
Without naming names or surnames, the sarcasm was delivered perfectly.
Shen Qiuyue stood there, her body ice-cold. She clutched the banner that read "Runner-up" tightly, just those two lightly spoken words.
It wiped out all her efforts over the years.
"alright."
Seeing that the atmosphere on the awards stage was becoming increasingly tense, the old troupe leader tried to smooth things over again, saying, "You've all received the banners and certificates, so everyone should wear their big red flowers."
"No matter what others say, you are the champion, runner-up and third place in the top seven."
The atmosphere eased slightly after those words were spoken.
"Have your coach put the big red flower on you."
"You are the top three in the individual competition of this year's Heilongjiang Provincial Cultural Troupe's arts performance competition."
Upon hearing this...
Qin Mingxiu paused as she put the big red flower on Shen Qiuyue's head; she knew the main event was about to begin.
That's why she chose to go on stage to accept the award, even though she was being ridiculed and humiliated, rather than let Shen Qiuya leave.
Then, the old commander casually revealed a bombshell piece of news.
“Your class is a bit special. The provincial song and dance troupe came to our Harbin Federation of Literary and Art Circles long before the performance competition.”
As soon as he said that, everyone couldn't help but look over.
Qin Mingxiu was somewhat excited. Her husband, Zhang Xiangnan, was the vice chairman of the Harbin Federation of Literary and Art Circles, so she had heard some of the news.
However, the information was kept so secret that she only knew part of it.
All she knew was that the winner this time would receive more benefits than the winners of previous years.
However, she didn't know exactly what it was.
At this point, the old troupe leader revealed, "The winner of this arts festival will receive a selection form."
Meng Yingying was completely baffled by this unfamiliar term; she had never even heard of it before.
Coach Zhao immediately grasped the key point: "Old troupe leader, you mean the people from the provincial song and dance troupe gave the Federation of Literary and Art Circles a selection form, and this selection form is for the winner of this arts performance competition, right?"
"yes?"
The old troupe leader responded decisively. He took out a selection form from the file bag he was carrying and handed it to Meng Yingying in front of everyone. "You are the champion of this arts performance individual competition, so this selection form should rightfully belong to you."
As soon as he said that...
Qin Mingxiu and Shen Qiuyue's breathing became heavier as they stared intently at the selection form.
Meng Yingying didn't understand the meaning of the selection form, but they did.
The Heilongjiang Provincial Song and Dance Troupe is a provincial-level unit, which is higher than the Harbin Municipal Federation of Literary and Art Circles, the Harbin Municipal Resident Art Troupe, and the Jilin Municipal Art Troupe.
At least two levels higher.
If their current workplace can be considered a secure job, then that only applies to the city-based units.
The provincial song and dance troupe is directly under the provincial government and is considered one of the top units in the entire province. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a "golden rice bowl".
Shen Qiuya failed the exam for this unit for two consecutive years. Winning the individual competition was her most secure ticket to the competition, but she never expected it to end up like this.
Trying to draw water with a bamboo basket is all for naught.
Her individual championship was snatched away by Meng Yingying.
Even the only selection form released by the provincial song and dance troupe was snatched away by Meng Yingying.
Shen Qiuyue's breathing quickened as she stared intently at the selection form.
Seeing that Meng Yingying still wouldn't take the selection form, she wished she could snatch it and take it for Meng Yingying.
Why aren't you answering?
The old regimental commander handed over the selection form for a while, and was somewhat surprised when Meng Yingying didn't take it.
Meng Yingying glanced at Coach Zhao, who nodded, but she still had her own hesitations.
Can I think about it?
"What?"
The old regimental commander was shocked.
The selection form is right there, it's as good as gold, why even consider it?
Qin Mingxiu and Shen Qiuyue were in a similar mood, looking at Meng Yingying with the same disdain they had for a strange person.
Meng Yingying seemed oblivious to their shock. She simply explained to herself, "The purpose of the selection form is essentially to get me into a better unit, right?"
The old commander nodded. "That's true."
"The provincial song and dance troupe selects the best talent from the entire province. Once you get in, you're basically set for life."
At this point, he glanced at Shen Qiuyue and said, "As far as I know, Comrade Shen took the exam for the provincial song and dance troupe for two consecutive years but failed each time."
He was counting on winning this individual competition so that he could use the title of champion to secure a transfer offer.
Shen Qiuyue, who was singled out, looked rather displeased. She was indeed a genius in Harbin, but a genius from Harbin was no match for the provincial song and dance troupe.
There's an old saying in Heilongjiang Province: those who aren't selected by the provincial song and dance troupe end up in the resident cultural troupe.
That's what I'm talking about—people like them.
"Is it really that hard to get into the provincial song and dance troupe?"
Meng Yingying remembered that the provincial song and dance troupe of later generations was doing well.
"Yes, the provincial song and dance troupe is a secure job, and it's the most desirable place for all the female members of the troupe."
Seeing that Meng Yingying didn't understand, the old troupe leader explained to her, "You are now in the stationed cultural troupe. The biggest drawback of the cultural troupe is that you will automatically retire when you reach a certain age."
"This is like a sword hanging over everyone's heads, so everyone is doing their best to climb up."
At this point, he used Shen Qiuyue as an example again, "As far as I know, back then, Officer Qin went to audition for the provincial song and dance troupe, but after failing the audition, he could only stay in the Jishi Cultural Troupe as a coach, right?"
In other words, the students regarded the coach as their god, but in reality, only those who had been there and held positions in the cultural troupe truly understood the coach's role.
That's good now.
Even Qin Mingxiu was used as an example, and she couldn't save face. "Old Commander, why are you bringing this up?"
"I just want to advise Comrade Meng that it would be best to seize this opportunity."
"The selection form for the provincial song and dance troupe is not something that ordinary people can get their hands on. You may not care about it, but some people are desperate to get it."
Although the old commander usually tried to smooth things over, he had a sharp eye.
Do you know what Qin Mingxiu and Shen Qiuyue's true purpose is?
They're working so hard, shamelessly vying for this position, all for this one selection form.
Meng Yingying did not speak.
Coach Zhao took the selection form from her and said, "Old Commander, I will try to persuade her."
This is what a coach should do.
The old regimental commander breathed a sigh of relief. It was really strange; this selection form that everyone was vying for was actually rejected by Meng Yingying.
That's amazing.
"Alright, here's the selection form. Fill it out as soon as possible and make your decision."
He glanced at the time on his wrist. "The people from the provincial song and dance troupe are in my office. Once you've made up your mind, come directly to my office."
"If there are no major problems, the individual champion will most likely be selected for the provincial song and dance troupe."
After explaining these things.
The old commander then left.
Seeing Coach Zhao holding the selection form, Meng Yingying pulled him to the backstage area, where a red curtain blocked their view.
"Coach, you should know what will happen if you accept this transfer form."
"I know."
"Then you'll still answer?"
Meng Yingying was puzzled.
"I know, but I can't watch you give up such a bright future." Coach Zhao said, somewhat agitated. "Do you know why Qin Mingxiu and I had a conflict back then?"
"Why?"
Coach Zhao reminisced, "Back then, our champions were also selected through a selection process. I injured my ligaments during the competition and became the runner-up."
"Qin Mingxiu became the champion. She successfully obtained the selection form, but she was not selected for the provincial song and dance troupe. Instead, she stayed in the Jishi Cultural Troupe."
"Yingying".
Coach Zhao stood under the red backdrop, her expression gentle, lacking Qin Mingxiu's aloofness, only showing calmness and kindness.
"Since you call me teacher, I can't help but think about your future."
She held up the selection form in her hand. "Do you know what this selection form represents?"
"Don't rush to refuse, let me explain what the provincial song and dance troupe represents first."
"First, joining the provincial song and dance troupe allows you to perform in the capital, participate in international exchanges, and appear on the news. Second, you can directly register your household registration in the provincial capital, exchange your grain ration booklet for the provincial grain ration booklet, and receive national grain coupons from your work unit."
Third, performers in provincial song and dance troupes can be rated as "National Second-Class" dancers after three years of service, which is also a stepping stone to joining troupes in the capital.
Fourth, and most importantly, everyone in the performing arts troupe lives in constant fear, worried that they might one day receive a list of those to be laid off and be discharged. But the provincial song and dance troupe is different; once you join the provincial song and dance troupe, it's a lifelong secure job.
"Yingying, do you know?"
Meng Yingying lowered her eyes, concealing her myriad emotions, and said, "I know."
But she also knew about the troubles within the provincial song and dance troupe, the backstabbing and scheming among the members.
This is something she saw in her past life.
She preferred staying with the resident performing arts troupe to the provincial song and dance troupe, as the environment there was simpler.
As for streamlining and demobilization, Meng Yingying was never worried; her talent was enough to support her to go far in the performing arts troupe.
She still wouldn't listen.
Coach Zhao thought for a moment, then handed her the selection form, saying, "Think it over carefully."
"Yingying, I hope you won't make a decision you'll regret."
Meng Yingying hummed in agreement, clutching the selection form without saying a word. She knew that Coach Zhao was considering her feelings, which was why he gave her this suggestion to accept the selection form.
Coach Zhao left first; she had to deal with some things outside.
It has been discovered that Jia Xiaoli added something special to the soy milk.
The rest is up to Coach Zhao to handle.
However, as soon as Coach Zhao stepped out of the auditorium, Qin Mingxiu was waiting for her outside. She, who was always mindful of her image, was actually smoking outside the auditorium. Looking at the cigarette butts scattered on the ground, it was impossible to tell how many cigarettes she had smoked.
Is it worth it?
As soon as Coach Zhao came out, Qin Mingxiu put out her cigarette and asked her.
Is it worth it?
"Meng Yingying is about to leave the Harbin Municipal Art Troupe and fly to the Provincial Song and Dance Troupe. Your Harbin Municipal Art Troupe has just wasted its efforts, training her for two or three months only to benefit the Provincial Song and Dance Troupe."
Is it worth it?
Is it worth it for you to try so hard to persuade Meng Yingying to leave?
Coach Zhao looked up at her. She was no longer young, and her eyes were somewhat cloudy, but her gaze was kind. "Senior sister, you always use whether something is worthwhile or not, but I don't."
“Since my student is talented, I will show her a clear path so that she can fly further. As long as she is doing well, that’s enough.”
Qin Mingxiu's expression was complicated. "Even if she leaves, and the Harbin Cultural Troupe falls to the bottom of Heilongjiang Province again, I wouldn't care?"
Coach Zhao: "Yes."
After saying this, she didn't linger and turned to leave to find Comrade Gao and Cadre Xu.
Left standing there, Qin Mingxiu let out a deep breath. "Zhao Pingshui, indecisive and soft-hearted, that's why you lost to me."
Coach Zhao paused, but without turning her head, she said, "I don't regret it."
She didn't regret it fifteen years ago.
Fifteen years later, she still has no regrets.
On the other side.
After watching Coach Zhao leave, Ye Yingying and Lin Qiu rushed over, "Yingying, is this your transfer form?"
Both of them were very curious, staring at the palm-sized piece of paper, looking at it again and again.
Meng Yingying nodded and generously handed over the selection form, saying, "You can take a look."
Ye Yingtao was the first to take it, and after reading it, she handed it to Lin Qiu, who loved it dearly.
She said very seriously, "Yingying, although I am very reluctant to part with you, you must seize this opportunity."
If only I had known beforehand that the biggest prize for the individual competition at the conference would be a selection form for the provincial song and dance troupe.
Even Lin Qiu would do everything in his power to fight for it.
Although Ye Yingtao didn't say anything, she shared the same opinion.
Seeing that they all said that, Meng Yingying suddenly asked, "Cherry, Lin Qiu, what will you do if I leave?"
She had only been with the performing arts troupe for two months, but she met teachers she respected and made friends there.
Moreover, and most importantly, the Harbin 101 Art Troupe needs her.
Her arrival also injected new vitality into the performing arts troupe. From last place to winning the championship, the hardships, sadness and pride involved can only be understood by those involved.
"us?"
Ye Yingtao subconsciously said, "I'll just continue living that muddled life like before. Before I'm discharged from the army, I'll find a long-term meal ticket and get married."
"As for Lin Qiu, she is a local of Harbin. Even if she returns home after being discharged from the army, she will still have a place in society."
After listening, Meng Yingying remained silent for a moment, then looked up into Ye Yingtao's eyes and asked, "Yingtao, are you willing to accept this?"
"What?"
Are you willing to get married, have children, retire from the military, leave the performing arts troupe, and even give up your dance career that you've cultivated for over a decade?
Upon hearing this question, Ye Yingtao's previously relaxed and indifferent expression instantly turned dejected. She didn't dare to look Meng Yingying in the eye, and only murmured, "Yingying, most people are unwilling to accept their fate in this life."
And she was powerless to do anything about it.
"Go and give it a shot."
"What?" Ye Yingtao didn't hear clearly, and Meng Yingying didn't explain either. She went up and hugged Ye Yingtao, and also hugged Lin Qiu.
The decision was made in a short time.
"I'm going to find the leaders from the provincial song and dance troupe."
After saying this, Meng Yingying didn't care about Ye Yingtao and Lin Qiu's reactions. She went directly to the old troupe leader and asked him to take her to the leaders of the provincial song and dance troupe.
She has made her decision; there is no need for hesitation.
As soon as Meng Yingying left, Ye Yingtao immediately realized what was going on. "Yingying is going to find the leaders of the provincial song and dance troupe to talk about the selection form. Let's go with her and see."
Lin Qiu hesitated.
Ye Yingtao had already grabbed her wrist. "Go, if you don't go now, you might not see her as often in the future."
If Meng Yingying really went to the provincial song and dance troupe, she would be from a completely different world from them.
Upon hearing this, Lin Qiu gritted his teeth and chased after them.
When they arrived at the old regimental commander's office, Meng Yingying was nowhere to be seen. Ye Yingtao and Lin Qiu looked around and then waited outside.
Under the old locust tree, cicadas chirped incessantly, the scorching sun making people feel irritable.
As Lin Qiu looked around the office, he kicked the roots of the old locust tree. "Cherry, do you think Yingying will accept the transfer application and go to the provincial song and dance troupe?"
Ye Yingtao said, "I don't know, but I think if I have this opportunity, I will definitely seize it."
"What if you were asked to abandon us?"
Are you willing too?
Lin Qiu pressed for an answer.
Ye Yingtao remained silent.
Actually, she didn't know that what lay ahead was a great opportunity, but she couldn't bear to give up her current life.
Frustrated, she scratched her head. "Forget it, don't ask me anymore. I don't know what to choose either."
"On the one hand, I hoped that Yingying would choose the provincial song and dance troupe, but on the other hand, I couldn't bear to see her leave."
Humans.
What a strange animal.
When Meng Yingying found the old troupe leader, the leaders of the provincial song and dance troupe had just arrived at the Harbin Federation of Literary and Art Circles and were chatting with the old troupe leader. Unfortunately, they were also talking about Meng Yingying's individual competition.
The veteran team leader stated confidently, "The champion of this individual competition is a promising talent."
"Have you heard of Shen Qiuyue? She's been the champion of the arts and culture competition in Harbin for the past few years. You've always looked down on her, but you must have seen Meng Yingying, the champion of this year's individual competition, right?"
“I checked her background. She spent three years in a propaganda team in the countryside before joining the Harbin Art Troupe just two months later. That means she has been dancing for less than three and a half years and has already fought her way up in the arts competition. She is even better than some of the professional dancers in the troupe who have been training for more than ten years.”
"You know how terrifying this talent is."
Section Chief He nodded. She had watched the entire individual competition from beginning to end, but not many people knew she was there.
She recalled the scene of Meng Yingying dancing and commented, "She dances very well and has a lot of room for improvement."
“She is indeed suitable to come to our provincial song and dance troupe and be trained by professional teachers. In less than three years, she may even be able to compete for the Capital Song and Dance Troupe.”
This is the most sacred and prestigious place for all dancers.
“But—” the old commander hesitated.
"What's wrong?"
Section Chief He asked.
The old commander said, "Never mind, let that kid talk to you."
No sooner had she said that than Meng Yingying raised her hand and knocked on the door to come in, "Old Commander."
As soon as the old regimental commander saw her, he immediately went to open the door. "You've arrived? Section Chief He is here too. Come and tell her your choice."
Meng Yingying hummed in agreement, still wearing her dance costume, and walked straight in, looking at Section Chief He.
Well, how should I put it?
Section Chief He, Qin Mingxiu, and Coach Zhao are all around the same age, but Section Chief He is a bit more fashionable.
She wore a light blue khaki dress with a ruffled collar. Although she was forty years old, the dress did not make her look childish; on the contrary, it gave her a unique kind of chic.
Are these the people from the provincial song and dance troupe?
"Is it Meng Yingying?"
As soon as she came in, Section Chief He reached out and shook her hand.
When Meng Yingying reached out her hand, Section Chief He had only one reaction after grasping it: "What a soft ball of cotton!"
The feel of these hands is so comfortable.
"Section Chief He."
Meng Yingying greeted them.
"Have you filled out the selection form?"
Clearly, Section Chief He was very satisfied with Meng Yingying.
Meng Yingying paused, shook her head, and handed the selection form back to Section Chief He intact. "I'm sorry, Section Chief He, I don't want to leave alone, so I've decided not to go to the Provincial Song and Dance Troupe."
As soon as he said that...
Section Chief He's eyes widened in shock. "What did you say?"
Meng Yingying repeated, "I'm currently stationed at the 101 Art Troupe in Harbin, which is great, so I don't plan to go to the provincial art troupe for the time being."
She bowed to Section Chief He and said, "Thank you for your kind words."
Section Chief He was stunned for a full minute. She wiped her face hard and said, "Comrade Meng, do you know what our provincial song and dance troupe represents?"
Before Meng Yingying could answer, she told her clearly again, "This piece of paper."
She held the selection form between two fingers and shoved it in front of Meng Yingying, saying, "It's equivalent to a provincial capital residency, a single dormitory room, a golden job, and even a ticket to the Capital Song and Dance Troupe."
"Are you really giving up like this?"
Meng Yingying hummed in agreement, then pursed her lips and said, "I know, I know everything."
Those eyes were clear and flawless, so clean they were almost transparent.
"But I also know that the Harbin Municipal Cultural Troupe needs me more. I won the preliminary round of the cultural performance, and I want to go further next."
"I also want to move forward with my coach and my teammates."
"I don't know where I can get."
At this point, she suddenly smiled, her eyes shining with hope, "But I think one shouldn't be too eager for quick success. At first, I took advantage of the Harbin Cultural Troupe to fly high without hesitation, but then I turned around and thought about getting rid of them."
"That's not very proper."
"Moreover, the provincial song and dance troupe doesn't need me, Meng Yingying. There are countless geniuses there. But the Harbin 101 Stationed Art Troupe needs me, Meng Yingying."
"That's enough."
During her most difficult time, the Harbin Municipal Cultural Troupe kept her on and gave her a stable job.
They gave her shelter.
For that reason alone, she won't leave this place easily.
Director He took back the selection form. She looked at Meng Yingying for a while before saying, "You are a very sentimental and kind-hearted child. You are really not suitable to stay in the provincial song and dance troupe."
What kind of place is the provincial song and dance troupe?
The glutinous rice balls will be dyed black sesame seeds when they go in.
If Meng Yingying goes there, she will be corrupted by the provincial song and dance troupe, that big dye vat, within three years.
Moreover, he's the kind of person who only cares about climbing the social ladder.
Thinking of this, and looking at Meng Yingying, who was as pure and clear as glass.
Director He also felt relieved. She folded the selection form in half, put it in her pocket, and stepped forward to hug Meng Yingying. "I wish you all the best in the art troupe. May you always maintain your love for dancing, your love for the group, and your friends."
“But—” Director He changed the subject, letting go of her hand, his eyes unusually kind, “If the Harbin 101 Art Troupe disappoints you in the future.”
"Then, the Provincial Song and Dance Troupe welcomes you at any time."
At that time, Meng Yingying was no longer completely black and white.
Only someone like Meng Yingying could survive in the corrupt environment of the provincial song and dance troupe.
The old troupe leader standing next to him was somewhat surprised to hear this, because Director He of the Provincial Song and Dance Troupe had always been arrogant and haughty.
Moreover, this person is difficult to get along with, but unexpectedly, she offered such good terms to Meng Yingying.
The doors of the provincial song and dance troupe were always open to Meng Yingying.
This is much more useful than that thin selection form in front of me.
If Qin Mingxiu and Shen Qiuyue found out, they'd be green with envy.
Meng Yingying sniffed, then stepped forward and hugged Director He, whispering, "Thank you."
Director He shook her head, scrutinizing Meng Yingying. "I'm curious to see how far you can go in the performing arts troupe."
Meng Yingying smiled, pursing her lips, "I hope I can go further."
In this way, not only her, but also Ye Yingtao, Lin Qiu, and even Coach Zhao, will be able to go further.
"Then I hope to hear your name at the joint performance competition of the three northeastern provinces."
"What?"
Meng Yingying had never heard of this kind of competition before, and she subconsciously looked at the old team leader.
The old team leader sighed, "Director He, you really spoiled the upcoming matches for the kids. We haven't even finalized anything yet."
Director He said very seriously, "Meng Yingying is a good comrade. She is not only the champion of the individual competition, but also led the Harbin Art Troupe to win the title of tied for first place in the team competition."
"Old Zhang, if you don't give her the group advancement card, I will be completely disappointed in the entire Harbin Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the art troupe."
She already looked down on it to some extent.
It's rare to find someone here who catches her eye.
She naturally wanted to lend a helping hand.
"Here you go."
The old troupe leader opened a drawer, took out a competition invitation, and handed it to Meng Yingying.
Seeing that Meng Yingying was puzzled.
The old troupe leader then said, "The champion of the individual preliminary competition of the Heilongjiang Provincial Art Troupe goes to the provincial song and dance troupe, but the champion of the Heilongjiang Provincial Art Troupe team competition is qualified to represent the entire Heilongjiang Provincial Art Troupe in the joint performance competition of the three northeastern provinces."
This is clearly inside information.
It was revealed in just a few words from Director He.
"This invitation is your admission ticket; there are no more than three in the entire Heilongjiang Province."
This time, Meng Yingying didn't refuse, but she didn't accept it either. She asked, "What are the benefits of participating in this kind of competition?"
The old commander was clearly rendered speechless by Meng Yingying.
What other benefits do you want?
"Being able to represent Heilongjiang Province in the competition is already an extremely honorable thing."
Others would love to have this.
"Glory is glory, and rewards are rewards." Meng Yingying liked glory, but she also liked rewards.
So Meng Yingying bluntly said, "I already have an individual championship and a joint championship in the team competition. I don't think I lack this honor."
The old commander, "..."
What a tough nut to crack!
However, he had no choice but to say, "You will represent Heilongjiang Province to win honors in the competition. You will all have merits, which will be of great benefit to you whether you continue to develop in the cultural troupe or retire and change careers."
“And—” he hesitated for a moment, “as far as I know, the Northeast Three Provinces League offers prize money and food stamps as rewards.”
This is a material reward.
Upon hearing this, Meng Yingying's eyes lit up. She then accepted the invitation and didn't give a definitive answer, saying, "I'll go back and discuss it with my coach and teammates."
The old regimental commander was so angry he was practically fuming.
Things that others can't get by asking for, she has to discuss and consider.
As a result, Meng Yingying turned back halfway, her eyes bright and expectant, "We won the championship this time, but we only got an honorary award, not a real prize?"
"What?"
Meng Yingying smiled, her big eyes curving into crescents. She raised her hand and gently pinched her index finger and thumb together. "I want a real reward."
Isn't that obvious enough?
Since the league offers material rewards, surely this preliminary round shouldn't just offer honors?
The old regimental commander took a row of enamel mugs out of the drawer and handed them to her, saying, "Go, go, take these."
"These are enamel mugs, a specialty of our literary and art association. You can't buy them anywhere else."
When Meng Yingying took a look, she saw that there were exactly four enamel mugs in a row. Each enamel mug would cost more than a dollar outside, and you would need a coupon.
The ones bought from outside aren't as good quality as those provided by the company.
Even a mosquito's leg is still a leg, and Meng Yingying didn't mind.
Meng Yingying pursed her lips and smiled sweetly, "Thank you, old commander. If there are any actual rewards next time, please remember to let me know."
This is the real Meng Yingying; she was never afraid in front of high-ranking leaders and was very popular.
The old commander wished he could send her away right now.
Meng Yingying had gotten her hands on a bargain, and with an enamel mug in one hand and an invitation in the other, she had just come out.
I'm in a really great mood.
But as soon as she came out, she saw Qi Donghan standing at the door waiting for her.
He changed into civilian clothes, wearing a white polyester shirt, black trousers, and three-piece leather shoes, paired with a buzz cut, giving him an indescribable air of confidence and dashing spirit.
Commander Qi, who usually holds a high position and is not given to smiling, is just a figure of great importance.
At this moment, he looked like an abandoned puppy, his eyes a little red and his voice a bit hoarse, "Meng Yingying, are you leaving the garrison's cultural troupe to go to the provincial song and dance troupe?"
-----------------------
Author's note: A pitiful image of someone: "Wife, don't want me anymore!"
This is a four-in-one update, including an extra chapter with 12,000 units of nutrient solution. I'll keep pushing forward!
I'm working hard to update, so feel free to shower me with nutrient solution comments, everyone!
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