Chapter 56 Chapter 56 Watching a Movie

Since they didn't have to go to work today, the six of them went directly to the home of the commune secretary.

The commune secretary, Zheng Yinshan, was the second uncle of Zheng Xiaoliu and Zheng Xiaoqi, and his home was located in the east of the commune.

When they arrived, Secretary Zheng had just finished breakfast. The gate was open and he was sweeping the yard with a broom.

Zheng Xiaoqi shouted at the gate: "Uncle, we came to see you for something."

Secretary Zheng glanced at the girls at the door and said with a smile, "What trouble have you girls caused again?"

Qi Zhuzhu got straight to the point: "Secretary, we want to join this year's militia."

Secretary Zheng said, "Zhuzhu, didn't I tell your father yesterday that we don't recruit female militiamen on our island?"

Qi Zhuzhu said: "But there are other places that have recruited people. I heard that the female militia from the neighboring province was even reported in the newspaper last year."

Zheng Xiaoliu then advised: "Second uncle, please make an exception."

Secretary Zheng waved his hands and said, "No, stop fooling around and go play. Mangoes are ripe now, why don't you go to the woods at the back and pick some mangoes." Then he lowered his head and started sweeping the yard.

Qi Zhuzhu emphasized, "Secretary, we are not kidding, we are serious! Just let us participate in the training, and we promise that we will be no worse than the boys."

Zheng Xiaoqi hurried over and held down his broom, saying, "Right, Uncle, you know how good Zhuzhu is at swimming. Not to mention that the children of our generation can't compare to her, even many adults can't compare to her."

Secretary Zheng had watched Zhuzhu grow up since she was little, so he naturally knew how good she was at swimming, but he still shook his head and said, "That won't work either. Being a soldier doesn't just mean being able to swim. You really have to go to the battlefield! You girls, stay home and don't cause trouble."

Qi Zhuzhu was dissatisfied: "We haven't even had any training yet, why do you think we can't go to the battlefield?"

Secretary Zheng said, "Girls are naturally weaker than boys. How can they fight on the battlefield?"

Qi Zhuzhu choked with anger. When she was little, she was invincible in beating all the other kids. However, since they entered puberty in the past two years, boys not only grew taller, but also became very strong. This was determined by their physiology. She had been angry for the past few years because she could not beat Zheng Laoba in arm wrestling.

Han Jianhong suddenly spoke up at this time: "Nowadays, combat is mainly based on long-range guns and artillery. There are many types of troops in the army, and not every soldier needs to fight in close combat."

Zheng Xiaoliu nodded and said, "Yes! Once we have mastered the gun skills, no matter how strong the opponent is, it will be useless. We can kill them one by one with one gun."

Director Zheng then noticed the unfamiliar face of Han Jianhong and asked, "Who is this girl?"

Qi Zhuzhu said: "Secretary, she is my friend, from the family compound."

When Secretary Zheng heard that Han Jianhong was from the family compound, he said, "Did you listen to this girl and want to join the army? She is from the family compound, and she will have plenty of opportunities to join the army as a regular soldier in the future. You guys should stop joining in the fun."

Qi Zhuzhu said, "No, it's not true. I just thought of it myself. Secretary, just tell me, do you agree or not?"

Zheng Xiaoqi took Secretary Zheng's arm and said, "Second Uncle, just agree and join our team."

Secretary Zheng still shook his head and refused, "No, there is no such rule."

Qi Zhuzhu stamped her feet in anger and asked, "Is there a rule that forbids us from joining the militia?"

Secretary Zheng opened his mouth and said, "Uh... That's not the case."

Qi Zhuzhu said, "That's fine. Since there is no explicit rule that we can't participate, just let us participate. If we don't train well, you don't have to ask us to leave. We can leave on our own."

Zheng Xiaoliu and Zheng Xiaoqi urged in unison: "Right, Second Uncle, just agree to it."

Secretary Zheng thought for a while, but still disagreed. "This is not possible, and you guys don't have to waste your time talking to me. There is no precedent for this on our island."

Qi Zhuzhu asked: "Secretary, every year when we select militia on our island, the three communes first recommend them, and then the town selects people for training, right?"

Secretary Zheng nodded and said, "Yes, so even if I agree, the town will not agree." Then he might even be criticized.

Qi Zhuzhu gritted her teeth and said, "Okay, then I won't bother you anymore, we'll figure it out ourselves."

After saying this, he took a few people and left the secretary's house.

After leaving the house, Qi Caixing asked, "Sister Zhuzhu, what can you do?"

Qi Zhuzhu said: "Let's go directly to the town government and persuade the mayor!"

"Ah?" Zheng Xiaoliu was surprised. "Why don't we go directly to the mayor? Will he be willing to see us?"

Qi Zhuzhu said, "Let's go first. I heard from my sister yesterday that the town government has to work overtime this morning. We might just run into the mayor if we go there. Let's go!"

In the town government meeting room, a row of people in military uniforms sat at a round table. Commander Li in the middle was summarizing the meeting: "I hope the town can cooperate with us to do a good job in this year's militia recruitment, encourage the general public to actively participate in the militia, jointly strengthen the militia organization construction, and enhance the comprehensive quality and combat capability of the militia."

After the meeting, several leaders of the town government saw Commander Li and his party off.

The town chief said to Li, "Don't worry. Last week we convened a mobilization meeting for the relevant leaders of each commune. Next Monday we will formally send out notices to the fifteen brigades under the three communes on the island. There are many outstanding young men on our island, and we will definitely select the best soldiers for the organization."

Teacher Li smiled and said, "Thank you for your hard work, comrades."

As they were talking, they walked to the town government yard. The division commander's jeep drove over. Just as they were about to get in, they heard a voice shouting, "Uncle PLA, are you here to select militiamen?"

Teacher Li turned around and saw six little girls standing at the gate of the courtyard. The leading girl had slightly dark skin, and looked to be about fifteen or sixteen years old, with a pair of bright eyes that were piercing.

The office director who was following behind the mayor recognized Qi Zhuzhu. He was Qi Zhuzhu's cousin. When he saw his niece who suddenly appeared, he said with a stern face, "You girl, what are you doing here?" Then he stepped forward to pull her away.

Commander Li said, "We are here to recruit militiamen. What's the matter? What's the matter with this young comrade?"

Qi Zhuzhu took a deep breath, took two steps forward and walked to the front of Commander Li, and said firmly: "I would like to request to form a women's militia team, and we also want to participate in the militia training."

Commander Li looked at her determined expression, turned around and asked the town chief next to him: "Captain Wu, were there no female militiamen on the island before?"

Town Commander Wu nodded and said, "No, considering the tough training conditions, we have always selected male soldiers."

Qi Zhuzhu shouted: "I am not afraid of suffering, but I am afraid that you will not even give us the chance to suffer. You, you are unfair and discriminate against girls!"

Director Qi said, "What are you talking about, little girl? This is Commander Li from the army, watch your words!"

He smiled at Teacher Li and said, "Teacher Li, this is my niece. She is young and naive. She has nothing to do all day and just makes trouble. Please don't bother with her."

Commander Li smiled and said, "I think this little girl has a lot of ideas. Let me ask you, you know that military training is very hard, why do you still want to be a soldier?"

Qi Zhuzhu said: "Because I want to prove myself that I am no worse than boys."

Teacher Li said, "Oh, you just want to prove that you are no worse than others?"

Qi Zhuzhu nodded and said seriously: "Commander, you don't know that I have been a great swimmer since I was a child, especially in diving. I can guarantee that not only the boys on the island can't beat me, but even the soldiers in your army may not be able to beat me."

She spoke these words firmly and confidently.

Teacher Li laughed and said, "That little girl is quite arrogant."

The town commander Wu said, "Master Li, her surname is Qi. The Qi family's ancestors were all pearl divers. They have inherited a great diving skill. During the Ming Dynasty, she was recruited into the Qi Family Army and followed General Qi to fight against the Japanese invaders."

Teacher Li nodded and said, "So that's how it is. With such a family tradition, no wonder this little girl dared to say such a thing."

He pointed at the people behind him and said, "Are those girls also your relatives?"

Qi Zhuzhu introduced them: "The two on the left are my cousins, and the two on the right are my neighbors. We grew up by the sea, and everyone is a good swimmer. The girl in the middle is from my family school. I taught her to swim for a few days, and I found that her talent is not inferior to mine."

When Teacher Li heard that Han Jianhong was from a family compound, he asked curiously, "Huh? Whose family are you from?"

Han Jianhong stepped forward and said, "Hello, Commander. My father is Han Dachuan. He is the commander of the Second Regiment."

Commander Li said, "Oh, you are the daughter of the old Han family. Why do you also want to form a women's militia with them?"

Han Jianhong said: "It is everyone's responsibility to protect our country. I love this sea and I want to protect it."

Teacher Li nodded and smiled, "Well said. Defending our country is everyone's responsibility, regardless of gender."

He turned to Mayor Wu and said, "We didn't have a women's militia on our island before, so let's add one starting this year. The physical fitness standards will be based on the standards for female soldiers in the army, and they will train with the male soldiers."

Then he said to Qi Zhuzhu: "Do you have any opinions?"

Qi Zhuzhu said: "No objection, we are no worse than the male soldiers."

Commander Li nodded with satisfaction and said with a smile: "Okay, women are as good as men. I hope you can set a good example for the female militia on the island."

Before leaving, Master Li asked, "Qi girl, why did you stop me and ask, have you seen me before?"

Qi Zhuzhu shook her head and said, "I haven't seen it. But since the mayor came to see you off, I think you must be a great leader. If we can convince you, we can form a women's militia."

Commander Li laughed and said, "Little girl, you are very brave. I hope you can perform well. After the militia training is over this year, I will personally inspect the results."

Qi Zhuzhu said loudly: "I will definitely not let you down."

After Teacher Li left, Qi Zhuzhu and the other girls looked at each other excitedly and smiled, their eyes filled with excitement. They had really succeeded!

Town Commander Wu coughed lightly and said to the others, "You girls are quite brave. You came to Teacher Li to explain your feelings."

Director Qi glared at his niece and said to the mayor with a smile, "These little girls are foolish and bold. They don't know how powerful the relationship is."

Town Commander Wu said, "Since Commander Li has spoken, you should go home and wait for news. I will have someone notify the person in charge of your commune, and then you can go to participate in the physical examination with the male soldiers of your commune. After passing the physical examination, the army will send someone to organize training."

Qi Zhuzhu nodded and said, "Yes, I understand. Thank you, Mayor."

The six girls left the town government happily. Mayor Wu looked at their backs and said to Director Qi, "Your niece is amazing. She is young, but she is really amazing."

Director Qi laughed and said, "She is just a little girl, and she has been spoiled by her family."

Town Chief Wu said: "The Chairman has said that women hold up half the sky. As a cadre, you must not look down on women."

Director Qi nodded and said, "You are right."

After they left the yard, Qi Caiyue said in disbelief: "Sister Zhuzhu, we really succeeded. Are we going to be female soldiers?"

Cai Xing said: "They are female militia, not regular soldiers."

Zheng Xiaoliu asked, "Didn't the mayor just say there will be a physical examination? Will it be difficult?"

Qi Zhuzhu said: "It shouldn't be that difficult, but I don't know what the physical test will include?"

Han Jianhong said: "It should be running, long jump and vision."

Qi Zhuzhu said: "Then let's go to the beach to practice. We still have a few days."

"Okay!" Several people held hands and ran towards the beach.

When Li was driving back to his hospital, he happened to meet Han. He asked the driver to stop the car, rolled down the window and said, "Old Han, you have educated your daughter very well."

Captain Han was a little confused and asked tentatively, "Commander, are you talking about my Jianhong?"

Commander Li smiled and said, "It seems you don't know yet. I just came back from a meeting in town, where I met a few interesting girls who said they wanted to form a female militia. One of them was named Han Jianhong, who said she was your daughter."

After hearing this, Captain Han said hurriedly, "It's just a kid's nonsense. Don't bother with her."

Division Commander Li pointed at Commander Han and said, "Old Han, your thinking is not as good as your daughter's. She said that everyone has the responsibility to defend the country. I have agreed to their establishment of a female-led militia. As an old soldier, you should not stop the enthusiasm of the young people."

Captain Han laughed and said, "How dare I do that if you, the division commander, give the order?"

Teacher Li nodded gently and said, "The children of the family compound and the children of the island residents participate in militia activities together. This is the unity of the military and the people. Old Han, your daughter is very promising. She joined the army with her own ability. Regardless of you as a father, as a child of a military officer, she should have this kind of awareness. It shows that you have also done a good job in educating her at home."

Captain Han said, "Thank you for the award."

Teacher Li said, "You go ahead and do your work. I have something else to do, so I'll leave first." After that, the driver in front started the car.

Captain Han saluted from behind and watched the jeep leave.

After returning home, Wei Shufang was nowhere to be found. Han Jianbao was lying on the sofa in the living room playing marbles. When he saw Captain Han coming back, he ran over and said, "Dad, I'm hungry. I want some candy."

Leader Han asked, "Where's your mother? Where did she go?"

Han Jianbao shook his head and said, "I don't know, she said she would be back soon. I want some candy!"

When Captain Han entered the room, Wei Shufang had put all the candies and biscuits in the house into a box on top of the closet, saying it was to prevent Han Jianbao from stealing them.

There was an iron box in the box, which contained the family's tickets. Captain Han thought of what Commander Li had just said, that Jianhong was actually going to join the island militia.

He opened the iron box, rummaged through it, and found that the two tickets he had put in were missing.

When Wei Shufang returned home, she saw Captain Han sitting on the sofa reading a newspaper. She asked curiously, "Didn't you say you were going to play chess with Captain Xia?"

Captain Han said, "He went to the market early in the morning and played two games with Lao Ma next door. That lousy chess player was so boring that I came back."

Wei Shufang said, "It's almost noon, I'm going to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy some vegetables."

Head Han glanced at her bag and asked curiously, "Didn't you go to the supply and marketing cooperative just now? Why did you go there to buy vegetables at almost noon?"

Wei Shufang smiled awkwardly and said, "I just went to Captain Cao's house and sat for a while. I forgot what I was talking about."

Leader Han asked, "By the way, I remember there were two more cigarette coupons in the box. Did you take them?"

Wei Shufang was stunned and asked him, "Why do you suddenly think of asking this? Haven't you smoked for a long time?"

Captain Han shook the newspaper and said, "I was planning to buy two packs of cigarettes. Where did you put the ticket? I can't find it."

Wei Shufang said, "Oh, the last time I went back to my mother's house, my brother said he wanted to give two cigarettes to the leader, so I lent them to him first, and he will return them to us after a while."

After hearing this, Captain Han said, "Since your eldest brother wants it, give it to him. We are a family, so why would we talk about whether to return it or not?"

Wei Shufang smiled and said, "Okay, I'll go buy some groceries first, you guys stay at home."

At lunch, Han Jianping looked at the dishes on the table and frowned, "Mom, didn't you say you wanted braised pork in red sauce? Why isn't it here?"

Wei Shufang said, "I was late in buying groceries today, so we cooked fish." Then she picked up a piece of fish belly and gave it to her.

Han Jianping pouted and said, "That's not as delicious as braised pork in brown sauce."

Han Jianbao also said: "That's right, I want to eat meat!"

Wei Shufang picked up another piece of fish for her son and said, "I'll make it for you next time."

Han Jianhong was still eating in silence with his head down as he did in the past. Suddenly, a pair of chopsticks picked up a piece of fish and put it into his bowl.

Captain Han said, "I heard that you are going to the militia on the island."

Han Jianhong nodded without saying anything. He had made up his mind that no matter who objected, no one could stop him.

Wei Shufang was surprised when she heard this: "What? Militia? Jianhong, what are you doing... What militia? If other people knew about this, wouldn't it be a debasement for you, a member of a family compound, to join the militia on the island?"

"What's your identity? The militia is just like us, defending our country," said Han.

Then he said to Han Jianhong: "The commander praised you today. When you go to the militia, perform well and don't bring shame to our academy."

Han Jianhong nodded and said, "I understand."

However, she was not as happy as she had expected. Her service as a militiaman did make her father look up to her, but she felt mocked in her heart.

Only when I am useful, will it be worth your seeing me, right?

…

On the other side, in Qiongzhou City, a family of three decided to go to the movies after dinner. After leaving the state-owned hotel, they walked along the right side of the road to the end. When they turned the corner, Meng Yufei paused.

"What's wrong?" Xia Junshan asked.

"The person across the street looks familiar. It seems to be Tong Caifeng." Meng Yufei said while looking across.

Xia Junshan looked over and saw a department store across the street with a lot of people coming and going. The person at the door wearing a floral dacron shirt was indeed Tong Caifeng.

"It's the weekend today, so I guess you're here to buy something."

Tong Caifeng turned around and saw the family of three. She curled her lips and thought: They are indeed the spendthrift mother and daughter in the novel. Who are they dressing up for? Look at all the bags and bags. I wonder how much money they spent!

As he thought about it, he rolled his eyes and turned into the department store.

Meng Yufei: "...How did we offend her?"

Xia Junshan frowned and said, "Don't pay attention to her. She's like she's sick."

Xia Qinqin grabbed Meng Yufei's clothes and complained anxiously: "Mom, Mom, that aunt just said something bad about us!"

Meng Yufei paused, and exchanged glances with Xia Junshan...

The couple squatted in front of their daughter, looking down on her. Meng Yufei asked softly, "What did she say about us?"

Xia Qinqin said, "That aunt said we were the spendthrift mother and daughter in the novel, dressed up ostentatiously, and that we bought lots of things and spent a lot of money."

Meng Yufei continued to ask: "Did you hear what she said in her heart this time?"

Xia Qinqin nodded and said, "Yes, that's what she just said."

Meng Yufei thought about what she had just said. These words really sounded like something said by an adult, an adult who disliked them.

The words "spendthrift mother and daughter" and "showy" are definitely not something a little girl like Qinqin could come up with. As for that novel, what's it about?

Xia Junshan asked in a low voice: "Since we are in the city, do you want to go to the hospital..."

Meng Yufei looked into his eyes and shook her head.

She now felt vaguely in her heart that Qinqin might really be able to hear what people were thinking.

When Xia Qinqin saw Xia Junshan next to her, she remembered the agreement with her mother and quickly covered her mouth and said, "Ah! Mom, I'm sorry, I told the secret to Dad."

Xia Junshan felt a little depressed...

He touched his daughter's head and said, "It doesn't matter if Dad knows. Dad will keep it a secret for you."

Meng Yufei tried to calm down her emotions, raised her lips and smiled, and said softly to her daughter: "Dad is our family, he can know our secrets. But, in the future, if Qinqin hears other people's inner thoughts, you must learn to keep them in your heart, and when no one is around, quietly tell Dad and Mom, do you know?"

Xia Junshan also said: "Yes, learning to keep things to oneself is what smart children do."

Xia Qinqin nodded her head and said seriously: "Yeah, I will keep my words to myself next time. I am a smart child!"

Meng Yufei kissed her daughter's cheek lovingly and said with a smile, "Yes, Qinqin is the smartest child."

Xia Qinqin hugged Meng Yufei's neck with a smile, "Qinqin is as smart as mom."

Meng Yufei picked up her daughter and said, "Let's go watch a movie."

Xia Junshan nodded and said, "Okay, the cinema is just ahead."

At 1:30 p.m., there was an animated film called “The Great Trouble in Heaven.” Xia Qinqin pointed at the black and white hand-painted poster of Sun Wukong and said excitedly, “I want to see the Monkey King.”

The Meng family watched this animated film together during the Mid-Autumn Festival last year. During the Chinese New Year, Meng Zhongyan took Xia Qinqin to watch it again.

Meng Yufei said: "You have watched this movie twice."

Xia Qinqin shook Meng Yufei's hand and said coquettishly, "Mom, I still want to see the Monkey King. I want to see the little monkey."

Meng Yufei said helplessly: "Okay, let's watch it again."

Xia Junshan smiled and said, "I'll go buy the tickets now. You guys wait here for me."

To buy tickets, you have to queue up at the window next to you. The movie is about to start, and there are not many people buying tickets. Xia Junshan waited in line for a while before he arrived.

Two tickets are 1 cent, and children don’t need tickets.

After buying the tickets, the family of three waited at the door for a while before checking their tickets. Because they bought the tickets late, they sat in the back row.

This cinema is actually a big theater, with a hall that can seat hundreds of people. There are not many entertainment activities these days, and today is the weekend, so the front row is packed with people.

After the movie started, people kept sneaking in. They didn't look for seats to sit down, but just stood in the aisle to watch.

Meng Yufei asked curiously, "Why don't they sit down?"

Xia Junshan leaned over to her ear and whispered, "These are all people who didn't buy tickets."

Meng Yufei nodded and understood. She had heard of this situation before.

I just haven’t seen so many people come in without buying tickets.

Sitting in her mother's arms, Xia Qinqin watched the movie on the screen in front of her intently. Although it was far away, her eyesight was very good and it was not affected at all.

The movie started with a group of little monkeys eating peaches on a tree. Xia Qinqin turned to Meng Yufei and said, "Mom, look at so many little monkeys."

Meng Yufei put her index finger to her lips and whispered, "Don't talk loudly in the cinema."

"Uh-huh."

Xia Qinqin covered her mouth and nodded, then turned around to continue watching the movie. The next shot was the appearance of Sun Wukong. Xia Qinqin's eyes lit up and she shouted in her heart: The Monkey King is coming out!

…

Tong Caifeng bought a pound of peach cakes at the supply and marketing cooperative. Although the supply and marketing cooperatives on the island also sell them, she just thinks the ones sold in department stores taste better than those on the island.

She bought two pounds of fruit candy and two bottles of maltose, and piled a lot of things on the counter.

The salesperson smiled and said, "Big sister, you bought so much at once, let me pack it for you."

Tong Caifeng nodded and said, "Okay. You salesmen have an easy job every day, right? I see you just sell things here, and you can sit there when no one is around. It seems like anyone can do it."

The salesperson said with a frown, rummaging under the counter and said, "Unfortunately, the packing rope is gone. You can take it back yourself."

Tong Caifeng said: "Can't you go to the counter next door and get one? Don't try to fool me. I live in a family compound on the island, and my man is the head of the group!"

She used her status to pressure others, but the salesperson ignored her and said unhappily, "That's not right. We have a rule that each counter only sells its own products. You can't go to other counters to get things."

Tong Cai was about to quarrel when a middle-aged woman next to her suddenly said, "I happen to have a rope here. Big sister, you have a lot of stuff, so I'll give it to you."

Then he handed the rope to the salesperson and said, "Please pack the things for this lady."

The salesperson reluctantly took the rope and started packing.

The woman next to her turned to Tong Caifeng and said with a smile, "Big sister, you bought so many side dishes. You must have a lot of children at home."

Tong Caifeng said: "Alas, these three little girls are useless."

The woman said, "First a girl, then a boy. You are going to have a boy next. You are so lucky. Even though you gave birth to three girls, you still have money to buy so many side dishes. It shows that your family is well off, unlike mine..." She shook a bag of snacks in her hand and said, "Even if you gave birth to three sons, you can only buy these. It's not enough for a day."

The woman's previous words made Tong Caifeng very happy, with the corners of her mouth raised. After hearing the latter part, her face fell again and she said unhappily: "What do you mean? Giving birth to three sons is not a big deal?"

The woman's smile froze, a hint of disgust flashed across her eyes, and then she smiled again and said, "Big sister, you misunderstood. Although I have three sons, the first two were also daughters. I thought of many ways to give birth to a son."

Tong Caifeng became interested as soon as she heard it and asked, "What method?"

The woman looked embarrassed and said, "There's nothing we can do." Suddenly she thought of something and said, "Sister, I have something else to do. I'll leave first." Then she turned around and left the supply and marketing cooperative.

At this time, the salesperson packed the goods and said coldly: "The goods are ready, take them away."

Tong Caifeng didn't want to argue with the salesperson anymore, so she quickly picked up her things and ran after him, "Hey, wait a minute! You haven't finished your sentence yet..."

The woman in front, hearing the sound of someone chasing after her, slowly raised the corners of her mouth.

Humph, what an idiot!