Chapter 129 Stage
Nan Zhiyi was so excited that she didn't sleep well all night. It was almost eight o'clock in the morning before she went downstairs to have breakfast.
Hearing the noise, Aunt Wu brought the warm breakfast to the table.
Nan Zhiyi glanced at Wu Ma, who was wearing a brand-new blue cotton blouse and whose hair was neatly combed.
"Aunt Wu, you look great today."
“When you go to see a grand opera, you have to be all dressed up; you can’t be undignified.” Wu Ma said with a serious expression.
Nan Zhiyi smiled and nodded, "That makes sense. I need to tidy up tonight too."
In the evening, Commander Gu, unusually, returned home on time. Knowing that Nan Zhiyi and Aunt Wu were going to see Zhou Anping's performance, he said to his bodyguard, Xiao Li, "Xiao Li, drive them to the Grand Theater later. Be careful on the road."
Just as Nan Zhiyi was about to reply "okay," there was a knock on the courtyard gate.
Xiao Li led Meng Qingshan in.
“Uncle Gu, sister-in-law,” Meng Qingshan stood straight, first saluted Commander Gu, then nodded to Nan Zhiyi, “I was also going to see Anping’s performance, and it was on my way, so I thought I’d come and pick you up.”
Commander Gu hummed in agreement: "Alright, that saves Xiao Li from having to run around. I trust Qingshan to handle things."
He turned to Aunt Wu and said, "Take good care of Zhiyi. Be careful in crowded places and make sure she doesn't bump into anything."
"Don't worry, Commander, I'll make sure Zhiyi is well protected!" Aunt Wu quickly assured her.
Nan Zhiyi said, "Dad, I'll be careful. Let's go now."
After Commander Gu nodded, she and Aunt Wu got into the car with Meng Qingshan.
“By the way,” Aunt Wu said, patting the back of the front seat as she sat in the back, “Comrade Meng, do you want to go pick up Mrs. Zhou? Isn’t she going to see Anping’s performance?”
Meng Qingshan gripped the steering wheel, his eyes fixed on the road ahead: "Anping didn't mention this, perhaps... Aunt Song has other plans?"
Wu Ma said "Oh," and then, as if remembering some important information, slapped her thigh.
"Look at my memory! I ran into Zhang Ma from General Fang's family when I was buying groceries the other day. She mentioned that Madam Zhou rushed off to Staff Officer Zhou's camp a few days ago! She said... her daughter-in-law was pregnant and was vomiting badly, so she was rushing to take care of her!"
Nan Zhiyi, who was looking at the street scene flashing past the window, turned to Wu Ma upon hearing this and asked, "Dr. Lu... is she pregnant?"
The news came somewhat suddenly, and she felt a mix of emotions that were hard to describe.
Life is full of unexpected twists and turns.
Aunt Wu was still clicking her tongue in amazement: "That's right! Aunt Zhang said that Madam Zhou was so happy she couldn't stop smiling. She's finally seen her grandchildren. She was carrying big bags and small bags, and she brought a lot of nice things!"
Nan Zhiyi gave a soft "hmm" and turned her gaze back to the window.
As dusk deepened, the streetlights lit up one by one, casting flowing light and shadow on the car windows.
The car soon arrived at the Jian'an Grand Theater.
The entrance was brightly lit, and there were many people watching the performance, mostly military dependents and government officials, and the atmosphere was orderly.
Meng Qingshan parked the car and escorted Nan Zhiyi and Wu Ma through the crowd to find them seats on the side of the front row.
"You can sit here; the view is excellent," Meng Qingshan said softly, then added to Aunt Wu, "Aunt Wu, please take good care of her."
"Don't worry, Comrade Meng!" Aunt Wu readily agreed.
Meng Qingshan nodded and turned to walk to a seat closer to the center in the front row.
He had barely sat down when the theater lights dimmed, leaving only a hazy glow on the stage.
Wu Ma immediately went into battle alert mode, taking out a military water bottle from her cloth bag: "Miss Zhiyi, are you thirsty? Would you like some water?"
Seeing Nan Zhiyi shake her head, she magically produced a small paper packet containing several small peach shortbreads and a few fruit hard candies. "Are you hungry? Want to have something to eat? They're all easy to digest."
Nan Zhiyi felt a warmth in her heart: "Thank you, Aunt Wu, you're so thoughtful. I don't want to eat right now."
Aunt Wu rewrapped it, saying, "Then let me know when you want to eat it."
"Okay! Thank you, Aunt Wu."
"Don't be so polite." Aunt Wu patted her hand, her voice becoming excited, "Look, it's starting!"
The heavy curtain was drawn back, the stage lights shone brightly, and rousing music began to play.
The announcer's voice echoed through the theater: "...Performing unit: Jian'an Military Region Cultural Troupe...Large-scale song and dance drama 'Youth Battle Song'..."
As the plot unfolds, Zhou Anping makes his appearance.
She plays a young woman who responds to the call and resolutely dedicates herself to the construction of the frontier.
On stage, she was no longer the cheerful and impulsive young girl that Nan Zhiyi remembered.
Her movements were clean and efficient yet possessed a feminine resilience; her singing voice was clear and penetrating; and her eyes were filled with conviction.
Under the spotlight, her every smile, gesture, and movement captivated the audience.
She is the absolute leading lady, shining brightly on her own stage.
Nan Zhiyi sat in the audience, watching the figure shining under the lights, feeling incredibly proud of Anping.
No matter how many twists and turns or calculations life throws your way, there are always people striving to grow and live a wonderful life.
Nan Zhiyi couldn't help but nudge Wu Ma beside her and whispered, "Anping acted really well."
Aunt Wu watched intently, nodding repeatedly: "That's right! I never expected that the little girl who used to follow Gu Yan around like a madwoman would become so successful, standing on such a big platform like a fairy descending to earth. She's so capable!"
The performance concluded amidst enthusiastic applause and a rousing chorus.
As the lights came on, the audience, still wanting more, got up and left.
Wu Ma helped Nan Zhiyi along, slowly moving out with the crowd, excitedly chattering, "...I'll have so much to talk about when I get back! I'll show off to my old friends that I've been to a grand theater and seen a proper play! It was Anping who was performing, and we were sitting in the front row!"
Nan Zhiyi listened with a smile.
The two had only taken a few steps when they saw Meng Qingshan standing under a lamppost a little further away where there were fewer people, waving at them.
In his hand, he held a small bunch of forsythia and tender green willow branches simply wrapped in plain paper.
"There are too many people in front, it's not good to squeeze in." Meng Qingshan quickly came forward. "Anping is taking off her makeup backstage. Let's go backstage to find her, and we can take you back at the same time."
His gaze fell on Nan Zhiyi, with a questioning look in his eyes.
Nan Zhiyi had a lot of praise to say to Zhou Anping, so she immediately nodded: "Okay, it's a good opportunity to congratulate her in person!"
The three of them bypassed the noisy crowd and entered the backstage area through a side door.
They found Zhou Anping in the dressing room.
She had just removed her elaborate hair ornaments, her long hair was disheveled, and there was still makeup on her face.
Meng Qingshan stepped forward and handed over the bundle of forsythia branches: "You performed exceptionally well, Comrade Anping."
Zhou Anping was taken aback, then took it with both hands. Even the heavy makeup on her face couldn't hide her shyness and joy.
Nan Zhiyi and Aunt Wu stood aside, watching this scene, and smiles appeared on their faces in unison.
At this moment, a shrill voice shattered the harmonious atmosphere: "Zhou Anping! You shameless vixen!"
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