Chapter 72 Thoughts
If one could get a glimpse of Yan Jing's script from a few lines, then Yan Jing would admit defeat.
He smiled and said, "Don't even think about knowing the plot from other people's lines. Even if I gave you the complete script, you might not be able to guess the entire storyline."
Jun Qiulan smiled and said, "Then let's give it a try."
Yan Jing couldn't help laughing. "Whatever you say. There's no reward for guessing correctly."
Jun Qiulan spread his hands, "Then I won't bother thinking about it."
The two of them were chatting and laughing when they reached the next room.
Conference Room 2 was much more lively.
In addition to director Yan Jing, there are also assistant directors and screenwriters.
It wasn't like the previous audition with Director Wang, where there was a row of investors sitting there.
When the two entered, the assistant director and the screenwriter were having a heated discussion, making the conversation between the two of them sound like seven or eight people were talking at the same time.
Yan Jing introduced everyone one by one. "This is Assistant Director Ding Chu, screenwriter Tang Yan, who is considered my old partner and also my old friend, and Jun Qiulan. I think everyone should know him."
Jun Qiulan greeted everyone with a smile, "I'll ask Assistant Director Ding and Teacher Tang to take good care of me from now on."
Tang Yan's eyes lit up frighteningly. "You really found...that amazing character. When I was writing it, I thought such an actor might be hard to find."
Ding Chu also said: "No wonder you said before that we shouldn't rush for this role. It turns out that someone has already chosen it."
Yan Jing smiled. "See, the first time you see him, you'll feel like no one else fits this role. The dancing, the drama, the fighting, I've nailed it all. If you want to see more, let him do it again."
They are friends, but also partners. Who knew that they would both wave their hands at the same time.
"Just know the number."
They are very self-aware.
Assistant director Ding Chu was a classmate of Yan Jing and they got along well during their student days. He asked Yan Jing to work with him from his first film, but in fact, he, as an assistant director, only played a supporting role. Following Yan Jing, he gained a good reputation and made money, but in fact, he knew that he was not very useful.
In a movie, more than 80 percent of the shots were directed by Yan Jing himself.
Tang Yan did write the script, but Yan Jing wrote the story outline of his own script and then gave it to her to polish, expand the plot and character design.
It can be said that the outline given by Yan Jing played an indispensable role in producing a good script.
Yan Jing smiled and said, "It's okay. There is a video over there. You can watch it later when you have a chance. Let's interview the actor first today. I've asked him to come along."
Ding Chu pulled a chair over and said, "Come, come, please take a seat, sir."
The few of them were of similar age and had good personalities, so it was natural that they got along well with each other.
Those who came to audition today were roughly divided into two age groups.
One is in their forties and fifties, and the other is in their twenties.
Some of them were people Jun Qiulan had seen on TV or in movies before, while others he had no impression of at all.
He had heard people say before that Yan Jing actually preferred to use newcomers, thinking that newcomers were easier to polish, and he didn't know if this was a factor in his selection.
Every actor who came in and saw Jun Qiulan couldn't help but show a little surprise in their eyes, and they were all curious about why he was here.
Of course, they also have their own guesses.
Some people guessed that Jun Qiulan might have passed the audition, while others guessed that it might just be because she had a good relationship with Yan Jing.
However, no matter what, this audition must be treated seriously.
Anyone who has appeared in Yan Jing's movies, even if it is just a small, nameless role with a few lines, can be considered a gilding of the actor's own and become a highlight in their resume.
Because in the entire entertainment industry, no director can win Grand Slam awards for every work. Even if the work is sent abroad for awards, he can still occupy a place in the unfair selection process.
At the same time, Yan Jing's works are not the kind that are too highbrow for ordinary people to understand. Instead, they are both critically and commercially successful, and are suitable for men, women, young and old.
It can be seen that Yan Jing has a high status in the circle despite his young age.
Jun Qiulan just watched from the side without saying a word, let alone expressing his attitude.
Although she said she would not guess the script, Jun Qiulan still couldn't help herself. She read everyone's simple lines and started to figure it out.
At present, we know more information, which probably involves power struggles, revenge and other factors.
But until now, he doesn't even know who auditioned for the leading role.
Although he plays few roles, they are basically the same in every crew, and the story lines revolve around the protagonist.
If you can determine who is the protagonist, you might be able to guess the general plot line.
But today, there were men, women, young and old, and they were all confused.
During the intermission and meal time, he couldn't help but ask.
In the end, all three of them smiled but said nothing.
Finally, it was Yan Jing who spoke up. "A good work should have a storyline for each character, a well-developed personality, and all the storylines interwoven together to form a complete work."
Jun Qiulan was lost in thought, thinking of Wang Dao's Golden Box, the court, the martial arts world, seclusion, and revenge.
But Director Wang’s TV series also have protagonists.
He thought for a moment, "So it's a group portrait?"
"You can understand it that way." Yan Jing's answer was ambiguous.
Ding Chu couldn't help laughing: "Once you sign the contract and get your own script, maybe you'll have a better idea."
Jun Qiulan smiled and said, "Then I won't ask any more questions."
Just as they were talking about the contract, after lunch, Yan Jing printed out the newly-made contract.
"Take a look first. If you think there's anything inappropriate, we can discuss it."
Jun Qiulan trusted Yan Jing and didn't read it any further. She turned to the last page and prepared to sign her name.
"Aren't you afraid that I'll sell you out?"
"Then can you?" Jun Qiulan asked back.
Yan Jing choked for a moment, "Forget it, I can't bear to do it."
This time it was Jun Qiulan's turn to pause. Why did this sentence sound weird?
"Let's take a look. If there's anything inappropriate, we can still talk about it."
Jun Qiulan agreed, and then actually opened the contract and read it in detail.
He had signed several contracts before and there had been no problems. He trusted Yan Jing and felt that it was unnecessary. However, he had a personal secret, such as having to stay in the hotel arranged by the crew, so he had to consider changing it.
Ding Chu and Tang Yan looked at each other tacitly and exchanged glances. Obviously, they both felt that the relationship between Yan Jing and Jun Qiulan was weird.
Could it be...
Could it be...
Holy shit…
The two were shocked. They had known Yan Jing for almost ten years.
Tang Yan's eyes swept back and forth between the two of them, and then she revealed a subtle expression.
Yan Jing gave them a 'warning' look, and Ding Chucai and Tang Yanren smiled and looked away.
Jun Qiulan didn't notice, her eyes were fixed on the pay, "Such a high pay? Did you add an extra zero?"
A full five million.
Yan Jing smiled and said, "It's just the regular pay. Don't make a fuss."
Jun Qiulan was skeptical. "Is this the spirit of a major production crew? Won't the investors have any objections?"
He had heard people complain before that most of the money spent on the entire drama was used to pay the actors, and the rest was used for production.
As a result, the crew's costumes and props had to be drastically reduced, otherwise there wouldn't be enough money.
Before Yan Jing could say anything, Ding Chu spoke.
"His brother is an investor. We're family, so what can he say?"
In fact, they also have roles. Considering Jun Qiulan's status, it is actually a bit high, but they have a good relationship with him and he doesn't have to pay for it, so what can they object to?
Yan Jing couldn't help laughing, "Don't dream about this problem, look at the other ones."
Jun Qiulan: "There's only one rule. You must stay in the hotel arranged by the crew. You told me before that the filming is in Fengcheng. I live in Fengcheng, which is not far from the film and television base, so there's no need to stay in a hotel."
What if, at that time, he needs to travel frequently, or has something urgent to do and needs to go home, and he travels back in the hotel, and the entire crew lives together, and someone suddenly comes to find him?
Yan Jing nodded. "Just remove this one, but please read the next one carefully. The script must not be leaked during filming."
"I know, I understand, I understand." Jun Qiulan said concisely.
"Okay, I'll go print another one."
Jun Qiulan quickly glanced at the new contract and signed his name at the end.
Yan Jing: "Your hard pen calligraphy..."
It’s hard to comment.
It's not that it's ugly, it's just that it's far inferior to his calligraphy.
Jun Qiulan: "When I was in the Taoist temple, I used to use a brush most of the time. Look at my brothers and nephews, who can't write calligraphy?"
This reason is completely tenable, so Yan Jing didn't say much.
"Okay, one-third of the salary will be paid in advance, and the rest will be paid after the filming is completed."
He paused. "You haven't found a studio yet, have you? I suggest you set it up first. This will affect your tax payment."
Personal performance income tax and studio tax are two different concepts.
Jun Qiulan still didn't understand, he had never paid taxes before.
During the Chinese New Year, Uncle Hua's daughter, Sister Hua Qing, mentioned it. He wanted to check it out at that time, but was distracted by something else and forgot about it.
Yan Jing: "I'll tell you later. I won't transfer the pay to you right now."
Jun Qiulan nodded and agreed.
In the afternoon, there were rounds of auditions one after another. In the end, Jun Qiulan actually met an old acquaintance.
When Qu Feng came in, he was also stunned when he saw Jun Qiulan, and so was Jun Qiulan.
The looks in the two people's eyes expressed the same meaning: Why are you here?
Considering that this was an audition, Qu Feng only gave Jun Qiulan two glances and did not communicate much.
He was lucky enough to get the audition invitation.
We can't be careless anymore.
Several people have tried Qu Feng's lines today. Yan Jing and Ding Chu didn't say anything, just told them to go back and wait for notification.
In other words, it hasn't been finalized yet.
According to Jun Qiulan's aesthetic taste, he already had a preliminary understanding of the film. Putting aside his friendship with Qu Feng, he also felt that Qu Feng's acting skills were better.
But thinking that Yan Jing seemed to prefer using newcomers, he had no way of judging.
At noon, we also chatted for a while and talked about this issue. Many mature actors have their own way of acting, but if his way is contrary to what Yan Jing wants, this situation will be difficult to correct.
It is better to polish the performance of newcomers. Newcomers are like a blank sheet of paper, and the director can write whatever he wants on the paper.
But there is also a disadvantage. New actors may have some talent, but after joining the crew, they know nothing and get into a lot of trouble.
In short, each has its pros and cons.
"What are you thinking about? I'm asking you a question, but you're still in a daze." Yan Jing smiled.
Jun Qiulan came back to his senses, "What? I was thinking about something else just now."
"I'm asking you, what do you think of Qu Feng's performance?"
Jun Qiulan was speechless for a moment. When he participated in the audition today, he actually spent most of his time learning and observing. From beginning to end, he said no more than ten sentences.
Yan Jing didn't even come to ask for his opinion.
What does this mean?
Jun Qiulan's eyes were full of question marks, "Are you the director or am I the director?"
Ding Chu chuckled.
"Ahem, sorry, an actor tried to interfere with the casting, and Yan Jing said what you just said."
Jun Qiulan tried to hold back his laughter, but then couldn't help but burst out laughing.
Yan Jing was somewhat helpless. "This role has a scene opposite you. Tell me what you think."
Jun Qiulan took two deep breaths before stopping laughing. "From my perspective, among the actors who auditioned for these lines today, Brother Feng's interpretation is indeed more appropriate. Of course, this is my own understanding without the script."
Yan Jing nodded, "Go on."
Jun Qiulan thought for a moment, "I don't have anything else to say, but based on my understanding of these lines, is it closer to Brother Feng's?"
Yan Jing smiled and said, "Okay, let's go back and wait for notification."
Qu Feng was a little confused.
Last year, he was still guiding Jun Qiulan's acting skills. Now Jun Qiulan can sit in the front row for the casting and even give his opinions on his audition.
In a daze.
This audition was unusual in that his agent accompanied him.
"How is it? How is it going?"
Qu Feng shook his head. "I'm not sure, but Director Yan usually likes to use newcomers. I think the possibility is not high."
The agent also knows this. Qu Feng has a certain status and popularity among the new generation of traffic stars, and has also starred in several TV series with good reputations, but has never been able to make it to the big screen.
It’s not like there haven’t been any scripts.
However, movies are different from TV series. It can be said that there are barriers. The scripts that are found are not very good, and the directors are also unknown.
In this case, Qu Feng is mostly asked to support the box office.
But for Qu Feng, this is not a good deal. If the script is not good, the director is not good, and the movie is not good, only the fans will buy it, which will consume his popularity.
But Yan Jing’s movies are different.
I tried to contact Yan Jing's team before, but was rejected. Some time ago, he signed a variety show, and one of the episodes had a special ancient costume look. Then I received an audition notice out of nowhere.
I guess it’s because of the ancient costume?
The agent sighed, "It's okay, this is an opportunity. Oh, by the way, your variety show asked you to find a friend, have you decided who to find?"
Qu Feng grinned and said, "Now that I've made up my mind, let's go find Jun Qiulan."
The agent choked for a moment, thought about it, and felt that Jun Qiulan was a hot search physique, so he was a good choice.
She said, "I saw a trending post about him and Director Yan watching a performance together a few days ago. He seems to be in Shanghai too. Do you want to ask him out for a chat?"
The agent really likes Jun Qiulan as a person. He has the potential to become an instant hit.
The only thing that people criticize may be his academic qualifications, but his previous status is there. He is a little Taoist priest in the mountains. Is it possible that he is unwilling to go to school?
Besides, they just haven't received formal school education, they are not illiterate.
It was a pity that she asked Qu Feng to inquire with the other party several times, but they had no intention of signing with an agency.
Qu Feng hesitated for a moment before he leaned close to his agent's ear and whispered, "Jun Qiulan is in there, auditioning with Yan Jing."
broker:"!!!"
What kind of a development is this?
He originally thought that Jun Qiulan and Yan Jing had a good relationship, but could there be a deeper relationship?
Qu Feng said with a slight disdain: "Stop imagining things. Jun Qiulan should be here for an audition as well. I talked to him a while ago, and he said he was still preparing for an audition for a movie. This should be it."
The agent took a breath and asked, "What about you?"
She still wanted to ask about the audition.
Qu Feng: "Jun Qiulan did say a few words on my behalf, but the decision still lies with Director Yan. Director Yan has his own way of selecting people, and no one else can influence him."
The agent sighed again, understanding.
On their side, they received a message from Jun Qiulan before they even left the audition hotel.
Let's have dinner together in the evening.
Qu Feng smiled when he saw the message, "Sister, help me book a place to eat, Jun Qiulan invited me."
The agent couldn't help laughing, "Okay, we can chat about it tonight."
Jun Qiulan, after sending a message to Qu Feng, told Yan Jing about it.
Yan Jing agreed first, and then said, "Let's go together. Lao Ding and Sister Tang should also come. Qu Feng's acting skills are acceptable and his appearance is not bad either. Let's chat together. I will decide where to eat."
Ding Chu and Tang Yan had no objection.
Jun Qiulan thought that since Qu Feng came for the audition, it would be nice to have a private chat with the director and screenwriter.
He said yes, and then quickly sent a message to Qu Feng.
When Qu Feng saw the message, he was immediately shocked.
"Xiao Lanlan said that Director Yan and the assistant director and screenwriter are getting together to talk about the characters."
Agent: "!!! Hurry up, agree to him."
He never dreamed that things would take such a turn here.
I didn't hold out much hope to begin with, but maybe things have taken a turn for the better now?
Qu Feng was helpless: "Sister, don't hold your hopes too high. We can just chat first. If it doesn't suit you, then it won't work. Besides, Yan Jing's movies take more than half a year to shoot, and you can't accept other announcements during this period. You have to think it through."
"If you don't want to take it, then don't take it. Director Yan's movies are more important." The agent thought that this was a dinner party between the director, screenwriter and actors, so she would not interfere.
It’s getting late.
Yan Jing and his team breathed a sigh of relief after auditioning the last few actors today.
In one day, you get to meet so many actors and you may see a wide variety of acting skills, not to mention that there are many people who only realize that their appearance in person is completely different from the photos before, which is also quite tiring.
"Let's go and eat. We're all hungry."
Yan Jing rarely complained.
Jun Qiulan was amused. "Can't we streamline it? Do we have to audition them one by one? Asking them to submit acting clips is also a good option."
Yan Jing smiled. "There's a big difference between improvisation and editing a video."
If the actors are allowed to prepare the audition content themselves, a better team may have five or six acting teachers standing nearby to make adjustments to the actors in various details.
Jun Qiulan understood and became thoughtful.
Private restaurant.
When Jun Qiulan and the others arrived, Qu Feng had already arrived first.
"Director Yan, Director Ding, Teacher Tang." Qu Feng greeted them one by one, and finally came to Jun Qiulan: "Xiao Lanlan, long time no see."
Jun Qiulan smiled: "We just met this afternoon."
Qu Feng: "The last time we met was when we were recording a variety show in Jiangcheng. How long has it been?"
A few months.
Jun Qiulan frowned. His concept of time was really different from that of the people in this world.
Yan Jing said to him, "Long time no see," and Qu Feng said the same.
"Please sit down." Yan Jing said, and pulled a chair for Jun Qiulan very gentlemanly.
Jun Qiulan seemed unaware, and the others were a little stunned.
It is true that he was used to being served in the past. Although he was demoted now, some details of his life in the previous 19 years were engraved in his bones, and he himself was not aware of it.
Besides, pulling out a chair is just a small thing.
It's just that different messages are interpreted in other people's eyes.
Yan Jing also curved his eyebrows and said, "While the food is being served, let's chat with Mr. Qu."
"Director Yan, you can just call me Xiao Qu."
Now let’s talk about the characters, Jun Qiulan won’t say much.
He thought that he had to book a return ticket.
I've been out for so many days, it's time to go back.
And I also need to think about the studio matters.
He should pay taxes when he should. He is a person with legal identity in this world, enjoys the welfare benefits of this era, and should also contribute to this world.
Just then, he remembered it, so he simply checked it on his phone.
It's quite complicated for an actor to pay taxes.
For example, extras basically do not need to pay any fees. If the single income is less than 800 yuan, they do not need to pay taxes. If the annual income is less than 60,000 yuan, they do not need to pay taxes either.
Even if it exceeds the limit, there are corresponding policies to provide some reductions and exemptions.
Jun Qiulan roughly calculated his income last year. Excluding the income from folding fans, his income from acting did not exceed the limit.
For Director Wang's Golden Chamber crew, the remuneration was only paid after the filming was completed, which means it was counted as this year's income.
The money was transferred directly without paying taxes, so he needs to pay it himself.
Jun Qiulan took note of it.
Maybe he was checking too carefully and didn't notice that when the waiter served the dishes, Yan Jing leaned sideways and accidentally saw some tax-related information.
"Let me tell you about this matter. Even if you look it up, you might still be confused."
Jun Qiulan raised her eyes and said, "You guys can talk about your roles, don't worry about me for now."
"It's okay, we've talked about almost everything." Qu Feng had an idea in his mind. If there was no one more outstanding than him in the future, it should be almost certain.
He suppressed his excitement and asked, "What happened to Xiaolan?"
Jun Qiulan explained.
"Why didn't you just ask me earlier?" Qu Feng is an enthusiastic person and he likes to talk about his own experiences as soon as he opens his mouth.
But he was interrupted by Yan Jing.
"Let's eat first. There's no rush for this."
Jun Qiulan also said: "That's right, Director Yan and everyone have worked hard today. Let's eat first. Anyway, I'm not in a hurry."
Qu Feng realized it later and tasted a different meaning, as if there was a knot in the air.
Could it be that the agent’s guess was correct?
Not really?
He had heard before that Yan Jing seemed to be gay, but Jun Qiulan, it was completely impossible to tell. Moreover, according to his understanding, Jun Qiulan was not even aware of it.
He didn't say much. We are all adults, so let's not talk too much about our private lives.
Ding Chu took the opportunity to talk about some issues related to the subsequent filming, such as the venue, hotel, actors, and coordination, which were all details.
Everyone was able to contribute a few words to these topics, and the meal was quite enjoyable for both the host and the guests.
It was only at the end that Qu Feng talked about his current variety show.
He is a permanent guest and needs to find a friend in the circle for the next episode.
"Do you have time here? The recording is only for one day, so we can go to the mountain city and just have fun."
Jun Qiulan had watched Qu Feng's variety show before. It was an outdoor treasure hunt and exploration type, and it was quite interesting.
He thought about it for a moment: "When is the next recording?"
Qu Feng calculated the time: "Ten days later."
Jun Qiulan also has to calculate the time.
He planned to leave Shanghai tomorrow night. When he returned home, he would go to the border town and talk to General Huo.
I just don't know how long this matter will be delayed.
If everything goes well, it can be done in one day.
General Huo's purpose is nothing more than grain seeds. It is unlikely that he will take too much.
But if you buy a few hundred kilograms, you can buy it at the vegetable market.
If it's too much, he can't do it.
And the origin of the grain must always be reasonable. If there are a few hundred kilograms left at home, there will be some explanation.
He thought for a moment and said, "I can't give you an answer until the night after tomorrow. Is that okay? Will it delay the filming?"
Qu Feng waved his hand. "It doesn't matter. If you can't go, I'll just find a junior in the company to take over and show my face."
After a pause, he continued, "By the way, you haven't been on the crew recently. Are you busy with other things? I send you messages, but you often reply the next day."
Jun Qiulan remained calm, "I have to find time to write inscriptions and draw pictures on the folding fan. Sometimes I have to go back to the mountains, and there's also my teacher. Anyway, there are a lot of miscellaneous things to do."
Yan Jing took over the conversation, "So you were busy recently and didn't have time to learn dancing. Was there something going on with your teacher? Has it been resolved? If you need any help, just let me know. My grandfather really likes your teacher's work and is hoping to meet your teacher in the future to discuss calligraphy and painting."
This is a temptation, but it is not a lie.
Jun Qiulan smiled and said, "It's almost done. It's nothing important. It's just some trivial matters in life. Don't worry."
Yan Jing didn't ask any more questions.
Jun Qiulan added, "I've been out for a few days now, and I'm going back tomorrow. I won't be participating in future auditions."
Yan Jing smiled helplessly: "Okay, I know Jun Baisong is waiting for you at home."
Jun Qiulan smiled.
Yan Jing added, "Regarding the tax issue, I'll ask Tang Te to prepare a detailed document for you. Also, regarding the studio issue, it's best to resolve it as soon as possible so that you can reasonably avoid taxes and make more money."
Jun Qiulan nodded, "I understand."
By the way, I complained in my heart, is Yan Jing a little too nagging?
We had a meal together, but everyone had things to do the next day, so we didn't plan a second meeting.
In the middle of the night, they all became a hot topic again.
It was sent by Qu Feng to Jun Qiulan.
Jun Qiulan didn't see it until the next morning. This paparazzi was quite funny. In the blurry photos he released, only he and Yan Jing were in them. Director Ding, Teacher Tang, and Qu Feng were not in the shot.
Then the words used are also very ambiguous.
The young man with a folding fan traveled to Shanghai and had a close relationship with director Yan Jing.
Jun Qiulan simply didn't know what to say.
There were still employees who were suspected to be from a private restaurant who came out to explain that it was just a gathering of a few people, but not many people believed it.
He took a screenshot and sent it to Yan Jing, asking if he needed any clarification or explanation.
Yan Jing told him not to worry about it.
Jun Qiulan didn't care much about these remarks, mainly because he couldn't understand many of the words. The words were still the same, but he felt that the meaning had changed.
Yan Jing was responsible for booking the flight home.
First class.
Jun Qiulan also enjoyed it.
This was the first time he had been away from Fengcheng for such a long time. When the plane landed and the special car arrived at his doorstep, he always felt that the air in Fengcheng was much fresher.
I went home to pack up, then brought Jun Baisong over and made a video call with Yan Jing.
What he meant was to tell Yan Jing that during the days he was away, his family took good care of Songsong and did not lose a single pound of meat.
Yan Jing: "Actually, next time if you need to go out for a long time, you can drop it off at your teacher's house, or take some time and drop it off at the Taoist temple."
Songsong is not the kind of timid and easily stressed kitten, he is very brave.
Not afraid of going to unfamiliar environments at all.
I don’t know how Jun Qiulan raised the kitten. Logically speaking, domestic kittens have not seen too many other animals and humans, so they will be more timid when going out.
But he didn't see such performance at all in Songsong.
Just like a free-range cat.
Jun Qiulan thought to himself that Songsong was originally being raised in the home of his so-called teacher, who treated him as his own grandson.
I guess his parents don't have any expectations for his marriage, and they are content with having a cat.
After the video call ended, Jun Qiulan carried Jun Bai back home.
"I'll be going into the city tomorrow. If everything goes well, I might go out of town in a few days to record a show."
Jun Yu smiled and said, "My son has become a famous actor over there too?"
Song Xirong punched her husband and said, "Is that a good word? I should say 'big star'."
Jun Qiulan smiled. "Don't worry about it, Mom. It's just a job. Besides, my son really enjoys it. Using his own performance to interpret a stranger's story will give him a different understanding and feeling about life and the world."
That's quite philosophical.
Jun Yu smiled and said, "Anyway, you have to download the program back for us to watch when the time comes."
"I know, Dad and Mom, go to bed early."
The next morning, he followed Song Yan and Song Ting into the city.
During this period, the goods they brought were almost sold out. There was no need to rush for the remaining goods. After they left, Song Yan would continue to run the store, and those goods could be sold slowly.
"Cousin Bai, I want to ask you for something."
"Just say it, cousin."
"It's this puff pastry egg custard cup. It tastes really good. I think my mother and grandmother would like it."
During this period, the store's goods business has not been interrupted, and the business of puff pastry egg custard cups is also good.
His cousin was not at home a few days ago, so he didn't feel comfortable asking. If it was just his own business, it wouldn't matter. The main thing is that he is cooperating with his neighbor next door, so he can't give the recipe to anyone.
Jun Qiulan smiled and said, "That's easy. Just let my parents write it to you if you told them earlier."
After a pause, he remembered a previous plan.
Change people’s livelihood issues through food.
I had originally planned to cooperate with my second aunt next door on this business after the New Year.
As a result, there were too many things to do, and a severe drought was about to come. People were busy filling their stomachs and probably didn't have much time to care about their appetites.
It doesn’t matter whether it tastes good or not, what matters is that you don’t go hungry.
There is no drought in Jiangnan, so this matter can be left to Song Ting.
He said, "I have some good recipes here that are not common or available on the market. You might as well take them back and start a business."
Song Ting's eyes lit up.
Recipes are light and easy to carry, and can be sold at a good price.
"It's a pity that this is a one-time deal."
Jun Qiulan probably knew what he was thinking. "Choose a few representative dishes and sell them exclusively to restaurants and the like. For the other more common dishes that ordinary people can afford, sell them at low prices. Sell them to people who pay."
Song Ting thought for a moment, "Okay, let's talk about this in detail when we have time."
Jun Qiulan nodded and asked a few more questions about receiving the goods.
When Song Yan opened the shop before, he collected a lot of goods, but he closed the shop after the snow. He had to go out to do business and take the goods back, and these goods were obviously not enough, so after Song Ting and others came, they were selling goods while collecting them.
Song Ting: "It's still a little short, but we're not in a hurry. Let's take our time. If it really doesn't work, we can bring back a few more carts of wool. I have to say, this stuff is quite warm when stuffed in the quilt, but it does smell a bit strong."
How can a woolen quilt not be warm?
The little donkey cart rumbled all the way into the city.
Jun Qiulan didn't go into the store to take a look, but went directly to the general's mansion and went through the side door.
On the surface, he, the deposed crown prince, should not get too deeply involved with the general guarding the border.
When the doorman saw that it was him, he immediately prepared to inform Jun Shuwan.
"Excuse me, young man. I'm here to visit the general today, as we agreed a few days ago."
The doorman suddenly realized: "Please come in. The general has already told the doorman at the front door, but he didn't expect you to use this door."
Huo Lian was in the military camp. He was received by Mrs. Huo, who also called Jun Shuwan, who was busy, over.
"Why are you here today, brother?" Jun Shuwan seemed very happy.
Jun Qiulan: "I came to see General Huo and to see you."
"You two can chat, brother and sister. I have some things to do over there. I estimate that Old Huo will be back in two incense sticks of time."
Jun Qiulan seemed to sense something: "Something happened in the military camp?"
Mrs. Huo was impressed by his sharpness and said, "I'll tell you when Old Huo comes back."
Jun Qiulan pondered but couldn't find a clue. "Then Madam Huo will be busy first."
After a pause, he said, "Mrs. Huo, the cotton I mentioned before is indeed a good thing. You might really consider it."
If cotton can be promoted, it will be his merit.
Mrs. Huo nodded slightly, a smile in her eyes. "I've already arranged for my brother to conduct planting experiments in other states. Perhaps we'll have news by the end of the year."
It seems that both the Huo family and her mother's family, the Ruan family, are not short of money and have military merits.
However, a lot of subsidies have to be given to the military camp every year, and there are also disabled soldiers, and providing them with subsidies is a considerable expense.
If you don't find a way to make money, your whole family will starve.
This cotton may not sell well in the border town, after all, there are cheaper wool and sheepskin to keep warm.
But if you put it in other places, it is a good thing. In addition to filling winter clothes and quilts, it can also be used to weave cloth. It is very useful.
After planting, the family will have an additional source of income.
She was thinking about whether she should give the Jun family a share of the profits when the time comes.
It’s this identity that’s the problem. Let’s talk about it later.
After Mrs. Huo left, the brother and sister chatted about family matters for a while and whispered a few words to each other.
"What are the brother and sister talking about?" Huo Lian strode forward with a hint of annoyance between his brows.
Jun Qiulan bowed politely and said, "I went into the mountains a few days ago and came back last night. I heard from my father that the general came before me?"
Huo Yan waved his hand and said, "Stop talking nonsense. How much grain can you give me? What are your conditions? Just tell me."
This concerns the food rations for the soldiers in the barracks this year.
In particular, he had previously submitted a letter to the imperial court, stating that there would be a drought in the border town this year and that the grain harvest would be poor, and asked the Ministry of Revenue to issue grain and salaries. However, the court said that the drought had not yet arrived and there was no reason to issue grain and salaries in advance.
He also said that the border town already had a lot of grain from the tax revenue, and there was a vague implication that no more grain would be shipped in this year, saying that the Ministry of Revenue was in financial difficulty.
I don’t know what the old emperor is doing.
Are you all so foolish now?
The border troops’ food and fodder have been withheld every year, and there’s a drought this year. It would be fine if they just gave them more, but they have to withhold it?
Aren't you really afraid that these soldiers will rebel against the court?
Huo Lian was filled with anger when he thought of this matter, but at this critical juncture, he could not go back to argue with the court in person. Without the imperial edict to return to Beijing, he could not leave at all.
To some extent, he is not much different from Jun Qiulan.
No, there is a difference. Jun Qiulan's family was simply exiled here and left to fend for themselves.
He also had to guard the border for those people in the court who were just sitting there doing nothing.
So the most important thing now is the new variety of grain in Jun Qiulan's hands.
He did not hide it and complained about all these things to Jun Qiulan.
Jun Qiulan was also very angry when he heard this.
But they were all angry too early. Before they could properly discuss the issue of grain seeds, the doorman announced that Magistrate Duan Wen had arrived.
When Duan Wen walked in, he also had a sad look on his face.
"General, Junior Brother." Duan Wen sighed, "Think of a solution quickly. The imperial court doesn't want to give the people of the border town a way out."
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