Chapter 641
My Chunbao, Don't Cry
She herself lived with her grandparents since she was a child, and her parents were busy with their business, so they could only see each other a few times a year.
The only things they ever talk about on the phone are whether I have enough money and not to cause trouble.
Many times she wished her parents could spend more time with her and ask if she was happy, but they never did.
Although her father apologized to her some time ago, she still couldn't let go of the lack of companionship and the unspoken grievances in her heart.
If she herself is like this, then what right does she have to ask Liu Haochun to forgive such a twisted and indifferent pair of parents?
Fortunately, Liu Haochun met Jiang Yang.
If it weren't for Jiang Yang, Liu Haochun would have kept all this pain and resentment bottled up in his heart for over a decade, who knows how long he would have kept it bottled up.
This girl, who grew up amidst arguments and rejection, has become accustomed to swallowing all her grievances.
I dare not cry, dare not complain, dare not say that I am very sad.
Introverted and sensitive.
She clearly has exceptional acting talent.
She also has a high talent for dancing.
They learn everything quickly.
However, he exuded a sense of timidity and insecurity.
Jiang Yang always managed to guide Hao Chun to speak his mind at just the right time.
Without judging or criticizing, just listen quietly.
Then tell Haochun:
"You did nothing wrong."
"You've done a great job."
He specially created "The Sea of Stars" to encourage Haochun.
And I gave Hao Chun the song "The Cloud That Blooms," whose lyrics are just like Hao Chun's experiences.
No matter how I think about it, it's probably Jiang Yang's acceptance and understanding that allowed Hao Chun to finally open up her wounds and release those negative emotions little by little.
Zhao Lushi closed the dormitory door and looked at Liu Haochun, who was sitting at her computer desk, his brows and eyes looking much more relaxed.
I felt happy.
According to Chaoyue, Haochun used to always have a timid and guarded look in his eyes.
Especially on set.
They speak very carefully, afraid of saying something wrong and upsetting someone.
But now, Haochun laughs loudly while watching movies.
She would take the initiative to strike up a conversation with her roommates.
He would also take the initiative to chat with her about her relationship with Jiang Yang.
When they talked about how good Jiang Yang was to Hao Chun, the light in Hao Chun's eyes brightened considerably.
Perhaps the opposing team had given up hope.
Her family of origin never gave her a sense of security, leading her to believe that even her biological parents were unreliable and that no one in the world would truly protect her. That's why she is so dependent on Jiang Yang now.
Some wounds may never fully heal in a lifetime, but to meet someone who is willing to listen and accept you, and to be able to remove some of the burdens in your heart, is already a great fortune.
On the computer screen, a scene from "Flirting Scholar" is playing, where Dui Chuanchang is fighting Hua Wen and Hua Wu in front of the Hua Mansion, waving a folding fan and saying: "There are three teachers in one village and two miles, who do not know the Four Books, Five Classics and Six Arts, yet they teach seven, eight or nine children. How audacious!"
Zhao Lushi reached out and pressed pause: "Who can come up with the matching line?"
Several roommates from Taiwan immediately gathered around and started trying it out, chattering excitedly: "Oh my god, this number puzzle is super difficult!"
“I’ll give it a try. There are eight shops in the ten streets and nine alleys that sell it for only seven qian, six fen and five li, and I still make a profit of four san er wen, or one copper coin.”
"No, no, the tones are completely messed up."
"I'll come too. Nine out of ten houses are empty and eight households are poor. They only have enough grain, cloth and clothing, and they still have to support two or three people. It's so hard."
Everyone burst into laughter.
"No, no, it doesn't match at all! Lu Shi, you're deliberately making things difficult for us!"
Liu Haochun laughed along.
Ruth's roommates all came from different parts of Taiwan.
There are people from Kaohsiung, Tainan, Taichung, and Hualien.
They have different accents.
Liu Haochun felt the same way, as if it were a scene from a Taiwanese idol drama.
"Haochun?" Zhao Lushi looked at Liu Haochun.
"Me? I can't."
Liu Haochun shook his head and smiled.
"Aren't you about to go on 'Mars' with Jiang Yang? Let's say you're on the show right now, and a guest throws a joke at you. How would you respond?"
"I……"
Liu Haochun became serious.
Zhao Lushi had previously appeared on "Mars," and I gave her a lot of advice on things to keep in mind when appearing on variety shows.
It was Ruth's first time on the job, so she was quite inexperienced.
But there are still many experiences to learn.
After a while, she will appear on a variety show with Jiang Yang.
Jiang Yang once said that variety shows need to create entertaining content.
Film and television dramas are mainly supported by acting skills, dialogue, camera work, emotions, and story logic.
To draw the audience into the story.
Variety shows rely on conflict, contrast, character design, humor, and trending topics to keep viewers hooked.
A single expression, a silly remark, or a charmingly unexpected moment can instantly become a trending topic.
No matter how good her acting skills or how strong her dancing skills are, she may not be popular on variety shows.
But if there's entertainment value, there will definitely be viewership.
Liu Haochun tentatively said, "I'll try."
Her expression turned serious: "I spent nine years, eight months and seven days in the ten years of labor reform. My child is six years, five months and ten days old. He looks three parts like his mother, two parts like Old Wang, and one part like me."
As soon as he finished speaking, the dormitory erupted in laughter.
"Hahaha, Hao Chun, you're talented."
"Oh my god, that's hilarious!"
Zhao Lushi laughed and said, "That's a good answer, Haochun. When you're on a variety show, just say that!"
"Ruth, do I need to deliberately pretend then? Like, put on a persona?"
"Actually, I don't really understand either. We'll see how Jiang Yang arranges things."
Zhao Lushi paused, then looked at her seriously: "But I think you should just be yourself."
“But I’m not a very likable person to begin with.” Liu Haochun pursed his lips and spoke softly.
"No, you actually have a lot of humor in your life."
Liu Haochun looked blank: "Really?"
When Zhao Lushi saw her looking so serious, completely unaware of what was so funny, she couldn't help but laugh.
After the laughter and joking around, the group chatted casually.
Liu Haochun recalled his hometown in Jilin: "Winter there is so cold, it can drop to minus 20 or 30 degrees Celsius. We all have heated kang beds in the houses, so it's very warm. Every household pickles sauerkraut. During the Spring Festival, the snow can be as high as your knees..."
The roommates from Taiwan Province listened with shining eyes.
They chattered excitedly about the local specialties of Taiwan: "In Changhua, we have tons of meatballs and braised pork rice, they're so delicious!"
"Lukang Old Street has a lot of traditional snacks."
"Many people visit Fengjia Night Market in Taichung."
……
Liu Haochun felt comfortable and at ease during his stay in Taiwan Province.
I'll go visit Ruth's dorm.
I hung out with Ruth's roommates, but I didn't stay in Ruth's dorm room; I stayed in hotels instead.
The bed is too small; I can't sleep in it.
Moreover, Ruth said that she snores and kicks off the covers when she sleeps, making it inconvenient for her to sleep in the dormitory.
Ruth booked hotels of all high quality, all suites. Liu Haochun leaned back in a wicker chair on the balcony, holding a small horse pendant, a gift from Ruth.
The phoenix trees outside the window are still blooming profusely.
Fiery red petals fluttered in the wind and landed on the railing.
The time I spent with Ruth was filled with small, warm moments. When I really calmed down and looked back, I realized that only two days had passed.
I had just arrived here, and when I woke up this morning, the disarray of leaving home hadn't yet faded.
Lying in bed, staring at the unfamiliar ceiling.
I felt empty inside, and I didn't even have the strength to get up.
Until I smelled a rich aroma of egg pancakes, which smelled sweet and fragrant.
In the living room, Zhao Lushi bent down to put bacon into a frying pan.
Ruth, who usually looks neat and capable, was wearing an apron, her hair casually tied into a low ponytail, and the wisps of hair on her forehead were slightly translucent in the sunlight.
Hearing footsteps, Ruth turned around and smiled, her eyes crinkling: "You're awake? I'm really impressed with you. Damn it, do you know you kick off the covers when you sleep? I've covered you up so many times... I made an omelet with cheese in it. Do you know what cheese is?"
"Knowledge is power."
"You're so happy!" Zhao Lushi laughed and patted her on the shoulder. "The milk tea is ready too. It should be sweet enough. Try it."
Liu Haochun sat down at the dining table.
Looking at the egg pancakes on the plate, which looked reasonably good.
The edges were slightly charred, and the cheese hadn't completely melted, leaving clumps embedded in the crust.
The milk tea was a dark color, and the tapioca pearls were sunk to the bottom of the cup, looking rather unnatural.
I forked a small piece of the egg pancake and put it in my mouth.
The burnt flavor of the outer crust overpowered the egg aroma, and the salty and greasy cheese clashed with the taste of the omelet.
If Chaoyue were here, he would sum it up in two words: disgusting.
I took a sip of the milk tea; it was sickeningly sweet.
The pearls weren't soft and chewy enough; they had a slightly raw texture.
Liu Haochun chewed with unusual seriousness: "It's quite delicious."
Zhao Lushi forked a piece and put it in her mouth, her brows furrowing: "Haochun, how did you manage to praise me while lying through your teeth?"
"No, this is just right."
Liu Haochun quickly said, taking another big gulp of milk tea. The sweet taste slid down his throat, warming his heart.
Zhao Lushi told me some interesting stories about the couple who owned the breakfast shop at the alley entrance. They said that they would add extra ingredients to their regular customers' meals every morning.
It is said that the old ladies in the neighborhood always like to give candy to the children who pass by.
After breakfast, Zhao Lushi didn't rush to take her to the tourist attractions, but said, "I'll take you for a walk around the neighborhood to get familiar with the environment."
The two walked slowly along the alley.
The old shops along the roadside have signs in traditional Chinese characters.
There are potted plants at the entrance.
Zhao Lushi took her hand and introduced the products like a guide: "The mangoes at this fruit shop are super sweet. I'll buy them for you next time. The stationery shop over there has a lot of cute stickers, all of which are unique to Taiwan."
When they passed a handmade leather goods shop, Zhao Lushi pulled her inside.
"Haochun, do you want to make a keychain for fun?" Zhao Lushi picked up a piece of light brown leather: "It would be so meaningful to make it yourself."
"I don't know how to do it."
"I'll teach you; this is what I studied."
Liu Haochun felt he was clumsy and wanted to refuse.
Seeing Zhao Lushi's enthusiastic expression, he was too embarrassed to speak.
The boss handed her tools and blueprints, and Zhao Lushi patiently taught her how to cut, punch holes, and sew.
Her fingers were very nimble, and she threaded the needle in one smooth motion. She would occasionally help Liu Haochun adjust his posture: "Pull the thread tighter, but don't pull too hard, or the leather will deform."
Sunlight streamed through the glass window and fell on the two of them.
A faint, pleasant scent of leather filled the air.
Liu Haochun stared intently at the needle and thread in his hand, afraid of making a single mistake.
Those arguments at home and the lectures from relatives were unknowingly forgotten.
Two hours later, a crooked keychain was finished.
The edges are somewhat uneven.
Liu Haochun handed it over somewhat shyly, but Zhao Lushi's eyes lit up: "It looks pretty good, much better than the first one I made."
As she spoke, she handed over the little horse pendant she had made: "Let's trade. You can have mine, and I'll keep yours. From now on, whenever you see this pendant, you'll remember me."
Liu Haochun held the warm little horse keychain in his hand; it was soft and cozy. "Why a horse?"
"You all call me Sister Mom."
I ate at a private restaurant in Songshan Cultural and Creative Park.
The store's decor is quite unique.
Wooden tables and chairs.
Old photos hang on the wall, and the background music is a gentle folk song from the province of Wanwan.
Zhao Lushi ordered three-cup chicken, pineapple shrimp balls, and oyster omelet, all authentic Taiwanese flavors.
The dishes smelled delicious when they were served.
Liu Haochun lowered his head and spoke intermittently about his family.
She also mentioned her relatives who sent her many messages to advise her:
"Raising you was no easy task, and you're just going to turn your back on your parents like this? How can you live with yourself?"
“For a girl, finding a stable job and getting married early is the right path. If you insist on going against your parents, you will suffer in the future.”
"Your parents are getting old, can't you be more considerate? Arguing with your elders about right and wrong is just being immature."
"No matter how wrong they are, they are the people who gave you life and raised you. You owe them for the rest of your life. What's wrong with admitting your mistakes?"
"Don't think you can fly just because you've grown wings. You can't forget your roots."
“When I was your age, I would have listened to my parents long ago. I wouldn’t have dared to be so willful. Young people these days are just spoiled.”
"Go home quickly, don't make us relatives worry. We're all doing this for your own good, would we ever harm you?"
"If you're so stubborn, who will dare to associate with you in the future? You don't even respect your parents, so you won't get along well in society."
……
Liu Haochun showed Zhao Lushi the messages her relatives had sent her on her phone.
She never dared to look Zhao Lushi in the eye.
I'm afraid of seeing familiar accusations.
She also feared hearing those lecturings that annoyed her.
Upon hearing a loud slap, Zhao Lushi abruptly put down her chopsticks, her face darkening.
Liu Haochun's heart tightened, and he was about to say, "Actually, it's nothing..."
The conversation was interrupted.
Hearing Zhao Lushi's angry voice, he said, "They've gone too far, you sons of bitches."
"Why should they impose their ideas on you? You have your own pursuits and your own life. Why should you let them control you? Damn it..."
"Those relatives are even more outrageous. It's easy for them to talk when they're not the ones suffering. They have no idea how much you've been wronged. All they do is stir up trouble and talk about filial piety. I think they're the ones who are really ignorant. Damn it!"
Zhao Lushi became increasingly angry as she spoke.
He had to use a swear word with every sentence he spoke.
I picked up the water glass and took a sip.
She softened her tone, looked into Liu Haochun's eyes and said earnestly, "Chunbao, you did nothing wrong, really, there's nothing to feel guilty about. Your happiness is the most important thing."
Those words were like a warm current, flowing through Liu Haochun's entire body.
She looked up at her friend who was standing up for her, and her eyes reddened.
Tears fell without warning.
The grievances that had been building up for so long were finally understood.
Jiang Yang wasn't the only one who favored her; Ruth was too.
Seeing her cry, Zhao Lushi immediately took out a tissue and handed it to her, gently patting her back: "Don't cry, don't cry, it's not worth crying for those people, there's no need. I'm here for you, I'll always stand by your side."
"My Chunbao, don't cry. I was yelling so hard just now, and if others saw it, it would seem like I was the one who made you cry. If Xiwei and Chaoyue saw this, I don't know what they would say about me behind my back." (End of this chapter)