Chapter 145 The Workplace Husky

"In the first act of the play, the water sleeves rise and fall"

Singing of joys and sorrows, of partings and reunions, has nothing to do with me.

The opening is a popular singing style, and the simple lyrics quickly infect the listener's emotions.

"In times of chaos, like duckweed, one can only watch as flames of war engulf the land."

Though my position is humble, I dare not forget my duty to the country, even if no one knows me.

The lyrics, sung in the style of Peking Opera, instantly transported the audience to that era of war and turmoil. At that time, the domestic situation was unstable, and all walks of life were on the verge of collapse, with the Peking Opera world particularly vulnerable. A palpable sense of anxiety and unease permeated the air. Those in the audience were moved to tears.

"The people below the stage have passed by, and the old colors are no longer visible."

The person on stage sang a heartbreaking farewell song.

The word "love" is hard to write; he sings that it must be expressed with blood.

"The curtain rises and falls, who is the guest?"

When these lines were sung, Jiang Lan was taken aback and said to Jiang Haichao beside her, "This child knows Kunqu Opera?"

"I'm not sure."

Jiang Lan pointed to the plate on the table: "This is you."

Jiang Haichao: ? ? ? ?

"Useless snack."

Jiang Haichao: ...

"I have also asked about green and yellow"

They also sang the praises of rise and fall with resounding voices.

The Way is without emotion, yet it possesses emotion; how can one fathom its depths?

The Tao is ruthless; the Tao is compassionate—it requires careful consideration.

“This girl is really good. The music is beautiful, and the lyrics are beautiful too. Young people these days are born in a peaceful era. They are so lucky! How many of them have a sense of national responsibility?” The old man sighed and said to his son, “Forget it, give up. You are not good enough for her.”

Jiang Haichao didn't dare to reply, his inner monologue: A living father is the same as a living dad!

As Shi Shi stepped off the stage, just as she was about to chat with Grandpa Jiang, several burly men approached. Compared to his physique, their facial expressions were extremely incongruous.

He tearfully said to Grandpa Jiang, "Master, I was wrong. Don't worry, as long as Liyuan Spring is open, I will never leave."

After saying that, the tall man, who was over 1.8 meters tall, hugged the old man and burst into tears.

Jiang Haichao gestured to Shi Shi to invite her, and the two went to the side to talk.

"Teacher Jiang, what's wrong with him?"

"Just call me Brother Haichao, that's what my friends in the industry call me."

Shi Shi readily agreed and called out, and Jiang Haichao said, "He's my senior brother, a martial arts actor. The job market hasn't been good these past few years; my dad only pays everyone a minimum wage. In the capital, a minimum wage isn't enough to live on; everyone's just barely scraping by. Other female roles like Qingyi and Huadan can still get some private gigs. Martial arts actors…"

He sighed, his tone tinged with melancholy: "My senior brother secretly went to work as an extra. He got all bruised and battered. When he got home, his sister-in-law saw him and felt sorry for him, so she forbade him to do it anymore."

"After this month's performance, another one will be leaving."

Shi Shi moved her lips, but couldn't utter a single word. Comfort was useless. They had endured this long not because they needed comfort.

"Thanks."

"What are you thanking me for?"

“I can tell that my dad is really happy today because he wrote such a good song. It’s not a forced smile, but a genuine joy.”

"It's not free!" Shi Shi broke the atmosphere.

Jiang Haichao laughed heartily: "From now on, you're my little sister. If you need any help, just ask your big brother. I still have some influence in this circle."

When others say this, it's considered pretentious, but when Jiang Haichao says it, it's genuine humility. He debuted in his teens and swept the Best Actor awards. He also thrived behind the scenes. His "connections" are no joke.

"That's great! I have connections and powerful backers too."

"Hey bro, would you be willing to take on the music director job?"

"My main concern is that I'm not up to the task. After all, my understanding of traditional opera is too superficial."

Jiang Haichao frowned: "You're quite knowledgeable. You even know something about Kunqu Opera. You're the same among amateur enthusiasts."

After saying that, he gave her a thumbs up.

Isn't this a case of her digging her own grave?

"The old man was quite emotional today, so I'll be leaving now. Let's talk at your place tomorrow. If it's within my power, I, as his sister, will certainly do my best to help."

"I'll take you."

"My assistant is here to pick me up. He's waiting outside."

"Okay. See you tomorrow."

The assistant outside the door was none other than the newly appointed Kong Fang. It was his first day on the job, and although he had a serious expression, his gossipy eyes revealed a naive foolishness.

After running all day, Shi Shi was exhausted. She collapsed onto the back seat to rest.

Kong Fang was driving poorly, and Shi Shi didn't sleep very soundly either. In her hazy state, she felt a gaze constantly watching her.

Could there be anyone else in the car?

"You've been staring at me for ages, what's wrong with you?"

"sister,……"

Kong Fang had only uttered one word when he swallowed it back. Shi Shi didn't hear the rest. She opened her eyes and looked.

Goodness, this kid's face turned completely red.

"Just say what you have to say. What's wrong with this?"

“My mom told me to put away my gossipy thoughts before I came and not to ask you any unnecessary questions. I’ll only get 5 yuan for every time I gossip.”

"Only 5 yuan? Your aunt is quite lenient with you, huh? How long will your salary be deducted?"

Kong Fang tremblingly extended one finger.

"A month?"

"one day."

Shi Shi: ...

"Then you can keep it to yourself."

Just then, they came to a red light, and Kong Fang transferred five yuan to her mother.

"Sis, there's a rumor online that Jiang Haichao hasn't gotten married because he's gay. Is it true?"

"Fake."

Although Shi Shi was unaware of Jiang Haichao's private life, based on her observation, Jiang Haichao's orientation was absolutely normal.

Just as she was leaving, Jiang Haichao's hand touched her arm. Gay men usually appear nervous or uncomfortable when suddenly touched. Moreover, Jiang Haichao neither had a buzz cut nor paid much attention to his clothing. He was quite down-to-earth; after all, she had never seen anyone in the industry wearing counterfeit Louis Vuitton.

Don't ask her how she knows so much; before time travel, the internet will teach you everything.

Having received the answer, Kong Fang's gossipy heart couldn't be suppressed: "Is he married? Are you going to work with him next?"

"I don't know, you'll find out soon enough."

After answering his question, Shi Shi added, "Transfer another ten yuan to your aunt."

"Sis, aren't you a shrewd businesswoman?"

Looking into Kong Fang's clear yet foolish eyes, she sincerely said, "You have a very handsome face."

"What does it look like?"

"Husky."

Ms. Liu, who was thousands of miles away, received the money transfer from her son and was furious. She pinched her husband hard twice: "Look at your good son! He's already having a relapse on his first day back at work."

Despite being the darling of the Kong family, Kong Chenglong's success was short-lived, lasting only a few years. Born late, he was still a child when his two older sisters had already achieved considerable success. Before he could discipline them into becoming doting brothers, his wife took control of him, and he lived a life of henpecked husbandship from then on.

"If you ask me, it's good that he has more episodes of his illness. If I give you the money, you can at least save it for him. Otherwise, he'll just be spending it all on other girls."