Chapter 8 Eight

The war situation deteriorated and Hankou fell.Refugees brought from the north and the coast flooded into Sichuan in large numbers.In the already crowded city, with so many people coming, the business in Baoqing's bookstore became even more prosperous.Only his team, composed of escaped artists, is very popular.Because most of the listeners are "Xiajiang people" from all over the world, Baoqing's group of artists have a taste for them.Those who love to listen to Dagu feel that there is only Baoqing's bookstore in the whole city, which is a place to relax.Here they can enjoy some hometown atmosphere.

Sichuan is a land of abundance, rich in rice, sugar, salt, fruits, vegetables, herbs, tobacco and silk.The standard of living is also lower than elsewhere.Things are cheap and income has increased, so Baoqing has some savings.He plans to save a sum of money and build a bookstore by himself.If he had his own bookstore, he could run an art school and accept a few students.After his training, these students will become outstanding actors, not ordinary entertainers.Building a bookstore and running a school is his long-cherished wish in quyi.If we really want to do that, the singers in the future can boast that they have been to Baoqing's Quyi School and have been taught by him.

When Baoqing thought about building a bookstore and running a school, his heart throbbed with joy.But after thinking about it calmly, he felt that this idea was simply arrogant, ambitious, and a terrible idea. He hesitated for a moment, rubbing his bald forehead with his hands.To be honest, such an ambitious plan is impossible to achieve.And Xiulian, if she...he would have to watch her carefully, and he couldn't relax even a single step.He sighed.He can develop his career only if Xiulian doesn't have an accident. The foggy season in Chongqing is here.From morning to night, the gray-white thick fog covered the entire mountain city.Bookstore business is booming.Game after game, people keep getting older.People who usually like to hang out on the street at night also walked into the bookstore to hide from the gloomy and dense fog outside.Baoqing was always on guard against air raids.His family had suffered enough, and they could no longer be careless.He thought with horror that more than half of the houses in this capital were like dry woodpile.They are all made of bamboo boards, which are as thin and brittle as a matchbox, and they burn at a single touch.If a house catches fire, it will burn into a sea of ​​flames in just a few hours.

Because of the fog, Japanese planes were afraid to come.Sometimes the fog is so thick that when walking on the street, there is no one on the opposite side.With the protection of this heavy fog, the hearts of the residents are relaxed.The war seems to be far away.Life is back to normal.You can have fun and go to the theater. Because of the fog, vegetables in Sichuan grow very fast.Lush and juicy, fat and big, Baoqing really opened his eyes.Baoqing's business is also very prosperous.The bookstore is always full, Xiulian is getting more and more popular, and the seats are very supportive and well-behaved.What's not to like about a class leader?During the foggy season, his business flourished and his reputation was great.But the big drama of war is going on endlessly across the country.

Qinzhu is still the same, she has a hoarse voice, but she wears fancy clothes, she is very good at pleasing men, and she is very popular in the bookstore.The Tang family is still so open-eyed when they see money, and often makes troubles.Now they don't come to Fang's house very often, if they come, they must have something to do, either to save money, or to squeeze out an extra two dollars, Bao Qing has already seen through them. Once, Baoqing bought some rare food and delivered it to the Tang family himself.The Tang family might not often eat these expensive things, and he didn't want to fall out.First, he had to figure things out.If they are suspicious and suspicious of each other, sooner or later there will be trouble.He greeted the chubby fourth grandma with a cheerful face, "Fourth grandma, I haven't seen you for a long time, are you in good health? I'll bring you delicious food, I'm sure you'll be satisfied."

Fourth Grandma didn't intend to accept the gift.There is not a single smile line on her face, and her tone of voice is sour and aggrieved: "My dear Baoqing, you have become rich. We poor people dare to visit you!" Baoqing was taken aback: "We should be content with it," he felt a little offended. "We're just some artisans. It's good to have a bowl of food anyway, but there are still millions of people starving, and they will almost die!" Fourth Grandma's mouth drooped: "You are lucky. You have the ability. The one in our family is simply a piece of trash. If he has what you have done, he should form a class and go by himself Rent a theater. Maybe he will really do that." As he spoke, the corners of his mouth lifted a little, and a sneer-like smile appeared on his face.

"With a good wife like you, fourth grandma," Bao Qing echoed, "a man can do anything." He quickly changed the topic to trivial matters.He was laughing, laughing, flattering all the time, and finally turned her anger into joy, and she smiled.When the time came, he took his leave. On the way home, Baoqing felt sad again.Anguish followed him like a shadow, even when he was lucky.If fourth master Tang also got a few entertainers who fled, he could form a team by relying on Qinzhu.Of course it won't last long.The Tang family would take advantage of those artists, and the fourth grandma would yell at them, give them a disadvantage, and finally break up.However, even temporary competition is a blow to Baoqing's business.

He thought about the matter thoroughly.He had to be sure that the Tang family could not do anything to him before he could feel at ease.One night, just after the show, he thought of an idea.The crux of the problem is Xiao Liu.If he could get the little luthier on his side, there would be a way.He can control the situation.Without Xiao Liu, the Tang family would not be able to form a team.As for Qin Zhu, without a luthier, it is impossible to sing.As long as he can hold Xiao Liu tightly, he no longer has to worry that the Tang family will come to sing against him.He first inquired whether there was a luthier among the fleeing people.From Chengdu to Kunming, there is none.Xiao Liu has really become the only treasure that can't be exchanged for money.

For this matter, Bao Qing pondered for several nights.One night, he sat up in bed and rubbed his bald forehead with damp palms.Naturally - the matter is also very simple, if you want to tie Xiao Liu, the best way is to marry him and let him marry Dafeng.But he couldn't stand it.I'm sorry Dafeng.Poor Feng girl.Although Xiao Liu is talented and able to make money, but asking her to marry a luthier is really wronged her.He thought to himself, although he himself was an artist, he was really reluctant to marry his daughter to an artist. Dafeng should not have ended up like this.She is simple and soft.As for Xiao Liu, he was as innocent as a child.But Baoqing's first concern was the man's career, not his character.No matter how good Xiao Liu's character is, he is still a showman.

One day, he invited Xiao Liu to take a bath in the bathhouse, which was the most exquisite bathhouse in the city.It was the first time he invited the little luthier.Xiao Liu felt that his face was bright and he was very happy.They talked like friends for two hours in the steamy bathing pond.Baoqing talked about everything, but he didn't mention what was on his mind.He carefully looked at the length of Xiao Liu's feet, and when they broke up, he already had a plan in mind. The next time when Xiao Liu was invited to take a bath, Bao Qing brought a small bag.He gave the bag to Xiao Liu and stood aside watching Xiao Liu unpack it.As expected, Xiao Liu was very happy.Inside is a pair of expensive satin shoes, the best in Chongqing, thick in material and elegant in style.Xiao Liu put the shoes on his narrow and slippery feet, his eyes shining with joy.He puffed out his chest and held his head high.At this moment, the luthier and class leader almost got up.

Bao Qing was like an expert in Tai Chi, calmly waiting for the opportunity.As soon as the topic turned to women and single life, he asked softly, "Brother, why don't you get married? Why don't you have a family with talent and ability like you? I've always felt strange. Haven't found the right person yet?" Xiao Liu was a little embarrassed.Suddenly, a shy pupil-like expression appeared on his thin and handsome face.He gave a dry laugh, trying to hide his confusion: "I'm not busy, I'm still young. I spend all my time on art, as you know." He hesitated for a while, thought for a while, and said, " Besides, it is not easy to support a family these days. Who knows what will happen in the future?" "It would be great if you could marry a daughter-in-law who can earn money. It's fashionable for two people to earn money to support a family." Bao Qing replied sincerely. Xiao Liu's face turned even redder.He didn't know how to heal, and looked at Baoqing with deeply lonely eyes, thinking in his heart, this person is really kind-hearted, skilled, and good enough friends, similar to his father.Can you tell him what's on your mind?Talk about your depression, and the matter of his Aiqinzhu.The Tang family was willing to give him the piano beads, and he knew why.If they were a good match, Qinzhu and he would have to work together forever.He has no reluctance to do so.But he hoped that Qinzhu could belong to him completely.He knew her faults, and if he married a daughter-in-law, he couldn't monopolize her, which made him sick.Marrying Qinzhu, there are even more worrying things.His body is not strong, but Qin Zhu is strong and... never satisfied.If he wanted to be a good husband, he would have to destroy his own body, and he would not be able to do art.He suffered from insomnia and tossed and turned at night, unable to fall asleep, thinking about it.He still didn't know what to do, and he couldn't find anyone to talk to.He stared at Baoqing's kind face blankly and questioningly. He just said, "Good brother, what if..." and then stopped suddenly.Baoqing doesn't like Qinzhu.Tell him, is it okay not to mention Dao's surname? "What if?" Baoqing continued to ask, "Don't hide it from me, aren't we friends?" "It's about me and Qin Zhu," Xiao Liu blurted out.He gestured with his fingers, trying to explain something, "Me and her,—well, you know that." Baoqing rubbed his forehead with the palm of his hand, thinking to himself, he would rather destroy the seven temples than destroy one marriage.So he said, "This is good news. Congratulations. Then why aren't you married yet?" Xiao Liu poured out his troubles.Baoqing didn't give him any advice.He only asked back: "Little brother, I want to ask you, how do you think I treat you? I haven't treated you badly—" "Of course!" Xiao Liu immediately said enthusiastically, "That's nothing to say. You are kind-hearted and generous. No one can compare." "Thank you, but if you marry Qin Zhu, you will follow the Tang family forever and forget about me, right?" "Where!" Little Liu Xiang was shocked: "I will never forget your kindness to me. You know, brother, I never believe people say bad things about you. You are sincere to me, and I will be loyal to you Geng Geng. Don't worry, I'm not a capricious villain." "Okay, I can trust you." Bao Qing said, "I hope that you and Qinzhu will be happy for the rest of your life. I hope that you and I will be like brothers for the rest of your life. You know that I love you all the time. I always think that if you It would be great if I could do my best in front of heaven and earth." He laughed out loud. "Xiao Liu, how about I being your old brother?" Xiao Liu's eyes widened.Looking at Baoqing, he was surprised, happy, and worried.He laughed, "You are a famous actor, and I am a side actor. How can I worship you as a big brother? I dare not." "Don't say that," Bao Qing said in a commanding tone, "Let's make a promise, and in heaven, we will be brothers forever." After they broke up, Baoqing still felt uneasy.Possibly he's already won a round, but it's not a foregone conclusion.Of course he can control Xiao Liu, but he is not very sure.Qinzhu and her mother are the real enemies.If they made up their minds, they could handle Xiao Liu as they wished.How much worry does an artist have! New Year approached.Baoqing intends to celebrate the New Year in abundance and joy.When the new year is lively and lively, people will not always think about their hometown.Besides, he was happy to entertain everyone, which would make the family look harmonious. He gave Second Mistress some money and told her to take Dafeng to the street to go shopping.She is good at shopping.Don't look at her being fond of drinking and drinking, and her mood is unpredictable. She is very good at buying things and haggling over prices.Even if he went out to negotiate the price himself, it was not as cheap as her purchase. After getting the money, the second grandma was very happy.To celebrate this, she drank first, then another, and another.When she took Dafeng to the street, she was too drunk to walk.She was drunk and sleepy, but she was still full of energy when she paid the price.Those store clerks in Sichuan like to quarrel with each other because of the price, and the second grandma also thinks that bargaining is a fun thing.If she buys a catty of broad beans, she must grab a handful of green onions and stuff them into the vegetable basket.After a while she came back with her daughter, and the basket was full.She had some money left for herself, enough for her to drink well for a few days. Baoqing went to see his elder brother, a wimp.He gave his elder brother some money and asked him to go home to reunite and have a lively New Year. The wimpy sneered. "Celebrating the New Year in such a ghostly place? How do you live? Forget it!" He frowned. Originally, he had nothing to worry about all day long, but recently he was worried about his age.The first one is that he doesn't want to die in a foreign country. "Don't say that, brother," Baoqing said with a smile, "the more you leave your hometown, the more you have to get together. That's why I sent you money. I want you to be happy and relax. Go to the street and buy something for yourself." The wimp, embarrassed to lower his status, reached out to take his brother's money.He pointed to the table. "I don't want money," he said. "You can put your money there—on the table." After Baoqing left, the wretch took to the streets.He went to the market and bought a small oil lamp called "Wu Geng Chicken", which can be used as a lamp and warm tea; a small hookah made of bamboo, a pair of fake jade earrings, and a handful of incense.When he got home, he wrapped them one by one in red paper, preparing for the New Year's Eve Baoqing looked forward to the New Year like an eight-year-old child.As soon as he smelled the scent from the kitchen, he couldn't help smacking his lips, looking forward to the New Year's Eve and having a big meal.He tried every means to make everyone work as hard as he did.So the whole family is wholeheartedly preparing for this festive day.Even Dafeng happily helped Mom in the kitchen.Things backfired.On New Year's Eve, Baoqing's team had a meeting, and Baoqing was very sad.He prepared a family banquet and planned to have a family reunion dinner.However, how could the church not go?He had to think for the rest of the team, and he had to let everyone earn this money.No matter how much he regretted the reunion dinner on the 30th night, he still had to go. It was already two o'clock in the morning when the church ended.It's snowing outside.When Xiulian, Xiao Liu and Baoqing walked out and walked through the narrow street, snow fell on their clothes, and the snow on their faces turned into water.All three were downcast.Qin Zhu didn't come to the concert, Xiao Liu knew that she must have gone with a man.He was so angry that he didn't have the New Year's Eve dinner with the Tang family—Qin Zhu also left him.Xiulian had tears in her eyes, feeling very sad in her heart. Baoqing put his hands around his mouth to form a megaphone, calling out loudly.His voice was drowned in the boundless heavy snow, and those who carried the pole also went home to eat the New Year's Eve dinner.The street was empty, except for Baoqing's group and Xuehua, there was nothing.They walked with difficulty, walking forward with one deep foot and one shallow foot.Occasionally there is a family, and there is light in the curtains.I could only hear the people sitting around the mat inside laughing.Xiulian's eyes were filled with tears. All of a sudden, a sliding pole came, and a bunch of black shadows walked crookedly in the snow.Baoqing stopped the slider.Before the man with the slider opened his mouth to ask for a price, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of dimes. But who should ride on a pole and who should walk?One sliding pole cannot carry all three people away.Xiao Liu suddenly felt embarrassed, feeling that he had complained too much. "Let Xiulian sit," he said, "I can walk." "Sit on it," Baoqing ordered, "we like to walk around. Your body is important. Sit on it, I beg you!" Xiao Liu got on the slider.He is very happy that the elder brother respects him so much.He smiled and waved. "My dear brother," he said, "I'll come to pay you New Year's greetings tomorrow—surely." Baoqing and Xiulian stood there, watching the slider disappear into the darkness.Xiulian was tired, she turned up her collar and tucked her face in the collar. "Come on, girl," Baoqing said, "let's go. Are you tired?" She walked a few steps before replying, "I'm not tired." From her voice, she was exhausted .Baoqing was also very tired.He felt very sorry for his family.Other people's homes are celebrating the New Year, but he and his daughter have to walk on the street like this.He pretended to be relaxed and happy and said, "Xiulian, it's another year, and you're one year older, fifteen. Remember? You should sing better this year." Xiulian No problem.After a while, Baoqing spoke again, "We've earned a lot of money now—we can marry you off with dignity." "Why are you talking about that, Dad?" She asked suddenly.She is looking at her feet.A spoiled pair of shoes, still almost new. "It's a big deal. Every girl should get married." She said nothing, which made him feel cold.They walked on, and what she didn't understand was why Dad kept mentioning their business.He earns a lot, so what does it have to do with her getting married? Finally got home.Baoqing clapped his hands like a primary school student, jumping up and down with joy. "Finally home, we're finally home." He kept saying, hoping that someone would come out to pick them up, but there was no one.They walked upstairs by themselves, and the water on their clothes wet the corridor. Second Grandma is already drunk.She had gone to bed and started snoring.The wimp is talking to Dafeng in Xiulian's room.They were both in mourning.The wimpy and drunk talk more and more. "Money, money, money," he was talking to Dafeng, "so what about money? Why do you have to run out to earn money on New Year's Eve. How much life is there, and how many New Year's Eves can be easy?" Bao Qing collapsed into an armchair in the main room.The red wax was still burning, and the candlelight was like a yellow star, swaying in front of his humiliated eyes.Money...money...money...is it worth doing this? Xiulian went into her room and lay down. "Come on, niece," cried the wimp, "Come and play cards, how about letting your uncle win a few?" "No, uncle," Xiulian said, she was already very tired, and her little tender voice was too hoarse to speak. "I want to sleep." She turned her face to the wall and fell asleep. The wimpy sighed, he stood up and walked to the window, looking at the snowflakes floating outside. "Poor child, poor little Lian." He whispered, shaking his gray head.