Chapter 54: This Old Man Isn't Simple (Please Keep Reading)

From the earlier conversation, he did not voice any objection to Xu Yuexin's request on the spot, but is willing to bring it up for serious discussion at the meeting.

This is at least an open attitude.

Wang Chaoyin silently analyzed, mentally simulating the various scenarios that might arise at tomorrow's meeting.

Outside the People's Literature Society, Xu Yuexin and Wang Chaoyin finished their discussion and boarded a bus heading to the Chen Family.

Chen Yixue will be the lead vocalist for today's Tribute Performance; Xu Yuexin, Chen Qiaoqiao, and she have arranged to meet downstairs at the Chen Family and go to Gongti together.

While Xu Yuexin was still on the road, the Chen sisters had already met at home.

"How are you getting along with Yuexin? Are you still adjusting at his place?"

At the coffee table, Chen Yixue poured her sister a glass of water and asked concernedly.

"I'm getting along well with Brother Xin, and his family treats me quite well."

When Chen Qiaoqiao mentions this, a smile involuntarily appears at the corner of her mouth, "It's just…"

Upon saying that, Chen Qiaoqiao automatically cuts off the topic, feeling embarrassed to speak further.

Since their marriage, Xu Yuexin has not let her go every night, staying up until dawn; this has become their routine.

Chen Qiaoqiao was momentarily careless and almost brought it up.

Chen Yixue didn't realize the implication and thought her sister had been wronged.

"What's wrong? Are you uncomfortable about something?"

Chen Yixue took Chen Qiaoqiao's hand and asked.

Usually aloof as usual, Chen Yixue still worries about her sister, especially after she got married, fearing she might not be doing well.

"Nothing much, it's just… Brother Xin's health is really excellent."

Chen Qiaoqiao, one hand touching her slightly warm cheek, said, embarrassed to meet her sister's gaze.

Chen Yixue grasped the meaning behind her sister's words, and her face reddened as well.

She didn't expect that Xu Yuexin, who usually appears refined and courteous, also has this side.

Truly, one cannot judge a person by appearance.

Thump thump.

Open the door.

At that moment, Xu Yuexin's knocking could be heard from outside.

"Coming."

Chen Qiaoqiao, her face flushed, rose from the coffee table area and went to open the door.

"Shall we set off now?"

After entering, Xu Yuexin greeted.

"Let's go."

Chen Yixue stood up and said.

Since just now talking with her sister, she feels a bit embarrassed to look Xu Yuexin straight in the eye.

Xu Yuexin went down the stairs with the Chen sisters and took them to the taxi Dispatch Point.

"The bus stop is over there."

Chen Yixue pointed behind the three of them.

"We'll take a taxi; it'll save time."

Xu Yuexin said, and after leading the two sisters to the Dispatch Point, called a Volga car.

The Volga brand is Russian-made, a high-end car of this era, long used as a vehicle for senior officials.

Since the reform, Jingcheng taxi companies have added a batch of Volgas; the fare is higher than other brands, used to generate profit.

It's quite comfortable to sit…

After getting in, Chen Yixue sat on the spacious, soft rear seat and mentally evaluated.

Even though she is a top-tier actress, she rarely gets the chance to sit in a small car, let alone a Volga.

Chen Qiaoqiao, after boarding, sniffed and sensed a faint fragrance inside, as if perfume had been sprayed.

When they arrived at Gongti, Xu Yuexin paid three yuan for the fare, astonishing both Chen Qiaoqiao and Chen Yixue.

The Chen Family's place isn't far from Gongti, yet it cost so much.

"Sorry to have caused you expense."

After getting out, Chen Yixue said uneasily, "Had I known it was so pricey, I wouldn't have asked you to call one."

"As long as the money is worth it."

Xu Yuexin, comforting Da Yizi, said, "You have a performance later; taking a taxi is more comfortable and good for your condition." "Seems so?"

Chen Yixue thought it made sense.

Riding in a Volga is indeed far more comfortable than taking the bus. If she took the bus, with its stops and starts, she'd need to rest a bit after getting off.

The Gongti covers a vast area, able to hold over ten thousand people inside. Its four-story cylindrical structure is majestic, with a pale gold façade that shines in the sun, truly a landmark of present-day Jing.

"You go in; I'll meet the group here. Remember to go to the Xuesheng Guanzhong Qu."

At the doorway, Chen Yixue reminded Xu Yuexin and Chen Qiaoqiao.

"Are you the first to go on stage?"

Chen Qiaoqiao asked eagerly.

"Yes, you'll see me right at the opening."

Chen Yixue smiled confidently, "The other acts are also wonderful; you'll definitely like them."

Xu Yuexin led Chen Qiaoqiao to the arena entrance, took out the tickets and handed them to the ticket inspector.

He clearly sensed a strong, austere aura around the inspector, not like an ordinary staff member, but more like an Imperial Guard from a movie.

After entering the gymnasium, the judgment was confirmed. The spectator seats were divided into sections, with students, staff, and public figures each seated in different areas. In the front row sat several senior officials, some of whom were the type that often appeared in the news.

The president of Qinghua University was also inside, accompanied by a few elderly people of similar age, all wearing matching Zhongshan jackets.

What puzzled Xu Yuexin was that the elder he had met at Xin Qiao Hotel that day was also inside. He was now chatting merrily with another senior leader of similar age, close as if they were long‑time friends.

This is unbelievable; how did he get in?

Based on Xu Yuexin's inference about the elder's identity, he must be either an overseas Chinese or a Hong Kong businessman, so why could he blend in so easily among the senior officials? Just because he is familiar with them?

It wasn't until he sat down in the student representative section with Chen Qiaoqiao that Xu Yuexin remained puzzled.

The student area was filled with youthful faces. From their conversation, Xu Yuexin inferred that they were likely students from prestigious Beijing schools such as Tsinghua and Peking University, belonging to the category of top performers while in school.

Under the brilliant lights, they were discussing the current hot topics and focal points of society, politics, and the economy.

"The wind has really changed. I read the newspaper yesterday; it said Anhui and Sichuan are implementing the household joint‑production contract responsibility system across the whole provinces."

"Two provinces don't tell us much, right? Maybe most provinces won't follow suit."

"In the end it depends on the farmers' own opinions. As far as I know, several suburbs around here have generally adopted the practice of dividing land for individual work."

"The countryside is reforming; when will the cities catch up? I've been doing a summer field survey with my mentor these past two days, and many workers privately told us they think the collective allocation method is unreasonable."

"Speak softer… don't shout so people can hear."

"Why aren't people allowed to speak the truth?"

Each young, clever mind converged, sparking intense ideas, voicing opinions in realms that ordinary people neither contemplate nor dare to imagine.

Xu Yuexin did not take part in the discussion at all; he wasn't familiar with these people. Still, even just observing was quite interesting.

"Young man, I have a question for you."

At that moment, a familiar voice reached Xu Yuexin's ears.

When he turned around, it was the elder he had met at Xin Qiao Hotel.

"What is it?"

Xu Yuexin concealed his inner wariness and asked calmly.

As the saying goes, unsolicited attentiveness is either treacherous or corrupt, especially when the elder before him clearly exuded something odd.

"I'd like a bottle of Coca‑Cola."

The elder, a bit embarrassed, said, "I'm too shy to ask those around me where it's sold, so I had to come to you."

Xu Yuexin thought for a moment and felt his reason wasn't unreasonable.

In this era, some people view Coca‑Cola as a symbol of a capitalist lifestyle. Boldly asking senior officials where Coke is sold could be seen as provocation.

"There's no Coke for sale here."

Xu Yuexin replied truthfully, "The whole city has none."

It would be another half‑year before the country's first import of Coca‑Cola, and even if the elder dug three feet into Jingcheng, he still couldn't find Coke.

"Oh…"

The elder's tone was filled with great regret, sounding somewhat wistful.

"It's just a bottle of Coke; is it really such a big deal?"

Xu Yuexin muttered silently, growing more convinced that the man was inscrutable.

(End of chapter)