Chapter 17: The Light of Friendship

Do you know what cherry blossom means?

Chen Ci didn't answer, instead he asked back, and Teacher Yu frowned tightly: 'Cherry blossom? Even elementary school students know it's cherry blossom.'

That's right, American elementary school students all know cherry blossom is cherry blossom, but hardly anyone knows that the origin of cherry blossom is China. Because English didn't have this word originally; it's all thanks to the Japanese telling them.

Chen Ci paused, then continued: 'Even our red-crowned crane is called the Japanese crane in English, all due to their cultural export.'

The crabapple in Li Qingzhao's writing is not simply referring to the crabapple flower; it is more an artistic conception, a cultural symbol with a special connotation.

Foreigners can accept cherry blossom, why can't they accept crabapple? The prerequisite for exporting traditional culture is that we ourselves must have cultural confidence...

Chen Ci's voice wasn't loud, yet in the quiet meeting room it rang out powerfully.

After a brief silence, Director Jiang first clapped: 'Cultural confidence, well said...'

Good!

Immediately, applause broke out, and everyone in the meeting room echoed in agreement.

Which school did he graduate from?

At such a young age, not simple...

Waiting for the applause in the meeting room to fade, Teacher Yu's figure was no longer visible in the room; perhaps he also realized his own superfluous nature.

Chen Ci didn't know how much he understood, and couldn't be bothered to think about it.

Almost done, Director Jiang signaled everyone to be quiet: 'Xiao Chen, share your idea.'

Good. Chen Ci didn't hesitate at all; he had originally come to do proper business, and "Ru Meng Ling" was just a small ripple.

My idea is simple: music is a universal language, so I wrote a song.

Director Jiang suddenly looked at Chen Ci and smiled: 'You can also write songs, no wonder you're the nephew of director Chen Kaige, so talented.'

Before his words even finished, Chen Ci furrowed his brow.

But before he could speak, the person beside him reacted even faster.

Is he Chen Kaige's nephew?

No wonder.

Hehe...

Although there was a small hiccup, overall it was still satisfactory for Chen Ci.

Director Jiang on the spot approved Chen Ci's idea, using 'Beijing Welcomes You' as the theme song for the countdown event.

He also said he would recommend this song to the Olympic Organizing Committee for consideration as the Olympic theme song.

As an Olympic promotional song, it is truly perfect; Director Jiang realized he had still underestimated this young person.

Of course, regarding the specific performance format of this song, Director Jiang also gave his opinion.

In Chen Ci's promotional video, the idea of checking in at various iconic landmarks in Jingcheng, Director Jiang expressed his agreement.

However, such a long song sung by only a few people would still be too monotonous.

Coincidentally, one chapter of this countdown event has the theme 'Fifty-six Ethnic Groups joyfully welcoming the Olympics', inviting compatriots of all Ethnic Groups to perform and showcase their own cultures.

Director Jiang suggested re-shooting a promotional MV, letting representatives of the fifty-six Ethnic Groups jointly sing this song 'Beijing Welcomes You'.

This meaning is truly correct and lofty; Chen Ci couldn't refuse.

Moreover, by reshooting the promotional video, he could also secure a budget...

'Finally out, why did it take so long? I waited until the flowers withered.'

Chen Ci came out after the meeting; it was okay, not too much of a failure, at least someone was still waiting for him.

'How come it's just you?'

'One isn't enough for me, who else do I want?'

'I'm asking where Lao Zhao and Pang Zi are.'

'All you know about is Lao Zhao and Pang Zi; why don't you hang out with them...'

Yang Tongxue lowered her head to look at her toes, but her view was blocked, her eyes covered by two snowy white peaks.

The more she thought, the angrier she got; tomorrow she has to report to the film crew, today she had carefully dressed up. But Chen Ci seemed to have seen nothing, opening his mouth only to mention Pang Zi and the others.

Chen Ci laughed; how could he have not seen it? In broad daylight, it was so white it was almost blinding.

No way, looking too much makes me dizzy!

Chen Ci lowered his gaze a bit more, hiss! How can it also be so white, and also long and thin...

But Chen Ci, having seen the world, quickly came to his senses: 'I'm not afraid they'll come disturb us; how could those few guys compare to you?'

'Really?' Yang Tongxue was half-believing, half-doubting.

'Of course.' Chen Ci affirmed.

'Haha, I knew it!'

Yang Tongxue suddenly clapped her small hands, then turned and walked to the back of the car: 'You lost, pay up, pay up...'

The next second, three burly men indeed walked out from behind the car—none other than Lao Zhao and his two companions.

Each lowered their head, occasionally casting Chen Ci a resentful glance.

They lined up, each paying fifty yuan, then walked one by one to Chen Ci's side.

First was Lao Zhao, his complexion complicated, as if he had eaten something unclean: 'Master Ci, I really didn't expect...'

Next was Pang Zi, who lightly raised his hand and patted Chen Ci's shoulder twice, saying nothing, yet as if he had said everything.

Last was Shi San, whose expression was the most normal, with a touch of seriousness: 'Brother Ci, I wish you and your wife a hundred years of harmony and early birth of a noble child.'

Having said that, it seemed as if they had planned it; the three linked shoulders, formed a line, simultaneously turned around, and marched in step.

No idea who started it, the three softly sang in unison: 'In life, how many true friends does one have? How much friendship can last forever...'

Accompanied by the song, they gradually faded away.

Under the brilliant sunshine, Yang Tongxue also came to Chen Ci's side, and together they watched the three's backs recede.

Yang Tongxue was generous with praise: "You sang really well."

Chen Ci nodded: "Yeah, I really appreciate them."

Before the words fell, Yang Tongxue suddenly turned her head: "A Ci, I'm hungry, I'll treat you to a meal."

Huh?

Just use the money I won.

Yang Tongxue proudly waved the three bills in her hand; Chen Ci, of course not doubting that, asked: "What do you call me?"

"A Ci, huh, should I also call you Brother Ci, Master Ci?"

That doesn't sound good, change it.

I think it's not bad, A Ci A Ci A Ci... huh?

Chen Ci's right hand suddenly exerted force, wrapping around Yang Tongxue's waist; in a flash she was right in front of him.

Yang Tongxue's upper body wore only a milky-white T-shirt, feeling cool to the touch.

Chen Ci was half a head taller than her; facing the sunlight, his field of vision was a expanse of snowy white, unable to tell whether it was clothing or skin.

Suddenly, Chen Ci's nose felt uncomfortable.

After inhaling hard, fortunately no strange liquid came out.

Lately the weather's hot, his inner fire is strong.

Dear...

Huh?

The offensive momentum reversed; this time it was Yang Tongxue's turn to question him: "What do you call me?"

Is that not good?

Chen Ci smiled; his resistance shows the training isn't sufficient yet.

Yang Tongxue didn't look at his eyes, using her hand to draw a not-so-perfect little circle on Chen Ci's collar.

Also, it's not that it's impossible, it's just...

Just what?

I always feel our relationship is a bit strange. Too fast...

Turns out it's not about the form of address; Chen Ci had figured it out...