Chapter 388

Xie Baiwei walked toward Lin Zhao uncontrollably, without even looking at Gu Chenghuai, who had unconsciously helped her a few years ago, causing her to lose her maiden heart.

She looked at Lin Zhao and revealed a generous and appropriate smile, "Comrade, my name is Xie Baiwei, and I am a dancer in the Art Troupe."

Lin Zhao was surprised, "Hello, my name is Lin Zhao, and I am an ordinary military spouse. Do you need something?"

Xie Baiwei stared at her, her eyes full of admiration.

Seen up close, this face is also very superior; it's too beautiful. If she were on stage, how dazzling would she be? Wouldn't winning a big award be just around the corner?

"Are you interested in joining the Art Troupe?"

Su Jingqiu: "..."

Calm down, this is against the rules. Even if your own aunt is the head of the Art Troupe, things must be done according to discipline.

Lin Zhao was very surprised, inexplicably feeling the thrill of being discovered by a talent scout.

"I don't know how to dance, and I have no talent for singing. Should I join the Art Troupe to do odd jobs?"

"Of course not." Xie Baiwei frowned, "With your conditions, it would be a waste of talent to do odd jobs."

Lin Zhao:... What kind of talent is she?

Xie Baiwei answered her, "Dancing. Everyone starts from zero. With your conditions, you can definitely do it."

"..." Lin Zhao didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"Thank you." She didn't take it seriously; it was obvious this girl was just saying it casually. Whoever takes it seriously is a fool.

Xie Baiwei also knew that Lin Zhao didn't take it to heart, so she struck while the iron was hot, "Comrade Lin Zhao, I would like to invite you to watch our rehearsal. Would you like to go and see?"

Lin Zhao didn't expect the girl from the Art Troupe to be so enthusiastic. Looking at her sparkling eyes, she nodded, "If it doesn't disturb you all, I will."

Xie Baiwei stepped forward a few steps and took Lin Zhao's hand. The palm was warm and soft, like a piece of gentle warm jade. She paused slightly, her smile widened, staring at Lin Zhao as if looking at some treasure.

"Then it's a deal, I'll wait for you."

"... Okay." What an enthusiastic girl.

Anyway, she had nothing to do, so she would go.

Gu Chenghuai stared at his wife's held hand and frowned. What a female comrade with no sense of boundaries, touching and grabbing; it's really...

After they finished talking, he put his arm around Lin Zhao's shoulder to take her away and closed the courtyard gate on his way.

Xie Baiwei frowned, her tone full of annoyance, "He's so fierce. Won't he bully Comrade Lin Zhao? Sister Lin is so gentle that even a slightly louder voice could scare her to tears. It's a pity I just met her, otherwise..."

Su Jingqiu:... Don't be too ridiculous.

These face-control people... it's enough.

She pinched her eyebrows lightly. No wonder Director Xie went to great lengths to recruit her, spent a lot of effort to cultivate her, and let her resonate with Baiwei. She only needed to keep an eye on Baiwei slightly. So... this guy is a bit unreliable.

"Let's go back." Su Jingqiu said with a blank face.

Xie Baiwei followed by her side.

After walking a long way, she laughed out loud.

Su Jingqiu looked over sideways.

The corners of her friend's eyes were still a bit red, her round face, which hadn't been eating well these past few days, had thinned out a bit, but the corners of her mouth were curled up, and her steps were light.

"Hehe..."

Su Jingqiu sighed, but didn't say a word.

"Hehehe..." Another laugh.

"Stop laughing. You invited Comrade Lin to watch our rehearsal without the Director's permission. Why don't you think about how to explain it to the Director first?" Su Jingqiu said.

Xie Baiwei pouted, her eyebrows proud, "At worst, I'll practice an extra hour every day for the next month as punishment."

"Fine, as long as you're mentally prepared." Su Jingqiu didn't look at her, just said slowly, "From now on, we'll fetch water separately, eat separately..."

Before she finished speaking, she was hugged by the arm by Xie Baiwei, who shook her hard, her voice soft, "Ah, don't be like that. Good Jingqiu, I don't want to be alone. Let's be together, I beg you."

Su Jingqiu was shaken dizzy and had to agree to her request.

She looked at her friend, "Are you not sad anymore? I saw you didn't even look at Deputy Director Gu just now."

Xie Baiwei: "That is Comrade Lin Zhao's lover. Why would I look? How impolite and immoral. Besides, who is as pleasing to the eye as Comrade Lin Zhao?"

"She is really beautiful, even more beautiful than my narcissistic cousin. White skin, big eyes, hair that is black and smooth, and her posture is also beautiful. Standing there, she is like a fairy."

She didn't even notice Comrade Lin Zhao's attire, only caring about looking at her face...

Su Jingqiu was silent for a moment, "Being overly obsessed with looks will harm you sooner or later."

"Don't be afraid, don't be afraid." Xie Baiwei leaned half of her body on her friend, "I have you guys."

"Hmph, you've got me figured out." A smile flashed in Su Jingqiu's eyes. She had indeed received a lot of care from the Xie family, but her friendship with Baiwei was real. She hoped Xie Baiwei would be well and happy for a lifetime, and in this point, she was no different from the Xie family.

Gu Chenghuai took out a handkerchief, grabbed Lin Zhao's hand, and wiped it again and again, a flash of displeasure on his cold and handsome face.

"Touching and grabbing, no sense of boundaries." He said unhappily, "Wife, stay away from those two just now."

Lin Zhao:... This sourness is inexplicable.

"That's a female comrade."

"So what if she's a female comrade?" Gu Chenghuai asked back dismissively, "I don't think she looks like a good person. Who touches someone's hand the moment they meet?"

"I want to watch their rehearsal." Lin Zhao said.

Gu Chenghuai looked at her, meeting a pair of watery eyes full of expectation, "If you want to watch, then watch, just don't get too close to those two."

"Okay." Lin Zhao said softly.

Gu Chenghuai didn't have a chance to keep an eye on it because he was sent out on a mission. It was said that he would be back before the New Year and could take Lin Zhao and the four children to see the performance, but who knows.

Lin Zhao was very interested in the Art Troupe's performance rehearsal. Anyway, she had nothing to do, so she took the time to take Yaobao to watch.

It had to be her little padded jacket; the three boys went out to play early in the morning.

"The sisters are preparing for the performance. You can't cry or make a scene after arriving there. If you need anything, tell me, understand?"

When they were almost at the destination, Lin Zhao reminded her daughter again.

Yaobao nodded seriously, her little milky voice soft, "Understood, no crying or making a scene, no speaking loudly. If there's something, find Mom, be good."

"Right, very good."

Hearing Mom's praise, Yaobao shook her head, and the tassels on her yarn hat swayed along.

The mother and daughter arrived at the place where the Art Troupe trained.

A large, empty room with various props needed for the rehearsal placed against the wall. Several girls were sitting on chairs nearby resting, while others were practicing dancing, practicing vocalizing...

As soon as Lin Zhao and Yaobao appeared, they were discovered by the girls of the Art Troupe.

Xie Baiwei stood up and walked quickly toward the door.

"Comrade Lin Zhao, you're here."

She took Lin Zhao's hand, settled her and Yaobao down, poured them water, and took some candies she used to satisfy her own cravings.

"Just in time, we'll start in a moment."

Xie Baiwei was quite enthusiastic, and Lin Zhao felt a bit uncomfortable.

"Didn't I disturb you?"

Xie Baiwei: "No, not at all. Having someone watch... everyone's enthusiasm for rehearsal is even higher."

She was wearing the same training clothes as everyone else, her hair all coiled behind her head, her neck thin and long, her posture perfect, and her temperament unique.

"As long as it doesn't disturb you." Lin Zhao smiled.

Yaobao was surrounded by a group of girls, who looked at the little milk bun in front of them with beaming smiles.

"Whose child is this? She's really beautiful."

"Good treasure, who braided your hair? It suits you very well, the only cuteness in the military region."

"Sister, kiss."

Yaobao's little face was flushed red from being teased by the enthusiastic big sisters.

Her little body stiffened. Lin Zhao took her daughter's small, soft hand, her expression encouraging.

"The sisters like you."

Yaobao's black and white, big, cute eyes were wet. She said to the sisters who were talking to her, "Sister is also beautiful." She returned the compliment, her tone clearly learned from her second brother.

The female comrades of the Art Troupe covered their chests.

"So cute."

Lin Zhao:... Her Yaobao is loved by everyone.

Thanks to Xie Baiwei and Su Jingqiu, in a short time, the female comrades rehearsing learned Lin Zhao's name at the fastest speed.

People inevitably give preferential treatment to those who look good.

No one didn't welcome her arrival.

The girls were very enthusiastic, smiling and introducing themselves, greeting her, and soon they exchanged basic information.

"No wonder we haven't seen you. So you just came to follow the army. You are so beautiful, you would never be forgotten after seeing you once. Comrade Lin, your braids are braided so beautifully. Can you tell me how to braid them?" said the female comrade responsible for makeup and styling for the girls.

"Sure, this isn't difficult. I know others too. Do you want to learn?" Lin Zhao said.

"Yes, yes, yes, I'll learn. Thank you, Comrade Lin."

"It's nothing." Lin Zhao waved her hand and said indifferently.

She was also just picking up others' wisdom, not her own original creation. As long as she could help, it was fine. Seeing Yaobao's appearance, she seemed to like coming here, and maybe she would have to bring her here later. Being able to get along well with these girls could save a lot of worry.

Next.

Yaobao acted as a little model, and Lin Zhao taught the female comrade who asked her for advice on braiding several hairstyles.

Daily low braided pigtails, double braided ponytail, gentle fishbone braid... Since it's for a stage performance, it's fine if it's slightly different from daily life.

The little comrade benefited a lot. On this basis, she made improvements and braided several hairstyles with her own style suitable for stage performances.

Lin Zhao's expression was surprised, and she gave a thumbs up.

"Really amazing. Once you open your mind, don't you think it's quite simple? You did a great job."

The female comrade smiled shyly, "You, the master, taught well. You deserve most of the credit. Comrade Lin, I'll invite you to dinner another day to thank you."

She was very straightforward. Having received help from others, she definitely had to show it.

"Such a small matter, don't be polite. You all came over to perform in the cold weather. I'm happy to be able to help you. Really don't take it to heart." Lin Zhao politely declined.

Afraid of adding trouble to her man, she had always been cautious and would never leave people with a handle in this regard.

Seeing Comrade Lin's determination, the female comrade who received her help didn't force it anymore and planned to buy some biscuits and snacks for Yaobao another day.

Xie Baiwei was proud. Look, the person she liked at first glance was not bad. How kind-hearted Comrade Lin Zhao is. In such a short time, she could get along well with everyone. And some people said they were hard to get along with. Where is it hard to get along with? Some people are humble to the bone and only then feel that this person looks down on her and that person looks down on her.

Break time arrived, and the actors were called over to continue rehearsing.

"Comrade Lin, we're going to rehearse, you sit first." Xie Baiwei said hurriedly to Lin Zhao and rushed to follow the others.

The program had just started, so Lin Zhao certainly wouldn't be in a hurry to leave.

The music started in the recorder.

The girls forming the phalanx moved one after another.

This was a stage play, the kind with plot and storyline. It was said to be adapted from a true story, and the name was "Guard and Wait"—

A girl sent her newly engaged lover to the battlefield, promising to marry him when he returned. This wait lasted five years. She didn't wait for the person to return, only for a broken military uniform and a broken pocket watch containing her own photo...

Xie Baiwei was worthy of being the pillar of the stage. She danced well and acted well, making people feel sour and astringent in their hearts, as if they had experienced a huge regret. The regret ended, and no one could walk out.

The performance ended.

The applause of "Clap, clap, clap" sounded.

It was Yaobao.

Lin Zhao was stunned, a bit embarrassed. She didn't expect the quiet and shy Yaobao to suddenly be so emotionally expressive.

"Sorry, I disturbed you." She held Yaobao and stood up, apologizing embarrassedly.

"It's okay!" Xie Baiwei said before her aunt, "Yaobao is applauding for us. She thinks our performance is good, that's why she applauds. We are too happy to be in time, how can it be considered a disturbance? No need to apologize, she did nothing wrong."

Director Xie:... Why don't you be the director.

She was so angry she laughed.

"Xie Baiwei, you will practice for an extra hour later." Director Xie's expression was serious.

Xie Baiwei's eyes showed shock.

Aunt!

She still wanted to go to the cafeteria early to get that pork knuckle she loved to eat.

It's ruined!!

Director Xie ignored her niece's gaze, let the comrades familiarize themselves with their roles and movements, today it's like this first, and emphasized again that those with extra practice tasks should continue to practice.

Xie Baiwei:... Report her ID number.

Excessive.

As soon as Director Xie left, Xie Baiwei pouted, aggrieved, "Jingqiu, Director Xie is really excessive. I'm so hungry, I want to eat braised pork knuckle. I've been looking forward to it for several days, woo woo."

Su Jingqiu said helplessly, "I'll get it for you, I won't let you not be able to eat it."

Xie Baiwei hugged her friend, "Jingqiu, you are so good. I'll get a portion for you too, I'll treat you. It's a thank-you gift for you helping me bring food. It's only fragrant when two people eat together. You won't think too much, right?"

The Xie family was much better off than the Su family. Su Jingqiu had a patient at home, and her monthly expenses were high. Her salary only left living expenses, and most of it was given to her family. She rarely bought meat dishes. Xie Baiwei would occasionally treat her to eat. Knowing that her friend had strong self-esteem, she would always find a reason when helping Su Jingqiu, such as she couldn't finish eating, or whether the meat was salty, or that I couldn't eat fragrantly alone, and needed Jingqiu to accompany me...

At first, Su Jingqiu believed it, but soon realized that this kind girl wanted to help her and was trying hard to take care of her self-esteem while helping her.

Su Jingqiu didn't take this for granted, was very grateful to Xie Baiwei in her heart, and would also give back within her ability.

"Okay, buy two portions." Su Jingqiu didn't want Baiwei to be unhappy, so she agreed, planning to get two more portions of winter melon and pork rib soup later.

Lin Zhao was surrounded by the girls of the Art Troupe.

"Comrade Lin Zhao, what do you think of our rehearsal? You are the audience, the feeling should be more intuitive. If you find problems, tell us, and we will gradually improve." The girl who ranked second in the whole performance had sweat on her forehead, and her eyes were very bright.

Lin Zhao had never studied dance, but her aesthetics were normal, so she truthfully said some feelings after watching their rehearsal.

That girl originally just wanted to talk to Lin Zhao again, but didn't expect that she could really say something, and took it seriously to heart.

She expressed her gratitude to Lin Zhao.

"You watched very carefully and spoke with substance. I think I gained a lot, thank you."

Lin Zhao smiled, "I'm not professional, just expressing one or two feelings after watching from the audience's perspective. As long as it's useful to you, I wish your performance a complete success."

"Thank you." The youthful and vibrant girls thanked her one after another with smiles.

Xie Baiwei looked at Lin Zhao, "Comrade Lin, you are really suitable for the Art Troupe. I think you should eat this bowl of rice."

She sighed, it's a pity the Art Troupe is not recruiting anymore.