Chapter 232: Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law Meet 2

Wei Ming arrived at the set just as Liu Liu Xiaoqing's scenes had finished; she had already left.

Although her role was small, she played it with great energy—just a pity she missed visiting the writer Wei.

But other scenes awaited him; he couldn't afford to delay, so he had to return to Beijing immediately.

Back at Beijing Er Yingchang, she met Director Ling Zi and Luo Dan, the film's cinematographer and Ling Zi's husband.

The original novel of "Wild Field" was by Mr. Cao Yu; the production company was Hainan Film, a newly established entity under the News Agency specifically for feature films, but since this was their first feature, they needed assistance from Beijing Er Yingchang and Changchun Er Yingchang.

"Director Ling, Cinematographer Luo, nice to meet you," Liu Liu Xiaoqing said with great courtesy, showing none of the arrogance of a top star.

In a few days they would head to Northeast China to shoot; the main cast would all meet in Yanjing before traveling north together.

Soon after, the film's male lead, Yang Yang Zaibao, arrived, completing the pairing of the two leads.

Yang Yang Zaibao was the leading male actor of Shanghai Er Yingchang; last year's National Day tribute film "From Slave to General" starred him, and together with Zhang Zhang Jinling from Beijing Er Yingchang, they became the first cover couple after the relaunch of "Mass Film."

The four main creatives discussed the shooting plan all morning; by noon, Liu Liu Xiaoqing thought of inviting them to the Beijing Er Yingchang canteen—after all, she was the host, and this meal was on her.

But Director Ling Zi had a sudden idea: "My housekeeper runs a restaurant; I'm craving her cooking—why don't we eat there?"

Her husband Luo Dan asked: "Is it Aunt Liu?"

"Mm-hmm."

Luo Dan nodded; Aunt Liu's cooking was indeed excellent, so it was settled happily—both actors had no objections.

But as they stepped out, Yang Yang Zaibao ran into his Shanghai Er Yingchang colleague and friend Da Da Shichang.

Yang Yang Zaibao introduced: "Little Da came to Beijing Er Yingchang for a screen test; we came to the capital together."

Da Da Shichang was also one of Shanghai Er Yingchang's leading male actors—1.83 meters tall, handsome, with an elegant demeanor; his representative works last year were "Dawn," this year "The Swallows Return," and next year he'll represent China at the Berlin Film Festival.

Besides, he and Yang Yang Zaibao had collaborated on "The Young Generation" in the 1960s, so they had a good relationship.

"How did it go?" Yang Yang Zaibao asked with concern.

Da Da Shichang smiled and nodded: "It's basically settled."

Although Liu Liu Xiaoqing hadn't been around the studio for a while, she guessed what role he was auditioning for.

"Is it for Director Shui Hua's 'A Mistake in Life'?"

Da Da Shichang nodded.

Since Wang Wang Xingang, born in the 1930s, was getting too old, Beijing Er Yingchang had searched nationwide for male actors born in the 1940s, including Feng Enhe from August 1st Er Yingchang, Wang Xueqi from the Air Force Drama Troupe, and Da Da Shichang from Shanghai Er Yingchang.

In the end, Da Da Shichang won the role with his refined demeanor and handsome looks; he had already tested with the female lead, Zhu Lin, and they looked perfectly matched together.

Liu Liu Xiaoqing was envious—not of Da Da Shichang, but of Zhu Lin, the so-called amateur actress, and rumors said she was recommended by Wei Ming; this little Wei was practically ruling Beijing Er Yingchang!

Too bad she had already been rejected by Director Shui Hua; otherwise, she would have fought hard against this comrade Zhu Lin.

Director Ling Zi naturally knew this popular male star and smiled, inviting him to join them for lunch.

Liu Liu Xiaoqing chimed in: "This is the restaurant run by the director's housekeeper—her cooking is excellent."

Da Da Shichang looked hesitant, but Yang Yang Zaibao had told him about the director's background, so he didn't want to embarrass her and nodded in agreement.

They planned to take the bus, but while waiting, Da Da Shichang spotted Zhu Lin, the female lead of "A Mistake in Life," whom he'd met once before.

He couldn't pretend not to recognize her, so he greeted her.

Liu Liu Xiaoqing immediately interjected: "You're Zhu Lin, the female lead of 'A Mistake in Life'?"

"Yes, Comrade Liu Xiaoqing, hello," Zhu Lin replied politely, then looked at the rest of their group.

Everyone carefully studied Zhu Lin—she was indeed beautiful; Liu Liu Xiaoqing's broad face looked overly bold in comparison.

Director Ling Zi suddenly remembered a clothing store she and her husband had visited yesterday.

"Luo Dan, doesn't this comrade Zhu Lin look like the female lead on the poster outside Oriental Dongfang Dongfang Xintiandi?"

Luo Dan adjusted his glasses—cinematographers' eyes were sharp: "Comrade Zhu Lin is probably the person on the poster."

Zhu Lin nodded: "A friend asked me to pose as a model for a photo shoot."

Director Ling Zi said: "That store is incredible—I've read newspaper articles calling it a positive example of reform and opening-up."

In recent days, newspapers had published many articles about Oriental Dongfang Dongfang Xintiandi, effectively advertising the store; as a result, weekday foot traffic had surpassed Sunday's, and Mei Mei Wenhua had to hire temporary workers again, otherwise they couldn't handle it.

Hearing this, Zhu Lin beamed with joy, genuinely happy for Wei Ming.

Director Ling Zi was quite sociable and asked Zhu Lin if she had other plans for lunch.

"No, I was going to find somewhere to eat, then go home."

Ling Zi smiled: "Perfect—let's go together. I know a place with exceptionally delicious food."

Zhu Lin initially refused—they weren't familiar—but even Liu Liu Xiaoqing urged her; this was a local from Beijing Er Yingchang, and she might need to maintain a good relationship with her later.

Besides, Da Da Shichang was going too; they'd be working together for a long time and needed to get acquainted quickly, so she nodded in agreement.

What was meant to be a four-person lunch for the "Wild Field" crew suddenly became six, including the two leads of "A Mistake in Life."

On the bus, Zhu Lin learned these four were from the "Wild Field" crew, adapting Cao Yu's novel; their two crews were both adapting works by great writers—it felt like fate.

Recently, many works by great writers were being adapted into films, including Lao She's "Teahouse" and "Camel Camel Xiangzi," and Mao Dun's "Midnight"—these were considered premium resources by actors, naturally drawing attention and viewership compared to original scripts.

Now, Gong Yu also had a chance to get such a premium resource.

After returning to Shanghai Er Yingchang, she easily landed a role in "July Fire," and Deputy Director Shi Shi Fangyu told her they were preparing "Midnight"; after finishing "July Fire," she'd seamlessly join the new production and could choose either the second or third female lead.

The lead role wasn't an option—her age didn't fit.

They were clearly grooming their own talent; everyone assumed Gong Yu would be thrilled, but inside she felt only bitterness—when would she ever return to Beijing? She missed that Sihe Academy in Yanjing's hutongs.

Then that little rascal would have to travel back and forth again; she felt deeply sorry for him.

After passing through several hutongs, they asked around and found Yuebin Restaurant; it was nearly two in the afternoon, yet all four tables were occupied—though one table had only one person, who had ordered a single dish: minced garlic pork knuckle. Director Ling Zi sniffed the aroma and felt instantly at home.

"Come in, everyone…" Liu Liu Guixian began, then suddenly paused in surprise, "Zhenzhen?"

Director Ling Zi smiled: "Auntie, you still remember me? I heard you answered the state's call to start your own business, so I came to visit."

The owner looked honored, glanced around, then turned to Xu Xu Shufen, who was studying the pork knuckle: "Sister, could you share a table with them?"

Xu Xu Shufen had a natural talent for cooking; after returning home yesterday, she tried making the minced garlic pork knuckle herself, and both her daughter and mother said it was delicious—but she felt something was missing, so today she came specifically to taste it again and figure out what was off; she'd just taken a bite of the skin, chewed it plain, and couldn't tell the difference.

Then her thoughts were interrupted: "Oh, alright, let's squeeze together…"

As she spoke, she saw Zhu Lin and immediately lowered her head to stare at the pork knuckle, afraid Zhu Lin would recognize her.

Had she not known about Gong Yu's situation, she might have revealed her identity to build a connection with Zhu Lin—but now she felt guilty and didn't want Zhu Lin to realize she was Wei Ming's mother.

Zhu Lin didn't recognize Xu Xu Shufen at first; they'd only met once last year, and lately Xu Xu Shufen's life had improved—her skin looked fuller and more radiant, as if she'd grown younger.

But once seated, Zhu Lin found herself directly across from Xu Xu Shufen; the longer she looked, the more familiar she seemed—this sister looked like someone she'd seen before.

After everyone sat down, Director Ling Zi told Aunt Liu: "But the minced garlic pork knuckle must be included."

Liu Liu Guixian pointed regretfully at Xu Xu Shufen: "The last pork knuckle of the lunch service has already been sold; the evening batch isn't ready yet."

Seeing everyone look at her, Xu Xu Shufen quickly said: "I can't finish it alone—feel free to share it."

She wasn't offering for anyone else—she had to make sure Zhu Lin got to eat this dish.

She wasn't sure whether Gong Yu had become intimate with her son, but she'd found both contraceptive supplies and Zhu Lin's work ID under her son's bed—clearly they'd already gone deep.

Director Ling Zi, seeing Xu Xu Shufen was a clean, attractive woman, smiled: "Comrade, eating just one dish is too dull—why not join us for the whole meal?"

Then Liu Liu Guixian listed several more dishes; Da Da Shichang's expression grew increasingly uneasy.

When the owner finished, he awkwardly asked: "Could I add a vegetable dish?"

Yang Yang Zaibao slapped his forehead: "I forgot Little Da is Hui—my oversight."

Director Ling Zi quickly asked: "Do you have beef or lamb?"

"No, I'll send Old Gu to the alley entrance to buy some—we'll make you some cumin lamb," Liu Liu Guixian said, then went off to work; her husband went specifically to buy meat—no other guest got this treatment.

But other customers had already noticed this table; a middle-aged man shouted out: "Xiao Hua! No, He, He Cuigu!"

Although "Little Flower" had been released nearly a year ago, its impact remained strong—Liu Liu Xiaoqing was the first recognized.

"Her name is Liu Liu Xiaoqing," another table's customer corrected.

Then Yang Yang Zaibao and Da Da Shichang were also recognized.

In this era, everyone was an actor, an artist, and could face audiences calmly while eating and chatting together.

Of course, this was Beijing's cosmopolitan nature, Xu Xu Shufen thought—if they were in Gouzitun, these people would be surrounded by enthusiastic fans and couldn't move.

She recognized them too, but stayed silent, focused on her meal.

Liu Liu Xiaoqing was competitive; everyone else recognized her, yet Xu Xu Shufen remained unmoved, so she took the initiative to strike up a conversation.

Seeing Xu Xu Shufen dip her pork knuckle in chili sauce, she laughed: "Sister, where are you from? You really like spicy food."

Honestly, among current actresses, Xu Xu Shufen liked Liu Liu Xiaoqing best—this broad, rosy face was so cheerful.

Seeing her idol speak to her, she answered: "I… I'm from Sichuan-Chongqing."

She dared not say she was from Hebei, afraid Zhu Lin would connect her to that scoundrel son of hers.

"Oh! I'm from Sichuan-Chongqing too—fellow townspeople!" Liu Liu Xiaoqing perked up. "Where in Sichuan-Chongqing? I'm from Chongqing."

Xu Xu Shufen was surprised: "I'm from Ya'an."

"I know—your place is famous for giant pandas," Liu Liu Xiaoqing laughed.

Zhu Lin looked across at Xu Xu Shufen; she'd already felt familiar, and when Xu Xu Shufen said she was from Sichuan-Chongqing, Zhu Lin's heart stirred—Wei Ming's mother was from Sichuan-Chongqing, and that place was famous for pandas.

She studied Xu Xu Shufen again—her beautiful features bore many resemblances to Wei Hong; it was striking, too similar!

Now Zhu Lin felt nervous—had the aunt not recognized her? Probably not; they'd only met once at the North Gate, and that was long ago.

Even if it were revealed, it wouldn't matter—just say they're ordinary friends; that's what they've always told outsiders.

Zhu Lin was deep in internal struggle when Liu Liu Xiaoqing kept chatting.

"Sister, why did you come to Yanjing if you're from Sichuan-Chongqing?"

"My… my son is in Yanjing, so I came."

"What does your son do? You're so young—your son probably isn't very old?" Liu Liu Xiaoqing pressed.

Xu Xu Shufen was getting annoyed—this girl wouldn't stop talking! Can't there be some distance between idol and fan? Liu Xiaoqing, you've overstepped!

Just then, the boss lady brought out a dish of braised meat; Xu Xu Shufen pushed her own pork elbow toward them: "Eat, don't just sit there talking."

Zhu Lin directly picked up a bite of Xu Xu Shufen's pork elbow and said, "Thank you."

The others also picked up their chopsticks and began praising the dish endlessly.

Director Ling Zi explained right in front of everyone how Aunt Liu made her garlic-paste pork elbow; Xu Xu Shufen, upon hearing it, felt as if a sudden enlightenment had struck her—so that's how it was done!

!

I always wondered why my garlic paste never tasted like this—turns out, it's mixed with chicken broth that's been simmered for hours!

But this is too time-consuming and not worth the effort. My son said the Friendship Store sells monosodium glutamate—it works almost the same. I'll have him buy me some later.

Just as she thought of her son, Liu Liu Xiaoqing mentioned Wei Ming.

She deliberately brought up her recently completed film, "The Ox and Niu Er," adapted from the now-popular writer Wei Ming's story "Two Niu."

Da Da Shichang said: "I know this writer—my teacher, Mr. Sun Sun Daolin, considers him a close friend despite their age difference. They're very close."

Hearing them mention Wei Ming, both Xu Xu Shufen and Zhu Lin smiled faintly.

Photographer Luo Dan said: "But over the past six months, aside from writing one poem and one advertising slogan, he hasn't produced anything else. Could he be like Zhong Yong?"

Who's Zhong Yong? My son didn't hit anyone! Xu Xu Shufen grew anxious.

Zhu Lin also grew agitated; she wanted to refute them—You don't understand Wei Ming at all! Don't you know who the most famous fairy tale writer is right now, whose name is known overseas!

But both she and Xu Xu Shufen hesitated, unwilling to reveal their connection to Wei Ming; before either could speak, Liu Liu Xiaoqing spoke first.

"You might not know, but our crew has another extraordinary person—Wei Wei Jiefang, Wei Ming's father. According to Comrade Wei, Wei Ming is currently preparing a massive, ultra-long work that will shake the literary world, so he hasn't released anything recently."

Director Ling Zi: "That's quite promising. I've read every one of his previous stories—he's truly a genius of extraordinary talent."

Hearing this, Xu Xu Shufen and Zhu Lin resumed eating with renewed delight.

Ling Zi asked again: "But what does his father do on the crew? Is his family involved in film too?"

"No, his father, Comrade Wei, raises cattle. And his cows are exceptionally obedient—very cooperative. They're our crew's cow actors."

"There's such a thing?"

Xu Xu Shufen's smile could no longer be contained—my husband really has some uncanny abilities.

Liu Liu Xiaoqing: "I've seen it with my own eyes—even the donkey the crew uses to haul gear has become almost human after spending time with him. I just wonder if Wei Ming inherited this talent from his father."

As she spoke, Liu Liu Xiaoqing turned to Zhu Lin: "Comrade Zhu Lin, I heard you were recommended to Director Shui Hua by Wei Ming. You probably know better than anyone."

Liu Liu Xiaoqing shifted the topic to Zhu Lin; everyone at the table looked at her in surprise.

Zhu Lin glanced subtly at Aunt Xu and explained: "Comrade Liu Xiaoqing, what you heard must be misinformation. I was chosen by Director Jiang of the Literature Department."

Liu Liu Xiaoqing: "So it's misinformation? Then you don't know Wei Ming?"

Zhu Lin clenched her palms, paused a moment, then said: "I know him."

Liu Liu Xiaoqing laughed—she'd just wanted to gossip about Wei Ming and this beauty.

"You really know him? Are you close?"

Facing Wei Ming's mother, Zhu Lin weighed every word carefully: "We've known each other for a long time—he wasn't famous back then."

Liu Liu Xiaoqing: "So you knew each other before he became famous. That's such a touching bond. When he has suitable roles in the future, he'll surely think of you first—you'll never lack film work."

Zhu Lin countered: "Do authors and screenwriters really have that much power? So you were cast in 'The Ox and Niu Er' because Wei Ming personally chose you?"

Liu Liu Xiaoqing was surprised the girl dared to ask back: "Yes, I was personally chosen by Wei Ming. He said my appearance matched his character Jiuer perfectly."

Zhu Lin: "Oh, so you're also close?"

Liu Liu Xiaoqing: "We're not particularly close—he picked me purely for the role. But he apparently got along well with the female lead of 'The Herdsman.' I heard he argued for a long time with Director Xie Jin to get her the part, even rejecting Chen Chong and Zhang Yu."

Hearing the name of her second daughter-in-law suspect, Xu Xu Shufen nearly exploded—Liu Liu Xiaoqing, can you please stop? You're spilling all my son's business right in front of the other party! Can't you wish him some good fortune?!

Indeed, upon hearing this rumor, Zhu Lin's expression subtly shifted. She had suspected this before, but this was the first time someone had stated it outright, so precisely—so he went to such lengths to get Gong Ying promoted?

At that moment, Director Ling Zi added fuel to the fire.

"I just remembered—the poster outside that clothing store yesterday. Besides Comrade Zhu Lin, the other woman looked like Gong Ying."

Liu Liu Xiaoqing was surprised: "Oh? There's that? What's this store's background? Comrade Zhu Lin, you probably know."

Zhu Lin, knowing Wei Ming wanted to be a behind-the-scenes owner, replied: "The owner is Mei Mei Wenhua—he comes from a big courtyard. I helped him out a bit through a friend."

Liu Liu Xiaoqing: "Then it must be coincidence."

Just then, the last dish—cumin lamb—was finally served; Comrade Da Da Shichang could finally eat something.

Xu Xu Shufen stood up to pay and prepare to leave; Director Ling Zi hurriedly said: "Madam, you only had one dish, and we've eaten plenty—let us cover it."

Normally, Xu Xu Shufen would have gladly taken the free meal, but with Zhu Lin present, she couldn't do such a thing.

"No, no—I ate your dishes too. It's even. Boss lady, please collect the payment."

After paying, Xu Xu Shufen left with elegance—the feeling of having money in your pocket is wonderful. Of course, it would be even better if the money were earned by her own hands.

So that evening, after Xu Yunyun returned home, she asked: "Has Xiao Mei found a suitable restaurant yet?"

"We started tasting meals today—trying a few, then deciding which one to use."

Xu Xu Shufen asked: "Can I join the tasting? How much do you pay per meal?"

Xu Yunyun and Xiao Hong both turned to look at her; Xiao Hong said: "Mom, are you going to supply our restaurant with food?"

"What? Is my cooking not good enough?"

"It's good, but it's too tiring."

"With just your few people, how tiring could it be? I'm not afraid of hard work—I'm afraid of having nothing to do."

Once she sends her mother back to Baoxing village, leaving her alone in the empty courtyard in Gouzi Tun, she'd rather stay and do something.

Wei Hong added: "Will my brother agree? He says he's earning money so you and Dad can enjoy life."

Xu Xu Shufen took her daughter's small hand; she already knew her daughter had started her period—she was a young woman now.

"Your father and I are your brother's real parents—we deserve to enjoy his fortune. You're our real daughter; enjoying our fortune is perfectly right. We no longer need to manage your brother, but we must manage you."

Now that they're earning a little money, no matter what kind of daughter-in-law their son marries, at least they can help their daughter.

As for the son, once he marries, he remains family to his parents, but to his siblings he becomes merely a relative—there are more things to consider.

And who knows how many families he'll end up forming? Sigh—it's enough to drive one mad.

The next day, Xu Yunyun relayed her second aunt's words to Mei Mei Wenhua, who pondered: "I'll definitely follow Ming-ge's decision. If he agrees, no tasting is needed—just let our aunt handle it. I've eaten her food—it's better than some small restaurants."

Their staff meals didn't require much—cheap, safe, no food poisoning. Even deliciousness wasn't mandatory. Honestly, Xu Xu Shufen's cooking was already overqualified.

"Alright, then wait for my brother to return—he should be back soon."

Mei Mei Wenhua said: "Then today I'll still go to the one we booked."

He checked the time: "Oh no, I need to pick up the meal."

This restaurant doesn't deliver; he must pick it up himself. Fortunately, his motorcycle is fast. As for fuel coupons—he has ways through his big courtyard.

Just as Mei Mei Wenhua left, a beautiful, elegant middle-aged woman entered—around forty.

"Welcome! Madam, what would you like?"

Xu Yunyun hurried forward; the woman glanced at Xu Yunyun's name badge.

"Oh, I'd like to buy a dress."

Next, Xu Yunyun encountered the most demanding customer of her life. Most people weren't yet used to this try-anything-you-want sales model; usually, after trying two or three items and still being unsatisfied, they'd leave, too embarrassed to trouble the salesperson further.

But this woman tried over ten items without choosing one—she seemed determined to try every single dress.

The key issue: at her age, she kept selecting women's clothing clearly meant for young girls.

She knew the clothes didn't suit her, yet insisted on trying them, rejected them, and asked Xu Yunyun to bring her others.

Other colleagues watched, growing impatient—if they'd been serving her, they'd have stopped being polite long ago. With so many customers, others might have closed three sales already; such a picky customer was killing their performance.

Yet Xu Yunyun maintained a smile throughout, never losing her temper.

Later, the customer changed her mind—she no longer wanted clothes, but shoes. Xu Yunyun hurriedly led her to the shoe counter.

Huang Ying couldn't bear it anymore and stepped forward at the counter to take over.

The middle-aged woman pointed at Xu Yunyun: "Let her get it for me."

Xu Yunyun smiled: "Madam, which pair do you like? I'll—"

Before she could finish, Mei Mei Wenhua walked in carrying lunch, then stared in surprise at the woman: "Mom? What are you doing here?"

…

(Guaranteed two-in-one)

(End of Chapter)