novelraw Chapter 674 Please make Chaoyue the protagonist of Chapter 1, Xiao Jiang!
Chapter 674 Please make Chaoyue the protagonist of Chapter 1, Xiao Jiang!
Tian Xiwei typed: ["I don't want your salary, I'll save you some money. You produced this drama, after all."]
Jiang Yang sent a message: ["Are you stupid? I'm producing it, but it's a Beijing Film Academy production. The money's already been agreed upon. You're not saving me money, you're saving Beijing Film Academy money. Rake those capitalists in big time. Just name your price."]
"Then I want two hundred thousand."
"Be bolder."
"Three hundred thousand."
"Be bolder, Xiwei. Use the same force you used to beat me up."
[“400,000! Any more than that and I wouldn’t be worthy.”] Tian Xiwei typed in reply.
Jiang Yang looked at the message sent by Tian Xiwei, curled his lips, and muttered, "Useless piece of trash. She beat me up so badly, but she was so cowardly when it came to money. Xiwei's disadvantage is that she is too self-aware. Chaoyue is much better than Xiwei in this respect. He has no self-awareness at all. If you ask Chaoyue how much he wants in terms of pay, I can imagine how he would answer."
It's definitely a billion.
I'll eat shit if you don't pay me a penny less.
Jiang Yang put away his phone and heard Zhao Jinmai chattering away by the lush wishing tree in front of Yang Chaoyue's house.
Originally, I was planning to find a restaurant in Yancheng and have a simple meal.
Unexpectedly, Chaoyue's father made a special phone call, warmly inviting them to visit Chaoyue's hometown.
Unable to refuse such a kind offer, I had no choice but to accept.
Zhao Jinmai was extremely excited and insisted on going.
I really want to meet that dog from Chaoyue's family who said he ate shit and licked Jiang Yang's face.
As they drew closer, Zhao Jinmai's shouts became clearer: "Chaoyue, your wishes break my heart."
The wishing tree is covered with red ribbons.
Zhao Jinmai collected the writings by Yang Chaoyue.
Not every year has them; as time goes by, the writing has become blurred in some years, and the red stripes have broken in others.
Zhao Jinmai looked at each one one by one.
[Wanting a doll—Yang Chaoyue, 5 years old, 2003.]
[Don't let the ancestors find out I stole the sustenance candy—Yang Chaoyue, 7 years old, 2005.]
[I fought with Wang Niang's daughter, but lost. I want to beat her next year—Yang Chaoyue, 9 years old, 2007.]
[I've been urinating blood all day. What should I do? I won't die, will I? I want to live a good life—Yang Chaoyue, 11 years old, 2009.]
[My parents have been arguing a lot these past two years, and it seems like they're really going to get a divorce this time. I hope they won't. — Yang Chaoyue, 12 years old, 2010].
[I've become obedient and sensible. I won't scribble anymore, and I won't steal candy anymore. Now I'm a good child in the eyes of adults. I want my mother to come back—2011, Yang Chaoyue, 13 years old]
[My mother got married and had a new child. My mother really doesn't want me anymore. I hate my mother, I hate her newborn child, and I really want her to come back. — Yang Chaoyue, 14 years old, 2012]
[I'm going to work in another city. I want to make a lot of money and live a decent life. — Yang Chaoyue, 15 years old, 2013]
Then came a note with slightly messy handwriting, conveying a sense of weariness:
Making money is so hard; I'm starting to admit my incompetence.
A youth without education can only be earned through physical labor.
My success seems a long way off, and my family is aging too quickly.
I want to stay in my hometown a few more days and spend more time with my father. I want him to be healthy. — Yang Chaoyue, 16 years old, 2014
Zhao Jinmai initially chose to look at Yang Chaoyue's wishes when he was fifteen and sixteen years old.
Because she is exactly fifteen years old this year, and will be sixteen next year.
In her eyes, age should be calculated using the traditional Chinese age system (虚岁).
That way I can grow up a little earlier, almost twenty by now, which is the age when I can get pregnant. Just thinking about it makes me happy.
As he looked, he read through all of Yang Chaoyue's previous prayers.
Those small, pure thoughts are like a gentle little hammer, softly tapping on my heart.
What I saw of Yang Chaoyue's past.
There is a desire.
He had childish ideas.
These are all the most sincere hopes.
"After I met Brother Yang, my life got better."
Yang Chaoyue stood to the side, looking at the wishing tree, a faint smile on his face, his eyes free of the gloom of the past.
She turned her head and saw tears welling up in Zhao Jinmai's eyes.
Yang Chaoyue wiped away Zhao Jinmai's tears: "Maimai, why are you crying? My father is cooking inside and specifically asked me to treat you well. If my father sees this, he'll think I'm bullying you."
"It makes me uncomfortable to watch."
Zhao Jinmai pouted and reached out to touch Yang Chaoyue's protruding fingernail: "Does it hurt?"
"It stopped hurting a long time ago, it was over in an instant."
Yang Chaoyue smiled and shook his head, seemingly unfazed.
Those difficult days are just a passing cloud.
There was no other way out at the time.
"Chaoyue, I wish I could have met you when you were a child."
Zhao Jinmai sniffed: "I'll share my allowance with you. My family isn't as rich as Zhou Ye's or Ruth's, but I'm definitely living a much better life than you. When I was little, my parents were strict with me, but they weren't stingy with money."
After saying that, Zhao Jinmai solemnly emphasized again: "I was so glad I met you when I was a child."
Yang Chaoyue laughed and said, "That's great! I was tall when I was a kid. If I run into you, you're a few years younger than me, and someone hits you, I'll protect you."
Zhao Jinmai stopped crying and smiled, then looked down to continue reading Yang Chaoyue's prayer.
My fingertip traced a smooth red strip of paper, on which was written:
Happiness doesn't belong to the poor, nor to the rich, but to those who are content. I hope I can always be content in the future, and I hope my family, my boss, and I will always be happy. — Yang Chaoyue, 17 years old, 2015
"Chaoyue is a content person."
Zhao Jinmai looked at the note thoughtfully.
Is happiness about how much you have, or about knowing how to cherish what you have right now?
do not know.
I'll probably understand when I grow up.
Scrolling down to the next line, Zhao Jinmai paused, then reread the previous one. She looked up, glanced at Yang Chaoyue, and cursed, "What are you so satisfied with?!"
The red slip of paper reads: "[Brother Yang gave me an extra zero when he paid my salary last month. I hope he never finds out.]"
After cursing.
Zhao Jinmai immediately yelled at Jiang Yang, "Little Jiang, you once made a mistake when you paid Chao Yue's salary, you added an extra zero..."
Before she could finish speaking, Yang Chaoyue covered Zhao Jinmai's mouth tightly.
Yang Chaoyue lowered his voice anxiously: "What are you shouting for? Stop shouting!"
"I'm going to shout! You embezzled Xiao Jiang's money!" Zhao Jinmai struggled, her voice slurred.
"What's it to you?" Yang Chaoyue said impatiently.
"I am the vice president of Xiaojiang Company!"
Zhao Jinmai mumbled, her voice slipping through Yang Chaoyue's fingers.
Confident and self-assured.
Yang Chaoyue was convinced.
I shouldn't have been so soft-hearted as to let MaiMai join the company group chat.
We offered her the position of vice president for fun, but the girl actually took it seriously and is now reporting us.
If I had actually met Mai Mai when I was a kid, even if no one else beat her up, I would have beaten her up myself.
Seeing that Mai Mai was still complaining, Yang Chaoyue quickly said, "Weren't you just feeling sorry for me?"
“One thing at a time, how could you embezzle Xiao Jiang’s money?” Zhao Jinmai refused to budge.
“We’re best friends, MaiMai,” Yang Chaoyue said in a softer tone.
How could you embezzle Xiao Jiang's money?
"I need money."
How could you embezzle Xiao Jiang's money?
“I’ve prepared a whole box of Little Master in your room for you,” Yang Chaoyue suddenly said.
Upon hearing this...
Zhao Jinmai paused.
She glanced up at Yang Chaoyue, her eyes filled with hesitation.
He then became self-righteous and said, "Xiao Jiang earns so much money, and his salary is higher than mine now. What's wrong with taking a little money from him? There's nothing wrong with that."
"Mr. Mai, it's all your favorite onion flavor." Yang Chaoyue released his hand from Mai Mai's mouth.
Zhao Jinmai said with a grin, "I can be greedy just one more time."
She really does like the flavor of onions.
More importantly, that address of "Boss Mai" touched her heart.
"MaiMai, were you calling me just now?" Jiang Yang walked over slowly.
"If I didn't call you, who would pay attention to you?" Zhao Jinmai quickly waved her hand and pointed to the wishing tree: "I'm looking at Chaoyue's previous wishes. Stop wandering around like nothing's wrong."
As she spoke, she pointed to the courtyard gate and said, "Chaoyue's father is busy with all this, don't you know how to help out? Hurry up and go!"
"Then why don't you go?" Jiang Yang countered.
“I’m just a kid, and Chaoyue’s dad won’t let me help,” Zhao Jinmai said matter-of-factly.
"Then why not go for the leap?"
"I'm a guest, Chaoyue should entertain me." Zhao Jinmai was too lazy to waste any more words with Jiang Yang, so she reached out and pushed Jiang Yang towards the kitchen stove.
The kitchen is located in a corner of the courtyard and has an old-fashioned earthen stove.
Chaoyue's father, wearing an apron, was busy at the stove.
The village is near the sea.
There were many fresh seafood items prepared by Chaoyue's father on the table.
Freshly caught swimming crabs, tender clams, and razor clams.
They are all local hometown dishes.
Jiang Yang was pushed over, but he didn't refuse. He rolled up his sleeves and started helping out.
Chaoyue's father initially told Jiang Yang not to do it, but he couldn't persuade Jiang Yang otherwise, so he simply taught Jiang Yang how to do it.
I discovered that Jiang Yang learns very quickly.
Watching Jiang Yang pick up the fresh greens, carefully remove the old leaves, rinse them repeatedly in clean water, and drain them.
Then they helped process the seafood.
Using scissors, I carefully cut off the tips of the swimming crab's legs and scraped away the mud and sand from the shell with practiced ease.
Then he took the live fish handed to him by Chaoyue's father, picked up a knife, skillfully scraped off the scales, cut open the belly, removed the internal organs, and cleaned it.
While stirring the vegetables in the pot, Chaoyue's father chatted casually with Jiang Yang.
The conversation naturally revolved around Yang Chaoyue.
Ask if Chaoyue has held Jiangyang back.
I'm grateful that Jiang Yang took a liking to my family's Chaoyue.
Not long after he started helping, Yang Chaoyue was called into the kitchen by his father to help out. The two of them were busy at the stove, chatting and laughing.
Zhao Jinmai remained outside, squatting by the wishing tree, watching with great interest the wishes of other people on the tree.
I found it very interesting. Most of the notes were written by children in the village; their handwriting was childish, but their thoughts were pure.
There were very few prayers from adults.
She picked up a red slip of paper, on which was written: "[If I grow up, I wish I could have 100 yuan every day—Wang Qiang, 7 years old, 2009.]"
"Silly child, a hundred a day is only three thousand a month. If you work in a big city, you'll barely have enough to eat after deducting rent and utilities."
Zhao Jinmai clicked her tongue twice, then muttered, "If I had to write, I'd wish I could earn a million every day when I grow up."
After saying that, she took a deep breath and couldn't help but gasp: "It's terrifying. I doubt any actor in the entire entertainment industry could earn this much in a day."
He paused for a moment.
Zhao Jinmai turned around and looked into the courtyard.
Looking at Jiang Yang, who was busy at the stove, she curled her lips and muttered, "Other kids only dare to wish for 100 yuan a day, but Jiang can earn 2 million a day recording Mars. Jiang deserves to die."
Despite her complaints, she knew that Jiang Yang's ability to command such a high appearance fee was exceptional within the industry.
His status as a double champion is unparalleled, and this status brings him immense popularity.
There are also songs that have become hits and are widely sung.
It also generates enough buzz.
She is very creative, always full of witty remarks and jokes on the show, and always manages to liven up the atmosphere.
Furthermore, when Youku launched the talk show "Mars Intelligence Agency," it was flush with cash and determined to make it a blockbuster show, willing to spend a lot of money to invite popular and talented guests.
All these conditions must come together for such a high appearance fee to be possible; none of them can be missing.
"That's scary! If you didn't know better, you'd think it was money laundering."
Zhao Jinmai muttered to herself, then couldn't help but worry again.
If Jiang Yang's subsequent works are of poor quality and the college entrance examination hype dies down, his status as the top scorer will be useless, and he won't be able to get such high prices when recording variety shows in the future.
"What are you looking at?" Jiang Yang happened to look up, glanced at Zhao Jinmai, and called out, "Maimai, come and wash the vegetables."
“I won’t wash it, I’m a child.” Zhao Jinmai didn’t even look up, continuing to read the prayer slip.
"Oh? Now you're calling me a kid?" Jiang Yang exclaimed. "You were just looking at someone's prayer, and I heard you muttering something, and you even called them a kid."
"This is a nine-year-old's wish. In my eyes, isn't he just a child?"
Zhao Jinmai spoke with conviction, raising her head and retorting confidently: "When I was in elementary school, I saw kindergarten students as children. When I was in junior high, I saw elementary school students as children. Now that I'm in high school, I'll see junior high students as children. Isn't that normal? I'll grow up eventually."
Why are you so eager to grow up, MaiMai?
"I just think growing up is wonderful, but no way."
"Okay, okay, you can do your thing. I'll call you when it's time to eat."
Jiang Yang laughed and said, "By the way, Mai Mai, if you see anything you wish for, read it out and let me hear it. You're just killing time anyway."
MaiMai outside turned around, not wanting to argue with him any longer, and continued looking at the other red stripes on the wishing tree:
[Instant noodles are so delicious! I wish I could eat them every day when I grow up—Wang Yuwen, 8 years old, 2012.]
As Zhao Jinmai read it aloud, Chaoyue, picking vegetables, exclaimed, "I had this wish when I was a child, and it came true. I worked in a factory, and every single meal was instant noodles. Hahaha, I was so silly back then."
Jiang Yang wanted to reach out and hug Chao Yue, but realizing that Chao Yue's father was right there, he quickly stopped himself.
A wave of tenderness washed over me.
I know that Chaoyue is also that child who makes simple wishes, hoping to grow up and become better.
As I grew up, I rediscovered the innocence and courage of my childhood.
A moment later, Zhao Jinmai entered the courtyard: "Chaoyue, why are so many of the people on the red ribbons on this wishing tree in front of your house surnamed Wang?"
"This is Wanggang Village, and most of the people here are surnamed Wang."
"Then why is your surname Yang Chaoyue and not Wang Chaoyue?"
"Because my father's surname is Yang, stop nagging and come kill the fish!" Yang Chaoyue urged.
"Don't kill my child."
"You are Schrödinger's child."
As she spoke, Zhao Jinmai walked towards Yang Chaoyue's room: "Do you have any comic books in your room?"
"I have a copy of 'Stealing Hearts in September,' but I don't remember where I put it. Maybe it's in my closet or drawer. MaiMai, can you look for it?"
Yang Chaoyue's room was kept very clean.
There was a photo frame on the desk, containing a picture of Yang Chaoyue and her father. Yang Chaoyue was smiling brightly in the photo.
Zhao Jinmai saw a box of onion-flavored Little Master instant noodles next to the desk. The box had been slightly opened, indicating that Chao Yue had bought it long ago and specially left it for her.
She pulled a package from the box, skillfully tore open the packaging, and took a big bite.
The crisp, fragrant aroma spread in my mouth, leaving me with a satisfied expression.
Take the Water Margin cards out of the pocket and put them in your pocket.
Chewing on some instant noodles, I walked to the wardrobe, opened the door, and started rummaging through it.
The clothes in the closet were neatly arranged, with coats on top and innerwear on the bottom, but I couldn't find any comic books after searching for a long time.
Zhao Jinmai opened the desk drawer, which contained some small, miscellaneous items.
Hair ties, hair clips, and a few coins.
She saw "Stealing Hearts in September," which was exactly the comic book she was looking for.
The cover has many creases, which shows that it is an old book.
Zhao Jinmai excitedly picked up the comic book, sat on the edge of the bed, and slowly flipped through the pages while chewing on a big mouthful of instant noodles.
I read a few pages.
Turn to the scene where September and Liuxing stand side by side on the rooftop.
In September, she wore a beautiful dress and held a magic wand in her hand. Liu Xing stood in front of her, protecting her with a firm gaze.
In the corner of this page, there is a line of crooked handwriting.
Zhao Jinmai looked closely and found that it was written with a ballpoint pen.
Beyond notes.
Having seen Chao Yue's handwriting, I realized it was crooked and messy, far inferior to Jiang Yang's.
It's so ugly you can recognize it at a glance.
It read: [I also want someone who can protect me like Liuxing protected Jiuyue, so I don't have to shoulder everything alone.]
Zhao Jinmai paused in her chewing of the instant noodles.
She looked up at everything in the room, then looked down at the words on the comic book.
Suddenly I understood something.
I don't know when Chaoyue wrote this.
But back then, Chaoyue was also a child who longed to be protected.
Turn to the next page.
I noticed another line of text in the corner.
There was no signature or date.
The handwriting, clearly superb, reads:
[After the New Year, I'm going to Shanghai to work in a factory. I don't want to leave at all, and I don't want to say goodbye to my dad. If I do say goodbye, I won't see him again until next year. I didn't cry this time, but I saw my dad shed tears.]
I don't know what path to take in the future, how to earn money, or what kind of person I want to become.
My father named me Chaoyue. He originally wanted to say Chaoyue, but when he entered my name on the household registration form, he made a typo and typed Yue instead. But I may never be able to surpass anyone in my entire life.
I probably won't be interested in reading this comic book to the end.
My youth was like a pile of mud.
The bus is about to leave, and I have to go too.
Zhao Jinmai was stunned.
It must have been a few years ago during Chinese New Year, when Chaoyue took this comic book to Shanghai and wrote it on the bus just before departure.
At that time, Chaoyue had not yet met Jiangyang.
My finger was pierced in the factory.
Continue to work at the factory.
Zhao Jinmai sighed, her heart churning with emotion.
My heart aches a little.
I feel sorry for Chaoyue.
She had never worked in a factory, never seen her father cry, and never experienced saying goodbye to her parents, only to see them again next year.
The roles I've played, the joys and sorrows I've experienced—all of it was acting.
But the leap forward was something I truly experienced.
When I'm with Chaoyue, he's usually a very easygoing person who can hit people and get hit, is greedy for money and argumentative, throws tantrums and curses, and is happy every day.
However, judging from the wishes written on the red strips on Chaoyue's wishing tree and the two passages in the comic book, it can be seen that Chaoyue used to live a very numb life.
It's like there are two leaps.
One faces the wind, the other seeks shelter from the rain.
Laughter weaves armor, silence feeds internal wounds.
"Luckily, Chaoyue met Xiaojiang. That dog boss did something decent."
Zhao Jinmai took out her phone.
She opened Jiang Yang's chat window and typed: ["Xiao Jiang, aren't you preparing a new drama called 'Heartfelt Words'?"]
"He's a freshman; he can even make typos."
Jiang Yang's message followed: ["You want a role? Come sweep the floor first."]
[“No, I want to get a role for Chaoyue.”] Zhao Jinmai typed.
I was just talking to Chaoyue at the wishing tree, saying that if I had met Chaoyue when we were kids, I would have helped him.
It's not too late to take a leap forward now.
Help us leap forward now.
To save the leap that once occurred.
"What does that mean?" Jiang Yang sent a message.
Zhao Jinmai continued typing: ["Let Chaoyue be the lead this time, okay? Xiao Jiang, I'm begging you, Chaoyue can definitely act well, I promise you."]
Jiang Yang sent a message: ["It's one thing for you to interfere with the people in my company, but why are you interfering with my film? Mai Mai, you know how expensive the lead actor's salary is, are you going to pay it?"]
Zhao Jinmai typed heavily: [“I'll give it, I'll give it!”]
[“Can you really make decisions about money? Why don’t you go home and discuss it with your parents first?” Jiang Yang replied.]
"I get annoyed when people say they need to consult adults about everything. I'm an adult now!"
Zhao Jinmai sent a voice message directly.
Once emotions got the better of him, he started speaking with a thick Northeastern accent: ["My bank card for receiving my paychecks and appearance fees is on me, my mom gave it to me a long time ago, I can make the decisions! Tell me, how much should Chao Yue be paid for the lead role? Xiao Jiang, just give me a straight answer!"] (End of Chapter)