Luo Ye put away the earphones and poked Zhao Qianqian, "There’s no point in listening further. It’s getting late, let’s check in first and then head over to Grandpa Li’s place."
"Luoluo, will there be a rehearsal tonight?" Zhao Qianqian asked worriedly.
"No."
"Why are you so sure?" Zhao Qianqian looked puzzled.
Luo Ye shrugged, "Haven’t you noticed after being here all these days? The Mine Art Troupe mbers always perform the sa shows. They’ve done these acts a thousand tis, so there’s hardly a need to rehearse again. At most, they’ll just remind us to practice well when we get back."
Recalling past experiences, Zhao Qianqian nodded in agreent, "That’s true. But now that Mr. Wang is in charge, what if he wants to show off a little for so fa?"
"Only one day, do you think that’s realistic?"
"That’s true, I really did overlook that." Zhao Qianqian glanced over Luo Ye, "Luoluo, you always notice the small details that others ignore. I truly admire that about you!"
"Thanks for the complint." Luo Ye shot her a glance and sped up.
"Are you embarrassed?" Zhao Qianqian caught up with two quick steps and lightly nudged her, "I was being honest here. I’m clearly a few years older than you, yet I’m not as thorough as you. It’s embarrassing."
"Keep your distance." Luo Ye pushed her away, "Unless I’m Director Lei, flattery won’t work. So just spill, what’s up?"
"Do I look like soone who’s that snobbish?" Zhao Qianqian said, though she couldn’t help but smile awkwardly, "Luoluo, you always seem to know everything."
"Being with you for so long, if I couldn’t see through this, then I might as well give up. Cut the nonsense and just say what’s up!"
"Can I take the night off today?" Zhao Qianqian said with a fawning smile. As soon as they ca out, Director Lei had assigned Luo Ye responsibility for this operation, so Zhao Qianqian’s personal activities had to be reported to Luo Ye.
"Hmm?" Luo Ye furrowed her brow looking at Zhao Qianqian, puzzled as to why she made such a request during this crucial ti.
"Tomorrow is my grandma’s death anniversary. I was raised by my grandma, and I want to present incense to her personally. But there’s no ti tomorrow, so I want to visit her after midnight tonight.
Grandma’s grave is in nearby Taon City; driving there and back only takes three hours. I’ll definitely be back before five in the morning. If possible, I’d appreciate it if you could lend a car, Luoluo."
Zhao Qianqian’s explanation didn’t ease Luo Ye’s doubts at all: "Your grandma’s ho is in Ludong? Didn’t you say before she was in Sha City as well?"
"That grandma married Grandpa five years ago," Zhao Qianqian sighed softly, "My biological grandma is from Taon and only had one daughter, my mom, so after my mom got married, grandma and grandpa moved to Sha City to live with us.
Six years ago, grandma passed away after a serious illness, leaving grandpa alone and despondent. To lift his spirits, mom helped him get a job watching the gate.
Unexpectedly, he started dating a single woman from the factory, they married and he moved in with her."
Every family has its own difficulties, Luo Ye decided not to probe further and readily agreed, "Okay, after we leave Grandpa Li’s house, I’ll go with you."
Zhao Qianqian hurriedly declined, "No need, you’ve been worrying too much lately, more than . I’m perfectly fine on my own. Besides, with my skills, there’s nothing to be afraid of, right?"
"Fine." Luo Ye didn’t insist, complying with her intent.
...
The two of them returned to the troupe and reported the situation. Everything went as Luo Ye anticipated; Mr. Wang rely reminded them to practice their best acts and let them off work.
As they left Mr. Wang’s office, they happened to run into Liu Yui rushing over. Upon seeing them, she lit up like finding saviors, "Qianqian, Luoluo, thank goodness you’re back! The program arrangents have got so confused. Can you please help ?"
"Sister Liu, we’ve promised Grandpa Li to visit Aunt Li. We haven’t seen her since she was discharged. How about this, we visit them first and then help you afterwards?" Luo Ye suggested.
"That works, I’m going to have dinner anyway. You two better not back out. I’m staying here tonight, so co find in my office."
"Qianqian has personal matters tonight; I’ll help you myself."
"Alright." Liu Yui scratched her head, "I’ll first discuss my rough ideas with Mr. Wang. If he agrees, we can get started."
...
At eight in the evening, Luo Ye appeared punctually in Liu Yui’s office. She was fretting over a pile of drafts, but her eyes glead with delight seeing Luo Ye arrive, "Luoluo, you’ve co at last! I was worried you’d forget."
"I’m not that unreliable. By the way, Sister Liu, with so many people in the troupe, who usually handles such situations?"
"You’re wondering why everything seems unorganized since Wang Mingli was hospitalized?" Liu Yui sighed, "Honestly, Director Wang is the hardest worker in this troupe.
She originally was an off-staff mber of the Cultural Troupe and eventually beca official when eligible, but she lacked any artistic talent, so she always handled trivial tasks.
Over the years, everyone in the troupe spoiled themselves beyond asure, pushing everything onto her seed only natural. So when she fell ill, the ss was left unattended.
If I wasn’t hoping for a steady job, I wouldn’t bother with this thankless task. Sigh, organizing the program order is a thankless job no matter how done, as everyone sees themselves as crucial perforrs. Yet, how can there be so many lead perforrs?"
Luo Ye shook her head, "This isn’t a Cultural Troupe, it’s more of a gathering of artsy seniors."
"Pretty much, everyone believes they have talent and look down on ordinary folk. But truth is, sigh..." Liu Yui shook her head, "By the way, what’s Qianqian up to? Could it be her boyfriend’s visiting?"
"It’s her grandmother’s death anniversary tomorrow, and with all our tasks piled up, she decided to honor her late grandma tonight." Luo Ye said casually.
"What?" Liu Yui suddenly stood up, "Where’s the cetery?"
"Taon City."
"How’s she getting there?"
"She rented a taxi and drove herself." Luo Ye replied. In reality, she arranged for Zhang Chaoyong to accompany Zhao Qianqian.
"Luoluo, let’s pause this for now and go et Qianqian. A girl heading there alone at midnight, just not right, right? The performance is important, but safety is more crucial." Liu Yui said, already heading outside. (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian) to vote with recomndation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
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