Era: Starting with the struggle to refuse being taken advantage of

Chapter 161 Watching a Movie

In fact, anyone could sign this name, but Wang Chengpeng simply couldn't.

After all, he and Wang Fucheng were business partners, and their status was different from that of others.

Even if Wang Fucheng could understand his unwillingness to take risks, a rift inevitably developed between the two.

He was just someone who was destined not to stay around for long, so why would Wang Chengpeng care about his targeting?
This matter was destined to cause a huge uproar in Wangjia Village, and even when Wang Zidong came to study that evening, he mentioned it casually.

When this matter was brought up, Wang Chengpeng asked curiously, saying:
"If I remember correctly, your grandfather didn't sign it for some reason."

Wang Zidong waved his hand dismissively and said, "My grandpa said that since you, the little rascal, didn't sign it, he was naturally too lazy to sign it himself."

So that's the reason. It seems that because of what happened before, Wang Jianhua chose to stand with Wang Chengpeng's family.

Naturally, Wang Chengpeng would not disappoint him; his choice was destined to be absolutely correct.

However, it was inconvenient for him to reveal to Wang Zidong that he had interfered.

Faced with the other party's curious gaze, Wang Chengpeng simply said that he was still young and could not make decisions on behalf of his family, and could only go home and consult his parents.

Wang Zidong didn't believe a word of Wang Chengpeng's nonsense, after all, Wang Chengpeng didn't seem like the kind of person who needed his parents' help to make decisions.

As if suddenly remembering something, Wang Zidong said:

"Pengzi, did you know that a projectionist is coming to the village to show a movie tomorrow?"

"This is fantastic news! Are you going?"

"If you go, I'll go; if you don't go, I won't go either."

Watching a movie is a rare thing these days, especially in rural areas, where it's practically as special as celebrating the New Year.

In this era of extreme entertainment scarcity, watching a movie is nothing short of a novel experience.

Only some factories with relatively good profits would consider showing movies in villages when promoting their production activities.

Although studying is important, balancing work and rest is equally important. After thinking it over, Wang Chengpeng agreed to the request.

I just don't know what movie will be shown tomorrow.

……

Time always flies when you're self-disciplined, and before you know it, it's the afternoon of the next day.

Considering what Wang Zidong had mentioned about showing a movie yesterday, Wang Chengpeng deliberately moved his dinner time forward today, planning to take Wang Meiyan over after dinner.

As for Wang Tieshan and Liu Chunhua? They said they weren't interested in watching movies and wanted to stay home and keep busy.

Seeing the warmth in their eyes, Wang Chengpeng wisely refrained from further persuasion. He told Wang Meiyan to grab a stool, and then rode off towards the movie screening location.

At that time, projectionists were extremely popular in the countryside, and they were always treated to delicious food and drinks whenever they came.

Villagers needed to bring their own stools to watch the movie, which is why Wang Chengpeng asked Wang Meiyan to bring stools.

Looking at the surging crowd ahead, Wang Chengpeng had a bad feeling. He had underestimated the villagers' enthusiasm for the movie and had arrived far too late.

The seats near the front were already full, with people chattering about what movie would be shown that day.

If you want to sit, you can only get a seat at the very back.

From this vantage point, watching a movie is out of the question, and even hearing a sound would be a major problem.

However, just as Wang Chengpeng was about to give up and try a different way of watching the movie, he heard Wang Zidong calling out:
"Pengzi, come over here quickly, I've already saved you a spot."

"This spot is very close to the front, but I came early to get a good one."

After saying that, Wang Zidong patted the seat next to him, signaling Wang Chengpeng to come and sit down quickly.

The bench that Wang Zidong brought was long enough to seat three people.

As for the stools that Wang Chengpeng brought, there was no need to place them haphazardly; just stack them in front, and that would be just enough.

Now is not the time for sentimentality, so Wang Chengpeng did not refuse and sat down directly, saying:
"Dongzi, thank you so much. I really didn't expect there would be so many people at a movie screening."

Unlike reading books and newspapers, which are somewhat difficult to access, watching movies is much simpler, and that's precisely why it's so popular.

Wang Zidong shook his head indifferently and said, "We're like family, why are you thanking me?"

At this point, Wang Zidong said mysteriously, "Pengzi, if you see any suitable candidates later, just tell me, and I'll give you my spot too."

See a movie?
This is simply the best activity for exchanging feelings, and it has been so throughout history.

Having someone who can help you reserve a spot is something everyone envies these days.

Shaking his head slightly, Wang Chengpeng declined Wang Zidong's offer and said helplessly:

"Don't talk nonsense about things that are still far from being settled. I brought some peanuts, do you want some?"

How can you watch a movie without snacks?
Considering he was going to see a movie tonight, Wang Chengpeng specially bought some peanuts.

It doesn't require any complicated steps. Just wash them and then stir-fry them in an iron pot until they're cooked. That makes a great snack.

To enhance the flavor of the roasted peanuts, Wang Chengpeng also soaked them in salt water.

Peanuts fried this way are less likely to burn and are also more savory and delicious.

Without any hesitation, Wang Zidong grabbed a handful of peanuts and started eating them—there was no need for such formality among his own brothers.

With a crisp snap, the peanut shell was peeled open, revealing the tempting peanut kernels inside.

With a gentle pinch of your finger, you can peel off the peanut skin, revealing the snow-white peanut kernel. Put it in your mouth and chew; it's incredibly delicious.

As the two ate and waited for the projectionist to arrive, Wang Zidong seemed to notice something, his eyes darting around, and he said to Wang Chengpeng:
"Hey, Pengzi, I think I've eaten a bit too much. I'll leave for a bit. Remember to save me a seat."

Without waiting for Wang Chengpeng to speak, he left in a hurry.

Shaking his head helplessly, Wang Chengpeng continued reading the book in his hands.

The wait for the movie to start was far too long, so he brought a few books to pass the time.

To fit the theme of entertainment and relaxation today, he wasn't reading a textbook, but a novel.

In this era, novels are also a rare commodity.

However, the copy of "Little Soldier Zhang Ga" that Wang Chengpeng has is different because it has a revolutionary background, making it relatively easy to buy.

The story mainly revolves around how Xiao Ga Zi, under the guidance of Uncle Zhong, Uncle Luo, the district captain, and his grandmother, becomes a true Eighth Route Army soldier.

The novel has a vivid and interesting plot, and it creates a witty, brave, lively and lovely child hero, which is loved by everyone.

However, before Wang Chengpeng could look at it for long, a figure squeezed in from the side and sat down next to him.

Wang Chengpeng thought it was Wang Zidong returning from the restroom, but when he looked up, he discovered an unexpected figure – none other than Xia Mingyue.

Seemingly noticing the confusion in Wang Chengpeng's eyes, Xia Mingyue explained:

"I arrived late and didn't get a seat."

"However, Comrade Wang Zidong suddenly came to me just now and said that something came up and he couldn't watch the movie."

"In order not to waste the spot that I had worked so hard to reserve, I gave it to someone I knew."

"I just came with Qiu Yun, and I wanted to ask if the four of us could squeeze in."

There seem to be only three positions available now, but Wang Meiyan is still quite young.

An Qiuyun and Xia Mingyue are both girls and are relatively small in stature. If they squeeze together, the three of them can sit together.

It has to be said that watching movies these days is a wonderful thing. Even Xia Mingyue put aside her reserve and came over to help her best friend get a chance.

Considering that An Qiuyun had recently helped him, and that she could indeed fit in the seat, Wang Chengpeng nodded in agreement, saying:
"Sure, as long as you don't feel cramped."

Although this era emphasized the separation of men and women, considering that it was a crowded activity like watching a movie where people had to fight for seats, sitting was perfectly fine.

Under Xia Mingyue's care, the four of them quickly gathered together, but then the question of where to sit became another problem.

Compared to the older men and women around them, the two women naturally preferred to sit next to Wang Chengpeng.

There's a specific arrangement regarding the middle position: who should be closer to Wang Chengpeng and who should be closer to Wang Meiyan.

However, An Qiuyun seemed completely unaware of this awkward problem.

Sitting down next to Wang Meiyan solved this awkward choice.

As for Xia Mingyue? She sat between An Qiuyun and Wang Chengpeng.

Considering that some things are better left unsaid, Xia Mingyue wisely kept quiet, and Wang Chengpeng simply gave her more leeway.

Seemingly sensing the slightly awkward atmosphere, Wang Chengpeng pulled out a large bag of peanuts, handed it over, and said:

"I have some roasted peanuts here. You can try them if you don't mind."

"By the way, An Zhiqing, I have to thank you for what happened last time, otherwise I really wouldn't have been able to see Director Song."

Faced with food, An Qiuyun could never refuse, and without any hesitation, she accepted it, saying:
"Comrade Wang, about what happened last time..."

An Qiuyun didn't speak, but instead gave Xia Mingyue a meaningful look. Seeing that the other party didn't speak, she changed the subject and said:
"These roasted peanuts are really delicious. Comrade Wang never disappoints me."

Comrade Wang, you are indeed clever, but if I don't tell you, you won't know that the person who actually helped you was Xia Mingyue.

Thinking this, An Qiuyun's lips curled up, as if she had thought of something happy, and she peeled peanuts even faster.

As the peanuts cracked open, a delicious peanut aroma wafted up. Although they didn't say anything, the four of them were very happy.

Xia Mingyue felt a bit bored, so she took out a book and started reading, just like Wang Chengpeng.

Judging from the title, it turned out to be "La Dame aux Camélias," the first book she borrowed from Wang Chengpeng. It seems she really liked this genre.

As time went by and the sky gradually darkened, more and more people came to watch the movie, and the environment became increasingly noisy.

With a slight frown, Xia Mingyue put the book away. Reading requires a quiet environment, and even she couldn't concentrate on reading in such an environment.

Looking back, I found that Wang Chengpeng, just like me, had put away his copy of "Little Soldier Zhang Ga" long ago and was playing it on and off.

Just then, accompanied by a passionate theme song, the movie that everyone had been waiting for finally premiered.

Judging from the sound, today's film should be "Tunnel Warfare," a very classic revolutionary film.

It was precisely at the moment the movie began that the previously noisy venue fell completely silent, with only the powerful lines from the film remaining.

However, just as Wang Chengpeng was getting into the swing of things and seriously starting to watch the movie, he felt a figure suddenly bump into him.

Looking back, I saw Xia Mingyue's flushed face and she carefully said "I'm sorry" to me.

It turned out that the movie had already started playing, and many villagers who lived far away began to squeeze in, trying to catch a glimpse of the film.

Wang Chengpeng did not overestimate his strength in the slightest. He stood firm like an iron tower, shielding the four people from the pressure coming from the left.

Unfortunately, he seemed to have overestimated the three women's fighting ability.

With their small stature, they were already being jostled and swayed by the crowd right at the start of the movie.

Even the space that Wang Chengpeng had reserved for Xia Mingyue was breached just now, which is why she suddenly bumped into Wang Chengpeng.

With a helpless smile, Wang Chengpeng said:

"It's okay, watching the movie is more important."

"Everyone is packed with people right now, so don't overthink it."

At this moment, Wang Chengpeng felt a pang of nostalgia for Zhu Hong, who had just left. If Zhu Hong had been there with him to keep things in order, the three of them wouldn't have been squeezed into such a state.

Turning my head again, I saw that although Wang Meiyan was being jostled and swayed, she didn't seem to care at all.

With a flushed face, she excitedly waved her fists while muttering to herself:

"You little devils, die!"

Unable to suppress a laugh, Wang Chengpeng continued to immerse himself in the movie, ignoring the constant pressure from both sides.

Wang Chengpeng remained remarkably calm, but Xia Mingyue simply couldn't continue watching the movie as if no one else was around.

Although "Tunnel Warfare" was exciting enough, every time she touched Wang Chengpeng, she would blush and lose all interest in watching the movie.

Especially Wang Chengpeng's muscles, as hard as iron, gave Xia Mingyue an extremely unique sensation with each collision.

It even reminded her of what An Qiuyun had said about Wang Chengpeng's unusually robust physique.

Faced with this predicament, Xia Mingyue could only exert all her strength to squeeze to the right.

With her small frame, she couldn't possibly squeeze past the elderly people next to her, and in the end, it was all in vain. Instead, she ended up sticking even closer to Wang Chengpeng.

For a moment, Xia Mingyue felt immense regret, regretting that she had agreed to Wang Zidong's suggestion to come and watch the movie.

Just as Xia Mingyue was feeling a bit lost, she suddenly felt that the left side became slightly more open.

It turned out that Wang Chengpeng noticed Xia Mingyue's strange behavior and squeezed her a little more to the left.

Xia Mingyue glanced gratefully at Wang Chengpeng, and was about to express her thanks when she heard Wang Chengpeng's curious voice:
"Xia Zhiqing, why aren't you paying attention to the movie? Is it because the movie isn't good?"

Xia Mingyue: ...? ? ?
(End of this chapter)