Chapter 266: Watch a movie
"But appearance and substance can coexist, just like in my case." Tian Sangsang laughed.
Zhao Chun nodded awkwardly, feeling ashamed. She really was as bold as ever, never hesitating to speak so audaciously.
"Appearance and substance are not opposites; they complement each other." Tian Sangsang lifted her basket up and began advertising again, "So, if you want to look good, use Yan’s."
Jia Wenxiu suppressed the anger in her heart and quietly walked away with Li Mei. The others didn’t even notice them leaving. This commotion, however, piqued everyone’s interest in Tian Sangsang’s skincare products. These students here were all fashion-conscious, and no female student could resist the allure of whitening and beautifying treatments.
In contrast, people initially thought highly of Jia Wenxiu. She was seen as cool but not excessively so, sweet but not cloyingly so. Yet, her words today left people with a bad impression, even feeling a hint of defamation. It was like this: the goddess they had admired for so long tumbled from her pedestal with just one sentence. Sometimes, it’s because the distance makes them seem ethereal and perfect, but a single utterance reveals their soul. Her soul wasn’t vulgar, but it also wasn’t pure.
When Tian Sangsang returned, there were only a few bottles of essential oil left in her basket; she had sold everything else. By the end of the day, she earned a solid 100 yuan, which was not bad. Even so, she decided to continue pursuing sales, thinking she would open a small shop and register a trademark once she had a steady customer base and some recognition. That would make everything feel more natural and seamless.
"Mom~" Meng Shuyan saw her and grinned happily while sitting on a chair.
Tian Sangsang walked over and ruffled his little head. Only then did she notice that both of them were sitting by the dining table, and on the table were three bowls of porridge.
"You’re back." Guan Kunling lowered her bright eyes, a bit self-conscious, and said, "Let’s eat."
Honestly, after running around all day and coming home to see three steaming bowls of porridge, Tian Sangsang was genuinely hungry. She didn’t even bother asking why there were three bowls of porridge on the table. She placed a bag of chestnuts on the table, saying, "Brought you Tang Dynasty chestnuts—very fragrant—you should try them." Then she went to wash her hands before sitting down.
Meng Shuyan looked at the porridge, his small eyes twinkling mischievously. He reached out his tiny hand and grabbed a chestnut.
It was preserved egg and lean pork congee. Tian Sangsang picked up her spoon, gently stirred it, and took a bite with happiness... but her chewing stiffened.
"Kunling," she said, lowering her head. Her voice was calm. "Did you cook this meal?"
"Yes."
"From now on, leave cooking to me. You’re more suited to wielding knives and saving lives."
"It’s no trouble." Guan Kunling had a faintly gentle look in her eyes. "Sangsang, you run yourself ragged with business every day; I can handle the cooking."
"That won’t be necessary." Tian Sangsang firmly declined. "The reason I don’t want you cooking is because I have something more important to ask of you."
Guan Kunling looked at her intently. "I wouldn’t dare... Just ask; no need to make it sound like a favor."
"Yanyan hasn’t started kindergarten or elementary school yet. If you have the time, maybe you could teach him some basic martial arts. Kids, after all, can build strength and stay healthy by learning it."
Guan Kunling nodded solemnly. "Alright!"
Tian Sangsang quietly let out a sigh of relief in her heart.
She spent her daily life making essential oils and skincare products in her private space. She would also order bottles online within her plane’s space. She required each bottle to have her "Yan’s" logo stamped under the caps to distinguish them. It was her unique mark.
Tian Sangsang couldn’t help but think of Jiang Jinghuai. If only he were here, he could carve for her and even brainstorm some designs. Thinking about this, she accidentally reminisced about the little white pig Jiang Jinghuai had given her.
The little white pig was left at the family compound. For some reason, Tian Sangsang suddenly wanted to see that little thing. So, she took a detour home.
After not being home for a few days, the family compound was still filled with the same people, all curious when they saw her.
"Sangsang, why haven’t you been back home lately? Where have you been staying these days?" The tone had a peculiar undertone.
"I moved out. It’s more convenient to make essential oils outside."
Qin Lan snorted not far away. The scar on her face hadn’t faded and would still take some time. Every time she saw Tian Sangsang, she would instantly put on a sour expression.
While some of the other military wives gossiped behind her back, they didn’t have the nerve to act as overtly as Qin Lan. On the surface, they still maintained a cordial demeanor with Tian Sangsang.
Her house was empty, not a soul in sight. As she opened the door, a cold draft greeted her. Walking over to her bed, Tian Sangsang picked up the little white pig. It had gathered a bit of dust, so she carefully wiped it clean with her hands and tucked it into her pocket.
Being too quiet wasn’t good; she still preferred livelier surroundings.
The last payment for "Hero Song" had only been half received; the other half would have to wait until "Water Margin" was fully filmed. Coupled with the money Tian Sangsang had recently earned, she now had a bit of spending room and had already started entertaining thoughts of indulging in some fun.
"Kunling, Yanyan, let’s go watch a movie together today!"
Both of them nodded excitedly.
Tian Sangsang bought two tickets, each costing 25 cents, and they went to a city cinema. Near the cinema, there were vendors selling snacks—mostly sunflower seeds and candied hawthorns.
"What would you like to eat?" Tian Sangsang asked as she turned around.
Guan Kunling and Meng Shuyan answered in unison, "Sunflower seeds."
"Comrade, buy my sunflower seeds—sunflower seeds that are sweet and taste amazing!" A lady vendor came forward enthusiastically to pitch her wares.
Tian Sangsang picked one up and tried it. It was indeed sweet, but it still fell short compared to modern flavors like buttery sunflower seeds or green tea ones.
She bought three packs of sunflower seeds and a newspaper as well.
Walking slowly down the stairs, the cinema was pitch black except for the glow of a large screen at the front. Even though Guan Kunling had grown accustomed to this strange era, he was still awestruck seeing the people on screen. Meng Shuyan, too, stared intently without blinking.
Today’s movie had a hint of suspense—a mystery film called **"Embroidered Shoes."** It was set in the Republic era, telling a story in a large mansion. Of course, it wasn’t just about the house itself; the plot also involved patriotic citizens of the Republic and underground party members.
The audience was mostly young couples watching in groups. Tian Sangsang, Guan Kunling, and Meng Shuyan, on the other hand, made for an unusual trio. Perhaps due to the lack of romantic scenes, some people in the audience started whispering.
"Did you hear? There’s a film audition happening, looking for a leading man and woman. If chosen, the pay is 500 yuan."
"So much! Which film studio is it?"
"East Sea Film Factory."
"Then let’s go try out too."
"But the audition location isn’t at the factory; it’s at 25 Feipu Road."
The people in front of Tian Sangsang discussed this, and then a voice cut in, "That movie is being self-produced by students from East Sea Film Academy. It’s only nominally tied to the factory. Be careful—you might not get paid." It was Li Mei speaking.
"But the newspaper said the pay is 500."