Chapter 154: Room
This translation was originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
Even though it was late, the town was not quiet at all. Lamps lit one after another along the street, stretching into the cold night. Steam still rose from roadside stalls. Some people sat around the stalls, adding a bit of warmth to the winter night.
There were still many figures moving about in the town.
Tomorrow the official recording will start. The program team had been busy for a long time already. Judging from the progress, they might have to work overtime till late. The government also sent people to help coordinate with the townspeople. The program team picked some townspeople to join and interact with the guests. Some staff members were talking to them, telling them what to do.
Other than that, most were just there to watch.
After entering the town, Zhang Zhiyin slowed the car down. Ruan Yesheng lowered the window and looked at the townspeople passing by. Some walked in twos and threes, some gathered in groups, and some children carried bowls of rice. After a few bites, they craned their necks to look at the car.
News spread fast, the townspeople all knew the show would be filmed in town. Recently, they had seen many cars from the program team. Now, seeing the nanny van with Ruan Yesheng and the others drive in, they were not surprised. They were only curious about who had come this time.
Many of them had never even left the town. Other than seeing stars on TV or on phones, they had never had such a chance to get close to a real star in person. Even if the program team brought some celebrity guests, some of them did not know them, or could not call their names, but they still knew they must be big stars, so they had to come and see.
Ebian was an Yi Autonomous Prefecture, where Yi people had lived for generations. Many Yi traditions were kept, but there were also many Han people. Yi and Han lived together, and there were also some other ethnic groups.
*The Yi and Han people are two ethnic groups in China. The Yi people are one of the minority (among the official 56) The Yi people live primarily in rural areas of Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi, usually in mountainous regions. They also have their own language, though most can speak Chinese, it is not their native language and fluency varies by region, education and generational exposure.
While the Han people are the majority, approx. 90% of the population of China. They are also the biggest ethnic group in the world.
Heizhugou Town was mostly populated by the Yi people. But because of tourism, many Han people also lived there, doing business or running inns.
Ruan Yesheng could not understand the Yi language. But she heard a Han child asking his parents: “Who are the ones sitting in the car? I do not know them.”
The parents also shook their heads.
The townspeople were just ordinary people living their daily lives, and they didn't have the time to be fans of celebrities. They watched movies and TV series whenever they could, but they didn't care who was acting in them, unless it was one of those veteran actors with a huge national following.
“The sisters in this car are all so pretty.” The child’s voice was sweet.
The parent touched his head and said, “Many stars are pretty. Otherwise, how could they be stars?”
Ruan Yesheng gave a small smile.
The town had a nice atmosphere. She felt very relaxed.
After many turns, Zhang Zhiyin’s car finally stopped in front of a three-story house. The group got out of the car.
“Let’s go in and eat dinner first. Everything’s ready. Director Ning is waiting inside.” Zhang Zhiyin arranged with a smile, “Xi Mo, Zhiyuan will send your luggage straight to your house later. Tinghuan, these houses nearby are all rented by the program team. There are empty rooms. You can stay wherever you want.”
Zhang Zhiyin looked at Ruan Yesheng, “As for Ruanruan, it’ll be a bit tiring. After dinner, take a rest. Then you’ll have to come with me to the recording house to film a check-in segment.”
"I understand." Ruan Yesheng nodded.
Shen Qingbie was very happy inside, but she didn't dare show too much on her face. She pretended to be polite and said, “Ruanruan, I already filmed the check-in clip, but later I’ll still need to match it with you. Let’s go together after dinner.”
"Okay." Ruan Yesheng smiled.
“Will I be the only one living there?” Xi Mo asked Zhang Zhiyin.
Zhang Zhiyin nodded. “Except for the owner, only you. Qingming called me and said if a house is arranged, it’s best to give you a quiet one.”
The homestays had mixed conditions. This time, Lu Qingming gave special instructions. Plus, Director Ning wanted to be attentive. So even though Xi Mo was not a recording guest, he still got the best arrangement.
“If you think it’s inconvenient with the owner there, we can talk to the owner,” Zhang Zhiyin said. She was thoughtful, and had heard rumors that Xi Mo liked living alone.
“No need. The owner has always lived in the house. Asking them to move out would be improper.” Xi Mo spoke seriously. “What I mean is, if I’m the only one staying there, are there other empty rooms, so Yan Tinghuan can stay with me?”
Yan Tinghuan leaned on Ruan Yesheng’s shoulder with a grin, whispering in her ear, “This wood block is actually pretty gentle.”
Ruan Yesheng lowered her eyes with a smile, feeling a subtle sense of pride.
Of course.
She knew best about Xi Mo’s gentleness, only others rarely had the chance to feel it.
Zhang Zhiyin said with regret, “The house you’re in actually has four bedrooms, two floors. But one is yours, one is the owner’s, and one is used by the owner to store medicinal herbs, all rare wild herbs, so it’s not convenient to clear out. The last one is locked. The owner said it can’t be given to outsiders for now. But your house has good ventilation and light, full household appliances and living facilities, plus a yard. We thought it suited you better. The owner also has a good reputation in town, so we chose that one for you.”
Xi Mo had already guessed the program team would arrange a nice house. After all, they wanted to please her. Letting Yan Tinghuan stay there too would mean she could be comfortable as well.
But after hearing Zhang Zhiyin’s words, there was no way.
Shen Qingbie, always warmhearted, quickly said, “A’Yu’s house also has good conditions. She told me before that there's an empty room next door. Tinghuan, you can stay there. I’ll go tell A’Yu.”
“Alright, thank you, Qingqing.” Yan Tinghuan enjoyed the thoughtful care, feeling very comfortable inside.
After they finished talking, the group went upstairs for dinner.
Director Ning Kui and Zhang Zhiyin were about the same age, in their thirties, and they were also friends. He did not put on a director’s air. When he saw Zhang Zhiyin leading everyone in, he quickly stood up with a few key staff members to greet them politely.
Ning Kui was even more warm toward Xi Mo. He reached out his hand. “Xi Mo, welcome. If you need anything, just tell us. Don’t be restrained.”
Xi Mo shook his hand and said, “I only came along with Yesheng to have a look. Director Ning, you just focus on your work. No need to trouble yourself.”
She mentioned on purpose that she was here to accompany Ruan Yesheng, hoping Ning Kui would look after Ruan Yesheng more.
“No trouble, not at all,” Ning Kui quickly pulled out a chair for Xi Mo, inviting her to sit. He also thoughtfully moved a chair next to her for Ruan Yesheng, smiling at her. “Zhiyin often mentions you, Ruanruan. I’ve long wanted to meet you.”
“Thank you, Director Ning.” Ruan Yesheng smiled in thanks.
Ning Kui was fair. He also invited Shen Qingbie and Yan Tinghuan to take seats. After a few words of small talk, Zhang Zhiyin, being close with Ning Kui, sat by his side.
Ning Kui was witty. Most people present were familiar with each other, so there was not much formality. The meal felt easy, which also made Xi Mo relax a lot.
Later Ning Kui went around to toast each one. When he came to Xi Mo, she spoke softly. “This is Yesheng’s first time joining a variety recording. I hope Director Ning will take good care of her.”
After saying that, she drank a sip first.
Usually it was others toasting her, and she would drink as she liked, seldom drinking first on her own.
Ruan Yesheng heard her words and kept looking at Xi Mo.
Ning Kui understood Xi Mo's meaning and quickly said, "Don't worry, I will definitely take good care of her with Zhiyin."
At the table, Shen Qingbie sent a message to Yu An: “A’Yu, Ruanruan and Tinghuan are here too. Have you eaten? If not, I’ll pack some food and bring it to you.”
Yu An had no appetite tonight and did not eat with them. When she saw Shen Qingbie’s message, her stomach suddenly felt much better. She replied: “I’ve eaten. Tinghuan? You’ve only just met her, right? And you’re already this close. I remember last time when you visited Yan Mu on the Sui Ting set, you and Yan Tinghuan hardly talked.”
Before, Shen Qingbie admitted to Yu An that she and Ruan Yesheng were good sisters, but she never mentioned Yan Tinghuan. In the past, she did not have much contact with her either.
Shen Qingbie said proudly: “Well, we’ll be working together. I’m a little social genius. Just a few words and I can get close. Tinghuan and I are already friends now.”
Yu An looked at her phone and smiled. “Alright, little genius.”
Seizing the chance, Shen Qingbie said: “When you meet them later, call them Ruanruan and Tinghuan too, okay? You’re my good sister, of course you should call them the same as me. My friends are your friends. Otherwise, it’ll look like you’re not close to me.”
Yu An: “…”
Every time she hears Shen Qingbie say the word “sister,” she gets so mad her head spun. But she could not bear to refuse any of Shen Qingbie’s requests. So she replied: “…Okay.”
Shen Qingbie then sent another message: “You said you have an empty room next door. I told Tinghuan she can stay there.”
Yu An’s smile froze, and she grew even more upset. “Why is it that everything I tell you, you go and say it outside?”
Shen Qingbie was dumbfounded. “I didn’t. Can’t you say that next door there’s a room? What’s that, a gold room or a diamond room?”
Yu An: “…”
It was not a gold room, nor a diamond room.
It was a “Qingqing room” that she had specially kept for Shen Qingbie.
Although Shen Qingbie, as a guest, often needed to stay in the program house where the filming took place, there were still bits of private free time. She had kept a room for Shen Qingbie so she could come over and rest from time to time. After all, the program house was full of cameras, and there was no way to really relax.
Shen Qingbie quickly asked again, “So she can’t stay? But I already gave Tinghuan my word that she could. If she can’t, then I’ll lose face.”
Yu An: “…”
She pinched her brow and typed: “She can stay. Just tell her to come straight over, the key’s with me.”
“I knew A’Yu is the best and most generous,” Shen Qingbie was overjoyed, and she sent her a pouty kiss sticker before going on with her meal.
Yu An stared at that sticker for quite a while in a daze.
After dinner, Ruan Yesheng had to go with the production crew to film the check-in clip, and Shen Qingbie went with her.
She was afraid Xi Mo would be too tired along the way, so she told her, “You should go back to the house and rest. We just moved in, so you’ll still need to tidy up. And you should also spend time talking with the homeowner, so the owner will take care of you more, maybe even cook for you. I heard from Zhiyin that the hostess is really good at cooking.”
“When will you finish recording?” Xi Mo asked her.
“It will probably be pretty late,” Ruan Yesheng said. “Zhiyin said there’s no script, it’s very casual. I don’t know what will happen after moving in. The cameras will be turned off before we sleep. Before that, I’ll probably have to stay there.”
“Then tonight, I won’t get to see you?” Xi Mo looked at her.
Ruan Yesheng was stunned.
After a while, she came back to her senses, her eyes full of joy. She whispered, “You want to see me tonight?”
Xi Mo said nothing.
“Then I’ll come quietly after lights out,” Ruan Yesheng stared at her. “As long as I go back before morning, it’ll be fine. The camera has to film me waking up, I need to be in bed in the morning.”
Hearing Ruan Yesheng say she would sneak over, Xi Mo’s stern face softened a little, as if coaxed with a faint sweetness. But when she heard the production crew had to film the waking-up scene, her mood darkened again. “They film that too?”
“Of course.” Ruan Yesheng knew why she was upset and laughed. “Variety shows are like this now. You just don’t watch much. The audience likes to see the most real state of the guests, that’s how they feel close to them. Not just the waking-up scene, even the look of applying a face mask before bed, messy hair without makeup, brushing teeth with foam all over the mouth, they’ll film all of it. The more real, the better. If you act too fake, the audience won’t buy it.”
Xi Mo: “…”
She felt unhappy inside.
She had never seen Ruan Yesheng applying a face mask, messy hair without makeup, and brushing her teeth.
Why should those strangers, who have nothing to do with her, get to see.
Good for them.
But she was very professional. Once she thought this was Ruan Yesheng’s job and rules she had to follow, she could only endure it.
Xi Mo felt sour inside, so she had to comfort her and said, “Actually, you look very beautiful without makeup. Don’t worry about being filmed. Relax.”
Ruan Yesheng: “…”
She was a little dazed.
Xi Mo: “…”
Ruan Yesheng lifted her eyes and looked at Xi Mo under the light.
Xi Mo turned her gaze away. “Then I’ll go. If it’s too late, don’t come over, go to sleep early.”
After saying that, she quickly walked away.
Ruan Yesheng stood there, watching Xi Mo’s fading back for a long time, until Shen Qingbie came and patted her shoulder to call her, then she came back to her senses and went with Shen Qingbie to the recording house.
The program team found someone to guide Xi Mo, and her house was very close, so she arrived soon.
It was a two-story house with a yard. The gate was open, and inside the yard a woman dressed in Yi clothing was cleaning. She looked about forty to fifty years old, with a yellow local dog following her. Wherever she walked, the dog wagged its tail and followed.
The woman spoke Yi language while sometimes teasing the dog.
Xi Mo knocked on the gate. “Hello, sorry to bother you.”
The woman turned her head and looked at her. Then she quickly put on a smile and came over, speaking in halting, not-so-fluent Chinese: “You… hello, guest. You are Miss Xi, the one the program team said will stay, right?”
“Yes. You can just call me Xi Mo.” Xi Mo was polite and proper. “How should I address you?”
“My name… is Ranla Changxiu.” Ranla Changxiu felt a little shy calling her Xi Mo directly, so she politely called her ‘Miss Xi’: “Young people in town all call me Auntie Ranla.”
This translation was originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
Before coming, Xi Mo had studied some Yi culture. She knew Ranla was a Yi surname. She nodded. “Hello, Auntie Ranla.”
“Please come in quickly. I already cleaned up the room for you.” Ranla Changxiu hurried to let her inside. “Miss Xi, where is your luggage? Is it in a car outside? I will help you carry it in.”
“I walked here, there is no car outside,” Xi Mo said. “Later, someone will send my luggage over.”
Ranla Changxiu understood, then led Xi Mo inside, and called into the house: “A’xiong, the guest is here. Come out, it’s Miss Xi.”
Soon, a man a little older than Ranla Changxiu came out. He wore a white wool hat and was dressed like a Yi man too. When he saw Xi Mo, he greeted her warmly: “Miss Xi, welcome.”
His Chinese was also stiff, but more fluent than Ranla Changxiu’s.
“My A’xiong’s name is… A’cuo Rize.” Ranla Changxiu introduced, “You can call him Uncle A’cuo.”
Although she called him A’xiong A’cuo Rize, Xi Mo could see they were actually a married couple. Calling each other A’xiong, A’mei was only their intimate way of addressing. Many ethnic minorities do so. They were not real siblings.
*Adding prefix 阿(A) to a name or nickname is used to show familiarity or affection. Originally, 兄 (xiōng) means elder brother, used to address related older brother/male cousins or a close older male peer. And 妹 (mèi) means younger sister, used to address related younger sister/female cousins or a younger girl.
“Uncle A’cuo.” Xi Mo nodded.
This Yi couple looked kind, and their home was very tidy. Xi Mo went in and looked around, feeling satisfied.
Ranla Changxiu went to make tea for Xi Mo, while A’cuo Rize led Xi Mo upstairs to show her the room. Before entering, Xi Mo glanced at the room next door. The door was tightly closed. She wondered if it was the one Zhang Zhiyin said was for precious herbs, or the locked one.
She guessed it should be the locked room.
After all, carrying herbs upstairs and downstairs might not be convenient.
“The quilt and sheets are new. My A’mei washed them for you. But lately there was no sun, so they were dried by machine.” A’cuo Rize smiled and said, “Ah, Mr. Lu Qingming gave me some money, asked me to buy you new daily supplies, and wanted them all washed clean. I followed his request to prepare. If you feel anything is not good enough, tell me, I’ll change it.”
“Thank you.” Xi Mo said with gratitude, “Everything is good. Sorry to trouble you.”
“My A’mei and I live downstairs.” A’cuo Rize said, “If you need anything, just call us.”
“Alright.”
A’cuo Rize seemed to hesitate for a while, then spoke again: “Miss Xi, would you mind if another person lived here too?”
Xi Mo remembered what Zhang Zhiyin had said.
There was still a locked room in this house. Could it be that A’cuo Rize locked it on purpose, not letting others stay, keeping it for his family?
“Is it your children coming back to visit?” Xi Mo asked. “I don’t mind.”
“It’s my friend,” A’cuo Rize said. “Mr. Lu said you like quiet. When my friend came before, she rarely stayed here, she went out and only came back very late. Miss Xi, you may not even see her, she shouldn’t disturb you.”
“It’s fine. Is it the room next to mine?”
“Yes, it’s right next to yours. I locked it for now.” Seeing that she didn’t mind, A’cuo Rize was relieved. “That room is for my friend. She likes cleanliness very much. Usually I just keep the room locked, so the little kids next door won’t run in and play. Miss Xi, if you go out, remember to lock your room too. The little kids next door are quite naughty.”
“When will your friend come?” Xi Mo asked.
“I’m not very sure, she hasn’t told me yet,” A’cuo Rize said. “She just called before, only said within a few days.”
Author's Note:
A’cuo Rize, everyone who read my “Exploring the Empty Tombs: Modern Times" already knows him~
Xi Mo, do you know who’s going to live next door to you hahaha
It’s my love! 【.
Please everyone, leave a rating and comment~~
