The work life of the following few days had nothing special. It was just the same as before—either working or slacking off while knitting scarves. However, two noteworthy things did happen.
One was that Yan Jin’er’s newly designed mesh-style scarf was finally completed. Enduring her embarrassment and forcing herself to act as if nothing was wrong, she shamelessly gave it to Mother Song. She received a flood of compliments from Mother Song, along with Father Song placing an order for the same scarf.
The other thing was that Chen Xiaohong’s colleague had finally entered a relationship and become part of the “partnered” crowd. She seemed very satisfied with her partner and would occasionally show a sweet, blissful smile in the office.
Now, their department only had Yan Jin’er left as the single noblewoman. Yan Jin’er said she felt no honor in that at all. She equally resented every couple who was unknowingly “feeding others dog food.”
Moreover, in the past two days, Cheng Yu’s partner had been picking her up and dropping her off at work every day. He was a slightly rebellious, handsome man, and he treated Cheng Yu with great care and attentiveness.
When Yan Jin’er saw this, she instantly imagined a whole drama in her mind called The Domineering Boyfriend and His Cold Little Wife.
Yan Jin’er felt that she was accidentally becoming the one being fed dog food every day. As a young and beautiful girl, she had actually fallen to this level—it was truly pitiful.
Finally, the day of the National Day evening gala arrived. Yan Jin’er and the others were allowed to get off work one hour early. They could go home to eat and also bring a small stool—yes, they even had to bring their own stools.
The National Day evening gala was held on a large playground near the Textile Factory and Machinery Factory. Because there were too many spectators, it was simply held on the playground.
Since Sister Wang’s home was relatively close to that large playground, she said they could go there after dinner to occupy seats first, and Yan Jin’er and Cheng Yu could just find them directly when they arrived.
It was the first time both Yan Jin’er and Cheng Yu attended such an evening gala, so they were both expectant and excited. They walked home with quick, eager steps, almost wanting to fly back.
At home, Yan Jin’er casually cooked a large pot of noodle soup. She served herself a bowl, and left the rest for Father Song and Mother Song.
After quickly finishing dinner, Yan Jin’er carried her small stool from home and headed toward the playground. Along the way, she saw many people walking toward the playground with their families. There were elderly people and children, and every face was filled with excited smiles.
By the time Yan Jin’er arrived, the playground was already packed with people. At a glance, she could not tell who was who, and she could not see Sister Wang and the others at all. Yan Jin’er stood blankly at the edge of the playground, completely dazed.
“Brother Qingyu, look, isn’t that your Little Dumpling over there!” Jiang Tingbai said excitedly while patting Wen Qingyu’s shoulder, completely forgetting Wen Qingyu’s previous reminder not to casually comment on others or give nicknames.
Wen Qingyu subconsciously turned his head toward the direction Yan Jin’er was in. He saw Yan Jin’er holding her small stool with both hands, her round eyes wide open as she looked around in confusion. She looked like a little kitten pitifully searching for its owner.
Wen Qingyu looked at this scene, quietly staring at Yan Jin’er. A faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips, and his phoenix eyes were filled with subtle amusement. Between his brows and eyes, there was a gentle tenderness even he himself did not notice.
Jiang Tingbai, seeing this expression on Wen Qingyu’s face, looked as if he had seen a ghost. Normally, no matter how much he joked around, Wen Qingyu would tolerate him. Although his expression was usually gentle, toward strangers he always remained cold and distant.
Jiang Tingbai had never seen Wen Qingyu show such an expression toward a stranger before, and he immediately felt that something he did not know must have happened.
With a mischievous grin, Jiang Tingbai shook Wen Qingyu’s arm and said, “Brother Qingyu, do you want to go get to know your Little Dumpling?”
In the end, Wen Qingyu did not go over. In his view, in this era, approaching a stranger without any prior acquaintance was very impolite and disrespectful, and it could easily affect a girl’s reputation. He suppressed his impulse—now was not the right time. There would be a better opportunity later.
On the other side, Yan Jin’er finally met up with Cheng Yu, and the two of them could only give a wry smile. They still could not find Sister Wang.
In the end, Yan Jin’er and Cheng Yu decided not to look for Sister Wang anymore. They simply found a place nearby with a slightly better view and sat down.
At six o’clock, the time for the gala to begin, the crowd gradually quieted down and all eyes turned toward the stage.
Lights shone onto the stage. At the beginning, there were speeches from two factory leaders. It seemed that no matter what era it was, leaders’ speeches were always long and drawn out. The two leaders spoke for a full half hour, but the audience was very enthusiastic, giving wave after wave of loud applause.
Yan Jin’er followed the crowd and clapped along.
After that came performances organized by various departments of the two factories—singing, dancing, recitations, and other programs. Of course, their department did not have one, so they could only sit and watch.
The performances were all highly characteristic of that era, and everyone watched attentively, since opportunities to see shows like this were rare.
Yan Jin’er brought candy and sunflower seeds, while Cheng Yu brought peanuts and rice cakes. The two of them ate snacks while watching the performances, occasionally commenting on them.
“Sister Cheng, I’m going with my father to the Military Region to watch the performance. Do you want to come with me?”
Yan Jin’er looked down at her watch. It was already seven-thirty; it was time to head over to Father Song’s place. Since she got along well with Cheng Yu, she invited her along.
“No need, you go ahead. My partner will come pick me up later,” Cheng Yu said. She was a little tempted—she had never seen a Military Region performance before—but thinking it might trouble Yan Jin’er’s family, she declined.
Hearing this, Yan Jin’er stopped insisting. She quietly bent down, carrying her small stool as she slipped away.
“I have something to do. Help me watch my stool for a bit,” Wen Qingyu said to Jiang Tingbai after noticing Yan Jin’er’s movement.
Jiang Tingbai waved his hand without even turning his head.
Wen Qingyu followed Yan Jin’er from a distance, watching her small figure walking ahead, occasionally hopping lightly every few steps. A smile could not help but rise at the corner of his lips.
Only when Yan Jin’er entered the compound did he finally turn around and leave.