Rebirth in the 90s: Her Counterattack and Redemption

Chapter 1231 - 737

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 members always perform the same shows. They’ve done these acts a thousand times, 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 agreement, ”That’s true. But now that Mr. Wang is in charge, what if he wants to show off a little for some fame?”

”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 compliment.” 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 someone 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 came 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 time.

”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 time tomorrow, so I want to visit her after midnight tonight.

Grandma’s grave is in nearby Taomen 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 me a car, Luoluo.”

Zhao Qianqian’s explanation didn’t ease Luo Ye’s doubts at all: ”Your grandma’s home 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 Taomen 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 me. 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 merely 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 Yumei rushing over. Upon seeing them, she lit up like finding saviors, ”Qianqian, Luoluo, thank goodness you’re back! The program arrangements have got me so confused. Can you please help me?”

”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 come find me in my office.”

”Qianqian has personal matters tonight; I’ll help you myself.”

”Alright.” Liu Yumei 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 Yumei’s office. She was fretting over a pile of drafts, but her eyes gleamed with delight seeing Luo Ye arrive, ”Luoluo, you’ve come 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 Yumei sighed, ”Honestly, Director Wang is the hardest worker in this troupe.

She originally was an off-staff member of the Cultural Troupe and eventually became 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 measure, pushing everything onto her seemed only natural. So when she fell ill, the mess 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 performers. Yet, how can there be so many lead performers?”

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 Yumei 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 Yumei suddenly stood up, ”Where’s the cemetery?”

”Taomen 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 meet Qianqian. A girl heading there alone at midnight, just not right, right? The performance is important, but safety is more crucial.” Liu Yumei said, already heading outside. (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian () to vote with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)