Regardless of whether Cheng Feiyang believed Cheng Ran's words or not, he still felt guilty about the past few days. Originally, he was on business and Cheng Ran was traveling, but Cheng Ran was always worried about his cooperation with the United States. He followed him around the clock and didn't go anywhere. When he heard that Cheng Ran was going to travel with Jiang Hongshao tomorrow, he was very supportive and gave Cheng Ran a thousand dollars to let Cheng Ran spend. Cheng Ran smiled and said, "Dad, you forgot that I am now a business owner. Why do I need your money?"
As a result, Cheng Feiyang said, "What's yours is yours, and what I give you is what I give you. Take it and use it."
This was a good talk at first, but it got off track when he added at the end, "If you can't use it all... Well, forget it, you can keep it anyway..."
Sometimes Cheng Ran felt helpless, as Cheng Feiyang had such a huge business on his hands, and the cost of project approval could not be measured by the living expenses of an ordinary person, but it seemed that his mark of frugality could not be erased.
Many people often cannot understand why a boss, no matter how big, would cherish a grain of rice on his plate. No matter how prosperous and splendid his life is, why would he often pay tribute to his old wife at her grave? Some people are in their prime but have to give up their lives for love. Some separations may not be earth-shattering, but more often just a word of powerlessness.
Everything is difficult to understand because it has never been experienced.
It was obvious that Cheng Ran got one thousand dollars because Cheng Feiyang was in a very good mood. It was a perfect performance that promoted Chinese national culture in Washington Palace, and it was obvious that the audience responded well, but these were not the main points.
The key point is that Robert from LB company is really good at networking. On the one hand, he used his connections to invite reporters from The Washington Post and Los Angeles Times to the scene, and on the other hand, he used Fulong's charity night to make an offering. This is why government officials in Washington are so enthusiastic about this unconventional cultural charity event.
If nothing unexpected happens, the consequences and political gains brought about by this charity will allow Fulong to enter the Washington institutions smoothly, and then continue to operate in depth to expand and operate this political achievement. How to resolve those inherent ideological prejudices and achieve deeper integration from it is a further topic, but there is no doubt that no one will refuse bread and butter, especially in a capitalist society where capital speaks.
After returning to the hotel, he used the bulky thkpad600 brought by Zhao Qing to log into the Internet. It was noon in Chengdu, where Yu Xiao was. As soon as Cheng Ran came online, Yu Xiao's messages kept flashing, and he showed off in front of Cheng Ran in various ways.
"The trip to Jiuzhaigou ended successfully. I reported to Cheng Ran who had abandoned us on the other side of the ocean without any loyalty. Brother Yu successfully led the group back. The five girls in the group highly praised my meticulous care from beginning to end. You don't know what it feels like to lead a group. Oh, by the way, have you played Sega's Sakura Wars game? The treatment Ichiro Ogami, the leader of the flower group of the Imperial Flower Group, was surrounded by beautiful women is exactly the same... Okay, buddy knows you are drooling over there, so hold back..."
"Let me tell you another secret. Lao Jiang, who is the most in the spotlight during this trip, is not just the one that passersby look back at. He risked his money and killed so many rolls of film to take those photos. We have been friends for so many years. Talking about money will hurt feelings. You can just buy some of the latest GBAs, Sony Walkmans, or other American products over there and bring them back. We will get what we want from you."
Cheng Ran came online and replied, "I would rather die than surrender, and I cannot be tempted by beauty."
Yu Xiao on the other side of the computer quickly typed a reply, "Wow, it's here. It's night time over there, but it's noon here. It's amazing. By the way, think about it. After this backpacking trip, Lao Jiang is traveling with her aunt again. She's probably in Beijing or Guangzhou. She may not be back for ten days or eight months. You won't be able to see her on your return trip. Don't you want to get the photos to comfort your homesickness?"
Cheng Ran: "… "
After typing, Yu Xiao suddenly felt that he was really far-sighted. "Have you discovered that I am a genius? My business acumen is no worse than yours, right? Do you think I am a vegetarian... Is my manipulation of people's hearts perfect?"
Cheng Ran smiled and typed, "Why should I ask for the photos myself? I have an appointment with Lao Jiang to go shopping tomorrow. Wouldn't it be better if I asked her to come back to you in person after she returns home?"
Yu Xiao, who was an expert at typing fast, was suddenly speechless, and there was a response after a long while.
"I... kao!"
…
As a result, after meeting Jiang Hongshao at King's Square the next day as expected, I saw the graceful Lao Jiang in a red dress. But what was going on with her younger sister wearing sunglasses and a windbreaker next to her
Cheng Ran looked at Li Yun, who said lightly, "I thought about it and decided to let you two kids wander around alone. I'm worried about you. Whatever you want to play or eat, I'll treat you. You won't be unhappy, will you?"
What can Cheng Ran say? Can he say that you are not trustworthy
So he said, "… a warm welcome."
Only then did he realize that he had been tricked by Li Yun again. Cheng Ran thought of Jiang Hongshao's wink at him at the last moment. He didn't notice this detail at the time. Now he realized that Li Yun's words yesterday about giving himself and Lao Jiang space were just another smokescreen. Cheng Ran wanted to turn around and ask Lao Jiang, "Does this little girl have any clues?"
Li Yun smiled and said, "You're not in a good mood, but it doesn't matter. If you want to talk to your classmates, I'll try not to disturb you."
Cheng Ran really wanted to say, "Guess whether I will believe it this time."
The central axis between Capitol Hill and the Washington Monument near the National Mall gathers most of the attractions in Washington, D.C. It is said that it would be difficult to visit all of them in one day. Fortunately, the three of us were not in a hurry to visit the attractions, so we strolled slowly and felt this area known as the "majestic politicians, the heart of the United States". The sky was high and the clouds were light, and the subjective feeling was indeed magnificent.
Cheng Ran still remembers the scene in the movie "2012" where the USS Kennedy was swept back by the torrent and crashed into the White House during the flood disaster.
The iconic Washington Monument can be seen in front of the Lincoln Memorial on the east bank of the Potomac River. The World War II Memorial in the middle had not been built at that time. Cheng Ran pointed to the long pond where a large group of wild ducks were swimming and whispered to Jiang Hongshao, "Forrest Gump."
Jiang Hongshao naturally knew that Cheng Ran was talking about the place where Forrest Gump and Jenny reunited and hugged each other in the movie "Forrest Gump" during his speech, which was the reflecting pool in front of them.
Jiang Hongshao blushed slightly and remained calm.
The scenery here is excellent, with high and broad sky clouds that are so blue that it is a mess, fresh air, and old ginger under the blue sky and white clouds.
In a foreign country, although far away, my beauty is by my side. At this time, I should think of what Stephen Chow said: wherever you go is heaven.
But the only thing that wasn't beautiful was that there was Li Yun next to her, and she couldn't even cross the line.
In fact, Cheng Ran had no idea how Li Yun felt at the moment. She and Hong Shao once sat on the deck of a cruise ship to Bohol Island, watching turtles and schools of fish. In the Dutch tulip forest, they sat back to back under a tree, watched the sunset by the River Wear, and looked up at the magnificent fireworks in Edinburgh. They were also on a sailboat sailing out of the Old Port of Marseille, and she was sunbathing topless. And now, she should have been taking her to Washington to experience American history and humanities, adding another coordinate to the travel map of these two who were more like aunts than nieces, but why was there suddenly one more person
Will I have to have this guy around from now on? Will I still be able to sunbathe freely
Needless to say, Li Yun was feeling depressed. After walking around the Library of Congress, which is known for its largest collection of books, Li Yun stood at the door while Jiang Hongshao was flipping through books. Cheng Ran also came to the heavy stone pillar. Li Yun turned his head to look at him and asked, "Fu Long rose from the mountains and seas and has come to this point in a short time. The drastic changes in your family are a shock to any young person. In other words, your family has gone from having no money to being rich now. How do you feel?"
This is definitely a very important issue.
At Cheng Ran's age, his family has undergone tremendous changes. How does he deal with all this? After all, in reality, most people are sad when they are poor and arrogant when they are rich. It is so difficult to remain consistent.
Cheng Ran knew that this might not only be the doubts of Li Yun, but also the doubts of all the people who were observing him openly or secretly. What kind of mood could allow him to digest these drastic changes in his family
Cheng Ran is not good because of the two souls. He said to Li Yun, "In my opinion, there is not much change. He didn't buy a big villa. He may live in his own unit. He doesn't have to worry about safety and doesn't hire anyone to take care of his daily life. It may be that the difficulties that could be overcome before can be overcome. Now he doesn't want outsiders to interfere in his life. My parents are used to living an ordinary life and don't have much desire. Maybe they are comfortable now, but they are busy and worried more. Other families are still the same as before, so I don't feel much. Of course, if you want to say that others are fawning and flattering, but if it is because of your reputation and career, then one day when you lose money, fame and fortune, you will also lose these accessories. As long as you see it clearly, you will not be troubled by such things."
Li Yun thought for a moment and nodded, letting him pass. "Wealth and honor eat away at people's hearts, bones and ambitions. It seems your family has protected you very well. You can see clearly."
After a pause, Li Yun continued, "You probably already know Jiang Hongshao's family situation. I don't want to say that it's just an ordinary family. Hongshao's grandfather's past contributions are destined to make his family respected, and his descendants will definitely be a little special. There will also be people who question and look at you with tinted glasses. What do you think of these things?"
Cheng Ran smiled at Li Yun and said, "I'm just a child. Children and adults think differently. When two people fall in love, you adults will start to calculate the pros and cons and whether they are a good match. I only see whether the two parties are compatible. There are so many different people in the world. Being a good match is important to some people, but there are also people who don't value this. This is not something that cannot be compromised. There should be no uniformity on this matter."
"Should I say you are naive or brave?" Li Yun smiled, "Or are you actually confident? Your family started out as a switch manufacturer for telecommunications equipment, and they did make some money, but these are just bookkeeping data. The domestic telecommunications market is developing so fast, and the landscape is changing every day. Your family's current achievements may all be rootless duckweed, and in the eyes of some people, this little foundation is actually not worthy of attention. Don't think that you can still be glorious in the future. There are generals who served in high positions in the first half of their lives, but ended up in the bullpen. How many people who were glorious before, even those who were so glorious that everyone in the world knew them, now seem to have few who landed safely, and many who are in a mess. I'm just saying a hypothesis. If one day your family's business can no longer be carried on, can you still be as brave as you were to me today?"
Li Yun smiled, "Of course, I shouldn't say this, but I know you're not an ordinary child, so I'm only saying this to you."
Cheng Ran thought about it carefully, and facing Li Yun's smiling face, he said, "Maybe I am not so calm when talking to you. Of course I am afraid, but people only live once. Your family, background, and all external forces are just icing on the cake. The most important thing is personal ability. As long as I don't die, there are things, openly or secretly, that I admit and I will do."
When Jiang Hongshao came out of the library, Li Yun laughed and took a puff of the cigarette between two fingers. "What the child said is so interesting. But it's good... You are really special and braver than some people."
Cheng Ran wasn't sure who the "certain people" in her tone were, and it was difficult to say or ask.
At noon, we simply had lunch at the National Gallery of Art that Lao Jiang wanted to visit. There are two buildings, the East and West Halls, which contain Leonardo da Vinci's portrait of a girl, Raphael's "Madonna", Picasso's self-portrait... There are so many exhibits that it would take more than an afternoon to visit them all.
Jiang Hongshao lingered in it. The space was grand, bright, dim, and gradient. From time to time, Cheng Ran and Jiang Hongshao walked. At the slightly dim steps of the Madonna Exhibition Hall, Li Yun had already walked up the steps and could not be seen. Jiang Hongshao, wearing a red skirt, walked in front of Cheng Ran and was still taking care of Cheng Ran. In order to maintain the quietness in the hall, she spoke softly, "You want to see the Space Museum, right? After visiting the Art Museum, let's go..."
Cheng Ran came up from behind and put his arms around Jiang Hongshao's waist. He turned her sideways while she was still in surprise, and put his hands around her waist to hold her in his arms.
A warm and soft body in contact, a slender grip around the waist.
After the girl in his arms was initially shocked and stunned, and then felt Cheng Ran's sudden strength, she responded by putting a pair of hands around his back and hugging him. The two of them hugged each other tightly, as if they wanted to bury themselves in each other's bodies.
Then there is the faint sweet fragrance that penetrates into the heart and instantly fills the chest and lungs.
The light poured into the hall through the light holes. The statue of the Virgin Mary was solemn and majestic. In the dark space, there was a man and a woman. It seemed like a moment, but also like a long time had passed.
The two separated and kept their distance, then continued walking forward. Li Yun was waiting for them at the entrance of the next pavilion. Both sides were silent and didn't say much. Jiang Hongshao's hair was a little messy, but she looked at the audacious man just now, but there was not a trace of anger on her face. There was a kind of thrill and excitement that broke the boundaries between the two.
But the time was too short and the terrain too bad to continue.
After strolling around for an afternoon, there was no such opportunity again. However, Li Yun would stand in the corner and watch them from time to time. It was not that she discovered any clues, but she simply watched the young couple, smoking with wandering thoughts in her eyes.
I didn't have time to visit the Space Museum in the afternoon. After visiting a few places, it was almost dark. Helicopters flew across the sky one after another. I didn't know if they were heading to the Pentagon. But it probably wasn't because they had discovered the Autobots.
The three of them walked in the blocks around the National Plaza to find food. They came to a brightly lit steakhouse. Even though they were not very interested in each other at the beginning, after today's interactions, Li Yun was still willing to give Cheng Ran a few smiles and asked about their interesting experiences in No. 10 Middle School. Perhaps Jiang Hongshao had not talked about these things, but Cheng Ran seemed to have found a breakthrough to please his aunt, so he exaggerated some of Jiang Hongshao's deeds. In fact, they were all Brother Jiang in the eyes of Zhang Ping and others.
Li Yun would sometimes laugh and look at Jiang Hongshao, "So you have a nickname like 'Brother Jiang'. I know why you don't say it, you are not a little fairy at all."
Jiang Hongshao frowned and said, "Aunt!"
Li Yun laughed and looked at Cheng Ran again. Jiang Hongshao had mentioned in her previous talk that she had heard from Yu Xiao that Cheng Ran had formed a band in No. 1 Middle School and made some noise. "You can actually play the piano?" She tilted her head towards the window where musical instruments were placed. "Why don't you play one for us?"
At this time, a young singer who was resident in the restaurant had just finished singing a beautiful American country ballad. Everyone in the restaurant was applauding. After Li Yun finished speaking, without waiting for Cheng Ran's opinion, she stretched out her hand and snapped her fingers, attracting the attention of the whole audience, and then made a gesture to Cheng Ran to invite him in.
All of a sudden, the white Americans at the surrounding tables cast curious and kind looks over here. Some of the tourists also smiled at first. Then a middle-aged man with a kind face applauded, and more people applauded. There were slight whistles, and friendly laughter and responses.
Jiang Hongshao looked at Cheng Ran with a faint smile, her expression saying "You can't escape this time." She kept looking at him today.
Cheng Ran thought about it, nodded, smiled, stood up, then took a guitar from the singer and sat down amid even louder applause.
Cheng Ran thought about what to play, and after a while he said in English, "Dedicated to a girl. And thank her."
Then he plucked the strings with his fingers, and during the prelude, Cheng Ran sang Li Zongsheng's song "I Crossed the Ocean to See You".
The diners at each table were silent during the singing. Only some Chinese people could understand the lyrics and were immersed in the song. Most Americans who could not understand the song did not feel the emotions in the song.
Jiang Hongshao stared at Cheng Ran, her eyes gradually becoming hot.
When Cheng Ran started singing, Li Yun, who had been the most active before, stood still and listened attentively.
At the end of the song, when Cheng Ran sang the prelude of "For you, I used up half a year's savings... For this reunion, I even practiced my breathing when we met..." again, Li Yun's eyes were red.
This song brings up those details and memories that we thought were forgotten, those past experiences and sorrows that had been blown away by the rain and wind, all of which came without warning.
She covered her nose with the back of her hand, but tears welled up in her eyes.
Every mountain has a peak and every sea has a shore.
But not everyone has a turning point in their long journey of life.
That was America at that time and that year, and that girl came across the ocean to see him.
Those are moments that they will think back on later and find comfort and sweetness even in the hard times.
Does a long chapter count as two updates? Piaopiao~ .