Chapter 222: Better You Than Me
Chapter 222: Chapter 222: Better You Than Me
Jiang Moli put on her coat and slung her bag over her shoulder, ready to head out for work.
Just as she opened her bedroom door, she heard Lu Tingting’s voice from the living room. "Grandma, give me some pocket money."
"What about your money?"
"I spent it all."
"It’s only the first of the month, and you’ve already spent all your allowance? What did you spend it on?"
"It was Song Ke’s birthday last night. I spent it on her."
’Better to sacrifice a friend than myself. Song Ke will just have to take the fall for this.’
’If An Hui found out I caused a huge scene at the restaurant last night, she’d definitely spank my bottom raw.’
An Hui took out 10 yuan and gave it to her. "This is all I have. Spend it wisely."
"Got it!"
Lu Tingting happily took the money. Turning, she saw Jiang Moli, let out a little huff through her nose, and then left like a gust of wind.
Jiang Moli took out her wallet, pulled out 20 yuan, and handed it to An Hui.
An Hui eyed her. "What’s this for?"
"For the bed repairs."
"There’s no need. Keep the money for yourself. I’ll find someone to fix the bed. You should get to work."
"Just take it. Don’t be ungrateful."
An Hui: "..."
"It won’t cost as much as 20 yuan..."
Jiang Moli replied as she changed her shoes, "Keep the rest for yourself. Go out for tea with Auntie, get something nice to eat. I’m off now, ’kay?"
Watching the door close, then looking at the money in her hand, a wave of warmth spread through An Hui’s heart.
It wasn’t a lot of money, but this thoughtful gesture from her daughter-in-law was truly precious.
...
In the locker room, a few female troupe members were gathered together, gossiping.
Jiang Moli ambled over with a smile. "What are you talking about? It sounds so lively, let me in on it."
Seeing her, the expressions on their faces changed.
"Why’d you stop talking? You weren’t talking bad about me behind my back, were you?"
The words "talking bad about me behind my back" made them all jump.
The memory of Hou Yuzhu being put in her place last night was still fresh in their minds. They didn’t want to be next.
One of them quickly explained, "Don’t get the wrong idea! We were just saying how protective your niece is of you."
"Oh? Do tell."
This person had also been at the dinner party last night, and she immediately told Jiang Moli everything that had happened, down to the last detail.
After learning that Lu Tingting had caused a scene at Hou Yuzhu’s dinner and had to pay 20 yuan in compensation, Jiang Moli finally understood why her niece had spent all her allowance in one day.
’I have to admit, I’m actually quite pleased.’
’It wasn’t a waste, taking in my silly niece for the night.’
There was a general assembly on the first of every month.
After putting her things away, she headed to the main auditorium with Qian Ling.
At the entrance to the auditorium, Hou Yuzhu was standing around chatting with a few troupe members she was friendly with.
When rivals meet, sparks are bound to fly.
Seeing Hou Yuzhu glare at her, Jiang Moli smiled teasingly. "I heard you ran into my niece last night, and things got a little unpleasant. If you’d just invited me to dinner, I could have been there, and this whole thing could have been avoided."
"But then again, as they say: when you’re sitting quietly, reflect on your own faults; when you’re chatting, don’t gossip about others’ wrongs. Otherwise, you might end up with the title of ’gossip queen,’ which doesn’t sound very nice, does it?"
’Is she calling me a gossip?’
’The nerve!’
Hou Yuzhu’s face flushed red, then paled with anger.
Over the next few days, Jiang Moli finished writing her new script and submitted it to Yang Lijiong.
She had thought that since Yang Lijiong was so busy, it would take at least three to five days to get a response.
But the very next day, Yang Lijiong called her into her office.
"I’ve read the script."
Yang Lijiong looked at her, her upward-slanting phoenix eyes filled with a scrutinizing gaze. "If you wrote this script just to flatter me, you’re going to be sorely disappointed. I don’t fall for that sort of thing."
"Vice Yang, I wrote the script according to your requirements. Just tell me, does it or does it not fit the theme of celebrating female strength?"
Yang Lijiong crossed her arms. "There are so many outstanding and accomplished women. Why did you have to choose me as the prototype?"
"Among all the women I know, besides those of the older generation, you are the youngest, most inspirational, and most capable. Times are changing, and our thinking must keep pace. Compared to the legendary tales of the older generation, I feel that your journey, Vice Yang, holds more significance for this new era. It can inspire and enlighten our many female comrades."
"I want more of our fellow women to understand that a woman’s worth isn’t just about revolving around a man, a stove, and children. They also have the right and freedom to pursue their own dreams, to stand on their own stage and shine brilliantly, just like you."
These words struck a chord deep within Yang Lijiong.
She was a little shocked, and also very surprised.
She never expected that Jiang Moli, of all people, would be the one who understood her best.
"I have no objections to the script’s content, but some of the details need to be revised."
"No problem."
The two of them began discussing it right there in the office.
By the time they finished their discussion, it was almost time to clock out.
"Are you free tonight?"
Jiang Moli grinned. "If Vice Yang is treating, then I’m definitely free."
Yang Lijiong nodded. "Think about where you want to eat. Wait for me at the entrance after work."
"You got it! Oh, hey, Vice Yang, can I ask you something personal? Do you have a good friend with the surname Chen? Her younger brother is named Chen Zhiyuan."
Yang Lijiong raised an eyebrow. "Chen Lan? What about her?"
"Well, the last time I was out to eat with a friend, I ran into Chen Zhiyuan. He said he knows you really well and wanted to take me out for drinks with you. I was thinking, no time like the present, why don’t we invite your good friend to join us tonight?"
...
Back at the drama troupe’s office, Zhong Lin called Jiang Moli over and asked about the script.
When she heard that Yang Lijiong was very satisfied with the script, Zhong Lin was pleased as well.
As a newcomer, Jiang Moli had achieved results and produced a work so quickly, which made her, as a leader, look good too.
Just before the end of the workday, Zhong Lin called the entire department together for a short meeting.
She briefly announced the news about Jiang Moli writing a script for the song and dance troupe. "As a newcomer to our department, Xiao Jiang has been neither arrogant nor impatient. She has striven to catch up, and that deserves encouragement!"
A smattering of applause echoed through the office.
Jiang Moli said with a beaming smile, "Thank you, everyone. Director, it’s quitting time, so I’ll be heading out now? Vice Yang asked me to dinner, and it wouldn’t be good to be late."
Zhong Lin nodded. "Alright, you can go."
"See you all tomorrow!"
As soon as she left, everyone in the office rolled their eyes in unison.
’It’s just one dinner with a leader, what’s there to be so smug about!’
[Disdain Value +3. 30,000 yuan credited to your account.]
The restaurant Jiang Moli chose was on the next street over, just a five-minute walk away.
Just as she rounded the corner, she saw Lu Tingting across the street with Song Ke and Wu Meixia, buying sugar oil balls.
"My dear niece, buy a couple extra skewers and bring them over!"
Lu Tingting turned to look at her and glared. "If you want some, why don’t you buy them yourself!"
"But they’re sweeter when you buy them."
’That damn woman, always sweet-talking people!’
She snatched the sugar oil balls from Song Ke’s and Wu Meixia’s hands and brought them over to Jiang Moli.
Song Ke and Wu Meixia: "..."
’Since when are you so obedient?’
After handing over the sugar oil balls, Lu Tingting turned to leave but was pulled back by Jiang Moli. "What’s the rush? I’m treating you to a nice dinner tonight. You in?"
"No!"
’I’ve fallen for it so many times. If I fall for it again, I’d really be an idiot.’