When She Stops Being Dramatic

Chapter 230: Chapter 95: Top Sister of the 60s Art Troupe (34)

That may have been true, but He Qingran knew she had also benefited greatly as the broadcast announcer. Her friend worked hard for the factory’s development and generously shared to improve the lives of the staff. She couldn’t fall behind. She had to convey that same kindness and selfless dedication through her microphone and into the heart of every listener.

He Qingran started eating faster, no longer picking at her food one grain of rice at a time as she usually did. After finishing her meal, she enthusiastically announced her plan to collect material for her broadcasts.

Xia Zhaoyun raised an eyebrow in approval. "Now there’s an idea! Not bad. As long as you follow through, you might just be able to follow in my footsteps and head to the city!"

He Qingran was taken aback. She hadn’t really thought about Xia Zhaoyun leaving, but then she remembered that Huo Tianhao worked in the city. ’Of course the two of them would try to get transferred so they could live together.’

She immediately nodded with determination. "I’ll work hard."

’Right now, I’m working at the factory and staying at a friend’s house. There’s no reason for me to bring my younger brother here from home.’

’I’ve heard the pay and benefits at companies in the city are good. If I could get transferred there, apply for a single’s dorm, and arrange for my brother’s school transfer... then we’ll see who has any reason to stop me.’

’The schools in the city are definitely better than the one at the factory!’

She didn’t linger, instead seeking out Reporter Zhang to learn from his experience. She wanted to know how to interview people and map out a detailed process.

As it turned out, the two hit it off immediately. One needed to collect material for her broadcasts, and the other was so bored in the office he was practically growing mold. They decided to team up for interviews—one set of material, two different uses.

Xia Zhaoyun immersed herself in her work. The composing was slow going at first, but then she got into the zone and inspiration struck. Like a woman possessed, she worked furiously, not stopping until after eight o’clock that evening, when she finally finished a piece she was satisfied with.

After picking up the children and getting their dinner, He Qingran had come to the practice room to keep her company.

The children were well-behaved and quiet, having a wonderful time playing silently in front of the mirrored wall. By now, they were exhausted and had fallen asleep leaning against He Qingran.

Seeing Xia Zhaoyun packing her bag, He Qingran, also a little groggy, asked, "All done?"

"Mhm, I’ll polish it more during rehearsals," Xia Zhaoyun said with a smiling nod, picking up the chubby Ruyuan.

The little one’s eyes fluttered open. She glanced at her mother, a contented smile on her lips, then nuzzled into her arms and drifted back to sleep.

Little Ruyi was sleeping like a piglet and had even started to snore softly.

He Qingran picked her up and shrugged. "Looks like we’ll have to carry them all the way home."

Each carrying a child, they locked the doors and windows and set off. They walked under the dim glow of the moon and the streetlights, the only sounds the occasional chirping of summer insects. In the gloom, the lush tree branches seemed to bare fangs and brandish claws.

The silence was occasionally broken by people returning from their evening baths, or by rowdy children who had lost track of time and were now scrambling home, adding a touch of liveliness to the night.

"Ranran, once I get through this busy spell, let’s find a teacher and learn some self-defense. It would be useful for staying in shape, or for protecting ourselves if we’re caught off guard." Xia Zhaoyun had never liked the nighttime; the darkness concealed all sorts of filth and harbored most of the world’s evil.

He Qingran agreed wholeheartedly. "When I take my brother to live in the city, it’ll be easy for people to pick on us if I don’t have some skills to defend myself."

"I’ll ask around and see if I can find a good female instructor, then," Xia Zhaoyun said, her lips curving into a soft smile.

When they got back, they washed up quickly and went to bed.

Xia Zhaoyun dreamed the entire night. She dreamed she was putting on a rather unique fashion show for Huo Tianhao.

Even after she woke up, a faint blush still colored her cheeks.