When She Stops Being Dramatic

Chapter 149: Chapter 70: Top Star of the 1960s Cultural Troupe (9)

Satisfied, she walked into the sunset, squinting her eyes and sighing about how peaceful life was. But her friend kept glancing over, each sigh louder than the last, making it impossible for her to ignore.

”What’s the matter?” she asked, turning her head in resignation.

”I just feel it’s a shame that you have such a beautiful face, yet there’s no one to cherish you,” He Qingran said, letting out another long sigh.

”So, you’re saying I’m beautiful just for others to look at? Can’t I enjoy it myself?” Xia Zhaoyun pursed her lips. She pulled He Qingran’s arm to check her watch. ”We have less than an hour.”

The two of them quickened their pace, hurrying toward the grand auditorium.

The grand auditorium was massive, often hosting performances for thousands of people. It had three layers of seating divided into twelve sections, and the seat assignments were very specific.

The tickets in their hands had assigned seats, placing them in different areas: one in the Second Layer, Section Three, and the other in the Third Layer, Section Two.

He Qingran took the ticket for the Third Layer and disappeared into the crowd, calling back over her shoulder, ”I’m just a novice here for the spectacle, so the good seat is obviously for you. Let’s meet at the stone statue by the entrance when it’s over!”

Xia Zhaoyun chuckled, clutching her ticket. She paid no mind to the stunned and amazed looks from those around her as she moved slowly with the crowd. Using the dim light to find her seat, she smiled and ducked past people, calling out, ”Excuse me.”

However, the seat next to hers was occupied by a tall, handsome young man with sharp features and a cold expression. His long legs completely blocked the already narrow aisle.

”Excuse me, Comrade. Thank you.” Xia Zhaoyun froze for a second when she saw him. ’He’s the first person I can remember, other than my original self, who is so exceptionally handsome!’

Encountering such a handsome guy, her smile naturally became more genuine. It’s only human instinct to appreciate beauty.

The man had been resting with his arms crossed and eyes closed. He barely lifted his eyelids, then stood up to let her pass as if he were dodging a deadly plague.

He had made plenty of room, but the man was tall and broad-chested. On a summer night that was as cool as water, the heat radiating from him felt incredibly oppressive.

Xia Zhaoyun had always been proud of her 167-centimeter height, which could reach 171 or 172 centimeters in her heeled leather shoes. Most men at the factory were a little over 170 cm, and 175 cm—the height of the male lead, Tong Yuanbin, for instance—was considered quite tall.

But this man had to be over 180 cm tall, making her feel petite and delicate in comparison.

The man’s downcast eyes caught her beaming, alluring smile. He clicked his tongue softly. ’Those old men really have too much free time. They’ve gone completely mad playing matchmaker!’

’Since she’s my good friend’s younger sister, and she was supposedly throwing a fit at home over this, I can’t just give her the cold shoulder like I usually would. I had to bite the bullet and show up, just to set things straight with her in person.’

’After that, whether she lives or dies is none of my business.’

The concert hadn’t started yet, and the chatter from the crowd was a chaotic din. It was a constant buzz where you could hear that people were talking, but you couldn’t make out what anyone was saying.

Xia Zhaoyun rested her chin in her hand, her gaze distant. ’I haven’t had a moment’s rest all day, let alone any time to properly plan for the future.’

’It’s the late 1960s. The factory is still tightly controlled in every respect, and that political storm hasn’t shown its face here yet. But this peace and quiet is about to be shattered by Song Zhenbao!’

’I’ve now positioned myself against the Song Family. I wonder if Huo Tianhao’s name will be enough to protect me.’

’But my best friend, He Qingran, will get dragged into it as well... even with her father being the deputy factory director.’

Hearing no movement from the seat next to him, the man turned his head. The dim, yellow light cast a soft glow over her, blurring her somewhat flamboyant beauty. She looked like a brilliant piece of jade with its sharp edges worn smooth—obedient and gentle. Her fox-like eyes were filled with a daze, as if lost in the ways of the world.

’She really does deserve the title ”Belle of the Co-op.”’ He leaned away slightly, composed himself for a moment, then let out a low cough. When her glistening eyes turned to him, his throat tightened, but he held firm. ”Ms. Xiao, we’re not a good match. I’m just a driver, constantly on the road. The danger is one thing, but more importantly, I’m away from home for ten months a year.”

Xia Zhaoyun blinked. She looked from side to side, then pointed at herself. ”Comrade, are you talking to me?”

The man nodded. Glancing at his wrist, he decided to get this over with quickly so he could enjoy the performance in peace. ”The nature of my work means I can’t take good care of a family, so I have no plans to marry or have children.”

”Ms. Xiao, you’re pretty, you have a good job, and you’re a high school graduate. You’ll have no trouble finding someone to spend the rest of your life with. There’s no need to waste your time on a simple driver like me!”