CHAPTER 99: CHAPTER 86: FANG JIANMEI (PART 2)

Fang Jianmei thought about it and realized she currently didn’t need anything, "No need for you to mail it, it’s troublesome. If I really need anything, I can ask my older sister, remember she’s at Beijing Department Store? I’ll give you all the tickets I have since you don’t need them anyway. Later, the child’s father will give them to his military buddies. Usually, my older sister frequently sends packages over, so I’m too lazy to go into the city."

Lin Lishan listened and didn’t decline; the girls from the Art Troupe never lacked tickets except for cloth tickets.

"Can you check if the troupe has any new military bags? Give me a few; I plan to give them as gifts, people find them special. You don’t know, my daughter Jiao Jiao doesn’t let me buy anything, saying we should keep a low profile. That mischievous girl won’t let me buy things, always says ’Mom, you already have the aura of a nouveau riche.’ These overseas remittance coupons are what she sent before, yet she didn’t use them, just hid them away. What’s the point of hoarding small tickets? I plan to give these military bags to her nephews; if I go to buy new school bags, she might feel bad."

Fang Jianmei laughed heartily, teasing, "It’s true that one subdues another. How did someone so extravagant like you manage to have such a frugal daughter? I really envy you for having a daughter; girls are so well-behaved, understanding, and considerate. My eldest son is already 15 years old and only knows how to use good stuff. A few days ago, his father was talking about placing him in the military for training. We probably have military bags; I’ll go to the troupe first thing in the morning to check and then meet you."

Lin Lishan nodded, arranging to meet at the guesthouse tomorrow.

Fang Jianmei thought of her older sister’s request and whispered, "Last time the old troupe leader said he was retiring, and you’re stepping up, is it confirmed?"

Lin Lishan nodded, this time she could stay a few more days because the transfer documents came down, giving her time to come out, otherwise, it’s all her responsibility without an assistant. Things are better now, having moved the assistant up she doesn’t have to be so exhausted.

Fang Jianmei talked about her older sister’s daughter, originally planned to work at the department store this year, but later her older sister reconsidered, thinking it would be inappropriate under her supervision. The young girl is quite sensible but a bit slow, silly-like. Her older sister wouldn’t feel at ease placing her outside, finally got a spot to enter the Art Troupe next year, hoping Lin Lishan could look after her.

Lin Lishan agreed without a second thought. These are trivial matters for her. Keeping an eye out, giving advice is enough. Fang Jianmei values her status; with her around, nobody would bully the girl.

For others, her position as a troupe leader holds some worth, but unfortunately, her daughter Jiao Jiao isn’t interested. She doesn’t worry about her daughter and son-in-law at all; if they fail to get into university, does she think it’s hard to find two jobs in Beijing? Their family isn’t short of money. Jiao Jiao can live however she wants, and they’ll talk when the child’s father returns.

Lin Lishan wondered why she hadn’t mentioned Xiao Fei, curiously asking, "Have you seen Xiao Fei yet? He came over with my dad."

Fang Jianmei genuinely didn’t know, puzzled, "I really didn’t know he came over. Just heard that your old man brought his grandson-in-law along. Guess he’s tied up, if not tonight maybe tomorrow. Perfect timing to go shopping tomorrow with you for things to send back with him."

"Your family’s elderly lady is still eagerly arranging a match for him; you should also help look, Xiao Fei’s already 24, it’s time he settles down. If he doesn’t marry, his younger brother won’t be able to proceed ahead."

Fang Jianmei laughed, looking at her, "My mom is just meddling. I suspect Xiao Fei has someone in mind, but the kid probably doesn’t have the confidence to speak up. Think about it, all these years, apart from girls from your family, has he spoken much to any other girls in the Big Courtyard?"

Lin Lishan looked at her surprised, pondering but unable to guess who, "Then who do you think he’s interested in? I haven’t seen Xiao Fei much; he’s barely home all year. I only know he has a close relationship with the Victory brothers. Our family really doesn’t know anything about this; even after Jiao Jiao married, my mom mentioned how it’s surprising none in the family settled down yet."

Fang Jianmei shook her head, "Everyone’s busy with work, who has the time to specially pay attention? I just observed that apart from your girls, he hasn’t conversed much with any other girls from the Big Courtyard. Ignore it, a sly character like him will eventually reveal himself. If I ask directly, he’ll pretend to be clueless. Who knows what’s in his mind, that’s why I say my mom’s just meddling. Even his own mom isn’t anxious."

"Matters of the heart are better left for them to resolve themselves; mistaking their match would just leave both parties awkward. I see my family’s ones aren’t easy to deal with either. I’ll play dumb and see when I return to Beijing."

"Alright, if you find out let me know by mail. If that rascal falls into my hands, we’ll see how he stirs things up." Fang Jianmei rubbed her hands, laughing heartily.

"Okay, I’ll let you know once I find out. It’s getting late, and tomorrow I’ll wait for you at the guesthouse, you arrange at the troupe, then we’ll head out." Lin Lishan said, standing up and stretching.

Fang Jianmei hurriedly pulled her, "You haven’t grabbed your tickets yet, what’s the hurry? Have something to eat first."

Lin Lishan shook her head repeatedly, "No need, I ate before coming, eating more now won’t digest well. We’ll talk about those tickets tomorrow; I’ve been exhausted these past few days, best to go back early and sleep."

After finishing, Lin Lishan called for Xi Zi, seeing Xi Zi and Fang Jianmei’s younger son sticking their heads together whispering, it seemed they got along well. Fang Jianmei’s younger son continually pushed things into Xi Zi’s hands, while Xi Zi kept declining; looking closely, it was a bullet train toy, and she saw Xi Zi liked it. Without saying a word, she watched how Xi Zi handled it.

Xi Zi looked at Lin Lishan eagerly, "Grandma, brother said he wants to give me this, even when I wouldn’t take it, he insisted on handing it over. What should I do?"

Lin Lishan smiled, patting their little heads, "It’s alright, take it. He’s your Uncle Xiao Fei’s cousin. Wow, how confused these ranks get. Little Mei Hua, remember to bring your son and this child out together tomorrow, they’ll have company."

"Alright, tomorrow my son and I will take half a day off to accompany you. I’ll see you off at the gate, let Xiao Fei know that no one’s home in the morning, and greet the old man for me."