Chapter 8: West Julenburg's Beard (2)
As the festivities come to an end, tens of thousands of tourists will flood the exit, and Jingyang imagines the image of Louis like a leaf in a flood, bruised by a stampede or unintentional, and then washed into a corner covered in cigarette butts and sludge.
"What about him? Has anyone seen where this kid has gone?! He called for help from front to back, left and right, hoping that well-meaning witnesses would come forward and give some guidance.
"Ran away with a bunch of snack bags and drink bottles, back."
The woman who responded still had a little schadenfreude on her face, but it was understandable, after all, she was in the back row and had enough of the torture today.
Standing on the chair to block her vision is just Louie's routine operation, and when watching the magic, she even hit the other party's head directly because she jumped too high, the woman let out a painful scream at the time, and at this moment there were still seaweed fragments hanging on the ends of her hair that no one dared to remind her, Jingyang also understood why the Durand family did not dare to let the little guy come to the celebration by himself.
But now I don't have time to apologize to this woman, Louis has no wisdom, so he can only search for human flesh, and Jingyang, who got the clues, jumped up from the chair without saying a word.
He searched along the path, stopping beside each garbage can, knowing that there was not a single child's body in it, but he still had to look at the bucket with anxiety.
"Thank you so much for your response, and I'm glad you were happy with the celebration! And then there's the last session, where a few of the migrant immigrants share their stories......"
Jingyang heard Qiao Meilin's voice coming from the little red ball stereo, and he only hoped that this sharing would last as long as possible, until he found Louie.
The trotting and race walking made his breathing more and more rapid, and his ears were full of the sound of himself panting, which was very far away from the stage, but still no Louis was found.
"It can't be that he was abducted" "Or did he not go this way at all"...... Jingyang tried his best not to let himself be cranky, but Albon's face was like a demon, always popping out of his mind and constantly questioning him.
If you go any further, you will reach the gate, and the only person in front of you who can ask questions is the person from the Anping Agency, and now he doesn't care whether he likes it or not, and it is his only choice to ask for help with a cheeky face.
"Okay, a mint mango ice cream, take it well, kid, don't fall to the ground."
Jingyang was about to raise his legs and move forward, but he heard such a sentence.
The voice came from the right-hand side, and he turned his head to speak to a soft, shy ice cream shop owner, while a short figure stood in front of his cabin.
The boy was pulling a pile of change out of his trouser pocket, he lacked a decent purse, so he could only turn the whole pocket over, and his little hand, which was not a good size, crumpled all the money and put it on the countertop, and then straightened his arms to take the dessert from the boss's hand.
Jingyang looked at the back, his mood was a little complicated, finding Louis was indeed a kind of rebirth after the catastrophe, and then the rest was a wry smile, this little guy obviously brought money, but he pretended to be penniless when he bought snacks just now.
He didn't plan to let go of this little bastard who was still worried about the scam, so he secretly walked behind Louie, intending to grab the ice cream and take a bite directly, the revenge-flavored jam must taste good.
But the boy's movements seemed very strange, and Jingyang was also a little curious, so he forgot to play his prank for a while.
Louis grabbed the ice cream in his left hand, looked down at the change he had recovered, then looked up, hesitated for a moment, and then put his right hand holding the money back in front of the boss, this time on his toes, in order to get closer.
He stammered and repeated a word, but Jingyang still couldn't understand it, so he had to open the wisdom disk and look for the translator inside.
The boss also has language problems, he frowns but still smiles, and he completely guesses to understand the customer's meaning.
"I really don't understand, you better point to the picture. Want to buy another one? But you don't have enough money. β
"Less ......"
Jingyang's pocket-digging hand stopped, the word didn't need to be translated at all, the boy in front of him was not isolated from the world, nor was he illiterate in the lingua franca at all, but he was not good at expressing logical and meticulous sentences.
"Less, less! I should have found you so much money! β
"Missing ......"
"Is it wrong to find you 3 yuan for 7 yuan for a mint mango? Look at this place with your eyes wide open! If you can't read, you can always read and count! β
The gentle tone just now disappeared from the boss's mouth, and he changed from Santa Claus to a monster who smashed the child's gifts in an instant, tapping the price list next to the window with his thick fingers, shouting at Louie, and the two cheeks trembled violently like a tsubaki machine because of excitement.
After that, he looked up at Jingyang, and quickly wiped the bangs that had fallen down just now with his hand, and stuffed that nice tone back into his mouth.
"Leave him alone, what do you want from this handsome young man?"
Louie looked a little nervous when he found the adult behind him, and a boy of this age could understand that it was embarrassing to be caught eating alone.
"All I want is for you to give him the money back. It was the price of the chocolate, and I could not only read the picture, but also read and write. β
The boss's face was even redder than just now, he obviously didn't expect the two people in front of him to be in a gang, rummaging through his satchel for change, while making up explanations that even he couldn't convince.
"I thought he was going to add chocolate, so I counted him as ...... Uh, no...... No, I misremembered the price, so I took over the store, and it's normal to remember it clearly......"
Probably also thought his reasons were funny, and after handing the money to Louie, the boss simply shut up.
The little guy was obviously pleased, and stuffed the money back into his pocket. And Jingyang was in no mood to play pranks anymore, he just wanted to send the restless boy back to his seat as soon as possible.
"Didn't drown you dirty thing!"
He hadn't taken a few steps before a small curse came from behind him, the sound was very small but Jing still heard it, and he didn't turn his head to theorize about anything, because even if he did, he would only see a fat face with a fake smile.
Of course, Louis didn't understand, and saw Jingyang turn his head to look at him, but he hesitated slightly, and then handed over the ice cream, and said a word he didn't understand.
Jing Yang guessed that it should be something like "for you", and he didn't know why he suddenly laughed, maybe because he was happy, and he was glad that this little poor ghost who made him on the verge of bankruptcy still had a bit of human touch.
He pushed his outstretched arm back, then made a gesture on his chest that pretended to hold the cone, stuck out his tongue and licked the ice cream that didn't exist, and then raised an eyebrow at Louis in disgust, meaning that his air smell was better, and the little guy couldn't stop laughing in this performance.
In order to prevent the crowd from knocking over the ice cream, the two men cautiously walked back, and as soon as they returned to their seats, they heard a long sigh from the woman behind them.
Jing Yang, who finally relaxed, put her eyes back on the stage, and now Qiao Meiyilin is not alone, there are several fresh faces standing next to her, and an interview is being conducted.
"So you knew you were going to evacuate, didn't you?" With that, she handed the microphone to the bearded man on the left.
"Yes, although our dam was very advanced before, and although we have been reinforcing it, it is simply too old. It's been there since I was born, you know, the sea has been rising, it's constantly eroding it, and in those years whenever it rained, we would get safety tips, and then it became more and more frequent, until two or three days before that typhoon came......"
The man who spoke paused, biting his upper lip with his teeth before continuing.
"It's different from before, the news poured in like a bomb that day, it felt like there was going to be a war, and the content was just one thing, let's pack up and evacuate quickly." The man glanced at the wisdom disk on his wrist, and his speech suddenly slowed down a lot, "I understood at that time that West Yurenburg couldn't hold it. He paused again, reaching out his fingers and rubbing the corners of his slightly moist eyes. But I'm very grateful to them, I'm talking about the meteorological bureau and the volunteers in West Julenburg, including the soldiers, the army was still rushing into the city when we came out, and I understood the purpose of doing that, and continued to strengthen at that time, just to help us get time to escape. β
The man who spoke paused again, staring thoughtfully at the stage, as if too agitated to continue.
"Although the dam collapsed the day after the typhoon landed, we all knew that everyone had done their best. I hope that the sea will recede in the days when I can still walk, even if only partially, my daughter is only 4 years old this year, and I want her to see how beautiful her hometown is, and right there, she came to us like an angel. β
At this point, the man waved his hand at the audience, and in the sixth row, his wife was holding the child and gazing affectionately at the center of the stage.
"It's not an easy story, but luckily our family was evacuated safely, and we were really lucky to be better than most people. Although West Julenburg is submerged, although the jobs and houses are gone, at least we are still alive. The man smiled a rare smile as he said this, and then handed the microphone back to Jomeiline.
"Thank you for your speeches, Yinmen District welcomes every Chaoqi immigrant. Of course, on this special day, we also have gifts for you, and we have the person in charge of the Silver Gate District of Green Coconut Manor, Ms. Mo Jinβ"
A middle-aged woman of small stature stepped onto the stage, standing at least a head short next to her beard, and in order to accentuate her tallness, the men had to bow slightly and bend down.
"As a long-established business, Green Coconut Farm is willing to lend a hand," she said unusually slowly, sounding like a poetry recitation, "We will provide seven agreement posts to help you rebuild your life here." β
Qiao Meiyilin first applauded and led the audience, this gift can decide whether several families eat meat or drink soup, so the beard on the stage hugged Ms. Jia excitedly in her arms.
"They have a post, so what about us?"
It was the last warm moment of tonight, and many people were ready to leave the audience after applauding, but they didn't expect there to be a commotion of ridicule.
A group of cynical men and women were standing by the turf outside the VIP area, not so much waiting for a response on stage as they were looking for something. This situation is obviously not a part of the rehearsal, Qiao Meiyilin was also stunned, and frequently glanced backstage, looking forward to a team of thugs coming soon to relieve herself.
"Ms. Jia, I have sent nine employment applications to Green Coconut Manor, but I have never received a reply, does your email address have the function of 'local direct deletion'."
The unbridled laughter of this group infected the surrounding area, considering that he was still in the VIP area, Jing Yang tried to hold it back, he didn't expect that the serious interview would gradually become interesting because of the spoiler.
"That's right, you may have misunderstood," Mo Jin's face was extremely embarrassed, "We don't discriminate against anyone, and the entry needs to go through several reviews like this......"
"I'm sure everyone can see it! How many people dream of walking into a green coconut estate! It should be that the backstage gave instructions, and Qiao Meiyilin suddenly suppressed all the voices with a loud voice, "Because of time, today's celebration is over!" Happy New Season to everyone! β
There was a murmur in the crowd when they left the scene, and the few people who found fault just now were not extremely vicious, since there was no audience to cheer them on, there was no need to continue to ridicule.
When the crowd was almost gone, Jingyang came to the backstage with a little trouble, there were rows of makeshift tents, the door was open, and the scene inside was clearly visible.
Qiao Meiyilin sat on a chair surrounded by makeup removers, several acrobats were holding dried shrimp to make turtles jump out of the water, and young people in the uniforms of the Relocation Bureau walked out with bags, apparently to recycle the little red ball stereo.
"Be careful! Inside is the work area, where you want to sign autographs, take photos, and shake hands! β
Just as they were about to go inside, a security guard standing at the door stopped the two of them.
The woman on the other side had freckles on her face and spoke very meanly, but if she wanted to use force, she would never be qualified as a security guard, and Jing Yang thought that she could overthrow the other party with a little effort.
"We're going to go in and find someone, not to chase stars."
"Everyone who wants to sign says that, don't explain, just call someone and ask him to come out and pick you up." The woman was not tall but had a high head, and her nostrils swept everyone around like a searchlight.
Jingyang was too lazy to reason with the doorman who was like a pillow, and was about to break in, when he saw Albang running from the other end of the tent.
"Duowen, it's my friend, let them in!"
"Albon Duland! You better understand that you don't have any privileges compared to us, and if you do, it's that you've broken the rules and haven't been fired, which surprises me! I wish you could understand that what I'm doing here is called 'Luckily Trying to Maintain Order,' and I don't want your help, as long as I don't make a mess!" β
"Just two minutes, they stay for two minutes and leave."
As if he hadn't heard this sarcasm, Albon folded his hands in a gesture of please, grinning at the tigress at the door.
"Stay for a second longer, and I'll blow you up with the unused flowers!" The female security guard glanced at Jingyang, reluctantly moved a small step, gave up half of her barely visible position, and let them squeeze in.
Albon led everyone inside, and the backstage was like an overwhelming mirror, and all the gods and demons reappeared themselves. When she passed by Qiao Meilin's side, she completely lost her demeanor on stage, and was complaining about her grievances on the phone.
ββ¦β¦ What kind of mentally retarded interview session do you say, you can see how embarrassed I am in the live broadcast, that stupid woman still wants to explain the interview process, idiot! What the hell is crazy......"
Several people walked to the pile of materials and sat down, Louis was very interested in the equipment he had never seen, and couldn't help but reach out and touch it, and Jingyang was already past this age, so he just gently kicked the small drum scattered on the side with his foot.
"Is there any water?" If you don't open your mouth, the temporary nanny may spontaneously combust.
"Isn't there something for sale outside?" Albon looked puzzled and handed over his cheap plastic kettle.
"Goo...... Goodo...... Don't mention it," Jing Yang couldn't wait to stuff the spout of the pot into his throat, "The things he bought are only enough for him to eat, and besides, can you give me 20 and take a taxi home." β
"How can you be so poor?" Albon's facial features were twisted together like broken pansies, and he didn't know whether he felt sorry for his friends or his money, "Ask your dad for it!" β
It's just that which pot can't be opened, Jingyang slammed the kettle on the table, it wasn't enough to relieve his anger, and he kicked the spare bullet of the fireworks on the ground.
"He didn't give me a dime, he had to force me to go to work in their company!"
"Isn't that because you don't look for a job...... Albon was a little worried about causing a fire, and quietly moved away from the flowers, and after a few months, he had already found out the little Jiujiu in Jingyang's house.
"Which side are you on! Would you like to go to the printing house and go to work with your father? β
"Don't get excited," Seeing that Jingyang's voice suddenly soared, Albon hurriedly put out the fire and changed the subject, "Didn't you just ask your dad not to force you?" I have a way. β
"Say it......"
But before he finished asking, Boss Fei's voice came in from outside the tent, like an iron clamp, strangling the topic of small talk in an instant.
"Arbon! Have the actors' license plates been reported? What are the missing materials?! β
"It's been reported to the parking lot!" Albon took a breath of cool air, made a phone call, and then motioned for Jingyang to run, then lowered his head and began to get busy, "There are 5 pocket ring microphones, all of them." There are 12 rounds of spare ammunition for the salute, Louie! Don't smell it! That's a refractive spray......"
In order not to let his friend be blamed in vain, Jingyang had to go first with doubts, and when he went out, the tigress was not there, and he had a feeling that the sudden appearance of Fei Boss was her masterpiece nine times out of ten.