Chapter 11 — The Startup Wave at The Single Society

46. The Startup Wave at The Single Society

That summer, the shopping street, which had always been quiet, suddenly became lively.

Early in the morning, the sound of firecrackers could already be heard from the entrance of the street.

“Bang! Bang! Bang—!”

Red paper fragments scattered through the air, startling the sparrows perched beneath the eaves into flapping away.

A vacant storefront beside The Single Society now had a brand-new sign hanging above its entrance—“Dingqiang Sports and Recreational Equipment Company.” The two characters “Dingqiang” were taken from one character each from Liu Dingtian’s and Wang Qiang’s names.

All kinds of sports equipment filled the storefront: dumbbells, jump ropes, exercise mats, boxing gloves, and even a small punching bag. Liu Dingtian stood at the entrance in a brand-new tracksuit, his face glowing with pride, holding a pair of scissors in his hand. Zhu Erdong stood beside him, busy arranging the ribbons. Wang Qiang, dressed neatly in athletic wear, stood behind the two of them, looking like a real boss.

Sister Bao brought a group of tenants from The Single Society to show their support. “Dingtian, today is a big day for your company. You’ve finally made it through all those hard times!”

Liu Dingtian patted his chest.

“Sister Bao, don’t worry! I’m the boss now. I’m very steady and responsible!”

Zhu Erdong could not resist adding from the side, “By ‘steady,’ he means he doesn’t just hit people whenever he feels like it.”

Everyone burst out laughing.

Liu Dingtian glared at him. “Zhu Erdong, are you asking to get hit?”

Wang Qiang quickly stepped between them. “It’s opening day. Harmony brings prosperity!”

Sister Bao smiled and picked up a pair of boxing gloves.

“Wang Qiang, you used to be a professional boxer. How did you come to think of becoming business partners with these two?”

Wang Qiang glanced at Liu Dingtian and smiled. “Because I owe him a favor.”

Liu Dingtian froze for a moment. “What favor?”

“That day, you took so many punches from me and still didn’t go down.” Wang Qiang patted him on the shoulder. “That was when I began to believe that although you look like a big, goofy guy, deep down you have a stubborn determination not to admit defeat.”

Liu Dingtian grinned. “Of course!”

Zhu Erdong muttered from the side, “You got beaten into the hospital that day, your whole face swollen like a pig’s head, and you still make it sound so glorious.”

“What did you say? Pig ears!”

Zhu Erdong quickly changed his words. “I said congratulations on the opening!” Another round of laughter followed.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Wang Qiang was the first to walk into the store.

“Everyone, starting today, Dingqiang Company is officially open for business!”

Liu Dingtian raised his fist.

“Let’s get to work!”

“Let’s get to work!” everyone shouted along with him.

The once-deserted storefront was suddenly filled with laughter and cheer. And not long after Dingqiang Company opened, another new sign appeared at the other end of The Single Society.

“Ji Baozhu Jewelry Design Studio”

This time, Sister Bao did not hold a grand opening. She simply opened the door and displayed, one by one, the jewelry designs she had accumulated over the years in the glass display window.

The afternoon sunlight streamed into the display window, and crystals, pearls, and all kinds of gemstones reflected tiny points of light.

Zhang Ningjing stood behind the counter, skillfully arranging the merchandise.

“Sister Bao, these pieces are really beautiful.” She picked up a necklace and examined it carefully.

Sister Bao smiled. “Whether they’re beautiful or not isn’t the important thing. What matters is that the person wearing them feels beautiful.”

Ningjing looked up at her. “No wonder the things you make always have a certain indescribable quality.”

Sister Bao patted her on the shoulder. “Then from now on, I’ll leave the shop and online marketing to you.”

“No problem!” Zhang Ningjing smiled brightly. “I’ll definitely sell Sister Bao’s work all over the world.”

“Don’t talk about the whole world just yet.” Sister Bao smiled and shook her head. “Let’s earn back the renovation costs first.”

The two women looked at each other and smiled. Neither of them expected that this unremarkable little studio would actually begin to develop a business little by little.

And a few days later, another sign that everyone at The Single Society had been eagerly awaiting was finally hung up.

“The Single Society Film Studio”

A small line of words had been added beneath the sign: “Stories Begin Around Us.”

Qiu Chen stood at the entrance, looking up at the sign. Lin Wanhua stood beside him with her arms crossed.

“What do you think?”

Qiu Chen nodded. “Not bad.”

“Just ‘not bad’?”

“Very good.”

“Still not enough.”

Qiu Chen could not help laughing. “Miss Head Screenwriter, what exactly do you want me to say?”

Wanhua deliberately put on a stern expression. “At the very least, you should say that this is the most promising film studio in the world.”

Qiu Chen glanced at her. “Well…”

“Hmm? Let’s wait until we actually make our first pot of money before saying that.”

Wanhua glared at him. “No ambition!”

The two were still bickering when Sister Bao came over from behind.

“You two, don’t start arguing the moment you open the door.”

Wanhua turned around. “Sister Bao, this is what we call an artistic exchange.”

“An artistic exchange?” Sister Bao looked at the two of them. “Why does it sound like a married couple arguing to me?”

“Sister Bao!” The two shouted almost simultaneously.

Sister Bao burst out laughing. The whole Single Society became lively along with her.

Wang Qiang, Liu Dingtian, and Zhu Erdong were busy moving sports equipment. Zhang Ningjing was busy organizing jewelry and online orders. Zhao Guanghua sat in a corner studying computers and planning materials. Lin Wanhua buried herself in writing screenplays, while Qiu Chen busily contacted film crews and searched for production resources.

Even Yukan, who was usually the most carefree, was no longer simply sitting in the park drawing portraits. He had begun designing posters and promotional artwork for everyone’s studios.

The once somewhat run-down “Single Society” had changed before anyone realized it. It was no longer merely a place where single men and women without families or a permanent home temporarily lived. Now it had companies. It had work. It had dreams. More importantly, it had partners who supported one another and worked hard together.

One evening, the setting sun slanted into the main hall of The Single Society. After everyone finished their work, they finally gathered together for dinner.

Liu Dingtian raised his soda.

“Everyone!”

Everyone stopped eating and looked at him.

“Today, all three of our businesses officially opened!”

Zhu Erdong corrected him. “Three businesses, not three companies.”

“Who cares!” Liu Dingtian said proudly. “Anyway, we’re all bosses now!”

Wang Qiang smiled and raised his glass. “To our new lives.”

Sister Bao also raised her glass. “To The Single Society.”

“To The Single Society!” everyone said in unison.

Their glasses clinked together in midair.

A clear, crisp sound—“Clink!”

At that moment, no one knew what the future would bring. No one knew whether this group of people, who had stumbled along their paths in life and each carried their own wounds, would actually be able to turn their dreams into something bigger. But at least at that moment, they all believed one thing—as long as we stay together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.

Outside the window, the streetlights came on one by one. The lights of The Single Society also seemed brighter than usual.

The entrepreneurial story of a group of ordinary people had officially begun in this little place called “The Single Society.”

47. A Place Farther Away Than Paris

It was already late at night.

Only one dim yellow wall lamp lit the hallway on the second floor of The Single Society. Occasionally, the sound of cars passing along the street came from outside the window, mixed with the rumble of a few motorcycle engines in the distance. The entire house was so quiet that the only sound was the faint hum of the electric fan turning.

Zhao Guanghua’s bedroom door was not fully closed. Zhang Ningjing was merely passing by when she suddenly noticed light coming through the crack in the door and peeked inside.

“Guanghua?”

No one answered.

She pushed the door open and discovered that Guanghua was not in the room. Several documents were spread across the desk, with a French textbook beside them.

Ningjing had originally intended only to close the window for him, but while tidying the desk, she accidentally saw the heading at the top of the documents.

A long string of French words stared back at her, making her eyes widen.

“What is this?”

Although she could not understand French, she could make out the letters “Paris” on the document.

Paris.

Ningjing’s heart jolted.

She took out her phone and, while making sure no one noticed, took pictures of the documents.

“I’ll ask Sister Bao first…”

She hurried out of the room.

Before long, the light in Sister Bao’s room came on. Sister Bao put on her glasses, took the phone, and carefully looked at the pictures.

“This is Guanghua’s application to defer his enrollment.”

Ningjing asked nervously, “Defer his enrollment?”

Sister Bao nodded. “Hadn’t he already been accepted by a school in France?”

“Yes.”

“Then why does he want to defer?” Sister Bao was silent for a moment as she looked through the pictures on the phone. “He must be planning to postpone his enrollment for two years.”

“Two years?” Ningjing froze.

“He wants to work for two years first, save enough money for studying abroad, and then go to Paris.”

The room suddenly fell silent.

Ningjing lowered her head and said nothing for a long time. After a while, she finally spoke softly.

“Why has he never told me?”

Sister Bao looked at her. “Maybe he doesn’t want you to worry about him.”

Ningjing’s nose suddenly stung. She remembered the first time the two of them had dinner at the convenience store.

That day, Guanghua had only a package of white bread and a bottle of mineral water. Yet he had still smiled and told her it was nothing.

Only now did she understand how much hardship was hidden behind those words, “It’s nothing.”

Ningjing took a deep breath.

“Sister Bao.”

“Hmm?”

“I have money.”

Sister Bao froze.

Ningjing raised her head, her voice firm.

“I’ve saved some money over the past few years, too. It isn’t a lot, but…I should have enough to help him with part of it.”

“Ningjing, think this through carefully.”

“I’ve thought it through.” Ningjing looked at Guanghua’s application on the phone.

“He’s waited so many years and finally got the chance to study abroad. I don’t want him to wait another two years.”

Sister Bao was silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled.

“You know what?”

“What?”

“Actually, over these past seven years, I haven’t spent a single penny of the rent Guanghua has paid me.”

Ningjing’s eyes widened in surprise.

“What?”

“I’ve been saving it for him.” Sister Bao pulled open a drawer and took out a bankbook.

“When he first came to The Single Society, I could tell that this kid wasn’t someone who just wanted to drift through life. He had a goal, and he was willing to work hard. So I’ve been putting his rent aside all this time.”

Ningjing looked at the bankbook, her eyes gradually turning red.

“Sister Bao…”

“This money was his to begin with.” Sister Bao placed the bankbook on the table. “Now that he wants to pursue his dream, of course I have to give it back to him.”

Ningjing nodded gently.

“Then let’s help him together.”

“Okay.”

The two women looked at each other. At that moment, they said nothing more.

Some things between women can be understood with just one look.

The following evening.

As soon as Zhao Guanghua returned to The Single Society, Sister Bao called him into the living room.

“Sister Bao, you wanted to see me?”

When Guanghua saw Ningjing sitting on the sofa as well, he could not help feeling puzzled.

“Ningjing?”

Ningjing said nothing. Sister Bao pointed to the documents on the table.

“This—is yours, right?”

Guanghua’s expression changed instantly. He picked them up, glanced at them, and immediately understood.

“You saw them?”

Ningjing lowered her head.

“Yes. I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to snoop.”

Guanghua fell silent. After a while, he smiled bitterly and sat down.

“I didn’t want you two to know.”

“Why?”

“Because this is my own business.” He raised his head. “Paris is my dream. Since it’s my dream, I should find a way to make it happen myself.”

Ningjing looked at him.

“So you’re planning to wait another two years?”

Guanghua nodded.

“Yeah.”

“Why?”

“I need money.” He smiled helplessly.

“Tuition, housing, living expenses, and airfare…I can’t exactly arrive in Paris and not even have money to eat.”

Ningjing said softly, “What if money wasn’t a problem?”

Guanghua froze.

“What do you mean?”

Sister Bao pushed the bankbook toward him.

“This is the rent you’ve paid me over the past seven years.”

Guanghua went completely still.

“Sister Bao…”

“I saved it for you for seven years.”

“How could you…”

“Because I knew long ago that this day would come.”

Guanghua looked at the bankbook, his eyes slowly turning red.

Sister Bao smiled.

“Take this money and use it to buy your plane ticket and cover your initial living expenses.”

Ningjing also took a bankbook out of her bag.

“This is mine.”

Guanghua immediately shook his head.

“Ningjing, no.”

“Why not?”

“That’s money you worked hard to save.”

Ningjing looked at him.

“You worked hard, too.”

“But…”

“Guanghua.” Ningjing interrupted him. Her voice was not loud, but it was extremely firm. “I’m not giving this to you out of charity.”

Guanghua froze.

“I just don’t want you to give up the dream you’ve waited so long for because of money.”

The room fell completely silent.

Guanghua looked at the young woman in front of him and could not say a word for a long time.

All these years, he had always worked hard to rely on himself. He earned his tuition with his own hands. He had walked through life on his own two feet.

He had never wanted to owe anyone anything.

But at that moment, he suddenly understood that some kinds of love are not a burden.

They are someone’s willingness to carry the burden with you.

“Ningjing…”

“Hmm?”

Guanghua stood up. His expression suddenly became solemn.

Ningjing looked a little flustered.

“What…what are you doing?”

Guanghua walked over to her and took a deep breath.

The next second, he dropped to one knee.

“Ah!”

Ningjing froze completely.

Sister Bao also froze for a moment, then broke into a knowing smile.

Guanghua looked at Ningjing.

“I don’t have a diamond ring.”

Ningjing’s eyes turned red.

“I don’t have much money right now, either.” He smiled bitterly. “I don’t even have enough for the trip to Paris without your and Sister Bao’s help.”

Ningjing could not help laughing.

“And you’re proposing to me?”

“That’s exactly why I have to ask you now.”

Guanghua took her hand.

“Ningjing, are you willing to walk this road with me?”

Tears finally fell from Ningjing’s eyes.

“To Paris?”

“Not just Paris.”

Guanghua looked at her.

“Every place we go from now on.”

Ningjing lowered her head and looked at their tightly clasped hands.

After a few seconds, she finally nodded.

“I am.”

Guanghua let out a long breath, a childlike, radiant smile spreading across his face.

Sister Bao stood to the side and quietly wiped the corner of her eye.

She did not disturb them. She simply smiled and said, “All right!”

The two turned around at the same time.

Sister Bao grinned from ear to ear.

“Since you’ve said yes, don’t spend all your time falling in love.”

“The plane tickets to Paris haven’t even been bought yet!”

The three of them burst into laughter.

Outside the window, the night was deep.

And in distant Paris, there seemed to be a light waiting for two young people to come and illuminate it.

For Zhao Guanghua, that was the starting point of his dream.

For Zhang Ningjing, it was also where love truly began its journey into the distance.

48. The Big Package from Big Boss Guo Wuyong

The afternoon sunlight slanted into the main hall of The Single Society. Outside, the shopping street was filled with the sound of motorcycles starting up, occasionally mixed with the cries of street vendors.

The Single Society was much quieter than usual. Some of the tenants were working in their shops, while others were busy with their own things in their rooms.

Sister Bao sat behind the counter, drinking tea while flipping through the studio’s latest account books.

Suddenly, a burst of hurried footsteps came from outside.

“Sister Bao! Where’s Qiu Chen?”

Big Boss Guo Wuyong, dressed in a crisp suit and carrying a black briefcase under his arm, hurried into the main hall.

Sister Bao looked up at him.

“Well, well, General Manager Guo, what brings you here today? What kind of wind blew you into our little temple?”

Guo Wuyong looked around.

“I’m looking for Qiu Chen.”

“Unfortunately, he’s not here.”

“Where did he go?”

“I don’t know.” Sister Bao smiled. “There was something to take care of at the film studio, so he left early this morning. What’s the big rush, General Manager Guo? What important matter brings you here?”

Guo Wuyong pulled out a chair and sat down, letting out a long breath.

“Actually, it’s nothing much. I just wanted to have a talk with him.”

Sister Bao poured him a cup of tea and pushed it toward him. “Since he’s not here, you can talk to me instead.”

Guo Wuyong picked up the teacup and took a sip. After a moment of silence, he suddenly said, “Sister Bao, I genuinely admire Qiu Chen.”

Sister Bao raised an eyebrow. “This is the first time I’ve heard you say that so seriously.”

“This young man has ideas and ability, and what’s most impressive is that he’s not someone who only knows how to make movies.” Guo Wuyong put down his teacup, his expression becoming serious. “He understands the market, and he understands people. He knows what audiences want to see, and he knows even better how to make a story look good on screen.”

Sister Bao nodded. “What about Wanhua?”

At the mention of Lin Wanhua, a look of admiration appeared on Guo Wuyong’s face. “Even more so. Lin Wanhua is a truly talented screenwriter.”

“So?” Sister Bao deliberately drew out the word.

Guo Wuyong leaned back in his chair. “So lately I’ve been thinking that maybe our company should find a way to keep these two.”

Sister Bao smiled. “They’ve already started their own studio. How do you plan to keep them, General Manager Guo?”

Guo Wuyong frowned. “That’s exactly what’s giving me a headache.”

Sister Bao looked at him and suddenly gave him a meaningful smile. “If you can’t keep the people, then keep the business.”

“What do you mean?”

“Invest.”

Guo Wuyong froze.

Sister Bao placed her teacup on the table and leaned forward slightly.

“You admire them, don’t you? Then stop thinking about bringing them back to Huaxia Film Company. Just invest directly in their ‘The Single Society Film Studio.’”

Guo Wuyong blinked. “Invest?”

“Exactly.” Sister Bao held up one finger.

“You put up the money, and they put up their talent. The studio belongs to them, but you become an investor. When they make good movies in the future, you make money along with them. Isn’t that a better deal than keeping them tied to the company?”

Guo Wuyong lowered his head and thought it over. A few seconds later, he suddenly slapped his thigh.

“Good!”

Sister Bao jumped at the sudden response. “Good what?”

“That’s what we’ll do!” Guo Wuyong opened his briefcase and pulled out a checkbook.

Sister Bao stared at him. “Don’t tell me you’re writing a check right now.”

“Why not?” Guo Wuyong took out a fountain pen and opened the checkbook. “Once you’ve decided to invest, you can’t just talk about it.”

Sister Bao leaned over to take a look, and her eyes slowly widened. Guo Wuyong lowered his head and carefully wrote down the amount.

“First check, ten million.”

Sister Bao nearly dropped the teacup in her hand.

“How much?”

“Ten million.”

“General Manager Guo, you’re not drunk, are you?”

Without even looking up, Guo Wuyong said, “Second check, ten million.”

“Wait!” Sister Bao quickly reached out to stop him. “You’re investing in a film studio, not buying vegetables!”

Guo Wuyong burst out laughing. “Making movies is a gamble. If we’re going to gamble, we might as well gamble big.”

Sister Bao watched him write one check after another, already at a loss for words.

“Third check, ten million.”

“Fourth check, ten million.”

“Fifth check, ten million.”

After finishing the last one, Guo Wuyong tore off the five checks, stacked them neatly together, and pushed them toward Sister Bao.

Sister Bao looked down at the five checks and remained silent for a long time.

Five checks.

Ten million each.

Fifty million in total.

She raised her head and stared at Guo Wuyong in disbelief.

“General Manager Guo…you really intend to invest fifty million in them?”

Guo Wuyong stood up and straightened his suit.

“Yes. It’s an investment.” He pointed to the checks on the table.

“Tell Qiu Chen that this fifty million is my vote of confidence in him and Lin Wanhua. Whenever the two of them need funding, they can cash these checks at any time. And I don’t want them to return to Huaxia, nor will I interfere with how they make their movies.”

Sister Bao blinked. “Then what do you want?”

Guo Wuyong smiled. “I want to see good movies.”

With that, he picked up his briefcase and turned to leave.

The door closed. The hall became quiet again.

Sister Bao stood behind the counter, looking down at the five checks. The more she looked at them, the more unbelievable they seemed.

She suddenly reached out and pinched her own cheek.

“Ouch!”

It really hurt. She wasn’t dreaming.

She picked up the checks again and examined them carefully. At last, the corners of her mouth could not help turning upward.

“Fifty million…” she murmured to herself. “This time, The Single Society Film Studio really is going to take off!”

Just then, footsteps came from outside.

“Sister Bao, I’m back!”

Qiu Chen’s voice came from the doorway.

Sister Bao immediately hugged the five checks to her chest and gave him a mysterious smile.

As soon as Qiu Chen walked in, he saw the delight on Sister Bao’s face and could not help freezing.

“Sister Bao, did you find some money?”

Sister Bao deliberately put on a stern expression. “Better than finding money.”

“What happened?”

Sister Bao slapped the checks down on the table.

“See for yourself.”

Qiu Chen looked down and immediately froze.

“This…”

Sister Bao smiled so broadly that her eyes nearly narrowed into slits.

“General Manager Guo just brought them over.”

Qiu Chen picked up one of the checks, his voice trembling slightly.

“Ten million?”

“Five of them.”

“Five?”

Sister Bao nodded firmly.

“Fifty million in total.”

Qiu Chen was speechless for a long time. He looked at the checks on the table, then toward the doorway where Guo Wuyong had already disappeared.

For the first time, he truly felt that the dream of “The Single Society Film Studio” might no longer be just a dream.

It was already becoming a road that stretched forward.

49. Double Happiness

Early in the morning, sunlight passed through the tall metal framework outside the soundstage, casting crisscrossing shadows on the ground.

A brand-new movie-set sign hung high above the entrance:

“The Single Society”

The large letters stood out especially clearly in the morning light.

Cameras, lighting stands, sound equipment, costume cases, and prop carts already filled the set. Crew members moved back and forth. Some were adjusting the lights, some were carrying equipment, and others were hurrying along with call sheets in their hands.

Qiu Chen stood in the middle of the set, holding the screenplay and looking around.

This time, he was no longer the gofer in the crew whom everyone could order around. Nor was he merely the stand-in who had to jump from the third floor for someone else.

He was the director of this movie.

And this movie was the first true production after he and Lin Wanhua founded “The Single Society Film Studio.”

“All departments, get ready!” Qiu Chen called out.

“Lighting!”

“Ready!”

“Camera!”

“OK!”

“Sound!”

“No problem!”

Qiu Chen took a deep breath and looked at Lin Wanhua standing beside the monitor. Wanhua held the screenplay in her arms, the corners of her mouth slightly raised.

The two exchanged a glance.

At that moment, all the setbacks, arguments, grievances, and unwillingness they had experienced in the past seemed to have turned into the road beneath their feet—a road that truly belonged to them.

“‘The Single Society,’ Scene One, Take One—”

Qiu Chen paused for a moment, then suddenly smiled and called out:

“Action!”

The set immediately sprang into motion.

Just then, a car horn sounded from outside.

Everyone turned around and saw a black sedan slowly drive into the open area in front of the set.

The car door opened.

Guo Wuyong stepped out.

“General Manager Guo!” Qiu Chen hurried over to greet him.

Guo Wuyong smiled broadly, extended his hand, and gave Qiu Chen a hearty pat on the shoulder.

“Congratulations!”

“Thank you, General Manager Guo.”

Guo Wuyong looked around.

“Not bad. You’ve really got the look of a small film production company now.”

Qiu Chen smiled. “It’s all thanks to your support, General Manager Guo.”

Guo Wuyong deliberately put on a stern expression.

“Come on.”

He lowered his voice and leaned close to Qiu Chen’s ear.

“Don’t forget.”

Qiu Chen froze. “Forget what?”

Guo Wuyong narrowed his eyes and looked at him meaningfully.

“I’m still your boss.”

Qiu Chen stared at him for two seconds, then could not help laughing.

“Got it.”

Guo Wuyong patted him on the shoulder.

“Now that you’ve started your own company, I can’t control you. But as long as you still owe me for that fifty million…”

“General Manager Guo, that was an investment.”

“Fine, fine. It’s all an investment.”

The two looked at each other and laughed.

Lin Wanhua, standing not far away, could not help smiling as she watched them.

She knew that although Guo Wuyong spoke so boldly, deep down he regarded these two young people as the younger talents he valued most.

“Director Qiu!” a production assistant suddenly shouted from a distance. “The actors are ready!”

Qiu Chen turned around.

“Coming!”

He ran back onto the set.

Guo Wuyong remained where he was, watching Qiu Chen’s busy figure. The smile on his face slowly became one of satisfaction.

“That kid…” he murmured. “He can finally stand on his own.”

That same evening.

The entrance to The Single Society was decorated with lights and festive ornaments.

Red lanterns hung beneath the eaves, large red double-happiness characters were posted on both sides, and the courtyard was filled with round banquet tables.

Tonight was not a movie wrap or opening banquet.

It was a real wedding banquet.

Zhao Guanghua and Zhang Ningjing were married.

The poor student who had once sat in a park eating toast and drinking mineral water was now wearing a well-tailored suit, standing on the red carpet with unmistakable nervousness and happiness on his face.

Zhang Ningjing wore an elegant white wedding dress and slowly walked forward with her father’s arm in hers.

Every tenant of The Single Society was there.

Liu Dage wore a suit that did not quite fit him and was busy greeting the guests.

“Come, come, come! Have a seat inside!”

Zhu Erdong carried a plate of sunflower seeds and could not resist teasing him.

“Big Guy, are you the best man today or a wedding banquet server?”

“I’m hosting!”

“You’re stealing someone’s job.”

The two were still bickering when Sun Qing walked past them.

“You two, keep your voices down. Today is Guanghua’s big day.”

“Yes, yes, yes.”

Liu Dage quickly shut his mouth.

At the other end of the courtyard, Sister Bao was busy checking the wedding banquet arrangements.

Guo Wuyong stood beside her.

Sister Bao glanced at him.

“General Manager Guo, you can’t act like the boss today.”

“I know.”

“You’re going to be one of the wedding officiants with me later.”

Guo Wuyong smiled. “Don’t worry. I’m very good at saying nice things.”

Sister Bao gave him a sidelong glance.

“See that you are.”

The bell rang.

Everyone’s eyes focused on the red carpet.

Zhao Guanghua walked in holding Zhang Ningjing’s hand.

A wave of applause immediately filled the courtyard.

“Congratulations!”

“May you have a long and happy marriage!”

“May you have children soon!”

Zhang Ningjing’s face turned bright red with shyness.

Zhao Guanghua held her hand tightly.

The two walked to the front.

Sister Bao picked up the microphone.

“Friends and family, we are gathered here today not only to bless this newly married couple, but also because we have personally watched them walk this road together.”

She looked at Guanghua.

“When Guanghua first came to The Single Society, he was still a poor student.”

Someone in the audience laughed.

Sister Bao continued.

“Back then, he was even reluctant to spend money on a decent meal.”

Zhang Ningjing could not help glancing at Guanghua.

Guanghua smiled as well.

“But he had a dream.”

Sister Bao turned to Ningjing.

“And Ningjing was willing to believe in and support his dream.”

The crowd gradually fell silent.

“So today, the one thing I most want to say is this—”

Sister Bao raised her glass.

“From now on, may you not only love each other, but also help each other become better.”

Another round of applause broke out.

Guo Wuyong took the microphone.

“I’m not as good with words as Sister Bao.”

Someone in the audience laughed.

Guo Wuyong looked at the newlyweds.

“I’ll give you just one sentence.”

He paused.

“Life is like making a movie.”

Everyone fell silent.

“Sometimes the script is already written, and problems still come up on set.”

Qiu Chen, sitting below the stage, could not help smiling.

Guo Wuyong continued.

“But as long as two people are willing to keep playing their parts together, they’ll eventually make a happy ending.”

Thunderous applause filled the venue.

Zhang Ningjing’s eyes became slightly red.

Zhao Guanghua held her hand.

“Thank you.”

Ningjing replied softly, “I’ll be counting on you for the rest of our lives.”

“For a lifetime.”

“Hmm.”

Their hands remained tightly clasped.

Below the stage, Sister Bao looked at the newlyweds with a satisfied smile.

Not far away, Qiu Chen and Lin Wanhua sat side by side.

The movie had begun filming.

Guanghua was married, too.

The single men and women who had once gathered in this old house, each carrying their own wounds and dreams, were now gradually finding their own direction.

Some were starting businesses.

Some were making movies.

Some had found love.

Some were pursuing distant dreams.

And The Single Society remained brightly lit.

Only this time, it was no longer merely a temporary shelter for single people.

It was slowly becoming—

a home where a group of ordinary people built their dreams together, grew together, and witnessed one another’s happiness.

50. Farewell at the Airport

Early in the morning, announcements echoed throughout the airport.

“Passengers traveling to Paris, please be advised that your flight will begin boarding shortly…”

Zhao Guanghua stood in the international terminal’s departure area with his suitcase, looking back at the large group of people who had come to see him off.

Sister Bao, Lin Wanhua, Qiu Chen, Sun Qing, Liu Dage, Zhu Erdong, and all the other partners from The Single Society were there.

Almost no one was missing.

“Guanghua!”

Zhang Ningjing stepped out of the crowd.

She was not wearing her usual work suit today. Instead, she wore a simple white top and held a small red brocade box tightly in her hands.

When Zhao Guanghua saw her, his expression immediately softened.

“Ningjing.”

The two walked toward each other.

Neither spoke first.

It was clearly only a trip abroad to study, yet it felt as if they were sending each other to opposite ends of the world.

Zhang Ningjing forced a smile.

“When you get to Paris, take good care of yourself.”

“I will.”

“Remember to wear a jacket when it gets cold.”

“I know.”

“And don’t start eating only toast again just to save money.”

Zhao Guanghua could not help laughing.

“Well… I’ll try.”

“What do you mean, ‘I’ll try’?” Ningjing glared at him. “Promise me.”

“Okay.”

Zhao Guanghua nodded.

He took a small wooden box from his pocket.

“This is for you.”

Ningjing opened it and saw a simple yet delicate silver ring inside.

“What is this…?”

“It’s not a wedding ring.” Zhao Guanghua quickly explained. “I designed it myself.”

Ningjing stared at the ring.

“When I finish my studies and come back, I’ll personally design a real ring for you.”

Her eyes became slightly red.

“I’ll wait for you.”

As she spoke, she also opened her own brocade box.

Inside was a simple necklace.

“This is for you.”

Zhao Guanghua picked up the necklace.

“What does it say?”

“Your name.”

He turned it over and, sure enough, saw tiny engraved letters.

Zhao Guanghua.

Beside it was another line of even smaller words:

No matter how far you go, I’ll wait for you to come home.

Zhao Guanghua’s nose stung.

He raised his head and looked at Ningjing.

“I’ll definitely come back.”

“Hmm.”

The two hugged tightly.

Beside them, Liu Dage quickly turned his head.

“Oh, no. How did I suddenly get sand in my eyes?”

Zhu Erdong could not help laughing.

“What sand? We’re indoors at the airport.”

“Mind your own business!”

Sun Qing quietly wiped the corner of her eye.

Sister Bao stood behind the crowd without saying a word, simply watching the young couple with satisfaction.

The announcement sounded again.

“Passengers traveling to Paris, please proceed to the boarding gate as soon as possible…”

Zhao Guanghua knew it was time.

He took one last look at Ningjing.

“I’m leaving.”

Ningjing nodded.

“Go.”

Zhao Guanghua pulled his suitcase and walked a few steps before suddenly turning around.

“Ningjing!”

“Hmm?”

“Wait for me!”

Ningjing nodded firmly.

“I’ll wait for you!”

Zhao Guanghua finally turned around and walked toward the boarding gate.

The group stood where they were, watching his figure gradually disappear into the crowd.

Until they could no longer see him.

That afternoon, everyone returned to The Single Society.

Along the way, they continued talking about Zhao Guanghua.

Liu Dage sighed.

“That kid really flew out this time.”

Zhu Erdong laughed.

“He went to Paris to study abroad, not to Mars.”

“Paris is really far, you know?”

“You’ve never even been there.”

“I’ve seen it on a map!”

Everyone burst out laughing.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, Sister Bao suddenly stopped.

Beside the small stone table in the center of the courtyard sat two people.

One was Ji Laoshi.

The other was none other than Guo Wuyong.

A purple clay teapot sat in front of them, with faint steam rising from the teacups.

Ji Laoshi was smiling as he said something, while Guo Wuyong listened and laughed heartily.

“General Manager Guo?” Qiu Chen froze for a moment. “What brings you here?”

Guo Wuyong turned around.

“What? I’m not allowed to come?”

“No, that’s not what I meant…”

Qiu Chen looked at Ji Laoshi, then at Guo Wuyong.

“I just didn’t expect the two of you to be sitting here drinking tea together.”

“Of course we can.” Ji Laoshi laughed. “Why can’t General Manager Guo and I drink tea together?”

“Of course you can.”

But Sister Bao remained standing where she was without saying a word.

Everyone gradually noticed that something was different about her.

Sun Qing walked over to her.

“Sister Bao, what’s wrong?”

Sister Bao did not answer.

She simply looked at her father, Ji Laoshi, sitting beside the stone table.

Guo Wuyong seemed to notice Sister Bao as well. He picked up his teacup and gave her a slight smile.

“Sister Bao, you’re back?”

Sister Bao nodded gently.

“Hmm.”

Yet, before she realized it, two faint blushes had appeared on her cheeks.

Lin Wanhua noticed.

She quietly nudged Qiu Chen’s arm.

“Did you notice?”

“Notice what?”

“Sister Bao’s face.”

Qiu Chen took a careful look.

“It seems…a little red.”

Sun Qing also came over.

“Strange.”

Liu Dage suddenly slapped his forehead.

“Wait!”

Everyone turned to look at him.

“What’s today’s date?”

Zhu Erdong froze for a moment.

“April first.”

Liu Dage’s mouth fell open.

“April first?”

He suddenly shouted.

“Today is Sister Bao’s birthday!”

The entire courtyard fell silent.

The next second—

“Ah!”

“Oh, right!”

“How did we forget?”

“We’re doomed!”

Everyone looked at one another.

Sister Bao was both amused and exasperated.

“You heartless bunch.”

Lin Wanhua quickly said, “Sister Bao, it’s not that we forgot. Everyone was so busy seeing Guanghua off this morning that we completely lost track of time.”

Liu Dage quickly added, “Right, right, right! And today is April Fool’s Day, so we thought someone was deliberately trying to fool us!”

Sister Bao glared at him.

“You’re the fool.”

The courtyard immediately erupted in laughter.

Guo Wuyong, however, simply took a quiet sip of tea.

Ji Laoshi also gave his daughter a meaningful look.

Sister Bao noticed the two men looking at her, and the blush on her face deepened.

Lin Wanhua noticed this scene, and her eyes brightened slightly.

She suddenly felt that this April Fool’s Day birthday was probably not just about everyone making up for forgetting to celebrate Sister Bao’s birthday.

There also seemed to be a secret between the two men in the courtyard that no one knew about yet.

She secretly looked toward Qiu Chen.

Qiu Chen was looking at her too.

The two exchanged a glance.

It seemed the real show was only just about to begin.