Chapter 67 Upper Program

  The director finally adopted the lyrics written by Ning Qingming for Xiao Yesheng, but not as the theme song, only as an insert song for a segment of the princess and the young general's life-and-death love affair. When Xiao Yesheng called to inform Ning Qingming, Ning Qingming smiled and said: "This song was originally written about the princess and the young general, it didn't involve the male lead at all, so it couldn't be used as the theme song. It's good that it can be adopted."

  "Although, the director found out that the lyrics of this song were written by the same person who wrote 'Dong Feng Po' last time, and laughed saying if he could write another one as the theme song it would be great." Xiao Ye Sheng smiled brightly, "Qing Min, do you have time to write another one?"

  "Wait until you become the male lead and I'll write for you!" Ning Qingmo smiled as she made a promise. If Xiao Yesen became the male lead, there would naturally be good songwriters to write lyrics for him, so it wasn't necessary for her to do it. Therefore, she said this with ease.

  "It's settled then!" Xiao Yes said with a smile: "There are no classes tomorrow, you shouldn't be going back to school tonight, right?"

  "Yes!" Ning Qingming said, hearing someone knock on the door. Grandma Ning went to open it and hurriedly bid farewell to Xiao Yesen and hung up the phone.

  It turned out that Sun Wen and Sun Wu, two brothers, and Zhang Yu and Zhang Rui Li came back together.

  A few days ago, Ning's aunt introduced Sun Wen and Sun Wu, two brothers who were tall and sturdy, looking exactly the same. At first, Ning Qing couldn't tell them apart and asked Zhang Yu and Zhang Rui Li if they could distinguish between them. Zhang Yu and Zhang Rui Li said that since they had been classmates with the two brothers for several years, as soon as they spoke, they could be told apart.

  Sun Wen and Sun Wu saw that Ning Qingmian was two years younger than them, but he already had an office building and a storefront, and even bought his own house. They were extremely surprised. After seeing Ning Qingmian negotiate with clients, their surprise turned to admiration, and they also began to worship him like Zhang Yu and Zhang Ruili did. Ning Qingmian asked one of them to help Zhang Yu on the upper floor of the office building, and the other to help Zhang Ruili at the storefront on the first floor. Since everyone was young and had been classmates before, they quickly became familiar with each other, discussing business and getting along quite well.

  "Xiao Min, we'll let Ah Wen and Ah Wu stay in our room. We'll move to your room. You'll have to squeeze in with me and your mom." Ning's grandma instructed Sun Wen and Sun Wu to move things around while turning back to say to Ning Qingmin: "We used to think three bedrooms and one living room were enough, but now it seems we spoke too soon."

  "Grandma, don't worry, after a while, the second phase of this community's building will be sold to outsiders. At that time, let's take a look and see if there is a suitable one, we can buy a four-bedroom two-hall." Ning Qingming comforted her grandmother with a smile, but in her heart, she admired Cheng Jianjun for his foresight, letting her contact the sales manager of this community to buy the house at an internal preferential price. Because they bought a large quantity, they also got a very favorable price. At that time, they would first choose one with good orientation and then resell the rest, believing they would make a lot of money.

  "Four rooms and two halls, it's good but the place is big, so the management fee will be higher, right?" Ning's grandmother nodded and clicked her tongue, "This city looks prosperous, but even spitting costs money. If you buy a house and just sit at home without moving, you still have to pay extra for management fees. If you earn less, it's really unbearable."

  Ning's mother was making a phone call in the room. After hanging up, she said: "So, I also need to make my own money. Can't just sit here waiting for Xiaomin to give me money."

  "Mom, is the living allowance I gave you not enough?" Ning Qing heard his mom's words and opened his bag to take out money for her. He also said: "I helped you apply for a card last time, there's money in it. If you don't have any money, just take the card to the ATM yourself!"

  "Silly girl. You give me money every month, but I don't even use half of it. How can it not be enough? Ning's mom held down Ning Qingmin's hand and helped her zip up her purse. "Xiaoyu and Ruirui won't be coming home for lunch today. And you only come back once in a while. It's just me and your grandma, two people. Where would we use so much living expenses? There are just more places to spend money now. You should also save some for yourself. I'm bored sitting at home watching TV all day. Find something to do, make life more fulfilling, and you can earn some extra money to spend on yourself. Isn't that great?"

  "Last time you said you were going to help out at someone else's snack shop. I didn't agree. It's too tiring. The pay is also low. And Grandma was left alone at home. How can we be at ease?"

  "Xiao Min, this time it's not helping others, but to open a small eatery of my own. There are many eateries across the street from our neighborhood, right? One of them has a 'For Rent' sign on it. I called and asked about the rent, it's not expensive. Planning to go there tomorrow for a face-to-face talk. If we do open an eatery here, it'll be close to home. You can come over and still have time to cook dinner for yourself."

  "That's right. I've discussed it with your mom. Can't just stay at home and spend money all day." Ning's grandma also chimed in, "I'm not that old either. I can still help your mom make some small dishes. Make use of my remaining energy."

  "Those places are only a few square meters in size, and they're all making small eats like beef balls and stuff. It's best to do that kind of business in high-traffic areas. The people in the residential area look numerous, but except for holidays, they don't usually go out to eat on the other side. They can only rely on some passing students and migrant workers, and I'm afraid they can barely make enough money to pay the rent." Ning Qing helped Ning's mom analyze, "Mom, observe for a few more days before making a decision."

  Just then, the phone rang, but it was a strange voice looking for Ning's grandmother. Zhang Yu held down the receiver and said to Ning's grandmother: "It's strange, grandma, saying something about a guide, and also saying that you took a microwave oven last time, filled in a contact number, and only found you now."

  Ning's grandmother was also quite strange, "What's wrong? Are you going to take the microwave back?" She said as she went to answer the phone.

  "What? Let me cook on TV and send me my salary?" Ning's grandmother's voice grew louder, her mouth agape as if she hadn't understood. Seeing Ning Qingmian approaching, she handed the phone over to him and said: "Qingmian, you help me listen to what he's saying? I didn't quite get it."

  Zhang Yu and several others heard Ning's words, looked at each other in confusion, and were also confused for a moment.

  "Hello, I am Ning Liangdi's granddaughter. My grandmother doesn't understand what you mean, so please talk to me!" Ning Qingmin took over the phone and politely explained a bit before concentrating on listening to the other person's detailed explanation.

  Putting down the phone, Ning Qing exclaimed: "Grandma, a TV station wants you to appear on their food show!"

  The TV station's last recording of "Delicious Food" was broadcast, and the creative dish "Nine Yin White Bone Claw" cooked by Ning's grandmother attracted many viewers, increasing ratings. Advertisers also expressed their willingness to invest in more food-related programs. The TV station proposed several plans, among which the plan named "Old Lady New Cooking Idea" was unanimously approved. Since this plan was inspired by Ning's grandmother's creative dish last time, this time's program invited Ning's grandmother to continue cooking such creative dishes.

  Ning Qingmin added: "Fang Dao is the host of this food program, he said that if Grandma's show is popular, they will sign a long-term contract."

  "Is someone playing a joke on me? Or is this some kind of scam?" Grandma Ning wondered, "Why would the TV station invite me to perform cooking on their show? Why not invite young people? What can I, an old lady, do? And besides, I'm not even a famous chef."

  "Grandma, I heard from Fang Dao that the food show wants to be more down-to-earth this time, so instead of inviting famous chefs, they're inviting ordinary housewives. They'll also share some stories about the difficulties and unexpected situations that housewives often encounter while cooking."

  "Xiao Min, so you're saying I should go?" Ning's grandmother was a bit indecisive, afraid she wouldn't be able to handle it.

  "Grandma, you're always so brave, this time be bold and go for it! The TV station only shoots three times a week and the pay is high, much better than running some small eatery."

  "Mom, let's go! Don't be afraid, I'll accompany you in and out!" Ning's mom smiled and said: "We just want to find something to do, right? This isn't hard work, we've run a snack shop for many years, we have plenty of experience, what's there to be afraid of?"

  Everyone discussed it and agreed that Ning's grandmother should give it a try.

  "Hey everyone, a new week has started, I'm rushing to update. Also: the 12pm update will be delayed until around 2-3 pm. If possible, I'll try to update as early as I can."