Chapter 377 Preparing for the Party!
"Then you can make yourself at home here. I, your 'virtuous wife,' will make sure you eat your fill."
The jokes he made didn't sound cheesy at all.
Instead, it exudes a genuine warmth that makes one feel completely comfortable.
Dilraba squatted in front of the stove, adding firewood, the firelight illuminating her bright profile.
She stole glances at Xiao Chen, the man who broke the hearts of women all over the world.
But now, he's preparing dinner for this group of people.
He doesn't need fancy words to embellish his words.
As long as he stands there, he is the most stable core in this world.
At the dinner table, everyone ate ravenously.
Even seasoned veterans of the entertainment industry, accustomed to grand occasions, let go of their inhibitions at this moment.
Xiao Chen remained taciturn.
He would occasionally add half a spoonful of soup to Leslie Cheung's bowl, and occasionally give Dilraba a piece of lean meat.
"I've finalized the schedule for tomorrow's party."
He took a sip of tea and began to speak slowly and deliberately.
"Teacher He and Brother Han are in charge of hosting, and Stephen Chow is in charge of performing the mime."
"Brother and Sister Mei, you two sing a duet."
Leslie Cheung raised an eyebrow. "And what about you?"
Xiao Chen revealed a mysterious smile.
"My job is to do odd jobs for the teachers and distribute sunflower seeds to the villagers."
This attitude of stepping back from the spotlight has actually made people look at him with even greater respect.
Everyone knows that Xiao Chen was the one who planned this "Back to Field" show.
He could easily arrange the most dazzling segment for himself and reap the tears of his fans.
But he chose the most tiring and least prestigious job.
"Chenzi, you really don't look like a young man in his early twenties."
Teacher He was somewhat moved.
Xiao Chen put down his teacup, his tone humorous.
"That's because there's a cook living in my old soul."
Everyone burst into laughter, and the atmosphere in the courtyard was extremely joyful.
This is Xiao Chen.
He has a status that could shake the film industry, yet he has always maintained a heart that reveres life.
As his mother, Ye Huimei, said, this child has a cold spot in his heart, but the parts that are exposed are all warm.
Night was falling.
The lights of the mushroom houses flickered in the quiet village.
Xiao Chen stood on the terrace, gazing at the distant mountains with a deep, thoughtful look in his eyes.
Tomorrow's party is the real highlight.
He wants to make this program a true "aspiration".
It's not just a show for a few celebrities.
"Brother Chen, aren't you going to sleep yet?"
Dilraba asked softly and walked to his side.
Xiao Chen turned his head, and the moonlight fell into his eyes, as if they were filled with a galaxy.
"I'm wondering if there will be enough sunflower seeds for everyone tomorrow."
Dilraba chuckled.
That's Xiao Chen for you—always worrying about these trivial little things.
But it is precisely these small things that make him the irreplaceable one in everyone's heart.
Before dawn, a misty fog enveloped the tranquil mountain village.
The entire mushroom house was still asleep, except for one figure that had already quietly stood in the courtyard.
Xiao Chen, dressed in a simple white T-shirt and casual pants, stood tall and straight in the soft morning light.
It is as beautiful as an ancient Greek sculpture that has awakened from its slumber.
He didn't disturb anyone, but quietly sorted the melon seeds, peanuts, and fruit candies he had prepared the night before.
He placed the fruit into individual bamboo woven fruit platters. His movements were light yet methodical, as if performing some kind of sacred ritual.
The snacks prepared for the party were so plentiful that there was enough for every household in the village to receive some.
This is what he insists on doing: when celebrities come to the countryside, they shouldn't just be putting on a show; they should bring the villagers the most genuine joy.
"Brother Chen..."
A soft, sleepy call came from the doorway.
Dilraba rubbed her eyes, still wearing her cute bunny pajamas. She looked at the focused figure in the yard, and her heart skipped a beat.
No matter how many times she saw it, this face and this figure could always easily touch the softest part of her heart.
Xiao Chen turned around, the morning chill not diminishing the tenderness in his eyes, and he smiled.
"Awake? Don't you want to sleep a little longer?"
Dilraba jogged over, squatted down, and started sorting the fruit, just like him.
"Can't sleep? Let me help you."
The seventeen-year-old girl's budding romantic feelings were written all over her face. She secretly watched him.
Look at his slender fingers, his drooping eyelashes thicker than butterfly wings, and his lips slightly pursed in focus.
Soon, the others also woke up one after another.
Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui walked out together and saw the harmonious scene in the courtyard. They smiled at each other.
Leslie Cheung teased her, his tone full of affection.
"Ah Chen, are you planning to empty our coffers to buy people's hearts?"
Mei Yanfang walked over and patted Xiao Chen's shoulder with concern.
"You child, you always shoulder everything by yourself without ever asking us for help."
Xiao Chen looked up, his face covered in dust, which added to his worldly appearance.
"Sister Mei, Brother, your task today is to conserve your energy."
"You were absolutely stunning tonight."
In just a few words, he transformed their concern into anticipation for their performance.
Teacher He and Wang Han also got up and were astonished when they saw the mountain of fruit platters.
Teacher He remarked with emotion.
"Chenzai, this isn't a party, it's a New Year's market!"
Stephen Chow walked out yawning, and when he saw Xiao Chen, his eyes lit up. He spoke in his uniquely nonsensical tone.
"Boss, how much are the sunflower seeds? Can I buy them on credit?"
Everyone burst into laughter.
Xiao Chen wasn't annoyed and continued along with him.
"Of course we have to give Stephen Chow face. We can pay on credit, but you can exchange it for your secret manual, 'An Actor Prepares'."
The atmosphere in the courtyard was instantly ignited.
That's Xiao Chen's magic. He doesn't need to deliberately try to be funny, but he can always make everyone feel relaxed and happy with the simplest words.
After breakfast, today's task officially began—setting up the venue for the party.
The threshing ground at the village entrance is the most open space in the entire village.
Xiao Chen led his group on a grand and imposing journey.
Everyone is in high spirits today since we don't need to plant trees.
Xiao Chen was the commander-in-chief, but he never issued harsh orders.
He walked over to Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui.
"Brother, Sister Mei, you can take care of the red lanterns over there."
"The atmosphere of the entire venue depends on your aesthetic sense."
The two readily accepted the task; it was an elegant job, just what they wanted.
He then looked at Stephen Chow.
"Mr. Stephen Chow, I'd like to do something special with the stage backdrop design. Do you have any ideas?"
Stephen Chow stroked his chin and said in a serious tone.
"How about we draw a giant lollipop?"
Xiao Chen immediately made the decision.
"Great idea! Let's do it!"
He always understands everyone's point of view and gives them the utmost respect and room to maneuver.
Dilraba followed closely behind him, like a little tail.
Xiao Chen then assigned her the easiest task, asking her to pick some wildflowers to decorate the table.