After the two children had made their plans, they wrapped the television in a material bag, and Yu Cheng said, "This TV is too big, and it’s difficult for the two of us to carry it. I will go to the deputy factory manager to borrow a cart, and we can take both the television and the bicycle back together."
Jiang Mianmian felt a little embarrassed, "Brother Yu, you don’t need to go. We’ve already troubled them so much, it’s not good to keep asking for help. Let’s just put a little more effort into it and put the TV on the back seat of the bicycle. I can sit in front, and that will be fine."
Seeing her say this, Yu Cheng didn’t insist further, "Alright, I will go and borrow some rope then, and we can tie the TV securely."
Using the rope, they tied the bicycle firmly to the rear seat, with Jiang Mianmian sitting on the front bar. Yu Cheng, front and back, carried the two treasures towards the Jiang family home.
Since he was afraid of going too fast and dropping the TV, Yu Cheng rode very slowly. The journey that usually took a bit over forty minutes ended up taking a full hour to reach home.
The TV was unharmed, only Jiang Mianmian’s bottom was a bit sore from being pressed against the front bar.
After parking the bicycle in the courtyard, Yu Cheng took over the TV, and Jiang Mianmian hurried to the door to open it. Once they entered the house, a gust of cold air came in with them.
Jiang Changhai got off work early today. Hearing the noise, he knew the children were back.
When he saw the two of them enter carrying a large package, he casually asked, "Yu Cheng, what is that you’re holding?"
Yu Cheng smiled with his lips sealed and didn’t speak, but looked towards Jiang Mianmian.
"Dad, Mom, this is the surprise I told you about a few days ago. Dad, take away that television," Jiang Mianmian said, pointing at the family’s black and white TV, her face beaming with a smile as she spoke to Jiang Changhai.
Though Jiang Changhai was completely confused, he still did as his daughter said and moved the black and white TV away.
After moving the TV, Jiang Changhai asked with bewilderment, "Honey, what are you planning to do?"
Yu Cheng took the TV out of the package and placed it on the table that Jiang Changhai had just cleared.
"Did you buy another television?" Jiang Changhai asked, pointing to the new TV in surprise.
"Yeah, Mianmian, Yu Cheng, how did you manage to get another TV?" Su Wanyu also asked in astonishment.
"Dad, Mom, don’t worry for now. Let me turn on the TV and show you the difference between this television and the one we have at home," Jiang Mianmian said with feigned mystery.
"They’re both televisions, what difference could there be." Su Wanyu interjected nonchalantly.
"Mom, you just don’t understand yet. Let’s let the facts speak for themselves," Jiang Mianmian said and then plugged in the power and the antenna.
Then she pressed the power switch—
Yu Cheng, who had participated in the production process, was still able to control his emotions, but Jiang Changhai and Su Wanyu were far from being as composed as he.
The first reaction Jiang Changhai had upon seeing the color television was to rub his eyes. He could hardly believe what he was seeing.
"Wife, look at the people on the TV, aren’t they wearing red and green padded jackets?" Jiang Changhai pointed at the actors on the screen, his hand shaking with surprise and delight.
"Yes, Brother Hai, it’s a red and green padded jacket," Su Wanyu murmured in response.
Seeing her parents so astonished, Jiang Mianmian stood by the TV, puffed out her little chest and cleared her throat with affectation, "Ahem, ahem, Dad, Mom, you don’t need to be surprised. Let me introduce to you, this brand new color television set in front of you, jointly created by me and Brother Yu through our collaborative efforts. How about that? Impressive, isn’t it?"