Xiaowang was so happy that his eyes sparkled and immediately began trying out the harmonica there and then. The salesmen of the Supply and Marketing Cooperative all clapped for the boy in awe of his performance.
In addition, Lin Lan bought a few sticks of chapstick, a bottle of Vaseline, a box of balm and a bottle of Peony brand face cream.
Skin products weren’t exactly considered cheap as those who purchased these items were most likely daughters of wealthy families. In retrospect, since the products weren’t as in demand as food or oil, they could be bought without tickets.
After all, most people would only buy them to prevent the cracking and drying of skin and lips during the winter, so no one really applied them when the weather was warm.
There was nothing else to buy even if they continued touring and walking around. The main issue wasn’t the lack of money, but it was due to the fact that most items required tickets to purchase them. The daily necessities that didn’t require tickets would always be sold out amongst the public of the County themselves, let alone be bought by people who came from the Commune.
They left the Supply and Marketing Cooperative and went to the theatre, sitting on benches outside the ticket hall as they ate some food and quenched their thirst.
Han Qingsong also went to ask for a pot of hot water as Lin Lan used a lunch box to warm up the pancakes for the children to eat.
“Where did Dawang and Sanwang go?” There were only a few places where they could check out, which were all places that the family had gone to already, but they never encountered the two anywhere.
Han Qingsong said, “Don’t worry.”
He went to look around before he came back and asked Lin Lan, “Do you want to watch a movie?”
Lin Lan remembered that movies would only be in monochromatic colours in this era. Plus, the sound quality was not very good and it was dark inside, which would be too irritating for Xiaowang to watch. Hence, it might not be the best option for the child.
However, Erwang and Maisui really wanted to, so Lin Lan smiled and said, “You two study hard and don’t let your parents worry about you. Also, you two even help us with housework, which is commendable. Your father and I will treat you to watch a movie to reward you.”
The two clapped their hands happily when they heard her words, “Thank you mom, thank you father.”
It was the first time they were going to watch a movie. Their teacher had said that watching a movie wasn’t all that easy of a process to handle. First and foremost, a ticket was required. Nevertheless, tickets weren’t that easy to buy either.
Lin Lan asked Han Qingsong to buy tickets for the duo to watch a movie. A screening of ‘Youth Resembles Red Fire’ would start in 15 minutes.
“We get to watch a movie!” The two children jumped up happily.
Lin Lan coaxed Xiaowang, “You’re still young. When you get older, mom will bring you to watch movies as well.”
Xiaowang nodded obediently, “Okay.”
Han Qingsong bought the tickets with his work permit for the two children. Seeing that he was the Deputy Director of the Public Security Bureau of the Revolutionary Committee, the staff members were very enthusiastic and told him that the theatre cast were rehearsing a play.
Han Qingsong asked what kind of play it was.
“Shajiabang(2). If you’d like to watch, you can go ahead.”
(T/N: A Chinese play that was based off a story in the Second Sino-Japanese War)