Chapter 0008: Mutual Assistance

"Thunder Video Hall" is a mid to high-end video hall, not only is the facade decorated luxuriously, resembling a cinema, but the interior is also equipped with the latest trendy couple booths, offering a range of high-end services such as coffee and tea

Song Zhichao, holding a cigarette, dug into his ear with his little finger and laughed, saying: "Under pressure from circumstances, I have just lost my job and am in urgent need of money"

The doorman is a shrewd middle-aged man named Chen Jianjun, whom everyone likes to call "Dajun" or "Brother Jun." He is both the owner and the server here

The driver was well-acquainted with this area, navigating it with ease and hardly making any turns before dropping Song Zhichao off at the entrance of the "Thunder Video Hall"

Understood! How much money does Brother Jun want?

Song Zhichao took off his sunglasses, did not respond immediately, but instead grabbed a bottle of Jianlibao, opened it, and took several big gulps. After feeling comfortable from the drink, he smiled and said: "I can tell from your accent that you are not a local, right?"

Seeing that Sister Xia did not believe his words, Song Zhichao did not provide much explanation. He simply took out 10 yuan and stuffed it into Sister Xia's bosom, saying: "Tell me, this is yours."

Thank you! The craftsmanship is quite good, I will come again when I have time. Song Zhichao reached out to pick up the suit hanging on the hanger, holding a cigarette in his mouth as he got dressed

Song Zhichao smiled and said, "I don't watch the video, I find someone."

To be able to operate such a high-end video hall, the background must be quite remarkable. In fact, this is indeed the case. Although Chen Jianjun is not a local, he has relatives working in the local industrial and commercial bureau, and they hold a position of some significance. Furthermore, Chen Jianjun himself is quite adept at social interactions, being a person of considerable acumen, which has led to the increasingly prosperous business of this video hall

"Do I look like I'm joking with this expression and appearance?" Song Zhichao said, pinching a cigarette and flicking the ash.

What?

Thank you for the compliment, Brother Jun. In this era, if one does not boast or go crazy, one cannot survive!

I am from the Central Plains region

Chen Jianjun understood that anyone from the place of Pan Yu knows that Brother Mark has extensive connections and remarkable influence, capable of helping people find high-paying jobs

Oh, what a coincidence, so am I

Chen Jianjun took a puff of his cigarette and asked, "What did you do before?"

Especially the video halls, which proliferated from the streets to the alleys during the era of Hong Kong films, expanding from large cities to small counties. The standards of video halls gradually improved, evolving from the typical noisy, musty little black rooms to mid-range couple booths filled with the scent of perfume, and later to laser-equipped small compartments. It can be said that the evolution of video halls is a reflection of the evolution of Chinese film culture

As soon as Chen Jianjun saw Song Zhichao, he hurriedly approached to greet him and inquired whether he wanted to watch the video

Song Zhichao smiled and said, "Boss, could you please give me a little privacy"

In fact, in Pan Yu, in addition to the "Da Fa" brand of taxis, there are also "Xiali" brand sedans; however, Xiali has always struggled to compete with Da Fa for business. The price of the "yellow taxis" has changed from 0.7 yuan per kilometer to 1 yuan, and now it is 1.3 yuan per kilometer. It can be said that the prices are low, which also satisfies the vanity of many people who take taxis

However, Song Zhichao's gaze swept around, but it fell on a yellow van not far away, where a plump driver was opening the car door and resting one leg outside while smoking

Well-rounded in both literature and martial arts—capable of doing anything and everything, yet lacking only an opportunity

Generally speaking, tricycle drivers charge 0.3 or 0.5 yuan for carrying passengers for one kilometer; sometimes, when there is not much work, they are willing to work for one or two jiao. Among these individuals, in addition to men, there are also many women. The skill level is not high; having strength is sufficient. As long as they have a tricycle, they can start operating immediately

Chen Jianjun nodded and said, "Indeed, your appearance is quite impressive. As for whether you are joking, we will know soon enough. However, I must say, you are the most arrogant person I have ever encountered"

... ...

Of course not. He loves watching videos the most, even the name Mark was taken from a video... You can find him at the Thunder Video Hall on Heping Street, you will definitely be able to find him

When fellow villagers meet, their eyes brim with tears

... ...

Sister Xia did not expect Song Zhichao to be so generous, and immediately her face blossomed with a smile. She stuffed the money into her chest and said: "Not only are you handsome, but you also know how to treat people well. Let me tell you, it's not impossible to earn 10,000 in three days, as long as you go find Brother Mark."

You also missed one point

Immediately, the feelings became much closer

Looking for someone? Chen Jianjun was taken aback, but such incidents are common in video halls. Many times, when a young man has taken someone else's daughter to get cozy here, the parents would come looking for them, threatening to break the other party's legs. There are also cases where a girlfriend has been stolen away, and they might come armed, possibly with a knife tucked in their waistband

However..." Chen Jianjun looked up and down at Song Zhichao and said, "You can't be joking with me, can you? You don't look like someone who would have trouble finding a job.

Why

Song Zhichao smiled and said nothing further

In this era, video rental shops and game halls are the most profitable niche businesses. However, engaging in such trades requires having a strong backing; otherwise, it is simply impossible to operate.

Chen Jianjun also smiled, "Alright, I will give you privacy—however, what do you understand, what can you do, you should let me know, right"

Indeed, he is the big boss of the 'Caesar Dance Hall', and it is said that he has extensive connections. Many people seek him out for a living, and some can even earn over a hundred in a month. Sister Xia said with a smile. As for making ten thousand in three days, she still does not believe it; to be precise, she would think it was a ghost if she did.

Is this not a joke

Chen Jianjun was taken aback, took the cigarette and hesitated, saying: "What do you want with him?"

Looking at the three hundred yuan, Chen Jianjun did not immediately take it. He squinted his eyes and stared at Song Zhichao: "Do you trust me this much?"

Mark

Sister Xia unexpectedly became shy, "Then let's take half."

Song Zhichao, fearing the sun's rays, therefore bypassed those tricycles and directly waved at the yellow-faced vehicle.

No one knows what Chen Jianjun is thinking at this moment

Chen Jianjun looked around at Song Zhichao, who was dressed in a very fashionable red suit, wearing a watch, holding a long wallet, with a handsome appearance and elegant demeanor. He looked just like a "prince" from a Hong Kong film. It is simply unbelievable that someone like him could be involved in a situation where he would be outshone by others.

The sound of "hum hum ha hey" from the action film echoed loudly in his ears. He looked up at the large, flashing neon sign of the video hall, and Song Zhichao stepped forward and walked inside

Since we are fellow townsmen, I will give you half price for the movie. Others pay 1 yuan, you pay 0.5 yuan

In this era, ten yuan is not a small amount. It is important to note that many people earn only a few dozen yuan a month during this time

However, in this utilitarian southern region, the term "fellow townsman" not only refers to people from the same hometown or locality, but also carries an additional meaning of "mutual support and assistance"

Chen Jianjun took the money from Song Zhichao's hand and said, "Because of what you just said, I am determined to be friends with you! Let's go in and watch the video first—wait for my news!"

Looking at his handsome appearance, Sister Xia could not help but feel her heart flutter. She lightly bit her lip and said, "Next time you come, I won't ask for your money"

Song Zhichao, dressed in designer clothes, certainly would not walk over just to save a few dollars. Looking around, there are many tricycle drivers parked by the roadside in the scorching heat; they are responsible for carrying passengers as well as transporting goods

Song Zhichao reported the destination he was going to, put on his sunglasses, and went up.

Without money, you don't even have the opportunity to fart!

Deal! Song Zhichao opened his wallet without hesitation and took out 300 yuan, handing it to Chen Jianjun. This is all my savings, you take it and use it!

Song Zhichao turned around after putting on his clothes, stuffed the half-smoked cigarette into Sister Xia's mouth, and said: "If you don't want my money, then I wouldn't dare to come here"

It is not that I trust you; I am taking a gamble, betting that you will not deceive me

Three hundred! I will arrange it for you, and you will definitely meet Brother Mark!

I want to find the big boss of the Caesar Dance Hall, Brother Mark". Song Zhichao put down his Jianlibao, took out a cigarette, and handed it to Chen Jianjun.

Song Zhichao took out a match, struck one, and helped Chen Jianjun light his cigarette, saying: "Find him for a job."

The recording studio only accepts cash; apart from trusted individuals, outsiders are simply not to be trusted. Chen Jianjun is no different; he prefers to handle everything personally, selling tickets, running errands, and delivering sunflower seeds, drinks, coffee, and tea, all by himself

How can I find him? Should I go to the dance hall? Song Zhichao did not provide any explanation

Three hundred yuan in this era is quite a sum, enough to buy a black-and-white television and feed a rural family for a year. However, Song Zhichao did not hesitate to hand it over to Chen Jianjun. This kind of boldness even surprised Chen Jianjun, considering that it was their first meeting and they had exchanged only a few words.

This is the taxi from 1990, also known as "Mian".

The Thunder Video Hall is located on Peace Street; and Peace Street is about seven to eight miles away from the current location of Song Zhichao

The overweight driver, who was smoking, had sharp eyes; years of experience as a driver had honed his ability to observe everything around him. Therefore, the moment Song Zhichao waved at him, he extinguished the unfinished cigarette with his fingers, put it into the cigarette case, closed the door, lit a new one, and drove over.

Because I called you brother Jun, because you are my fellow townsman