novellhall Chapter 98 The Life I Long For
Chapter 98 The Life I Long For
Chapter 104 The Life I Long For
Late August 2018, BJ.
The late summer sun was still blazing, but there was already a hint of autumn in the mornings and evenings.
After returning from Hengdian, Chen Nianbei took a full week off.
A real vacation is when you don't want to think about anything and do nothing.
He went back to his hometown, had meals with his parents for a few days, and then strolled through the familiar alleys of the old town, eating at roadside stalls, browsing bookstores, and watching movies like an ordinary young man.
A week later, he returned to BJ and went back to his study in the studio.
Old Zhao compiled the backlog of invitations he had accumulated into a thick list.
Scripts, endorsements, events, interviews—invitations came in like snowflakes.
As Chen Nianbei was flipping through the scripts, her phone rang.
The caller ID displayed a familiar name—Huang Lei.
"Nianbei, are you busy?" Huang Lei's voice came from the other end of the phone, as gentle as ever.
"Teacher Huang, don't rush, please go ahead." Chen Nianbei put down the script in her hand.
"Well, it's like this," Huang Lei got straight to the point, "I'm recording a show called 'Back to the Good Life,' I don't know if you've seen it?"
Chen Nianbei laughed: "I've seen it. I watched several episodes of the second season. Teacher Huang's cooking skills, Teacher He's warmth, and Peng Peng's honesty are all very interesting."
Huang Lei smiled and said, "That's good. I'd like to invite you to record an episode, just to relax, have a meal, and chat. You've been working too hard these past few years, it's time for you to take a break."
Chen Nianbei was taken aback. He was indeed very tired. He had been filming two dramas back-to-back, "Better Days" and "Joy of Life," with almost no time to catch his breath.
This kind of "slow variety show" is indeed a rare opportunity for him to relax.
"Teacher Huang, I—"
"Don't rush to refuse," Huang Lei interrupted him. "I know you're busy, but just think of it as visiting a friend's house."
You know Mushroom House, the scenery is beautiful, the food is delicious, and everyone knows you. Pengpeng talks about you all the time, saying you're his idol.
Chen Nianbei smiled.
He knew Peng Yu singing, of course he recognized him.
Although we've never worked together, I've met him several times on various occasions, and he seems like a sincere and lovely young man.
"Okay," he said, "Teacher Huang, I'll go."
Two days later, in Tonglu, Zhejiang.
Chen Nianbei landed at Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport at 3 p.m.
The production crew's car was already waiting.
The car drove out of the airport, through the city, through the suburbs, and finally into a range of green mountains.
The scenery outside the car window is becoming more and more beautiful.
The mountains were verdant, the waters flowed like ribbons, and occasionally a few white-walled, black-tiled houses could be seen dotting the landscape. Chen Nianbei looked out the window, and her mood unconsciously relaxed.
"Teacher Nianbei, the Mushroom House is just ahead." The staff member pointed ahead.
Chen Nianbei followed his finger and saw a two-story building standing quietly in the valley, with blue bricks and gray tiles. In front of the courtyard was a lush green rice paddy, and several chickens were leisurely strolling on the ridge.
In a corner of the courtyard, wisps of smoke rose from the chimney, and someone was busy at the stove.
The car was parked at the entrance of the village.
Chen Nianbei got off the bus and carried her suitcase inside.
Just as I reached the courtyard gate, I heard a delighted shout, "Brother Nianbei!"
Peng Yuchang rushed out of the courtyard, his face beaming with genuine, undisguised joy. He ran to Chen Nianbei and snatched the suitcase from him: "Brother Nianbei, you've finally arrived! Teacher Huang has been talking about it all morning!"
Chen Nianbei smiled and patted him on the shoulder: "Peng Peng, long time no see."
Peng Yu chuckled as he walked in, calling out, "Teacher He! Teacher Huang! Brother Nianbei is here!"
He Jiong came out of the house to greet Nianbei with a warm smile: "Nianbei, welcome, welcome! Are you tired from the journey?"
"Teacher He, I'm not tired. The scenery is so beautiful. I've been looking at it the whole way."
Huang Lei looked up from the stove, still holding a spatula in his hand, a smile on his face: "Nianbei's here? Come on, sit down, dinner will be ready soon. I'll make you a few of my specialties today."
Liu Xianhua also ran out of the house, greeting Chen Nianbei with his signature enthusiasm: "Henry! Welcome! I watched your 'Better Days,' it was amazing! That Xiao Bei made me cry for a long time!"
Chen Nianbei smiled and shook hands with him: "Thank you, Henry. I've listened to your music before, it's great."
The Mushroom House's courtyard isn't large, but it's decorated very warmly.
Several large trees blocked the afternoon sun, casting dappled shadows.
Little H and Little 0 were chasing and playing in the yard, while the colorful lights remained coldly in their central position, motionless.
Chen Nianbei put his suitcase into the room, and when he came out, He Jiong had already poured him tea.
"Come on, sit here and rest for a bit." He Ling pointed to the lounge chair under the tree. "This place is perfect for daydreaming and not thinking about anything."
Chen Nianbei sat down, picked up his teacup, and looked at the scenery in front of him.
In the distance are rolling green hills, and nearby are lush green rice paddies. The air is filled with the chirping of cicadas and birds, and occasionally you can hear the crowing of roosters and the barking of dogs.
He suddenly remembered what Huang Lei had said on the phone—"Just treat it as visiting a friend's house."
At that moment, he truly felt like a "guest".
Peng Yuchang leaned closer, looking curious, and asked, "Nianbei, did you just finish filming 'Joy of Life'? The one who played Fan Xian?"
Chen Nianbei nodded.
"I saw the Reuters photos, that look is so cool!" Peng Yuchang's eyes lit up. "When will it air? I'll definitely watch it!"
"It hasn't been scheduled yet, probably next year."
Peng Yuchang then asked, "Was there a lot of pressure acting opposite Mr. Chen Daomin?"
Chen Nianbei thought for a moment and smiled: "The pressure is great, but the rewards are also great. Teacher Chen taught me a lot."
Peng Yu sang with an envious look: "I also want to collaborate with Teacher Chen Daoming————"
He Jiong chimed in with a laugh, "Peng Peng, you should focus on performing your current act well first."
Peng Yu chuckled and scratched his head.
As evening fell, the setting sun bathed the entire courtyard in gold.
Huang Lei was busy at the stove, the food sizzling in the pot, its aroma filling the entire yard. He Ling helped out, while Liu Xianhua and Peng Yuchang played with Little H and Little 0 in the yard. Chen Nianbei sat on a recliner under a tree, drinking tea and watching all of this.
At that moment, he suddenly realized that he hadn't felt this relaxed in many years.
Six years have passed since his rebirth, and he has been running and fighting non-stop.
Filming, promotions, events, social engagements—every day is packed full, like a spinning top that never stops.
But now, sitting here, watching the sunset, listening to the cicadas, and smelling the aroma of food, he suddenly realized that this is what life is all about.
"Nianbei, dinner's ready!" Huang Lei called out.
Chen Nianbei got up and went into the room.
The long table was already laden with dishes: braised pork belly, sweet and sour pork ribs, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, and a large bowl of steaming chicken soup.
"Come, come, sit down," He Jiong invited everyone to sit down.
Huang Lei took off his apron, sat down next to Chen Nianbei, and put a piece of braised pork on his plate: "Try it, it's my specialty."
Chen Nianbei took a bite and his eyes lit up: "Teacher Huang, with this skill, you could open a restaurant."
Huang Lei laughed heartily: "Opening a restaurant is out of the question, cooking for my friends is just fine."
He Jiong said from the side, "Nianbei, you don't know, Teacher Huang is like this at home too. He thinks about food whenever he has free time. His daughter, Duoduo, loves his cooking the most."
Chen Nianbei nodded: "When I was little, my dad used to cook a lot. But later he got busy and rarely ate anymore."
Huang Lei looked at him, a hint of elder's gentleness in his eyes: "I heard from Director Kong that you've been working with him since 'Battle of Changsha'?"
"Yes, I was a sophomore in college back then and I didn't know anything."
Uncle Kong had me do odd jobs on the film set, so I learned everything from lighting and sound recording to script supervision.
Huang Lei nodded: "Director Kong has a sharp eye; there aren't many young people he would take a liking to."
He Jiong added from the side: "Nianbei, do you know that when Teacher Huang invited Director Kong to the first season, Director Kong mentioned you?"
Chen Nianbei was taken aback: "What did you say about me?"
Huang Lei laughed: "Tell me, there's a young man named Chen Nianbei who's bound to be extraordinary in the future."
Chen Nianbei felt a warmth in her heart.
He knew that Kong Sheng was good to him, but he didn't expect that Kong Sheng would praise him like that behind his back.
After dinner, it got dark.
Huang Lei lit a bonfire in the courtyard, and everyone sat around it, drinking tea, chatting, and looking at the stars.
Liu Xianhua brought out his violin and played a section of "The Butterfly Lovers".
The melodious piano music drifted far into the night. Peng Yu sang beside him, completely absorbed, while Little H and Little 0 quieted down and lay on the ground, as if listening as well.
Chen Nianbei leaned back in her recliner, gazing at the starry sky and listening to the music, feeling a peace she had never known before.
He Jiong sat down next to him and asked softly, "Nianbei, you must be exhausted these past few years?"
Chen Nianbei was silent for a moment, then said, "It's tiring, but it's worth it. It's my luck to be able to play those roles."
He Ling nodded: "But you also have to remember that actors are human, not machines. They need to rest when they need to."
Chen Nianbei looked at He Jiong and nodded earnestly: "Thank you, Teacher He, I'll remember that."
After Liu Xianhua finished playing the violin, he leaned over and asked, "Nianbei, what are your hobbies besides acting?"
Chen Nianbei thought for a moment: "I used to enjoy reading books and watching movies. I've been too busy these past few years and haven't been doing that as much."
Peng Yuchang chimed in from the side, "Brother Nianbei, if you don't mind, we can play games together sometime."
I'll take you flying.
Chen Nianbei smiled: "Okay, it's a deal."
As night deepened, everyone gradually returned to their rooms to rest.
Chen Nianbei lay in bed, listening to the chirping of insects outside the window, unable to fall asleep for a long time.
It wasn't insomnia, but a strange tranquility. The emotions that belonged to Fan Xian, Xiao Bei, and Yang Xun seemed to slowly settle down at this moment, gently embraced by the night in the mountains.
He recalled He Ling's words—"When it's time to rest, you should rest."
Yes, it's time to take a break.
At least tonight, he can stop thinking about anything and just get a good night's sleep.
The next day, Chen Nianbei got up very early.
He walked out of the yard and saw Huang Lei already busy at the stove.
The morning mist had not yet dissipated, and the distant green mountains appeared and disappeared in the mist, like a traditional Chinese ink painting.
"Up so early?" Huang Lei was somewhat surprised to see him.
"I'm used to it." Chen Nianbei walked over. "Teacher Huang, is there anything I can help you with?"
Huang Lei pointed to the vegetable garden next door: "Go pick some fresh vegetables, we'll make breakfast later."
Chen Nianbei carried a basket and walked into the vegetable garden. Cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, green beans—he picked them one by one, his movements slow, as if he were enjoying the process.
After picking the vegetables, He Jiong and Peng Yu started singing.
Peng Yuchang rubbed his eyes, looking like he hadn't slept well, but when he saw the vegetable basket in Chen Nianbei's hand, his eyes lit up: "Brother Nianbei, did you pick these? Let me see!"
He took the basket and examined each item one by one, as if admiring some precious treasure.
He Jiong laughed from the side, "Peng Peng, have you never seen vegetables before?"
Peng Yu chuckled, "I've seen them, but I've never picked them. Next time I'll get up early and pick them with Nianbei."
After breakfast, Chen Nianbei had to leave.
The production crew's car was already waiting at the village entrance. Peng Yu reluctantly helped him carry his luggage and escorted him all the way to the village entrance.
"Brother Nianbei, when will you come again next time?" Peng Yuchang asked.
Chen Nianbei thought for a moment and said, "I'll visit the set next time you're filming."
Peng Yu's eyes lit up: "Really?"
"real."
He Jiong and Huang Lei also came out to see him off. He Jiong held his hand and said, "Nianbei, come back whenever you have time. This will always be your home."
Huang Lei patted him on the shoulder: "Get some rest and focus on your acting. Call me anytime if anything comes up."
Looking at them, Chen Nianbei felt a surge of warmth in her heart.
"Thank you, Teacher Huang; thank you, Teacher He; thank you, Peng Peng; thank you, Henry. These past few days have been the most relaxing time I've had in years."
He got into the car, rolled down the window, and waved goodbye to everyone.
The car started, drove out of the village, and headed into the distance.
Chen Nianbei looked back and saw the mushroom house getting smaller and smaller until it disappeared into the green mountains.
He leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes.
In my mind, those images remain—the courtyard with wisps of smoke rising from the chimney, the rice paddies under the setting sun, the stars in the night sky, and those warm smiles.
He knew that this memory would stay in his heart for a very long time.
On the way back to Beijing, Chen Nianbei's phone vibrated a few times.
He opened the chat and saw it was a group chat created by Peng Yuchang, named "Mushroom House Forever Home." The group already included Huang Lei, He Jiong, Liu Xianhua, and himself. Peng Yuchang posted a photo in the group: a picture of himself picking vegetables in the garden that morning, the morning light shining on him, his basket overflowing with fresh produce.
"Brother Nianbei, I secretly took a picture of him. Isn't he handsome?" Peng Yuchang sent a smug emoji.
Chen Nianbei laughed and replied, "Handsome. But you have to settle my portrait fee."
Peng Yuchang sent a series of "hahaha" emojis, followed by a message from Huang Lei: "Nianbei, drive carefully."
"Next time you come, let me know in advance, and I'll make you Buddha Jumps Over the Wall."
He Jiong also posted: "Nianbei, go back and get some rest. Take your time with work, don't push yourself too hard."
Chen Nianbei felt a warm glow in his heart as he read the messages. He typed, "Thank you, Teacher Huang. Thank you, Teacher He. I'm really happy this time; it feels like coming home."
Liu Xianhua sent a voice message, saying in his not-so-standard Mandarin: "Nianbei, next time you come, I'll teach you to play the violin! And you'll teach me acting!"
Chen Nianbei replied with a smile, "Okay, deal."
The messages in the group continued, but he didn't reply. He just looked at the warm words with a smile on his face.