Side Story 5: Lin Chuxia Joins the Performing Arts Troupe

 

“You can go out and explore more. There are so many new and interesting things happening outside,” Xie Jingming suggested, still somewhat reluctant about Lin Chuxia joining the performing arts troupe. It wasn’t that he didn’t like the idea of women working; he just thought the troupe might be too exhausting. After all, it was part of the military, and even the troupe members had to undergo some training.

 

“Exactly! That’s why I want to see more of the world. This is a great opportunity!” Lin Chuxia replied earnestly. She was tired of running businesses and wanted something new. Her three little ones would be well-off in the future, so there was no pressure on her to do something lucrative.

 

“Alright, then. Do you need me to help with anything?” Xie Jingming offered. He thought about maybe pulling some strings or giving her a hand, but quickly changed his mind, thinking it might embarrass her.

 

“No need! I’m capable enough. If I don’t get in, then it’s simply because I’m not good enough,” Lin Chuxia said confidently. She wasn’t even sure how long she’d be interested in this. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision to join the troupe, a new challenge in her otherwise leisurely life. Maybe after a short while, the novelty would wear off.

 

Her three little ones overheard their mother’s plan and enthusiastically chimed in, “Mom is the best! You’ll definitely get in!”

 

With her children’s praise and encouragement, Lin Chuxia’s confidence soared. *Yes, I’m amazing!* she thought to herself.

 

Not knowing exactly what the audition would entail, Lin Chuxia prepared two songs. She had a decent foundation in dance, having practiced yoga at home as part of her fitness routine. Though she hadn’t practiced seriously in a while, now she stepped up her game, becoming even busier than Xie Jingming, who was a regimental commander!

 

On the morning of her audition, just before leaving for school, her three little boys stood by the door, raising their tiny fists in support. “Go, Mom! You’ve got this!” they cheered.

 

Beaming with confidence, Lin Chuxia smiled and basked in their support. “Don’t worry. Your mom is the best, just like you guys! Super amazing!”

 

She left the house brimming with self-assurance, the same energy that she had passed on to her three little ones, who grinned from ear to ear, waiting eagerly for her good news.

 

As Xie Jingming dropped the kids off at school, they held his hands and looked up at him, their eyes full of curiosity. “Dad, do you think Mom will pass?” they asked in unison.

 

“I don’t know,” Xie Jingming replied thoughtfully. “But by lunchtime, we’ll know for sure.”

 

The three boys were a bit disappointed by his cautious answer. “Dad doesn’t believe in Mom! Not like me—I think she’s the best!” Their eldest, Hongchu, pouted, clearly protective of his mother despite his usual cool demeanor.

 

“Yeah! Mom worked so hard these past few days, and you’re not even cheering her on!” The second eldest, Xinghe, chimed in.

 

“Bad Dad!” their youngest, Xingrong, crossed his chubby arms in protest.

 

Xie Jingming chuckled, shaking his head at their little rebellion. “Alright, alright. You’re right. Dad should have more faith in your mom. I’m sure she’ll do great.”

 

But he thought to himself, *If she doesn’t pass, I’ll have to not only comfort Lin Chuxia but also cheer these little ones up.*

 

As they reached the school, the second eldest turned serious for a moment. “If Mom doesn’t pass, you better not say anything to make her feel bad! We have to comfort her, okay?”

 

Xie Jingming ruffled his son’s hair and grinned. “How about we buy some flowers to congratulate her either way?”

 

Satisfied with this plan, Xinghe noddedapprovingly. He had already been thinking along the same lines—his father was finally catching on!

 

 

Meanwhile, at the performing arts troupe, Lin Chuxia waited for her turn. She looked around at the other hopefuls—most were young women, though there were a few men scattered among them. Everyone seemed a little nervous, sitting quietly and waiting to be called.

 

“Lin Chuxia,” a staff member called out, signaling her to enter.

 

Lin Chuxia walked in confidently. Three interviewers, all dressed in military uniforms with rank insignia on their shoulders, sat behind a table. They glanced over her application, noting that she came from a respectable family background with ties to the military. After a few routine questions to verify her background, the interviewers exchanged glances.

 

“Alright, sing a song for us,” one of the interviewers instructed. It was customary to have applicants perform to assess their skills before making any decisions.

 

“Sure,” Lin Chuxia smiled politely. “I’ll be singing *My Motherland*.” She took a deep breath and began:

 

*“A great river, wide waves, the wind blows the scent of rice blossoms across both shores. My home is on the riverside; I’m used to hearing the boatmen’s calls and seeing the white sails on the boats. This is my beautiful motherland, the place where I grew up…”*

 

Her voice was steady, filled with emotion, and perfectly in tune. She had practiced this song many times at home, and it paid off—her performance was both heartfelt and technically sound.

 

Once she finished, Lin Chuxia stood confidently, awaiting the judges’ feedback. She felt good about it, certain that her performance had been strong enough to impress them.

 

By the time Lin Chuxia returned home that afternoon, she was practically glowing with happiness. She hummed a tune as she prepared a lavish lunch for the family, her joy evident in every movement.

 

Seeing the feast laid out on the table, Xie Jingming and the kids didn’t even need to ask. It was clear: Lin Chuxia had passed the audition and officially joined the performing arts troupe!

 

The three kids jumped up and down excitedly, and even Xie Jingming smiled warmly, glad for her success.

 

The bouquet of flowers they had bought as a backup, in case she needed comforting, became a celebratory gift instead.

 

“Thank you, I love these!” Lin Chuxia beamed as she accepted the flowers.

 

Xingrong quickly piped up, “Mom, I picked them out! Aren’t they pretty?”

 

“And it was my idea to buy flowers in the first place!” Xinghe added, wanting credit for his thoughtful plan.

 

“Yes, you both did an amazing job!” Lin Chuxia praised, ruffling their hair.

 

Xie Jingming and Hongchu exchanged a look, as if asking, *What about us?*

 

Seeing their expressions, Lin Chuxia quickly added, “And of course, Jingming and Hongchu are my favorites, too!”

 

Xie Jingming’s ears reddened. *Why does she have to say something like that in front of the kids?* he thought, feeling slightly embarrassed.

 

Hongchu, however, didn’t share his father’s shyness. He proudly lifted his chin again, saying, “I already knew that!”

 

 

The lunch was full of laughter and chatter as the family celebrated Lin Chuxia’s success. The kids eagerly asked about her audition, and Lin Chuxia explained how she had won over the judges with just one song. They clapped their hands and praised her endlessly: “Mom, you’re so amazing!”

 

“Just like me!” Xingrong chimed in cheekily, always managing to sneak in a little self-praise.

 

Xie Jingming watched his three boys, their confidence and pride evident in every word. *Where did they get this cocky streak from?* he wondered, though he couldn’t help but smile at how confident they were.

 

That afternoon, Lin Chuxia completed the necessary paperwork and official registration. The next day, she would report to the troupe for her first official day of training.

 

Unbeknownst to Lin Chuxia, rumors about her had already started circulating within the troupe. Some questioned her abilities, while others pointed out that she was related to a high-ranking officer.

 

“She probably got in because of her connections,” one voice muttered.

 

“Yeah, just because she’s pretty doesn’t mean she’s talented,” another agreed.

 

“Stop it! She might actually be really skilled. Let’s wait and see before we judge,” someone else interjected, trying to defend Lin Chuxia.

 

“We’ll see. I’ll challenge her to a sing-off the moment she steps in!” one of the more competitive women declared.

 

Lin Chuxia had no idea that she was about to face a surprise challenge on her first day at the troupe. But when the time came, her spirited performance of “I Love Beijing Tiananmen” and a graceful traditional dance quickly silenced the naysayers. By the end of her first day, she had earned the respect of everyone, proving that she belonged in the troupe on her own merit.

 

Lin Chuxia’s new life in the performing arts troupe brought her a sense of fulfillment and joy. Every day was filled with singing, dancing, and rigorous training. On her days off, she would go out with her fellow troupe members, enjoying their company and making new friends. It was an exciting and fulfilling chapter in her life.

 

Though Lin Chuxia’s schedule became busier, Xie Jingming and the kids pitched in to help around the house. Xie Jingming found himself handling more chores, while the three boys would stand on little stools to help wash vegetables or clean up.

 

Still, Xie Jingming couldn’t help but notice a particular *benefit* from Lin Chuxia’s new training regimen—she had become even more flexible than before. Blushing, he thought to himself, *Well, I guess some things have definitely improved…*