Chapter 21: This Is a Classic

Chapter 21: A Classic

The next morning, after finishing breakfast, a cheerful Chen Jianghai pushed his "Flying Pigeon" bicycle out of the house, humming a lighthearted tune. He had quite a bit to do today, starting with getting the cable TV signal installed.

Television had become relatively common by now, so applying for a cable signal was a straightforward process. Chen went to the Post and Telecommunications Bureau and stated his request. Back then, broadcasting and telecommunications were still under the same administration, both managed by the Bureau. After checking the address and collecting the fee, the clerk informed him that a technician would arrive sometime that afternoon.

Chen had originally planned to pick up some repair jobs in the afternoon, but it seemed he would have to wait at home instead. Still, he had plenty of radios to tinker with, so he wouldn't be idle. Upon returning home, he set to work dismantling the old, discarded radios he had collected, sorting the useful parts into piles. By the time he stood up to stretch his stiff body, it was already afternoon.

Just then, a loud voice shouted from outside, "Chen Jianghai, whose house is this?"

Chen realized immediately that the installation technician had arrived. He hurried out and called, "Over here, sir! This way!"

The technician had a booming voice, and the neighbors nearby heard him too. Once Chen ushered the man inside, several curious neighbors stepped out.

"Who was that?" someone asked.

"Looked like he was looking for Chen Jianghai. Not sure what for."

"I saw it! It looked like someone from the Post and Telecommunications Bureau, and he had a toolbox..."

"Wasn't that a courier? Is he here to install a cable signal?"

"No way, right? Didn't Chen Jianghai just pick up a broken TV yesterday?"

"No need to guess. Let's go over and see for ourselves."

Thinking this made sense, the neighbors wandered over to Chen's doorway to watch the commotion. As the technician stepped inside, he noticed the piles of radio casings and parts in the corner. "Oh? What's all this?" he asked, looking surprised.

"Oh, just a personal hobby," Chen replied casually.

Hearing this, the technician didn't press the matter and asked, "Where are you planning to put the TV?"

Chen pointed to the only cabinet in the room. "Right there on that cabinet."

The technician glanced at it, frowning slightly when he saw the distance between the cabinet and the window.

"Sorry for the trouble, sir," Chen said with a smile, handing the man a pack of cigarettes. The technician didn't stand on ceremony; he took a quick look and skillfully tucked the pack away.

"Alright, I'll have this done for you in no time." His frown vanished as he set down his tool bag and began working efficiently.

"Chen Jianghai, are you really installing cable TV?" a neighbor asked, entering the room with a look of astonishment.

Chen nodded. "Yes, my Wanqiu wanted to watch TV, so I got one for her."

"Isn't that the TV you picked up yesterday? Wasn't it broken?" someone asked, eyeing the refurbished second-hand television on the table with suspicion.

"It's already fixed. It works now," Chen replied with a smile.

The neighbors were skeptical. Since when was fixing a TV such a simple task? "Chen Jianghai, you aren't just blowing smoke, are you?" someone teased.

"You'll see in a moment," Chen said, keeping his smile without offering further explanation.

With the incentive of the cigarettes, the technician worked with great speed, and the cable was installed in no time. "Jianghai! Turn the TV on and let us see!" someone urged, eager for proof. Others remained doubtful, muttering sourly, "Jianghai, are you sure this thing can even show a picture?"

Chen remained unfazed. "The technician needs to turn it on to test the signal anyway. You're all welcome to take a look." He walked over to the TV and plugged it in.

The technician connected the cable and began tuning the channels. Suddenly, a familiar melody filled the room: *Deng-deng-deng-deng... deng-deng-deng-deng.* It was the 1982 version of *Journey to the West*. Seeing those familiar images, Chen couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. Who would have thought that these low-budget special effects would become a classic that even future generations couldn't surpass?

The neighbors, who had come hoping to see Chen make a fool of himself, were now completely mesmerized by the screen.

"All set. I'm off," the technician said, having no interest in lingering. He packed his tools and left. Chen saw him to the door before returning inside.

"How was it, everyone?" Chen asked with a grin.

"Jianghai, did you really fix this TV yourself? And it only cost forty yuan?" someone asked, their eyes filled with a mix of shock and anticipation.

Chen knew exactly what they were thinking. He smiled and said, "Forty yuan was just the base cost. I needed a lot of parts, and there's the labor, of course!"

"If I bring you a broken TV, could you help me fix it?" someone asked, clearly interested.

This was exactly the effect he wanted. Chen smiled slightly. "Of course, no problem. Though the fee depends on the extent of the damage. But since we're all neighbors, I'll just charge a little for the hard work."

"We understand, we understand," the neighbors nodded eagerly.

Chen cupped his hands in a gesture of thanks. "Sorry, everyone, but I have to head out now." It was a polite way of showing them the door. As Chen turned off the TV, the neighbors looked reluctant to leave. Television was practically the only form of entertainment available, and having it snatched away just as it started was agonizing.

Chen’s plan for this outing was to scout for a suitable storefront on Pozi Street. Upon arriving, he noticed the foot traffic had increased, and the commercial street seemed to be doing well. He walked around for a while, spotting a few vacant shops, but none were quite right—either the space was too small, or the rent was too high.

Just as he was about to give up, he noticed a shop nearby that was completely empty. It was in a good location and had plenty of space. He watched it for a while, but there were no "For Rent" signs, and he had no idea who the landlord was.

After wandering a bit more, Chen ended up at a small convenience store next to the vacant shop.

"Boss, give me a pack of Da Qian Men cigarettes," Chen called out, placing the money on the counter.