Bench Tickets
Old Wang clutched a crumpled movie ticket, on which the words "Bench Ticket" were clearly printed. He looked around; the cinema lobby was bustling with people, each carrying a variety of benches. There were small plastic stools, bulky wooden benches, and even someone lugging a foldable lounge chair.
"These days, you even have to bring your own equipment to watch a movie," Old Wang muttered. In his hand was an old wooden plank he had found at home, looking rather shabby.
A notice at the cinema entrance read: "In response to the call for 'Movie Watching for All, Cultural Benefits for the People,' this cinema is proud to introduce 'Bench Tickets.' The ticket price is the same as seated tickets. We welcome all citizens to bring their own benches to enjoy the show." Below the notice was a thoughtful reminder: "To ensure the best viewing experience, please do not bring benches taller than 30 centimeters."
Old Wang found the whole thing absurd, yet there was an inexplicable humor to it. He carried his wooden plank and followed the crowd into the screening hall. On the screen, "Operation Red Sea 3" was playing, with deafening explosions and intense gunfight scenes that made people's blood boil.
People found their own spots and set up their benches, like a group of explorers setting up camp in a wilderness. Old Wang put his plank on the ground and was about to sit down when he heard someone shout, "Hey, buddy, move over, you're blocking me."
Old Wang looked up and saw a young man holding a high bar stool, glaring at him impatiently. He had to move a bit, only to find that his wooden plank was blocking someone else's view. That person was struggling to elevate a low drum stool.
The screening hall was in chaos, people pushing and shoving each other to find the best viewing position, arguing and complaining. Some couldn't see the subtitles because their benches were too low, others blocked views with high benches, and some even had minor conflicts over territorial disputes.
Old Wang felt like he was in a circus, everyone performing tricks for an illusory sense of comfort, while no one actually paid attention to the movie itself.
Suddenly, the screen went black, the movie was over. People started leaving in droves, benches abandoned in their place, scattered haphazardly, like debris after a battle. Old Wang picked up his wooden plank and followed the crowd out.
Suddenly, a voice boomed at the cinema entrance: "Attention, viewers, to enhance your viewing comfort, this cinema will now offer 'Bring Your Own Bench Plus' tickets. Each upgrade ticket costs an additional 50 yuan, and viewers can further improve their experience by using the soft cushions provided by the cinema, in addition to their own benches."
Old Wang was stunned. He looked back at the cinema, where another line had already formed. He held his battered wooden plank, and suddenly felt like a puppet manipulated by the times, forced to dance to the absurd rhythm.
He sighed and turned to join the line.