Reborn in 1977

Chapter 276: Three Skills

"What? He didn't agree?"

Xiao Liewen looked at Lin Yuanxiang, even forgetting to smoke, his eyes wide with disbelief, "Impossible, right?"

After a pause of two seconds, he quickly added, "Was something not explained clearly enough?"

Lin Yuanxiang leaned back in his chair, crossed his legs, and smoked, with no embarrassment from being rejected on his face, but rather full of smiles, as he said while smoking, "It was explained clearly. Everything was explained clearly from beginning to end, inside and out."

Xiao Liewen blinked, "Then, then it's because he doesn't know how厉害 you are?"

As he spoke, he waved his cigarette holder, "You do this, show him a couple of moves,…"

Before he could finish, Lin Yuanxiang waved his hand and laughed, "More than just a couple of moves. I used Xingyi, Bagua, Bajiquan, Taiji, Tongbei, Pigua, Fanzi Chuojiao, Tan Tui, Lianhuan Tui, Mantis, Eagle Claw, and Zhuangquan, a total of twelve techniques, and threw him twenty-four times. He couldn't withstand a single move. Does that count as showing a couple of moves?"

Xiao Liewen's face was blank. After a long while, he came back to his senses and muttered, "Then you showed a bit too much."

Then, realizing something, he quickly asked, "Is he alright?"

Lin Yuanxiang snorted, "What could happen? Even if he hadn't practiced, I was being gentle the whole time. There's no way anything could have happened."

He even pointed in the direction of the fields, "He's still painting in the fields right now. Nothing's wrong."

Xiao Liewen couldn't understand, "Then why did he refuse?"

Lin Yuanxiang smoked, and after a long while, he said softly, "If I'm not mistaken, it should be because he's afraid."

Xiao Liewen was full of confusion, "Afraid? Afraid of what?"

Lin Yuanxiang didn't explain, just hummed a couple of times, "Find a time to ask him and find out what he's thinking."

Xiao Liewen glared at him, "What I hate most is you people who like to be mysterious. It makes other people look especially stupid. It's been decades, and you're still like this."

Lin Yuanxiang smiled as he smoked, ignoring someone's words.

Xiao Liewen rubbed his face and looked at him, "No, at least give me a straight answer. Do you want this disciple or not?"

Lin Yuanxiang turned his head and glared at him, "Of course I want him! If I miss this one, I'll never find someone similar in this lifetime. Will you compensate me then?"

Xiao Liewen was obviously angered by his shamelessness and immediately rolled his eyes and turned to leave.

Lin Yuanxiang's eyes darted around, and he quickly called him to stop, "Don't go ask now. It'll make it seem like I'm in a hurry."

Xiao Liewen turned to look at him, his face full of helplessness, "Then are you in a hurry or not?"

Lin Yuanxiang chuckled, "I'm in a hurry, and I'm not in a hurry."

He turned to look at Xiao Liewen, "I'm in a hurry to take him as a disciple and pass on my skills to him, but you can't rush things. I can not accept a disciple, but I must pass on my martial arts, understand?"

As soon as Xiao Liewen heard this, he suddenly understood, pointed at Lin Yuanxiang, and laughed, "Plagiarism! You're plagiarizing."

Lin Yuanxiang laughed, "Didn't you say that the better you treat him, the better he'll treat you? It's beneficial to both sides. How can you call it plagiarism?"

Xiao Liewen turned and walked out, "What I hate most is you people who like to play tricks."

Lin Yuanxiang coldly snorted, "This time, I learned it from you!"

Xiao Liewen had already reached the door, but he turned around and walked back.

Lin Yuanxiang glared at him, "What? You're not convinced?"

Xiao Liewen grabbed the boxed cake on the table, "You eat this stuff too much. I'm not giving it to you."

After speaking, he ran out.

…

Chen Fan painted four paintings in one breath. One was a long-range view, showing the scene of the villagers of Lujiawan Village plowing and transplanting rice seedlings in the spring. The residences on the distant hillside, the curling smoke, and the carriages pulling seedlings on the main road all reflected the vibrant new look of the current countryside. Coupled with the newsletter he had spent two hours rushing out last night, he was 90% sure that it would be adopted by Yunhu Daily.

The remaining 10% was to prevent himself from becoming arrogant.

It didn't matter that he didn't know there were rewards for publishing articles before, but now he couldn't let the brigade casually fob him off with things.

This newsletter was more than 5,000 words long. At 10 yuan per thousand words, that would be 50 yuan. Exchanging it with the production team for a few carts of stones wouldn't be too much, right?!

He carefully rolled up the newly painted scrolls and put them into the green bamboo tube. This was his painting tube.

After tidying up his drawing board and easel, he prepared to go back and report to Captain Xiao.

Then Captain Xiao's voice sounded next to him, "You're done painting?"

Chen Fan looked back and, after considering for less than two seconds, handed him the bamboo tube containing the four sketches and said with a smile, "I'm done painting. There are four in total. Together with that newsletter, you can try submitting them to Yunhu Daily."

Xiao Liewen took the bamboo tube, somewhat lost in thought.

Back when Chen Fan wrote his first newsletter, Secretary Yang and Captain Zhang sent it to the commune together to give to Secretary Qian. Secretary Qian arranged for a special person and car to send it to the county, and the county sent it to the prefectural committee, level by level. How much importance was attached to it!

Looking at it now, as long as Chen Fan's works were sent to the commune, they were directly adopted and reported; sent to the county party committee, they were directly adopted and reported; sent to the prefectural committee's daily newspaper, they were given priority for approval.

Years had passed in a flash.

Yet it had only been more than two months.

Xiao Liewen took the bamboo tube in his hand, put his hands behind his back, and looked at Chen Fan with a serious face, "What's going on with you?"

Chen Fan slung the drawing board bag on his back and turned to look at him, naturally understanding the meaning of his words.

After pondering for two seconds, he decided to tell part of the truth. Because he couldn't fool him with lies.

He adjusted the expression on his face, with three parts reluctance, three parts hesitation, and four parts fear, first giving his acting a score of 9.8, and then said with a wry smile, "Are you talking about the matter of Old Man Lin wanting to take me as a disciple? How should I put this? To be honest, I respect Old Man Lin very much, just like I respect you."

The corners of Xiao Liewen's mouth twitched, and he suppressed his laughter, saying in a cold voice, "Stop flattering me and get to the point."

Chen Fan nodded, "Oh."

Then, with a look of disappointment, he acted as if it were real, "Actually, I really want to learn martial arts from Old Man Lin. His profound martial arts cultivation is simply the only thing I've ever seen in my life. He's a martial arts master I've never seen before."

Xiao Liewen interrupted him, "How many martial arts masters have you seen?"

Chen Fan looked at him, "Three. You, Third Brother Hu, and Old Man Lin."

Xiao Liewen was silent for a few seconds, speechless.

After a long while, he said, "Continue. emmm…, don't say nonsense, just say why you refused, why you don't want to become his disciple."

Chen Fan coughed and said with a wry smile, "If it were just about learning martial arts, I couldn't wait to become his disciple now, but Old Man Lin doesn't look like an ordinary person. I'm afraid that after becoming his disciple, he'll ask me to go out with him. If I go, I can't bear to leave Lujiawan. If I don't go, I'll be disobeying my master's orders, which is a great act of disrespect. How can that be?"

Hearing this, the dark clouds on Xiao Liewen's face had already disappeared, and his face was clear, but he was still trying hard to restrain himself from laughing.

Chen Fan continued, "Also, Old Man Lin said he wanted to introduce me to his connections. Alas, don't laugh at me. I'm most afraid of meeting big shots. As soon as I see them, I get frightened and can't speak. Then I'll embarrass my master again. So, after thinking about it, I decided to reluctantly refuse Old Man Lin, hoping that he can find a better disciple to inherit his mantle and carry it forward. Yes, that's it."

At this time, there was no trace of dissatisfaction on Xiao Liewen's face. He put his hands behind his back, holding the bamboo tube, and said to Chen Fan earnestly, "Are you stupid? Just because of this, you rejected such a good opportunity? Do you know how many people want to become his disciple, but he doesn't agree?

Also, those connections you mentioned, do you know what kind of connections they are, and you're already frightened? They're all like me and Old Lin, veterans who have been on the battlefield. Some have even climbed snow mountains and crossed grasslands. Why are you frightened?

Although they're as ruthless as winter to the enemy, they're definitely as warm as spring to the people, especially the disciples of old comrades-in-arms. What are you afraid of?"

Chen Fan chuckled dryly, holding his drawing board bag, and said softly, "Captain, you know, even if those old seniors don't care, those around them might. The rules here, inside and out, are really hard to navigate. Otherwise, you wouldn't have come back to farm, right?"

Xiao Liewen didn't say a word for a long time after hearing this.

It wasn't until a team of people carrying rice seedlings walked by in the distance that he came back to his senses, sighed softly, and said, "To be honest, Old Lin's kung fu is very different from other people's. It comes from traditional martial arts, combined with battlefield killing techniques, fused together bit by bit. To pass on his kung fu, you have to put it to use on the battlefield. But where can you find a battlefield now?"

After a pause, he looked up at Chen Fan and said softly, "It's just you, you learn everything so quickly and master it with practice. That's why I wanted to invite him over to pass on his kung fu. Maybe one day there will be another great battle, and you can pass this set of kung fu on to the soldiers going to the battlefield. Whether it's for the sake of inheritance or to reduce casualties, it's a bit of help."

Hearing this, Chen Fan was silent.

After a long while, he murmured, "If it's just learning kung fu, I'd be willing to learn."

Xiao Liewen raised his head and immediately coughed dryly, "Well, this is, after all, a unique skill, and it can't be passed on casually, right? I'll talk to Old Lin about this again."

Chen Fan nodded, "Okay."

Watching Xiao Liewen turn and walk away, Chen Fan was stunned for a long time before he reacted.

Was he being set up?

If it's just inheriting martial arts, is it difficult to film Old Lin with a few cameras?

Is it difficult to find him ten or eight martial arts masters and teach them? Not requiring them to practice to a very high level, but a film made in cooperation should be easy to pass on, right?

He looked at Xiao Liewen's gradually disappearing back, and sighed inwardly, after all the precautions, he still fell into the pit.

… …

Carrying the drawing board bag, Chen Fan walked dejectedly towards the brigade headquarters. He had to put the drawing board away first, and then ride the little mare home.

Otherwise, he wouldn't even want to see those two old… seniors.

Passing through the woods, walking past the loess slope, just as he was about to cross this dirt road, a voice suddenly sounded beside him, "Little Chen, come here."

Chen Fan turned his head and saw at the end of a small alley, Fourth Master Lu was waving at him.

He hurried over, "Fourth Master, what's wrong?"

His calligraphy has now improved slightly, and he doesn't have to report to Fourth Master Lu every morning to practice calligraphy, only twice a week. The last time was the day before yesterday, and Fourth Master didn't say anything at the time, but I don't know why he's looking for him now.

Fourth Master Lu waved his hand, turned around and walked towards the thatched house, while saying, "You've learned almost all the basics of medical books. I told you before that when you've memorized the Four Minor Classics, I'll introduce you to a master of pulse diagnosis and acupuncture. I've managed to contact him these past two days, and he's already agreed. I'll write you a letter of introduction, and you can go find him when you have time."

Chen Fan followed Fourth Master into the house. After he finished speaking, he immediately nodded and said, "Thank you, Fourth Master, I'll go tomorrow."

He was still thinking about brewing wine today or tomorrow. It seems that he can only postpone it again. There are also hand-rubbed belts and saddles. Other things have been gathered. He also bought scrap copper for the belt buckle and can try to make it himself. Only rivets can't be made, so he has to go to the county to buy them.

Since he doesn't have time to go, then see if he should go to Zhu Hao, or ask Xie An to find a way to put it together.

Just as his thoughts were running wild, Fourth Master Lu sat down at the table and pointed to the chair next to him, "Sit."

Chen Fan immediately sat down, facing Fourth Master Lu squarely.

Fourth Master Lu first took out a folded letter from his pocket, handed it to him, and said, "That master is originally from Nanhuzhen, surnamed Lu, Lu of the land, named Shouquan. He used to be the resident doctor of Baohetang in the county seat. In the Yunhu area, he has the title of 'Yinyang Finger'. His finger pulse diagnosis is almost never wrong. His acupuncture technique is also a century-old family secret.

Later, he retired and returned home. Just when Nanhuzhen established the People's Health Center, he was rehired to work in the health center.

Our Lu family used to have 20% of the shares in Baohetang. I also learned the skills of pulse diagnosis and acupuncture from him for two years, but my talent was not enough, so I could only learn a little bit. The other day, I asked someone to bring him a handwritten letter, asking him to teach you for a few days, and he replied, agreeing with pleasure. When the time comes, you can go directly to the commune health center to find him."

Chen Fan nodded lightly, stood up and bowed, "Thank you, Fourth Master."

He knew in his heart that no matter how good Dr. Lu Shouquan's real skills were, he would definitely not forget Fourth Master Lu's kindness.

Fourth Master Lu smiled and waved, signaling him to sit down, and smiled, "I haven't dealt with people for more than ten years. It's rare that we two are so compatible. I also know in my heart that Little Xiao took the initiative to introduce you to learn to write with me, actually because he was afraid that I would be lonely and wanted you to accompany me, an old man. The reason why I agreed to him was also to reassure him.

But I didn't expect that you, kid, are very much to my liking. Anyway, I'm alone, so I might as well treat each other frankly. As long as you're willing to learn, I'm happy to teach."

Chen Fan chuckled, "Then if that's the case, I still have to thank Captain Xiao."

Fourth Master Lu laughed and said to him, "It can be seen that Little Xiao also cherishes you very much. In the future, if you have some achievements, don't forget his kindness."

Chen Fan immediately nodded with a serious face, "Definitely not."

Fourth Master Lu nodded with a smile, and then changed the subject and said, "My skills, leaving aside those useless ones, are probably three things. One is calligraphy, especially the skill of chicken feather pen, I am confident that few people can compare with me. I originally wanted to spend two or three years teaching you this penmanship, but I didn't expect you to have extraordinary comprehension, and you used it quite well in just over two months, which can be regarded as excellent talent."

Chen Fan grinned awkwardly, silently thanking Student Guazi.

So the skill board is still a bit useful. If there is no such thing, I am afraid that I am still practicing the Eight Principles of Yong with a brush, let alone learning to use a chicken feather pen.

Fourth Master Lu continued, "Literati have four arts: zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Anyone with extra energy will not miss these four subjects. I have already taught you calligraphy. If you want to learn the remaining zither, chess, and painting, I can also teach you, but these three are ultimately not as mellow as calligraphy, so they are not counted within the three."

As soon as Chen Fan heard this, his eyes lit up and he laughed, "Fourth Master, you are a scholar of heaven and man. Even if you say it's not so mellow, it must be much stronger than the so-called experts outside. I am willing to learn."

Fourth Master Lu laughed, "You kid, you've also learned to flatter."

After a pause, he said again, "I don't know what the level of the people outside is, but earlier years I followed my elders to Shanghai and also saw the handwriting of famous artists. I think that after years of hard work, I should be able to compare with them, but after all, it is not as good as calligraphy, and it is not as good as you said."

Then he raised his head, "As long as you are willing to learn, I will teach you."

Chen Fan smiled so hard that he couldn't close his mouth. As long as you can teach, I can learn.

After a pause, Fourth Master Lu continued, "This is the first thing, the second thing is the skill of epigraphy."

Without him explaining, Chen Fan understood, "Seal?"

Fourth Master Lu nodded, "The ancients had the saying that calligraphy and seals are inseparable. As long as there are conditions, most people will learn seal engraving."

He saw Chen Fan's expression and couldn't help but smile dumbly, "It seems that you also want to learn this."

Chen Fan was not polite and nodded repeatedly, "This is good, I really want to learn."

Fourth Master Lu smiled softly, "Okay, since I said it, then I will teach you."

Chen Fan secretly made a (＾－＾)V, and then asked, "You said there are three skills, the first is zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, the second is seal engraving, what is the third?"