Reborn in 1977

Chapter 410: Listen to My Analysis

October 23rd, 11:40 AM.

After some commotion, everyone rushed to the photo studio near the Education Department of the Prefectural Committee.

Chen Fan walked in the forefront and immediately noticed the long queue outside the photo studio.

Only then did he see the sign for "Glory Photo Studio".

Secretary Yang was originally quite high-spirited, thinking about what pose to strike for the photo later. But when he saw the long line outside the photo studio, he was dumbfounded, "Why are there so many people?"

As he spoke, he looked at Chen Fan.

Chen Fan looked slightly embarrassed, "Perhaps great minds think alike; everyone had the same idea as me."

He thought he could get it done early while there were fewer people, but who knew so many would come today.

But waiting wouldn't do either. If they waited until there were fewer people, the registration might be over.

Team Leader Zhang chewed on his pipe, his brow furrowed tightly, "What do we do then?"

Chen Fan coughed twice, "Since we're here, let's take it easy and queue up."

Anquan wiped away a cold sweat and quickly directed everyone to queue up at the back to secure a spot.

Regardless of anything else, they would grab a spot first. If Chen Fan's phone call the day before yesterday worked, they could give up this spot at any time, but if it didn't, wouldn't they have to queue up obediently?!

The educated youth from other places were quite conscious and let the young students from Lujiawan go ahead, while they stood at the back themselves.

With their addition, the length of the queue immediately increased by a fifth.

Chen Fan looked around, took the letter of introduction from Secretary Yang and put it in his pocket, then raised his head, puffed out his chest, and walked forward aggressively.

He had only taken a few steps when he heard someone shout, "Why isn't this young comrade following the rules? If you want to take photos, queue up at the back."

Chen Fan followed the voice and saw that it was a young girl, who was glaring at him with wide eyes.

He thickened his skin and flashed his unfailing bright smile, "Sorry, comrade, I'm not taking photos. I had an appointment with the photo studio beforehand for official business."

The little girl was indeed struck by the smile, and her face turned red, "Oh, I misunderstood."

Chen Fan waved his hand with a smile and continued to walk forward.

Then, every few steps he took, he was reprimanded. He smiled and explained repeatedly, marveling at how strong people's sense of justice was at this time, and finally walked into the door of the photo studio.

Before the photo studio staff could ask any questions, Chen Fan had already set his sights on a young lady. He took two steps forward, took out the letter of introduction, and handed it over, saying softly, "Hello, comrade, I'm from the Lujiawan Production Team of Nanhugong Commune. The day before yesterday, I asked Teacher Guo from the Jiangnan University Correspondence Station to help me make an appointment with you for a photo."

The young lady took the letter of introduction and looked at Chen Fan's face, inexplicably blushing, "Oh, our director instructed me in advance. Come with me."

Chen Fan ignored the strange gazes from the side and quietly followed behind her.

Passing through a half-covered curtain, they entered the studio, where a photographer in a blue work uniform was taking photos.

A girl in a checkered shirt sat upright on the stool. She had just opened her eyes and hadn't had time to pose when the photographer snapped the photo with a flash and shouted loudly, "Okay, next!"

The girl was stunned. Was it already done?

The next person had already strode over, urging in a low voice, "You're done."

Hearing the voice, she hurriedly walked out.

Chen Fan was a little strange. This process was different from when he took photos in the county town.

He asked the young lady in a low voice, "Comrade, excuse me, don't I need a receipt?"

The young lady was particularly patient with him, "They registered before taking the photos. They can come back in 5 days, report the number, and verify the name to get the photos."

Chen Fan's eyes turned slightly. 5 days?

But thinking of the long queue outside, and that it was almost 12 o'clock, he couldn't help but click his tongue slightly.

With so many people, the time would naturally be longer.

While Chen Fan was asking questions, the photographer had solved two more people. He finally didn't call the next one, turned around and asked, "What's the situation?"

The young lady immediately stepped forward, "It's what the director instructed the day before yesterday, people from the Lujiawan Production Team of Gufeng County are here to take registration photos."

"Oh."

The photographer nodded, "Then…"

He had only said two words when he suddenly looked at Chen Fan, "Lujiawan? The team of Chen Fan?"

Chen Fan immediately bowed slightly and humbly, "Hello, Master, I am Chen Fan."

"Oh my."

The photographer's eyes lit up instantly, and he didn't even care about the camera. He stretched out his hands and walked over, "So it's Writer Chen in person, I've admired you for a long time!"

Chen Fan smiled and shook hands with him, "I dare not, I dare not. Today, people from our team are here to take registration photos, thank you for your trouble."

Photographer, "No trouble, no trouble, it's my job. What…"

He turned to look at the young lady, "Since the director has given instructions, and Writer Chen has come in person, let them take the photos first."

The young lady responded and was about to go out, but Chen Fan stopped her.

Before entering the studio, he did want to cut in line. Because there was an appointment, it could be said to be official business, and he wasn't afraid of anyone checking, and it couldn't be said to be breaking the rules.

In this era, if you don't have some "privileges", it's against the rules.

But after entering here, seeing those "examinees" with nervous faces, even a little at a loss, he suddenly didn't want to cut in line.

So he smiled at the young lady and the photographer, "It's okay, it's okay, these students have been queuing for most of the day, let them go first. Anyway, we're not far behind in the queue."

The photographer looked at him in surprise, and seeing that he was serious, he couldn't help but give a thumbs up, "Writer Chen, well done."

He immediately walked to the camera and shouted loudly, "Next!"

At this time, the girl waiting outside was already uneasy.

In this era, when queuing for business, the most feared thing is that someone suddenly goes inside. If it's a staff member, it's okay, but if it's someone opening the back door…, oh my, I can't live!

What time will I have to wait until today?!

Fortunately, after waiting only a few minutes, the photographer's shout came from inside. She immediately prepared to go in, but as soon as she lifted the curtain, she saw another female comrade saying, "Don't bring things in."

She was immediately in trouble. She had brought all of her "most valuable" belongings with her. What if they were lost?

At this time, a girl behind her said, "Just put it here, I'll watch it for you."

She didn't have time to think too much, bent down and said thank you, then put the package aside and ran in to sit upright.

Sitting on the stool, the strong light in the room made her unable to see things clearly, but this was a photo for the college entrance examination, and she didn't dare to slack off in the slightest, she could only try to open her eyes wide.

With a snap, she heard the photographer shout, "Next!"

It wasn't until she left the studio and took back her package that she woke up from her dream, looked back, and walked out slowly.

Chen Fan's eyes followed her all the time, and he asked curiously, "She should be from the countryside, right?"

It could be seen that the clothes she was wearing weren't worn often, the creases were still there, and the clothes were too thin, not for this season.

The young lady nodded, her eyes a little complicated, "Jiangsu educated youth, working in a certain brigade, a little closer to the city than the county town, the bus ticket is 10 cents cheaper, so she came here to take photos. And I heard that to save money, she walked all the way from the bus station."

Chen Fan didn't hear clearly which production team it was, anyway, that wasn't important.

He watched the girl walk out of the photo studio, and couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

The Yunhu area was already so difficult, what about Inner Mongolia, Guizhou, and other places with vast land, sparse population, and inconvenient transportation? I'm afraid they would have to run until their legs broke.

Moreover, it was almost November, and at this time, it might already be snowing heavily in the northern regions. Just thinking about walking dozens of kilometers in the freezing cold to take the exam, as well as registering, filling out the application, picking up the admission notice,…, running back and forth so many times, Chen Fan felt his legs tremble.

In comparison, the candidates in the inland areas were indeed much luckier.

The photographer's speed was very fast, almost one every 10 seconds. In less than half an hour, it was finally the turn of the Lujiawan people to enter.

Secretary Yang and Team Leader Zhang personally escorted them, Zhang Wenliang helped with the registration, and Chen Fan stayed in the studio to accompany them.

Even the photographer unconsciously slowed down, put his head behind the camera and aimed, "Come on, tilt your head to the left a little, raise your forehead a little higher, don't blink, smile, okay…done."

Snap…

Compared to those people just now, the attitude was worlds apart.

After everyone had finished taking photos, Secretary Yang and Team Leader Zhang also joined in the fun, and asked the photographer to pull open a Tiananmen Square background cloth and each took a photo.

It was already past 12:30 PM. After leaving the photo studio, Secretary Yang looked around and said to Chen Fan, "Is there anything else?"

Chen Fan spread his hands, "That's it."

Then, he looked at his classmates and smiled, "They rarely come to the prefectural committee, so see if they want to take a look around."

As soon as he finished speaking, Lu Yanan waved her hand repeatedly, "I won't go. You guys go if you want. I'll wait on the boat."

As she spoke, she took out a stack of handwritten notes and smiled, "I brought review materials, so I can study for a while longer."

The other dozen or so veteran educated youths also took out their handwritten notes as if by agreement, "I brought them too."

"I brought them too."\n\n…

Huang Ying and the others stared at them in disbelief.

They brought review materials to a photo shoot? Are they that dedicated?

The other students had already lowered their heads in shame. When they were queuing, some of them noticed that the veteran educated youths behind them were all reviewing their materials, while they themselves had nothing in their hands.

When Secretary Yang saw this scene, his original idea of taking the students to see the prefectural committee city and stimulate their motivation immediately vanished. He waved his hand and said, "No sightseeing! Let's go home!"

Zhang Wenliang's hopeful eyes instantly dimmed, and he muttered, "It's already noon. Can't we eat something before going back?"

Captain Zhang glared at him, "Don't we have enough to eat at home? Let's go!"

So, the group hurried back without stopping.

It wasn't until they were about to board the boat that Chen Fan pulled Secretary Yang aside and whispered, "Uncle Yang, Uncle Zhang, Lili and I are going to take a leave of absence. You guys go back first. We'll be there later."

Huh?

The two men looked at them with strange expressions, their eyes flitting back and forth between them.

What's the meaning of this?

Chen Fan quickly explained, "Xiao Jiang's family is in the prefectural committee. She hasn't been back for nearly four years. She rarely comes to the prefectural committee, so she wants to go home to see her parents."

Hearing this, a look of understanding flashed in Secretary Yang's eyes.

He pondered for two seconds and said to Jiang Lili, "It's rare for you to come here, so go back and see them. If you're not in a hurry, you can go back to the production team in a few days."

Jiang Lili quickly said, "Thank you, Secretary. I… I won't stay too long. I'll just see them and come back."

This was what she and Chen Fan had discussed before coming out.

Her family's situation was special. If she went home to see her parents, it would inevitably cause some unnecessary trouble. But since she was back in Yunhu, she wouldn't feel at ease if she didn't see them, so she decided to just see them once and leave.

Seeing that she said so, Secretary Yang didn't say anything more. He turned to look at Chen Fan, "Anyway, you're more familiar with the prefectural committee than we are, so I won't say much. You can stay for as many days as you want. If you need anything, just send a message with the transportation team when they deliver goods. Just one thing: bring her back safe and sound."

Safe and sound?

Chen Fan glanced at him. Old man, are there hidden meanings in your words?

As a result, Secretary Yang rolled his eyes and walked towards the river with his hands behind his back.

Captain Zhang didn't say much either, but when he passed in front of him, he coughed twice and gave him a look, telling him to figure it out himself.

The big boat slowly left the dock. Huang Ying, Yang Ju, and Liu Danqi all stood at the bow of the boat, whispering to each other. No one knew what they were whispering about, but the worry on their faces couldn't be concealed. They almost wished they could stay and accompany them.

Chen Fan twitched the corner of his mouth, turned to Jiang Lili, and said, "Do you want to buy something for your parents and sister?"

With no outsiders present, Jiang Lili took a deep breath and smiled as she raised her head, "No, I've already prepared gifts for them."

As she spoke, she gently patted the canvas bag she was carrying.

At this moment, she was already a little impatient.

Chen Fan smiled, "Then let's go."

With that, he turned and walked down.

Jiang Lili followed closely behind him, "Where are we going?"

Chen Fan said, "Let's take the boat to your sister's place. Her workplace isn't far from the river, and it's faster by boat."

The meeting place was set near Jiang Tiantian's workplace by the river, so it would be convenient for her parents to go, convenient for Jiang Lili to go, and they wouldn't be seen by acquaintances.

Jiang Lili, "Oh."

The two boarded the yacht, and the small boat broke through the waves and sailed upstream.

Then, they embarrassingly caught up with the big boat, Lu Jiawan No. 2.

Chen Fan calmly waved to the villagers on the boat, slammed the accelerator to the bottom, and the yacht immediately let out a roar. The bow of the boat rose high, like a frog jumping on the water, and with a 'biu' sound, it left the big wooden boat far behind.

On the big boat, Zhang Wenliang gaped, "Can a small boat run so fast?"

Anquan calmly picked up the fallen cigarette, patted the ash on his body, "Hmph, what's this? If this boat wasn't so fat, the speed could be increased by another half. I'm telling you, do you know about assault boats? The engine on his small boat was originally installed on an assault boat…"

Secretary Yang stood on the corridor in front of the driver's cabin, leaning forward against the railing, squinting his eyes at the frog in the distance.

Captain Zhang looked at him, "What do you think?"

Secretary Yang didn't turn his head, "I look with my eyes."

Captain Zhang curled his lips, "That's no fun. Don't you want Xiao Chen to stay in Lu Jiawan?"

"I do, but what's the use of wanting?"

He turned his head to look at Captain Zhang and smacked his lips, "Yang Chuanfu not only used a beauty trap, but even took out his own daughter. Counting the girls from their Sixth Team's Huang family and Liu family, and your Zhang family's Xiao Ezi, which one isn't a top-notch beauty?

But Xiao Chen just didn't take a fancy to them. What can you do? Tie him up with a rope, then randomly pair him up like a ghost marriage and drag him into the bridal chamber?"

Captain Zhang couldn't help but roll his eyes, "Bah, what nonsense are you talking about?"

After a pause, he sighed again, "I do want to, but with Xiao Chen's personality, don't look at him smiling all day long, but I've never seen anyone more stubborn than him.

If you talk to him nicely, he'll nod and say okay, okay, okay, but when he turns around, he'll still do what he wants, without changing a bit."

Secretary Yang suddenly chuckled.

Captain Zhang looked at him with a strange expression. What's wrong? Is he possessed?

After finally stopping his laughter, Secretary Yang said, "In Xiao Chen's words, it's called humbly accepting, but never changing."

Hearing this, Captain Zhang also grinned.

After a while, Secretary Yang took a puff of his cigarette and said with emotion, "You, me, and Lao Xiao, Lao Ye, including most people in Lu Jiawan, who doesn't want to keep Xiao Chen here?

It would be best if he could find a wife from Lu Jiawan and have ten or eight children, so that he would be considered rooted here.

But Xiao Chen has his own ideas. He has made so many contributions to our Lu Jiawan. Yang Chuanfu's kindness in saving him has long been repaid tenfold or a hundredfold. What can we use to keep him?

After a few seconds of silence, he took a few puffs of his cigarette and said, "Using tricks to force people to stay will only lead to hatred in the end.

Anyway, I have one sentence: whether it's a letter of introduction or a political review certificate, or anything else he needs, we'll give it to him. If our Lu Jiawan has the fortune to have this literary star settle down, it would naturally be a blessing from heaven.

If we can't keep him, at least we've had such a person here, and we've cultivated a nest of golden phoenixes, transforming our place into a phoenix tree, which is enough profit."

Captain Zhang nodded to the side, silently.

After a brief silence, he suddenly said, "Hey, Lao Yang, have you thought about a question?"

Secretary Yang turned to look at him, "What question?"

Captain Zhang pointed in the direction where Chen Fan disappeared mysteriously and whispered, "Do you think there's a possibility that he doesn't actually have that kind of romantic relationship with Xiao Jiang?"

Secretary Yang raised his eyebrows slightly, and immediately perked up, "How do you mean?"

Captain Zhang, as if possessed by Kong Ming, analyzed, "Listen to my analysis. If he really likes Xiao Jiang, shouldn't he try to find a way to keep Xiao Jiang here?"

Secretary Yang blinked, "I don't understand."

Captain Zhang glared at him impatiently, "You're stupid. Didn't you hear Yang Chuanfu say that his Yang Ju told him that Xiao Chen was going to send Xiao Jiang to study in another place, which sounds quite far away. But he himself plans to apply for a master's degree at Jiangnan University. If they have a romantic relationship, shouldn't they be together? Why do they have to separate?"