Reborn in 1977

Chapter 514: First Experience

Emerging from Old Ba's home, Jiang Tiantian held the painting tube containing Old Ba's calligraphy in her arms.

This painting tube was naturally acquired by Chen Fan, his reasoning being to prevent Old Ba's calligraphy from getting creased.

Furthermore, this painting tube bore the mark of Lin Fengmian, suggesting it was something he had used before.

If you don't recognize Lin Fengmian, he had several students named Wu Guanzhong, Zhao Wuji, Zhu Dequn, Su Tianci, Xi Dejin, and so on…

If you don't recognize these individuals either, then he had a student fan named Ai Qing.

The poet who wrote, "Why are my eyes always filled with tears? Because I love this land so deeply…"

When Ai Qing was studying at the Hangzhou West Lake Art Academy, Lin Fengmian was the principal, and he also encouraged and supported Ai Qing to study painting in Paris… In the end, Ai Qing fell in love with modern poetry in France, and later became more famous for writing poetry than painting.

Originally, Chen Fan had also set his sights on Lin Fengmian's painting "Egret Picture" hanging in Old Ba's living room, but unfortunately, it had the inscription "Respectfully painted for Mr. Ba Jin, Shanghai, 1964."

It is said that Lin Fengmian never signed his paintings, except for one painting he made when Zhou Gong passed away, which he signed "Respectfully dedicated to Zhou Gong. Fengmian."

The painting in the living room, however, had a signature, which showed his friendship with Old Ba.

Chen Fan was too embarrassed to take it.

But it didn't matter, in the entire domestic literary and art circles, no one else had as many friends with such different positions but firm emotions as Old Ba. It was normal for friends to give each other works, so as long as he visited often, there would be plenty of opportunities!

And it wouldn't cost a penny.

Jiang Tiantian held the painting tube, but at this moment, what she was thinking about was not Old Ba's original work, but Chen Fan's dozens of novel manuscripts.

After getting on the back seat of the bicycle, she tentatively asked, "Xiao Fan, have Old Ba and the others not seen your previous novel manuscripts?"

Ahem, this sentence was just an introduction. In fact, she knew exactly where those manuscripts were.

Chen Fan was still planning about the paintings on the walls of Old Ba's living room, thinking that the walls of his own house were too empty. When he went to the Writers Association tomorrow to participate in the exchange meeting, would it be okay to ask for a few paintings to hang up?

Don't think that writing books has nothing to do with painting. In this day and age, if you don't have a few skills in calligraphy and painting, you would be embarrassed to call yourself a literati. Therefore, the overlap rate of members of the Artists Association, Calligraphers Association, and Writers Association is very high.

So, wouldn't it be normal to ask members of the Writers Association for a few calligraphy and paintings?!

At this time, hearing Jiang Tiantian's words, he casually said, "What I sent out were all transcribed versions. The original manuscripts are all in the study in Lujiawan."

After speaking, he suddenly reacted, "What are you asking this for?"

Jiang Tiantian hid behind him, her pretty face slightly red, "I, I just wanted to borrow your manuscript to practice hard-pen calligraphy."

It would be best if she could hide a few manuscripts.

"Oh, that's simple."

Chen Fan smiled without turning his head, "I thought you wanted them. That won't do…"

Hearing this, Jiang Tiantian pursed her lips slightly, feeling a little lost in her heart. Was he unwilling to even give her a manuscript?

Then she heard him say, "The previous manuscripts were all taken by Lili, I have to keep them for her. If you want to practice calligraphy, I'll write some more for you later. Or, in the future, if there are new manuscripts, you can help me transcribe them, and the original will be left for you."

Chen Fan thought to himself, anyway, he would publish a calligraphy book in the future, so why not write a few copies in advance for Jiang Tiantian to practice, so that he could directly use them in the future.

Hearing Chen Fan's words, Jiang Tiantian's mood improved again. She couldn't help pursing her lips and smiling. After a few seconds, she suddenly woke up from her dream and asked curiously, "When did Lili ask you for them?"

That girl tells me everything. How could I not know?

Chen Fan smiled, "It was a long time ago. At that time, she helped me transcribe all my manuscripts. Once, she said that my handwriting was beautiful, so I said that if she liked it, I would give it to her. Later, I didn't give the manuscripts to anyone else, I kept them all for her, but she never asked me for them. They are still in the cabinet."

Jiang Tiantian's eyes widened when she heard this.

Wasn't that girl thinking that Xiao Fan was joking and didn't take it seriously?!

Immediately, a sour feeling surged in her heart. If any man treated her like this, it would be worth dying for.

Well, of course, he must have talent like Xiao Fan.

Unfortunately, she probably wouldn't meet anyone like that in this life, and besides, she had already made up her mind not to marry…

She sat absentmindedly on the back seat of the bicycle, and it wasn't until she returned home that she suddenly realized and quickly jumped off the car to open the door.

Chen Fan pushed the bicycle into the yard, first put the painting tube into the house, and when he came out, he was carrying two bags of luggage.

The two bags of luggage were tied with ropes and fastened to the back seat of the car. Jiang Tiantian came out of the house, and she also had a large satchel on her shoulder.

She was secretly glad that she didn't have to carry so many things like other students from other places.

Most of the luggage was placed in the room on the second floor. Anyway, she could come back once every week, so naturally there was no need to bring too many things.

No wonder Xiao Fan sent a telegram before telling her to only bring changes of clothes, and not to bring any bedding. Having a home here was indeed much more convenient.

Holding the shoulder straps of the luggage bag with both hands, she looked at Chen Fan and smiled, "I'm going to school."

Chen Fan nodded and smiled, "While it's still more than two hours before dark, go over early and be careful on the road. Go and visit the head of the department and several teachers at the school. Old Ba has called, so don't be afraid.

By the way…"

He suddenly made a gesture, "Wait for me."

As he spoke, he ran inside.

In less than two minutes, he ran down from the second floor and handed her a small cloth bag, "This is a wood carving I carved myself. It's not worth any money, but it's a bit interesting. It's just right for giving to literati. They will definitely like it when you take this over."

Jiang Tiantian nodded with pursed lips, took the cloth bag from his hand, put it in the luggage bag, pressed it with her hand, then took a deep breath, raised her head and smiled, "Then I'm leaving, goodbye."

Chen Fan waved his hand, "Goodbye."

Walking to the side of the road, he watched her ride away before turning around, closing the courtyard door, and going home.

Brewing a cup of green tea, he sat back on the antique sofa, looking at the withered yellow grass outside the French windows. Chen Fan silently thought, should he run to Chongming Island again someday and get more wildflower seeds back to plant on that patch of grass?

He could also plant a few clumps of green bamboo, make a hanging basket… Forget it, too much trouble.

He lowered his head, blew a breath, took a few sips of hot tea, thinking that after he settled the affairs of the Writers Association exchange meeting tomorrow, he would go buy a plane ticket.

He had been here for almost half a month, and everything that should be arranged had been arranged. It was time to go home and lie down.

He didn't dare to stay here all the time, otherwise there would definitely be a lot of social engagements, which could annoy him to death.

In fact, this is also the norm for many writers. They usually live in their hometowns and engage in creation, and only go to work in their units when there are important matters.

He was just following the crowd.

Besides, there was no one to do housework here, so it was better to go home and lie down.

Then he lay down and fell asleep.

It wasn't until the sound of the door opening outside that he suddenly woke up.

Picking up the teacup on the coffee table that had long been cold, he drank the cold tea in one gulp before getting up to open the door.

Hearing the familiar footsteps, Chen Fan raised his eyebrows slightly. Opening the door, looking at Jiang Lili who was about to unlock the door, he couldn't help but be a little surprised, "You didn't stay at school?"

Jiang Lili leaned on the wall to change into slippers, and hung her bag on the hook on the wall before panting and saying, "I thought you hadn't left yet, so I came back to stay."

She looked inside, "Did Sister go to school? Haven't An Ge and the others come back yet?"

Before she could finish speaking, she suddenly let out an "Ah" sound, her pretty face flushed red.

Chen Fan picked her up horizontally, walked to the sofa and sat down, put her on his lap, hugged her and said, "Tiantian went to school, she should have settled down by now. An Ge and the others should have gone to the new house to see the decoration effect, I guess they won't be back so soon, and they won't be back for dinner."

As he spoke, he hooked Jiang Lili's chin and smiled, "Why are you lowering your head, afraid to look at me?"

Jiang Lili bit her lip, secretly glanced at him, and when their eyes met, she quickly looked away, burying her head and pretending to be a quail, her heart pounding wildly.

Chen Fan hugged her, feeling a little emotional in his heart. There were too many clothes in winter, and it was uncomfortable to hug.

After a long time…

Jiang Lili suddenly jumped up like a frightened rabbit, flusteredly tidying up her clothes, "I, I'm going to cook."

As she spoke, she ran to the kitchen.

Chen Fan smacked his lips, leaned back on the back of the sofa, and crossed his legs and shook his feet.

Only after being reborn did he know that this was what it was like to be in love.

Well, it felt pretty good.

…

Eating, washing up… going to sleep later.

In the bedroom, turning on the desk lamp, Chen Fan sat at the desk and wrote furiously.

He had already finished writing "Yunhu Love", and what he was writing now was a new novel.

This time, he didn't plan to continue writing "Chronicles of the Era", but instead pushed the story background forward, to the period of the Republic of China, to write a spy war novel.

Today, Elder Ba had told him that after "The Ferryman" was published in "Shanghai Literature and Art", it caused a huge social response. Some people sympathized with the protagonist's experiences, which resonated with many who had similar experiences. Others were moved by the protagonist's ability to remain optimistic in adversity, and they wrote letters to the magazine expressing their feelings.

Originally, the Wenhui Daily, which was also managed by the Writers Association, planned to step in and invite some famous writers to discuss their analysis of the novel, but Elder Ba temporarily suppressed it.

He wanted to talk to the author first to understand the author's creative ideas and real thoughts before deciding on what angle to approach it from.

Okay, he talked this afternoon, so tomorrow's Wenhui Daily will have Elder Ba's commentary.

With Elder Ba's personal affirmation, Chen Fan's status as a "writer" is secure, and he also has a ticket to enter the "literary giant" circle.

Since this is the case, there is no need to write any more mainstream articles. If he continues to write like this, he may be "stereotyped" and "defined." If he then tries to transform and write other types of novels to make money, it will easily attract criticism.

He never thought of really becoming a great literary figure. Although it looks good to be worshiped by people, he would be constantly watched and even judged by the standards of a saint in his daily words and deeds. He can't stand that.

So, now is the best time to transform. Before attending the National Writers Association Re-establishment Conference, he should publish two popular novels that aren't too "vulgar." Others will only think that he is young and energetic, unwilling to be confined to one area, and wants to try different styles.

Even if there are objections, at most they will give a few reminders, and it doesn't matter if he doesn't listen.

In this way, future transformations will be easier.

As he was writing, Chen Fan's ears twitched. He gently put down his pen, pulled out his chair, walked to the door, and opened it.

Jiang Lili, who was hesitating at the door, was immediately startled.

Chen Fan looked at her and smiled, "Why aren't you asleep so late? What are you thinking about?"

Jiang Lili's lips moved a few times, then she lowered her head, and finally didn't dare to say it.

This appearance seemed to have turned her back into the young educated youth from Lujiawan, weak and afraid to speak.

Chen Fan simply pulled her in and closed the door behind him.

Jiang Lili was suddenly startled again. She looked at the door, then looked up at Chen Fan, her pretty face turning red again.

Chen Fan bent down slightly, his forehead almost touching hers, and whispered with a smile, "Are you here to find me at this time because you want to continue?"

Jiang Lili's whole body trembled, and she instinctively wanted to retreat, but she forcibly resisted.

Chen Fan exhaled a long breath, opened his arms and gently hugged her, patted her back, and rested his chin on her hair, "Okay, okay, if you don't want to, I definitely won't touch you."

Only then did Jiang Lili raise her hands and hug him, murmuring, "It's not that I didn't want to just now, it's just that my, my mom said that we can't do that before we get married."

Then she took a deep breath and tried to raise her head, "Well, everything else is okay, except for that."

Chen Fan held her pretty face and stared blankly into her eyes.

Jiang Lili was also looking at him.

At this moment, she seemed to have made some kind of decision, her eyes full of determination as she looked directly into his eyes, "If you want to, anything is okay."

If he could restrain himself at this time, he would be worse than a beast.

Chen Fan looked at Jiang Lili's determined face and hugged her tightly.

… …

The next morning, Jiang Lili woke up from her sleep, reached out and touched the side, but it was empty.

She suddenly opened her eyes, sat up, and reached out her smooth arms to grab her clothes.

Just as she put on her cotton coat, the door was pushed open, and Chen Fan walked in with a tray, saying, "I went to school to find Teacher Hu and asked her to help you ask for a day off. You can go to class again tomorrow."

Jiang Lili's pretty face was red, and she quickly said, "I'm fine, I can go to school…"

As she was about to get out of bed, a painful expression appeared on her face.

Chen Fan put the tray on the bedside table, picked up the pillow, stood it up, and pressed her down to lie down, "Go to school? Can you even move?"

Then he picked up the bowl and handed it to her, "It's been cold for a while, but the temperature is just right now. Eat this, rest well in bed, and you'll be fine in the afternoon."

Jiang Lili took the bowl with both hands, looked at the brown sugar egg in the bowl, then looked at him, her eyes full of sweetness.

Chen Fan touched her head and smiled, "Eat quickly, eat and rest well. I have to go to the Writers Association this morning. I have an appointment with Elder Ba. I probably won't be back until the afternoon."

Jiang Lili had just nodded when she suddenly reacted, widened her eyes and asked, "Shanghai Writers Association? Elder Ba? Is it Ba Jin?"

Chen Fan looked at her shocked expression and smiled, "What, can't I meet Elder Ba?"

Jiang Lili was stunned for a few seconds before she came back to her senses, her eyes full of surprise, "You can, of course you can."

In a few seconds, the surprise had turned into admiration, "You're so amazing, you can even meet Mr. Ba Jin."

Chen Fan touched her head and smiled softly, "Eat quickly."

Jiang Lili nodded vigorously, hugged the bowl and devoured it, seemingly afraid of delaying his time.

After she finished eating, Chen Fan put her back in bed, leaned over and kissed her, before leaving with the tray.

Jiang Lili lay on the bed, staring blankly at the door, the smile on her face couldn't be stopped, until she fell into a deep sleep, with a smile still on her lips.

… …

Chen Fan didn't ride Jiang Lili's bicycle, but walked to Elder Ba's house first and hitched a ride in his car to the Writers Association.

There were really a lot of people here today. Not only were all the cadres and staff of the Writers Association present, but also the writers who could make it tried their best to come.

It wasn't because of Chen Fan, this "small character", but because today's exchange meeting was organized and convened by Elder Ba himself.

Of course, Chen Fan was also the protagonist of today.

Because the theme of today's exchange meeting was "Analyzing 'The Ferryman'."

In front of dozens of writers, Chen Fan talked about his experiences and insights in the countryside, which was the original intention of writing the novel "The Ferryman".

Ahem, you have to say the right things for the right occasion. Who would say on such an occasion that the original intention of writing was to make money?

He's not Yu Hua.

During the exchange, it was inevitable that he would take out the words he had exchanged with Elder Ba yesterday and repeat them again, earning countless nods.

At the end of the exchange meeting, several leaders, including Elder Ba, highly affirmed the novel's theme and story structure, not only suggesting that it be shared within the entire branch, but also that a report be formed and submitted to the soon-to-be-re-established General Association.

In addition, Elder Ba also took out the piece of paper Chen Fan wrote yesterday, "A Brief Discussion on Hard Pen Calligraphy", and recommended it to all members, proposing that the unit's publishing house publish and distribute it separately.

The final result was naturally unanimous agreement.

After the meeting, at the request of many member comrades, Elder Ba held another calligraphy exchange meeting.

Chen Fan worked hard to write dozens of calligraphy works, exchanging them for dozens of calligraphy works by calligraphers of varying degrees of fame.

He felt a little loss, but he had no evidence.

Who knows if his calligraphy works will be hyped up in the future?

If no one hypes them up, maybe they won't even be as expensive as the calligraphy works of some people present!

After eating a working meal at the Writers Association, Elder Ba finally took him to see the Changjiang 750 motorcycle.

In a garage, Elder Ba had someone pull open a piece of canvas, pointed to the car and said, "Here, this is it."

(Changjiang 750 sidecar)

Chen Fan walked around the car twice, touched his chin and nodded, looked at the captain of the motorcade next to him, whose face was still a little unwilling, "Can I try it?"

The captain of the motorcade coughed dryly, "You can try it, but this car has been used for more than ten years after all. Although it can be ridden, there are many minor problems, and the riding experience is not as good as before."

Chen Fan smiled, "It doesn't matter, one of my side jobs is repairing cars. If there are no major problems, I should be able to solve them."

Then, under the captain's gaze, which went from questioning to self-doubt, he used the simple repair tools on site to disassemble the car into a pile of parts, and then found some parts on site to replace them, and reassembled it again.

He even installed a folding cloak on the sidecar?

How did he do it?

Looking at the greatly changed motorcycle, the captain didn't dare to blink. What happened just now?

I don't have a cloak here? There are only some steel bars and tarpaulin. Did he make it himself?

Elder Ba also stared at Chen Fan with great interest. This kid is a bit interesting!

Chen Fan walked around the motorcycle, tested the engine, got out of the car and said, "It's okay now."

At this moment, a person walked over in a hurry and whispered a few words in Elder Ba's ear.

Chen Fan's ears twitched, and his face had already darkened.

Elder Ba waved his hand to let the person leave, turned his head and glanced at Chen Fan, walked over and said, "Just now, Fudan called and said that your friend named Jiang Tiantian suddenly had a high fever this morning and almost fell into a coma. She hasn't woken up yet, you'd better go and see her quickly."

Chen Fan nodded, waved to the captain of the motorcade, "Please fill it up with gas for me."

Two minutes later, he rode the sidecar out of the garage and headed for Fudan.