Reborn in 1977

Chapter 705: A Gathering of Young Friends

January 1, 1979, saw China adorned with lanterns and decorations, enthusiastically celebrating the arrival of the New Year.

This was not only the beginning of a new year but also represented the dawn of a new era.

Regarding this day, the Vice Premier stated at a meeting that New Year's Day in 1979 was an extraordinary day, characterized by three features: From this day forward, we must shift the focus of our work to the construction of the Four Modernizations; Sino-US relations have been normalized; and the return of Taiwan and the completion of the great cause of reunification have been placed on the specific agenda.

Around these three characteristics, the second-tier newspaper published "A Message to Compatriots in Taiwan" on the front page.

All over the country, slogans began to be changed, with all the previous battle cries being painted over and replaced with more constructive propaganda slogans, such as "Reform and Opening Up for Great Achievements in Building the Motherland," "We Must Realize the Modernization of Industry, Agriculture, National Defense, and Science and Technology," "Liberate Thought, Seek Truth from Facts, Unite and Look Forward"… …

The change of slogans made the masses intuitively aware of the changes in society, and some people became a little bolder.

On the same day, Woodcock, the first truly official US Ambassador to China in the new era, held a New Year's reception at the embassy, stating at the reception: The normalization of relations between the two countries is a historic event in the relations between the two countries and a major event with far-reaching implications in international life.

The Vice Premier also stated that with his upcoming visit to the United States, it would certainly further promote the understanding and friendship between the two peoples, as well as the friendly ties and cooperation between the two countries in various fields such as science and technology, economy, and culture.

In short, the way people spoke and did things was very different from before.

Chen Fan was driving, listening to Woodcock's original English speech on the car radio. He was driving to take the two sisters to school to participate in the performance, and then he had to pick them up again in the evening.

After Woodcock's speech and the commentator's comments were over, the announcer's voice sounded again on the radio, "American WMC Communications Company will become the first company to invest in China after the establishment of diplomatic relations. WMC Company will export a batch of ten-thousand-line program-controlled telephone exchange equipment to our country in the form of seller's credit, while providing maintenance and support. … With the arrival of this batch of equipment, it will greatly improve China's telephone communication environment and help accelerate the construction of the Four Modernizations… …"

Hearing the broadcast inside, Jiang Tiantian was immediately startled, "Could it be that my uncle and the others didn't get the agency rights? Why has the company selling ten-thousand-line program-controlled telephone exchanges become this WMC?"

After a pause, she quickly asked, "What does this company do? It doesn't seem to be on the list of first-class communications companies that Yali mentioned?"

Chen Fan hummed twice, glanced at the rearview mirror, and smiled, "You didn't learn your Pinyin well. WMC, isn't that Wan Mu Chun (Ten Thousand Trees Spring)?"

Hearing this, Jiang Tiantian couldn't help but be stunned. Two or three seconds later, she burst out laughing.

Jiang Lili was close by, and she had already been taken to school not long after leaving home, so only she was in the car now.

After catching her breath, Jiang Tiantian couldn't stop laughing, "So this company is my uncle's and the others'. How could I not have thought of it? WMC is the first letter of the Pinyin of the three words Wan Mu Chun."

She raised her head to look at Chen Fan, her eyes a little bright, "In this case, my uncle and Yali have succeeded?"

Chen Fan nodded slightly, "It's almost certain. If it wasn't confirmed, it generally wouldn't be broadcast on this kind of news. But ah, getting the agency rights and reaching a cooperation intention is only the beginning. There are still many things to come, such as technical docking, equipment selection, finalizing the delivery date and installation process. I estimate that my old uncle and Yali will be busy during this time."

Jiang Tiantian also pursed her lips and smiled, saying, "With Yali's personality, she shouldn't be in China at this time, and she must be very busy, otherwise she wouldn't not contact us."

Chen Fan shrugged, "If you want to wear a crown, you must bear its weight. Being a boss is not like what is written in books, where you just let the workers work and sit back and wait to collect money. Business must be accompanied by risks. If you want to run a company well, you can't do without painstaking management and risk avoidance.

The project that my uncle chose does have a bright future, but there are also many affairs. A little carelessness may lead to overturning. For example, if a piece of equipment has a problem, it can make the entire project go to waste. Naturally, they have to treat it with caution."

Jiang Tiantian pursed her lips thoughtfully, "That makes sense. It seems that capitalists are not as relaxed as they are said to be in books."

The two talked and chatted, and even though the snow made the road slippery, it only took less than half an hour to reach the school gate.

Jiang Tiantian pushed the door and got out of the car. Chen Fan sat in his seat and didn't move, but turned to her and raised his fist, "Good luck."

Holding up an umbrella, Jiang Tiantian turned around, her face already radiant with a smile, "Good luck to you too."

She waved gently before walking towards the campus.

After her figure disappeared around the corner, Chen Fan drove away.

… …

Rather than saying that today's literary and art gala was a celebratory performance, it was more like a small-scale unit get-together.

Because the venue for the gala was not in the Municipal Cultural Palace Auditorium or a large theater, but in the Federation of Literary and Art Circles, 238 Yan'an West Road.

(Old Building of the Federation of Literary and Art Circles)

At this time, many people were busy in the building.

In front of the hall was a small stage. In a corner next to the stage, a small band was preparing, checking instruments and flipping through sheet music.

Below the stage were small round tables, with staff members shuttling among them, placing fruit plates, soda, and ashtrays.

Several people were already sitting at the small round table facing the stage, one of whom was Ba Lao.

Sitting next to him was He Luting, Vice Chairman of the Federation of Literary and Art Circles and Chairman of the Shanghai Musicians Association.

He Luting is a famous Chinese musician, composer, music educator, and also the second, third, and fourth chairman of the Shanghai Musicians Association. He once studied at the Art Training Department of the famous Changsha Yueyun Middle School.

He has composed hundreds of songs such as "Rocking Boat Song," "Boat Tracker's Song," "In Spring," "Grievance and Farewell," "Nostalgia," "Love Song," and "Autumn Water Beauty." The two songs "Song of the Four Seasons" and "Wandering Songstress" in the movie "Street Angel" also came from his hand.

However, his most famous work is still "Guerrilla Song."

Well, it is the song "We are all sharpshooters, every bullet eliminates an enemy, we are all flying troops, even if the mountains are high and the water is deep… …"

He was responsible for the lyrics, music, and arrangement.

He Lao and Ba Lao are also old friends, but he now looks at Ba Lao with a bit of disdain, "So that little Chen was tricked over by you just like that?"

Ba Lao took a puff of his dry tobacco pipe, his eyes quite proud, "How can you say tricked? I didn't tell a single lie. It's true that the comrades from the Writers Association are always cracking melon seeds below at every literary and art gala."

He Lao hummed twice, "But you didn't tell him that you are also the chairman of the Shanghai Federation of Literary and Art Circles. As the chairman of the Federation of Literary and Art Circles, how can you be so biased towards the Writers Association? I represent the Musicians Association to express my dissatisfaction."

Ba Lao grinned straight, "There's no way, who told me to be the chairman of the Writers Association? Bringing Little Chen over is both a performance on behalf of the Writers Association and can enrich the program of the Federation of Literary and Art Circles. How great."

After a pause, he turned to look at him, "You, a great musician, are still afraid of a young boy?"

He Lao immediately retorted, "This is not a question of fear or not, but a question of breaking the rules."

Ba Lao raised his eyebrows slightly, "Is there?"

Xia Yan sat on the other side of Ba Lao, writing and drawing in a notebook, making occasional corrections. However, his ears were capturing the conversation beside him clearly. At this moment, he looked up and said, "Old He, don't you want to hear what kind of song this kid wrote?"

He Lao frowned slightly, "I believe he can write excellent lyrics, but when it comes to composing, I'm afraid he'll ruin his own lyrics."

Hearing him say this, the usually stern face of Old Xia couldn't help but show a bit of life, slightly twitching the corner of his mouth before lowering his head to continue revising the script.

Ba Lao, on the other hand, smiled so wide that his mouth stretched open. "We'll know when we hear it later."

Thinking of the song Chen Fan had sung and played yesterday, and imagining Old He's reaction during the performance, he couldn't help but smile even more happily.

Seeing Ba Lao's expression, the others at the table couldn't help but look curious.

It seemed he had a lot of confidence in this Chen Fan. Could it be that he had heard it beforehand?

......

When Chen Fan entered, the hall was already more than half full. He let out a long breath, relieved that he wasn't the last one to arrive.

His gaze swept around the hall, first noticing the several tables below the stage.

That was where the leaders of the Literary Federation and the cultural and propaganda departments were sitting. Several senior figures from Shanghai's literary and art circles, such as Ba Lao and Xia Lao, were also sitting there.

Chen Fan naturally wouldn't go there to join the crowd. He found the Shanghai Writers Association's location and consciously moved over.

Seeing him come over, someone immediately waved at him and found an empty seat for him to sit down.

Chen Fan was already familiar with them, so he simply waved in acknowledgment.

Then, the middle-aged comrade sitting next to him, Huai Bowen, introduced him to the people at the other tables.

Who was from the Literary Federation, which group was from the Musicians Association, which group was from the Filmmakers Association, ......

After listening for a long time, Chen Fan asked curiously, "Why didn't I hear you mention the chairman of the Literary Federation?"

Huai Bowen was immediately stunned, "You don't know?"

Chen Fan looked at him in confusion, "Know what?"

Huai Bowen saw that he really didn't know, and couldn't help but twitch his lips slightly, saying in a low voice, "Ba Lao is the second chairman of the Shanghai Literary Federation."

Hearing this, Chen Fan's pupils gradually dilated, "Ah?"

Seeing the change in his expression, Huai Bowen found it even more amusing, laughing and saying, "The first chairman of the Shanghai Literary Federation was Xia Lao. Then, in 1962, the second meeting was held, and Ba Lao was elected as the second chairman, with Yu Ling, Feng Zikai, and others as vice-chairmen.

After that, the work was intermittent. Until now, the third plenary meeting has not been held, so the leadership team is still the second one. As for when the third election will be held, there is no clear time yet. According to the current situation, it is estimated that it will have to wait until all the associations have stabilized before the reshuffle."

Chen Fan pursed his lips and turned to look at Ba Lao at the front of the crowd, feeling a slight ache in his teeth.

Regardless of whether his teeth ached or not, when the lights came on and the party started on time.

An old gentleman tremblingly stepped onto the stage, and the audience immediately quieted down.

Chen Fan quickly threw away the melon seeds in his hand and turned to face the stage.

He knew this one without Huai Bowen's introduction.

He was also from the Shanghai Writers Association, the old Mr. Yu Ling, who had just been elected as the vice-chairman. He had only recently resumed work after recovering from illness two years ago. He was kind and amiable, and Chen Fan had chatted with him a few times when he was wandering around the Writers Association.

Old Yu was now speaking on behalf of the Literary Federation. Standing on the stage, the old man reviewed the arduous struggle of Shanghai's literary and art circles and the hard-won current situation, ......

In fact, if you were to count who among those present had the most hardships, Old Yu was definitely among them. During the Anti-Japanese War, when Shanghai fell, he and some patriotic literary and art figures resolutely held on to the isolated island. In five years, he created more than 20 multi-act and one-act plays, until the incident in southern Anhui occurred, and he was ordered to transfer to Hong Kong.

His achievements in the arts were also extraordinary. Chen Fan was currently only a member of the Writers Association, while Old Yu, in addition to being a member of the Writers Association, was also a member of the Filmmakers Association and the Dramatists Association. He was indeed multi-talented.

Old Yu's reminiscences on the stage resonated with many people, and bursts of applause erupted from time to time.

After he stepped down from the stage, several other leaders spoke.

After more than half an hour, it was announced that the literary and art party had officially begun.

Chen Fan sat quietly in his seat, enjoying the performances of the artists.

It must be said that the level was very high. At the very least, it was comparable to his current skill level. Although his level in music was a little lower than in calligraphy and writing, it was only one level lower. LV5 was very high!

Of course, this was only limited to music. As for dance, ahem, there was no need to compare. He had never danced, let alone cross-talk or storytelling.

He could sing a few lines in drama, but unfortunately, he hadn't signed up.

After a while, a young comrade in his twenties came over, leaned close to Chen Fan, and whispered, "Vice Chairman Chen, I am the program coordinator for today's party. In two more programs, it will be your turn. Please come with me to the backstage to prepare."

Chen Fan said "Oh", dropped his snack, and stood up, "Okay, let's go."

First, they went out through a door, crossed a corridor, turned two corners, and entered a room.

Several comrades inside were preparing. Seeing Chen Fan, they didn't greet him, but simply nodded in acknowledgment.

Chen Fan was led to a corner to sit down, and the person whispered, "Vice Chairman Chen, Ba Lao only reported the program you were going to perform, but did not provide the sheet music. If you need accompaniment, please provide the sheet music."

Looking up at him, Chen Fan smiled and said, "No need, I see you have a piano here. I'll just play the piano myself later."

He did bring an accordion, but if there was a piano, the piano would be more suitable.

The person nodded, "Okay, we will prepare it for you."

Then he got up and left.

After waiting for two more programs, that person came over again to remind him. The announcer outside also began to announce, with very simple language, "Today, in addition to our comrades from Shanghai's literary and art circles, we also have a special guest. That is the Vice Chairman and Deputy Director of the Jiangnan Writers Association, the famous young writer, the creator of excellent literary works such as 'Shanghai Spy Shadow', Comrade Chen Fan. He will bring you a new song that he composed, sings, and plays himself. Please welcome him."

As the applause rang out, Chen Fan stepped onto the stage from the backstage passage.

There was a black upright piano on the stage. He walked to the piano, bowed slightly, glanced below, and saw the familiar faces of Ba Lao, Xia Lao, and Yu Lao watching the excitement, as well as the camera at the very back.

Taking a deep breath, Chen Fan said with a smile, "I am very happy to participate in the Shanghai literary and art party. The performances of the Shanghai artists just now were very wonderful, scaring me to the point where I almost ran away, but failed due to the program coordinator's strict defense."

A burst of laughter immediately rang out below.

When the laughter stopped, Chen Fan continued with a smile, "Since I can't escape, I have no choice but to bite the bullet and go on stage. Next, I will perform the song 'Let's Meet When We Are Young'.

Mr. Li once said to young people that this era belongs to us, but also to you, but it will eventually be yours. Today is the beginning of a new year and also the beginning of a new era. I dedicate this song to young friends, hoping that everyone can join hands to build this brand new era even better!"

Another round of applause rang out, and Chen Fan turned and sat in front of the piano, beginning his performance.