Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 887 Not Spending a Penny

After finishing the meal, cross it out.

After finishing their business, it was already three o'clock in the afternoon. Yang Kangnian had drunk half a jin of liquor and talked about important matters for half a day. Once the excitement wore off, he was even walking unsteadily.

Fortunately, his class had already ended; otherwise, if he had missed his afternoon class, he might have received a disciplinary action.

Chen Fan escorted him to the entrance of the training school, gave the guard a pack of cigarettes, asked him to help him back to his dormitory, and then drove away.

Class is over, filming hasn't started yet, I don't need to go to the Writers' Association, I just had a few drinks and I smell of alcohol, so going to the library isn't appropriate right now.

Chen Fan thought for a moment and decided to go to school to hand in his homework.

He had already finished his graduation thesis.

The study of the literature on wandering immortals from the Qin and Han dynasties to the Wei and Jin dynasties, as well as the development and evolution of the concept of gods, essentially involves a few aspects: the history of literary development from the Qin and Han dynasties to the Wei and Jin dynasties, the stories and legends of gods and immortals, the evolution of the system of gods and immortals, and finally, the artistic expression of literature on wandering immortals.

As a contemporary master, the abbot of Chaoyang Temple, a disciple of a master of Chinese studies, a graduate student who has memorized more than a hundred books on history and ancient literature, a master of cultural relics who has conquered provincial museums and the Beijing Museum (the future National Museum), a well-known writer, and a third-level professor of folklore, why would I need to consult materials to write this little bit?

He could recite the entire pantheon of deities, from its origin to its evolution and finalization, without hesitation. If he could handle even the most complicated aspects, what were the evolution and artistic expression of wandering immortal literature compared to that?
If it weren't for the fear of scaring Professor Xu and the others, Chen Fan would have typed out the paper on his computer that very night, without making a single change!

The reason I spent a month in the library was all for Professor Xu and the others to see.

The main point is to keep a low profile and let everyone know that I am very modest.

In fact, he wrote his novels in the library every day. In a month, even if he wrote by hand, he still wrote seven or eight hundred thousand words, both serious and popular literature. He also wrote the fifth part of "Legend of the Dragon Knight" and the second part of "Saint Seiya". He could just type them into the computer and submit them.

He had originally planned to take out his paper and submit it to Professor Xu after Director Wu and his team had found a filming location and completed other filming preparations.

Unexpectedly, before Director Wu and his team were ready, trouble arose from Yang Kangnian's side.

Since plans can't keep up with changes, we'll just have to adapt to the situation. We'll submit our assignment first, then go to Yunhu, and while we're at it, finalize the filming location that Director Wu and his team haven't been able to decide on yet.

I drove back to the artsy neighborhood first, picked up my thesis manuscript, and headed straight to the Chinese Department of Jiangnan University.

In the Chinese Department building's office, Chen Fan found Professor Xu and successfully submitted his assignment.

Professor Xu was working when he saw the paper the student had submitted and couldn't help but laugh, "You used to be quite efficient, but this time it took you a month to finish. It seems you really put a lot of effort into it."

Chen Fan, thick-skinned and with an expression that showed no change, first pulled out a chair and sat down, then said in a serious tone, "This month is mainly for consolidating knowledge points and verifying the authenticity of information to confirm what I remember. I'm just afraid of making mistakes."

Professor Xu nodded in satisfaction, "This kind of rigorous attitude is essential for academic research."

As she spoke, she opened the manuscript and continued, "You used to be able to finish a draft in just a few days. At first, I was worried that you were just faking it, but then I found that the arguments were rigorous, so I was relieved. This time you spent a month writing it, and I'm really looking forward to it."

As soon as he finished speaking, the office fell silent, with only the occasional sound of someone drinking water and the swirling smoke filling the room.

Professor Xu read at a moderate pace. If he had any doubts, he didn't delve into them, but simply marked them with a pencil or wrote them down in his notebook.

More than two hours later, as dusk approached, he stretched his neck, looked up at Chen Fan, and his eyes revealed a satisfied expression.

He then said, "Your paper focuses on the formation of the ancient concept of immortals and the process of its moralization. By tracing the origin of the concept of immortals, the development of the concept of immortals, and its influence on the literature of wandering immortals from the Qin and Han dynasties to the Wei and Jin dynasties, you have sorted out a clear and discernible internal thread for the development of early literature of wandering immortals."

He paused for a moment, then added, "It is well-organized and logically sound; it is an excellent paper."

He placed the thesis on the table and looked at Chen Fan, saying, "I won't test you on the specific content. Regarding your graduation defense, the department has already given feedback. After requesting your academic transcripts and a summary of your academic papers over the past two years, they have officially approved your application to graduate early."

Chen Fan's spirits lifted upon hearing this, "When?"

Professor Xu patted the manuscript and said, "You should submit your thesis first, and then the school will arrange a time. I have discussed with the school leaders that your thesis defense will be held in a month."

Chen Fan raised an eyebrow slightly, "No holiday for May Day?"

Today is April 1st, and in a month, it will be May Day!
Professor Xu pointed at him, annoyed, "You, still joking at a time like this."

He then flipped through the calendar on the table and said, "May Day is on Thursday, so let's make it Friday."

He paused for a moment, then looked at Chen Fan and said, "If you don't want to change it, then set it for May 2nd, Friday..."

Chen Fan suddenly blinked and said, "Uh, teacher, how about May 5th, Monday? The defense can be in the morning, and we can have class in the afternoon, so it won't waste any time."

If nothing unexpected happens, he will be very busy in a month and will remain so until the end of the year. If he can improve his efficiency and finish everything in one day, that would be the best outcome.

Professor Xu was speechless for a moment, then paused for two seconds before saying, "I almost forgot, you're a very busy person, you have to make movies."

Okay, let's tentatively set it for May 5th, Monday. I'll let you know if there are any changes. But I'll try my best to persuade the school to schedule it for Monday or Tuesday, so as not to take up too much of your busy schedule.

Chen Fan grinned and chuckled, "Teachers are still the most reliable."

Professor Xu smiled and shook his head, then continued, "There's something you should be prepared for."

Chen Fan blinked. "Is there some special arrangement for the defense?"

Professor Xu smiled and said, "You are indeed smart. The ministry has given clear instructions that for this defense, not only should Jiang University send teachers, but professors from other universities in the provincial capital and universities in other places should also be invited to participate to form a joint evaluation group."

In addition, other professors and students are allowed to apply to audit the classes.

Considering your reputation, the school might arrange for you to attend in the auditorium, where there could be nearly a thousand people listening. Don't panic.

Chen Fan grinned and said, "Don't worry about that. It's just a thousand-person auditorium. Every time I give a lecture, it's in a thousand-person auditorium. It's a small event, there won't be any problems."

Professor Xu laughed and then waved his hand, "Get lost."

Chen Fan promptly left.

……

After leaving Jiangda University, he first went back to the Wenyi residential area, quickly packed his luggage, and then drove off. Just as he stepped out of the compound, He Qingsheng, who had just returned from get off work, came out with a bowl of rice and loudly asked, "It's already dark, where are you going? Can't we talk about this tomorrow?"

Chen Fan slammed on the brakes, stopping the car in front of his house. He turned to look at him and said, "I have some business at the Jiangxi Film Studio. I'll drive back to Yunhu tonight afterward. Call my family in Yunhu if anything comes up."

He Qingsheng walked closer and, upon hearing this, his eyes widened in surprise. "Driving at night? Aren't you afraid of getting into an accident?"

In January of this year, a notice was issued from above, officially and completely abolishing the educated youth settlements.

So almost overnight, all the single educated youth who had not yet returned to the city received their return permits, and within just two months, those who had the means and those who did not all returned to the city.

However, the city's capacity is limited, not to mention that many of the educated youth who returned to the city before still haven't been assigned jobs.

With so many unemployed people suddenly appearing, the impact on public security is quite predictable.

In He Qingsheng's opinion, Chen Fan's willingness to drive at night and travel such a long distance back to Yunhu was simply reckless.

Chen Fan smiled, said nothing, and directly pulled out a PPK, a Browning, and a Smith & Wesson Victory revolver from his pocket.

He Qingsheng's eyes widened when he saw it.

But after two seconds, he frowned again, "You only have three pistols. In some places there are long guns, or even cannons. Do you think you can win?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Fan looked at him with a helpless expression. "Uncle He, what heinous thing have I done that deserves to be bombarded with cannons?"

He then waved his hand, "But it's alright. I'll go to the Jiangying Factory later. They have a lot of equipment there. I'll borrow two long guns, that should be enough."

Interestingly, these days, a large portion of the props used in film studios, especially firearms, are real, just without ammunition. The reason is simple: real weapons are cheaper and easier to find than props, so naturally, real weapons take priority.

When filming movies, they provide prop bullets. When needed, they can also immediately issue them to the militiamen, who can go into battle as soon as they are given bullets.

When Chen Fan said he was going to get two rifles from the Jiangxi Film Studio, he wasn't joking.

Seeing that he had made up his mind, He Qingsheng didn't say anything more, but simply said, "When you get to Yunhu's house, give me a call. I'll be waiting no matter how late it is."

Chen Fan didn't refuse his kindness and said with a smile, "Alright, I'm leaving now."

After saying that, he waved his hand, released the brake and stepped on the accelerator, and flew off with a whoosh.

Watching the car drive away, He Qingsheng shook his head. "That kid drives like he's flying a plane."

He then turned to go inside, but suddenly stopped, looked back at the road where there were no cars, and frowned deeply. "I forgot to ask him what was wrong. It's so late, why is he rushing to Yunhu? Could something serious have happened?"

Chen Fan drove his car at high speed on the wide road, weaving through streams of bicycles, and arrived at the Jiangying Film Studio a dozen minutes later.

Upon seeing the familiar car and license plate, the security guard immediately pressed the button to open the door for him.

Well, this electrically controlled retractable gate was also provided by Yunhu Machinery Factory. It wasn't needed in Consultant Chen's movie, but it benefited Jiangying Film Studio.

Chen Fan was very familiar with the area, so he drove directly to the canteen entrance. After getting out of the car, he greeted the employees who were eating in the canteen and asked, "Is Director Wu at the office? Or is he off work?"

An older comrade immediately said, "He's still here. During this period, he has been running around the area a lot to select a site. He spends his days inspecting and taking photos, and his nights organizing materials in the office or meeting with Director Kuang and others. He usually doesn't go back until midnight."

Chen Fan clicked his tongue. "It's already past midnight, why go back? It's much better to just sleep at the workplace."

Laughter erupted from the crowd.

Normally, no one in the factory dares to make fun of the factory leaders, except for Director Chen, who does so quite hilariously.

Of course, this is because the employees of Jiangying Studio all regarded Chen Fan as one of their own. If you tried to put an outsider in his place, they would be completely overwhelmed!
Do outsiders have the right to talk about the leaders of their own workplace?
Chen Fan walked to the food serving window, where the cook was already waiting, standing there with a large rice ladle. "Director Chen, the head chef made braised pork and Wuchang fish today, would you like some?"

Without any hesitation, he pointed inside and ordered, "I'll have braised pork and Wuchang fish, plus a three-cup chicken and tomato and egg. Make sure the portions are generous, I want to treat your factory director, Mr. Wu, to drinks."

He turned around and shouted, "Which brother can call out to Director Wu? You can get a pack of cigarettes. Just ask him for it and say I told him."

The young men immediately got up and ran outside, quick and efficient, without making a sound.

A burst of laughter erupted around them, and someone shouted, "Director Chen, when you come to our factory canteen to order food and treat Director Wu to drinks, why don't you bring some other dishes?"

Chen Fan turned around, took out a paper packet from his pocket, tossed it in his hand, and laughed, "See this? These peanuts were fried by the head chef of the provincial training school's canteen. You can't get them just like that. You didn't lose face by treating your factory director to drinks, did you?"

To be honest, the chicken at noon was only so-so, but the fried peanuts really suited Chen Fan's taste. He packed a portion to go before leaving, and Yang Kangnian naturally paid the bill.

Before anyone else could speak, the head chef from the cafeteria came out, grabbed his hat, and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Director Chen, you can't lie to people like this!"

My master has already retired and now runs a restaurant across from the provincial training school. Many of our factory workers have eaten there. Next time, you could try a different excuse, like saying the chef at Yunhu Wangjianglou is also a good cook.”

Chen Fan's face darkened, and he found a clean table to sit down. "Well, we've run into family."

Who would have thought that the head chef of the Jiangying Film Studio canteen was mentored by the head chef of the provincial training school canteen?

Amidst laughter, the waiter brought out a tray with four dishes and a soup, and placed it in front of Chen Fan.

The head chef took a bottle of wine from the cabinet, walked out, and slammed it on the table. He smiled and said, "No need to say anything, you were going to treat Director Wu to drinks, but you didn't bring any wine, did you? Well, consider this my sponsorship."

And this bag of peanuts of yours, who knows who paid for it for you too.

I see now, you're treating everyone to dinner without spending a single penny.

Chen Fan picked up the bottle and looked at it. "Oh, it's Moutai. Not bad."

He then looked at the head chef and said with a serious expression, "No, it's not spending a single penny."

(End of this chapter)