1978: Female educated youth, don’t want an illiterate husband

The dawn in Yanjing had not yet completely dispelled the veil of night, and the city was slowly awakening amidst a strange mix of restlessness and tranquility!
This restlessness is different from the usual hustle and bustle of people going to work or school. It is a low-frequency resonance that has been growing and spreading in every corner since last night, like an underground current!
The source of the resonance was the movie "Mom, Love Me Again" and the simple yet deeply moving children's song.

As dawn broke, a long queue had already formed in front of the ticket window of a long-established cinema in Dongsi, with lines winding around several corners!
At the front of the line was an older woman wearing a headscarf and carrying a shopping basket. She was queuing up to buy tickets for tonight's tickets for her daughter and son-in-law who hadn't returned from their night shift yet.

"My daughter cried her eyes out last night after watching it. When she got home, she hugged me tightly and wouldn't let go. She insisted that I come back today to buy tickets so she could take her dad to see it again..."

The older woman chatted with the other early risers behind her, her eyes slightly red.

Before the morning exercise music started playing on the nearby elementary school playground, a childish but earnest chorus drifted from a classroom window:
"There's no one better than a mother in this world; a child with a mother is a treasure..."

The voices were uneven, and some children's voices gradually lowered as they sang, and they wiped their eyes with the back of their hands!
The young homeroom teacher stood at the classroom door, listening to the singing, gazing at the pale sky outside the window, sighed softly, and touched the crumpled movie ticket stub in his pocket!
At the public water pipe at the entrance of the alley, when people get up early to wash and fetch water, the way they greet each other changes.

"Sister Zhang, are you up? Did you watch that movie last night?"

"I saw it! Oh my, don't even mention it, my eyes are still swollen! My husband, such a big man, I saw him secretly wiping away tears when the movie ended!"

"Who says otherwise! Gong Xue's acting was absolutely superb! It was so realistic! And that song, it kept playing in my head all night. When I was putting the kids to sleep, I accidentally hummed it and made them cry..."

"I heard tickets are even harder to buy tonight, so I had my son queue up early this morning!"

In the air, through the gaps in the radio waves, there seemed to be a faint, sorrowful yet warm melody!

A collective emotional memory and resonance, through this film and this song, is quietly but irresistibly permeating every corner of the city.

At breakfast this day, many families talked about the movie they watched the night before.

The mother's eyes may still be a little red and swollen, the child's promise may still be in her ears, and the husband's silent agreement hides his admiration for the actor's performance.

Meanwhile, in the courtyard house, bathed in the morning light, Cheng Xuemin and Feng Jiayou had already tidied up!

Two small suitcases were placed side by side by the door, containing a simple change of clothes, necessary documents, and the perfectly pressed gown prepared for the Cannes red carpet.

Feng Jiayou was dressed in a simple light gray suit, her hair was tied up in a neat bun, and she applied a light layer of makeup to try to look more energetic.

But the slightly red corners of her eyes and the barely noticeable dark circles under her eyes still betrayed the fact that she hadn't had a good night's sleep!

The baby's babbling came from the small bedroom, mixed with his aunt Cheng Wenxiu's gentle humming and coaxing.

Cheng Xuemin and Feng Jiayou exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of tension in each other's eyes!
They had originally planned to leave quietly before the little one woke up, but clearly, the connection of blood and the unusual emotions of the parents last night made them more conscious of the situation.

This little one, who was just over a year old, seemed to sense something and woke up much earlier than usual.

The couple gently pushed open the door!

The little squirrel, dressed in its pajamas, was being held in its older sister Cheng Wenxiu's arms, but its little face was stubbornly turned towards the door.

Two tears were already welling up in her big, dark eyes, and her little mouth was pouting, looking like she was about to cry but couldn't.

Seeing her parents come in, tears immediately rolled down her cheeks, and she stretched out her little hands, reaching out towards Feng Jiayou.

"Mommy...Mommy, hug me..." The baby's tearful voice pounded on Feng Jiayou's heart like a small hammer.

She resisted the urge to rush over and hug him immediately, took a deep breath, walked up to Cheng Wenxiu, and reached out her hand!

As soon as the little guy landed in his mother's arms, he immediately clung tightly to Feng Jiayou's neck like an octopus, burying his face in the crook of her neck, his body twitching, and muffled sobs of grievance emanating from him.

Feng Jiayou's heart melted instantly, and tears welled up uncontrollably!

She held her son's warm, soft little body tightly, kissing his hair and face again and again, whispering softly:

"My sweetie, Mommy's here, Mommy's here... Mommy will be back soon with pretty foreign candies and a singing little bird..."

Beside her, her older sister Cheng Wenxiu, seeing this scene, couldn't help but turn away and wipe her eyes!
The old grandmother stood at the door, leaning on her cane, repeatedly chanting, "Go early and come back early, safe and sound..."

Teacher Gu, Feng's mother, forced herself to remain calm, stepped forward, gently patted her daughter's back, and then stroked her grandson's head, saying to Cheng Xuemin:
"Xuemin, when you're away from home, be sure to take good care of your family and children, and also take good care of yourself! Don't worry about the family, we've got you covered!"

Cheng Xuemin nodded solemnly: "Mom, Grandma, Sister, don't worry!"

He stepped forward and took his still-sobming son from Feng Jiayou's arms.

The little guy struggled for a moment in his father's arms, but was quickly soothed by his father's familiar scent and strong arms. He just kept hugging Cheng Xuemin's neck and wiping his shoulder with tears and snot.

"Son, Daddy and Mommy are going to work in a place that's a bit far away, just like when Daddy used to go on business trips." Cheng Xuemin rubbed his son's fluffy little head with his chin, his voice steady and gentle. "You have to be a good boy and listen to your aunt, grandma, and great-grandma, eat well, and sleep well!"

The little squirrel seemed to understand, but only clung tighter to its father, pressing its little face against his, and calling out in a tearful voice, "Daddy...don't go..."

time does not wait.

Cheng Xuemin hardened his heart and gently handed his son back to his older sister, Cheng Wenxiu, who was already waiting by the side with her hand outstretched.

The little one realized that separation was real and suddenly burst into a heart-wrenching cry, desperately scratching at his parents with his little hands.

"Let's go!"

Cheng Xuemin put his arm around Feng Jiayou's shoulder, who could barely move, and forcefully pulled her toward the door!
Feng Jiayou looked back every few steps, watching her son cry his heart out in her older sister's arms. Her heart ached, and tears streamed down her face.

But she bit her lip tightly, not turning around, and just gripped Cheng Xuemin's hand tightly.

She knew she had to take this step!

Outside the door, the eldest brother, Feng Jiazhao, had already started the car and was waiting.

He himself had just experienced a similar separation. His sister-in-law, holding her six-month-old son who was still unaware of his surroundings, stood at the gate of the courtyard watching them go, her eyes also red.

The car slowly drove out of the alley, leaving behind the fading cries of the little squirrel and the standing figures of the family.

Feng Jiayou kept her head down, her shoulders trembling slightly!

Cheng Xuemin held her hand tightly, his gaze fixed on the rapidly receding street scene outside the car window.

The morning sun fully illuminated the city, and a new day began!

When the car entered the gate of Yanying Film Factory, the atmosphere in the factory area was completely different from usual.

A complex mix of excitement, joy, regret, and a sense of farewell filled the air!

A huge red banner hung in front of the main office building: "Warmest congratulations on the successful premiere of 'Mom, Love Me Again'!" "Wishing 'Redemption' and 'Shaolin Temple' a triumphant return from Cannes!"

The area in front of the East Depot's small building was packed with people!
Besides the team members who are about to embark on their mission, there are also Li Lianjie, who looks a little nervous but has a determined look in her eyes; Gong Xue, who has already adjusted her state and tries her best to maintain her dignity despite her slightly red eyes; Huang Jianzhong, who is calm and composed; and Zhu Lin, who is full of vigor and spirit!
Many more people came to see him off, including factory workers who rushed to the scene, reporters who were alerted by the news, key figures such as Xie Jin, the director of "Mom, Love Me Again," and Wang Yang, the former factory director who also came after hearing the news.

Xie Jin's face was filled with undisguised immense joy and a touch of hangover-like excitement. His eye bags were obvious, but his eyes were surprisingly bright!
He was surrounded by several reporters, who were enthusiastically describing the grand premiere and audience reaction last night.

Seeing Cheng Xuemin's car stop, he immediately pushed aside the reporters, strode forward, grabbed Cheng Xuemin's hand, and shook it forcefully.
"Xuemin! Xuemin, you're finally here! Did you see that? Did you see that?! It's a hit! Our film is a complete hit! It's a smash hit!"

"I dare say, in less than three days, no, today! Today, all the cinemas in Beijing will be showing our film!"

He was so excited he was incoherent, then looked at Feng Jiayou, whose eyes were red and swollen, as Cheng Xuemin helped her out of the car. He quickly greeted her, saying:
"Comrade Jiayou is here too? Great, great! With you two working together, Cannes is definitely in the bag!"

He paused, then his face showed a look of extreme regret as he slapped his thigh: "Oh dear! What a pity! Such a pity! Just when the film was about to become a hit, the most emotionally moving female lead and the most brilliant original screenwriter had to leave!"

"This...this follow-up meet-and-greets, interviews, seminars...without you two, especially Gong Xue, how are we going to maintain this buzz!"

Cheng Xuemin patted Xie Jin's hand and smiled, "Director Xie, the film's success is a result of your and the entire crew's efforts; it was a natural outcome!"

"The hype is building, and it will continue to burn whether we're there or not. Gong Xue's performance is already established, and no one can take it away."

"We're going to open up another battlefield. With you and the old factory director in charge of things back home, we feel at ease!"

The old factory director, Wang Yang, also came over. He was much more composed than Xie Jin, but the joy and satisfaction in his eyes were equally evident.

He first nodded to Cheng Xuemin and Feng Jiayou, then addressed the assembled team loudly: "Comrades! Today is a good day! Our Yan Film Studio is celebrating two great joys!"

"First, director Xie Jin's 'Mom, Love Me Again' was a resounding success, firing a powerful shot in the emotional and ethical films of the post-reform and opening-up era!"
Secondly, our Cannes expedition team is about to set off to represent Chinese cinema on the world's highest stage!

His gaze swept over Cheng Xuemin, Huang Jianzhong, Feng Jiazhao, Li Lianjie, Gong Xue, Zhu Lin... and everyone: "On your shoulders lie the expectations of the entire studio and even the entire nation's film industry!"

"The intellectual depth of 'Redemption,' the kung fu charm of 'Shaolin Temple,' and the spirit of Chinese actors and filmmakers that each of you represents should all be showcased at Cannes!"

"When we go out, we must unite, observe discipline, and follow orders. Especially Comrade Xuemin, as the team leader, you bear the heaviest responsibility!"

He then looked specifically at Gong Xue, whose eyes were still somewhat red and swollen, and softened his tone: "Comrade Gong Xue, your family has achieved such great success, which is the greatest affirmation of your artistic contributions!"

"With this confidence and the audience's love, I'm going to Cannes to let the world see the talent of outstanding Chinese actresses!"

Gong Xue nodded vigorously, and although he didn't speak, his eyes showed a newfound determination.

The lingering fear and shock from last night's siege seem to have transformed into a kind of motivation!

"Please rest assured, former factory director! Please rest assured, Director Xie! Please rest assured, all colleagues in the factory! We will definitely live up to our mission, go all out, strive for good results, and return safely!" Cheng Xuemin, representing the team, responded clearly and forcefully.

After a simple farewell ceremony, Cheng Xuemin instructed Ji Chunhua and Liu Xiaoli, who were staying at home, to take good care of the house!
I also took this opportunity to interact more with other film crews at Yan Film Studio and make cameo appearances.

It's clear that Ji Chunhua and Liu Xiaoli are quite envious, but this time they're going to Cannes, France, not Hong Kong!

The number of people must be kept to a minimum, so apart from the director and screenwriter, there are only the male and female leads, and even the cinematographer cannot go.

Not to mention the other supporting characters!

After calming them down, the group boarded a medium-sized bus that was waiting nearby, bearing the logo of the Beijing Film Studio.

After their luggage was settled, the team members boarded the bus one by one.

Feng Jiayou followed Cheng Xuemin into the car, her steps still a little unsteady, her eyes still red and swollen!
“Jiayou!” A gentle voice sounded from the side, filled with concern.

Feng Jiayou looked up and saw Gong Xue!

She was already seated in the seat diagonally in front of Feng Jiayou, and was now leaning over to look at her!
Gong Xue's eyes were also a little red and swollen, but they had obviously been carefully made up. However, the lingering fatigue and the vulnerability after being shaken were still clearly visible!

Zhu Lin sat next to Gong Xue and turned his head, his handsome eyebrows slightly furrowed, and his eyes filled with undisguised worry.

"Jiayou, are you alright? Your eyes are so red!"

Zhu Lin's voice was more direct and straightforward than Gong Xue's, but it was equally full of concern!
Feng Jiayou forced a smile, shook her head, and said in a slightly hoarse voice, "It's nothing, it's just... the wind was strong this morning and it got in my eyes."

The excuse was so flimsy that even she didn't believe it.

Gong Xue bit her lower lip, reached out, and gently covered the back of Feng Jiayou's hand, which was resting on her knee.
Her hands were cold, but her movements were gentle as she comforted her, saying, "Jiayou, don't be sad! Little Squirrel has so many people who love her, like her maternal grandmother, aunt, and great-grandmother. She'll be alright. It'll only be half a month, it'll be over soon!"

She said comforting words, but her own eyes welled up with tears first!

She recalled the poignant parting between Lin Xia and Xiao Qiang in the movie!

Feng Jiayou felt the coolness of Gong Xue's palm and the careful comfort in it, and her heart warmed!
He squeezed her hand in return and said softly, "Thank you, Gong Xue. I'm fine, I'm just not used to it yet!"

She paused, looked at Gong Xue, and, recalling Lin Xia from the movie last night who had made her cry so much she soaked several handkerchiefs, said sincerely:

"But you, your acting in that movie last night... was so good! It broke my heart. You're now the most pitiful mother in all of Yanjing!"

When the movie was mentioned, a complex expression crossed Gong Xue's face, a mixture of shyness at being recognized and lingering fear from the siege the previous night.

She lowered her eyes, her voice even softer: "It's because Xue Min's script was well-written and Director Xie's direction was excellent. I just... did my best in my acting!"

She seemed reluctant to talk about herself and quickly changed the subject back to the squirrels, saying, "The squirrels are so well-behaved and cute. They must be eating well and playing happily every day, waiting for you to come back!"
Zhu Lin and I have already agreed that once we get back from Cannes, we absolutely must go see him, give him a big hug, and bring him a gift! Right, Zhu Lin?

Zhu Lin immediately nodded and took over the conversation, speaking with the air of a natural godmother: "Of course! I am Little Squirrel's real godmother!"

"When I go to Cannes this time, I have to bring back a share of everything fun and delicious that I see for my godson!"

"Jiayou, don't worry. With the two of us here, if Xuemin dares to bully you or not play with you properly, we won't stand for it!"

As she spoke, she deliberately glanced at Cheng Xuemin, who was sitting on the other side of the aisle, with a hint of playful provocation.

Cheng Xuemin sat quietly, but he could hear the conversation between the three women next to him very clearly.

Hearing Zhu Lin's words, he shook his head helplessly, a bitter smile appearing on his lips, and didn't respond.

He knew that this was their way of comforting and diverting Feng Jiayou's attention.

...(End of chapter)