1979: Literary Master, Starting from the Return of Educated Youth

Chapter 35: Girlfriend and Fangirl

When Chen Qiaoqiao took the bus to Wudaokou Station, Xu Yuexin and Wang Youle were squatting under the wall, discussing his plan to open a restaurant.

Among them, Xu Yuexin was holding a bag containing the Hunan smoked chicken that Wang Youle brought him.

"Don't newspapers emphasize that practice makes perfect?"

Wang Youle held a small branch as long as a chopstick in his hand and gestured on the ground, "I plan to find a restaurant first and become an apprentice to the chef to learn the skills, and at the same time understand how the entire kitchen operates."

"This way, I can not only cook myself to save costs, but also prevent myself from being ripped off by the chef when the restaurant becomes bigger."

"what do you think?"

From his childhood friend's words, Xu Yuexin could tell that he had looked into the matter of opening a restaurant.

When running a restaurant, one of the most important tasks is to manage the chefs. From buying groceries to cooking, there are so many things to do. If you are not careful, you will end up working for the chefs.

"You think very comprehensively."

Xu Yuexin affirmed, "Have you ever considered what type of cuisine to focus on?"

"I plan to learn Tan's cuisine."

"I ate it once when I was a kid, it was so delicious, I'm sure you'll make a fortune if you make it."

Wang Youle was a little excited and tapped the ground with a small branch.

Xu Yuexin mercilessly poured a bucket of cold water on him.

"How much do you think a table of authentic Tan's cuisine would cost?"

"How many people can afford such an expensive price?"

Xu Yuexin had heard of the reputation of Tan's cuisine. In fact, this cuisine is official cuisine and of a very high grade. It is not a suitable choice for mass entrepreneurship.

Only in later generations will some high-end private restaurants make it their main item and operate it for wealthy circles.

In this day and age, how many rich people can there be on the street?
Wang Youle blinked his eyes and remained silent when asked.

Indeed, some things may be good, but they are easily too highbrow and not necessarily suitable for public release.

"So what do you think...what dish should I learn?"

Wang Youle asked guiltily.

The question just now made Wang Youle realize that Xu Yuexin's insights on many issues were far better than his.

In short, just ask Xu Yuexin for advice.

"Learn to cook Sichuan cuisine. After you learn it, don't open a shop in the city. Open one on the highway and serve the drivers."

Xu Yuexin gave him some pointers and said, "I'll teach you another dish."

"Cut a whole chicken into pieces, stir-fry with potatoes, green peppers, and red peppers, and add belt noodles."

"If you do it this way, you're guaranteed to be popular."

When Wang Youle heard how to make this dish, he held his chin with one hand and thought for a while.

"Of course, Lao Xu, you can come up with such an amazing dish."

After some thought, Wang Youle clapped his hands on his thighs and cheered, "The driver consumes a lot of energy while driving, so he must like this kind of heavy-tasting meat dish that can satisfy your hunger."

"By the way, what's the name of this dish?"

"It's called Da Pan Ji. You can learn a few more dishes later and use this as your main dish."

"I will try to open a store within half a year. From now on, I will rely on the dish you taught me, Old Xu."

The two childhood friends chatted enthusiastically until Wang Youle's mother called him home to move some things.

Xu Yuexin was also planning to turn around and go home, when he heard Chen Qiaoqiao's voice from the front: "Brother Xin, come and help me get my things."

Xu Yuexin raised his head and saw Chen Qiaoqiao wearing a white silk floral dress and walking towards him with two large bags in her hands.

In the bright sunshine of early summer, Chen Qiaoqiao's face turned red from the heat and a thin layer of sweat appeared on her forehead.

A few strands of hair broke away from the main group and stuck to her forehead. The way she was panting made Xu Yuexin feel distressed.

“Carrying so many things.”

Xu Yuexin walked up and took the bag from Chen Qiaoqiao.

Chen Qiaoqiao was able to free her hands and took out a white handkerchief to wipe the sweat off her forehead.

"There is manuscript paper for you to write on, and some floral water." Chen Qiaoqiao panted slightly.

Xu Yuexin was dazed for a moment by her moans, but he quickly returned to reality.

"Go up and talk. Have some water."

Xu Yuexin took Chen Qiaoqiao into the faculty building and returned to his home.

Everyone in the family is at school or work, and there is no one else in the house.

Xu Yuexin put his things away, brought Chen Qiaoqiao some soda and a straw, opened the bottle cap, and washed an apple for her.

Chen Qiaoqiao held the straw between her cherry lips and sipped the drink in small sips. Her cheeks puffed up slightly and the blush on her face gradually faded away.

"Have you read the June issue of People's Literature?"

After she recovered a little, Chen Qiaoqiao couldn't wait to talk to Xu Yuexin about the novel. "The novel on the first page is called The Horse Herder. It's really good."

"By the way, the author's name is Chun Yu, which is very similar to you."

Are you sure it's just a resemblance?
Is there a possibility...

"wait."

Xu Yuexin got up and went back to the bedroom, took out the June sample issue of People's Literature that had been sent to him two days ago, and placed it on the table in front of Chen Qiaoqiao.

"This is……"

Chen Qiaoqiao noticed that the cover of the June issue that Xu Yuexin took out was different from the one she bought, and she immediately realized something. "Is it sent to you by People's Literature?"

“You also wrote The Horse Herder?”

Chen Qiaoqiao was very surprised. It was only a short time.

He was able to write top-notch works such as "The Garland under the Mountain" and "The Shepherd" in succession.

Talented and prolific...

In Chen Qiaoqiao's mind, Xu Yuexin's image has become even more dazzling.

"clever."

Xu Yuexin touched Chen Qiaoqiao's head and deliberately ruffled her silky black hair, "I'm going to take you to the ranch and live in anonymity for the rest of your life, okay?"

"Hey, as long as you go anywhere it's fine."

"You are so talented. If you just write books for me to read every day, I won't feel bored."

Chen Qiaoqiao smiled sweetly and a little shyly, "By the way, I want to know, what kind of mood did you feel when you wrote this novel?"

In the past, whenever Xu Yuexin messed up Chen Qiaoqiao's hair, she would usually protest slightly.

But now, her admiration for Xu Yuexin and her strong interest in his work overshadowed everything else, and Chen Qiaoqiao could not care about anything else.

"Well, it's a long story."

Xu Yuexin said slowly, "A few days ago, I received a letter from an educated youth. He took the initiative to move his household registration to the countryside, and now he can't go back."

"In the letter, he expressed to me his great distress."

"After reading the letter, I realized that there are many educated youth like him. Many of them are now very confused and full of doubts about life."

"I hope that they can draw strength from Xu Lingjun, shed their sweat on the land beneath their feet, draw nutrients from it, and work hard to give back to her."

"That educated youth is a reader of People's Literature. I believe his state of mind will change after reading this novel."

“Take in, give back…”

When Chen Qiaoqiao heard these two words, she couldn't help but murmur.

Xu Yuexin did not disturb Chen Qiaoqiao and waited quietly for her to finish thinking.

"I have another question."

After comprehending Xu Yuexin's words, Chen Qiaoqiao asked again, "What are the considerations behind setting the choice for Xu Lingjun to stay or go abroad?"

"This is a plot arrangement made in light of the changes in our current social situation."

At this point, Xu Lingjun's tone became more serious, "As the country opens its doors to the outside world, more and more people will yearn for the colorful world abroad."

"I think that when one day settling abroad or studying abroad and not returning becomes an option for many people, especially intellectuals, the choice made by Xu Lingjun will highlight its social value."

(End of this chapter)