1979: My fiancée is a goddess

Chapter 241 Facing the Past
The next morning, the sun was bright and the stars were sparse.

six o'clock.

The exciting and loud wake-up call sounded, and the entire dormitory building and even the entire military region became restless.

Lower right bunk in the dormitory.

A familiar voice came to Cheng Kaiyan's ears, awakening her muscle memory. She opened her eyes and sat up from the bed.

The portraits of great men posted in the dormitory, the army green uniforms hanging on the bedside, the paint-chipped military water bottles, the loud wake-up calls in the ears...

He almost thought he had returned to the days when he worked and lived in the art troupe.

"call……"

Cheng Kaiyan breathed a sigh of relief, it turned out to be an illusion.

When he was resting last night, he was keenly aware that his emotions were fluctuating.

This was the first time he returned here since he was discharged from the hospital last year, and he felt somewhat nostalgic, melancholy and complicated.

In particular, the second volume of Youth that he was about to write was highly related to his life experience in the art troupe, but he was still hesitant about the content of the art troupe and could not start writing.

This is also the reason why he insisted on coming to southern Xinjiang.

But he knows that sometimes facing the past calmly and calmly is the key to truly letting go, so as to gain spiritual growth and fulfillment, just like the protagonist in the story of "Youth".

Therefore, today he planned to walk and take a look along his previous daily route to see if he could gain anything.

Just think of it as going to the art troupe to collect folk songs.

After planning today's itinerary, Cheng Kaiyan tidied his clothes, made the bed and got up. When he turned around, he saw three people sitting in front of the large desk.

It was Ye Xin, Jiang Zilon, and another writer.

"You guys didn't sleep all night?"

When Cheng Kaiyan took a look, she found that the three men were writing furiously on the table, their eyes were red and their hair was a mess like a bird's nest.

It was obvious that he was thinking about the manuscript and had been thinking about it all night.

"Are you guys stimulated?"

Cheng Kaiyan walked closer and glanced at the manuscript on the table. The handwriting was sloppy and messy. He chuckled and said.

"How dare you say that? Who knew you could write so fast? The field trip hasn't even started yet and you've already written 50,000 to 60,000 words."

Ye Xin turned his head, his eyes swollen, and spoke indignantly through gritted teeth.

After watching "Youth" last night, I lay in bed, tossing and turning and couldn't fall asleep.

My mind was filled with scenes from the story where the mother saw him off and the company commander saved the protagonist from a bomb.

He was completely sleepless, so he had to get up and work late into the night. However, after thinking hard all night, the whole draft was wasted.

"That's right! No wonder you were so crazy at the mobilization meeting, it turns out you had made preparations long ago.

What's more, you have been in the army and are familiar with military life, which is a big advantage for you.

If you win the prize in the essay contest, you must treat me to a meal, at least at Cuihualou."

Jiang Zilong yawned and pointed at Cheng Kaiyan and said unhappily.

"Yes."

Another writer also looked at Cheng Kaiyan with resentment, as he had been worried about Cheng Kaiyan's outrageous remarks at the mobilization meeting.

But I didn't expect that he would keep me awake all night.

No one has started writing yet, but that bastard Cheng Kaiyan has already written 50,000 or 60,000 words!

Too curly!
"Haha, no problem. I'm going to go outside to collect some folk songs. You guys continue."

Cheng Kaiyan laughed, then ran away with her pen and notebook.

Just kidding, a meal at Cuihualou costs more than ten yuan, and if there are many people, it would cost dozens of yuan. He is not a sucker.

"Hey, hey, hey! Bring back some breakfast later!"

"Asshole, you're running so fast? You're afraid of the treat, right?"

Before the three men could reach out to stop her, Cheng Kaiyan's figure disappeared with the slam of the door.

The three of them laughed and cursed.

Soon, the dormitory fell into silence.

……

A spacious military canteen.

There were crowds of people everywhere, and soldiers who had just finished morning exercises were everywhere.

There were also actors from the art troupe and comrades from other units such as hospitals.

They all wore army green short-sleeved shirts and long pants, mixed with white coats, white shirts and other clothing.

"Comrade, give me two corn steamed buns, a bowl of porridge, and some pickles."

Cheng Kaiyan arrived early and stood at the front of the line while they were doing morning exercises and bought breakfast.

It cannot be described as buying, because eating in the army canteen is free.

The troops will provide soldiers with food and meal expenses in accordance with the standards set by the state, based on a food ration of 45 kilograms per person per month, which will be used to purchase ingredients and prepare meals.

The food standards for cadres are higher, and they need to pay corresponding food expenses.

The standard food allowance for grassroots company cadres is 15 yuan per person per month. During statutory holidays, additional food expenses must be paid every day because the military canteen will provide extra meals.

After buying breakfast, Cheng Kaiyan carried the lunch tray and looked for the seat in the cafeteria where he used to sit, a seat by the window.

Because there is an orange tree outside the window.

It blooms pale pink flowers in spring, and starts to bear green young fruits the size of longan in summer, which ripen and turn yellow in autumn.

Cheng Kaiyan would usually take a basket and pick a batch early in the evening.

I had forgotten all about it, but now, sitting in the familiar position, looking at the familiar orange tree, I feel a little sudden in my heart.

"It feels good to revisit an old place. I thought it would be uncomfortable...but it turned out to be quite nice!"

"Wow..."

A gust of wind blew, and the leaves of the orange tree swayed, as if they were greeting old friends they hadn't seen for a long time.

The finger-thick branches with green fruits hanging on them, swaying in the air, are a delight.

Cheng Kaiyan had heard a saying before, that revisiting an old place is like looking for a sword on a boat.

Familiar scenes, familiar people, but I can never get back the same mood as before.

Now that I think about it, when I heard that Comrade Ruixue was admitted to Beijing Normal University, I felt somewhat inferior and even gave up on myself.

If you are admitted to university at this time, you are undoubtedly a child of destiny, not to mention that it is Beijing Normal University, which has strong comprehensive strength in China.

After hearing the news, he sat here all night, but in the end he still couldn't make up his mind to write a letter to congratulate.

Cheng Kaiyan shook her head and laughed, then continued to prepare the breakfast at hand.

Break open the cornmeal steamed bread from the conical depression at the bottom. The aroma of pure natural corn will whet your appetite. Add some pickles in it and it tastes very delicious.

……

The entrance to the cafeteria.

Three or five young girls holding food trays gathered together, smiling and looking in the direction where Cheng Kaiyan was sitting.

"You still don't believe me even after I've told you. Look, Cheng Kaiyan is still sitting in the same place."

Zhuo Yun still had two long braids, and she put her hands on her hips and pointed over there while speaking.

"Come on, Zimei, let's go see the great writer, hehe."

The round-faced girl winked slyly and encouraged with a grin.

"Well, we finally got to know each other."

Amy Yip, with delicate makeup, pondered for a moment and finally nodded.

Everyone walked over there with their breakfast.

"Great writer! Long time no see!"

Zhuo Yun was the first to approach Cheng Kaiyan, put the aluminum lunch tray on the table, and said with a hearty smile, "Is it okay for me to sit next to you?"

"Xiao Zhuo? What's the name of a great writer? Sit anywhere you want."

Cheng Kaiyan heard the voices, looked up and saw five young girls in front of him, and said casually: "Lu Yuanyuan, Li Xin, Ye Zimei, you are here too, long time no see."

Everyone looked down and saw Cheng Kaiyan in front of them with a ruddy complexion, excellent complexion and a tall figure.

He no longer looked as thin and frail as before.

Everyone looked at each other and could see the surprise in each other's eyes.

'I didn't expect that he would change so much after being home for more than half a year!'

Amy Yip raised her eyebrows slightly, and her slightly sharp and naked gaze swept over Cheng Kaiyan. The more she looked, the more unfamiliar she seemed.

Is this still Cheng Kaiyan?

Such a noble and free-spirited temperament is hard to fathom.

"Long time no see!"

Everyone collected their thoughts, smiled and waved, then sat down.

Although Cheng Kaiyan was relatively marginalized in the group before, after all, everyone's attitude towards him was not hostile.

Therefore, everyone greeted each other with a smile and there was no psychological burden.

"Cheng Kaiyan heard that you became a writer, is that true?"

Amy Yip couldn't help but feel confused, so she started asking as soon as she sat down.

"I guess so. I just write it casually."

Cheng Kaiyan glanced at her and said in an indifferent tone.

"I see. Just writing is much better than us. After all, you are a cultured person. By the way, have you joined the Writers Association? I heard that writers who join the Writers Association can receive a subsidy of several dozen yuan every month. It's so comfortable."

Amy Yip laughed inwardly, so she pretended to be curious and asked again.

"Yes, yes. They seem to be called professional writers, right? They are similar to the military writers in our army. They have positions and subsidies."

The round-faced girl Lu Yuanyuan also asked, and everyone looked over, waiting for Cheng Kaiyan's answer.

Instead, Zhuo Yun looked at Cheng Kaiyan nervously.

In fact, the reason why she told them that Cheng Kaiyan was back was to make Cheng Kaiyan save face in front of these people, especially the members of the small group who had bullied Cheng Kaiyan in the past.

There is a saying that goes, "If you don't return home when you are rich and powerful, it's like walking in the night in brocade clothes." If Cheng Kaiyan could slap them in the face, Zhuo Yun would be able to vent her anger!

Cheng Kaiyan glanced at the girl who was winking at her and felt a strange mood. It seemed that this girl had this idea in mind.

However, he did not join the Writers Association, nor was he a professional writer.

"That's not to say he's not a member of the Writers Association, nor is he a professional writer who receives subsidies."

Cheng Kaiyan answered calmly and indifferently.

"So this is ah."

Ye Zimei nodded in realization, turned to Lu Yuanyuan and asked, "By the way, Yuanyuan, didn't your sister go to BJ to take the exam last month? Why hasn't she come back yet in August?"

"My sister, with her ability, there shouldn't be any problem. I heard she said there are a lot of people this year. After all, it's the best dance academy in the country."

Lu Yuanyuan looked proud.

Cheng Kaiyan, who was standing by, was a little surprised when she heard this.

I didn’t expect that Beijing Dance Academy was so attractive that people from art troupes as far away as southern Xinjiang came to take the exam.

Lu Yuanyuan's sister is a very good dancer in the dance troupe. Cheng Kaiyan has seen her performances several times before, but compared to her boyfriend, she is far inferior.

I didn't expect that she also went to take the exam.

Thinking of this, Cheng Kaiyan shook his head and said nothing.

This scene was seen by Amy Yip and Lu Yuanyuan, who looked down on them.

Do you understand? You just shake your head?

Then, they seemed to return to their previous attitude of looking down on others.

It was as if the enthusiasm just now didn't exist.

They left Zhuo Yun and Cheng Kaiyan aside and ate their meal, chatting about what was happening in the art troupe, and talking about topics like taking the Beijing Dance Academy entrance exams, tape recorders, and new music stars in Hong Kong and Taiwan, showing their trendiness.

After dinner.

Cheng Kaiyan and Zhuo Yun were walking on the road.

"I'm really sorry. I just wanted you to be proud of yourself in front of them, but I didn't expect... well, how could they, the children of cadres who think highly of themselves,..."

Comrade Zhuo Yun lowered his head, clasped his hands together, and spoke in a very depressed tone.

"Why bother with them?"

Cheng Kaiyan consoled him and changed the subject, "By the way, I plan to go to the cultural troupe today to collect folk songs."

"Collecting folk songs? Yes, but aren't you going to the front to collect folk songs? What are you doing in the art troupe? We're not fighting."

Zhuo Yun was very confused.

"Who says you have to go to the front lines to collect folk songs? Art troupes, field hospitals, and military areas are all good places to collect folk songs."

"That makes sense. Do you want to write a military novel based on our art troupe?"

Zhuo Yun's eyes lit up and he immediately realized something.

"Yes."

"Come on, I'll take you there later."

……

The art troupe building is a four-story building that includes performance halls, rehearsal rooms, dressing rooms, and many other functional areas.

With Zhuo Yun's guidance, Cheng Kaiyan came in smoothly.

A straight and deep corridor leads to the end of the building, with evenly distributed rehearsal rooms on both sides.

The faint sounds of music and beats echoed in the corridor. The art troupe in the army was naturally not as professional as the Beijing Dance Academy, and the sound insulation was extremely poor.

In the past, whenever Cheng Kaiyan wanted to practice the piano, she would be distracted by the noise in the rehearsal room.

"Cheng Kaiyan, you are very familiar with this place, just look around. I have to go to rehearsal and perform for you in two days."

Zhuo Yun said, pointing at the girls in the dance troupe who had already started warming up in the rehearsal room.

"Okay, you go."

Cheng Kaiyan nodded. He didn't want anyone to follow him. He just wanted to think about things quietly by himself.

But at this moment, a figure came over from not far down the corridor and called out to him, "Comrade Cheng Kaiyan? Is that you?"

……

The two of them stopped at the door, so the comrades in the rehearsal room could naturally see them clearly.

"It really is Cheng Kaiyan. She's really back."

"I heard he became a great writer."

"What great writer? We've just asked around. He just wrote a few articles."

Lu Yuanyuan sneered and explained.

"I heard that many of the writers who participated in this field trip were put on the field trip list. I guess Cheng Kaiyan is one of them, right?"

Amy Yip stretched her body, glanced at the young man standing in the corridor, and said indifferently.

"So this is ah."

The members of the dance team suddenly realized that going to the front line to collect folk songs was a tough job and no one was willing to come.

Just now.

A middle-aged woman with short hair and a serious face walked towards the rehearsal room in the corridor, quieting the room.

Then they saw the serious middle-aged woman walk up to Cheng Kaiyan and stop. It was the dance teacher in their troupe. Teacher Chen was a little surprised when she saw Cheng Kaiyan.

But soon he was chatting and laughing with Cheng Kaiyan again, and his attitude was very kind.

The two walked to the door.

"Comrade Cheng Kaiyan, please follow me. This is our rehearsal room... I forgot that you were a pianist in our art troupe. It's really fate that we met."

Teacher Chen walked in holding Cheng Kaiyan's arm and spoke in a very gentle manner.

"I won't disturb their rehearsal. I want to go and see the piano."

Cheng Kaiyan glanced at Teacher Chen calmly. It was obvious that Teacher Chen, who was usually meticulous, serious and demanding, knew his current identity.

"Of course you can. The superiors said that all concessions should be made to the artists who come to collect folk songs. Not to mention watching it, we can even give you the piano."

Teacher Chen joked with a smile.

She also didn't expect that the young man she had pulled into the art troupe would come to this point. He became a great talent just half a year after returning to the city. Now he is the deputy leader of the field research working group and his future is limitless.

However, when the members of the dance team of the art troupe saw Teacher Chen's actions, many of them were puzzled and puzzled.

'What's happening here? ’

"Go and get some people to bring over Comrade Cheng Kaiyan's old piano."

Seeing that everyone was in a daze, Teacher Chen frowned and gave instructions to a few people in a cold and hard voice.

"Teacher Chen, that's not necessary. I'll go by myself and not disturb them."

"Alright."

After saying that, Cheng Kaiyan turned and left, leaving behind a natural and free-spirited back in everyone's eyes.

It made everyone lose their minds for a while.

I didn't expect that Teacher Chen, who is usually so strict and harsh, is so kind to Cheng Kaiyan. You know, even the director of their art troupe, Teacher Chen, has never been so kind.

He said he wanted to give him the piano and asked them to move it over personally.

Is he really a great writer?

This thought came to many people's minds. After all, Teacher Chen's attitude was too unusual.

But in the eyes of Amy Yip, Lu Yuanyuan and other children of cadres, he certainly could not be a great writer, which is something he himself admits.

As for why Teacher Chen is so kind?
Everyone already had the answer in their hearts.

Since Amy Yip and others learned about the field trip yesterday, they approached their acquaintances to inquire about the relevant matters.

I learned that field research is currently the top priority of the military region, involving literary and art workers from all over the country, and everyone from top to bottom attaches great importance to it.

Even Ye Yongsheng, the distant uncle of Amy Yip, has to be on high alert.

So Cheng Kaiyan might have just benefited from the opportunity to collect folk songs.

……

Cheng Kaiyan didn't want to bother with these people and turned to go to the piano room.

To him, the piano was the important thing.

The morning sun was warm, illuminating the entire room through the dusty glass windows.

The room was filled with tables, chairs, benches and other miscellaneous items, with only a piano placed in the front, covered with a piece of gauze and covered with a layer of dust.

Cheng Kaiyan carefully moved it away, and tiny dust particles flew all over the sky in the sunlight, flashing with light.

An old upright piano appeared before my eyes.

The black paint had already become mottled, revealing the yellow wood underneath.

Cheng Kaiyan opened the piano cover and the hinge squeaked.

The black and white piano keys were exposed, the white keys had turned yellow, and the black keys had been worn and lost their luster.

This piano is not an international brand, nor is it an excellent piano.

When Cheng Kaiyan first saw this piano, it didn't even have a piano cover, so he asked someone to make one for him.

Cheng Kaiyan, feeling nervous, carefully pulled out a stool and sat on it.

He closed his eyes lightly, his ten fingers jumping on the keys. The piano, which had not been tuned for a long time, was seriously out of tune.

However, the young man sitting in front of the piano was still immersed in it, and he felt that his body and mind had never felt so light and harmonious.

He gradually became the same thin figure as before.

It's him.

It’s that old friend.

The piano seemed to cheer.

The sound of the piano followed the open door, along the long corridor, and extended throughout the entire building.

The people in the rehearsal room could hear that the piano sound was out of tune, but they could also taste the carefree and youthful spirit that was difficult to conceal.

(End of this chapter)