My era, 1979!

Chapter 126 "The Wave" and "Permanence"

The lessons were still fresh and interesting.

Xu Chengjun had also drafted several plans for establishing the literary society and obtained a "preparatory permit for the literary society." They were just waiting to choose an auspicious day to usher in a new era of literature at Fudan University.

Xu Chengjun, holding the permit that Qilianshan had just approved, squatted under the sycamore tree below the Songzhuang dormitory building, clutching a piece of manuscript paper in his hand.

The paper was covered with densely packed names: from "Fudan Literature Society" to "Xianghuitang Literature Society," with more crossed-out names than left ones.

Lin Yimin, holding his guitar, came over, glanced at the manuscript, and laughed: "You're too conflicted! It would be much better to call it 'Xu Chengjun Literary Society,' then the whole of Fudan would know that you were the one who started it!"

These days, Lin Yimin and Zhou Haibo each got a guitar.

Every night, there are ghostly wails and howls at the entrance of Songzhuang.

It is said that in a while, they will strategically move to the entrance of the girls' dormitory.

It received unanimous praise from the girls.

"Fuck off!"

Xu Chengjun: "Running a club is not about establishing a personal brand. It's about making students feel that 'this is our own place,' and it should also reflect the spirit of Fudan University."

"I think it would be better to call it 'Xu Chengjun'."

Just as I was pondering this, Li Jihai came over carrying a cloth bag containing old periodicals he had just borrowed from the library.

There are the Fudan Journal from the 1950s, and the Shanghai Literature, which was revived in 1978.

He pulled out a yellowed copy of the Fudan Journal and pointed to an editorial from 1956: "Chengjun, look, back then Fudan's student publication was called The Wave, and it talked about 'literature should follow the times'."
The rural household contract responsibility system, the factory reform, and the ideological liberation movement all surged, and even secondhand shops on Jinling East Road jumped on the bandwagon by selling "Xu Chengjun's guitar."

Let's just keep calling it "The Wave".
-
The next morning, Xu Chengjun pulled Lin Yimin out of bed early.

Hui, Xu Xiaomei, and Su Manshu arrived at the intersection of Huaihai Middle Road and Chongqing Road early in the morning.

today--

Buy a car!
"Brother, why did you call me when you're buying a bicycle?!"

"I told you to come out and get some fresh air, don't just stay in the library and become stupid!"

"So what!" Xu Xiaomei rubbed her sleepy eyes.

Su Manshu, who was standing to the side, couldn't stand it anymore, "If your brother wants to buy you one too, he'll have to take you to pick one out!"

Xu Xiaomei's eyes lit up, "You two are really close!"

"Are we going back or not!"

"I'll definitely go!"

"Come on!"

"Brother Yimin, hurry up too!"

Intersection of Huaihai Middle Road and Chongqing Road.

The signboard with the three characters "Huai Guo Jiu" gleamed with a warm luster in the morning light.

Huaiguojiu is the abbreviation for Shanghai Huaihai Secondhand Market, which was established in 1954.

The goods come from a wide range of sources, including consigned goods by residents, confiscated items, factory clearance items, resale goods, and stockpiled goods, with a large number of overstocked items among the "beep beep" items.

This state-run secondhand store faces east at the front and leads directly to Changle Road at the back. The store, which covers more than a thousand square meters, is bustling with crowds.

Just after seven o'clock in the morning, the shop was already crowded with customers carrying bamboo baskets and canvas bags. Among them were elderly gentlemen with gray hair, educated youth who had just returned to the city, and thrifty housewives.

"Grandma Wang, you're up very early this morning!"

Aunt Li, carrying a canvas bag, approached Granny Wang, who was carrying a bamboo basket, and asked in a warm, familiar tone in her Shanghainese, "Are you here looking for that chipped blue-and-white porcelain bowl again?"

Grandma Wang wiped the fine sweat from her forehead with a handkerchief and waved her hand with a smile: "No, no, the one I found last time is enough. I wanted to come and see if there was a sewing machine that was about 80% new. My daughter wants to learn to sew clothes, but it's too expensive to have them made outside. The ones in the secondhand store are more affordable."

Just then, a young man in overalls approached. He was Zhang Qiang, a former educated youth who had returned to the city less than two years ago. Speaking with a slightly accented accent, though trying hard to sound like a Shanghainese, he said, "Grandma, do you need a sewing machine? I saw a 'Butterfly' brand one a few days ago, but the pedal was a bit loose. It should still work after some repairs. Let's go take a look together when the store opens later?"

Grandma Wang's eyes lit up: "Really? That's great! Little Zhang, thank goodness you reminded me, otherwise I would have been wandering around aimlessly again."

Not far away, Mr. Chen, an old gentleman with his hair neatly combed and wearing a Zhongshan suit, was standing on tiptoe looking into the shop, clutching an old pocket watch in his hand.

Mr. Liu, who sells breakfast nearby, pushed his cart past and called out to him in Shanghainese, "Mr. Chen, here to shop again? Is that radio you had repaired last time?"

Mr. Chen turned around and smiled, saying slowly, "Not yet, the parts are hard to find. I thought I'd come and see if I could find any old records. The phonograph at home is out of records, it's not very interesting to listen to it."

Xu Chengjun stood at the intersection, followed by three people: Su Manshu clutched the roasted chestnuts he had just bought, and Xu Xiaomei hopped around, tugging at Su Manshu's clothes.

Lin Yimin was pointing to the old signboard of Huaiguo and introducing it to the three of them, especially Xu Chengjun and Xu Xiaomei.

This kid insisted on coming along, claiming to be a professional guide.

Cheng Yongxin was supposed to come, but my friend joined the Chinese Literature Department study group; studying wasn't the important thing.

The main reason is that the senior student is so beautiful that it's hard to resist.

"What's your major?" Xu Xiaomei asked curiously.

"This is mainly reflected in its comprehensive understanding of astronomy and geography!"

"What does this have to do with secondhand stores?"

"."

Lin Yimin: When a scholar encounters a soldier, reason is useless.

I'll let it slide since you're good-looking!

"Chengjun, this former Huai Kingdom is a treasure trove for Shanghai!"

Lin Yimin patted his chest, a hint of pride in his Shanghainese, "My dad said this was a secondhand shop before Liberation. Now it's state-owned, and they have everything, from phonographs to sewing machines, you can even find old-fashioned suits!"

Xu Chengjun looked at him suspiciously: "Where's the bicycle?"

Lin Yimin: "More or less."

Are you serious about your lack of confidence?
Seeing Xu Chengjun's gaze, Lin Yimin scratched his head: "I know a bicycle shop inside."

Xu Chengjun: "Oh?"

Lin Yimin nodded vigorously.

Upon hearing about the sewing machine, Xu Xiaomei's eyes lit up, and she shook Su Manshu's arm: "Sister Manshu! I told you last time I wanted to learn how to sew clothes, do you really have a sewing machine here?"

Su Manshu smiled and nodded, peeling a chestnut and stuffing it into Xiaomei's mouth: "Your brother inquired and said that the Butterfly brand sewing machines here are half the price of those at the supply and marketing cooperative, but you have to hunt for them, or they'll be snatched up."

Butterfly is this year's "famous trademark".

It wasn't just a name I made up; it was a real designation given to me by the Industry and Commerce Bureau.

The Butterfly brand sewing machine was produced by the Shanghai Xiechang Sewing Machine Factory. In 1979, the annual output of the Butterfly brand sewing machine exceeded 100 million units, and it began to enter more households. It became one of the "three turns" in the "three turns and one sound" at that time. It was a popular dowry for young men and women getting married, and it was also a symbol of family status and quality of life.

The product is in short supply in the domestic market and is also exported abroad, leading to a situation where both domestic and foreign buyers are scrambling to purchase it.

Xu Xiaomei had saved some money and had been wanting to buy a second-hand sewing machine.

Now that she has this opportunity, she is naturally interested.

At that time, a brand new Butterfly sewing machine cost 143 yuan.

Tickets are needed too!
Xu Chengjun leaned closer, looking suspicious: "Xiaomei, if you take the sewing machine back, don't use it for hand sewing."

"elder brother!"

Xu Xiaomei's cheeks puffed out like she was sucking on two walnuts. "You know what talent is, right? I'm talented! I sew better than Mom!"

Su Manshu couldn't help but laugh and threw the chestnut shell at Xu Chengjun.

"You, as the older brother, stop bullying Xiaomei!"

"So, they bullied you?"

"Be a little more serious!" Su Manshu scolded playfully.

Lin Yimin chuckled from the side, "Alright, alright, you two stop bickering, your teeth are aching, the gate's about to open!" Sure enough, the iron gate was pulled open with a "whoosh," and the crowd surged in like a tidal wave.

Xu Chengjun quickly shielded Su Manshu and Xiaomei in front of him, using his elbow to block the people pushing their way in: "Slow down, slow down, don't bump into the two girls!"

Lin Yimin led the way, calling out, "Make way! Excuse me!"

In an instant, the old counter in Huaiguo was crowded with people standing on tiptoe and peering in.

Very lively.

Aunt Li pulled Granny Wang forward, shouting, "Grandma, hurry up, or someone will steal the sewing machine!"

Zhang Qiang followed behind, not forgetting to turn back and shout to Mr. Chen, "Mr. Chen, when you see the record, please keep an eye out for me too. I want to download 'Jasmine Flower' for my mom!"

Mr. Chen smiled and nodded, slowly following the flow of people inside, muttering to himself, "Walk slowly, don't rush, the good stuff is always there..."

The shop was immediately filled with the sounds of bargaining, the clanging of machines, and greetings in Shanghainese.

Lin Yimin led Xu Chengjun and the other two on a general tour first.

The three of them were all incredibly curious.

Although Su Manshu grew up in Shanghai, she had never actually been here before.

Xu Xiaomei was still in a phase in Shanghai where she was curious about everything.

Needless to say, Xu Chengjun only had the memory of the old Huai State in 1979 in the museum.

The store's layout is as winding as a maze.

The closest one is the musical instrument counter.

Seven or eight violins hung on the door panel like hams, their tiger-skin maple backs gleaming with an amber luster under the light.

The old craftsman selling guitars, with a pipe dangling from his lips, was explaining the legend of the Stavaldiri to the young people watching when suddenly a young man in a polyester shirt squeezed in, pulled out a guitar with a broken string, and asked if he had any parts. The crowd chuckled knowingly. Under the counter, a boy who looked like a student was already squatting on the ground, carefully examining a pile of crystal radio parts with a magnifying glass.

The main sales area is surrounded by glass counters forming a "目"-shaped passageway. On the east side, the shelves against the wall are filled with old clothes of various colors. Blue cloth Zhongshan suits, gray khaki coats and several faded woolen coats are mixed together and sway gently in the breeze.

The counter on the west side displayed rows of enamel basins, with dents on the bottom carefully filled with silver powder. Five-cent repair paste was placed next to them, attracting thrifty housewives.

The square-shaped counter in the center of the hall was the most bustling.

On one side is a glass cabinet displaying imported watches, with Rolex gold watches and Shanghai brand mechanical watches side by side. The master craftsman's careful wiping of the watch dials with deerskin draws gasps of amazement.

Xu Chengjun found it rare, never expecting to see a Rolex in this day and age.

The Rolex gold watch is an all-gold automatic calendar watch.

It was brought in from abroad in the 1950s, is 90% new, and is priced at 200 yuan.

After browsing around, I saw many other high-end products for sale, such as Leica cameras and Parker gold pens.

Walk to the bicycle area on the other side.

Several Forever brand bicycles with 28-inch wheels were surrounded by layers of customers, the crisp sound of bicycle bells rising and falling. A middle-aged man was standing on tiptoe to check the wear and tear on the tires, his trouser legs still stained with mud from his trip to the countryside.

Xu Chengjun gripped the strap of his canvas bag and finally managed to squeeze into the bicycle area with Lin Yimin. As soon as he stood still, he was enveloped by a smell that was a mixture of engine oil and rust.

In the special area, there were five 28-inch bicycles, three Forever bicycles, and two Phoenix bicycles. Next to the two Forever bicycles furthest inside, an old master craftsman wearing an old felt hat was standing around. His blue cloth apron was covered with shiny black oil stains, and he was turning a brass wrench in his hand.

"Master Wang! Can you spare two Forever motorcycles from your stall today?"

Taking advantage of his loud voice, Lin Yimin stepped forward first, deliberately puffing out his chest in his polyester shirt, "We're from Fudan University, here for student clubs, it's serious business!"

"Lin Yimin, what are you pretending to be, acting all high and mighty! Fudan University, huh!"

"Uncle Wang! You brought some friends~" Lin Yimin glanced awkwardly at the three people behind him.

"Give us a good selection!"

Master Wang glanced around at him, then at Xu Chengjun and the other two behind him, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, but he didn't continue teasing: "So Fudan students are also coming to the secondhand shop to make a ruckus? The other day, a Tongji student came to look for a radio, saying he wanted to listen to foreign language broadcasts."

He put down the wrench and pointed to the Forever bicycle on the far left. "This one is about 80% new. The frame is a Type 65. It used to belong to Old Gu from the textile factory. His son got promoted in the army, so he consigned the bicycle here."

"Look at these tires, they're Chaoyang brand, the treads are still deep, you can ride them for three to five years without having to replace them."

"I'm sorry to trouble you, Mr. Wang. Let me check the car!"

Xu Chengjun squatted down and ran his fingers along the frame of the bicycle. He didn't feel any obvious bumps or dents. He then turned the handlebars and heard no loose bearings. He had a good idea of ​​what was going on.

"Look around freely, Yimin's friend. We can't sell this stuff if it's not good enough!"

Lin Yimin suddenly felt proud.

Xu Xiaomei, however, went over to another Forever bicycle and poked at the patch on the seat: "Master Wang, is this seat soft? My Phoenix bicycle hurts my butt after riding it for half an hour, it feels like sitting on a rock!"

Master Wang was amused by her, took off his felt hat and fanned himself: "Young lady, you know your stuff! This seat is made of sheepskin, Old Gu's wife specially sewed it for you, it's even more comfortable than the new foam seats sold at the supply and marketing cooperative. The only problem is the chain was replaced last year, but I've oiled it three times, listen—"

He stepped on the pedal, and the chain turned with only a soft sound, without any rattling noise. "It's much smoother than those broken bells on your campus."

"Then name your price!"

Lin Yimin, eager to show off, leaned forward and said, "We need two cars. Give me a fair price. Maybe the literary society will bring some classmates to patronize your business when they have activities in the future!"

Master Wang squinted and held up two fingers: "This one is 60% new, 58 yuan; that one is 80% new, 65 yuan. To be honest, the supply and marketing cooperative charges 120 yuan for a new Forever bicycle, and you need a coupon. I don't need a coupon here, and the price is already 5 yuan lower than the consignment price. Go and ask around, in the whole Huaiguo old, my Forever 28-inch bicycle is the best maintained."

Lin Yimin immediately exclaimed, "Sixty-five? Uncle Wang, that's a bit steep! My neighbor found a nearly new one at the City God Temple the other day for only fifty-six!"

"The City God Temple is a 'street market,' would you dare to buy there?"

Master Wang tapped the handlebars. “This is a state-run consignment shop. Every bike is registered. If there’s a problem, you can come to me. His bike is probably some kind of illegal vehicle he got from somewhere. If he gets stopped after riding it for a couple of days, he’ll have nowhere to complain. Besides, isn’t your neighbor’s bike’s rear rack crooked? These two of mine, you can carry a 50-pound bag of rice on them and the rack won’t wobble!”

Seeing that Lin Yimin was still arguing, Xu Chengjun pulled him back.

This price is quite cheap; even if the bicycle is 80% new, you wouldn't be able to get it without Lin Yimin.

There's no need to waste someone's goodwill.

He turned to Master Wang and smiled, "Master Wang, how about this, we'll take both bikes together, how about 120 yuan? I'll give you 2 yuan more, could you please turn up the bell for us and give us some spare valve cores, okay?"

Master Wang stared at Xu Chengjun for a few seconds, then glanced at Xu Xiaomei, who looked on with curiosity, and sighed: "Seeing that you are an honest person and brought your sister along, I'll take the loss. But the valve cores are only made of rubber, not copper. Take them if you don't mind."

"That's no problem."

This car is indeed quite new; Lin Yimin is a reliable guy.

He turned around, pulled a small metal box from under the counter, poured out two valve cores, and then picked up a wrench to turn the bicycle bell, "Ding-a-ling—ding-a-ling—"

The crisp sound stood out in the noisy shop. "Now it's great, you can hear it from far away when you're riding on the road."

Su Manshu then spoke, taking a paper packet out of her cloth bag: "Master Wang, these are some roasted chestnuts we just bought. Would you like to try some? Thank you for the discount."

Master Wang waved his hand, but didn't really refuse. He picked one up and peeled it open: "Oh, it's still warm! You students really know how to take care of people."

He chewed on a chestnut and then added, "What's the name of your literary society? If I ever hear someone say that Fudan University has a good club, I'll know it's you guys."

"Call it 'The Wave'!"

Xu Xiaomei eagerly answered, puffing out her chest, "My brother said we should keep up with the times!"

Master Wang's eyes lit up: "Waves? What a great name! When I was young, I also wrote articles for the factory workers' newspaper. Back then, I hoped that life would be like waves, getting better with each wave."

"Master Wang, don't listen to the little girl's nonsense. It's just a place in the school where everyone writes their things."

"That works too! The People's Daily published an article saying that we should respect knowledge and talent!"

He helped Xu Chengjun push the two bicycles to the door and then instructed him, "For the first three months, don't carry too much weight. Oil the chain every week, and it will be fine until you graduate."

Xu Chengjun didn't hesitate and took out 122 yuan to pay directly.

Xu Xiaomei liked the car with the lambskin seats, so he gave it to her.

He then pushed on another Forever motorcycle, which was also in over 80% condition.

Standing in front of the 28-inch bar, Xu Chengjun was also a little excited.

After struggling for half a year, I finally have a car!

A real man has made it big!
(End of this chapter)