In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Chapter 122, Section 121: Fluttering Hearts and Tacit Understanding, A Paradise of Youth, Sports and Concerts

The campus was empty and quiet on the weekend, with tall plane trees casting dense green shade, and the sound of cicadas as the only background noise.

Old Zhang, the gatekeeper, was acquainted with Wu Hongtao. After a few pleasantries of "Thank you for your hard work, Master Zhang" and "It's been a long time," and with a "Pegasus" cigarette handed over, he readily unlocked the doors to the ping-pong room and the adjacent music room, and as usual reminded him, "Play well and keep the doors and windows closed, be careful with the water and electricity."

In the spacious and tall ping-pong room, two ping-pong tables stood quietly, reflecting the light streaming in from the high windows.

The crowd cheered and immediately sprang into action like birds released from their cages.

Wu Hongtao, Wu Kai, and Xie Feiyang, these active players, were the first to seize the table and rackets.

The school's shared "Double Happiness" rackets, with their worn rubber and wooden handles polished smooth by countless hands, did nothing to dampen everyone's enthusiasm.

Lin Shunan was then ushered into the smaller music room next door.

The interior was simply furnished, with a few dusty musical instruments placed against the wall: an old pedal organ, several bamboo flutes, a snare drum, an erhu, and several harmonicas casually placed on the table.

Lin Shunan carefully placed his accordion on a sturdy wooden stool, adjusting the bellows and the straps with focused concentration.

Soon, crisp, rapid, and rhythmic "ping-pong" sounds rang out from the adjacent ping-pong room, like dense drumbeats, accompanied by excited shouts, frustrated sighs, and joyful laughter, echoing in the empty room.

"Great shot! Hongtao, that was a powerful smash! It grazed the edge!"

"Oh my! A net wipe! You're so lucky, Feiyang! You cheat!"

"Wu Kai! You cheated! The ball was clearly out of bounds! Look for yourself!"

"Shunan! Come quick! It's your turn! Avenge me! Toughen him up!"

Lin Shunan was forcibly pulled onto the table by Wu Hongtao, and his opponent was Xie Feiyang, who had just won a game.

His technique was indeed a bit rusty, his footwork was slightly slow, and his swing was a bit stiff, but his eyes were focused, and he put all his effort into every swing, and beads of sweat quickly appeared on his forehead.

Yang Guangming watched from the sidelines, arms crossed, occasionally offering a word of advice in a steady voice: "Shu Nan, move your feet! Don't stay still!" "Relax your wrists, don't be so tense, use your waist to generate power!"

When Lin Shunan finally saw an opportunity and hit a beautiful straight return shot that grazed the edge of the table to score, everyone cheered. Lin Shunan himself couldn't help but clench his fist and roar, "Good!"

His face was beaming with a pure and joyful smile, and sweat dripped down his temples, glistening in the slanting sunlight, making him seem to radiate light.

Lin Jianyue stood quietly in the shadows by the sidelines, watching the small white ball bouncing on the table and the running figures, a curious and serene smile on her face.

She didn't know much about the rules of table tennis, but she was deeply infected by the enthusiastic and jubilant atmosphere, and the corners of her mouth kept turning up slightly.

Yang Guangming walked up to her without her noticing and handed her a spare "Double Happiness" ping-pong paddle: "Want to try it?"

Lin Jianyue was startled, like a frightened little rabbit. She quickly waved her hands, her cheeks flushing red: "I... I won't, I've never hit before."

"It's very simple, I'll teach you." Yang Guangming's voice carried an irresistible sense of reassurance, calm and gentle.

He picked up another racket, walked to the other end of the table, and gestured for Lin Jianyue to stand opposite him.

Lin Jianyue looked at the racket, then at Yang Guangming patiently waiting on the other side of the table. After hesitating for a moment, she mustered up her courage and walked over, awkwardly gripping the racket handle.

"Don't grip the racket too tightly. Like this, just lightly grip the handle with the base of your thumb and forefinger. Relax." Yang Guangming patiently demonstrated the grip posture across the table. "Sit a little apart, shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Look at the ball, not the racket."

He tossed a small white ball up and, with extremely slow speed and light force, hit it high and slow as a "feed ball," which landed right in front of Lin Jianyue and bounced very low.

Lin Jianyue stared nervously at the small white ball, clumsily swinging her arm, her racket barely managing to glide over the bottom of the ball.

The ball flew up weakly, tracing a crooked arc before landing back on the sunny side of the table, bouncing listlessly a few times.

"Ha! I hit it!" Lin Jianyue exclaimed in surprise, her clear eyes instantly shining with excitement, like a child who had successfully flown a kite for the first time, full of a sense of accomplishment.

Seeing her excited expression, Yang Guangming smiled, his eyes gentle: "Yes, just like that. Very good, let's try again." He then gently hit another ball that was just as easy to catch.

This time, Lin Jianyue wasn't so nervous. She aimed at the direction the ball was coming from and swung her racket forcefully.

With a crisp "smack!", the ball was hit hard and flew over the table and the sunlight, soaring high into the back wall before crashing with a "thud".

"Oops! I used too much force!" Lin Jianyue stuck out her tongue, smiled a little embarrassedly, revealing her white teeth.

"You've got some strength." Yang Guangming smiled and went over to retrieve the ball. "Don't rush. Control your strength, just hit the ball first and get it back onto the table."

The two stood across the table, one patiently feeding the most basic balls, the other earnestly trying to return them.

Yang Guangming's instructions were concise and clear, and Lin Jianyue learned them quickly. Although her movements were still clumsy and her footwork was slow, she was gradually able to fight several rounds in a row.

Her fair cheeks were flushed with a lovely blush from the exercise and the tension, fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, a few strands of hair clung to her temples, but the corners of her mouth were always turned up, her smile as bright as the summer sun.

Yang Guangming watched her clumsy yet incredibly hardworking figure at the other end of the table tennis table, his eyes filled with an undisguised gentle smile and a hint of appreciation.

With each successful return, their eyes met in mid-air, and they would exchange knowing smiles. A silent understanding flowed between them on the small table tennis table, quickly dispelling the initial awkwardness.

On the other side, Xie Feiyang and Feng Xianghong didn't play ball, but instead wandered into the quieter music room.

Xie Feiyang curiously picked up a bamboo flute and tried to play a few notes, but they were out of tune, only making a "poof" sound as they leaked air, which made Feng Xianghong cover her mouth and chuckle.

Feng Xianghong picked up a relatively clean harmonica, carefully wiped the mouthpiece with a handkerchief, put it to her lips, took a gentle breath, and played a melody of "Ode to the Red Plum Blossom".

Although somewhat disjointed and unfamiliar, the pitch was basically accurate, carrying a touch of nostalgia.

"Xiang Hong, you can do this too?" Xie Feiyang was somewhat surprised and put down the flute.

"I learned a little from my dad when I was little, but I haven't practiced since, and I've forgotten most of it. I only remember this little bit." Feng Xianghong put down her harmonica with a nostalgic smile on her face.

At this moment, Lin Shunan, who was on break from his shift, came in wiping away sweat.

He saw the scattered musical instruments, and his eyes shone with fervent light.

Xie Feiyang immediately handed over the flute, urging, "Shu Nan, how about you give one? Let everyone see!"

Lin Shunan did not refuse and naturally took the flute. He tested the tone holes with his fingertips, hesitated for a moment, as if searching for the right feel.

Immediately, a series of clear and melodious tunes, like birdsong in the forest at dawn, flowed from his lips and fingertips—the cheerful and lively "Little Cowherd".

The flute's clear and melodious sound, with its strong penetrating power, instantly drowned out the noise from the adjacent ping-pong room, carrying clearly over like a refreshing spring flowing into the sweltering air.

"Great! Great music!" Everyone stopped playing their rackets and rushed to the entrance of the music room, clapping and cheering. Even Yan Jun clapped his hands a few times.

The flute music had just ended, but its lingering notes seemed to still echo between the beams.

Lin Shunan put down the flute and turned his gaze to the accordion he had placed on the stool, his eyes shining even brighter.

He walked over, skillfully slung the violin strap over his shoulder, adjusted the position, took a deep breath, and suddenly pulled the bellows open!

A series of smooth, gorgeous, exotic, and powerful melodies burst forth instantly, filling the entire music room—it was Khachaturian's "Sabre Dance"!
Joyful! Passionate! Unrestrained! With the wildness of Cossack cavalry! The piano keys danced rapidly under his long and powerful fingers, and with the opening and closing of the bellows, a magnificent wave of sound swept out, crashing against the walls and everyone's eardrums.

The passionate and powerful piano music seemed to ignite the fuse of revelry!

The people in the ping-pong room could no longer contain themselves and rushed over, dropping their rackets as they did so.

Wu Kai quickly grabbed another harmonica, Xie Feiyang picked up a drumstick and started tapping the edge of a snare drum with a professional air, creating a simple rhythm; even the introverted Yan Jun was inspired and picked up a pair of small cymbals, jingling them in time with the beat.

Feng Xianghong held Lin Jianyue's hand, who was still a little dazed, and swayed her body gently to the strong rhythm, her face beaming with joy.

Yang Guangming stood at the doorway, leaning against the door frame, watching the spontaneously formed, bustling scene before him.

Lin Shunan was completely immersed in the world of music. His body moved powerfully to the rhythm, his cheeks flushed from the effort, and sweat poured down his forehead, soaking the front of his shirt and sticking to his back, but he was completely unaware of it.

His face radiated unprecedented confidence, dedication, and a liberated glow, as if the once radiant and cheerful young man on stage had returned, even more dazzling than before.

As the music ended, the last note still vibrated in the air when thunderous applause and cheers erupted!
Lin Shunan breathed slightly, her chest heaving, her face flushed with joy and a satisfied smile, her eyes shining with a light of hope ignited by music and friendship.

"Shunan! That's awesome! One more!" Wu Hongtao shouted excitedly.

“Let’s sing a song! Shu Nan will accompany us!” Feng Xianghong suggested loudly, her cheeks flushed.

"Sing 'We Are Walking on the Great Road'! That's awesome!" Xie Feiyang suggested loudly.

"Okay!" Lin Shunan adjusted the strap that had slipped a bit, pressed his fingers on the piano keys, and the familiar melody, full of the spirit of the times and inspiring progress, rang out again, with a powerful and rhythmic beat.

"We march on the main road, full of vigor and high spirits!"

Xie Feiyang, Wu Hongtao, Wu Kai, and a few other boys immediately opened their throats and started singing almost like shouts. Their voices were loud and clear, full of the passion and boldness unique to young people, as if they were about to break through the roof.

"...leading the revolutionary ranks, overcoming all obstacles and marching forward!"

Feng Xianghong and Lin Jianyue also joined the chorus, their voices clear and melodious as they tried their best to keep up with the rhythm.

Yan Jun hummed along softly, his voice low but his mouth movements were serious, and he tapped his hands to keep time.

Yang Guangming stood a little behind the crowd, watching the vibrant scene of youth singing with abandon before him;

Looking at Lin Shunan's nimble fingers and upright, confident figure;

Looking at Lin Jianyue's slightly flushed cheeks, bright eyes, and gently trembling eyelashes as she sang with passion;

Watching Xie Feiyang and Feng Xianghong exchange smiles, their hearts in perfect harmony;

Seeing the long-lost, untroubled, and pure joy on everyone's faces, a deep smile also appeared on his lips.

This pure, hopeful, and powerful singing voice seemed to pierce through the dust of time, strangely connecting and gently separating this small world from the fiery era outside, where slogans resounded and banners were everywhere.

This is their brief but real paradise of youth!

After the first song ended, the group sang "Returning from Target Practice" and "Ode to the Red Plum Blossom"...

The sounds of singing, piano, drums, harmonica, and cymbals mingled together, not particularly harmonious or precise, yet brimming with primal vitality and surging passion, and overflowing with genuine emotion.

Sweat was poured out freely, smiles bloomed unrestrainedly, and the vitality of youth and the warmth of friendship were released and blended without reservation at this moment.

I don't know how long I sang, until my voice was a little hoarse and the sun was clearly setting in the west. The magnificent sunset was like an overturned palette, pouring in through the tall windows of the music room, gilding everyone's figure and every instrument with a warm and brilliant golden edge.

"Take a break! Take a break! My throat's burning! My throat's about to give out!" Wu Hongtao was the first to shout for a stop, his voice hoarse as he exaggeratedly wiped the sweat from his forehead, sticking out his tongue and panting heavily. Everyone else stopped too, still breathing heavily, their chests heaving, but their faces were flushed with extreme satisfaction and excitement after a good time, like they were drunk.

Seeing everyone's tired yet still wanting more, Yang Guangming's clear voice rang out:

"Are you all thirsty? My treat, soda! Want something cold too?"

His gaze swept over the sweaty faces, finally settling on Lin Jianyue.

Lin Jianyue's bangs were damp with sweat and stuck to her smooth forehead. When she heard the word "ice," her eyes instantly lit up as she looked at Yang Guangming with undisguised anticipation, like a child longing for candy.

"Yes!" they all said in unison, their voices hoarse with excitement.

"Hongtao".

Yang Guangming took out several banknotes and several ice cream coupons with popsicle patterns printed on them, and handed them to Wu Hongtao:
"Thank you for making the trip. The small shops near the school should have them. For soda, we need 'Zheng Guanghe' orange juice, and for ice cream... see if they have 'Guangming' brand cream ice cream or red bean popsicles. Pick the good ones, one bottle of soda and one ice cream each."

He explained it very clearly.

Wu Hongtao took the money and grinned, "No problem! I've got it covered!" He turned and was about to rush out.

"Wait!" Wu Hongtao suddenly remembered something, stopped, touched his pocket, and looked at Yang Guangming a little embarrassedly, "How about... I pay half? This is quite a lot of money..."

He knew this was a considerable expense; soda plus ice cream, especially the cream ice cream which was quite expensive, even more so than the soda itself, costing two cents per piece.

Adding it all up, it would cost more than 30 cents per person, and two or three dollars for eight people, which is not a small amount.

Yang Guangming smiled and waved his hand, his tone leaving no room for argument: "You'll treat next time. Go on, everyone's waiting, their throats are parched." He pointed to his throat.

"Okay!" Wu Hongtao stopped refusing and rushed out of the music room like a gust of wind, his footsteps echoing in the empty corridor.

The wait wasn't long, but it was a bit unbearable for everyone who was parched and had a burning throat.

Some sat, some stood, and some leaned against the wall, chatting about the fun they had had playing ball and singing earlier, their laughter a little hoarse.

Yang Guangming walked to the open window and looked out at the sky, which was dyed golden red by the sunset, and the sycamore canopies on campus, which were edged with gold.

Lin Jianyue quietly followed him and stood not far away. They gazed at the magnificent sky together in silence. The evening breeze ruffled her hair. Neither of them spoke, and the atmosphere was peaceful and beautiful, with only the faint sound of the wind outside the window and the cicadas still chirping.

Soon, hurried footsteps and Wu Hongtao's signature loud voice echoed down the corridor:
"Here it comes! 'Zheng Guanghe' orange juice! And 'Guangming' brand cream ice cream! Top-notch! I've been in line for a little while!"

He came running in, panting, carrying a net bag full of things. His forehead was covered in sweat, but his face was filled with a triumphant look.

The green glass bottle of orange soda, with cool water droplets condensed on its walls, refracted an alluring light in the rosy glow of the sunset.

The pale yellow rectangular ice cream bars, wrapped in wax paper printed with blue and white patterns, exude a sweet milky aroma and a cool sensation.

This is absolutely the most luxurious and desirable enjoyment in the sweltering summer!
The crowd cheered and rushed forward as if they had seen a timely rain.

Wu Hongtao distributed soda to everyone, using a bottle opener to pry open the tin bottle caps with a "bang, bang".

Yang Guangming picked up a block of ice and carefully peeled off most of the sticky wax paper to reveal a milky white, square, and slightly chilly cream ice cream inside.

He looked up and saw Lin Jianyue awkwardly trying to peel off the wax paper from her ice block. Her slender, fair fingers were slightly red from the cold, and her movements seemed a little helpless.

Yang Guangming walked over naturally and handed her the perfectly peeled, flawless ice cream block he was holding: "Here, this one is fine."

Lin Jianyue was stunned for a moment, looking at the icy block of ice in front of her, then at the unpeeled block in Yang Guangming's hand. Her face flushed red, like the sunset on the horizon. She quickly waved her hand, her voice weak, "No need, no need, I can do it myself..."

"Take it. The wax paper is cold and sticky on your hands, which is uncomfortable."

Yang Guangming spoke gently, yet it was hard to refuse. He even gestured with his eyes to Lin Jianyue's slightly red fingertips.

Lin Jianyue's heart skipped a beat and then suddenly accelerated.

Looking into Yang Guangming's gentle yet firm eyes, and feeling his silent tenderness, she hesitated for a moment, but still accepted it.

Lin Jianyue's fingertips inevitably touched the bottom of the ice block he handed her, and the cold, hard touch came instantly. His hand seemed to casually and steadily support the bottom of the ice block, preventing her fingers from directly contacting the ice.

The sudden warmth from his palm, so different from the coldness, sent a shiver through her heart, and a strange warmth surged from her fingertips into her heart.

"Thank you..." Her voice was very soft, barely audible, almost drowned out by the surrounding noise.

Lin Jianyue lowered her head to hide her burning cheeks and carefully took a small bite of the ice cream.

The rich milky aroma, mixed with an extreme coolness, melts quickly in your mouth, sweet and refreshing, reaching deep into your heart, yet also carrying a strange warmth, like the warmth of a sunlit palm, that quietly rises within you.

She couldn't help but steal a glance and saw that Yang Guangming had already turned around and deftly peeled off the wax paper from his ice block. His broad shoulders and upright back looked exceptionally reliable in the brilliant sunset, as if he could hold up the sky.

On the other side, Xie Feiyang had also peeled the ice cream and handed it to Feng Xianghong solicitously.

Feng Xianghong glared at him, her eyes sparkling: "I have my own hands."

But she still accepted it, a sweet smile playing on her lips.

Xie Feiyang chuckled, leaned over, and took a big bite from Feng Xianghong's ice cream block, which made Feng Xianghong lightly punch his shoulder and laugh and scold, "Are you trying to kill me! You little thief!" The two laughed and joked, intimately close, oblivious to others.

Wu Hongtao and Wu Kai couldn't wait to start munching on the ice cream blocks, letting out satisfied sighs, not even bothering to wipe the cream off their lips.

Yan Jun ate in small bites, savoring the melted cream with relish, his face radiating pure happiness.

Lin Shunan also held an ice cream bar, feeling the long-lost, refreshingly cool and sweet sensation. Looking at her old classmates chatting and laughing, sharing the coolness and sweetness, she wore a calm and deep smile of satisfaction.

The accordion on his back reflected a warm and tranquil luster in the glow of the sunset.

The icy soda with its orange-flavored sweetness and the creamy ice cream completely dispelled the last trace of summer heat and the fatigue from the singing exercise.

Everyone sat casually on the floor or stools in the music room, or leaned against the dusty instrument cabinets, enjoying this rare coolness, sweetness, and leisure.

The golden rays of the setting sun flowed in gently, casting long, long shadows of everyone on the floor.

The air seemed to still carry the stirring melody of the accordion, the lingering notes of the song, the smell of sweat, and the sweet aroma of cream.

As dusk gently spread, the twilight, like a light veil, gradually enveloped the campus.

"What a happy day!" Feng Xianghong leaned against Xie Feiyang's shoulder, gazing at the deepening blue sky outside the window, and exclaimed sincerely, her tone full of heartfelt satisfaction.

"Yeah, it's been so long since I've felt this good! It's like going back to the old days!" Wu Kai licked the last bit of popsicle wood, still wanting more.

"We must get together more often when we have the chance! It's a promise!" Xie Feiyang grabbed Feng Xianghong's hand, his gaze sweeping over everyone with unwavering enthusiasm.

“Yes! Let’s have more gatherings! Let’s hold it here in Shunan! It’s small, but it’ll be lively!” Wu Hongtao shouted as if making a decision, his voice regaining its former booming quality.

"You're welcome anytime, as long as you don't mind." Lin Shunan's voice was clear and sincere, filled with unprecedented cheerfulness and confidence, as she looked at everyone with open eyes.

Lin Jianyue ate the last bit of ice cream in small bites, listened to everyone's enthusiastic promises, felt this warm sense of belonging, and a small, secret expectation welled up in her heart.

She stole a glance at Yang Guangming's still clear and strong profile in the twilight, and her heart skipped a beat.

The last golden-red rays of the setting sun disappeared completely into the horizon, leaving the deep blue sky to hang low.

Everyone carefully tidied up the items in the music room, put the scattered instruments back in their places, carefully checked that the doors and windows were closed tightly, the water and electricity were turned off, locked the door, and solemnly handed the key back to Old Zhang, the doorman, thanking him again.

The group left the quiet campus and merged into the bustling streets where the lights were just coming on.

Bicycle bells jingled, and a distant news broadcast blared from a loudspeaker. At the familiar alleyway entrance, everyone said their goodbyes.

"Goodbye Guangming!"

"Shunan, see you at the factory tomorrow!"

"Xiang Hong, Jian Yue, be careful on the road!"

"Hong Tao, Wu Kai, Yan Jun, goodbye!"

Xie Feiyang strode forward, with Feng Xianghong and Lin Jianyue walking on either side of him.

Lin Jianyue took a few steps and couldn't help but look back. Dusk was falling, and Yang Guangming was still standing at the entrance of the alley, his figure as straight as a pine tree, whispering something to Lin Shunan, probably his final words of advice.

He seemed to notice her gaze and looked up at her as well.

Across the deepening twilight and the ceaseless flow of people and cars, their eyes briefly met in the air.

Lin Jianyue's heart skipped a beat, as if burned by that calm and deep gaze. She hurriedly turned around and quickly followed Feng Xianghong. The red ribbon tied to the end of her braid swayed gently in the evening breeze, like a flustered little butterfly.

Yan Jun, usually an introverted man, wore a rare, relaxed smile as he quietly said goodbye to Wu Kai beside him.

Wu Hongtao strode onto his slightly worn "Forever" bicycle, rang the bell, and waved vigorously towards Yang Guangming and Lin Shunan: "Let's go! See you next time! Shunan, don't let your zither rust!"

After saying that, his figure quickly disappeared into the traffic lights and bustling streets.

In the twilight at the alley entrance, only Yang Guangming and Lin Shunan remained.

"Ming-ge, thank you so much for today." Lin Shunan looked at Yang Guangming, her tone solemn, her eyes filled with gratitude and a sense of renewed hope.

Yang Guangming reached out and patted his shoulder firmly, his touch steady: "No need to thank me. We're just happy to see you like this. Go back and get some rest; you have work tomorrow."

"Okay!" Lin Shunan nodded vigorously, a relaxed smile on his face after a long period of heaviness, his eyes bright. "Ming-ge, take care on your journey too, be careful on the road."

Yang Guangming nodded without saying anything more, turned around, and with steady and powerful steps, his tall figure quickly disappeared into the dimly lit, quiet street at the end of the street.

Lin Shunan stood still, taking a deep breath of the cool night air, carrying the lively atmosphere of the alleyways.

He looked up at the deep blue night sky above the alley, cut by the lights of each house and the black-tiled roofs; then he looked down at his fingers, which still tasted of creamy ice cream. The smile on his lips widened, spreading from the bottom of his heart until his whole face brightened.

He straightened his habitually slightly hunched back, feeling an unprecedented sense of ease and strength.

He turned around and walked briskly and firmly into the depths of the alley, toward his low, narrow but no longer cold and lonely attic room.

(End of this chapter)