Reborn in 1977

Chapter 547: A Glorious and Arduous Task

The next day, Chen Fan wrote out the management regulations for the correspondence course in literary creation, as well as the methods for selecting literary award winners. He especially emphasized the key points of vigorously promoting "advanced works" after the winning works were selected, and then ran to the provincial Writers Association to hand them over to He Qingsheng.

He Qingsheng took the two drafts and immediately buried himself in reading them.

He also didn't forget to fulfill his promise, casually pointing to the corner of the wall, "The cigarettes are in that cabinet, help yourself."

Chen Fan went over and took a look, silently stacked a case of Baijinlong cigarettes and a case of Feitian Moutai liquor together in a low cabinet in the corner, picked them up, buried his head, and rushed out.

He Qingsheng only felt a dark shadow rush out. He looked up in astonishment, looked at the empty doorway, and couldn't help but curl his lips, "This kid, he left without even saying hello. Could it be that he's afraid I'll go back on my word?!"

Shaking his head and smiling, he was about to continue reading the manuscript when he habitually looked back at the low cabinet.

The cabinet door was open, and it was empty???

The next second, He Qingsheng came back to his senses, jumped up and rushed to the window, just in time to see Chen Fan putting two boxes into the trunk. He was immediately so angry that he jumped and cursed, "You brat, leave some for me, those are useful! Hey, hey, hey, are you still loading? If you have the ability to rob, then don't come back!"

In the compound of the government office, Chen Fan smiled and waved to the surprised crowd, while pulling the door open and getting into the car, saying, "Hello everyone, are you all busy? Then keep busy, see you later."

As soon as he finished speaking, the car sped out, followed by a scolding voice and a burst of laughter.

...

Chen Fan drove back, not stopping at the prefectural committee, but driving directly to the cargo wharf and changing to a small yacht to return to Lujiawan.

In the brigade headquarters, he was in his shirtsleeves, not even wearing a jacket, sitting on the bench by the window, putting on a look as if he had died and wasn't buried, to show how tired he was from running around these past two days.

Unfortunately, no one paid him any attention.

Everyone was gathered around the desk, looking at the approval form.

Secretary Yang grabbed Zhang Wenliang's arm and asked with hopeful eyes, "With this, we can sign a contract and earn foreign exchange?"

Zhang Wenliang half-understood, "It should be, right?"

He looked around, "By the way, where's Old Chen?"

Then he saw Chen Fan pretending to be dead on the bench, immediately picked up a pack of cigarettes and threw it over, "Get up."

Chen Fan grabbed the cigarettes, took one out and put it in his mouth, took out a lighter and lit it, "What?"

He didn't even open his eyes from beginning to end.

Zhang Wenliang, "Go sign the contract with that little Japanese! Otherwise, what's the use of you running to the provincial capital to get this thing?!"

Chen Fan didn't move at all, "Didn't you see that I'm already exhausted? Brother, this is running to the provincial capital, it's very tiring..."

Xiao Liewen directly interrupted him, "Tired my ass, your skills are now greater than your several masters, especially after learning Old Zhang's Taoist skills. Practicing that thing, you won't necessarily be tired even if you don't sleep for three days and three nights. You just want benefits, wait."

After speaking, he strode out.

Chen Fan opened one eye and looked, his eyeballs turned, and he saw four pairs of eyes staring at him, and quickly closed them again.

Maybe he was uncomfortable being stared at, the next second, he finally opened his eyes, moved his body up and sat up straight, coughed, "Well, is no one going to pour me a glass of water?"

Zhang Wenliang turned around and took an enamel cup from the cabinet, poured some tea leaves into it, and then carried a thermos to pour water, his face smiling from ear to ear, "You slowly work, before signing the contract, I will serve you whatever you want. After signing the contract, we will settle the score."

Chen Fan's face stiffened, very dissatisfied, "Comrade Xiao Zhang, your attitude is very undesirable. Are you serving me now? No, you are serving a meritorious writer who earns 230,000 US dollars in foreign exchange for the country! You must correct your attitude..."

Secretary Yang pulled out a chair and sat down, smiling with his mouth wide open as if watching a peep show. Captain Zhang and Deputy Captain Ye were not much better, both with a cigarette in one hand and tea in the other, almost putting a plate of melon seeds in front of them.

Zhang Wenliang had never read many books after all, and had been the militia company commander and security director in Lujiawan for a long time. Usually, when he encountered quarrels, he would just scold a few times and it would be over. How could he argue with people?

That's right, he was choked speechless after only two sentences, and could only look at the roof in silence, laughing non-stop, and finally threw out a sentence, "I have never seen such a thick-skinned person!"

At this time, Captain Xiao walked in carrying a gun holster, "Who are you saying is thick-skinned? Little Chen? Then it's okay."

Then he threw the gun holster to Chen Fan, "Take it, and get things done quickly."

Chen Fan grabbed it in his hand, deftly opened the gun holster, grasped the gun handle and pulled out the pistol, a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes.

Hey, it turned out to be a Smith \u0026 Wesson Victory revolver produced during World War II, and it was a relatively rare 152mm long-barreled model.

He played with it in his hand for a while, then put the gun away, wrapped it around his waist together with the gun holster, and covered it with his clothes.

Zhang Wenliang's eyes were full of sourness, "I begged for this gun for a long time, but Master Xiao didn't give it to me. I didn't expect you to get a bargain."

Then his heart moved, "Hey, hey, you now have two long guns and three short guns. Can you return my Mauser pistol to me?"

Chen Fan said without hesitation, "Okay."

Zhang Wenliang widened his eyes, "Really?"

Chen Fan, "Let's compete again, and I'll give it to you if you win."

That gun was won by him in a jungle competition with Zhang Wenliang. Why should he return something he won with his own ability?!

Zhang Wenliang had a dark face and walked out with the crowd, silently muttering in his heart that this kid was not kind.

...

A group of people left the brigade headquarters, some riding bicycles, some riding horses... Only Chen Fan was riding a horse, because he only needed to sit and didn't need to move.

Riding on the horse and looking down, Chen Fan looked at the green rice fields on the left and right, and felt a little refreshed. He asked with a smile, "Does that little Japanese go to Old Gao's house every day?"

Zhang Wenliang didn't want to talk while stepping on the pedals, but since everyone here except him were elders, who else would speak if he didn't?

Then he heard Secretary Yang sigh, "Oh, this matter is not easy to handle."

He rode his bicycle without looking back, his eyes fixed on the front, and said with emotion, "I also heard some of the little Japanese's situation from Cadre Zhao. His wife and children are gone, and he's the only one in the family, almost considered a widower.

Then, he built up such a large family business, but no one inherited it. So this time he came to find relatives, just to inherit the incense for his family. Speaking of which, his heart is quite sincere.

These past two days, he has also been staying at Old Gao's house. Old Gao has almost forgotten his Japanese, but his wife can still say a few words. They chatted a bit, stumbling, all about old things from early years."

Chen Fan nodded thoughtfully, "So his wife should be thinking of going back with them?"

He also thought of the Little Gao who was rolling on the ground, turned his head and asked, "What about Little Gao? Has his attitude changed?"

Secretary Yang pursed his lips and shook his head, "That kid is very stubborn. If it weren't for the fact that he has to go to school during the day, the little Japanese wouldn't dare to go to his house. According to Cadre Zhao, they leave immediately every time they hear the school bell. If Little Gao sees them, he will take a kitchen knife to hit the Japanese."

Chen Fan's eyes and mouth twitched together. If Takahashi Hideo was really slashed by Little Gao, that would really be filial piety to death.

Captain Zhang continued from where Secretary Yang left off, saying, "You guessed Old Gao's wife's attitude somewhat correctly. Anyone with eyes can see she's a little tempted, but the key is she doesn't have the final say at home.

As for Old Gao, his attitude is neither too close nor too distant. He goes to work as usual during the day, and when he sees his uncle at home, he greets him and exchanges a few words, but he just won't budge.

If this continues, I don't know how long it will drag on."

Chen Fan looked at them. "Doesn't the brigade headquarters have any opinions?"

Secretary Yang snorted. "What opinions could we have? Should we stop them from reuniting as a family, or should we encourage Old Gao to join the Japanese?"

Chen Fan, riding on his horse, was expressionless. Fine, you've said everything I could say, both directly and indirectly. What else can I say?

It's still quite a distance from Team 5 to Team 10. Even riding as fast as possible, it takes almost half an hour to get there.

If Gaoqiao Yingfu and his group hadn't brought a car, meeting every day would be a hassle.

Finally arriving at Old Gao's house in Team 10, Zhao Junhui was the first to rush over when he saw Chen Fan, looking up at him. "Did you get it done?"

Chen Fan pointed to Secretary Yang. "It's done, it's in his bag."

Zhao Junhui quickly flashed to Secretary Yang's side. Secretary Yang stopped his bicycle, took out the approval document, and handed it to him. "Can we sign the contract today?"

"Yes!"

After uttering a single word, he flashed back to Gaoqiao Yingfu's side.

Gaoqiao Yingfu was talking to Old Gao's wife. After these two days of practice, she could already speak some everyday language fluently. After all, she was already 16 years old when she was captured, almost an adult, so it was impossible for her to forget her mother tongue.

Old Gao, on the other hand, was only about ten years old at that time. Logically, he shouldn't have forgotten his mother tongue so quickly, so Chen Fan suspected he just didn't want to speak it.

Language is something that you really can't speak when you don't want to.

Gaoqiao Yingfu and Zhao Junhui had a brief exchange, and then he looked at the document he had brought... actually, he couldn't understand it, and he didn't care.

He then asked his assistant to take out several copies of the contract and handed them to Chen Fan with both hands. "Mr. Chen, this is the publishing agreement, please take a look."

Chen Fan took it and read it very carefully.

There was nothing to say, it was just an ordinary publishing agreement. Besides the conditions Gaoqiao had mentioned before, it only stated that the publishing house only had the right to publish the Japanese version, and the distribution scope was limited to the Japanese region. Compared to the signing contracts he had seen when he wrote books on online platforms, it was a million times more conscientious.

He immediately took the pen from Zhang Wenliang's hand and signed his name with a flourish.

That wasn't enough.

Japanese contracts generally require a "seal," which is a personal stamp. Some people there even have more than a dozen different seals, used for different occasions. I don't know what they're thinking?

If there is no seal, you have to press your fingerprint.

Chen Fan didn't want to press his fingerprint, and his seal had also been registered at the police station, so he took his Tianhuang stone seal and stamped it on it.

Even Gaoqiao Yingfu, who had hundreds of millions of yen in assets, was stunned. The texture of this Tianhuang stone could be sold for at least 5 million yen in Japan, which is more than 20,000 US dollars.

Moreover, this top-quality Tianhuang stone could be auctioned off, and if it met a wealthy enthusiast, it might sell for 50,000 US dollars or even higher.

Such an expensive thing was carried around as a personal seal?

He wasn't sure for a moment if all the writers here were so rich?!

If Chen Fan knew what he was thinking, he would definitely say that although there wasn't such a quality of Tianhuang stone in Rongbaozhai in Beijing, ordinary quality ones were displayed and sold casually, as long as it was about 30 yuan per gram, welcome to visit.

In 1986, Rongbaozhai purchased a "Tianhuang King" weighing 4275 grams from the Tianhuang stone producing area in Shoushan Township, Fuzhou, at a high price of 135,000 yuan. The stone was diamond-shaped, loquat yellow, crystal clear, and warm as jade.

If converted into unit price, each gram was 31.5 yuan. This was the purchase price, and if it was to be sold, it would generally be 40 yuan per gram.

But they didn't sell it, they kept it in the store as a treasure.

Compared to the price at that time, the current Tianhuang stone was not as expensive as it would be in a few years, but it was not too low, after all, this thing has always been "more expensive than gold", it is impossible to sell it cheaply.

Moreover, the seal in Chen Fan's hand was a top-quality pure yellow jelly stone, which was much higher in quality than that "Tianhuang King". Not to mention the future, even if it was placed now, this seal of about 188 grams, even in China, you don't even have to think about it without 20,000.

So Gaoqiao Yingfu's estimate was not too far off.

It's just that he underestimated the "actual exchange rate".

If calculated according to the black market price, this Tianhuang stone is definitely worth more than 200,000.

Chen Fan also went to Rongbaozhai to learn about the value of his seal. Of course, he had no intention of selling it at all, he was just waiting to use it to show off in front of people in the future.

Well, last time when I was in Rongbaozhai, I used this thing to stamp, and I showed off a lot, especially Manager Hou of Rongbaozhai, who was very envious.

Under Gaoqiao Yingfu's eager gaze, Chen Fan slowly put the seal into the small wooden box, put it in his homemade leather pocket, and then put it in his pocket, and said slowly, "Mr. Gaoqiao, please forgive my directness, I wonder when the payment can be made after signing the contract?"

Gaoqiao Yingfu came back to his senses and immediately said solemnly, "Yesterday I sent a telegram to China to arrange the payment. I will go to the post office to send a telegram again later to send the payment information. The payment can be made as soon as tomorrow.

But the specific time when it can be credited depends on the processing speed of the bank and your side."

Chen Fan glanced at Zhao Junhui and saw him nod slightly, then he smiled with satisfaction, "Thank you, thank you, I believe this cooperation will be the beginning of our long-term cooperation."

Gaoqiao Yingfu didn't know what he was thinking, but his face was full of smiles, and he bowed slightly and said, "It should be so."

Then he arranged for his assistant to send a telegram to China, and Zhao Junhui naturally followed him to go together, leaving the two of them behind.

Seeing that the contract was signed, Secretary Yang and the others also decisively withdrew, without even calling out to Chen Fan.

Chen Fan was about to lead his horse when Gaoqiao Yingfu stepped forward, bowed with an apologetic face, and said in a low voice, "Mr. Chen, I'm very sorry, I want to ask you for a favor."

Chen Fan turned around and looked at him, with a hint of playfulness in his eyes.

This Japanese man still knows how to behave. He didn't ask for his help before signing the contract and arranging the payment, but waited until after the matter was completed before making a personal request, so as to avoid being misunderstood as an exchange or even coercion.

Seeing that Chen Fan didn't say anything, Gaoqiao Yingfu seemed a little nervous, but he still took a deep breath and continued, "I know it's very presumptuous, but I really have no other way now. Yangyi, oh, that is Gao Yang, although he is not too repulsive, he is still unwilling to have any communication with me.

And Jianguo..."

Speaking of this grand-nephew's name, Gaoqiao Yingfu always felt a little awkward, but he also knew that this name was very common in China, so he didn't have any other ideas.

He continued, "And Jianguo, he doesn't even want to see me. But they are, after all, my only relatives in this world. I know my brother committed an unforgivable mistake, but please be sure to believe that he did not personally harm anyone..."

Chen Fan waved his hand, "There's no need to say that, there's no need. Just tell me directly, do you want me to persuade the two of them to go back to Japan with you?"

Takahashi Hideo lowered his head even further, "I dare not make such a presumptuous request, but I only hope that Mr. Chen can mediate and allow them to sit down and peacefully listen to a few words from me. If that happens, I will be eternally grateful."

Chen Fan looked at him in surprise, not expecting him to be so aware of his limitations.

But then again, if he didn't have some self-awareness, he wouldn't have been able to turn a small paper-making workshop into a publishing group company.

This request was indeed not excessive.

Chen Fan nodded, "Alright, I agree."

Takahashi Hideo was overjoyed and bowed ninety degrees, "Thank you very much."

… …

Old Gao was still at work, and Chen Fan didn't want to wait. Although the team would be finishing work soon, he still asked a neighboring aunt to help him call Old Gao back.

Besides, he didn't want to directly help Takahashi Hideo with this matter. Instead, he wanted to ask Old Gao for his own thoughts first.

If Old Gao had any thoughts of returning to Japan, even if it was just to take a look, Chen Fan wouldn't mind giving him a push.

If he had no such thoughts at all, then Chen Fan didn't want to help with the mediation. He would just have Old Gao make things clear and put an end to Takahashi Hideo's thoughts.

… …

When Old Gao returned, Chen Fan said directly, "It's not a solution for them to always be here. Haven't you seen people pointing and whispering behind your back? If you don't make a decision, many people in the team will think you're going to Japan."

Old Gao, who had been lowering his head, immediately looked up, "Then I won't go. I'll tell them all to leave."

He said this loudly. Takahashi Hideo, who was not far away, immediately changed his expression. The villagers watching the excitement in the distance also heard it clearly and couldn't help but look over, still discussing in low voices.

Chen Fan grabbed Old Gao, who was about to leave, and looked at him, asking, "I know you don't want to go, but are you really not curious about your hometown at all?"

Old Gao moved his lips a few times, but finally lowered his head and said softly, "I left my hometown when I was 5 years old, and my memories are already very vague. I only remember my grandparents' small courtyard and the little uncle who played with me. Now I can't even remember their faces anymore. So when my uncle came, I really wanted to go back and take a look.

My uncle said that my grandparents are no longer alive, and I also want to go back to pay respects to them and see the small house where our family used to live."

Speaking of this, Old Gao sighed deeply, "But, Xiaoguo won't go."

Before his uncle came, he had no elders or relatives, only a son. This son was his lifeline. Even if he wanted to go back, he wouldn't disappoint his son.

Chen Fan frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and said, "If Xiaoguo has no objections, do you want to settle in Japan?"

Old Gao raised his head and smiled with difficulty, "That won't happen, because I know that place is not suitable for me."

He slowly raised his head and glanced around, "I came to China when I was 5 years old, and I have been here since I was 8 years old. If I leave here and settle in Japan, not to mention anything else, I just can't adapt to speaking the language."

He turned to look at Chen Fan, with a hint of a smile on his face, "I've forgotten how to speak Japanese. I can only speak Yunhu dialect. How can I settle in Japan?"

Chen Fan nodded lightly, took a deep breath, and then said, "I admire your choice, but there is a real problem…"

Before he could finish speaking, Old Gao nodded and said, "I know, there is no one else in my uncle's family. He wants Xiaoguo to inherit the Takahashi family. If I want to come back, he won't stop me, but he will definitely try to keep Xiaoguo in Japan."

He said, raising his head to look at Chen Fan, "But that's even more impossible, because Xiaoguo will not agree at all. He won't even go."

Chen Fan looked at him in surprise and smiled, "Captain Su and the others said you were simple-minded, but I don't think you're simple at all. On the contrary, you're very smart."

Old Gao smiled and lowered his head again, without saying a word.

If he acted very smart, would the villagers still affectionately call him Old Gao?

His wife, in order to protect him, clearly had a cleanliness obsession, but she made herself covered in mud every day. Perhaps even she had forgotten what she used to look like when she was clean.

When you are in a foreign land and living under someone else's roof, if you don't show weakness, are you waiting to be ostracized?

Only in front of Teacher Chen, who was "fair, generous, and kind" and had saved Xiaoguo, could he reveal some of his true feelings. He really didn't dare to do so in front of others.

Chen Fan naturally guessed his intentions, but just shook his head gently, without saying anything else.

Old Gao was certainly not easy, but what about those innocent people who died tragically?

It wasn't like he had invited him here.

Anyway, he couldn't bring himself to say words of comfort.

After a few seconds, Chen Fan changed the subject, "Is it true that as long as you get Xiaoguo to agree, you would be willing to go to Japan with your uncle?"

Old Gao thought for a moment and nodded lightly, "Yes."

Then he quickly said, "But I will still come back."

Chen Fan waved his hand, "If your uncle insists on keeping Xiaoguo there, would you agree or disagree?"

This time, Old Gao's face was full of entanglement. After a long time, he sighed and said, "Emotionally, I don't want to agree, but the living and educational conditions in Japan are indeed better, and my uncle is a capitalist, with enough resources to support his studies. For Xiaoguo's future… so, I don't know what to do."

After listening to his words, Chen Fan understood his thoughts. After a couple of seconds, he waved his hand and said, "Go to the school and bring Xiaoguo back. I'll say a few words to him."

Old Gao was stunned and looked at him in surprise, but didn't say much. He turned and walked towards the school on the top of the slope.

A few minutes later, he returned, holding his son's hand.

Gao Jianguo saw Chen Fan, his face full of smiles. He ran over happily, "Hello, Teacher Chen."

When he ran closer, Chen Fan squatted down to look at him, then waved for Old Gao to leave.

After looking around again, there was no one nearby. The people watching the excitement were all in the distance, and the nearest Old Gao was more than ten meters away. He whispered to Gao Jianguo, "Gao Jianguo, have you seen 'Sparkling Red Star'?"

Only ten years old, Gao Jianguo's face changed. He didn't understand why Teacher Chen was asking this, but he still nodded obediently, "I've seen it."

Chen Fan smiled and continued to ask, "Have you heard of the names Wang Erxiao, Zhang Ga, and Pan Dongzi? Do you know the story of the underground organization?"

Gao Jianguo nodded with a serious face, "I've heard of them. I know their stories, and I've also seen many stories of underground organizations. They are all heroes."

Chen Fan put one hand on his shoulder and said sternly, "That's right, they are all heroes.

Now, there is a mission to be given to you. If you accept the mission, you must keep it a secret and not tell anyone, until the mission is completed. Then you will also be a hero.

Are you willing to accept this mission?"

Gao Jianguo's eyes widened instantly, and the light in his eyes burst out. He nodded repeatedly, "I am willing!"

Chen Fan smiled with satisfaction, "Good, I will now give you a glorious and arduous task. Listen carefully…"