Chapter 32: The Birth of a Literary Youth

Not only was Lou Yanhua stunned by Liu Weidong’s performance, but even Lou Yanru sat there with her mouth agape.

Could Liu Weidong actually play the accordion? And write his own songs too?

Where did he come up with such poetic lyrics and such a graceful, moving melody?

"Wow... Brother-in-law, did you really write this song? The lyrics and the composition are absolutely brilliant—better than anything I’ve heard on the radio."

"Ahem, ahem..."

Lou Yanhua gave her brother-in-law a bear hug, clinging to him like an octopus, which left Liu Weidong blushing furiously.

"Let go of me first. This isn't something I wrote; it’s clearly your creation. If this song becomes a hit, you’ll be famous. When the radio station interviews you, don’t go and tell them you don’t even understand your own lyrics."

"Brother-in-law, is this song for me? You want me to use it for my professional exam? You’re so kind, but... but how could I possibly have that kind of talent?"

"You're already losing your nerve before you've even started? You want to take an arts exam with that attitude? If you don’t know how, your brother-in-law will teach you. Anyway, there’s no hope for your academic studies, so you might as well try a different path."

Liu Weidong took a piece of paper and jotted down the lyrics and the melody. Instead of using a formal staff, he used numbered musical notation. Lou Yanhua watched as he casually produced a song, covering her mouth in disbelief.

"Weidong, when did you learn to play the accordion? And how do you know how to read music? How come I didn't know about this?"

"This... I spent some time hanging out with the commune propaganda team, didn't I? You have to learn to read music to sing the model operas. Yanhua, hurry up and memorize the lyrics and melody. Sing it whenever you can; at the very least, you must truly understand the meaning of the song. Also, if the examiners ask what the song expresses, just tell them it represents praise for a beautiful life and hope for the country’s prosperity and strength."

What was clearly a song about love was forced by Liu Weidong into a patriotic anthem.

Lou Yanhua’s face was filled with admiration, but the jealousy on Lou Yanru’s face was quite obvious. Even though it was her own sister, seeing Liu Weidong write a song for her made Lou Yanru feel uncomfortable.

"Sister-in-law, you sleep in the small room tonight and study the lyrics and music. Your sister and I have things to discuss."

This time, Lou Yanhua didn’t argue. She smilingly grabbed her quilt and went to the west room, closing the door behind her.

"Yanru, you’re different from Yanhua. You will definitely get into university. But I suggest you apply to the Literature Department. After 1980, our country’s cultural market will flourish. The most sought-after people will be writers and poets."

"How do you know all this? Did you go out and see the future? Are you a prophet?"

Lou Yanru was still brimming with jealousy. Liu Weidong hurried to fetch a basin of warm water to wash his wife’s feet.

Lou Yanru’s expression softened just a little.

"I never realized you were so capable. It’s only been a few days, and Yanhua’s eyes light up every time she looks at you. Aren't you afraid the girl will fall for you?"

"What nonsense are you spouting? That’s your own sister! I’m just being nice to Yanhua to make you look good in front of your mother. I have a rural household registration and no university degree, but I have substance and culture. With your father and Yanhua’s support, even if your mother tries to force us to divorce, she won't be able to say a word, will she?"

"You’re just full of schemes. Was what you said earlier truly your own idea?"

Liu Weidong sat on the edge of the *kang* and put his own feet into the washbasin.

"It’s the law of economic development. Didn't you study political economy? Economic takeoff and cultural revival go hand in hand. The decade of turmoil twisted and suppressed too many emotions in our people; once released, the energy will be astonishing. If I can write songs for your sister, I can naturally write novels and scripts for you. Becoming a writer for the Federation of Literary and Art Circles is better than being a teacher."

Their feet splashed around in the basin, spilling water all over the floor. Lou Yanru’s face gradually flushed red, and her anger slowly dissipated.

Liu Weidong had been pulling off one astonishing stunt after another lately, and Lou Yanru had grown numb to it. The man before her was indeed her husband, yet she felt increasingly like he was a stranger, even developing a strong sense of inferiority. She almost missed the old, smelly man who used to curse after drinking and climb onto the *kang* without washing his feet. To her, that man felt more real.

"What are you thinking about?" Seeing Lou Yanru lost in thought, Liu Weidong couldn't help but ask.

"Nothing much. I just feel like the gap between us is getting wider. Before, you relied on me for everything, but now I don't even have a chance to offer a suggestion. You’ve arranged everything, and I feel like I’ve become a burden to you."

Liu Weidong’s heart skipped a beat. He realized he had indeed acted like a completely different person lately, and changing too fast wasn't necessarily a good thing.

"Yanru, you're overthinking it. Even the meat tickets I used today were given to me by Master Liu. Once you move to the city, your ration alone won't be enough for both of us. I just want to have everything properly arranged for you so that I can have peace of mind while I’m in the countryside. Once you graduate and the policies improve, I’ll move to the city too. We only have to endure these three or four years."

Lou Yanru sighed softly. Just as she was about to lean against her husband, the door was pushed open with a bang.

"Brother-in-law, Brother-in-law! Do you think this part should be sung in a folk style or with bel canto? I have some new ideas for this song..."

A perfectly good reunion night was utterly ruined by a song. In the end, Liu Weidong slept in the small room.

The next day, the two sisters went to school. Liu Weidong tidied up the house, put on his brand-new green military uniform, and left with a bag containing the cashmere yarn.

When he arrived at the commune, Liu Weidong specifically checked the bike shed, but he didn't see Li Baotian’s broken bicycle.

Was that bastard really hospitalized, or was he just faking it to get out of work? He had been a bit too heavy-handed that night.

He knocked and entered the office. When Director Ma saw it was Liu Weidong, he actually stood up with a smile.

"Weidong, you’re here? I was just about to head over to the Second Team to take a look. Among the entire commune's post-flood reconstruction efforts, your team has done the best job, and you haven't made a single demand of the commune. This is all thanks to your selfless contribution."

Liu Weidong put on a look of being flattered.

"Director, you’re too kind. I don’t have much talent; I just followed the leadership’s instructions. The flood is ruthless, but people have hearts. Strengthening ideological education and uniting to rebuild our homes—weren't those your instructions?"

"You really have a high political consciousness. No wonder Secretary Yu from the County Committee called personally to inquire about you and Lou Yanru. With Secretary Yu as your backing, your future is limitless."

"Director Ma, you’ve misunderstood. I assume my mother-in-law must have reached out to Secretary Yu regarding my wife. How could a country boy like me know such a high-ranking official? If my wife was able to get a permanent position, it’s entirely due to your impartial handling, Director Ma. I left in such a hurry I didn't buy anything, so I don't know if your wife will like this yarn."

As he spoke, Liu Weidong took the yarn out of his bag and placed it on the table. After exchanging a few polite pleasantries, he left Director Ma’s office.

Maintaining boundaries, especially with leadership, was a lesson Liu Weidong had learned from his past life in the business world.

Passing by the office for educated youth, Liu Weidong deliberately peeked inside. There was only a woman organizing files.

"Comrade, may I ask if Director Li Baotian is in?"

"Director Li? Wasn't Director Li injured and hospitalized? He’s still using crutches to walk. If you need him, you should check the health center. If he’s not at the hospital, he’s probably at home recovering."

Liu Weidong hurriedly thanked her and walked away.

"What’s going on with Li Baotian? Surely a beating wouldn't leave him on crutches? Could there be something else going on here?"