1978: Female educated youth, don’t want an illiterate husband

The political commissar also realized what was happening and laughed heartily to smooth things over, saying, "Well done! Comrade Gong Xue! You have made a great contribution to our regiment and to the entire army's literary and artistic front!"

"The film you participated in won the highest international award, and you deserve a share of that honor!"

"I'll give you a good commendation later! The whole regiment should learn from you, learn from your... humble, prudent, and unassuming style!"

The political commissar's words elevated Gong Xue's low profile to the level of his work style!

The others echoed this sentiment, and the way they looked at Gong Xue completely changed.

Before, I might have just thought she was pretty, hardworking, and aloof. Now, I feel admiration, envy, and curiosity towards her!
And a subtle sense of distance when facing legendary participants!

Surrounded by this sudden atmosphere of attention and praise, Gong Xue felt even more uncomfortable than on the Cannes red carpet!

She wasn't used to being the center of attention, especially when that attention wasn't directed at her dance.

It was because she participated in a movie, which happened to be a huge success!
She instinctively took a half step back, her back pressed against the cold barre, barely managing to steady herself!

"Commander, Political Commissar!" Gong Xue finally spoke, his voice not loud, but it calmed the noise slightly. "I just did what I was supposed to do!"

"The success of the movie is mainly due to Xue Min and the crew. I...I want to go practice martial arts!"

She needed to escape this suffocating passion and exploration!
Dance, sweat, and movements repeated hundreds of times—that's the world she knows and can control!
Commander Wang gave her a deep look, nodded, regained his usual dignified demeanor, and said to everyone, "Alright! Disperse! Time to practice your skills!"

"Comrade Gong Xue's achievements are a good thing, but achievements represent the past! The August 1st performance tour is a challenging task, and no one is allowed to slack off! Everyone, get moving!"

The crowd reluctantly dispersed, but the whispers and the various glances directed at Gong Xue did not cease!
Gong Xue returned to the barre, assumed a stance, and tried to focus her attention on stretching her body and perfecting her movements.

But that slight ripple in my heart has grown into a full-blown wave!

She knew that from today onwards, her days in the troupe would probably no longer be as peaceful as before.

Asking Cheng Xuemin to write a song seems to have become... even more difficult to talk about, or rather, more complicated.

However, the promise has already been made!

She promised the leader she would go and ask!

The next afternoon, Gong Xue took half a day off, changed out of her sweat-soaked training clothes, quickly took a shower in the public bathroom, and changed into a clean white short-sleeved shirt and dark blue trousers.

The shoes she was wearing were new leather shoes that Cheng Xuemin and Feng Jiayou had given her when she was in Hong Kong!
The entrance to Yanying Factory was indeed more lively than usual, with people coming and going all looking on with immense pride and excitement.

The topics of conversation always revolved around the Eastern Depot, Director Cheng, the Golden Palm, and fifty million US dollars.

Upon arriving at the office building where Cheng Xuemin's office was located, and just as we reached the second floor, we heard a heated argument coming from the end of the corridor. We could vaguely hear words like "Nonsense!" "Irresponsible!" "This is having a terrible impact!" and "We want to see Director Cheng!" The voices were agitated.
Gong Xue paused for a moment, his heart tightening slightly!
She tiptoed to the corner of the stairs and saw several people standing in the corridor outside Cheng Xuemin's office.

Two of the older men, who looked like officials, were talking to Liu Xiaoli, the secretary who was blocking the doorway. They were very emotional and their faces were flushed.

Liu Xiaoli stood blocking the office doorway, a slightly forced smile on her face, but her eyes were full of helplessness and determination.

"Teachers, Director Cheng is really busy and has important work to attend to."

"How about this? You two leave your contact information, or briefly explain the situation to me, and I'll pass it on as soon as Director Cheng is done..."

Liu Xiaoli tried her best to remain polite, raising her voice slightly in an attempt to drown out the other person's voice.

"Busy? What is he busy with? Is he busy figuring out how to hide the award-winning film?" An elderly man with gray hair and glasses said, his voice trembling with anger.

With a finger almost poking Liu Xiaoli's nose, he questioned, "We are from the Theory Department of China Film Corporation! We have the responsibility and the right to care about this work that represents a historic breakthrough for Chinese cinema!"

"He just decides to seal it up like that? Did he ask for the opinions of our comrades? Did he ask for the opinions of film workers across the country?"

"This is an extremely irresponsible attitude towards one's career! It's a waste of honor! It's a disregard for the audience!"

"We must talk to him in person! We won't leave until we see him today!"

"Yes! We must get an explanation! We can't let this kind of disorganized and undisciplined behavior continue!"

"Young people, you get cocky after achieving a little success. Do you have any respect for your seniors? Do you have any respect for the organization?"

Another middle-aged man wearing glasses and with a serious expression chimed in, his voice loud enough to echo in the corridor!
Gong Xue understood!

This is yet another wave of questioning and pressure following the news that the film screening was self-censored.

Looking at the two agitated China Film executives, and then at the tightly closed office door, she could imagine the situation the person inside was facing.

He did not choose to compromise or confront head-on, but instead used an almost resolute approach to temporarily suspend all the disputes.

But this clearly touched a nerve with many people, making them feel uneasy and even angry.

She didn't go over, but stood quietly in the shadows at the corner of the stairs, leaning against the cold wall, waiting!

About ten minutes later, the two seemed to realize that they would not be able to see Cheng Xuemin today. Only after Liu Xiaoli pleaded with them and promised to convey their opinions did they leave indignantly.

They walked along, talking loudly, their voices echoing in the empty corridor.

"This is outrageous! Do you think hiding and refusing to see me will solve the problem?"

"I think he's just feeling guilty!"

"This isn't over! We're going to report this to our superiors!"

……

Once the footsteps faded away and the corridor returned to silence, Gong Xue emerged from around the corner.

When Liu Xiaoli saw her, she visibly breathed a sigh of relief, and a genuine yet tired smile appeared on her face: "Sister Gong Xue, you're here!"

"Teacher Cheng is with the old factory director. Look over here... they just saw off a group of people!" She lowered her voice, with a hint of complaint and helplessness. "These past few days haven't been peaceful!"

"Interviewers, people inviting me to give reports, people discussing cooperation, and others like those who just came to...talk about it!"

"Teacher Cheng instructed that he should stay with the old factory director for some peace and quiet, and block everyone except for very important work-related communications."

"Sister Gong Xue, you're one of us! I'll go get Teacher Cheng right away!"

Gong Xue nodded, indicating his understanding.

He then asked, "Is he available now? Should I go see him directly?"

"I have something to do, I'll leave right away, I won't take up too much of his time!"

"It's convenient, very convenient! It will definitely be convenient for him if you come." Liu Xiaoli said with a smile, her smile carrying a familiarity with Gong Xue and a subtle implication that his mood would be better if you came.

He turned around and took Gong Xue to the old factory director's place!
This is Cheng Xuemin's old office. No new staff have been assigned here yet, and he's been hiding here for the past two days to keep quiet!
Liu Xiaoli gently knocked on the door and said, "Teacher Cheng, Sister Gong Xue is here!" Cheng Xuemin's voice came from inside, slightly deep but very clear through the door: "Come in!"

Gong Xue pushed open the door and went in!

The office window was open, and the late summer breeze, carrying a slightly dry heat, blew in, causing the documents and drawings spread out on the desk to rustle softly.

Cheng Xuemin was sitting behind his desk, with some documents and drawings spread out in front of him, and a pen in his hand, as if he was reviewing or drawing something.

Seeing her come in, a genuine smile appeared on his face, a smile that was both tired and relaxed. He put down his pen and stood up.

"Gong Xue, what brings you here? Please have a seat!"

He pointed to the chair next to him, and then said to Liu Xiaoli, who followed him in, "Xiaoli, could you please pour a glass of water for your sister Gong Xue?"

His voice was a little hoarse, clearly indicating that dealing with those two association officials, or rather, dealing with the various pressures of the past few days, was not easy!

But when he saw Gong Xue, his gaze was gentle, even relaxed as if he were seeing a friend.

"Xuemin, I'm sorry to disturb your work!" Gong Xue sat down in the chair, took the cool boiled water that Liu Xiaoli brought him, and thanked her.

"It's alright, I can finally catch my breath!" Cheng Xuemin rubbed his temples, sat down opposite her, looked at her gently, and said, "I haven't had a proper chat with you since I got back from Cannes!"

"How are things at the troupe? I didn't see you over the weekend. Didn't you and Jiayou agree to play mahjong together?"

"It's gotten to the point where she and Zhu Lin are one player short for their game!"

Cheng Xuemin said with a smile, "!"

"It's fine. The troupe has a lot of tasks, and we practice and rehearse every day. I fell behind in my studies a while ago, so I didn't catch up on the weekend!"

Gong Xue smiled sheepishly. Playing mahjong was indeed fun, but she had also fallen behind in her studies.

If we don't take advantage of the weekend to practice more and catch up, we won't be able to explain it to the team!
Cheng Xuemin smiled and nodded, saying, "That's true! The roots of artists are still on the stage and in the rehearsal hall!"

"The excitement outside is temporary; only the skills and abilities you possess truly belong to you."

He paused, then added, "But sometimes, too much noise can be annoying, right?"

His words always managed to easily touch upon some of her inner feelings!
Gong Xue raised her eyes, looking at his slightly thinner face and the light blue under his eyes, and spoke bluntly:

"Are you... alright over there? I was at the door just now, and I think I heard..."

"It's nothing, just some differing opinions!" Cheng Xuemin brushed it off lightly, seemingly unwilling to discuss those troublesome matters further or worry her. "For anything, there will always be those who agree and those who disagree; it's normal!"

"With the movies no longer showing, some people have lost their purpose and are venting their frustrations, which is understandable!"

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and changed the subject, "But you, you didn't come here just to see me, did you? Is there something you need?"

He could tell that Gong Xue seemed to have something on his mind!

Gong Xue nodded, put down her teacup, and unconsciously twisted the side seam of her military trousers with her fingers—a small, unintentional gesture she made when she was nervous or deep in thought.

She looked up and stared directly at Cheng Xuemin, then said, "Yes! Two things. First, the troupe has assigned me a task: to perform for the August 1st troops. I'll be going south with the team to visit several military regions!"

"I might have to go for a while. I'll come over to say goodbye!"

Cheng Xuemin's eyes flickered slightly, a natural reaction when he heard that someone he knew was leaving.

He quickly regained his composure and nodded: "Going south for a performance tour? That's an important task. Fortunately, there aren't any new films in production right now. We can discuss it again later this year after your tour!"

"By the way, when are you leaving? Where are you going?"

"It'll be in the next few days. We'll wait for the regiment to notify us of the exact time! They say we're going to several military regions in the south, and it might take two or three months!"

Gong Xue replied, feeling a slight warmth in his heart from the concern in the man's tone.

"Summers in the South are hot and humid with lots of mosquitoes, and performances are tiring, so please take good care of yourself. Especially your knees, be careful with old injuries, don't push yourself too hard, and make sure to warm up before each performance."

Cheng Xuemin's tone was natural, carrying a friendly and meticulous concern.

He remembered that she had an old knee injury from dancing!

"I know!" Gong Xue felt a warmth in his heart even more; he remembered.

"The second thing..."

She hesitated for a moment, but still spoke up. The matter had been lingering in her mind for several days, and it was somewhat difficult to say it now.

So he didn't dare look at Cheng Xuemin's face and said, "Our troupe leader Wang asked me to ask you. The troupe is thinking of putting on a new program for this performance, preferably with a new song."

"I heard from the band leader that you... are very good at songwriting, and your recent new songs have received a particularly great response!"

"So, I wanted to ask you if you could... help me write a song suitable for a performance for troops?"

"The theme is the close bond between the military and the people, praising our most beloved soldiers. It should be uplifting and inspiring, ideally something the soldiers like to listen to and find easy to learn. Of course, the creative team will provide the highest possible funding for the work!"

After she finished speaking, she looked at Cheng Xuemin with some trepidation.

She herself felt that making this request at this moment was somewhat inappropriate.

He's so busy, under so much pressure, and has to deal with all sorts of things; people from China Film Group are practically blocking the entrance...

She even felt a little regretful, perhaps she should have made an excuse to decline the leader's request!
"Sure! What's the big deal? It's just a new song for a performance to comfort the troops, right?" What Gong Xue didn't expect was that her classmate from the Loess Plateau was still the same classmate from the Loess Plateau!
Without even thinking about it or hesitating for half a second, he readily agreed on the spot.

Then Cheng Xuemin asked, "When do you plan to get it? Do you have any specific ideas about the musical style?"

"Is it more like a powerful march, or something more lyrical and catchy?"

Gong Xue was indeed very surprised and delighted, and said happily, "Time is tight, so it would be best if we could get it before we leave, or before we arrive at the location and start rehearsals."

“You definitely know more about the specifics than we do!” She paused, then added, “The group leader said we’ll pay the highest possible fee for creation…”

Cheng Xuemin waved his hand, interrupting her about the writing fee: "Don't be so formal with me, talking about money will hurt our feelings!"

"Besides, when it comes to writing songs for soldiers, why talk about money!"

……

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