My era, 1979!

Chapter 122 Becomes a Symbol of Shanghai-Style Campus Culture (5.3k)

If someone were to ask students who attended Fudan University in 1979 who was the most famous student on the Shanghai campus that year, what would they say?
The answer is undoubtedly yes.

It must be Xu Chengjun.

The song "Waiting for You to Return to the North" once again elevated Xu Chengjun to a prominent position among students.

The next morning at Fudan University, before the fog had even lifted, the faint sound of a guitar drifted from the Songzhuang dormitory area.

It wasn't Xu Chengjun who played it.

It was Zhou Haibo. He listened to music on the playground for half the night last night, and this morning he was downstairs with an old guitar he borrowed from a fellow villager, playing chord progressions against a tree.

His fingers pressed the wrong string, causing him to wince in pain, but he couldn't bear to stop. Even the cleaning lady passing by stopped sweeping: "Xiao Zhou, is that the tune Xu Chengjun sang yesterday? It's so beautiful!"

"Auntie, stop praising him. His tune is so bad, not even one out of ten lines is right!" Hu Zhi pouted.

"You know nothing!"

Just as Zhou Haibo was about to continue cursing, three boys in work jackets ran over, holding cigarette packs in their hands: "Haibo, you didn't memorize all the lyrics yesterday. You and Chengjun share a room, so why don't you recite them for us a couple more times!"

The speaker was Zhao Xuejun from the Physics Department. His home is in a rural area of ​​Henan. Yesterday, when he listened to "Under the Locust Tree in the Northern Countryside," he thought of the old locust tree in front of his house and couldn't sleep in the middle of the night.

"No problem! I'll let you copy it!"

Do you need an autograph?

"Xu Chengjun's?"

"almost!"

Zhou Haibo also became a minor celebrity thanks to Xu Chengjun. Standing downstairs in Songzhuang with a guitar, he was asked for autographs by many people who didn't know Xu Chengjun.

Feeling like you're floating on air!

Cool!
This is the style of a true Beijing man!

"Almost my ass! Look at your signature, it says Xu Chengjun!"

Lin Yimin didn't indulge him at all.

Zhao Xuejun couldn't sleep no matter what he did. After carefully reading for half the night, he finally saw between the lines that the whole page was filled with the three big characters "Zhou Haibo"!
Zhou Haibo:
Just as they were getting the lyrics, a burst of laughter suddenly came from the direction of the cafeteria.

As soon as Xu Chengjun reached the cafeteria entrance, Chef Li, who was serving food, slammed his ladle into the metal bucket: "Chengjun, come on! I'll give you an extra spoonful of potato stew with meat today. My daughter is at Fudan High School. Yesterday, she heard a classmate sing your song and she came home and started making a fuss, saying she wanted to see the 'great writer who plays guitar'!"

Upon hearing Xu Chengjun's name...

The students in line immediately crowded around, some taking out pens to write in the blank spaces of their textbooks, others handing over enamel mugs: "Xu Chengjun, write on the bottom of the mug! So you don't lose it!"

Xu Chengjun took the jar with a puzzled look on his face. "This thing can be signed too, right?"
Su Manshu squeezed out of the crowd, carrying a cloth bag in her hand: "These are the multigrain steamed buns my mom made. We'll have these for lunch."

The surrounding crowd immediately erupted in cheers.

Su Manshu's roommate, Qi Yueru, shouted, "Manshu is biased!" Su Manshu blushed and shoved the cloth bag into Xu Chengjun's hand.

Unlike ordinary girls who would turn and leave, she turned to Qi Yueru and said, "It's not time for you to ask me to deliver a letter to your Brother Li, Yueru!"

"Manshu!" Qi Yueru blushed deeply.

"Let's go!"

She had only walked halfway when she turned back to look at Xu Chengjun, her almond-shaped eyes sparkling in the afternoon sunlight as she looked at his face.

Standing in the crowd, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

"Great poet, your letter hasn't arrived yet!"

Xu Chengjun held the warm cloth bag, watching her back, and couldn't help but smile.

This excitement wasn't limited to Fudan University.

Around 2 PM, a bicycle suddenly appeared at the school gate. The handlebars bore the Shanghai Jiao Tong University emblem. The male rider, drenched in sweat, asked everyone he met, "Hey comrade, where's Xu Chengjun? His song 'Waiting for You to Return to the North' is all the rage in our department. I'm here to copy the lyrics!"

Just then, they ran into Chen Yang, who was on his way to the library. Chen Yang was a Chinese literature major classmate that Xu Chengjun had met in the study room. Xu Chengjun immediately patted his chest and said, "Come with me! I'll take you to him!"

Just as the two left, two more girls in blue school uniforms ran over. They were from Shanghai Normal University: "Our club president said that a student from Fudan University sang 'The Things in the South' as ​​a song, and it's really good. Let us learn it!"

Between 1972 and 1980, East China Normal University was renamed Shanghai Normal University.

Therefore, this Shanghai Normal University is not that Shanghai Normal University.

Wang Jianguo, who was passing by, noticed the lively scene at the school gate.

He was an apprentice at the Shanghai Machine Tool Factory. Today, he came to Fudan University to borrow study materials from his cousin in preparation for the college entrance examination next year.

I was taken aback by the scene as soon as I entered the school gate, and I pulled my cousin aside and asked, "Brother, who is this Xu Chengjun? Is he more famous than a movie star?"

My cousin, a senior in the History Department at Fudan University, smiled and handed him a piece of paper with song lyrics copied on it: "Take a look at this first."

Wang Jianguo took the paper and read, "In the smoke of war in southern Xinjiang, you gripped your rifle tightly," then suddenly stopped—

Although his second brother is not stationed in the south, he might be transferred there during the next rotation.

Yesterday I heard on the radio that "the situation in the south has stabilized," and I was thinking about it. Now, looking at the lyrics, my eyes suddenly welled up with tears.

"This song...was written by him?"

"you do not say!"

His cousin patted him on the shoulder. "He's an author who's published novels in Harvest magazine. He can write and sing. Who in Shanghai's student circles doesn't know Xu Chengjun these days?"

No sooner had Wang Jianguo left than a crowd gathered again in front of Fudan University's blackboard bulletin board.

The Chinese literature students copied the lyrics of "Waiting for You to Return to the North" onto the blackboard overnight, and also used red chalk to draw the two lines "There are monuments in the south, waiting for you to return to the north," with a small guitar drawn next to it.

Mr. Li, who teaches the history of modern literature, stood at the back of the crowd, holding a notebook in his hand, nodding as he read, and humming along.

He and his wife are both music lovers. After teaching for twenty years, this was the first time they had seen a student sing "Homeland" so softly yet so powerfully.

He could tell that the melody of the song had a unique charm, and that its rhythm, pitch, and melodic direction were different from the common melodic patterns in Chinese music at that time.

That's really rare!
What's even more remarkable is that the lyrics of this song have a strong narrative and realistic quality.

This will undoubtedly influence the future direction of lyric writing, prompting more lyricists and composers to pay attention to real stories and emotions in real life.

Something!

In the afternoon, the secondhand shops on Jinling East Road became even more bustling.

The owner is Lin Yimin's cousin. This morning, he just put up a sign that read "Xu Chengjun's guitar, 26 yuan a piece," and a crowd gathered around.

There were students from Fudan University, students from other schools, and even two soldiers in military uniforms, clutching their stipends: "Comrades, we're going to perform for the troops next weekend, and we'd like to buy a guitar so we can play Xu Chengjun's song!"

The shop owner was overjoyed, handing over the guitar while saying, "This is the model that Comrade Xu Chengjun played. We just received five yesterday, and now there are only two left!"

At this moment, Xu Chengjun was sitting in a Chinese literature classroom, opposite several student union officers. The atmosphere was not exactly reserved, but it carried a sense of solemnity unique to young people.

Li Xiaoyi, the head of the Arts and Literature Department, held a piece of paper in her hand and spoke in an exceptionally polite tone: "Comrade Chengjun, we would like to hold a welcome party in Xianghui Hall and would like to invite you to perform a program. Even if you are alone, just singing with a guitar is fine. The school has already agreed. Is this convenient for you?"

Just as Xu Chengjun was about to speak, Su Manshu came in from outside, holding a stack of handwritten lyrics: "I copied ten copies for you, take them."

She glanced up and saw Li Xiaoyi, her brows furrowing almost imperceptibly, but she didn't ask any questions. She simply placed the lyrics on the corner of Xu Chengjun's desk and quietly stood aside.

Su Manshu has always been like a flower on a high mountain, aloof and noble. If she can be rated 90 points in terms of temperament, then Li Xiaoyi is a rose in full bloom, bright and vibrant, with a lively energy. She can be rated 85 or 86 points, so they can be considered evenly matched.

It's somewhat threatening.

But it's only "somewhat" bad.

Xu Chengjun looked at the neatly written lyrics in his hand, then at Li Xiaoyi's expectant eyes, and nodded with a smile: "Okay, but I only know this one song, so don't complain about it being monotonous."

Why would there be a need to refuse?

University is about the experience, especially coming to this place in 1979.

If it's not dazzling, why bother coming here?
"how come!"

Li Xiaoyi immediately stood up from her chair, her tone full of excitement.

"Comrade Chengjun, even if you just play a few notes on your guitar, there will definitely be people who would love to listen!"

"That's an exaggeration!" "You have no idea, there are so many female students at Fudan University who are fans of your poetry and songs!"

As he spoke, he took out a piece of paper from his breast pocket: "Comrade Cheng Jun, could you sign this for me? I'm a fan of yours too~"

Li Xiaoyi smiled brightly, glancing sideways at Su Manshu sitting next to Xu Chengjun.

Su Manshu didn't even glance at her.

But only Xu Chengjun could hear her soft humming.

He smiled.

Then a small hand gently reached to his waist.

旋！
Xu Chengjun: ? ? ?

After everyone left, Su Manshu whispered in his ear, "Did you enjoy signing autographs? Actually, I'm a fan of yours too, Comrade Chengjun~"

The setting sun shone through the sycamore leaves outside the window, falling on Xu Chengjun.

In the autumn of 1979, a guitar and a song connected the concerns of many people. Among these concerns were the winds of southern Xinjiang, the trees of northern countryside, and countless people's longing for the "return date".

When I returned to the dorm that night, Lin Yimin ran in with his guitar, excitedly shouting, "Chengjun! My cousin said that because of you, he sold out of all his guitars this month! From now on, you're the number one folk singer in Shanghai's student circle!"

Xu Chengjun smiled and handed him a handful of spiced beans: "Don't brag, it was just a lucky coincidence."

The spiced beans were bought by the future "senior editor".

From a distant radio, someone secretly played the tune of "Waiting for You to Return to the North Village." The evening breeze carried the song, blowing through every road of Fudan University and into the hearts of everyone in Shanghai who longed for their return.

But it also brought trouble.

In 1979, "Waiting for You to Return to the North Village" was a work that "stepped the line but could be officially recognized."

There are two examples similar to "Waiting for You to Return to Beixiang".

One is "Hometown Love," which was broadcast at the end of 1979. It was criticized for its "singing style and instrumentation" and was once called "decadent music." It was vindicated after being sung again at the Spring Festival Gala in 1983.

Another example is "Goodbye, Mom," which was sung on the front lines but was banned from being performed at victory celebrations because of its expression of death and emotional tone.

This was on the third day after the song became popular.

As expected, Qi Lianshan, the secretary of the school's Youth League Committee, "summoned" Xu Chengjun for a talk in Zhang Peiheng's office.

Why are "talks" put in quotation marks?
It's easy to imagine the influence one could have in Zhang Peiheng's office.

When Xu Chengjun pushed open the door to Zhang Peiheng's office, there was also a middle-aged man who looked to be about forty years old.

"I've been waiting for you for ages, hurry up and come in."

Zhang Peiheng had a gentle expression, and in front of outsiders, he was the very responsible "senior brother" of the Zhu family!
"Let me introduce you. This is Secretary Qi Lianshan from the school's Youth League Committee."

Zhang Peiheng stepped aside to make room for him and pointed to the man sitting by the window in the room, saying, "Secretary Qi is the 'helmsman' of our school's campus culture construction. Over the years, the school's cultural and artistic activities have benefited greatly from his leadership and organization."

Qi Lianshan was sitting in a wicker chair by the window, holding an enamel mug in his hands. When he saw Xu Chengjun come in, he quickly stood up, a gentle smile on his face, and extended his hand: "Chengjun, I've heard so much about you. Professor Zhang has mentioned you before, saying that you are one of the most talented students at Fudan University in recent years. Your novels are insightful, and even your lyrics have a warmth that others don't have. Today I finally get to meet you in person."

Xu Chengjun shook Qi Lianshan's hand and smiled, "Secretary Qi, you're too kind. My abilities are all thanks to Mr. Zhu's guidance, Senior Brother Zhang's help, and the space the school gave me to tinker with these things."

Seeing Xu Chengjun's reaction, a hint of surprise flashed in Qi Lianshan's eyes. This kid.
It's so oily!
That was a flawless answer.

He neither took credit for himself nor failed to implicate leaders, seniors, and the school.

This doesn't seem like a young man who's just turned twenty. He knows how to behave better than many government officials.

Where is the spirited youth we were promised?

Zhang Peiheng also got up from behind his desk and pointed to the wooden chair next to it: "Don't stand, sit down. I know you've been feeling uneasy these past few days. I'm here today to talk to you about that song 'Waiting for You to Return Northward' and to clear things up."

His words, though seemingly casual, were actually setting the tone for Xu Chengjun.

It's not criticism, it's open discussion.

Xu Chengjun sat down helplessly.

He knew this song would likely generate discussion and debate, and if it were banned by some less enlightened authorities, there was nothing he could do. Fortunately, he was just singing it for fun and didn't rely on it for a living.

How to do?
Xu Chengjun is a student, and one shouldn't hit someone who's smiling. Secretary Qi will be useful in the future, so he should lower his stance for now.

"Secretary Qi, senior brother, this was my oversight. This song was originally written for a young soldier in my novel 'Red Silk,' and I just wanted to sing it in private to fit the occasion. I never expected it would cause trouble for the school..."

This statement acknowledges the mistake of not considering things thoroughly, without denying the emotional core of the work; it shows both attitude and leaves room for compromise.

It's about knowing how to behave appropriately when dealing with elders and superiors.

Don't fight head-on, and don't blindly follow others.

"Oh, you can't say that."

Qilianshan interrupted him and handed him a steaming cup of tea.

"You are a 'gem' of our school. The school leaders are all overjoyed to learn that our school has produced a great writer and poet!"

Qi Lianshan laughed heartily, and it was clear that, aside from being polite, he was genuinely pleased that Fudan University had produced such a talented individual.

“I heard from my daughter that these days on the Fudan campus, anyone who can’t hum a few lines of ‘Waiting for You to Return North’ is embarrassed to call themselves an artsy youth. Seriously, Chengjun, your writing and composing talent are truly among the best in Fudan in recent years. When I was in school, I didn’t have your fame or your talent.”

Xu Chengjun quickly waved his hand: "I'd be content if I could cause the school less trouble."

Zhang Peiheng: "You kid, speak properly. Secretary Qi is not an outsider; he also graduated from the Chinese Literature Department back then."

Then he looked at Qilian Mountain and said, "If you had such great talent, you wouldn't have had to suffer here!"

Qi Lianshan wasn't annoyed. Looking at Xu Chengjun, whose face was full of question marks, he smiled and said, "Speaking of which, Professor Zhang is my senior, three years ahead of me. We can barely be considered classmates!"

Xu Chengjun was stunned. Why didn't you say so earlier?
"Senior Brother Qi, if there's anything that needs to be done at our school, I can't refuse!"

Qi Lianshan and Zhang Peiheng exchanged a glance and both burst into laughter.

"Lianshan, what did I tell you? This kid has some skill with words, doesn't he?"

"I am no match for him!"

Xu Chengjun: "."

As Qi Lianshan spoke, he patted Xu Chengjun on the shoulder again. The warmth of his palm seeped through the fabric, making the leader less distant and more like an elder warmly welcoming a younger generation.

“Chengjun, don’t misunderstand. The school never intended to ban this song. On the contrary, I even mentioned it to the school leaders, saying that the song is very well written and the emotions in it are real. It expresses the thoughts of soldiers on the front lines. If we had to hide even these thoughts, it wouldn’t be like Fudan University.”

"The value of a university lies in its open-mindedness."

He picked up his enamel mug and took a sip of tea, then changed the subject to something more serious: "But then again, we also need to be mindful of the distinction between inside and outside. On the Fudan campus, whether it's guitar playing and singing downstairs in the dorm or small-scale cultural events in the department, you can sing as much as you want, even if it's just being passed around among students in Shanghai, it's fine. Students from Shanghai Normal University even asked me if they could invite you to sing a few lines when you visit their school, and I told them, 'As long as Chengjun is willing, the school will support you.'"

Hearing this, Xu Chengjun's smile relaxed a bit, and his tone became more lively with youthful energy: "I feel relieved to hear Secretary Qi say that. Actually, I was worried that if it spread too widely, it would lose the meaning of the song's 'private thoughts'. Singing it to the students on campus is enough, as long as they understand the hardships of the frontline soldiers."

These words made Qi Lianshan and Zhang Peiheng laugh. Qi Lianshan pointed at him and teased, "You little rascal, you can talk a good game, but why didn't you show off your songwriting skills earlier?"

After laughing, Qi Lianshan's smile faded, and his tone became more serious: "There's just one thing, Chengjun, remember this. If record companies or radio stations contact you, wanting to record this song and put it on a record for broadcast, don't rush to agree. It's not that the school is stopping you from shining, it's just that the atmosphere outside isn't quite relaxed yet. If people criticize it for being 'soft-toned' or 'too personal,' it will affect your subsequent creations. Wait until things are more relaxed, the school is even more eager than you to see your song spread further."

Xu Chengjun nodded quickly, his tone full of understanding.

You can't be inconsiderate, right? We've already gone this far, haven't we?
“Secretary Qi, I understand. You and the school are so considerate of me, how could I not know my place? If anyone from outside comes looking for me in the future, I will discuss it with you and Senior Brother Zhang first, and I will never cause any trouble for the school.”

"Hahahahaha!"

The two old men smiled at each other again.

We chatted for half a day.

Qi Lianshan suddenly changed the subject: "Chengjun, the reason I called you here today is not just because of the song 'Beishan,' but because there's something even more important—"

"The school has an idea to start a literary society. Fudan students are talented in writing and should have a platform to express themselves. We can gradually create our own student journal, like Peking University's 'Weiminghu' and Nanjing University's 'Gengyun,' becoming a symbol of Shanghai-style campus culture."

Peking University is the Beijing school, while Fudan University is the Shanghai school.

“We used to struggle because we didn’t have a storefront among the students. Now that you’re here, the school leaders think we can do it, and we can make it big.”
-
As Wang Anyi wrote in her memoir: "Those mimeographed publications were the first oasis we planted in the spiritual desert."

(End of this chapter)