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

Chapter 121, Section 120: Familiarity and Acceptance, A Gentle Summer Breeze

The August sunlight struggled to squeeze through the dusty little window, shining brightly on the simple yet spotless cement floor.

This ray of light seemed particularly dazzling because of the youthful energy filling the room, as if silently showering golden blessings upon this long-awaited, hopeful gathering.

The pavilion was low and cramped, and when eight young people squeezed in, the small space was immediately filled to capacity.

The air seemed to thicken and become scorching, yet it was also brimming with the unique clamor and vitality of youth, almost bursting out of the small space.

Lin Shunan stood in the corner, her face showing a hint of nervousness that was barely perceptible, but more so a serious effort to blend in.

He brought a kettle of boiling water from the stove outside.

On the table, several enamel mugs with the words "Red Star Shining" printed on them were lined up in a row.

He carefully pinched out a few tea leaves from the tin can by the bedside—the can had faded "Jasmine Tea" printed on it—and put them into the cup.

The tea leaves were broken and had a worn yellowish-green hue, clearly not the best quality, but it represented his greatest sincerity.

"Everyone, please have some tea... I'm sorry, we don't have much tea..." Lin Shunan's voice was soft and shy, as if she was afraid of disturbing the lively atmosphere.

"It's good enough that there's tea! Shunan, you're too kind!"

Wu Hongtao, with his loud voice, was the first to take the cup. Not afraid of getting burned, he blew two rough breaths on the rim of the cup and then took a big gulp. "Ouch, it's hot!" he grimaced and stuck out his tongue exaggeratedly.

Everyone burst into laughter. Lin Shunan's tightly clenched lips also relaxed slightly.

He pulled out a small paper packet from under the bed, opened it, and found freshly roasted pumpkin seeds, slightly yellow, emitting a rustic, caramelized aroma.

"And this... homemade roasted pumpkin seeds, everyone please try them, don't be disgusted." He held the paper package in both hands and handed it to the center of the table.

"Pumpkin seeds are great! They smell amazing!" Wu Kai's eyes lit up as if he had discovered a treasure. He immediately grabbed a handful, skillfully popped one into his mouth, and with a crisp "crack," the shell separated. He was very quick and efficient.

As Yang Guangming watched Lin Shunan's slightly clumsy yet sincere busy figure, a gentle smile appeared on his lips.

He took off his worn-out military green satchel, unzipped it, and took out a heavy, greasy paper package.

The oiled paper was soaked with dark oil stains, and a rich and domineering sweet aroma instantly filled the air, forcefully overpowering the bitterness of the tea and the roasted aroma of the pumpkin seeds.

"Shunan, bring two bowls," Yang Guangming called out, his voice low but carrying a reassuring calmness.

Lin Shunan quickly found two large, coarse porcelain bowls in the cupboard.

As the sun shone brightly, he untied the thin hemp rope binding the chestnuts and peeled off the layers of oil paper, revealing a generous amount of golden, plump, and glistening roasted chestnut kernels!
He carefully divided the chestnut kernels into two bowls, piling them high like two fragrant little hills.

"Wow! Guangming, you're really generous! Sugar-roasted chestnuts! These are really expensive! You can hardly buy them even with coupons!" Wu Kai exclaimed in astonishment, and the pumpkin seeds in his hand suddenly lost their flavor.

"Please help yourself, don't be shy." Yang Guangming pushed the bowl to the center of the table, his movements casual, as if he had just taken out ordinary fried beans.

This was like a silent signal, instantly igniting a passion for sharing.

"Come on, come on, these are the ones Xiang Hong and I brought!" Xie Feiyang couldn't wait to show off, pulling out two paper packets.

One of the packages contained about a pound of fruit hard candies printed with the words "Shanghai Yimin," in simple packaging. There was also a large package of winter melon strips wrapped in kraft paper and covered with a thick layer of white sugar icing. "The candies were a benefit from my workplace, and there were also winter melon candies made by Xiang Hong's mother. They were so sweet!"

He slammed the paper package onto the table with great force.

Not to be outdone, Wu Kai opened his canvas tool bag and pulled out a tin biscuit tin printed with peonies.

With a "click," the lid was lifted, revealing neatly arranged "Evergreen" cookies with a crumbly crust.

He then took out a small packet of dark red hawthorn slices wrapped in oil paper.

Wu Kai placed two items on the table. "These were obtained from snack coupons issued by our factory. Everyone, have a taste! These hawthorn slices are great for your appetite!"

With a gentle smile, Feng Xianghong took out a tin candy box with a double happiness symbol printed on it, and gently opened it. Inside was half a box of snow-white "White Rabbit" milk candy with a rich milky aroma.

"Jianyue insisted on giving it to me, saying it would be more fun with more people and we should share it." As she spoke, she gently nudged Lin Jianyue, who was sitting quietly beside her.

Lin Jianyue smiled, her cheeks slightly flushed, a hint of smugness in her eyes as her little secret was exposed.

Xie Feiyang casually pulled a pack of "Pegasus" cigarettes from his pocket, expertly flicked out a few, and distributed them around. Several boys accepted them, and Yan Jun silently took his, his movements somewhat hesitant.

Lin Shunan hesitated for a moment, then waved his hand shyly.

Xie Feiyang lit one himself, took a deep drag, and exhaled a faint smoke ring, his posture displaying a deliberate nonchalance characteristic of his age.

Yan Jun's canvas bag was bulging. Besides the ingredients he would need for lunch, he also pulled out a small packet containing golden-brown, crispy fried dough twists wrapped in greaseproof paper. There was also a small packet of spiced broad beans coated in salt.

"This is extra from the shop... just have some for yourself." His voice was low, carrying a hint of introverted honesty.

As if by magic, the small square table was instantly filled with a dazzling array of items:
Golden chestnut kernels, glistening fruit hard candies, snow-white White Rabbit candies, bright red hawthorn slices, crispy golden evergreen biscuits, sweet and chewy frosted winter melon strips, fragrant pumpkin seeds, shiny fried dough twists, savory and crispy spiced beans...

The colors are vibrant, the aromas intertwine, and the fragrance is so rich it's almost overwhelming.

The aroma heightened everyone's spirits.

The rustling sound of chewing chestnuts, the crisp crackling of pumpkin seeds, the rustling of unwrapping candy, and the crunching sound of biting into biscuits, all mixed with the constant laughter, filled the small pavilion to the brim, the noise almost lifting the low roof off.

Sunlight's gaze swept across the table, lingering for a moment on the pile of colorful candies.

He picked up the bag of fruit hard candies Xie Feiyang had brought, weighed it in his hand, and then looked at Lin Jianyue's half-box of White Rabbit milk candies. He had an idea in mind.

"Shunan".

He turned to Lin Shunan, who was focused on a pumpkin seed, his voice gentle yet clear, cutting through the noise:

"Grab a handful of these hard candies and go down to share them with the neighbors in the courtyard."

With so many of us chatting and laughing, it's easy to disturb their rest. Offering some candy is a small token of our appreciation, and the neighbors will be more understanding.

Lin Shunan paused in his chestnut-peeling motion. He looked up at Yang Guangming.

In the past, he would have felt embarrassed and hesitant, instinctively wanting to back down, thinking it was a troublesome matter.

But at this moment, Yang Guangming's calm eyes held unwavering trust and silent encouragement. The warmth of Master Lu's rough palm patting his shoulder downstairs still seemed to linger, and the neighbor's grandmother's affectionate "Little girl" in her soft Wu dialect still echoed in his ears.

A faint warmth, like the thawing of a stream in early spring, quietly stirred within his heart.

“Okay.” Lin Shunan didn’t hesitate for long. She put down the chestnuts, deftly grabbed two large handfuls of colorful hard candies from the paper package, and carefully held them on a clean old newspaper.

He stood up, nodded to Yang Guangming and the others, and said with a determined look in his eyes, "I'll go downstairs."

Without asking if anyone wanted to accompany him, he opened the thin, peeling wooden door and disappeared into the narrow, steep, and dimly lit stairwell.

His footsteps creaked downhill, carrying a lightness and steadiness unlike anything he had done before.

Lin Shunan's voice soon drifted up from downstairs, not loud, but clearly audible:
"Master Lu, Grandma, Brother Chen, Sister Li, Uncle Wang... Excuse me for bothering you, the students brought some candy to sweeten your mouths..."

Then came the neighbors' words of thanks, some surprised, some polite, and some warm, all tinged with a strong Shanghainese accent:
"Oh, Xiao Lin, you're too kind! Thank you!"

"Thank you, Xiao Lin! It's so kind of you to think of that!"

"You go about your business, no need to be so polite... The little girl is so sensible!"

His voice conveyed the familiarity and accepting kindness that is unique to neighbors.

The noise in the pavilion quieted down for a moment as everyone listened intently to the sounds coming from downstairs.

Wu Hongtao and Yang Guangming exchanged a glance, both seeing a relieved smile in each other's eyes.

Wu Kai clicked his tongue, nudged Wu Hongtao beside him with his elbow, and whispered, "Shu Nan is quite something. She's much more generous than when I last saw her. She's like a completely different person."

Wu Hongtao grinned, revealing a set of white teeth, and nodded vigorously, silently expressing his agreement.

A moment later, the sound of footsteps creaked and groaned again, approaching from afar.

Lin Shunan returned, her newspaper empty, a hint of relief on her face as she completed her task, and a faint blush, barely perceptible, from the warm response she received from her neighbors.

He sat back down on his little stool, picked up a few more pumpkin seeds, and his movements became much more natural and fluid.

Time flew by in the relaxed and pleasant chat.

The topics ranged from all over the world, from interesting anecdotes in the factory workshops and sights in the streets and alleys to reminiscing about embarrassing incidents from their student days, with laughter rising in waves.

Lin Jianyue listened quietly most of the time, her clear, large eyes seeming to speak volumes as she curiously observed everyone's vivid expressions.

Her gaze would linger for a few more seconds, especially when Yang Guangming spoke calmly, as if drawn by his gentle yet powerful voice and clear, logical thinking.

When Wu Kai recounted an embarrassing incident he encountered while working in sales, she couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle, her eyes curving into beautiful crescent moons.

When Yang Guangming occasionally caught her gaze, he would return a gentle smile. Lin Jianyue would then quickly lower her eyes like a startled fawn, her long eyelashes fluttering, and a faint blush rising to her fair ears.

The sun outside the window gradually climbed higher, its light streaming through the dusty glass, carrying a scorching heat. Before we knew it, it was almost noon.

"Isn't it about time?" Feng Xianghong raised her wrist and looked at the slightly worn "Magic City" brand watch. "It's time to prepare lunch."

"Yes, yes, yes! My stomach is rumbling!" Wu Hongtao was the first to respond, slapping his belly loudly with a "smack".

Everyone laughed and stood up, hurriedly gathering the remaining snacks on the table to one side, making room for the precious table space.

Xie Feiyang, Yan Jun, Wu Kai, and Feng Xianghong began taking ingredients out of their respective bags or net bags:

Xie Feiyang took out a piece of pork belly wrapped in oil paper, with alternating layers of fat and lean meat; Yan Jun took out a few bright green cucumbers with thorns; Wu Kai contributed a bag of dried black fungus and a small bag of crystal-clear Longkou vermicelli that could only be bought with coupons; Feng Xianghong took out a few ripe red tomatoes and a bunch of fresh, juicy scallions with the fresh scent of earth.

Lin Shunan was prepared, pulling out a small bamboo basket from under the bed. Inside were several round potatoes covered in mud and a bunch of tender bok choy.

He added somewhat embarrassedly, "I also prepared some beer and kvass, which I bought by queuing up early in the morning."

"Beer? Kvass? Shunan, you've thought of everything! It's just what we need in this hot weather!" Xie Feiyang raised his eyebrows in surprise and patted Lin Shunan on the shoulder.

At this moment, everyone's eyes were focused on Yang Guangming.

The roasted chestnuts he had taken out earlier were already a pleasant surprise; his military green satchel was like a treasure trove, bulging with contents, so there must be more inside. Yang Guangming smiled and picked up the satchel again. Under the expectant gazes of everyone, he reached inside once more, his movements steady and unhurried.

The first thing taken out was a long, narrow object tightly wrapped in thick oil paper.

The oiled paper was soaked with dark oil stains, and a rich aroma, a blend of strong yellow wine, spices, and meat, instantly filled the air, domineeringly overpowering all other smells and piercing straight into people's noses.

"Drunken chicken!" Wu Kai, with his keen sense of smell, immediately exclaimed, his eyes widening and his Adam's apple bobbing involuntarily.

Yang Guangming nodded and placed the heavy package on the edge of the table.

Next, he took out another equally oily package, this time round and plump. He peeled back a corner of the oil paper to reveal an enticingly colored duck skin, beneath which lay tender, pink duck meat.

“Salted duck!” This time, Feng Xianghong recognized it, her tone filled with surprise and joy.

Finally, Yang Guangming took out a heavy paper package, untied the rope, and inside were rows of deep red, glossy sausages, with alternating layers of fat and lean meat, emitting a unique cured aroma, which looked to weigh at least two pounds.

The three main dishes, like three heavy bombs, were placed steadily on the small square table.

The rich aroma of wine from the drunken chicken, the salty and savory meat from the salted duck, and the strong cured aroma from the sausage intertwine to form a mouthwatering torrent that violently assaults everyone's olfactory nerves.

The small pavilion was instantly filled with a rich and inviting atmosphere, like that of the Chinese New Year.

Everyone was shocked. Even Xie Feiyang, who was usually calm and knowledgeable, stared wide-eyed and forgot to flick the ash from his cigarette.

Wu Kai swallowed dramatically, his voice booming, "Guangming...you...you've...robbed the Nanjing Road Food Store, haven't you?"

These things... even with money, it's hard to get them without tickets! Are the connections really that strong?

His eyes were filled with disbelief as he looked at Yang Guangming.

Lin Shunan looked at the three expensive dishes that were rarely seen on ordinary days. Her lips moved, as if she wanted to say something to express her gratitude or decline, but she was speechless for a moment. She only felt a heavy feeling in her heart, yet also a warm feeling.

Yang Guangming appeared perfectly normal, as if he had simply taken out a few ordinary vegetables.

He clapped his hands, brushed away non-existent dust, and spoke in a relaxed and natural tone:

"Alright, stop standing there. It wasn't easy for everyone to get together today, and you all contributed by bringing things. Let's eat our fill at lunchtime!"
"Shunan, bring out the beer and kvass and put them on the ice... Oh, let's chill them in tap water."

He glossed over it lightly, his composure and confidence making people subconsciously stop asking questions, leaving only a heart full of joy and surging anticipation.

"Good! We'll listen to Guangming! Today we'll overthrow the landlords and distribute the land!" Wu Hongtao rubbed his hands excitedly, the first to respond, his voice so loud it made the windowpanes buzz.

Everyone immediately sprang into action, and the small space was filled with busy figures and the clatter of pots and pans.

Lin Shunan's small coal stove had limited firepower, so everyone spontaneously divided the work and cooperated.

Feng Xianghong and Lin Jianyue were in charge of washing and chopping vegetables. The two girls worked quickly and cooperated well. Yan Jun and Wu Kai helped Lin Shunan process the ingredients, picking and peeling the vegetables. Xie Feiyang took the initiative to queue up at the public water tap to get water.

Yang Guangming and Wu Hongtao naturally took on the task of preparing the three main dishes.

With skillful hands, Yang Guangming chopped the drunken chicken into pieces. The firm and glistening chicken meat and the golden, wine-scented jelly were incredibly tempting.
Wu Hongtao chopped the salted duck into evenly sized pieces; the glossy duck skin trembled, exuding an enticing sheen.
The sausages were sliced ​​into even, diagonal pieces by the sunlight, the deep red lean meat and the translucent fat alternating, making them quite appealing.

Lin Shunan carefully immersed six bottles of green "Bright" beer and two large cans of bulk kvass with a strong malt fermentation aroma in a large enamel basin filled with cold water to chill them.

He also specially took out several enamel plates and printed porcelain bowls from the bottom of the box that he usually couldn't bear to use.

The pork belly was cut into chunks and braised, with the wood ear mushrooms and glass noodles brought by Wu Kai added. The sauce was bubbling in the pot, with a rich color and a fragrant aroma.
Yan Jun smashed the cucumber and made it into a cold dish, drizzled with balsamic vinegar and sesame oil, making it refreshing and appetizing.
The tomatoes that Feng Xianghong brought were sliced ​​thinly and sprinkled with glistening white sugar, creating a beautiful red and white contrast.
Stir-fried bok choy is bright green and refreshing, retaining the tenderness of the vegetables;
The potatoes are cut into chunks and steamed together with slices of sausage in a steamer. The sausage oil soaks into the potatoes, giving off a fragrant and savory aroma.

In addition to the drunken chicken and salted duck brought by Yang Guangming, Yan Jun's fried dough twists were also reheated and roasted until golden and crispy.

The small square table was filled with layers upon layers of bowls and plates, leaving almost no gaps.

The colors on the table were vibrant and eye-catching: reddish-brown braised pork, bright green bok choy, golden sausage and potatoes, deep red drunken chicken, glistening salted duck, emerald green cucumber salad, red and white sugar-coated tomatoes, and crispy golden fried dough twists...

The aromas are complex and powerfully intertwined, far exceeding the scale of ordinary gatherings in this era.

What's even more remarkable is that Lin Shunan also prepared beer and kvass, which is simply a luxurious treat.

"Come on, everyone, raise your glasses!" Yang Guangming raised a glass of clear, bubbly beer, the fine foam clinging to the glass. "Let's celebrate our reunion as old classmates!"

"cheers!"

"celebrate!"

"longlive friendship!"

Everyone raised their glasses—green beer bottles, enamel mugs filled with amber-colored kvass, and glass glasses—clinking together amidst hearty laughter, overflowing with pure joy.

Yesterday's thunderstorm washed away the sweltering heat of the past few days, and today's temperature is unusually cool and pleasant.

The cicadas outside the window continued their loud chirping, but inside the pavilion, a completely different and bustling scene unfolded.

Everyone sat around the table, shoulder to shoulder. Although the space was cramped, their hearts were closer. Chopsticks flew, glasses clinked, and the atmosphere was lively and enthusiastic.

"This drunken chicken tastes amazing! The aroma of the wine permeates to the bone, and the meat is so tender!" Wu Kai picked up a piece of chicken leg with the skin on, couldn't wait to stuff it into his mouth, and praised it indistinctly, with oil dripping down the corner of his mouth.

“Salted duck is good too! The skin is crispy and the meat is tender, and the saltiness is just right, not too salty at all!” Feng Xianghong put a piece of duck breast on Lin Jianyue’s plate next to her. “Jianyue, try this.”

"Steamed potatoes with Chinese sausage, a perfect match! Oily, fragrant and sticky! Guangming, where did you get this Chinese sausage? It smells so good!" Wu Hongtao's mouth was glistening with oil as he ate, and his chopsticks reached for the Chinese sausage again.

"Shunan, this kvass tastes amazing! I think it's much better than soda! It cuts through the grease!" Xie Feiyang took a big gulp of kvass, exhaled a satisfied breath, and smelled the sweet aroma of malt.

Yan Jun didn't say much, but his chopsticks never stopped, and he wore an almost devout smile of satisfaction on his face, occasionally muttering, "Mmm, delicious." He especially liked the glistening sausage.

Lin Jianyue ate the food that Feng Xianghong had put on her plate in small bites, her eyes sparkling as if they were filled with starlight.

Her cheeks flushed slightly from drinking some kvass, like a ripe peach, delicate and juicy.

She glanced up and saw Yang Guangming calmly serving food to Lin Shunan, whispering something, probably words of encouragement. Lin Shunan nodded repeatedly, his face beaming with the joy of being recognized.

Yang Guangming seemed to notice her gaze and looked up. Lin Jianyue immediately lowered her head as if startled, her long eyelashes fluttering, her heart beating faster for no reason, and the fingertips holding the chopsticks slightly burning.

Looking at her shy expression, Yang Guangming's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile. The girl's innocence and shyness were like a gentle breeze, quietly dispelling the last trace of summer's stickiness.

Xie Feiyang and Feng Xianghong sat together, their posture intimate and natural.

Xie Feiyang would occasionally put food on Feng Xianghong's plate and ask her in a low voice if she had enough to eat and what she liked.

Feng Xianghong playfully slapped him, telling him to eat by himself and not just look after her, but the sweetness and dependence in her eyes were impossible to hide.

Once, Xie Feiyang's chopsticks accidentally touched the back of Feng Xianghong's hand. Both of them recoiled as if they had been electrocuted, glanced at each other, and then quickly looked away. Their faces flushed red. Wu Hongtao, who had sharp eyes, saw this and immediately made funny faces and started to tease them, which drew good-natured laughter from everyone.

The meal was thoroughly enjoyed, and the atmosphere reached its peak of enthusiasm.

The chilled beer and sweet and sour kvass effectively relieved the greasiness and heat, and also brought everyone closer together.

Laughter, clinking glasses, chewing, and conversation blended into a vibrant symphony that echoed through the small pavilion, lingering for a long time, as if even the walls absorbed the joy.

The cups and plates were scattered about, but I was completely satisfied.

After quickly clearing away the dishes, everyone's faces were flushed with the lazy blush of a hearty meal, and they leaned back in their chairs or against the wall.

Wu Hongtao picked his teeth, still savoring the moment, and looked around the small, crowded space, suggesting:

"After a good meal, sitting around will only make you gain weight! As usual, shall we go to school to stretch our muscles? Let's play ping-pong! There are a lot of people today, we can have a tournament!"

This proposal immediately ignited the already simmering enthusiasm of the crowd.

Table tennis is one of the most popular and widespread team activities of our time, serving both as a way to aid digestion and a competitive sport.

Xie Feiyang immediately added with a smile, "Hongtao's idea is great! Besides, I happen to have the key to the school's music room. Shunan."

He looked at Lin Shunan with a clearly encouraging smile, "You play the violin so well, haven't you touched it in a while? There happens to be a pedal organ in the music room, you can accompany everyone, and we can even sing some songs after we finish playing ball! How about it? Let your old classmates hear your violin playing again!"

When the zither was mentioned, Lin Shunan's eyes lit up instantly, like a flame that had been ignited—a long-lost, heartfelt radiance and confidence.

He nodded vigorously, his voice carrying a barely perceptible hint of excitement and longing:

"Okay! I...I'll accompany you!"
I no longer use the pedal organ at school, and all the other musical instruments at home are gone, except for one accordion, which I use myself.

He immediately got up, almost rushed under the bed, dragged out an old, chipped accordion case with well-preserved edges, carefully opened the clasp, and took out a 48-bass accordion inside, its keys polished to a shine and clearly defined black and white.

His fingers gently caressed the piano keys and the bellows, his familiarity and appreciation overflowing, as if he were reuniting with a long-lost friend.

Playing musical instruments and singing? Playing ball and singing? Such a lively and colorful scene is a luxurious memory for everyone in the month or so since graduation.

Everyone's enthusiasm was instantly ignited to its peak, and their fatigue vanished.

"go!"

"What are you waiting for!"

"Hurry up! My hands are itching!"

After getting ready, the group left the Shikumen gate in a grand procession, walked through the quiet alleyways in the afternoon, where only the sound of cicadas could be heard, and headed towards their familiar alma mater.

Lin Shunan carefully carried his beloved accordion, his back straight and his steps light and powerful, as if he had unloaded an invisible burden.

Yang Guangming and Lin Jianyue walked at the back of the group.

Lin Jianyue looked curiously at the rather heavy accordion on Lin Shunan's back, then glanced at the composed Yang Guangming beside her, and asked softly, "Lin, do you play the accordion very well?" Her voice was filled with a hint of inquiry and anticipation.

"Ah."

Yang Guangming turned his head to look at her, the afternoon sunlight outlining his clear profile, his voice gentle yet firm:
“Very good. He used to be a mainstay at school arts festivals; as soon as he started playing the piano, the whole audience would fall silent.”

His gaze fell on Lin Shunan's slightly slender yet exceptionally upright back as he carried his zither, his admiration undisguised.

Lin Jianyue said "Oh," and looked at Lin Shunan with more admiration and curiosity, imagining the magic of the zither music.

(End of this chapter)