Writer 1978: I Need to Give the Literary World a Lesson

Chapter 301 Returning to Yanjing
The military camp's parade ground was bustling with activity, the starlight in the sky and the bonfires on the parade ground reflecting each other's glow.

If you were to ask what could inspire the soldiers' enthusiasm, a military camp dinner would be one of them, especially since this is currently the most lavish dinner ever.

For a moment, the actors and soldiers in the crew forgot about the intense filming schedule and the sounds of gunfire on the border.

Division Commander Wang handed Liu Yimin a large piece of mutton, raised his bowl of wine and clinked it with Liu Yimin's, saying, "Come on, Comrade Yimin, let's have a drink!"

"I toast you!" Liu Yimin raised his wine bowl, smiled, and finished drinking it.

Commander Wang drank the wine heartily, and then smiled as he turned the bowl upside down to indicate that he had finished it all.

"Was the story you just told you your idea, or..."

After a moment's thought, Liu Yimin said, "This is a true story adapted from reality. I believe that there are many similar heroic deeds in our troops!"

"Well said! I really wish I could keep you with our division!" Commander Wang said regretfully.

Regiment Commander Chen chuckled and interjected, "The commander was just saying that one of your stories is worth more than a division political commissar! Commander, I think Comrade Liu Yimin is like Confucius with a sword at his waist—he's both scholarly and martial. It's a real shame he didn't come to the army!"

"Haha, what? We've detained Comrade Yimin in your regiment and made him your regimental political commissar?" Commander Wang joked.

Political Commissar Lin, who was standing nearby, said, "I have no problem with this; I can step down!"

Wang Yan and Li Jun walked over with wine bowls in hand, expressing their gratitude to Division Commander Wang, Regiment Commander Chen, and Political Commissar Lin for providing assistance to the troops.

Commander Wang said dismissively, "Comrades Li Jun and Wang Yan, this is what we should do! Our soldiers really enjoy the movie you made, and they are very happy to be involved. We will organize the entire division to watch it later!"

After speaking, Commander Wang drank another bowl of wine and looked at the soldiers who were eating and drinking enthusiastically, clinking glasses and saying:
"Fine wine in a luminous cup, I long to drink, but the pipa urges me on. Do not laugh at me, drunk and lying on the battlefield; how many have returned from ancient battles!"

Commander Chen said, "Tomorrow our regiment will be going to the front line for a rotation. I wonder how many soldiers will be able to see 'Triumph at Midnight'!"

Thinking of this, Commander Chen felt an immense burden on his shoulders; the lives of the soldiers in his regiment rested on his shoulders.

Every order he gave was a matter of life and death for the soldiers!

Division Commander Wang took the opportunity to give Regiment Commander Chen a few instructions. Liu Yimin went to drink with the soldiers, while Xizi, being young, couldn't drink too much.

The old soldier next to him was teasing him, his face flushed from the alcohol and his lips smeared with oil. Liu Yimin put his arm around his shoulder and said, "Don't get drunk!"

"Writer Liu, let's have a bowl!" The old soldier next to him patted his bald head and handed him the bowl with a smile.

"Not drinking when there's wine is foolish; getting drunk is dangerous enough to lead you to the gates of hell. Brothers, if you come back alive, don't forget to visit us at the Martyrs' Cemetery during holidays. If it's too far for you, we won't blame you!"

The veteran's name was Zhang Guangde. He had a full beard, and his every move showed his ruggedness and boldness.

"If the brothers can't come back, that makes things easier. We'll meet at the Martyrs' Cemetery!"

"Come, see you at the Martyrs' Cemetery!"

The wine bowls clinked together, and after they finished drinking, the group looked at each other and laughed, showing no fear whatsoever of going into battle!
"Xizi, you stay behind me when the time comes, and I'll take the bullets for you!" Veteran Zhang Guangde said with a smile, putting his arm around Xizi.

Xizi angrily pushed the veteran's hand away: "Whether I'm a hero or a coward, let's see on the battlefield. What? Do bullets differentiate between veterans and new recruits? Maybe I'll be the one to take a bullet for you!"

"Oh? Hahahaha!"

The party lasted until around 10 p.m., when the film crew and soldiers went back to sleep, leaving only a messy parade ground.

The next day, when Liu Yimin woke up in Zhu Lin's arms, it was already around eight o'clock in the morning.

Zhu Lin was too tired from filming, and by the time Liu Yimin got dressed and got up, she was still asleep. It was too hot at night, so they only covered themselves with a thin sheet.

He lifted the sheet to cover her upper body, lowered the window screen, and left the room.

Liu Yimin looked around the entire military camp from the second floor, then went downstairs and asked the soldier next to the guardhouse, "Why is it so quiet today?"

"Writer Liu, they've all left. Except for those of us who stayed behind, everyone has gone to the front lines!" the soldier said with a smile.

"They've all left? Weren't we supposed to leave at ten o'clock?"

"We set off at six o'clock, leaving a few cars for the crew to use! These are gifts from some soldiers to you and the other crew members!"

Pushing open the door firmly, one finds gifts on the table made of bullet casings or wood, such as tanks, cannons, or pendants.

Some of them are inscribed with "Presented to Comrade Liu Yimin", others with "Triumphant Return at Midnight", and the most unique one is a moon made of bullet casings with "Song of the Moon" written on it.

Liu Yimin clutched the moon in his palm, his eyes stinging with tears: "I wanted to get up early to see everyone off!"

"The comrades were also afraid that they would feel uncomfortable later. This moon was made by Comrade Chen Qiuxi."

After a while, Wang Yan and Li Jun also came down. Hearing that the soldiers had all left, they felt very sad.

Li Jun suggested cleaning up the playground, since they didn't have time to clean it before coming back to sleep yesterday.

"Writer Liu, we've already cleaned up. The crew members can rest now!"

By the time the cast and crew gradually got up, it was almost ten o'clock. After finishing their last dinner at the military camp, they got into the car and left.

"Goodbye, comrades!" Liu Yimin waved to the soldiers who stayed behind, and the car started and headed towards the nearest train station.

Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin sat leaning against each other at the back of the vehicle, gently stroking the briefcases filled with gifts from the soldiers.

I had a good rest yesterday, but everyone was silent on the bus, gazing absently at the increasingly distant border highlands.

After returning to Yanjing, the crew took a short break for a few days before heading to Northeast China to film on location again.

The film crew can go, but Liu Yimin won't.

Upon arriving at the train station, Wang Yan and Li Jun led everyone in loading equipment onto the train, with the soldiers from the transport company constantly helping out.

"Goodbye, Writer Liu, Director Li, Director Wang, Comrade Zhu Lin, and all the crew members!"

The transport company commander jumped onto the truck, waved to everyone, and immediately stepped on the gas and sped away.

"Comrades, let's set off!"

On the morning of September 20th, the train finally arrived in Yanjing. The trucks from the August First Film Studio were already waiting to haul all the equipment back to the factory.

The actors in the film crew either returned to the factory or went home. The August First Film Studio's vehicle made a detour, taking Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin back to the Overseas Chinese Apartment.

"Yi Min, Zhu Lin, you two should rest well at home, especially Zhu Lin, you need to take care of your voice, you can't let it crack during filming in the Northeast!" Li Jun said with a smile.

"Okay, goodbye!" Liu Yimin said with a smile.

After the car drove away, Zhu Lin took the box from Liu Yimin and carried it towards the apartment.

"Let me do it!"

"No need, Teacher Liu, you can just take the bag!" Zhu Lin strode into the apartment.

The security guard saw Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin and asked with a smile, "It's been a long time since I've seen you two. Are you on a business trip?"

"Yes, I'm away on a business trip!" Liu Yimin said with a smile, offering the gatekeeper a cigarette. "Oh dear, this won't do!"

He said no, but before the word "yes" even landed, he had already tucked the cigarette behind his ear.

After the two had walked away, the gatekeeper muttered, "This place is strange; a woman is carrying boxes!"

Stepping into my home again after more than three months, the furnishings were still the same. The clock next to the TV table ticked away, the doors and windows were tightly closed, and there wasn't much dust on the sofa and table.

However, because of the hot weather, a lot of heat had accumulated inside the house, and the moment the door was opened, a wave of heat hit you.

Zhu Lin and Liu Yimin went inside and opened all the windows, making the air much fresher.

Liu Yimin filled the bathtub with water, preparing to take a good bath and get rid of the grime on his body.

"Teacher Liu, I'll go first!" Zhu Lin poked his head in from outside and said with a grin.

"Could you please, Teacher Liu?"

Liu Yimin dipped his hand in water and flicked it lightly at Zhu Lin: "Stop acting cute, let's go together!"

"Two people? After washing, the water will probably turn black!" Zhu Lin joked.

"Haha, let me scrub your back!" Liu Yimin looked at the bathroom and said, "It would be better to install a shower!"

"I agree, bathing in a tub is inconvenient, and it's extremely uncomfortable to sit in it!"

The two of them washed their hair twice before it was clean. Zhu Lin washed her hair separately, as it was shoulder-length and not too difficult to wash.

After making the bed, Zhu Lin jumped onto it and said lazily, "Teacher Liu, don't wake me, I'm going to sleep for two days and two nights!"

Liu Yimin lay exhausted on the bed, wrapped his arms around Zhu Lin's waist, and greedily inhaled the scent of the face cream: "Zhu Lin, you smell so good!"

Zhu Lin turned around with a smile and nudged Liu Yimin with both hands and feet: "Teacher Liu, I want to sleep, don't bother me!"

"Don't forget your homework, Teacher Liu will correct it for you!" Liu Yimin smiled and stretched out his hands. Zhu Lin struggled a few times, then hesitated before finally accepting.

Afterwards, the two lay exhausted on the bed, and after exchanging only a few words, they fell asleep!

The two slept until the next morning, when their stomachs were growling with hunger. They went out for a meal and then took a motorcycle to the in-laws' house.

Today is Sunday, and both of Zhu's parents are at home. When they saw the two people who appeared out of nowhere, Zhu's mother was so happy that she almost jumped for joy.

"You two children, why didn't you tell us you were coming back sooner? We could have picked you up at the train station!" Zhu's mother held their hands, looking them up and down.

"You've gotten darker and thinner!" Zhu's mother said with heartache.

Zhu's father said, "The sun on the front lines is really scorching!"

During their three months on the front lines, both Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin became noticeably darker-skinned. Zhu Lin was particularly tanned, while Liu Yimin's naturally yellowish skin tone made the tan less noticeable.

Sitting in the living room, Zhu's parents kept asking about the situation at the front. When they heard that Liu Yimin had even fired his gun and encountered the enemy, they were immediately filled with lingering fear!
"You two be careful, and don't be so stubborn!"

After having lunch at the Zhu family's house, we went to the Beijing People's Art Theatre in the afternoon.

The Beijing People's Art Theatre's rehearsal of "Triumphant Return at Midnight" is about to be performed, and posters are hanging all over the entrance. When they saw Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin return, everyone came over to greet Liu Yimin.

Ouyang Shanzun warmly hugged Liu Yimin: "Oh, it's been so long! I've missed you so much!"

"Dean Shanzun, I've missed you all so much!" Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Ouyang Shanzun said with a smile, "Vice Dean, Vice Dean!"

"And what about us!" Lan Tianye said cheerfully.

He hugged and greeted everyone. Cao Yu, who was in the dean's office, had already heard the noise, but he pretended not to know anything. He held a book in his left hand and a cup of tea in his right, looking indifferent and without desire.

However, the little squares on the paper couldn't see into my heart, and my eyes kept drifting towards the door.

After waiting for a while, he couldn't hold back any longer, opened the door and yelled at Liu Yimin, "Get in here right now!"

"Hahaha!" The directors exchanged glances and laughed; they couldn't sit still any longer!
Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin walked in together and called out to Cao Yu in unison, "Teacher Wan!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Yu looked refreshed and asked, "How's the filming going at the front?"

"Very smoothly!"

"I saw your reportage piece, 'The Moon Over the Battlefield,' and I also heard 'The Song of the Moon.' I heard that the soldiers on the front lines all sing this song?"

Zhu Lin continued, "Everyone loved listening to it, and everyone could sing it! In less than ten days, it spread throughout the Wenshan front!"

"Great! This is how we literary and artistic workers should do it!" Cao Yu read Liu Yimin's "The Moon on the Battlefield" and moved many people to tears.

The soldiers' words on the battlefield and their parting words deeply moved the people of Yanjing, who lived in a peaceful environment.

After chatting in the office for a while, Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin decided to go and take a look at the courtyard house.

"Remember to come home for dinner tonight!"

"Okay, teacher!"

The courtyard house was much more chaotic than the Overseas Chinese Apartment. The bamboo stalks in the bamboo grove were battered and broken by the rain, the green beans fell to the ground and grew back again, the henna flowers bloomed and withered, and the ground was covered with withered flowers.

The two cleaned up the courtyard house and, in the evening, rode their motorcycles to Muxidi.

Zhu Lin exclaimed that these oil-fueled two-wheeled vehicles were much more comfortable to ride on than the two-wheeled vehicles he pedaled himself.

In Muxidi, Li Yuru had already prepared a meal for them, and Senior Sister Wanfang had specially made braised beef.

"Come in quickly, come in quickly!" Li Yuru pulled them in.

Wan Fang jokingly asked, "Which third-world country are you two from?"

"Luckily we came back early. If we had come back any later, we would definitely be mild cases of African comrades!" Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Zhu Lin swallowed hard and said, "Senior Sister's braised beef smells delicious!"

"Come on, have something to eat first!" Wan Fang said with a smile.

Let's wait for the teacher!

Li Yuru said indulgently, "Linlin, eat if you want, your teacher will be here for a while!"

After Cao Yu returned, everyone watched "The Flames of War in Beiping" while eating. Li Yuru told them that "The Flames of War in Beiping" was very popular now, and everyone loved watching it.

CCTV-1 has already broadcast it three times in a row, and some people in the newspapers are saying that the government should allocate funds to produce more good TV dramas.

"You may not be in Yanjing, but the readers and viewers there always talk about you!"

(End of this chapter)