1978: A Literary Giant Who Began His Military Service

Chapter 109 Come to our General Political Department?
Soon, as time went by, the game came to an end.

In the darkness, Zhou Xu glanced around and thought to himself, "Why isn't anyone applauding?"

He realized he was about to break the tranquility of the scene, glanced around, and saw that the audience's faces were all captivated.

After all, everyone present understood music, so they were able to get into the groove very easily.

Zhou Xu immediately started clapping.

Wow!
As Zhou Xu led the way, one, two, three, four... one by one, people clapped their hands, and the sound of clapping grew louder and louder.

Applause erupted like a tidal wave.

Everyone present, whether contestants, judges, or soldiers invited to watch the performance, was filled with excitement and joy as they witnessed the birth of an excellent military song!

Seeing the enthusiastic applause from the audience, Lei Yuansheng stood up and led the instrumental band to walk behind Xiong Jiayuan.

Xiong Jiayuan had never performed in such a large auditorium before. Looking at everyone's expressions, he felt his sense of honor and accomplishment as a member of the performing arts troupe had reached its peak.

Xiong Jiayuan and Lei Yuansheng immediately led a group of people to bow their heads in deep respect!

Not only Xiong Jiayuan, but the entire musical instrument team was also happy and delighted.

The success of this song is not only due to the success of this one singer's performance, but also to the recognition of the entire team's music arrangement.

The applause was a reward for their hard work over the past few months. Younger members like Tao Huimin and Little Octopus were moved to tears when they saw the group of people.

Reaching this point and becoming a leading figure is incredibly difficult.

-

“…This song is truly extraordinary,” Yan Su said to Yang Shuqing, the female singer beside him and also the representative of the Air Force Political Department.

Yang Shuqing held back for a long time, but finally she had to admit that the young people on stage had practiced the song really well.

This singing competition is supposed to test singing skills and techniques, but the most important thing is the song itself. As long as your song is a level above others, everything else is unimportant.

"He sang really well, cough cough... I didn't expect the Shengli Art Troupe to have such a big performance."

Yang Shuqing looked to the side in surprise, and saw the young man, Zhou Xu, sitting quietly in his seat not far away.

Yan Su didn't actually come with the intention of winning an award. He was already an old comrade and had already achieved fame and fortune.

On the contrary, he greatly admired Zhou Xu's song. After listening to it, it kept playing in his ears. He said with a smile, "This song was written by Comrade Zhou Xu. If he can write a song like 'Strong Army Battle Song,' it's really not surprising that he could write 'When That Day Comes'!"

When that day truly comes? Rest assured, motherland, rest assured, loved ones!! This song and melody are truly first-rate, grand and majestic! Simple yet powerful!!!

Compared to his excitement, Yang Shuqing was much more dejected, after all, she was a contestant! In her opinion, her chances of winning were slim.

Because there's more than just "When That Day Comes" before it! There's also "Night at the Military Port"!

Yang Shuqing stared blankly at Xiong Jiayuan, who was shining brightly on the stage.

"Yes, it's a really good song. It's a pity that it's not one of our group members."

……

The Zhan You Song and Dance Troupe, in contrast to the composure of the two individuals.

Zang Yunfei, on the other hand, was quite flustered. He was about the same age as Xiong Jiayuan on stage: "Comrade Geng... what do you think of this song?"

Geng Lianfeng immediately nodded: "Great! It's really well written, and it's very empowering!"

She snapped out of her reverie and began praising Zang Yunfei repeatedly: "I'll talk to Comrade Zhou Xu later about whether we can apply to have our comrades-in-arms learn this song too..."

Zang Yunfei glanced at Geng Lianfeng. The older comrades were all so uncompetitive and unambitious, while this group of young people in their late twenties were all eager to make progress.

Zang Yunfei said helplessly:
"study???"

"Yes, when this song is performed at the Beijing Military Region, the soldiers will definitely be pleasantly surprised," Geng Lianfeng said with a smile.

"Tsk! I'm talking about the competition!! I don't think we have much of a chance this time."

"So what if the chances aren't great? Don't be sad."

"How can I just not be sad? How long did it take me to write the song? I wrote it for a month and prepared for two months!" Zang Yunfei shook his head.

The way he looked at Zhou Xu felt like he was looking at a genius.

I'm already twenty-eight years old, and I haven't created any successful works, not even one that has made me famous within the military region.

Zhou Xu's compositions "The Song of a Strong Army" and "When That Day Comes" have both become phenomenal military hits, and their influence is enough to set a benchmark for similar creations.

What's even more astonishing is that he, a young man not yet twenty, created such a heavyweight work. This talent and vision are especially rare among young creators.

"So what? Why compete with others?" Geng Lianfeng patted Zang Yunfei on the shoulder: "You should also learn from Comrade Zhou Xu when you have the chance."

"Mhm." Zang Yunfei nodded, slightly disappointed.

……

Of course, Yan Weiwen was still changing clothes at this time, and Shi Xin asked, "Did you hear the new song that follows?"

Shi Xin is a composer with the General Political Department Song and Dance Troupe. He has created classic songs such as "Let Me Tell You My Heartfelt Words" and "Little White Poplar".

Yan Weiwen listened to the faint sound of the song coming from the front from behind the curtain. Even though the sound was a little soft, he could still tell from it that it was a magnificent and powerful song!
"I heard that! It was really good. Was that a performance by the Shengli Cultural Troupe?" Yan Weiwen asked.

"That's right, it's the song written by the young man who wrote 'The Song of a Strong Army' last time."

Upon hearing this, Yan Weiwen sighed and remarked, "It seems that talent emerges in every generation."

Shi Xin quickly added, "Tsk, he's Liu Jiaju's friend."

"Oh?"

"She's a writer too!"

“He’s really a talent. What do you think? Should we bring him into our General Political Department? After all, it’s the capital. Staying in the capital to develop his career is better than going to Wuhan, right?” Yan Weiwen asked.

"It is feasible."

Both of them gave the song a very high rating.

-

Back on stage, the cheers and exclamations from below still lingered.

"The last time a song made me feel so excited was 'The Song of a Strong Army'!!"

"This song is so perfect for peacetime!!"

"do it again."

Hearing the cheers from the audience, the host immediately ran up to signal them, and Lei Yuansheng and Xiong Jiayuan, who were originally thanking the audience, immediately put away their instruments and walked backstage.

The host listened to the crowd's clamor. After all, it was a competition, and it was impossible to ask them to perform again, right? There was no precedent for that.

She could only wave her hand and continue, "Comrades! Comrades! Let us give a warm round of applause to thank the Victory Art Troupe for their wonderful performance. Of course, according to the rules, the Nanjing Military Region's Frontline Song and Dance Troupe should perform for us next."

Let's give a warm welcome to the comrades from the frontline song and dance troupe!!!

"..."

The soldiers watching the performance didn't boo, but they just couldn't muster the energy to applaud. The veteran performer from the frontline song and dance troupe, hearing the cheers from the stage, felt a pang of embarrassment. It seemed that whoever was following in the footsteps of the Victory Cultural Troupe was truly doomed.

Ma Guoguang felt that the song prepared by the front-line group was completely outclassed by the Victory Group, and he himself didn't have much courage to sing it.

But since it was a competition, I had no choice but to bite the bullet and go up.

Lei Yuansheng and Xiong Jiayuan finished packing up their things backstage and went to their seats, where they found team leader Zhou Xu.

Upon seeing Zhou Xu, Xiong Jiayuan immediately beamed and gave him a thumbs up: "Comrade Zhou Xu, the song you wrote is absolutely fantastic."

Instead of taking all the credit, Leader Zhou replied, "Our success wouldn't have been possible without everyone's hard work! You've all worked so hard, so don't leave later, I'll treat you all to a meal at Fengzeyuan!"

Lei Yuansheng said with a smile, "There's no need, Xiao Xu, Fengzeyuan is too expensive!"

Zhou Xu did the math and realized that their cultural troupe only had about fifteen people in total. Going to Fengzeyuan was indeed more expensive than going outside, but not by much. It would cost about three to five yuan per person.

Fifty-odd yuan is enough. Considering that I'm about to be promoted to battalion commander, I still want to reward my group of younger men.

He said, "It's okay, I'll pay for it. I have a bonus! It won't cost much!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaoyu immediately said, "Thank you, Teacher Zhou! I've never been to Fengzeyuan before!"

"Me too! That place must be expensive!"

"Wow!……"

Zhou Xu patted the little octopus and Tao Huimin on the head: "Alright, meet outside after the meeting. Don't wander off or we won't call you for dinner."

"Good~"

The group nodded and sat down.

The competition came to a close shortly after the performance by the Nanjing Military Region's Frontline Song and Dance Troupe.

The first day only featured competitions by several large performing arts troupes from the General Political Department and several military region performing arts troupes. Later, there will be competitions by smaller performing arts troupes and various military region performing arts troupes, which will last for three or four days.

The group had just finished the match and stepped outside.

Liu Jia waved vigorously at Zhou Xu: "Hey! I'm right here!"

Zhou Xu led the cultural troupe towards Liu Jia, who introduced them: "This is Shi Xin, a composer from our General Political Department. And you've already met this one, haven't you? Teacher Yan Weiwen!"

After all, Liu Jia was also from the General Political Department, although they weren't in the same regiment.

Yan Weiwen and Shi Xin both extended their hands to Zhou Xu: "Comrade Zhou Xu!"

“Professor Yan Weiwen, Professor Shixin,” Zhou Xu replied.

Yan Weiwen said, "I was deeply impressed after listening to your song backstage just now. You are truly an excellent composer and lyricist!"

Shi Xin nodded: "Yes, Lao Yan was very excited after hearing it."

Zhou Xu was taken aback for a moment: "Thank you, both teachers."

"Are you interested in coming to our General Political Department?!" Yan Weiwen continued, extending his hand in invitation.

"...Tsk?" So blunt, but after all, this person is a musician, not a politician, so it is indeed a bit blunt.

However, it is well known that the General Political Department likes to poach people from all over the place. As everyone has seen, the National Museum borrowed the Simuwu Ding and never returned it!

Xiong Jiayuan is still watching.

However, if he really switched to the General Political Department, he might have a much wider range of opportunities, since there is more room for development in the capital.
But after thinking for a while, Zhou Xu waved his hand and said, "I still prefer the Victory Art Troupe. My old unit is great; they never abandon or give up on me!"

It seems like switching teams isn't valued much, is it? I'm about to level up in my own guild, why would I go somewhere else to suffer?

Liu Xiaoqing wanted to switch jobs because she felt she couldn't unleash her full potential at the Zhanqi Art Troupe. Her subsequent move to filmmaking proved to be a viable career path.

Zhou Xu didn't have that courage.

Shi Xin said, "See? I don't think they'll agree, but we still sincerely welcome you on behalf of the General Political Department!"

Yan Su from the Air Force Political Department also came over: "Hey? You guys are done talking? Comrade Zhou Xu, would you like to come to our Air Force Political Department?"

Zhou Xu said, "I just spoke with the General Political Department... I think it's better for me to stay where I am now; I'm not used to the new place."

"Alright," Yan Su had no choice but to nod and leave.

"..."

A group of people gathered at the entrance, and Zhou Xu led them toward Fengzeyuan.

Upon arriving at Fengzeyuan, the group sat down.

Zhou Xu said, "You guys order the food. Don't feel bad about spending money; the performing arts troupe will reimburse you for any normal celebratory expenses!"

"Braised sea cucumber with scallions, braised fish slices, stewed cuttlefish roe soup, braised pork intestines, deep-fried meatballs, crystal pork knuckle, braised pork hock..." Lei Yuansheng showed no restraint.

Zhou Xu looked at Tao Huimin and asked, "What about you guys?"

"Then I want this too... braised prawns in oil!!" Tao Huimin's mouth watered.

The little octopus immediately ordered one too: "Candied yam!"

They had ordered about ten dishes in total. Xiong Jiayuan looked at the dishes with a smile and said, "That's about enough, isn't it? Would you like some wine?"

Lei Yuansheng said, "Get some soda for the young people, and all of you over twenty can drink together!"

Zhou Xu said, "Alright, you guys drink, I'll go get some soda!"

"Huh?" Xiong Jiayuan scratched his head, remembering that Zhou Xu seemed to be a young man.

"whatever."

The dishes were served quickly. These trainees, who had rarely eaten such good food before, stared at the dishes like little hooligans, but dared not touch them. Zhou Xu waved his hand: "Why are you all looking at me? Eat!"

At this moment, Tao Huimin picked up two meatballs and stuffed them into her mouth, puffing out her cheeks.

The little octopus was the same; it was eating shrimp, and its face was covered in oil.

The remaining group members weren't much better off.

Xiong Jiayuan poured himself a glass of wine, and Zhou Xu naturally drank a little as well.

Lei Yuansheng stood up: "Let's first wish this performance a success. No matter the outcome, everyone has contributed their share."

Although he said that, Lei Yuansheng knew that none of the songs at the event had the same impact as "When That Day Comes," and that surpassing it would be difficult.

"drink!"

"Done."

The young people were holding up their sodas and chugging them down...

After eating for quite a while, Zhou Xu went outside to pay the bill, which came to seventy yuan, a pittance for someone as wealthy as him.

"Let's go back to the dorm first. Everyone must be tired today, so let's go back and rest. Try not to go out!"

(End of this chapter)