Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 395 On-site Teaching
October 1st was a sunny and pleasant day, with clear skies and a refreshing autumn breeze.

The loudspeaker in Lujiawan Production Team was broadcasting a program from the county radio station. Well, actually, the county station also rebroadcasts the People's Radio Station, and all the programs were the same today.

The announcer's cheerful and excited voice echoed through the village, adding to the festive atmosphere.
“American friends Coughlan and Krush, American friends Edward and British friend Pat, former US Secretary of State William Rogers and his wife, the US astronomical delegation led by Professor Goldberg, Director of Kitt Peak National Observatory, the US cancer delegation led by Kaplan Henry, Professor Jacob Schwartz, Director of the Computer Science Department of the Gluck Institute for Mathematical Research at New York University and his wife, MIT…”

Many people were walking on the street, listening to the sounds from the loudspeakers, chatting happily about everything under the sun.

"Good heavens, he barely said anything serious, all he did was read people's names."

“Reciting names is also a serious matter,” Mr. Li said. “We should make as many friends as possible and as few enemies as possible. All these names are friends.”

"How many did you just read? Egypt, Mexico, Ethiopia, Romania, Germany, and also Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, Australia, New Zealand, and surprisingly, the Americans were the most numerous."

"Hey, you really got your training course right! I couldn't even understand which countries were listed, but you memorized them all?!"

"That's nothing! I can recite the names of over a hundred countries in the world!"

"You didn't do anything else in class except memorize country names, did you?"

"Go away, if this gets out and Teacher Chen hears it, he'll criticize me and I'll beat you up. Hey, but speaking of which, back then we were shouting to overthrow the American imperialists, but now we have the most friends from the American imperialists. What goes around comes around."

"Hey, hey, hey, what you're saying shows that you haven't studied properly. You need to study the meaning of Mr. Li's words carefully. American friends are American friends, and the United States is the United States. Making friends with American friends is not contradictory to insisting on defeating the United States."

"Is this what it means to look at problems dialectically—that's the idea of ​​finding unity in opposition and opposition in unity?"

"Head to head."

Before long, they arrived at Team 6 and could see from afar that the riverbank was full of people.

"Oh my god, wasn't it supposed to start at 9:30? It's only a little past 8 o'clock and everyone's already here?"

"Of course, who wouldn't want to get here early and grab a good spot?"

"Stop talking, run! If we wait any longer, we won't even make it to the top of the hill, let alone the hillside!"

At this time, more and more people gathered here. On the river embankment outside the dock, a large number of people sat densely, looking down at the two boats moored beside the dock.

One was a large wooden boat that had just returned from the shipping company the day before yesterday, and the other was a small, assembled rowboat.

Someone grinned and said, "I used to think that little boat was quite big, but now that it's next to a big boat, it looks tiny, like an adult with a child."

"What you're saying is ridiculous. The small boats together are less than 10 meters long, while the big boat is 24 meters long, almost three times as long. It would be strange if they were the same size."

"Hey, there's a tent on this little boat. It wasn't here yesterday. When did this happen? What's it for?"

"I do not know."

Someone who had arrived earlier immediately said, "That's for the performers, but only women are allowed in. See? There are female militia members on duty by the side of the boat. No one else is allowed to go up."

"Only women are allowed in? What about the men?"

"Hey, as long as you're not naked, who cares where you change your clothes?"

Some people kindly explained, "The men can change on the big ship. Anyway, there are cabins on the ship. If there's not enough room, they can change in the corridor at the back. They don't have to worry about being seen."

Someone else laughed and said, "Their Team 6 has brought out all of their dozen or so small boats and is placing them behind the big boat. If you're willing, you can jump into one of the smaller boats and switch with it."

Amidst the clamor of discussion, time passed slowly.

Before they knew it, it was nine o'clock. Secretary Yang, Captain Zhang, Xiao Liewen, Ye Shubao, Zhang Wenliang, Yang Xingxiu, Anquan... all the coordinators from the brigade headquarters walked up from behind the river embankment and followed a reserved passage to the temporary dock by the water.

Accompanying them were two cadres sent by the commune to observe the ceremony.

The treatment of leading cadres is naturally different, and the viewing location has already been reserved on the temporary wooden pier connected to the large ship.

This platform is also slightly higher than the large ship, making it the best seat for a close-up view.

On the platform, six square tables are arranged in a row, with teapots, teacups, melon seeds, and peanuts on them.

In addition, there are several plates of autumn cucumbers and tomatoes on the table. The cucumbers are peeled and diced, the tomatoes are sliced, and then mixed with sugar, making for a platter that is both a vegetable and a fruit.

This cucumber is not the tattooed cucumber commonly seen in later generations, but a cucumber with a smooth outer skin that turns yellow when ripe. Later, some people called it the dry cucumber. Although the skin is edible, it is rather astringent, and the flesh is far less crisp and refreshing than the tattooed cucumber.

However, it's not bad to pick and eat them when they're still young, especially after peeling them and mixing them with white sugar, which gives them a unique flavor.

The two cadres liked it very much and ate several pieces in a row.

One of them pointed to the handkerchiefs in the long, square plates in front of them, the fruit platter on the table, and then to the large, brightly decorated boat, and said to Secretary Yang,
"Your Lujiawan is really showing off! This is even more grand than the commune theater, with a big boat as the stage, and melon seeds, peanuts, and sweets. I'm afraid even the tea party organized by the prefectural committee isn't as extravagant as yours. And this hand towel, I've never seen it before, I've never even heard of it before."

The smiles on Captain Zhang's and the others' faces deepened. Sure enough, every single one of Chen Fan's ideas was spot on!
Secretary Yang grinned and laughed heartily, "That's an exaggeration, that's an exaggeration. We're just using some of our own products as a heartfelt gift for National Day. We haven't thought too much about anything else."

Another cadre immediately nodded and said, "Secretary Yang, you've hit the nail on the head. How well the preparations are done is one thing, but the most important thing is that the intention is there. Putting everything else aside, just the sentiment..."

As he spoke, he turned to look at the Lujiawan commune members sitting on the slope and nodded involuntarily. "And your spontaneous enthusiasm as commune members—I would give you full marks for your attitude."

Upon hearing this, everyone at the Lujiawan brigade headquarters beamed with joy.

Every time there's a celebration, the production teams are secretly competing. This time, Lujiawan should be firmly in first place.

The cadre looked around, then approached Secretary Yang and asked curiously, "Where's Teacher Chen?"

Teacher Chen was a legendary figure in Nanhu Commune. Of course, his achievements in various aspects were noteworthy, but the most crucial factor was his connections within the prefectural committee. It was said that the health, transportation, and water transport systems all gave him face, which was quite remarkable.

He came to Lujiawan to attend the ceremony today; he had to fight for this opportunity.

If I could get in touch with Teacher Chen, I might be able to get his help sometime in the future.

But after being here for so long, I haven't even seen Teacher Chen. How am I supposed to build a relationship with him?
When he heard him ask about Teacher Chen, Secretary Yang didn't pay much attention. He pointed to the cabin on the big ship and said with a smile, "Teacher Chen is in charge of the broadcasting station up there."

He then explained, "When we were setting up the stage the day before yesterday, Teacher Chen said it would be best to set up a broadcasting station on the ship, so he went to the county to buy a broadcasting machine and installed it on the ship. He is currently on the ship testing the machine."

What he didn't mention was that, in addition to the broadcasting machine, Chen Fan also put the militia company's two walkie-talkies into use.

One device was installed on the boat so that it could contact the brigade headquarters at any time. The other device was placed in the brigade headquarters' broadcasting room, which was usually managed by Zhang Cuie. When there was a call, she would respond promptly and then report to the brigade leaders.

这种老式71型报话机，如果只用机子自带的一米天线，通报距离只有5到15公里，通话距离更短，只有3到7公里；接上2米4的顶部加辐射叶鞭状的天线，可通报40到55公里、通话10到22公里。

However, if a dipole antenna is connected, the communication range immediately increases to 60 kilometers, which perfectly covers the area from Lujiawan to the prefectural committee and county seat. (Information found; errors will be corrected immediately.)

The militia company's two walkie-talkies were not usually used, so Chen Fan used the excuse of needing to contact ships at any time to move the two machines out. When he bought a radio in the county, he also bought two sets of dipole antennas.

One set was installed on the roof of the broadcasting station, and another set was installed on the roof of the ship's cabin, establishing a communication channel.

In addition, Chen Fan had someone move the small generators from Team 10 that generate electricity for the machines over to temporarily power the broadcasting equipment, so as to avoid using the high-power diesel engines in the engine room and wasting diesel fuel.

At this moment, Chen Fan was sitting in the cockpit with his legs propped up on the dashboard next to him, chatting with Zhang Cuie on the walkie-talkie. "Hey, a balance of work and rest, the way of both literature and martial arts. Don't always be studying. It's rare to have a celebration today, so give yourself a day off. When the broadcast stops, come over by yourself."

Zhang Cuie: "Oh." Chen Fan: "I've already sent the mare to pick you up. Turn off the machine and come out; it'll be waiting for you at the door."

Teacher Chen's ability to communicate with people was no secret in Nanhu Commune. Sending a horse to pick someone up was a trivial matter, not worth mentioning.

Zhang Cuie packed her things, grabbed her cloth bag, and hurriedly ran outside. Just as she ran out of the gate, she saw her teacher's horse standing at the door, with the falcon on the saddle calling out to her.

Zhang Cuie cautiously approached, bowed to the mare, and said, "Please, thank you!"

The mare snorted, turned her body, and brought the saddle closer to her.

Zhang Cuie glanced at the mare again, timidly grabbed the saddle, stepped into the stirrups, and struggled to mount the horse.

The mare took a few gentle steps, and once Zhang Cuie was settled and supported, she started running back.

They sped along at breakneck speed, and Zhang Cuie was already clinging to the horse's back, tightly holding onto its neck, her face full of excited smiles, occasionally letting out a shriek, "Woo, so much fun!"

Before long, they ran to the gate of the 6th team's educated youth settlement.

When the mare stopped, Zhang Cuie knew it was time to dismount. However, her method of dismounting was somewhat unusual. Instead of stepping on the stirrups, she let go of the stirrups and jumped directly off the horse's back.

Seeing the mare run to the back of the yard, she quickly ran towards the embankment.

Inside the driver's cab, Chen Fan sat on the high driver's seat, his back against the wall, his feet resting on the dashboard, glancing at the clock in front of him from time to time.

Only when he saw Zhang Cuie did he smile slightly, sit up straight, turn on the radio, and tap the microphone.

The large loudspeaker on the top of the cabin immediately emitted two muffled sounds.

The people sitting on the embankment fell silent instantly, except for Zhang Cuie, who was still rushing towards the dock.

Chen Fan muttered to himself, "Isn't this girl afraid of falling?"

He then spoke into the microphone, “Distinguished leaders, honored guests, and fellow members, good morning. In just over ten minutes, the Lujiawan 1977 National Day Celebration Gala will officially begin. Please be prepared. If you have anything to do, do it immediately. When the show officially starts, please keep quiet.”

As soon as he said that, laughter erupted on the embankment.

"Is there anything that needs to be done right now?"

"Can't you tell? Teacher Chen told you to go to the toilet so you don't run around later."

"Teacher Chen needs you to go to the toilet, so hurry up and go."

"I don't need to use the restroom, but I've been walking for a long time and I'm hungry again after eating."

"Well, there's nothing we can do then. Hey, isn't so-and-so from Team 6 your cousin? Go to his house and get something to eat."

……

Amidst the noise, all the performers began their tense preparations.

In the small boats outside the large ship, ... these small boats belong to Team 6. The assembled boats are behind the large ship, and the two are clearly separated and do not interfere with each other.

The small boat was filled with members of the militia company, who, together with the women's team led by Yang Xingxiu, formed the main force of the annual celebration activities.

Upon hearing the announcement over the loudspeaker, everyone began checking their attire and then silently reciting the program they were to perform.

Inside the tents on the assembled ship, the women were also busy. Jiang Lili sat in a corner, trying to calm herself down, but her heart was pounding. She was nowhere near as confident and poised as she used to be when she was in school, daring to perform in front of the entire school.

Huang Ying, who was preparing nearby, turned around unintentionally, saw her expression, and walked over without thinking. She sat down next to her, took her arm, and said, "Are you very nervous?"

Jiang Lili forced a smile, "It's...it's alright."

Yang Ju then came over and sat down on her other side, saying irritably, "She can't even speak properly anymore, how can she possibly get better?"

He then grabbed her hand, grinned, and said, "Just listen to Teacher Chen and treat everyone outside like cabbages."

Jiang Lili smiled, but before she could speak, Liu Dan rushed up to her, gesturing and saying, "Think about it, our grandparents, parents, and other family members are all out there, and we still have to treat them like vegetables. You have no connection with people outside, which is useless. You have it much easier than us!"

Jiang Lili burst out laughing, then quickly covered her mouth, suppressing her laughter as she said, "Thank you, I feel much better."

The four girls were whispering to each other when Zhang Cuie finally ran onto the big ship, climbed up the stairs at the back to the second floor, and then walked into the wheelhouse while holding onto the railing.

When Chen Fan saw her come in, he immediately waved her over and said, "Come on, you'll be hosting today's celebration."

Zhang Cuie froze instantly, staring blankly at him. "Me...me hosting?"

What happened to the principle of balancing work and rest, both civil and military affairs?
What happened to the promised day off?
Seeing her expression, Chen Fan knew what she was thinking. He coughed and said, "It's good to balance work and rest. You relaxed while riding the horse just now, so it's time to get back to work."

Zhang Cuie looked distressed. "T-Teacher, I'm afraid I won't be able to do it."

Being a broadcaster is fine normally, but today is a big day for the National Day celebrations, and commune cadres are coming to observe the ceremony. What if something goes wrong?
Chen Fan took a piece of paper from the drawer and placed it next to the microphone. Pointing to the paper, he said, "Hey, this is the script I wrote for the program. You should familiarize yourself with it first."

He smiled at Zhang Cuie and said, "This is a demonstration for you. To be a good broadcaster, it's not enough to just read a script into a microphone. First, you have to learn to write your own scripts, or take someone else's script and be able to familiarize yourself with it in the shortest amount of time and make it your own."

After speaking, Chen Fan got off the stool, moved the high stool in front of the microphone, and tilted his head towards her, "Don't worry, I'm here. This is your best opportunity to practice."

Zhang Cuie was initially a little timid, but upon hearing Chen Fan's next words, she immediately jumped onto the stool.

Chen Fan stepped aside and said softly with a smile, "I won't restrict you from making mistakes. As long as your performance today satisfies me, you can call me Master from now on."

Zhang Cuie sat down on the stool, turned to look at Chen Fan, her eyes shining, "Let me confirm, is he Master, not Master Zhang or Master Li's Master?"

Chen Fan patted her little head, smiled and nodded, then pointed to the wall clock, "You have ten minutes to prepare."

Zhang Cuie immediately took a deep breath, picked up the script, and read it carefully.

Ten minutes passed in the blink of an eye. She turned to look at Chen Fan, who raised an eyebrow and gave her a thumbs up.

Zhang Cuie grinned and said, "Master, I've decided on you today!"

He then put away his smile, turned on the radio with a serious expression, leaned close to the microphone, and said loudly, "Respected leaders, distinguished guests, fellow members, good afternoon. The Lujiawan 1977 National Day celebration is now officially beginning."

As soon as he finished speaking, the villagers on the dike spontaneously clapped and applauded.

After the applause subsided, Zhang Cuie looked away from her notes and continued, "Next, please welcome Comrade Yang Yizhong, the secretary of the Lujiawan Production Brigade, to speak to us. Please welcome Secretary Yang."

After she finished speaking, she looked at Secretary Yang walking towards the boat, suddenly paused, turned to look at Chen Fan, and whispered, "How does Secretary Yang speak?"

Chen Fan held up a finger and whispered, "The first mistake you made was that when you saw this process, you should have considered whether the corresponding logistical equipment was adequate. You had ten minutes to ask me about it."

Then, pointing out the window, Secretary Yang picked up a microphone from a table in the corner of the deck, tapped it twice, and began to speak.

Chen Fan laughed and said, "I've prepared everything. Remember that next time."

(End of this chapter)