Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 511 Visit
After completing the formalities, the three of them toured the campus together.

Jiang Lili postponed getting acquainted with the environment until tomorrow because it was nearby and she could go anytime. Jiang Tiantian, on the other hand, did not.

It takes about an hour to get here, so it's best to familiarize yourself with the environment first. Next time you come, you can just bring your luggage and go straight to the dormitory.

In addition, you should find out where the teaching building and the cafeteria are in advance so that you won't be caught off guard when you arrive.

Walking up to a long, two-story red brick building, Jiang Lili pointed to the three characters above the door and said with a joyful expression, "Sister, look! This is the library."

(Fudan University Library in the 70s)
Jiang Tiantian looked at the outer wall first, then at the inside, her eyes full of anticipation, "So many people."

Chen Fan joined in the fun, craning his neck to look inside. Sure enough, there were many people studying diligently inside. In the huge library, there wasn't a single person chatting.

Hmm? Why would I think people would be chatting in the library?

Could it be that people in later generations ate too much dog food in school libraries?

As expected, their own school wasn't that great either.

(These are the students who study diligently; they are all recommended for school and work very hard.)

Jiang Tiantian really wanted to go in and take a look, but her student ID hadn't been processed yet, so she couldn't get a library card and couldn't go in to read. She had no choice but to leave disappointed.

At that time, Fudan University was neither too big nor too small, with teaching buildings, administration buildings, libraries, laboratories, canteens, sports halls... and even a swimming pool.

The swimming pool is definitely empty now; you can't swim there.

After crossing another intersection, you'll reach the dormitory building.

The three-story dormitory building even resembles a library. Hmm, it seems like most buildings these days are pretty much the same.

Bamboo poles stretched out from the windows, with clothes drying on them, making the conditions look rather "harsh".

It depends on the comparison. Compared to the small villa Chen Fan had just bought, it was certainly simple and modest. But for most ordinary Shanghai families at the time, such a room was a pleasant surprise for many local students.

Finally, I don't have to stay in my house anymore, where it's hard to even turn around!

(Dormitory building)

Jiang Tiantian took out the guide sheet and found her dormitory building according to the address on it.

Chen Fan stood downstairs with his hands in his pockets, looking up at the second floor. "The second floor is just right, not too high or too low."

He turned to look at Jiang Tiantian and smiled, "Want to go check on the dorm? Your roommates should be here by now."

Jiang Tiantian pursed her lips, hesitated for two seconds, and gently shook her head. "Never mind, I'll just bring my luggage over tomorrow, and we can meet again then."

Chen Fan shrugged and didn't try to persuade him further.

Jiang Lili peered through the window of a dormitory room on the first floor, then quickly ran back and calmly said, "So this is what university dormitories are like. I wonder what our school is like."

Inside, there were bunk beds against the walls on both sides, several long desks put together to form a large table in the middle, a few chairs on the side, and a set of cabinets in the corner. That was all.

Jiang Tiantian chuckled, "If the dorms aren't like this, what are they like? I think all school dorms are pretty much the same."

She then turned to Chen Fan and said, "We've seen everything we needed to see. Let's go back. There's no rush for other things."

Chen Fan smiled and said, "Okay, there's plenty of time in the future anyway."

After saying that, he pushed his bicycle over to the side, and after Jiang Lili sat on the back seat, the three of them and the two bicycles rode slowly out of the campus, passing through groups of students carrying luggage.

That afternoon, Chen Fan patiently prepared bedding and luggage for them, as well as daily necessities they could use at school.

When Anquan and Yu Keying returned in the evening, seeing the two sisters' luggage bags and then looking at their own "thin" bedding bag, they immediately felt a sense of unequal fates.

It is true that different people have different fates. Before the two sisters came to report for duty, Chen Fan had already arranged everything for them, while the couple could only struggle on their own. If it weren't for Zhang Wenliang sending dividends, their best situation would have been to buy two public housing units like Anquan's parents' house and live a life of hardship.

At the dinner table that evening, Chen Fan put down his wine glass, took the bowl of rice that Jiang Lili had served, glanced at Anquan, and asked, "You guys are going to report for duty tomorrow, right? What about the house renovation?"

Anquan handed the bowl of food to his wife, glanced at Chen Fan with envy, pulled out a chair and sat down, saying with a wry smile, "What else can we do but leave it to Mother to manage?"

He's just separating from the family, not severing ties. It's a big deal concerning the house, so even if he doesn't say anything, his parents will still ask about everything, just in case something goes wrong.

Yu Keying, holding her rice bowl, said with a smile, "Mom is very quick to learn. We explained your design concept to her and showed her the design drawings. She understood how to decorate the house right away and could figure out the structure and space. As for the remaining quality issues, she definitely knows more about them than we do."

Anquan added from the side, "We have classes during the day, and we can go over to check on the results at night. If we keep an eye on things together like this, there definitely won't be any problems."

Although their faces showed visible fatigue, they were in high spirits.

This is their own house, located in a prime area of ​​downtown Shanghai, with Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road, and Yan'an Road all within easy reach. With this house, their little family is finally settled, how could they not be excited?

Chen Fan nodded. "Okay, if there's anything I can help you with, just let me know."

Just as Anquan was about to speak, he heard him continue, "Otherwise, I'll be leaving in a few days, and then it will be too late to help you."

Hearing this, Anquan couldn't help but curl his lip, "I think you're just deserting your post."

Chen Fan chuckled twice. "That's really not it."

He paused for a moment, then turned to look at Jiang Lili. "Xiao Ying and the others should have gone to school in the capital by now, right?"

Jiang Lili quickly swallowed the food in her mouth, nodded and said, "Yes, they left on the 20th. Xiao'e and the others had to register at Peking University a few days earlier, starting on the 22nd, so they left early. Besides them, there were four other girls who got into universities in the capital, so a total of eight people went together."

After she finished speaking, Chen Fan turned to look at the safety. "After all, they are girls, and it's their first time going out. Although they are traveling in groups, Lao Zhang is still worried. Anyway, I have to go to the capital for a meeting, so he wants me to go there as soon as possible to check on the situation. Do you think I should go there right away?!"

Anquan's lips twitched slightly. "Old Zhang is such a carefree guy, I didn't expect him to care so much about his sister."

Chen Fan smiled and said, "That's normal. Old Zhang is the head of security and the militia company commander, so he should be more vigilant."

He paused for a moment, then said, "This morning I went to the post office and sent a telegram to Xiao'e. Since they've already gone there, they should be able to receive it. Let's wait for her reply and see how things go."

Jiang Tiantian blinked and glanced at Chen Fan. So he had accomplished so much in just one morning?
Jiang Lili, holding her rice bowl, thought for a moment and said, "Actually, we're all done. You've even prepared our luggage. Tomorrow we can just ride our bikes directly to the school to check in. Since Company Commander Zhang asked you for help, you should go and check on things as soon as possible."

Just as Chen Fan was about to speak, Anquan said from the side, "Just relax. Although the security situation hasn't been great lately, it's still quite safe in this area. Besides, they live at the school, so there's even less of a problem."

Yu Keying nodded and smiled, "We visit them regularly, so don't worry."

Chen Fan turned to look at the two sisters, then turned back and smiled, "It's not that I'm worried, it's just that I have some things to do tomorrow and the day after. I want to introduce them to two people, and after I finish this, I'll go to the capital."

"Know someone?"

Jiang Lili looked at him curiously, "Who is it?"

Chen Fan smiled at her and said, "The person I'm introducing you to is a faculty member at your school, you could say she's an official, in charge of logistics. She's one of my readers. Since you're in Shanghai, I thought I'd introduce you to her. It's not about giving her special treatment, but it's good to keep an eye on things in general."

Hearing this, Jiang Lili felt as sweet as if she had eaten honey.

Chen Fan then looked at Jiang Tiantian, "Tomorrow you'll come with me to a place to visit someone, and then we'll go to school in the afternoon."

Jiang Tiantian nodded, looking at him thoughtfully, "Are you also one of your readers?"

Chen Fan shook his head. "No, he's a senior figure. I don't know if I'll be able to meet him yet. You'll know tomorrow."

Jiang Tiantian rolled her eyes slightly, smiled, and nodded gently, without asking any further questions.

Anquan shook his head repeatedly, saying to his wife, "Look, that's the swagger of a great writer. He has readers and fans wherever he goes..." He paused for a moment, then turned to Chen Fan, "I know that *Jiangnan Literature* magazine is now distributed outside the province, but does it have such a large circulation in Shanghai? It just so happens that you found a university faculty member as a reader, and he even wrote to you?"

Chen Fan shrugged. "Didn't I tell you that I've been publishing articles under a pen name in *Shanghai Literature* for several months now?!"

Upon hearing this, Anquan's eyes widened in surprise.

After a few seconds of stunned silence, he suddenly realized what was happening, jerked back from his chair, stood up abruptly, and pointed directly at him, "Don't tell me you're Chen Dong?!"

Chen Fan smiled slightly, raised his wine glass and swirled it in his hand, "Indeed."

After he finished speaking, the room fell silent, except for four pairs of eyes that stared at him with unspoken emotions.

……

The next morning, An Quan and his wife finally agreed to go to school to register. Jiang Tiantian stayed home alone while Chen Fan and Jiang Lili went to school.

Chen Fan rode his bicycle with his luggage strapped to the back seat and glanced at Jiang Lili, who was riding alongside him.

Yes, she rode her sister's bike.

It's a bit of a shame. Actually, people could sit on the horizontal bar in front, and he was quite confident that the inspectors wouldn't catch him. It's just that this girl is too shy. What a pity.

He first offered to take her to her dorm, but she firmly refused. Chen Fan could only watch as she carried her luggage upstairs by herself.

A moment later, Jiang Lili came out of the building and jumped to him in a few steps, saying, "I'm all ready."

The two pushed their bicycles along, and Chen Fan asked, "How's your roommate?"

Jiang Lili tilted her head and thought for a moment, "It's the first time I've met them, so I can't tell anything yet, but the first impressions are pretty good. We'll see how things go later."

Hearing this, Chen Fan felt relieved.

Only children make judgments about people they meet for the first time. Judging people without first impressions is a more accurate approach.

He said with a smile, "It's the same old saying: only speak three-tenths of what you know to others, and never reveal your whole heart. It's important to maintain good relationships with your roommates, but you can't tell them everything, including your words, behavior, and even money. You have to be careful about the limits."

Jiang Lili said with a sweet laugh, "I know, I'm not that stupid."

She turned to look at Chen Fan, "Don't forget, I'm older than you. And I've lived in Lujiawan for almost four years, always in dormitories. I've seen all sorts of people, so don't underestimate me."

Chen Fan nodded and laughed heartily, "Yes, yes, you're the best, who would dare to underestimate you?"

Jiang Lili wrinkled her nose. "Hmph, trying to coax a child."

She paused for a moment, then continued, "Not only me, but my sister did too. She lived in the dormitory for three years in vocational school and knows how to get along with her roommates. If it weren't for that, even with you here to meet us, Mom and Dad wouldn't have let us come by ourselves. They would have at least arranged for someone to accompany us."

Chen Fan raised an eyebrow slightly. "Hmm, this is fine."

The two walked and asked for directions, and soon arrived at the staff dormitory area.

These are several tenement buildings, not the old house where Gao Qiqiang lived, but more like school dormitories, with a passageway in the middle and a row of rooms on each side.

Chen Fan found the building number, parked his bicycle, and led Jiang Lili into the building entrance.

They went up to the second floor, found the room number, and knocked on the door. A woman in her fifties opened the door, looked at the two of them, and asked with some surprise, "Hey, what can I do for you, students?"

Chen Fan stepped forward and smiled at her, "You must be Teacher Hu. Hello, I'm Chen Fan. I made an appointment to visit you today."

Teacher Hu's eyes widened instantly, filled with disbelief. "You...you're Chen Fan? Chen Fan with the pen name Chen Dong?"

Chen Fan smiled and nodded. "Yes, it's me."

As he spoke, he took out his Writers Association membership card from his pocket and handed it over with both hands, saying, "This is my membership card, please take a look."

Teacher Hu quickly took it with both hands, opened it, and was even more confused. She immediately looked up and exclaimed, "A member of the Jiangnan Provincial Writers Association? Not from Shanghai? Then Chen Fan from 'Jiangnan Literature' is also you?"

My goodness, that's so young!
Chen Fan crossed his arms in front of him, appearing particularly humble. "Yes, it is I, please excuse my humble self."

Teacher Hu was stunned for several seconds before letting out a long breath, "Oh dear, oh dear, so both of them are you! I was wondering why..."

She was halfway through her sentence when she suddenly realized that she hadn't invited her guests in yet. She quickly stepped aside and stretched out her arm to invite them inside, saying, "Please come in, please come in. I'm so sorry, I've been so confused. Please come in and have a seat."

Chen Fan turned and smiled at Jiang Lili before leading her into the house.

The room wasn't large, but it was quite cluttered. Near the entrance was a makeshift kitchen, though it seemed rarely used. In the middle was a table and a few chairs, and further in were wardrobes, bookshelves, a five-drawer chest… and a double bed.

Teacher Hu invited them to sit down, poured two cups of tea, and sat down on the other side before saying, "It's just my husband and I living here. Our children don't live here. It's a bit simple, so please don't mind."

"No no."

Chen Fan laughed and said, "Your place is much better than the home of one of my friends. He was a Shanghai educated youth who was sent to the countryside in Jiangnan. He only came back after passing the college entrance exam. His home doesn't even have a place to sleep on the floor."

After exchanging a polite greeting, he quickly changed the subject, glancing at Jiang Lili before turning to her and saying, "I originally came here to send my boyfriend to school, but then I remembered that you work at this school, so I came to pay you a visit..."

Upon hearing Chen Fan's words, Teacher Hu suddenly realized his purpose.

He just wanted her to take care of this new classmate. It wasn't a big deal, not even a small favor. He immediately smiled and said, "What a coincidence!"

He then looked at Jiang Lili and asked, "What's your major? Have you completed the registration procedures?"

Jiang Lili then started chatting with Teacher Hu about a series of questions.

After understanding the situation, Teacher Hu nodded with satisfaction. "So your father also graduated from our school, so you're the daughter of an alumnus. Since you're here, treat this place like home. You can come and see me anytime, whether you have something to do or not. My husband is busy, and I'm a bit lonely by myself, so you'll have some company."

After talking with Jiang Lili, she couldn't wait to discuss the article with Chen Fan. "I read your newly published 'The Ferryman' and was deeply moved. I also recommended it to other people, and everyone said it was good. It contains both a realistic portrayal of history and a reflection on certain mistakes."

What's most precious is that even after suffering hardships, one's sincere heart remains unchanged...

"The Ferryman" was written by Chen Fan, and following the formula of "The Horse Herder," he naturally understood the article's meaning. Since he was here, he was prepared to discuss the work with Professor Hu… well, more than a dozen professors.

Chen Fan has many book lovers here, and quite a few of them were recommended by Teacher Hu. Now that she has seen the author himself, would she easily let him go?
She immediately used the internal phone in the dormitory to reserve a meeting room in the teaching building, and then arranged for two elderly ladies next door to call people.

So for the entire morning, Chen Fan was kept in the conference room, where he had a discussion session with more than a dozen teachers from various disciplines.

If he hadn't repeatedly stated that he had important matters to attend to in the afternoon, he probably wouldn't have been able to get away.

Teacher Hu didn't insist on keeping him. Anyway, your partner is still in my "hands," so why would I worry about you not coming back later?

Jiang Lili didn't go back with them. She wanted to get to know her roommates better and participate in dormitory activities to prepare for the official start of school tomorrow.

When Chen Fan returned home, Jiang Tiantian was already bored out of her mind.

But she didn't ask anything, she just smiled and said, "How did it go? Are you tired? Why don't you take a rest?"

Chen Fan shook his head. "No need. Let's set off quickly, or we'll waste time."

Jiang Tiantian followed him outside, and after locking the door, she jumped onto the bicycle and asked, "Who are we going to see?"

Chen Fan turned around and smiled, "Ba Jin."

(End of this chapter)