Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 605 Taking it Step by Step

The van crawled along the streets of Shanghai in 78, barely faster than a tortoise shell.

There's no way around it; the streets are full of bicycles, so you can't go fast at all.

As is well known, my country became the "Kingdom of Bicycles" in the 80s, with the largest number of bicycles in the world.

In fact, as early as the 5s and 60s, major cities like Beijing and Shanghai had already become seas of bicycles. Shanghai, in particular, was home to brands like Forever and Phoenix, which would allocate the largest portion of their bicycles locally each year. As a result, Shanghai was one of the cities where it was easiest to buy bicycles back then.

Some people compare bicycles from before the 70s to luxury cars of later times, which isn't entirely wrong, but that's only true in places below the county level. In big cities like Shanghai, people really only recognize cars; bicycles are just an ordinary means of transportation.

Furthermore, by 94, the government encouraged individuals to purchase cars, which led to the decline of bicycles, first in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Within a few years, bicycles were rapidly reduced and replaced by motorcycles and cars.

At this point, rural towns began to achieve bicycle freedom, and the difference was indeed quite significant.

Chen Fan drove his car, weaving through the bicycle convoy, and soon turned into a dense cluster of Shikumen alleyways.

Chen Fan asked around twice, parked the car at the entrance of an alley, then slung his bag over his shoulder and led Liu Lu inside.

Located on Nanjing West Road, behind the bustling street, rows of narrow, small Shikumen houses are densely packed together, with electrical wires running haphazardly between the houses, occupying the limited space in the air along with bamboo poles used for hanging clothes to dry.

Stepping inside, a cool breeze hits you, making the temperature seem to drop a few degrees.

Chen Fan followed the addresses on the slip of paper, searching for each house number one by one, until he finally stopped in front of a Shikumen courtyard at the end of the alley.

He took two steps back and looked around. It was a standard Shikumen building with blue bricks, gray tiles, and red window frames. It seemed to still look the same as when it was first built. Compared to the half courtyard that Anquan bought, it had an additional wing room.

Moreover, there were no overhead power lines or bamboo poles hanging out to dry. If he wasn't mistaken, this Shikumen courtyard should only be inhabited by one family.

This way, all the clothes can be taken to the drying rack, instead of several families crowding together and having to carry out a bamboo pole.

Chen Fan took out a mesh bag containing two cans of fruit and a bag of brown sugar from his bag, walked up and knocked on the door. After a while, a slightly old voice came from inside, "Coming."

Soon the courtyard gate opened, and an elderly woman with silver hair appeared before them. She looked the two of them over curiously and asked in Shanghainese with a Ningbo accent, "Who are you looking for?"

Ningbo dialect and Shanghai dialect are somewhat similar, both belonging to the Wu dialect group, but there are subtle differences. Chen Fan could understand them fairly well.

He crossed his arms in front of him, leaned slightly forward, adopting the demeanor of an old gentleman, and said in a gentle voice, "Madam, may I ask if Mr. Wang Zekai lives here?"

The old lady nodded gently, "Yes."

He then asked, "Who are you?"

Chen Fan smiled and said, "Oh, my name is Chen Fan. I was introduced by Mr. Ba Jin."

Upon hearing Mr. Ba's name, the old lady's expression immediately softened, and she stepped aside with a smile, saying, "Please come in quickly. My husband is home right now; I'll go and call him."

After welcoming Chen Fan and his companion in, closing the courtyard gate, and then inviting them to sit on the rattan sofa in the living room and pouring them two cups of tea, the old lady went upstairs to invite them.

In less than two minutes, an elderly man with a full head of white hair, but who was in good spirits, walked over.

Despite the hot summer and being at home, the old man was still wearing a beige shirt and blue trousers, and they didn't look like he had just changed into them.

Everyone knows the three essential items for elderly men in Beijing's hutongs to beat the summer heat: a vest, shorts, and a large palm-leaf fan. Actually, it's pretty much the same for elderly men in Shanghai, especially at home, where a vest is often enough, and some even wear it when they go out.

So judging from his clothing, this old gentleman was a man of great taste.

After pondering for two seconds, Chen Fan figured out how to get along with this old man Wang, and his demeanor naturally changed.

It's roughly like the way Bao Zong faces his uncle.

As Wang Zekai walked forward, he sized up the two men who had already stood up. Seeing Chen Fan's imposing presence, his confidence tempered with humility, and his refined manner, Wang Zekai's goodwill towards him increased, and his smile broadened. "Greetings, esteemed guests. Is there anything I can do for you?"

He spent most of his life working in the clothing store, serving high-ranking officials and dignitaries in his early years. After the liberation, he continued to work in the store until his retirement. Smiling at everyone and being polite to them had become his instinct in dealing with people.

Chen Fan stepped forward to shake hands and greet him, then briefly introduced Liu Lu. He didn't say much else, but took out a stack of manuscript paper from his bag and handed it to Wang Zekai with both hands. "Mr. Wang, this is a clothing design drawing. Because the workmanship requires a lot of precision, I heard from Mr. Ba that your craftsmanship is the best in Shanghai, so I came here specifically to ask for your advice."

Wang Zekai's smile remained unchanged as he accepted the gifts with both hands, but instead of looking at them first, he invited the two of them to sit down.

Only after his wife brought him a cup of tea did he put on his reading glasses to look.

After a while, Wang Zekai put down the drawings and looked at Chen Fan with a surprised expression. "May I ask who made this manuscript?"

Chen Fan laughed and said, "It was my own wild idea to draw it, but I didn't expect that after finding many master craftsmen, they all said they were not confident in making it. I also heard from them that the tailors of the Shanghai Red Gang were the best in the world, so I asked Mr. Ba for help."

Upon hearing this, Wang Zekai was even more surprised, "You designed it?"

He picked up the blueprints and looked at them, then looked at Chen Fan. "You're also a tailor, aren't you?"

Chen Fan smiled and nodded slightly, "I know a little bit."

Wang Zekai paused for a few seconds, then turned his gaze back to the blueprints, his eyes full of hesitation.

Chen Fan remained calm and composed, sipping his tea without making a sound.

The clothing design was not complicated; it was simply a modern Zhongshan suit for 40 years later. However, the requirements for tailoring were extremely high.

The stand-up collar alone is enough to stump countless experienced craftsmen of average skill.

In addition, the drawings show the requirements for a close-fitting cut, as well as other tailoring techniques improved in later generations. In this day and age, Chen Fan can guarantee that there are very few people who can make this outfit exactly according to the pattern.

After thinking for a while, Wang Zekai let out a long sigh, looked up at Chen Fan thoughtfully, and said softly, "I've been retired for more than ten years, and it's been a long time since I've made such exquisite clothes. I don't know if I can still hold a pair of scissors."

Chen Fan said with a sincere expression, "Back then, the old gentleman's craftsmanship was unparalleled in Shanghai. There were only those who could match him, but no one could surpass him. Even though he has been retired for many years, I think he will not easily forget the craftsmanship he has practiced all his life."

Academician Wu is 96 years old and can still perform three surgeries a week. Looking at Mr. Wang's radiant appearance, he doesn't look like someone who can't even lift scissors.

That was clearly just an excuse.

This is also why Chen Fan didn't mention becoming an apprentice when he first arrived. Masters like Master Wang are all proud, so why would they pass on their skills to just anyone?

Therefore, Chen Fan had already planned ahead. The first step was to use the design drawings from the future to lure him back into the business world. As long as he was willing to take action, the rest would be much easier.

After being flattered by Chen Fan and looking at the design drawings in front of him, and remembering that his wife had said they were introduced by Ba Jin, Wang Zekai was already somewhat tempted.

After pausing for two seconds, he looked up at Chen Fan and asked with a smile, "You mentioned Mr. Ba earlier. I wonder what your relationship is...?" Chen Fan smiled and said "Oh," shifting his position slightly forward. He laughed and said, "Well, Mr. Ba and I are friends despite our age difference. We both work in the same system, so we've developed a relationship. It's mainly because Mr. Ba has been kind to me and mentored me; I've benefited from his support."

Wang Zekai was even more confused. "Working in the same system? Could it be that you're also a writer?"

Chen Fan smiled and said, "I have written some articles, and I was fortunate enough to receive the care of my seniors and have them published."

Wang Zekai narrowed his eyes slightly, silently recalling Chen Fan's name in his mind.

A few seconds later, a sudden thought flashed through my mind, and I turned sharply to look at him. "Is he Chen Fan, the writer who wrote 'The Ferryman' and 'Shanghai Spy Shadow' and pioneered hard-pen calligraphy?"

When Shanghai Spy Shadow was published, Chen Dong's pseudonym was exposed, which could be considered as a way to promote the new book, so many people know that Chen Dong is Chen Fan.

Chen Fan's smile remained unchanged, and he nodded slightly. "I am ashamed to say that it is indeed I."

Wang Zekai's expression changed, and he unconsciously sat up straight. "So it's Writer Chen in person. I was blind to his greatness. Please forgive me."

Chen Fan said, "You're too kind, sir. Just call me Chen Fan, or Xiao Chen."

Seeing Chen Fan's humility, Wang Zekai relaxed and said with a smile, "Then I will take the liberty of calling you Little Chen."

At his age, as long as the other person isn't someone of great status, he can easily call him "Little Chen."

After a pause, Wang Zekai smiled and said, "Well, Xiao Chen, it's true that I haven't personally taken charge for a long time. My two sons have been doing most of the work, but with their skill level, I'm afraid they can't handle this heavy responsibility."

Give me two days, I'll study it carefully. ..."

At this point, he picked up the blueprints again, his brows furrowing slightly. "And this garment can't be made of ordinary fabric either, otherwise it won't be able to support such a beautiful design."

He turned to look at Chen Fan, "Leave me your contact information. I'll call you when I've thought it over, and we'll go to the textile distribution company together to see if they have any suitable imported fabrics. Then we can discuss how to make this garment."

Seeing that he had finally agreed, Chen Fan naturally nodded with a smile without saying a word, "I'll do as the old man says."

As long as you agree, don't worry about me not being able to watch. As long as I see it, I can learn the most secret skills of your Red Gang tailors.

Of course, it would be best to establish a relationship with Old Wang and then smoothly hand Liu Lu over to him for training. Unless absolutely necessary, he still didn't want to personally teach Liu Lu.

The main problem is that this kind of delicate craftsmanship is too time-consuming, and he also has important things to do, so where would he find the time to take care of the child!
As soon as Liu Lu left Mr. Wang's house, she couldn't wait to ask, "Teacher, was I supposed to watch and learn from Mr. Wang while he was making clothes?"

Chen Fan snorted twice, turned to look at her, and said, "You think you can learn it just by looking at it once?"

Liu Lu smiled sheepishly, not daring to utter a sound.

Chen Fan tapped her on the head in an annoyed tone, "I'll arrange everything for you. Just focus on doing your best."

Liu Lu nodded vigorously, "Yes, yes, yes, I'm good at this."

Chen Fan glanced at her. "Since you're good at working hard, why didn't you study hard with your sister last year? Your sister is practically my apprentice. If you're willing to put your heart into studying academic subjects and your grades improve, how could I not care about you two?"

Liu Lu immediately lowered her head, "Studying is too difficult, and trying hard is useless."

Chen Fan was speechless for a moment, then shook his head and quickened his pace to walk forward.

Liu Lu jogged behind, and even after getting into the car, she didn't dare to say a word.

The car soon drove onto the main road, but stopped shortly afterward.

Now Liu Lu knows how to use a seatbelt and open and close car doors. She followed Chen Fan out of the car, saw the iron gate in front of her and the door sign hanging on the wall next to it, quickly ran a few steps and asked softly, "Teacher, what are we doing at the library?"

(Shanghai Library in the 70s)

Chen Fan didn't even turn his head. "Of course I came to the library to borrow books."

He paused for a moment, then continued to explain, “I taught you a lot about clothing cutting and sewing, but that was all practical; I only talked about the theory in bits and pieces.”

To master sewing, simply practicing isn't enough; you also need to diligently study the theoretical knowledge. The library should have relevant materials; I'll borrow a few for you, and you can study them carefully during this time.

I'll go to other bookstores later to see if they have any books on this topic, and you can take them back then.

Upon hearing this, Liu Lu felt her mind go blank. "Huh? You need to read books to learn tailoring?"

I'm bad at studying, that's why I want to learn a trade. Why do I need to study it? Wouldn't that be a waste of my time learning a trade?

Chen Fan snorted twice, "It's not just you, Huang Li and Yang Mei also need to study. Since you're learning from me, you can't just be content with being a small-time craftsman. I don't expect you to be top-notch, but at least you should reach the level of senior craftsman, otherwise I'll be embarrassed to accept you as my disciples."

getting Started?

Liu Lu's eyes immediately lit up, and she leaned close to Chen Fan and asked, "Teacher, teacher, if we study hard, will you accept us as your apprentices?"

Chen Fan chuckled, turned to look at her, and said, "I can consider it."

Upon hearing this, Liu Lu immediately jumped up and shouted, "Yay!"

Then she saw dozens of people staring at her, which frightened her so much that she quickly followed Chen Fan with her head down, not daring to raise her head.

But the next second, remembering that their teacher had said he would take them on as apprentices, they burst out laughing.

Chen Fan led her into the library, first using his work ID to get a library card, and then, with the enthusiastic guidance of the staff, they successfully found several books on tailoring.

(A tailoring reference book from the 6s and 70s. It seems that almost every trade had related books published during that era, making them comprehensive skill guides.)
Those who witnessed this couldn't help but whisper among themselves.

"The administrator is so enthusiastic, who is he?"

"I don't know, maybe some kind of cadre, but he's so young."

"Last time I asked the administrator, they looked impatient. I'm a section chief, after all, and they made me lose face. This guy must be at least a deputy director."

"That guy looks to be in his early twenties at most. A deputy director? His dad is more like a deputy director."

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Chen Fan calmly walked out of the library with the books and drove away.

(End of this chapter)