Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 704 Original
On the third floor, a single room occupied half the floor, yet Chen Fan had arranged it to be fully occupied.

This room serves as a study, a room for musical instruments, and also has a corner where a large bed is placed.

That bed was originally prepared by Chen Fan for himself, so he could rest there when he got tired from reading or relaxing, without having to climb up and down. But every time Zhou Yali came, she would stay here, so it also served as a guest room.

In a corner opposite the large bed, there is a second-hand Steinway antique grand piano that I bought for 220 yuan.

Chen Fan sat on the piano bench in the back, his eyes half-open and half-closed, his fingers dancing on the strings, playing a series of beautiful melodies.

The two sisters stood beside the piano, leaning against each other, their eyes filled with fascination.

A few minutes later, after the music faded away, they remained immersed in the music, unable to tear themselves away.

Until a voice sounded.

"Huh, no flowers are blooming today?"

Jiang Lili snapped out of her daze, paused for a moment, and then, seeing Chen Fan gazing out the window, asked in confusion, "What flowers are blooming?"

Where did these flowers come from in the dead of winter?

Chen Fan turned around and said, "I was saying that if we were in Guangdong, we would have flowers even in winter."

He doesn't even realize that he used to practice his instruments every afternoon, when everyone else was taking a nap. He would play the piano and flute for a while, no wonder people were so enthusiastic.

At this moment, Jiang Tiantian also snapped out of her reverie and exclaimed, "No wonder you didn't dare let Xiaofan play this piece before. This light and cheerful style is completely different from the serious music we have now. Instead, it's somewhat similar to Teresa Teng's songs that circulate privately. It's very light and lively."

This means that many songs were unbanned this year, and some cassette tapes from outside have also leaked in. Many young people like this kind of music; otherwise, it really wouldn't be possible for people to hear it.

This is not the mobile internet era of decades to come, where a viral hit can be created overnight using mobile platforms.

The inconvenience of communication and transportation means that none of today's overnight sensations happen overnight.

It's true that Renhe's song became popular in 79, but its potential was already evident in 78.

In the second half of this year, people who went to Guangdong on business trips first secretly brought back some tapes that had flowed in from Hong Kong, most of which were Teresa Teng's songs.

These tapes then spread rapidly through young people's "tape recorder dance halls," and Teresa Teng's tapes were the most popular. People lent them to each other, and when they ran out of tapes, they would try to find ways to bring them back from Guangdong.

Next year, her songs will explode across the country, with incredibly high popularity. Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai will be the first to see this phenomenon.

As a result, in 80, some musicians held the "Xishan Conference" in Xishan, Beijing, defining Teresa Teng's songs as decadent music and criticizing them for corrupting social morals. Some experts even wrote articles saying that the lyrics were pornographic.

With this as the starting point, coupled with some questionable actions from the other side of the strait, a situation arose where the public was abuzz but the official media remained silent. It wasn't until the 90s that she was finally unbanned, but by then she had gradually left the stage due to health reasons and ultimately was unable to perform there, which was a pity.

After her sister finished speaking, Jiang Lili nodded gently, then looked at Chen Fan with a hopeful look in her eyes, "Then you'll perform this piece at the arts festival?"

Chen Fan pressed a few notes on the piano keys, his expression a half-smile, "This style of music is only accepted by the general public; 'musicians' might not necessarily accept it."

He hasn't forgotten that next year, his song "Hometown Love" will become a hit across the country with the broadcast of the TV documentary "Legend of the Three Gorges." But what the people like is being rejected by some so-called "musicians," who insist that Li Guyi's breathy singing style is decadent, which is utterly absurd.

Even though Li Guyi herself had a strong foundation, and the authorities couldn't reach her, her songs were still banned.

Unfortunately, what seems utterly absurd to later generations is perfectly normal at present, and could even be considered a part of the "mainstream."

So in recent years, there have been both "reforms" such as drinking games and finger-guessing games in restaurants, and "conservatism" such as hostility towards popular songs.

Some people later criticized the "crossing the river by feeling the stones" approach at that time as irresponsible, but only those who went through it know that if they hadn't "crossed the river by feeling the stones," the road would probably have been even more difficult and tortuous.

After all, the higher-ups' goal was reform and opening up, not to change the flag.

Many fundamental things are revealed in the small details of life, and this is also part of changing the wind direction.

Chen Fan certainly wanted to move forward in the direction of historical development, but he was unwilling to become a stone for others to "touch" and bring trouble upon himself, so naturally he would not do anything "earth-shattering".

The safest road is the one that others have walked on without incident.

Hearing Chen Fan say this, Jiang Tiantian seemed to understand, "So, we can't play this piece anymore."

Jiang Lili pursed her lips, her delicate eyebrows furrowing slightly. "Then what kind of performance should we have?"

If it were just an ordinary piece of music, Xiao Fan wouldn't stand out so much. In her heart, her man was the most outstanding person in the world, and since she was going to perform on stage, she naturally had to make a name for herself.

It's such a pity that someone as talented as him, who composed a piece like "Castle in the Sky," can't be known by more people.

Of course, if this leads to trouble, she would rather not let Xiao Fan shine; after all, safety is the most important thing.

Chen Fan thought for a moment and then smiled, "It's okay, let me think about it some more."

Then he spread his hands and said, "At worst, I can do what you guys do, play the Yellow River Cantata, or sing 'Why Are the Flowers So Red'."

Jiang Tiantian linked arms with her younger sister and said with a smile, "If you want to sing this song, you'd better sign up early, or someone else will beat you to it."

Jiang Lili chuckled, "This song is in high demand. Our class originally wanted to sing this song, but when we went to register, we heard that several other classes wanted to register as well, so we registered for 'The Yellow River Cantata' instead. It's only because our class monitor went early that we were able to get this song."

Jiang Tiantian nodded repeatedly, then suddenly lowered her voice and whispered, "After all, nobody wants to sing 'model operas' anymore."

The "model operas" here do not refer to those eight operas, but rather to those "model songs" that have been sung to death.

Decades later, not many people will remember these model songs.

Looking at the two sisters, Chen Fan feigned surprise, "Is that so? Then I'd better hurry up and sign up."

The two sisters smiled at each other. Suddenly, Jiang Tiantian's eyes darted around, her pretty face flushed, and she said to Chen Fan, "Xiao Fan, could you play 'Castle in the Sky' one more time?"

Jiang Lili nodded quickly, her eyes sparkling, "I want to hear it."

Chen Fan made a gesture, turned around and sat up straight, gently raised his right hand, and an artist's temperament emerged. "Next, please enjoy the piano solo, 'Castle in the Sky'."

……

Yesterday it was sunny and bright, but today it's snowing again.

Sitting on the sofa in Ba's living room, Chen Fan wrapped his fur coat tighter around himself and said, "Why don't you even have a charcoal brazier here? It's too cold."

Old Ba nestled on the sofa, a thick cotton overcoat beneath him, a pipe in his hand, taking a satisfying puff. “I’m an old man and I’m not afraid of the cold, but you, a young man, are? Your body is a bit weak.”

Chen Fan's face darkened. "What do you mean I'm afraid of the cold? I can swim in the winter without any problem. I'm worried about you getting cold. At your age, you need to take better care of your health. It would be terrible if you caught a cold."

Old Ba turned his head and glanced at him, "You brat, stop cursing me. I'm in great health. If you're afraid of the cold, just admit it. Don't be so stubborn. Winter swimming, if you're so capable, go and try jumping into the Huangpu River."

Chen Fan was speechless. "I just came to get a certificate, why would I jump into the river?"

I already have the national membership card in my pocket. It's not much to look at; it's just a little booklet that gives you some extra perks each month, like cigarettes, alcohol, and candy.

Many veteran writers are quite looking forward to it, but it doesn't matter to him.

Now the two sisters have learned to go to foreign-related shopping malls to buy groceries. Whenever he comes over, if they don't have any coupons or the market doesn't have everything they need, they take the remittance coupons he gives them or the US dollars their uncle gives them and head straight to the foreign-related shopping mall, spending money without hesitation.

However, he used all the food he bought to feed him. Therefore, the great writer Chen no longer cared about these welfare subsidies.

Thinking back to the days of hardship in Lujiawan, it really brings back a lot of emotions.

When Ba Lao saw that his face suddenly became somewhat sentimental, he couldn't help but twitch his lips slightly. "It was just a joke, I didn't really ask you to jump. It's okay to be a little dramatic. Didn't you say you bought tiger bone and ginseng from the Northeast? Just drink more ginseng tea and soak some tiger bone in wine to nourish your body."

Chen Fan snapped out of his daze, quickly raised his head, and said seriously, "I'm not afraid."

Old Ba nodded without thinking, "No doubt about it."

They quickly changed the subject, "Have you decided what program you want to apply for?"

Chen Fan watched as Ba Lao blinked repeatedly, feeling a lack of trust.

After a two-second pause, he asked, "Which organizations are participating in this arts and culture gala? What programs have they submitted?"

Ba Jin squinted, took a puff of his cigarette, and said as he thought, "There are quite a few participating organizations, including the Writers Association, the Dramatists Association, the Musicians Association, and the Artists Association. These were the earliest established organizations, and they will all be participating."

In addition, there are the Shanghai Chinese Calligraphy and Seal Carving Research Association, the Film Association, the Quyi Workers Association, and the Photographers Association. That's about it.

Then there are some leaders from the cultural and propaganda departments. Oh, right, the TV station will be recording, and it might be broadcast on TV later.

Chen Fan nodded gently as he listened.

These are pretty much the only arts and culture associations that exist today. The Writers Association, Drama Association, Music Association, and Fine Arts Association were mostly established in the 50s, while most of the others were established in the 60s.

For example, the Shanghai Chinese Calligraphy and Seal Carving Research Association was actually the later Shanghai Calligraphers Association. However, there is no national calligraphers association yet, and calligraphers in various places still stick together for mutual support. It will be reorganized into provincial branches of the calligraphers association after the national calligraphers association is established in two years.

As for the member units of the Shanghai Federation of Literary and Art Circles that were established later, such as the Folk Artists Association, Dancers Association, Acrobats Association, Television Artists Association, and Translators Association, they were all established one after another in the 80s and there are none now.

Old Ba took a puff of his cigarette and continued, "Of course, this includes all the subordinate units of these associations. As for whether they come or not, and who comes, that's their internal decision."

Chen Fan nodded secretly. For example, he himself had been conscripted into the so-called arts and culture gathering, which was both a gathering and a competition, a contest of which organization was stronger and had more outstanding talents.

It's no wonder that Ba Jin would bring himself here. Although there are many middle-aged and elderly people in the Writers' Association who are good at things like playing the harmonica or the piano, they are not good enough compared to professionals.

Who made me so outstanding?!
The awl is placed in the bag, and its tip is immediately visible.

Old Ba glanced at him, wondering why the boy suddenly sighed. Was he feeling pressured?

But according to Xiao He, his harmonica and accordion are better than those of the music performers in Jiangnan Province. When a writer performs an instrument at a literary and art gala, he doesn't need to outshine them. He just needs to not look too bad. Is he really going to slap them in the face?

This child is too ambitious, which is not good.

Composing himself, he continued, "These are the same organizations, and these are the same people. As for the programs, they are nothing more than songs, dances, instrumental performances, and poetry recitations."

The most outstanding individuals are undoubtedly those from the Musicians Association, Dancers Association, Dramatists Association, and Filmmakers Association. Additionally, members of the Calligraphy and Seal Carving Research Association can also write calligraphy, so they are not a major concern.

So, don't put too much pressure on yourself. Just go up there and show off your skills, let the other associations be amazed, and let them know that our Writers' Association isn't lacking in talent. That's enough.

Chen Fan looked up and said, "I'm not under any pressure."

Mr. Ba laughed heartily, "No pressure is best. So, what kind of performance do you plan to give?"

Chen Fan thought for a moment and said, "The spring water is gurgling, has anyone reported it?"

Old Ba looked at him in shock. "You're reciting nursery rhymes?"

Chen Fan, "No?"

Ba shook his head, "This has been reported by an organization; it's a performance by children from the Youth Palace under the Department of Culture."

Chen Fan's face stiffened slightly. He had actually been competing with a child for a performance?

He immediately said, "And what about Butterfly Spring?"

Ahem, this isn't the song sung by Huang Yali, but rather an interlude from the movie "Five Golden Flowers," the one that goes, "The scenery of Dali in March is beautiful, a good time to dress up by Butterfly Spring, butterflies fly to collect nectar, why is the girl combing her hair?"

Old Ba shook his head, "Such a good movie theme song must have been submitted for application long ago."

After a couple of seconds of consideration, Chen Fan said, "Then let's go with 'The Toast Song'."

This song was composed by Shi Guangnan, with lyrics by Han Wei, and sung by Su Fengjuan, a colleague of Li Guangxi. It was first released on the album on January 1, 1978.

However, it was Li Guangxi who made this song a hit. He sang it at the CCTV Spring Festival Gala in 79 and became an instant sensation. The song also became one of the most popular songs of 79.

The other song is naturally "Nostalgia for My Hometown".

Chen Fan thought that since the song hadn't become a huge hit yet, no one should be able to compete with him for it, right?

The result is regrettable.

Old Ba pursed his lips and looked at him, "The Music Association submitted this song a long time ago, and it was to be performed as the opening song."

Chen Fan's eye twitched slightly. What a coincidence!

He then submitted several more songs, but they were all rejected by Master Ba, who said, "Others have already submitted them."

Chen Fan was a little puzzled. "Did all the organizations submit their programs immediately?"

Hearing this, Ba Jin was a little embarrassed. "Actually, I decided to hold a party a long time ago, but I didn't know you had this idea back then. I was in a meeting in Beijing when Xiao He told me about it. After the meeting, I came back and immediately contacted you."

Chen Fan tried to maintain a smile, "It's just that everyone else had already finished reporting, and I was pulled in to save the day."

Ba coughed twice. "Well, how about I go to the Federation of Literary and Art Circles tomorrow and get you a program? You can avoid looking at the program while you're on it?"

Chen Fan sighed deeply, turned his head to look at the increasingly heavy snowflakes outside, and felt that his heart was as cold as the outside world. "Everyone wants to perform good classic songs, how can we avoid it?"

Then, gritting his teeth, he said, "I have no choice but to perform an original program."

Ba Jin was taken aback at first, then looked at him suspiciously, "You can also compose songs? Lyrics or music?"

Chen Fan slowly sat up straight, his face serious, and said, "Can't I compose both lyrics and music?"

Old Ba chuckled dryly twice, "Of course I hope you have the ability, but I'm a little worried."

Chen Fan, "What are you worried about?"

Old Ba clicked his tongue, "Don't let your face be exposed and turn into a slip-up."

Chen Fan's lips twitched slightly as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a harmonica. "In that case, I'll have to ask you for your guidance on the spot to see if this song is good enough for the stage!"

Ba Jin looked at the harmonica in his hand, paused for two seconds, and said, "Judging from your expression, you've obviously finished composing. But how can you sing if you're playing the harmonica?"

Chen Fan's hands trembled slightly as he stood up and walked out, saying, "I'm going to change the accordion."

(End of this chapter)