daoxingyoustudent

"That's absolutely right!" Sun Ming, another classmate and now editor-in-chief of the newspaper's cultural section, took over the conversation. "We always talk about cultural confidence and reviving traditional culture, but the specific implementation is often superficial. Tingjuan's natural integration of traditional clothing elements into daily life and important occasions is a great example of practical application!"

"That's right," Zhou Yun said, clearly inspired to think deeply. She sat down next to Huang Tingjuan and said seriously, "The Hanfu craze is a good starting point, but cultural revival can't just be about dressing up. I think we can do more." She glanced at the students present, "For example, we can use our professional knowledge to do some real cultural popularization work."

Sun Ming immediately responded, "That's a great idea! We could organize a series of lectures, for example, called 'Traditional Culture in Life.' Instead of discussing those abstruse theories, we could focus on everyday things like clothing, food, solar terms, and etiquette. I can contact a community cultural center or library for a venue."

"We could also incorporate new media," added Chen Jing, a classmate who works in a publishing house. "We could create a series of short videos that interpret poetry, songs, and idioms in a light-hearted and entertaining way. Or, like Tingjuan and her colleagues do with popular science, we could develop a series of books titled 'Illustrated Accounts of China's Excellent Traditional Culture' for young people, making our profound culture accessible and tangible."

Sun Ming seemed to have remembered something. He opened his phone and said, "Oh, right! The culture section I edit needs articles about clothing. I just published a regulated verse praising Hanfu a few days ago. Let me read it to you. If you have similar works, you can also send them to me."

"Sun Ming, are you soliciting submissions?"

Sun Ming blinked, "Yes, there is a fee."

“Is it okay to write about other ethnic groups?”

"Of course. It would be even better if all 56 ethnic groups were listed."

"Okay, let's write it when we get back."

"Yes, I will definitely compile a collection of hymns of praise for the costumes of all 56 ethnic groups before you retire!"

Huang Tingjuan listened to her classmates' discussion, then glanced down at her dress, which had sparked such a buzz, and felt a surge of participation. "After hearing what you all said, I feel like the meaning of wearing this dress has changed. If we really want to do this, even if I can't help with anything else, I can still support the venue and some start-up capital. Even for us 'old folks', we can do our bit to help pass on our culture."

Zhou Yun became more and more excited as she listened. She raised her glass and said, "Great! I didn't expect such sparks would come from a wedding banquet today. Now let's make a deal. I'll draft a preliminary plan and we can find a time to discuss it in detail."

"Good!" everyone shouted in unison.

Amidst the laughter and cheer, only one person stood out, standing out in silence. It was Qian Wenge. Everyone's eyes were drawn to him.

Qian Wenge, who had been listening quietly, was wearing a dark blue shirt, a light blue tie, and rimless glasses. Seeing that everyone was looking at him, seemingly waiting for him to speak, he slowly pushed his glasses up and began, "I think all of you Chinese majors are talented people. Publishing a book or filming a TV series is great. Traveling broadens your horizons, writing calms your soul, filming a web series is novel and interesting, and popularizing science is even more meaningful. As for me, I'm a history major and don't have much creative ability. Maybe my life is much simpler. I just want to spend more time with my family, tending to the flowers and plants, and occasionally catching up with old friends to enjoy some peace and quiet."

"Old Qian, you are too modest."

"Hey, Old Qian. You're not right. I remember you were the editor of the school newspaper back then!"

"Yes, Lao Qian also publishes articles frequently."

"Old Qian is the real genius."

"Besides, what's wrong with history? History is the most important thing."

"It's the foundation of history. It's the foundation."

"That's right, writing books and filming TV dramas are inseparable from history."

"Let's ask Lao Qian to be our historical consultant."

"Well, that's a good idea."

Qian Wenge waved his hands repeatedly, "No, no, the history we learned those years wasn't necessarily correct. I wish I could forget all that erroneous historical knowledge. Please don't use this fake history to harm others."

"Then you should relearn the real history."

"Yes, Old Qian, you should learn it all over again, and then correct those historical errors while you're at it."

"Yes, now is the time to get back to basics. Old Qian, as a professional, you should be playing your role well."

"That's fine! Well, I think the responsibility of correcting history should be handed over to Old Qian!"

"Haha, Lao Qian, we are optimistic about you."

"Haha, hahaha..."

Everyone at the table was laughing happily.

Old Qian looked around and smiled.

"Quietness is good, and so is bustle," Zhao Jianguo concluded. "The key is to find a rhythm that's comfortable for you. We've been busy all our lives, and now we're retired, and our children are grown. We can finally live for ourselves. Whatever you want to do, as long as your body allows, go for it!"

"Old Zhao is right!" Wang Hai raised his glass again, his spirits high. "Come, let's toast to our new retirement life, which is about to begin, or has already begun! I wish those of us who are traveling will have a wonderful time, those who are writing will have a lot of ideas, those who are filming web dramas will become a hit, and those who are publishing books will be sold out! In short, may our sunset be more brilliant than the sunrise!"

"cheers!

"For a new life!"

The crisp clink of glasses echoed again, accompanied by bursts of joyful laughter. These "post-1965s," having experienced the vicissitudes of life for most of their lives, beamed with anticipation and plans for the future. The passion of youth may have faded, but the vitality of life hasn't faded; it's simply shifted gears. For them, retirement isn't the end, but the beginning of another exciting journey. As night deepened outside, the banquet hall felt increasingly warm and vibrant, fueled by lively discussions about the future.

Wang Hai raised his glass and said, "Everyone, let's drink to this little project of 'cultural revival' that we are about to embark on!"

"cheers!"

"Let our knowledge not remain in books! Cheers!"

The crisp clink of glasses echoed once again, this time emitting more than just wine; it also captured the passion and ideals of a group of intellectuals, now over fifty, who wished to dedicate their remaining years to the preservation of their beloved culture. The intriguing blend of wedding celebrations and a cultural sense of purpose made this evening particularly meaningful.

Although Fang Chen and Cai Jingjing were not at the same table with Huang Tingjuan and the others, they were close enough to hear everything they said. Fang Chen couldn't help but feel envious and said to Cai Jingjing, "It's great to be retired! I can do whatever I want. I'm looking forward to retirement."

Cai Jingjing disagreed, saying, "Their ideas are good, but they may not all have the time."

Fang Chen naturally understood what Cai Jingjing meant—she, like him, also had to take care of the elderly at home. "But no matter what, it's more time than when I was working."