Chapter 3 In and out of town

In the spring of 1979, a delegation of Chinese scholars visiting the United States visited a university in California and gave a public lecture, which was introduced by Professor You Yi of the Department of History. This is the first time that a Chinese delegation has organized a visit to the United States since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, so it has attracted much attention.After the news appeared in the newspaper, the You family's phone kept ringing.Colleagues and friends asked Youshi and his wife about the whereabouts and whereabouts of the scholars, with the implication that they wanted to have a private meeting with them.

You Yi specializes in ancient history and is famous for his tireless learning and continuous writing. He is only in his early forties and already has a good reputation in the American historian circle.Last year, he went to China to inspect cultural relics unearthed since the Cultural Revolution, and met the most famous sociologist Bi Wenfu and writer Qin Zheng in the delegation.Perhaps for this reason, the university entrusted him with full authority to be responsible for the reception. The delegation consisted of seven people, led by Hou Li; besides the four scholars, there was also a translator and a reporter.The visit time falls on Friday and Saturday.You Yi planned to arrange formal programs such as speeches, visits, receptions, and dinners to end within a day and a half, take them to the library on Saturday afternoon, and have a light meal at his home in the evening.

The school has no objection to this arrangement.He went home and told his wife Shi Wenhui, and she was also very happy. Wen Hui is hospitable by nature, and it is an honor to entertain rare guests from China.In the past few years, there has been a boom in China, and everyone is competing to be proud of going to China.You Yi waited for nearly thirty years, and finally returned to his hometown to visit relatives on the occasion of academic exchanges.Wen Hui is a native of Taiwan and has no roots in the mainland, but because of the lack of this journey, it will inevitably pale in comparison when talking about it among friends.It is really a great honor to be able to exclusively entertain celebrities and scholars from the mainland. I was so excited that my feet were spinning on the ground.

Who should I invite to accompany you? She tilted her head, busy thinking about the guest list. In my opinion, don't invite a single accompanying guest. You Yi's tone was unhurried, as if he had thought about it long ago. The opportunity is so rare, we must seize it.Haven't you always admired Qin Zheng's literary talent?It is time to ask for advice face to face.He is called Mr. Qin in China, he doesn't look old at all, he is more energetic than many young men!By the way, I really want to talk to Bi Wenfu.Now that the four modernizations are being carried out, the democratic movement has just emerged and then been suppressed. How will it develop in the future?I want to hear Bi Lao's private opinions on these issues.

Wen Hui felt that it was reasonable, so she had to reluctantly give up the grand plan of banqueting guests. However, if you want them to speak freely, you must block their reporters and translators from the door, right? She had seen too many news reports from Taiwan and the United States, so she took it for granted that these two had a monitoring role, and it was best to get them out of the way. This You Yi pondered for a while, and suddenly his eyes lit up: It's not difficult, I will find other cultural groups to arrange banquets and activities for them. After removing the two guests, Wen Hui's attention immediately turned to the menu.Do you eat Chinese food or Western food?For a moment she couldn't make up her mind.

Both Chinese and Western food are fine, preferably lighter. Her husband helped her set a simple rule. Actually, he sighed and said: This is a standard old people's group.Mr. Qin is in his seventh year, Mr. Bi is over seventy, and there is a geologist named Jian who is also seventy years old.The youngest one is named Fu, who is the same age as you, also thirty-seven years old.It is said that he is Bi Lao's apprentice and a researcher of the Academy of Sciences.Fortunately, the team leader is only in his early fifties, and his title is the director of a certain research institute of the Academy of Sciences. His education background is not listed, so he is probably an old administrative cadre.

Whew, isn't this age combination the combination of the old, the middle and the young that they often boast about? Wen Hui is quite proud of being able to apply the terminology of the CCP.She thought that tomorrow she must go to the library to borrow some new books about China to study for a while, it will be very useful then. This triple combination is top-heavy and lifeless! You Yi shook his huge head like a melon, and continued regretfully: The Cultural Revolution turned China into a cultural desert, and now the few old people who have survived have become national treasures. When they come to foreign countries, they can only rely on them to support the scene.Then again, the fact that Mr. Bi can live to this day and was sent abroad for a visit shows that the policy is open.Although his functionalist theory is outdated, he has accumulated a lot of valuable information when he investigated the Yao people in Yunnan. I especially want to ask him for advice on this aspect this time.

In order for You Yi to get what he wanted, Wen Hui decided to try to lure Hou away as much as possible. What she can't forget most is the menu. You Yi, these old people came all the way from the east, give speeches and visits, and eat big and small feasts, how can their stomachs handle it!How about I make some light and clean dishes for them to change their appetite? The lighter the better.I met Bi Lao last year and remembered that he was a vegetarian. You Yi reminded again and again: Wen Hui, you must not invite other guests to ordinary social occasions as soon as there are too many guests, that would be a waste of time.I hope to have a long and quiet talk.

He had his wishful thinking, but it was Wen Hui who suffered. You Yi devotes himself to learning, and is famous for not wanting to engage in nosy affairs.Except for class, people hide in the office and don't answer the phone.There is also a sign on the door of the office that says "only by appointment". A student who is as respected as his parents usually doesn't dare to knock on the door casually.Knowing his temper, they would call home, and if they wanted to ask for something, they would always go to Wen Hui first.She is easy-going and warm-hearted, and the husband and wife have a good relationship. The husband will never interfere with what the wife promised.

Somebody leaked the news that You's family was entertaining Chinese scholars, and the phone rang like a siren. It is attentiveness that cuts to the chase and makes the request. Sister Shi, if others don't invite you, how can you not invite me?He plausibly said: We are old fellows plus old classmates!Hey, you know that I am currently writing an article on the function of imagery in the creation of poetry, and I intend to quote Qin Zheng's novel "Fortress Besieged".Here he is, wonderful!Can add luster to my article! Yin Qin and Wen Hui are both natives of Lukang and graduated from the Department of Foreign Languages ​​at National Taiwan University.When Yin Qin was at National Taiwan University, he was known as a modern poet.Two years ago, he was hired to teach Chinese literature at this university, and he had frequent contacts with the You family.With the fellowship and the friendship of classmates, it is indeed not easy to refuse.

OK!If you are not afraid of dealing with people from the Communist Party, come here! Wen Hui readily agreed, but did not forget to remind him: However, recently Taiwan sentenced Yu Deng to eight years in prison for not reporting the bandits who knew about them. If you saw nearly half a dozen bandits, wouldn't it be dangerous to return to Taiwan? After finishing speaking, Wen Hui couldn't help but giggle first. Yin Qin calls himself a patriot and runs to Taiwan every three days.He has a Ph.D. in comparative literature. He taught Chinese classical literature in the United States, and when he returned to Taiwan as a visiting professor, he taught English and American literature, giving full play to his expertise.He loves Taiwan, and every poem expresses the hesitation and loss of wandering in a foreign country, expressing the nostalgia of a wanderer.These poems moved the young people on the island, who unanimously called him the new Qu Yuan of the 20th century.Therefore, Qin Qin is a patriotic poet and a local poet, and is highly respected.He and the Taiwan government share the same hatred, and he has been reading the free Central Daily for many years.He only tried to correct it when China and the United States established diplomatic relations recently. Hey, Miss Shi, please forgive me! Today, I have a request for someone, and Qin Qin has the cheek to beg on the other end of the phone. Hey, Taiwan is much more open-minded now. Why don't we turn a blind eye to the Chinese people coming and going? In fact, everyone is more welcome to run on both sides and compare them on the spot!I would like to go to the mainland to see. This is news, Wen Hui remembers hearing him yelling that Hans and thieves are not equal to each other a few years ago.But when she thought about it again, she felt that there was nothing wrong with it.Mainland China, which Chinese would not want to visit? Qin Qin, you should go to the mainland to see.Poets have the most sensitive eyes and ears, and when they come back and describe what they see, hear and think, they will surely publish a book or two.It is said that it is extremely fast to apply for a tourist passport now, and I heard that it is given priority to Taiwanese.Hey, you really want to go, let's go sightseeing with some people someday. Cough, what's the difference between being a tourist and traveling around the world with an old American lady?I either don't go, or if I do, I accept the invitation and arrange to see something that ordinary people can't see.Furan, it depends on the opportunity. I see.Wen Hui understood his intention of fishing for big fish with a long line, and was in awe for a moment. Qinqin, you have many opportunities, I'm afraid there will be two sides robbing you in the future!This is also good, You Yi agrees that the two sides of the strait should start with folk tourism and cultural exchanges, as for unification or not, we can talk about it later. That's, that's what I mean. It is rare to hear other people's opinions so attentively, and Wen Hui feels very flattered. oh Yin Qin suddenly cleared his throat as if he was choking on smoke, and then announced solemnly: You Yi and I can create this kind of atmosphere.To be honest, this kind of task, hey, it's you and me! This tone of humility first and then arrogance is full of authority and self-confidence.Through the phone, Wen Hui could imagine him smoking a pipe and shaking his head. How about it, what time do you come on Saturday?Do you want to ask Ai Meili to come and help earlier? That's great, she can help me make vegetarian dishes.The guests arrive at seven o'clock. It's best if you come half an hour earlier. It's a deal! Mrs. Yin, Ai Meili, is an American. When she was studying in college, she believed in a kind of Hinduism and became a vegetarian.Some of her dishes are quite exquisite.Wen Hui was worried that he was not too sure about the authentic Chinese vegetarian dishes, so he might as well learn two foreign dishes from Ai Meili, which would appear to be unique. Soon, Ai Meili called: Wen Hui, what do you want me to cook on Saturday?Fruit salad was good. She insisted on carefully preparing two vegetarian dishes.Wen Hui was very happy, and felt that the couple had not been hired for nothing. Now that he invited an American wife, You Yi simply invited Wallace, his favorite American student, to accompany him. Wallace had just finished his Ph.D. and was teaching at a private college.He studies the history of Hui people in China, and is actively seeking funds and opportunities. He wants to go to Ningxia, Gansu for research and research, and write a book in the future.This time, he had the opportunity to meet Bi Wenfu, and he thought Sansheng was lucky; he was even more grateful to You Yi, and immediately announced that the first book would be dedicated to his teacher when it was published. When friends call again, Wen Hui is determined to block them all.On the contrary, You Yi couldn't handle it. The library visited by the distinguished guests is the largest library on the West Coast of the United States, with the richest collection of Chinese books.Qi Wen, You Yi's classmate, is the person in charge of the Chinese Department.He doesn't go to work on weekends, but he volunteered to open the collection department to VIPs, and he called several times to contact him, and he was very enthusiastic. Qi Wen has the longest seniority in the library and can be called a veteran.Two years ago, he traveled to several major cities in China for two weeks with a delegation from the Library of Congress.After he came back, he always regretted that the time was too short and he could only watch the flowers on a whim, unable to collect information on the spot.His Chinese Department has collected a lot of historical materials of modern China, but the collection of books, newspapers and magazines during the Anti-Japanese War is not much, which is a defect.Qi Wen very much hopes that through the introduction of high-level people in China, he will directly link up with the Academy of Sciences and the Beijing Library to collect photocopies.He spoke and hinted to You Yiming, making it impossible for the latter to fulfill him. Mrs. Qi is good at cooking, and the roast duck with chestnuts is better than any restaurant in Chinatown.She volunteered to roast a duck for Wen Hui.This way there are meat and vegetables, Wen Hui is naturally happy. The most difficult one is Xiao Jinsheng, a well-known leftist in our school.He is a Chinese lecturer in the East Asian Department and has visited China four times since Nixon.This time recently, he had a handshake with the erhu each, and when he came back, he was so angry that he pretended to be the overseas spokesperson of the CCP.He didn't know anything about the arrangements for Chinese scholars to visit here, so he followed up with Youfu with a phone call after reading the newspaper. Hey, Brother You, why are you keeping it so secret? Xiao Jinsheng is a reporter. When he sees colleagues and acquaintances, the first sentence is always: What's the news?The so-called three sentences are not far from the line, but this time he fell behind in the news, which made him very angry.Because he wanted something from others, he insisted on holding back his anger, and even called You Yi, who was only a nodding acquaintance, his brother. Nothing, I also received a temporary notice from the school. You Yi denied it calmly. Hi, it's great to have them visit our school!I even invited them when I went to Beijing before.By the way, like Mr. Qin, I interviewed him when I went back in 1974.Tsk!Well-deserved of his reputation, he is still young, and his witty words are like pearls!I didn’t dare to mention him in the interview notes I wrote back then, because alas, the Gang of Four is in power! Yes, everything is the Gang of Four's fault. You Yi coldly responded with Xiao Jinsheng's catchphrase. Yes Yes!Well now, don't you see that he just went to Europe last year, and he is visiting America again this year?This is the best example of old intellectuals being reused!This time I have to have a good talk with him.What's the plan for Saturday?I'm here to do my landlord's favor and invite the delegation to dinner Thank you, this time I have arranged a potluck at She Xia.There are too many people asking for an interview, let's leave the simple and crowded place and come back next time, let you be the host. Xiao Jinsheng felt ashamed, but he still didn't give up.The next day, he suggested to join forces with You Yi as a host.You Yi still thanked him politely. Wen Hui admired her husband's determination.He is not afraid of offending the current CCP celebrities, which requires courage.In order to find opportunities to go to China, many students took Xiao Jinsheng's courses one after another.Although the Chinese teachers disdain to have much contact with him, they will never offend him. In fact, Xiao Jinsheng is not a bad person.The problem is that he changes too quickly and is too enthusiastic.Originally, Xiao Jinsheng was a member of the Kuomintang and spared no effort to fight against the Communist Party.In the early 1970s, he suddenly made a 180-degree change and blindly praised the CCP.He called on everyone to learn from Comrade Jiang Qing, and the effort was no less than that of calling Mrs. Jiang long live.After the Gang of Four was defeated, he fought back with a large number of Jiang Qing.In short, I strongly applaud the CCP's establishment and all measures.That posture of following closely caused some people who claim to be leftists to mention it and shake their heads and sigh.Therefore, some people named him the biggest style figure overseas.Even his American colleagues think he deserves this title. Just don't invite him! Wen Hui encouraged her husband again and again.She was worried that if Xiao Jinsheng was invited, it wouldn't count if he took over the role, but she would also make a fuss all over her body.She doesn't want to be a leftist, she should keep her at arm's length. However, on the eve of the delegation's arrival, You Yi came home from get off work and looked at his wife with a guilty expression. Xiao Jinsheng is really as strong as an ox.He stayed in my office and insisted on giving the delegation a cocktail party, saying everything was ready.I honestly said that he is not good enough, and it is not necessary for him to be Chinese, so he has to agree to show jokes to Americans for nothing.From six to seven.Please us too. we are not going! Wen Hui yelled loudly, Liu Yemei raised her eyebrows for a long time. Forget it, Wen Hui, don't be angry with this kind of person.He was trying to save face. You Yi told her: The head of our department has just returned from Beijing.According to him, Xiao Jinsheng has transformed himself into an authority in American journalism in China, even more famous than our school.When it comes to our school, everyone asks him about Xiao Jinsheng, which confuses him.He also told me a joke.A university teacher talked to him about the United States, but he only knew two people, one was Jimmy Carter and the other was Xiao Jinsheng!Believe it or not.Look, the CCP's big hit, but American universities don't pay attention to it, this lesson is enough for him. Wen Hui is still unhappy. Where can a cocktail party end for an hour?Now, I don't know when dinner will last.Xiao Jinsheng is really domineering! Therefore, we still go to the reception and pick up the guests in person. That's the way it is, and it's the only way to do it. Wen Hui originally planned to accompany the delegation to visit the library, but there was an accident at the reception, so he had no choice but to give up.On Saturday afternoon, she cooks at home.Mrs. Qi came over early to help.The two tossed until after five o'clock before You Yi came back. The two ladies have worked hard!Are you almost ready? He came to visit the kitchen. The duck is still afraid to roast, because it is afraid that it will not taste good when it is cold. After Wen Hui finished speaking, she breathed a sigh of relief and began to untie her apron. Mrs. Qi immersed herself in the shredded radish, without any intention of stopping. You just go, Mrs. Qi said, leave it to me here, and promise to have dinner at eight o'clock. Xiao Jinsheng's reception, why go so punctually?Sit down and have a sip of tea. Wen Hui was late for An Xin, so she really boiled water and made tea. You Yi was tired for a long time and wanted to rest, so he sat down at the small dining table.He took off his watch and put it on the table, lest the chatter be delayed. How do they evaluate the collection of books in the Chinese Library? Mrs. Qi is also a librarian, but not in the Chinese department.She is eager to know the impression of Chinese scholars on Chinese books. great!They say it's comparable to Yale, and each has its own merits.Seeing photocopies of more than a dozen Red Guard tabloids during the Cultural Revolution period, the old cadre everyone called him Lao Hou said that if China wants to study the Cultural Revolution, it has to come here to find materials! Mrs. Qi was very pleased to hear that.Praising these collections is tantamount to praising my husband, and I am also honored. You Yi, have you taken Bi Wenfu and Qin Zheng to read their own books?Wen Hui asked. have.Old man Bi was very modest, and when he heard that the bookshelf was full of his works, he refused to go near them, waved his hand from afar, and said in English: Garbage! real?Both wives were a little surprised. Mr. Qin was very happy to see his own book, which was hardcover and the title was gilded.Qi Wen took out the siege, and the two book borrowing record sheets in the cover were full of dates.Hearing that it has always been a popular novel, Mr. Qin yelled that it was a game work of his youth, so it was not worth mentioning.Modesty is modest, and his expression is quite contented.A game is already immortal, but it's a pity that such a talented writer has closed his pen for thirty years! Everyone sighed for the unfortunate thirty years. Wen Hui is a fan of Qin and admires him the most.Listening to his speech yesterday, I specially brought a tape recorder there.It's still fun to think about it now. What a great speech Mr. Qin gave!Not to mention humor and wit, Americans admire him with an Oxford accent.During the reception, the reporter interviewed them, and he answered the questions fluently by himself, becoming the representative of the delegation! Hearing the reception, You Yi took a look at the watch and put it on. He interrupted Wen Hui and said: "It's getting late, go change your clothes."Go early to pick up guests on time. After several urgings, Wen Hui went upstairs to dress up. She is petite and exquisite, and she has never given birth, her figure and appearance retain a young girl's tenderness, and she is suitable for any clothes she usually wears.Now, facing a whole cabinet of clothes, I don't know which one to wear.Finding an outfit that can stand up to a cocktail party while still being the hostess of a dinner party can be tricky.The host and guest are from China, Wen Hui thinks it's not appropriate to dress up.If you want to visit the mainland in the future, it is best to give people a simple and generous impression first.What's more, Mrs. Xiao is famous for her heavy and glamourous clothes, so she may not be able to compare with her, it's better to be plain and simple, and come up with a surprising victory. Having made up her mind, she shook her hair and combed it.When she usually goes out, she likes to wear a peacock hairstyle, but today she only wears a big bun loosely behind her head.When I went back to Taiwan in summer, I ordered a purple red Chinese-style dress with black silk trim on the skirt and cuffs. It was bright and elegant, and it was perfect for tonight. Wear jewelry and don't apply makeup. After getting dressed, Wen Hui looked back and looked forward to the vanity mirror.Seeing myself in the mirror, I suddenly thought of the portrait of my grandmother on the wall of my hometown in Lugang, and I didn't expect that the dress was somewhat similar. That’s okay, she said to herself, you are engaged in a cultural revolution in China, let’s take a look at our local culture in Taiwan. You Yi cut his hands back and walked squarely at the stairs.While waiting impatiently, he raised his head suddenly and saw Wen Hui coming downstairs with a black silk satin handbag, dressed like an obasan from rural Taiwan, he was dumbfounded for a moment. Women's fashion!He swallowed a sigh. You Yi, what do you think of my clothes? Wen Hui asked her husband lovingly, and at the same time turned around to show him the new clothes. Not very chic.Hurry up, it's too late.You also drive a car, so that you can pick up the guests when the time comes. They were a quarter of an hour late, and the Xiao family was full of guests.The host and his wife greeted each other happily, and the two daughters shuttled among the guests holding food boxes. This is Wen Hui's second visit to Xiao's house. Five years ago, out of curiosity, she and You Yi had looked at the slides taken by Xiao Jinsheng when he visited the mainland.She only remembered that he was wearing a puffy padded jacket that day, and he kept talking about Chairman Mao, which sounded harsh, but she had no impression of anything else. Today, Xiao Jinsheng is wearing a neat suit, his gray hair is combed to the eye, and he is in high spirits, as if he is having a wedding event.Mrs. Xiao, like her husband, is also in her early fifties, but she is well maintained and does not show her age.She wore a heel-length black satin cheongsam tonight, with jade bracelets and pearl necklaces, adorned with jewels.Wen Hui secretly thanked herself for not wearing a cheongsam, otherwise she would be dwarfed by comparison. The two young ladies of the Xiao family are both studying Chinese at this school, and the second child is still a student of her father, and they both speak Mandarin fluently.Both of them visited the mainland last year, came back to give reports everywhere, and became small hands in China. The boss is about to graduate from university this summer, and is in talks to work in Beijing. It is said that he can get the treatment of a special expert, and his salary is higher than that of Chairman Hua.After this news was revealed at the reception, everyone was envious.Many people asked her to inquire about the way to become an expert in China on the spot, so she, like several scholars, became the object of being surrounded by guests for a while. You Yi and Wen Hui had already met these distinguished guests yesterday, and they were about to bring them home for dinner, so after greeting them one by one, they took the time to browse the decorations in the living room of Xiao's house.I haven't seen it for a few years, but Xiao's seems to have become an exhibition hall of Chinese art, with paper-cutting, ivory carvings, woodcuts, and Hunan embroidery.The most eye-catching thing is the paintings on the wall, all of which are authentic works of famous Chinese masters today, such as Li Keran's landscapes, Cheng Shifa and Guan Liang's figures, and they were inscribed by the painter himself as a gift to Xiao Jinsheng.Both You Yi and Wen Hui like traditional Chinese paintings, and they praised them endlessly while admiring them. An American professor who was also like him said to You Yi: "If any of these paintings is auctioned in the market, collectors will not only pay high prices, but also snap up them!" Ah, not for sale, not for sale! When did Xiao Jinsheng appear in front of them with a pleasant smile. Wen Hui looked at Li Keran's natural and unrestrained landscapes, and remembered that the painter was criticized by the Gang of Four for accepting Xiao Jinsheng's interview.She pointed to the painting and said to the owner: Mr. Xiao, this painting is a priceless treasure! The host couldn't understand the reason behind the words, so he opened his mouth and said: Hey, I was the first to visit him, and now he is very popular! I heard that Han Suying also collects traditional Chinese paintings, so much that she can hold a painting exhibition, is that right? You Yi asked the master. That's what everyone says. The American professor admired Li Keran's paintings very much. He pointed to the paintings and appraised the owner enviously: Your painting is worth at least 20,000 yuan! Upon hearing this, You Yi said, "Mr. Xiao, if you go to China a few more times, you can become a millionaire!" Where are the words! The master took a sip of the Beijing film and waved his hand modestly to deny it. How can you compare with Han Suying?The government sent her the most, she is the millionaire!I'm called a little witch! Just as he was sighing, he suddenly clapped his hands together and said: I have a stuffed red panda in my study, are you interested in seeing it?The custom-made glass case has not yet arrived, so it is not displayed. Of course the guests expressed their interest, so several of them followed him to the study. Wen Hui once went to the zoo in Washington to see the pair of pandas presented by China. Now that the specimens are close at hand, she also wants to join in the fun.Yu Yi didn't move.Just about to pull his sleeves, he already shook his head and refused. It doesn't matter if you don't read it, Wen Hui. He explained to her in a low voice through the champagne glass: I just saw a report saying that more than 200 pandas were found dead not long ago due to environmental pollution and of course the Gang of Four.Now worrying about extinction, it is too late to try every means to protect and rescue, and there are still people making specimens. This must be the Gang of Four! Wen Xi sighed, momentary loss of interest. Not far from her is Bi Lao, surrounded by many people asking about the policies of the Four Modernizations and the future of sociology in China today.The old man answered in pure English, with a slow but firm tone, as if he was full of confidence in his future. You Yi was most concerned about this issue, so he immediately leaned over to listen. Wen Hui was not very interested in specific policies, so he stood aside and observed this weather-beaten old man with a glass of wine. Through her husband, Wen Hui generally knew what happened to Bi Wenfu in his life.She was particularly moved by the old man's indomitable spirit.Mr. Bi pleaded for Chinese peasants for 30 years; he also boldly protested the CCP’s suppression of intellectuals; he protested against the government’s cancellation of the Department of Sociology.All this has only been exchanged for a rightist hat and the title of spokesperson for bourgeois sociology.In addition to being criticized, he was thrown into limbo, and during the Cultural Revolution he was locked up in a cowshed.After experiencing such a tragic blow, the old man can still take the trouble to promote policies for the country, regardless of personal experiences, with a calm mind.Looking at the old man's white hair, she couldn't help admiring it from the bottom of her heart. Mr. Bi, an American professor asked him: Since the anti-rightist movement until now, what is your greatest achievement? He smiled and replied: "It's a lot of work, and I have to chain my body." By the way, he told everyone that the Department of Sociology and Psychology has been newly established in Beijing, academic research has a bright future in China, and American scholars are welcome to come to China for exchanges. Compared with Bi Lao, Qin Lao looked surprisingly young, he seemed to have just turned 50, and was in good health.He is the most popular, speaking Mandarin with a Jiangsu-Zhejiang accent, and he is surrounded by crowds whenever he stops.Americans like to ask questions straight to the point, but he is witty and humorous, and is good at dealing with embarrassing topics. Therefore, not only does not hurt the friendship, but he keeps laughing and considerate. Wen Hui noticed that Lao Hou standing in the corner of the living room was not so relaxed and happy.He is short and fat, with a tight knife-shaped face, which is somewhat unpredictable; the gray tunic suit is buttoned up to the throat, making the gray hair at the temples straight, giving him a bit of majesty.An American professor from the Department of East Asia was talking with him in Chinese.When the professor walked away to get the wine, the tense muscles on Lao Hou's face immediately relaxed, and he leaned against the wall as if he was relieved. Wen Hui wanted to know about the cadre who was on special guard tonight, so she came over to strike up a conversation with him. Mr. Hou, are you tired from visiting these days? fine.He replied politely, and then straightened up respectfully. How do you feel about America? Well it's fine. He has a dignified expression, as if bearing the trust of a billion people, he has to be careful with his words. Wen Hui quickly changed the subject and talked about the reception and food in front of her.Lao Hou found out the identity of the other party, and immediately expressed his gratitude for the two days of interruption, with a smile on his face. You are welcome to come to Beijing to play, and I can show you around.Where is the house? Lukang. Seeing his bewildered face, Wen Hui quickly told the location of Lukang, and added: I am from Taiwan. oh! The other party suddenly realized, and then asked her for confirmation in a cordial and caring tone: Taiwanese are mainly Gaoshan people, right? ah? Wen Hui was taken aback and cried out involuntarily. Seeing the sincerity on his face, her surprise and dissatisfaction suddenly turned into sympathy. Taiwanese are Han Chinese, she explained patiently: Gaoshan is one of the minority nationalities in Taiwan. I see!I'm sorry we have some estrangement from some places in Taiwan As he was speaking, his expression suddenly changed to serious again: Taiwan compatriots and we are one family, and we warmly welcome Taiwan to return to the embrace of the motherland as soon as possible.We are now stepping up construction and vigorously carrying out the four modernizations, also for the purpose of unifying China. Wen Hui did not oppose the unification of China, but he could not listen to this kind of natural official tone. Don't you think, she politely reminded the other party: Before talking about reunification, at least the two sides should have some understanding?I personally don't know much about the mainland, but I found that the mainland knows even less about Taiwan! Well, this is a mistake caused by the ultra-left line of the Gang of Four, and now we have to correct it one by one. I hope so, but I don't see much improvement. Wen Hui did not believe that China's ignorance of Taiwan's situation was caused by the Gang of Four, and was about to argue with him again when You Yi happened to come over.He talked to Lao Hou for a few words, and then took the time to remind his wife: It's seven o'clock, let's go. Wen Hui nodded.So the two said hello to the old hou, and went to say goodbye to the master together. It's still early!Sorry for the poor hospitality. Xiao Jinsheng repeatedly failed to persuade him to stay, and finally made a concession: Let's take a commemorative photo.It's a pity that the reporters and translators from Xinhua News Agency can't come tonight. You Yi and Wen Hui looked at each other without making a sound. Originally, Xiao Jinsheng had arranged for a professional photographer to take pictures, and immediately asked everyone to stand in a row in the middle of the living room.After arranging the guests densely on two floors, the host himself stood in the middle of the front row, hugging Mr. Bi on the left and Mr. Qin on the right, and took three or four photos before he felt at ease.Some guests asked to wash one more sheet, and Xiao Jinsheng readily agreed. All right, one for each.I will also send a set to Beijing and give it to President Zhu of Xinhua News Agency! Hearing the news from Xinhua, the eyes of the guests were brighter than wine glasses.Many people couldn't hide their excited expressions as they imagined that the photos of themselves would one day be published in the People's Daily. You Yi and Wen Hui looked at each other wordlessly again, sincerely admiring Xiao's wrist. The Xiao family graciously sent the delegation outside the door.The Youshi couple drove a car, and there was a gust of wind!See you in Beijing!In the sound, pick up the guests. When leaving the alley, Wen Hui cast a sideways glance back and let out a sigh of relief when the Xiao family disappeared.She felt quite tired, although there was a faint satisfaction in the weariness, as if after a hand-to-hand combat, she finally returned with a full load of victories. The accompanying guests have already arrived and are waiting eagerly.After the host and guest entered the room, the host introduced it to everyone.During the reception, the two old people were tired from standing, and when they came to You's house, they sank into the thick and soft sofa immediately, and they didn't want cold drinks, only hot tea. They are all acquaintances, and it is a common meal. You Yi takes care of the guests earnestly, please don't be restrained.If you find it too hot, please take off your clothes. If you want to liberate your feet, you are welcome to treat it as if you are in your own home. The more casual the better. The master took the lead in removing the tie and coat, and Qi Wen and Wallace followed suit. Yin Qin has always been slovenly, wearing a pair of suit pants that do not show creases, sitting on the floor with a pipe in his mouth, he is the most leisurely one. Mrs. Yin was wearing an antique-like middle suit, a costume she found somewhere in Taiwan. The black satin dress was embroidered with flowers and birds, which dazzled the eyes.She specially put on custom-made embroidered shoes tonight, combed her hair soaring into the sky, and big copper hoop earrings were swinging on her cheeks like a swing.Ai Meili dressed up specially for these distinguished guests from Beijing to show grandeur. Mrs. Qi is wearing a cheongsam.As a result, the three wives were all dressed in gorgeous clothes, which coincided with each other, which made Wen Hui very satisfied. When You Yi called for tea, Wen Hui and Mrs. Qi got away and went to the kitchen to cook.Xiao Fu, the youngest member of the delegation, knows how to do as the Romans do when entering the country, so he rolled up his sleeves to help.Wen Hui humbly kept him in the living room. Mrs. Qi was right. At eight o'clock, the roast duck was on the table; The host asked Mr. Bi to take the food first, and sat down in the living room to eat with the plate.Wen Hui saw that his plate was full of vegetarian dishes, but he didn't take a piece of duck. It was obvious that the vegetarian dishes were to his liking, and he was secretly proud of himself. good food!good food! Yin Qin was holding a mountain of plates and a glass of wine. He didn't need a stool, so he sat cross-legged and meditated, and ate face to face with Mr. Qin. Mr. Qin, diligently writes new poems. Wen Hui came to join and introduced old classmates by the way. His poems are often composed into tunes in Taiwan and sung in karaoke halls and nightclubs.In our area, his poems are the best within a radius of thirty li! The latter sentence is not fabricated by Wen Hui.This is Yin Qin's bold words after drinking, and now he is giving it back in front of a literary master, making him blush before he is drunk. Forgive me, Sister Shi!He hurriedly corrected: You should say: This area is where I have the least food! After taking a glance at Ai Meili, Qin Lao smiled politely.He probably thought that Yin Qin was married to an American woman and that he was not used to American food. Wen Hui just pursed her lips and smiled.Ai Meili is notoriously not fond of cooking, usually there are a lot of nuts and other snacks in the room, and she is thrown at him when she is hungry, like feeding a bird. Mrs. Yin believes in a kind of Hinduism and is a vegetarian. She finally told the whole story. Mr. Qin nodded sympathetically, and immediately comforted him by saying: Being a vegetarian is actually more beneficial to the body.I used to have high blood pressure. In the past two years, the supply in Beijing has been poor. Meat and oil can't be bought. It's like a vegetarian, and my blood pressure has dropped.I am healthier than ever. His words have the effect of showing his own experience.Look at his ruddy complexion and radiant spirit, which is indeed a sign of physical strength. Mentioning the poor supply in Beijing, Wen Hui thought of the Democracy Wall event known as the Beijing Spring.Television news reported that tens of thousands of farmers went to Beijing to petition, demanding human rights and freedom from hunger.She asked Mr. Qin, did these farmers get what they wanted? Oh, and the State Department has a lot of reception stations, and they handle them on a case-by-case basis. After Qin Lao finished speaking, he glanced at Lao Hou who was sitting on a single sofa.Lao Hou nodded his head in agreement. At this moment, Wallace held the plate and moved closer to Yin Qin. I would like to ask: Deng Xiaoping first publicly supported the big-character poster and the democratic movement, but later the arrest of the poster’s author happened. What do you think of this incident? Wallace's question went unanswered for a moment. The geologist who everyone called him Old Jane cleared his throat before expressing his opinion calmly: Democracy is a good thing, and it is reasonable to demand democracy, but it is not acceptable to talk too much, or even outrageously.In order to accelerate the four modernizations, we cannot do without the leadership of the party; we cannot engage in anarchism like the Cultural Revolution. Except for Xiao Fu, everyone in the delegation was ok. 老侯接著一板正經地申明：這些自稱甚麼人權運動者，很多是別有用心的反革命分子，政府不得不抓。我們講求無產階級的民主，他們搞的是依賴帝國主義的資產階級民主，完全是兩碼事！ 老侯就這樣三言兩語斷送了北京之春的談論。他像在宣讀人民日報的社論，一付蓋棺論定的腔調。不僅文惠感到刺耳，別人似乎也嗅到殺伐之氣，於是客廳裏一時沉默下來。 殷勤最怕談政治，連忙抓緊時間和秦老談文學。他說出自己渴望去大陸訪問艾青，卞之琳等詩人的意思。秦老同情地點頭。 你找老侯談談，他可以替你向上反映。 殷勤得他指點，果然乘第二回取菜的機會，就換了位置，坐到老侯跟前去了。他空下的位置立刻被太太補上。 請問，愛美麗操英語說：文化革命期間，你有沒有受到迫害？ 沒有，秦老爽快地用英語回答。我幸連地被指派參加翻譯毛選的工作，可說是半置身於運動之外，總算僥倖地躲過了一場浩劫。至於到五七幹校勞動，那不算什麼，人人都去，我也不例外。 他把勞動說得輕鬆愉快，言下似乎還回味無窮。 那確實是幸運。 愛美麗的大銅圈耳環隨著她的點頭而歡欣鼓舞地擺蕩開來。 我不算什麼。他指指長沙發另一端的老人說：畢老才是典型的受迫害者。 華列士這時正向畢文甫請教瑤族的風俗習慣。老人細嚼慢嚥地吃著菜，一邊還得抽空作答，相當忙碌。 愛美麗乘老人歇氣的當兒，飛快地插進嘴：請問，四人幫如何迫害你？ 我被指控為反動學術權威，關進牛棚，勞動了七年。 像文革這樣的運動，以後還有可能發生嗎？ 老人眼睛眨都不眨就說：可能。 這樣坦率的回答有些出人意料，大家一時倒吃了一楞。 文惠想引開老侯，見他盤子空了，就上前招呼：老侯同志，菜很多呀，請再去拿。 她親自陪老侯去餐桌取菜。殷勤第二盤菜又告罄，遂也跟了過來。 餐廳的牆上掛了半打多中國古塔的照片。老侯取完了菜，不忙吃，先觀賞起來。 這些是尤義的收集。 文惠向他介紹了丈夫的嗜好，還問他：你都見過這些名勝古蹟吧？ 像六和塔和大雁塔，我都去過。抗日戰爭時，我做地下工作，曾經在雷峯塔下住了半年多。 老侯竟是抗日時代的老幹部。文惠立刻對他增加了幾分敬意。 殷勤說：我也很喜歡中國的塔，渾厚古樸，和自然景色最協調。 噯，國內各色各樣的塔，多的是！你們儘管來參觀研究，政府竭誠歡迎，而且盡量提供方便。歡迎你們隨時來。 文惠有意為同學幫腔：真好，殷勤正想到中國作學術研究，找侯先生推薦，相信最有效。 老侯果真說：你寫的書是哪方面的？能不能給我一兩本帶走？ 殷勤看他這麼認真，十分感動，連忙說：你留個地址，我寄一套給你。全是詩和文學評論方面的，請不吝批評才好。 哪兒的話呀！我最小的孩子現在在北京大學念文學，也非常喜歡詩。他自己寫點東西，有機會要好好向您請教才是！ 老侯提到孩子，語氣溫柔許多。文惠發覺，道貌岸然的幹部，其實是很慈愛的父親。 自負的殷勤忽然破天荒地謙虛起來：哪裏！Don't dare to be! 文惠臨時出個主意：尤義的書房裏有全套殷勤的書，侯先生要不要去看看？ 客人沒反對，她就把兩人引到屋子另一頭的書房去。請客人坐下後，她找出來書，一大捆地疊在他跟前。 你們慢慢談，慢慢吃，我回頭送茶來。 她去廚房把水壺插上電，涮了茶壺，重新沏了一壺凍頂烏龍。端了杯盤上客廳時，發現話題和氣氛全變了。主客都聚攏到沙發這邊，圍著兩個老人，眾星拱月地坐在地氈上。她見個個臉色頂真，不像在閒聊，倒像在開會。 我女兒去年到英國去了，秦老正告訴尤義，現在兩個侄子也想出來見見世面。我想讓他們到美國來，你看有甚麼路子可走？ 尤義略一皺眉，就說：起碼可以申請來美國念書。 齊文點頭同意：申請來念書最容易。中國政府已經批准留學，不必非在美國有親戚，只要找到人擔保生活和讀書費用，中國方面一定放。當然，先決條件是在美國大使館考過托福才行。 Is there such a thing?我們怎麼都不知道？ 幾個中國來的客人這時面面相覷，而且驚喜交加。 這是美國幾家大報都登過的消息，我們圖書館還有資料可查。 一向沉默寡言的齊太太，忽然自動地提供消息來源。 秦老感慨地說：這種事其實可以堂而皇之地昭告天下。出國留學在中國早有傳統，可恨這幾年被四人幫歪曲破壞了！任何人不許為自己著想，哪怕是爭取一點受教育的機會，否則私字當頭的棍子就打下來！ 畢老安慰他：你放心，政策正在變。泱泱大國不可能閉關自守，我相信留學之門很快會敞開來。 大家都同意老人的論斷，認為是大勢所趨。 尤義也引了一條報上的消息：據說北京的美國大使館已經舉行好幾次托福考試了。 甚麼叫托福？小傅聽得糊裏糊塗。 就是英文考試。 怎麼去參加呢？ 到大使館一問就行。 尤義以為很簡單的事，沒想到人家卻感到困難重重。 老簡先搖著花白的頭說：外國大使館不是隨便可以進去的。 畢老斂眉沉思，似乎一籌莫展。 自從魏京生被抓，說他給外國記者提供情報，這以後誰也不敢和外國人打交道。 小傅說完，好像氣悶不過，動手解開了緊鎖住喉頭的中山裝扣子。 只有秦老不氣餒：我想可以由家長出面，寫信去打聽。出了甚麼事，反正我們老人來承擔。最要緊的是把英文搞好。 現在，補習英文的風氣可盛了！小傅告訴大家：字典和文法書成了寶貝，再貴也有人買，就怕買不到！ 這樣說來，可以像台灣那樣成立補習班和補習學校嘍！ 文惠這一句插嘴，惹得所有台灣來的人都發笑。他們把有人辦補校發大財的經驗說出來，勸大陸來的人好好取經。 畢老想把幾個孫子弄出來，就是耽心孩子考不過托福。 用探親的名義到美國來後，有辦法留下來念書嗎？ 他向尤義打聽。 以前是可以的，現在可能難些。我先找律師打聽後再告訴你。 我有個遠親在奧克拉荷馬州，他很願意幫忙。只要我那孫子出得來，一切由他負責。但是這些孩子，唉，文革頭幾年是虛擲光陰，以後又上山下鄉幾年，書本全丟了。那個托福，我想他考不過。 華列士抱臂坐在地氈上，留神傾聽著別人的談話，自己不置一詞。他有時低聲向身旁的愛美麗翻譯一下談話的內容。 愛美麗得知畢老的掛慮時，便自告奮勇說：我的叔叔是律師，精通移民法。我可以替你們打聽，他不會收費用的。假使托他辦理，我會請他減價優待。 這些北京客不習慣律師和費用等名詞，一時楞住了。尤義向他們解釋，適當時候找律師，往往收事半功倍之效。他叫大家不要憂慮費用，錢的事不足掛齒。華列士也表示願意幫忙。畢老太太放下了心。 畢老，等你有了消息，千萬轉告我一聲。 老簡預先拜託。 文惠看議論告個段落，連忙招呼大家喝茶。 這是台灣的凍頂烏龍。我們也有杭州的龍井，我就去沏一壺來。 她去燒水時，齊太太跟進來幫忙。 說中國怎麼好，沒想到裏面的人全打破了頭要出來 Hush! 文惠以食指撮唇，另一手指指書房那頭。齊太太會意了，連忙住口。 這個什麼文革，真不像話！ 文惠自己反而忍不住低聲罵了出來。 齊太太悄聲說：一代人給荒廢了呀！ 兩人嘆息了一陣。 老侯一回到客廳，談話馬上拘束起來。兩個美國人談興最濃，問了許多有關中國的問題。秦老權充翻譯，由老侯主答。他說得冠冕堂堂，代表團的人也跟著點頭唱和。 將近十一點時，新華社記者來了電話。老侯接聽後，便向主人辭行。 我們明天就要回北京了，有些東西要收拾。畢老他們累了一天，也要早些休息。多謝你們兩天來的招待，希望很快能在北京再見到你們。 大家都依依不捨，彼此掏出本子互相留地址。沒有人敢問老侯的地址，但他還是大方地把工作單位和電話留給大家。 新華社記者乘了一部大轎車來接他們。 主人夫婦一直送到大門外。老侯等其他人上車後，又代表大家向尤義道謝握別。他也向文惠表達謝意。 我永遠忘不了這頓晚飯，尤太太。您一定要來北京玩，我們等著您！ 他也同文惠握別，像毛澤東初會尼克森那樣，一雙大手上下合抱住她一隻小手。 主客走後，殷勤夫婦和華列士不久也告辭。齊文夫婦是老朋友，尤義正想留他兩在此喝酒長聊，見文惠臉色蒼白，表情僵硬，趕忙過來扶她一把。 文惠，你累了。哪裏不舒服？ 我忽然有點頭痛。不要緊，一下子就好。 你們早些休息吧，我們改天再聊。 齊文夫婦很體貼朋友，馬上告辭走了。 尤義關上了門，回頭見文惠向他攤開手掌，上面一個字團。 What's this? 老侯和我握手時留下來的。 兩人到一盞枱燈旁，仔細展開字條。 紙上只有兩行鉛筆字：我的兒子想來美國念書，希望你們幫忙。有機會到北京時請找ＸＸ胡同ＸＸ號連絡，多謝你們。 （《八方》文藝叢刊一九七九年九月）