Chapter 2 Chapter Two

Since he announced that he would go back to visit his relatives, all his acquaintances have expressed their hope that he will return to his roots.Xianli was particularly enthusiastic, thinking that the old man could at least teach English when he returned home, so he almost wrote a letter for him to apply for a teaching position. Won't!I would not go back for an extended stay. He answered loudly in resistance. I have lived here for almost half a century, and I am used to freedom, so it is impossible for me to adapt to the Communist Party.I am not used to liquidation struggles, non-stop political campaigns.

The guest nodded sympathetically. It's hard to adapt to a different lifestyle.If Jing Han returns to the mainland, I believe he won't be used to it either. She didn't mention Jing Han until now after entering the door. The old man had completely forgotten the purpose of the guest's visit.Hearing this, she didn't seem like a close friend of her nephew, and she knew very little about it. Jing Han will not return to the mainland.I will go to Hankou this time, bring his wife to the United States, and send him to Taiwan for a reunion in a few years. The old man told her his nephew's plan.

Well. Li Xing didn't show the slightest surprise, as if he knew his friend's plan already. Taiwan has made rapid progress in the past few years. Jing Han can do many things in Taiwan, but he will definitely not be able to perform in the mainland. Li Xing's serious face and decisive tone made him curious.What did Jing Han do in Taiwan? I only know that he is very active in agriculture in Taiwan, but he also said that agriculture has been in a recession for the past few years Speaking of this, the old man explained to the guest with a shameful face: I'm sorry, although Jing Han is my nephew, the only nephew, I probably don't know as much about him as you do.We haven't been in touch for decades.Let me think about when I went abroad in 1936, and in 1999

Nineteen sixty-four. Yes, 1964. He was grateful for the reminder from the other party.It was this year that a student who had taught at Loyola College went to the Philippines for a meeting. He met Jing Han, and then his uncle and nephew got in touch.I remember receiving the first letter from Jing Han. There was no return address on the envelope, but it only said Hu Ji from Free China. He couldn't figure out where it was for a while. I don't like to write letters, the old man said, and it is rare for him to write letters, and even more rare to talk about himself. He is a down-to-earth person who never flaunts himself.

After Lixing finished speaking, he suddenly smiled again and half-closed his eyes, as if recalling an interesting past event. The first time I met him was when he returned to Taiwan from Africa leading a farming team.At that time, I was a young reporter who had just debuted, and I was ordered by the newspaper to conduct an exclusive interview, planning to write them all as heroes.However, after spending two hours with Jing Han, I only heard him repeating a sentence: We only did what we were supposed to do. The old man couldn't help smiling as he imagined the embarrassment of the little girl biting the pen holder and being helpless.

He hasn't talked much since he was a child. I have never cared much about my nephew. It turned out that he had already made a splash in Taiwan twenty years ago. I only know that Jing Han is the director of an agricultural technology research institute, as my uncle admits, but I don't know his specific contribution to agriculture. Agricultural science and technology research in Taiwan is a collective work. It can be said that everyone is an unsung hero.They experimented and improved varieties, and the unit yield of rice alone doubled.Straw mushrooms and asparagus were also introduced, earning Taiwan a lot of foreign exchange.We have succeeded in raising grass shrimp, and now every household can afford shrimp, and Jing Han's research institute has made the greatest contribution.

Your fruit is very good. The old man once ate fruit as a meal in Taipei, and his impression is still deep. It's even better now!Cantaloupe is available all year round, like mangoes, each weighing one pound, sweet and fragrant.Uncle Hu likes fruit, and it is best to go to Taiwan.There is something to eat all year round. The old man nodded without hesitation, and then frowned again for a moment. Why did Jing Han say that agriculture is in a downturn? That's because our industry is developing too fast, absorbing the labor force in the countryside, leaving only old farmers; living standards have improved, and everyone's appetite has decreased; and the cost of agricultural products is high, overproduction and unsalable, coupled with political considerations, the government still has a lot of money. Importing American agricultural products has resulted in Taiwanese farmers losing money every year.Although the government paid for the purchase, the granary was full and there was no place to store it.

This phenomenon also occurs in the United States. The old man remembered that the government had to pay the farmers to fallow. The farmers in Taiwan are too hardworking. Even if they lose money every year, they still sow seeds every year.In order to prepare for war, the government does not allow arable land to be converted into industrial land.Farmers don't plant, and the land becomes more troublesome. They are really in a dilemma. Li Xing suddenly sighed softly. Everything in Taiwan has changed too fast, she said, not only agriculture, but also industry has experienced a downturn.For example, the processing industry is now being snatched away by the mainland's Shenzhen Special Economic Zone.Therefore, in the past two years, we have proposed industrial transformation, turning to cutting-edge industries, and investing abroad.Our company is planning to set up a factory in Silicon Valley, so I was sent to do the contact work first.

The old man looked at Lixing approvingly: You seem to be quite good at both industry and agriculture, which is very rare. She shook her head modestly: I just learned a few nouns from Jing Han.In the past two years, he has been concerned about Taiwan's ecological damage and environmental protection issues, and I have also been involved, and I will follow suit when I have the opportunity. It turns out that you are gay.Forgive my curiosity, I want to know, does everyone care about Taiwan as much as you guys do? The old man himself didn't have much interest in Taiwan. In his impression, the people on the island seemed to run out in a swarm, like escaping a sinking ship, scrambling to emigrate to the United States or South America.

Uncle Hu, you can trust me, more and more people care about and love Taiwan, after all it is the only land we own! She used herself as an example, saying that although she was born in the hometown of Confucius, she came to Taiwan when she was four years old, and now she regards Taiwan as her hometown. My father has also changed. He used to talk about counterattacking the mainland, but now he cares about Taiwan's long-term interests everywhere.After retiring from National Chengchi University, he supported a consumer culture and education foundation dedicated to serving the public, volunteered to write articles and publicity, exposed the actions of illegal manufacturers, and called for the prevention of food and environmental pollution.He still misses his homeland, but he is already content with life in Taiwan, and he only hopes to send his ashes back to Qufu in the future.

Still not falling off the pattern of leaves returning to their roots.However, the old man nodded frequently to show his sympathy. Because Jing Han is familiar with Taiwan's agriculture, he is particularly sensitive to water pollution and ecological damage.His first article published under a pseudonym called for a ban on the use of DDT. The old man didn't think his nephew had any foresight. The United States banned its use more than 20 years ago. Yes, but when Taiwan pushes forward, there is still a lot of resistance.In particular, the United States often dumps domestically banned and toxic pesticides to Taiwan cheaply.Like PCBs many years ago, dioxins recently.Jing Han said that they and DDT are the three major poisons of this century! The guest talked vigorously, so he was thirsty and poured himself a cup of tea. The master got up to boil water. I never knew that Jing Han wrote this kind of article. He thought that his nephew only wrote home letters. Oh, at least twenty articles; if Uncle Hu is interested in reading it, I can make a few copies and send them. Okay, I'm fine anyway, let's take a look at the environment in Taiwan, how polluted and damaged it is.Some people in the United States are also calling for it.I am rather pessimistic. In my opinion, this is the price of human civilization and progress, and it is inevitable. Avoidable at least minimize the damage. Unable to tell, Meihui's calm practice suddenly appeared tenacious and stubborn. Because Jing Han is a civil servant, it is inconvenient to come forward, and he also uses a pseudonym when writing articles, but it has affected many people.Today, there are gradually more people of insight, and with their efforts, the people and the government are gradually paying attention to this issue.We have just established the Environmental Protection Agency, and we have also regulated black smoke from road vehicles.This year, the Executive Yuan also banned the import of waste cables because the process of burning the rubber produces large amounts of dioxin gas.You see, Uncle Hu, their appeal is still very successful. Well, it does make sense. When the water boiled, he filled the teapot and brought it back to the table. Seeing Lixing's excited face, his eyes glowing, and his pink face flushed, the old man's heart was also stirred up.He was envious of his nephew, who could make a woman come all the way to praise his uncle non-stop, and writing articles was really attractive. Unexpectedly, Jing Han became a fighter for environmental protection. I even encouraged him to write poems when he was a child, hoping that he would become a poet. Jing Han, he wrote poems? It wasn't until this moment that Li Xing was very interested in Jing Han in the old man's mouth.She leaned forward and opened her mouth unconsciously, as surprised as discovering a treasure. He used to admire Wen Yiduo very much, and he could recite all of Wen Yiduo's poems by heart.My cousin died of tuberculosis very early, and soon my sister-in-law also died. Jing Han was only four years old at that time.He grew up in our family, and he was very melancholy when he was a child, with a bit of poetic temperament. I know that he is very cultured in literature, but I never knew that he wrote poems Uncle Hu, can I smoke again? please. She went to the living room to get a lighter, cigarettes, and a substitute ashtray. The master smoked another one with her. Uncle Hu hasn't seen this niece and daughter-in-law, has he? Her interest suddenly shifted direction. Only seen photos.Jing Han got married after the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, and he was studying at the Agricultural College of Wuhan University.At that time, I was in the United States.In fact, neither he nor I have ever returned to our hometown in Pengzhen. We both rebelled against our families and ran away. He recounted the incident of his aunt forcing him to be a matchmaker. Li Xing listened so fascinated that the cigarette in his hand still accumulated a large amount of ash. He and Ke Qihua are in free love.Qihua's father had taught Jing Han and had a great influence on him.This old man had fantasies about the Communist Party, but he was classified as a rightist in the 1950s and died a miserable death He stopped suddenly, embarrassed to continue revealing the content of peeking at Jing Han and his wife's letter. Ke Qihua has lived a very difficult life for so many years, and has worked hard to bring up a son and a daughter.I heard she didn't go to college, did she? I don't know, but the writing is pretty good. She is amazing! Li Xing brushed off the cigarette ash while enthusiastically praising. Chinese women are amazing. Out of modesty, or an inexplicable depression, he didn't say it.His original partner, Wang Meijiu, is actually even more remarkable.After the divorce, he continued to serve his parents-in-law and died for them, and brought up the eldest son all by himself.And Mei Jiu didn't even know a single big character. It has been thirty-six years since their husband and wife separated for so long, right?It must be a lot of emotion to meet again. Li Xing obviously cares about his friends. It seems like a lifetime away. The old man repeated an idiom from Jing Han's letter to his wife. that is.The life experiences and lifestyles of the two sides are so different, Uncle Hu, do you think they can adapt to each other? A woman's curiosity is really heavy, and she can really break the casserole and ask the end of the matter if she meddles in her own business. This is a problem. The old man said, secretly glad that he didn't have this problem. I think that Jing Han must also want to take out his children, doesn't he? She looked at her master with piercing eyes. I haven't heard that it is difficult.Even if the CCP is willing to release people, it will not be easy to enter the United States.I have no money to guarantee the life of their family, and the salary of Jinghan civil servants cannot support them.Impossible, too impossible! The old man shook his head again and again to emphasize the impossibility of this matter. I would love to help them. He took her as a courtesy and didn't respond. Really, Uncle Hu, I can help them. Li Xing said it again seriously. Our company is planning to set up an electronics factory in Silicon Valley, and we will be recruiting many technicians, semi-skilled workers and apprentices.My uncle runs an insurance company in Los Angeles, and he can also install people. If they want to study, I am willing to pay their tuition fees, really! The more sincere she spoke, the more the old man felt strange. When women are overly generous, there is either conspiracy or insecurity. It is really touching that you are so kind to Jing Han.I'm afraid that Jing Han doesn't deserve your kindness. He was just making a bold assumption, but Li Xing's face really darkened. Although it is a pleasure to guess what the other person is thinking, it is also a disappointment to disappoint a woman.He reproached himself for meddling. It's hot, you'd better drink something cold. He got up and went to the refrigerator, took out a can of Coke, opened it, poured it into a glass, and knocked out two small pieces of ice and threw it in. When I brought the cold drink to the table, I found that the guest had tears on his face and his eyes were staring at the empty teacup in his hand. It's no big deal if I give you a box of tissues, you just talk about it. While comforting him, he hurried to the living room, found a box of tissues under the coffee table, and enthusiastically pulled out one and handed it to the guest. He is most afraid of women crying, he will feel a sense of guilt, but deep down he is very excited because he has the opportunity to serve them. It's a pity that Yongyong never cries.If she shed a tear once, it might change their lives greatly.Maybe he will give up playing stocks, so that he will not be so in debt that he has to mortgage the house, or work hard on his own, or even pick up a paintbrush again.Anything is possible. The United States was originally a country with many opportunities, but it should not be like this, with nothing, and everything is too late, and there is no place to start. Excuse me, please sit down, Uncle Hu. With this reminder, he realized that he had been standing in front of the guests for a long time.Could it be that he really suffered from the so-called Alzheimer's disease? Well, I hope you don't mind my meddling.He quickly sat back and apologized at the same time: I know very little about Jing Han and you.He doesn't talk much about his personal affairs with me. I know. As if trying to comfort her master, she forced a smile, but her gloomy look and low hoarse voice revealed the depression and troubles in her heart.The paper towel wiped away the tears, and also wiped away the brilliance and calmness on his face.She kneaded the paper towel that had been compressed into a small ball, as if she wanted to crush it whole and make it disappear into nothingness. In the eyes of the old man, she has changed from the confident and calm attitude of the female executive when she entered the door, to an ordinary woman, eager for someone to share her grievances. It's a welcome change, because she's more feminine.The old man felt his heart, like the steering wheel of a car, turned towards her. When you and Jing Han were in Chicago, Jin Yong guessed that you were good friends. He doesn't want you to know about our relationship.In fact, we've lived together since 1970. oh. Such a close relationship was unexpected. Ever considered getting married? He refused.I respect his wishes, but I was delayed. Li Xing's voice was full of sobs. The old man offered another tissue. She shook her head in refusal. Thank you, Uncle Hu.The most painful period has passed. When did that happen? The spring of 1977.When I came back from a business trip in Taichung, I found that he had moved away, leaving only a note on the dressing table, which read: I'm sorry, please forgive me, and forget me. He understood that in the spring of 1977, it was through his own hands that Qihua's first letter was forwarded. Seven years of cohabitation, I actually wanted to write off with a note. I was so angry and sad, I sat down and cried.I don't know what else to do but cry.Later, of course, I understood his difficulties. It's a pity that I knew too late, otherwise, I must persuade him. He felt both sorry and regretful.All women in the world should be pitied, especially those who are close at hand. We actually persuaded him too.When he went to Taiwan that time, Yong Yong asked him if he would consider getting married again.I don't know the situation in Taiwan; in the United States, many of those who couldn't go back after 1949 got married again. The same goes for Taiwan.The dean of our Faculty of Arts and a professor of the history of English literature both remarried in the 1950s. that is!At that time, Jing Han seemed to believe that it was possible to meet Qihua again.In addition, I remember that he expressed his unwillingness to unilaterally break the contract; he said that there was no information, and that he should not plan to get married before obtaining an understanding or going through divorce procedures.On the latter point, I sympathize.I myself did not marry Bessie until 1946, when the divorce was formalized. Jing Han's concept of marriage is very stubborn, it seems to be the tradition of the Hu family! Li Xing pretended to be humorous, but there was a wry smile on his face. The members of the Hu family should be more devoted to relationships than to marriage.Marriage is just a formality at best, feelings are the most important.Both Jin Yong and I are believers in open marriage.As long as the relationship between each other is firm, everything else is secondary, you say, right? While defending himself, he suddenly longed for the affirmation of others. Of course it is, Uncle Hu.It was precisely because of this that Jing Han was so troubled. Jing Han worried?What's bothering you? The old man was puzzled.From the nephew's letters and letters to his wife, it is really not clear that he has any troubles. Love should be the foundation of marriage.Do your best to emphasize the expression of tone.Love is the most important relationship between men and women, more important than the form of marriage.I think Jing Han, his feelings for me have not changed, but he values ​​morality and has a strong sense of responsibility, and this is where the contradiction lies. It turned out that he was hovering between love and righteousness!The old man suddenly realized.Well, now you and him Oh we are best friends. As if regaining her confidence, she sat up straight and smiled heartily at her master. I want him to be happy, so I am willing to do my best to help his family, because I have always loved Jing Han and believe that doing so is the way to truly love him. The old man also straightened his upper body and nodded emotionally. Jing Han knows you Before he could finish speaking, he heard the knock on the door. It's probably the downstairs neighbor, sorry, please wait. Normally, he would never dare to respond to such an unknown knock on the door.Today, a guest gave him courage, so he went to open a crack in the door without even asking. Xianli stood outside the door, wearing a neat suit, carrying a 007 suitcase in one hand, and holding his daughter in the other. Hi, Teacher Hu!When I met the man surnamed Mi, he came upstairs without ringing the bell.Here, Ella, why don't you call me Grandpa Hu? Li Xian said, bowing his head to urge his daughter. Ella raised her face and greeted the old man in Mandarin as if reciting a book. Hello, Grandpa Hu! Hello, sweetheart!Nice to see you again! When the old man was happy, he habitually greeted her in English.He let go of the door knob and bent over to hug her and kiss her. I thought you weren't coming, Ella sweetheart. I'm sorry, I was delayed for more than an hour by Mr. Cui, it's frustrating to think about it! Xianli explained the reason for being late, with an annoyed tone. Mr. Cui suspected that I was a leftist. He thought it best to draw a clear line and intend to conduct fundraising activities for Wu Xianbiao alone.It took a long time to talk, but I still can't convince him, so the dinner has to be postponed. Your guests are still here, sorry! The old man turned around and found that the door was open, and he was standing at the kitchen door with his hands leaning against the back of the seat, looking at everyone with a smile. He had to introduce to both parties. Here, Ella, what do you say to Aunt Yang? Xianli put on a persuasive attitude towards his daughter. Hello, Aunt Yang. Ella raised her head to greet Li Xing, and opened a pair of bright almond eyes to Li Xing. So good!I like children, especially girls.Li Xing leaned over and asked her: How old are you? five years old. She answered briskly in English. Ah, you can understand Mandarin, great! Li Xing hugged her in surprise, and pecked lightly on her small face. The old man wondered, does Li Xing really like children so much?Then why not give birth?In my impression, Jing Han seems to like children very much. I don't feel good about children.Ella is an exception.Probably because watching her mother get married, get pregnant, and get divorced shortly after giving birth, she is too familiar with her. Yongyong also doesn't like children; he is afraid of aging and would rather be sterile for life.But every time I saw a friend's child, I would hug and hug her so affectionately that my mother was jealous. I don't know if Lixing also belongs to this type. He hoped that the first father and daughter would leave quickly, and deliberately did not invite them to sit in. Xianli, but familiar with it, chatted with Lixing at the door, and his lively and bright eyes poured on the other party's face. She can only speak a few words now, but I found that if she is willing to learn, she improves quite quickly. He told Lixing that the child's mother, Emma, ​​is a native Chinese and can only speak English; the grandfather only speaks Cantonese, so the task of teaching Mandarin falls entirely on the shoulders of the father. It's not easy, Mr. New is such a good father! Li Xing was greatly moved. Xianli said modestly that he had to find various opportunities to be with his daughter just to teach Mandarin.He had no right to visit his daughter this Friday.It just so happened that Emma accompanied her boyfriend to another place, and because she was about to go on a business trip, the company gave her half a day off to take care of chores, so she got Aila out together. Ella, you are so lucky to have such a wonderful dad! Li Xing affectionately stroked the girl's ponytail, and congratulated her with envy. The girl said generously in English: Thank you. You're so clever, Mr. New, your hard work paid off! The master leaned against the door frame and watched with his arms folded, feeling jealous in his heart. Standing up first is really suitable for politics, he will sell himself.For more than ten years, he has taught no less than thirty students from Taiwan, and he is the most outstanding, the most American in personnel and communication.Even Lao Mei doesn't like to talk about divorce, but he can reveal his divorce status when he meets a single woman for the first time.In this way, it is very clever to not only win the sympathy of the other party, but also show one's own free status.He is very good at pleasing women. In this regard, the old man had some impressive experience. He has a natural charm for women, and with his hard work, he can always get favored.In the most difficult period of the 1940s, due to Chinese exclusion, there were almost no Chinese women in the United States, and racial discrimination made it extremely difficult for yellow-white marriages.Even then, when they met, they kept it from their parents and eloped to New York with themselves first, and only informed their family after the fact.They have always refused to recognize this marriage, and have never stopped provoking and alienating.Even so, there were many crazy and happy days in the ten years of life, until I met Yong Yong. Interracial marriage is quite liberal now, but in the forties, it was an outrageous act, and having a white girlfriend was considered superior, and marriage to them was even rarer.If there is a regret in this life, it is that I failed to obtain a doctorate after completing all the credits.However, he was frustrated in the examination room, and finally saved face in the love scene, and everything went smoothly. Of course, the appearance of Xianli confirms the metaphor of the Yangtze River where the waves behind push the waves ahead. Human relationships are often forged by chance.A chance to teach at the University of Chicago for a year.That year, Xianli was the only Chinese student in the class.It was the first time to entertain students at home, and an American student brought Emma, ​​and things were different.Emma abandoned her American boyfriend and turned to pursue Xianli. The enthusiasm was beyond her expectations, and she wished she would be born thirty years later. I really can't see what is superhuman about Xianli, but he is appreciated by women everywhere. Although she looks tall and handsome, but there are many beautiful men here, I don't know what they used to fascinate her.It was the 1960s when the sex was open, and Emma probably got the fashion first.Otherwise, it is what the Chinese call Nie Yuan.Although Xianli is kind and friendly to the girl, it is actually a little artificial; his gentle smile is far-fetched;It was unfortunate that Emma, ​​a strong and self-confident woman, was driven mad by such aloofness. Women all have a motherly compassionate heart, and even Yong Yong said that he has melancholy and talking eyes.The Roosevelt I taught was a night university, and there were not many Chinese students, but I have taught for nearly 20 years, and the number of people added up is also considerable. However, only Xianli can please the teacher's wife.When he came to the apartment for dinner for the second time, he adopted him as a godson, and he was so happy that he introduced him to everyone, as if he was making a big deal. Yongyong is afraid of aging and refuses to have children, and the repressed motherhood of old age is poured out on his godson.Be partial to him, even protect his shortcomings, like a doting mother. One time when I came back from class, Emma came to complain, saying that she had just sent Xianli back to work in a restaurant, and on the way he said he wanted to break off the engagement.As Emma spoke, her eye circles turned red.Poor Emma, ​​although she is not a beauty, like Jane Fonda, she is willing to exercise hard, her figure is quite fit, and she exudes an attractive youthful atmosphere.It was not difficult for her to find a boyfriend, but it fell into Xianli's hands, and she was pitifully trapped by love. When I saw her rubbing the corners of her eyes with her fingers, I felt a thump in my heart.Hadn't Yongyong been present, I would have held her in my arms, kissed her, comforted her, and told her to abandon Xianli, a vain person.If men don't know how to pity women, they should be killed! However, Yong Yong frowned tightly and said nothing. It's unbelievable that women can hug each other affectionately when they meet each other, but they have a heart as hard as stone at this moment.No wonder the confidants of men and women have always been the opposite sex, just like magnets. Uncle Hu, you have guests, so shall I go first? Practicing this expression immediately reminded the owner of the situation. No no, sit down for a while, stand him up first Tell him right away that he's fine. I'm going to invite Mr. Hu out to dinner.If Ms. Yang is free, I will definitely appreciate it.It's a rare opportunity for Ella to hear people speak Mandarin, Miss Yang, don't let her down. Those eyes were fixed on Lixing, what melancholy, it was naked flattery and pleading. The old man was very upset.He could have invited Lixing to dinner alone and explained her worries, but now Li Heng stepped in.He always seems to come in when he is happy, like a fly tasted sugar, hard to drive away. What a coincidence, I came to see Uncle Hu sincerely, and I want to invite him to dinner, so let me do the trick.Will Uncle Hu give you face? Seeing that he couldn't escape Xianli, the master had to admit it with a smile: "There is no need to fight, it's still early, please come in and sit down." He let the guest into the living room. Li Xing affectionately pulled the little girl to sit on the sofa.The host please sit down at the desk first, but seeing that there are not enough seats, he immediately put down the suitcase, moved a chair to the kitchen and put it in front of the coffee table.The host motioned him to sit down, and he sat next to the desk to accompany the guests. How long has Miss Yang been in America? Li Xian asked while reaching into the inner breast pocket of his coat to take out his business card. Just came yesterday.Our company plans to invest and set up a factory in Silicon Valley, so we first send me to discuss some matters. Are you coming to Silicon Valley?great!I'm right here in Silicon Valley.Here, here is my business card. Miss Yang, please give me a call if you have anything to do.Nothing else, at least familiarity, it is absolutely no problem to drive you to find someone! That's great!Thank you so much too! Do your best to be happy.After receiving the business card, he immediately opened the purse and took out two business cards.First, I respectfully handed one to the host, and then gave one to Xianli. The old man saw that the business card had both Chinese and English sides, and the title on the Chinese side was Secretary and Public Relations Director of Puren Enterprise Co., Ltd. Our company makes computer software, but it is not easy to import it to the United States.In addition to the boycott by American businessmen, another reason is that domestic imitations are flooding, and genuine products are also affected.When the company decided to expand overseas, the first thing that came to mind was Silicon Valley. Li Xing briefly introduces her company. It is a good sign that Taiwan is moving towards cutting-edge industries. Xianli said that the government also attaches great importance to Silicon Valley.A classmate of mine from Tunghai University just came to inspect the day before yesterday.Which companies has Miss Yang visited? I went to Intellectual Property in the morning and Solectron in the afternoon. Xianli said that those two companies are running very well, and they are models for Taiwan's high-tech transfer to foreign countries and links with overseas talents. This is an interesting phenomenon. He turned to the owner. Taiwan's technology is grabbing the beach in the United States, but I have to represent an American company to sell information products in mainland China. Is Mr. New going to the mainland too? Li Xing's questioning eyes fell on the old man's face. He went to Beijing on a business trip, and we took the same plane. Lixing was very interested, and immediately asked Xianli about the development of the mainland.Looking at that serious look, it seems that he is planning to deal with the mainland in the future. It was hard work, he knew it.Although President Reagan agreed to open new technologies, including military equipment, to China this year, the technology export control regulations formulated 30 years ago to fight against the Soviet Union are now being used against China.Every product sale must first be reviewed and approved, as short as one month, as long as October.The provisions are outdated and vague, which makes businessmen have no way to follow them.It can be said that I have suffered a lot after working for the company for two years. This was Xianli's third trip to the mainland to sell American computers. The old man told her that he was more enthusiastic than anyone else, thinking that he could help them develop computers and promote the information industry so that they could achieve modernization as soon as possible. He has always disapproved of Xianli's enthusiasm, thinking that he is blind and naive, and may cause trouble one day. I can't go back to the mainland to do things for the Chinese, at least do what I can. Xianli defended himself, opened 007 at the same time, and took out a comic book for his daughter. Ella, Grandpa will give you a can of Coke. The host asked the adults if they wanted Coke, and they all said they were not thirsty, so he really only gave Ai a can of Coke. Ella couldn't sit on the sofa, so she slipped down and sat on the carpet by the coffee table, drinking Coke and reading comics. Xianli took out his cigarette again and tried his best, knowing that the old man didn't smoke, so he still asked him politely. I don't smoke, please do as you please. Li Xing took the initiative to go to the kitchen to find the small dish he had just used to make an ashtray. Mr. New's spirit is really admirable.She then pointed out euphemistically: However, the mainland is an authoritarian society, and the Communist Party has mastered advanced information technology. If it is used to oppress the people, wouldn't it be even worse? Lixian admitted that there is such a possibility. However, he emphasized that modernization is necessary to survive, and the information revolution will happen sooner or later, but the sooner the better. The dissemination of information can improve the wisdom of the people and open up the society. There are precedents in Chinese and foreign history.In this regard, Mr. Hu is an expert, and no one knows better than him. Of course he knows.In the Spring and Autumn Period, the reason why a hundred schools of thought contended and a hundred flowers bloomed was that the royal officials of the Zhou Dynasty scattered among the people and disseminated a large amount of information.Chinese politicians of all ages have understood the importance of information.When the Han army entered the pass, Xiao He first went to grab the records of the Qin Dynasty, that is, various materials of Qin's rule of the world. In this way, Xiao He knew the people's sentiments and political operations well.In order to facilitate the rule, the emperor has always adopted a policy of ignoring the people, setting up secret palaces and the like by the public to suppress the private collection of books. The West is not necessarily smart either.In medieval Europe, only churches collected books, and many kings and ministers were illiterate.The Renaissance was born when European scholars translated Greek works into Arabic, thus enlightening the minds of a generation. The question is, does mainland China really have the sincerity to implement an open policy today?On this point, Xianli is very optimistic, but he has doubts. Taiwan's political and economic progress today is, first of all, the result of the openness and free flow of information.The mainland attaches great importance to the collection of information, and has also tasted the sweetness of economic development in recent years.For example, farmers used to accept orders from above for what to plant, but now they need to pay attention to the market and engage in a market economy.The importance of information can be seen. Lixing still retains a cautious wait-and-see attitude. Information must have objective conditions for free circulation, but on the mainland, I heard that even newspapers are the same.Although there is a newspaper ban in Taiwan, at least we still have 20 or 30 newspapers. The mass media is very effective, and it is very difficult for the government to clamp down on the news. Yes, in the past the mainland did curb the circulation of information, using the excuse of national defense secrets, internal and external differences, or to prevent mental pollution. However, I believe that quantitative changes will lead to qualitative changes.With the development of information, it will eventually spread and spread. Is it difficult to control the so-called spring in the garden? This metaphor made me laugh out loud. The old man poured him a ladle of water coldly. In my opinion, don't be imprisoned yourself, it's better to become the second Huang Xian! Lixing listened, his smile froze, he glanced at Xianli, and curiously asked his master: Who is Huang Xian? If you ask Xianli, he knows better than me.All I know is that they participated in the defense of the Diaoyutai campaign together, and they are also very pro-communist leftists, right? Xianli? This person who once claimed to be a leftist smiled awkwardly: Ms. Yang may know that we are divided into leftists and leftists here, which refers to the government we agree with, and has nothing to do with ideology.Huang Xian is from Hong Kong, and the motherland in his mind is naturally the mainland. He nodded frequently in understanding.So do we. Well, then we have a common language. Xianli said that Huang Xian is actually a lawyer. He graduated from Harvard Law School and has always wanted to return to the mainland to settle down in order to contribute what he has learned. He went back several times to approach him and finally taught in Beijing.Unexpectedly, he disappeared in 1981. Under the concern and pressure of overseas people, the CCP revealed this year that he was arrested in 1981 and accused of colluding with state staff, stealing 28 top-secret, confidential, and secret documents. There are more than 400 pieces of information, which constitute the crime of espionage and are serving their sentences. The old man looked at Lixing with a sarcastic smile on his lips. This is called self-casting.Aquino, too, ran back to Manila last month and was shot dead immediately at the airport.He loved the Philippines too much to bear exile.And this is what happens when patriots return home. Around 1949, a few classmates and friends refused to listen to my advice and returned to China to settle down for patriotism.In the first few years, it was very glorious, but when the Anti-Rightists came, a few fell.The rest suffered catastrophe during the Cultural Revolution.Last year, I happened to read in a Chinese newspaper that Hou Shiyan, a visiting scholar from mainland China, was going to give a speech at UC.He suspected that this was Hou Jun who did not listen to his advice back then, but even called and led a group of people back.He specially went to listen to the speech, and it really was him!But he was gray-haired and very emaciated, and he was ten years younger than himself.From the content of his speech and the answers to the audience's questions, it can be known that he wore the hat of a rightist, was sent to a labor camp, and was imprisoned during the Cultural Revolution.It sounds like he was so unlucky because he got a doctorate in mining and metallurgy in the United States, and he hoped that the mainland would learn from the United States the spirit of democracy and the rule of law. After the speech, the old man changed his original intention and took the bus home without coming forward to recognize each other. rule of law.When will there be rule of law in mainland China?對法律專家黃賢的拘捕、偵訊、乃至判罪定讞的過程，均未做到公開和合法性。從侯士彥到黃賢，卅多年了，法治像蒙了眼罩的驢子，仍在原地繞圈子。 鈕先生，你覺得黃賢是間諜嗎？ 力行發問時，目光盯牢了對方。 先立卻不正面回答。 我們有個朋友剛去獄中看了黃賢。黃賢承認竊取了機密資料，但是否認自己做間諜。至於為什麼要竊取這些明顯標榜機密的文件，他始終不說。倒是公安人員強調一點，即黃賢的態度非常惡劣。我這次去北京，也想找個機會去看看他。目前，朋友們有個想法，就是上書中共中央，請求為他減刑一個七十年代參加過愛國運動的人，落到今日這樣的下場，大家都難受。 先立說到後來，神色黯淡，兩道劍眉微微蹙起。 鈕先生如此關懷國事，實在令人佩服！ 力行的讚揚徒然激發了老人的醋意，忍不住要揭學生的傷疤。 先立一度自命為愛國者，到各國校園去演講，辦刊物凡是不同意他們觀點的，就是不愛國。once Upon a time 對不起，那時年輕無知呀！先立紅著臉為自己辯解。當時參加運動，確是出於一腔愛國心意我還差一點回大陸定居呢！ 老師朝力行微微一撇嘴：那不就自投羅網了？ 後者輕鬆地吁口氣，似乎為先立未曾走上這一步而慶幸。 我和一些朋友後來惹了一些麻煩，先立透露，譬如，我自己曾經兩度被聯邦調查局約談過。有些朋友荒廢了學業，有些夫妻離了婚，又有人至今拿不到公民身份的。 先立說，直到八十年代，他才覺悟到，華人在美國必須先取得政治和經濟地位，自己先佔穩位腳，以後才能談愛國愛鄉，否則都無濟於事。 我在愛國的口號下，走了許多曲折的路 老人冷笑一聲打斷他：愛國的事，豈止是曲折，簡直是拼命！ 老師說得對。現在，我發現個人也沒有什麼能力，不過在推銷美國產品時說些真話，讓中國同胞不上當而已。我有個朋友叫易春男，他在矽谷開公司，賣電腦給大陸，原則是不賺不賠，這是他的愛國方法。 又來一個自投羅網的！老人好笑地搖搖頭，懶得吭聲。他聽累了，忍不住打了個哈欠。 說到矽谷，力行立即說，今後她會經常來矽谷，希望能常向先立請教。 先立馬上表示：矽谷靠近飛機場，接飛機很方便，請你千萬不要客氣，隨時給我電話。我在矽谷六年了，公司方面熟悉，房地產界也有朋友。胡老師知道我，芝加哥大學畢業後，我曾經在那裏幫人經營過房地產投資。 老人不情願地證實：他不愧經濟系的高材生。 青出於藍而勝於藍，不假。就在自己股票履敗履戰時，先立和人合作搞房地產，在貧民區買下公寓大樓，修整後轉手出賣，大賺了一筆。等房地產被高利率拖得一蹶不振時，他已轉入炙手可熱的電子業，打進了美國的電腦核心矽谷來。 這叫後生可畏，年輕的一代不但善觀風向，而且削尖了腦袋，見縫就鑽。 我們董事長下個月要親自來，查看合適的廠房地址，到時一定要麻煩鈕先生幫忙。今天能遇到鈕先生，真是運氣呢！ 楊小姐太客氣了，其實我們以前見過，不比初交的朋友。 oh? 力行頗為詫異，不禁求助地望向主人。 喔，雍雍和我去臺灣時，先立是陪過我們，不過 老人竭力挖掘自己的記憶，但腦袋一片空茫。 是在遠東百貨公司門口，楊小姐沒有注意，當然不會有印象。 先立說出，有一天下午，他陪乾媽逛百貨公司，完了之後胡景漢先生來接乾媽。三人在百貨公司門口攔計程車時，一部小巴士突然斜插進來。急煞車後，力行跳下來，和胡景漢說了幾句話才又跳上車離開。 記得你穿了件藍格子襯衫，直頭髮披在肩上，耳根插支原子筆，很像個記者是不是？ 鈕先生記性真好。 力行沒否認，臉頰頓呈緋紅。 可惜胡先生沒有介紹，使我失去了早十六年認識你的機會。 有這麼多年了。 力行輕聲說著，眉眼低垂，對時光的飛逝流露了傷感。 老人卻蹙緊眉頭，努力在回憶，那時自己在什麼地方。 早聽說台北酒家林立，西式酒吧也多，是男人的樂園，更是越戰美軍休假必趨之地。他曾經用逛書店的藉口，自己悄悄溜去逛了幾間酒吧。至於酒家，因為沒有本地人指引，始終不得其門而入。 雍雍逛百貨公司時，自己肯定坐在酒吧裏接受酒女熱情的陪伴，陶醉在賓至如歸的氣氛中。 那純粹是品酒的意思，絕無非分之想或進一步的企圖。即令淺嚐，已令他十足羨慕臺灣的男人，他們真福氣。那裡的風塵女郎可愛溫柔外，另有一種純樸，且處處把男人視為上賓。男性至上也可從報紙上的社會新聞見其端倪。許多女子為了給父母支付醫藥費，或者供給兄弟唸書，就情願下海。新聞界還標榜其孝行，可見風氣使然。 美國的華人男子，便少此種艷福。 迄今，紐約和芝城的華埠，尚有一些寡佬貧苦無依地捱著日子等待入土。他們和自己年紀相仿，三四十年代到美國來打工，僥倖沒有累死，但娶不到老婆；語言不通加上種族自卑，連嫖妓都不敢，只能以酒澆愁。離開芝加哥前，讀到一則某寡佬死於酒精中毒的報導，一時起了莫名的恐懼。 雍雍撒手後的一段日子，幾乎夜夜做夢，夢到她還在世的情景，醒來更加孤獨難捱。 於是生出一個結束自己的妙法，即是竭盡自己所有去買一夕之歡，然後效法日本人的腹上死，痛快地死在女人身上，那該是很美的事。不過，又擔心把女方嚇死，以致釀出雙命案，倒對不住女的，也就打消了此意。 如今，出現了疱疹病和愛滋病，對這條路便整個死了心。 爹地，我們什麼時候吃飯呢？ 愛拉翻膩了漫畫，又喝光了可樂，開始坐立不安。 快了，愛拉，我們馬上就走。 先立和力行談矽谷的工作情況，連忙安撫女兒一句，這才總結地概括他的生活。 所以我們矽谷的人，生活像在拼命，每天工作十二小時是常事新成立的公司，管理階層甚至投十八小時。在電子領域中，新發明以分秒計算，既要保密，又要設法刺探別人的機密，總之，每個人的神經都繃的緊緊的。這幾年成立的公司，老闆大都來自臺灣、香港和新加坡。許多人是白手起家，工作就像命；一般人也忘我地工作在他們的字典中，硬是刪掉了娛樂和享受的字眼。有時，我覺得我不是人，是工作狂胡老師，你說像不像？ 老人聳聳肩，又做個鬼臉。 你們矽谷人是瘋子！ 工作好。力行不但同情，而且給他打氣：我自己就喜歡工作，越忙似乎越有精神。 這話無異給先立的眼睛充了電，霎時晶亮異常。 好極啦，楊小姐，我們是同志！ 馬克思發表共產主義《宣言》時，相信不如先立這個宣佈來得簡潔酣暢。 意猶未足似的，他興奮地站起身，過來一把拉起女兒，親熱地在她額上印上一吻。隨即放開手，改拍她的肩膀，自己朗聲而笑。 笑意感染了力行，須臾便在她眼下和鼻梁上織出了幾條紋溝。 老人冷眼旁觀，內心一陣疑惑。 愛瑪不也熱愛工作嗎？她個性獨立，學室內裝潢很有創意，婚前在舊金山已經闖出了字號。按說夫婦既同行相嫉，應該有相輔相成之美，他們卻吵架吵到離婚為止。 A good beginning is half the battle.可惜他們婚禮正趕上雍雍出事，再沒比這個更殺風景。自己原先要牽她進禮堂步上紅毯，卻整個人癱瘓在廚房裏。先立臨時找了一個美國老先生去替代。她的父母計劃在他們蜜月旅行到舊金山時，於華埠給女兒補辦一個盛大的中國式婚宴，因此未出席芝加哥的教堂儀式。先立卻取消了旅行，一頭栽進乾媽的喪禮中。可憐的愛瑪，一個人飛來結婚，又一個人飛回舊金山。 自己對愛瑪，除了憐惜，還有一份歉疚；總覺得自己喪偶的悲痛拖累了先立，以致影響了他們的婚姻。然而她能擺脫先立，自己又暗暗為她高興。 好吧，愛拉，我們這就去吃飯。 先立替女兒收拾了畫冊。 力行說：請胡叔叔挑館子，我什麼都吃。 他沒有特別愛好。人過七十，味覺已不靈敏，吃山珍海味都不香了。偶而出門，多半上廣東館子，主要是他們的招貼吸引人。生猛海鮮，一看就令人精神抖擻，甚至蠢蠢欲動。不過，他對唐人街的館子不熟，盡可把挑選的權利給了先立。 吃川菜好嗎？先立建議。美國現在最流行四川菜，楊小姐嚐嚐看吧。 沒人反對，於是決定去唐人街。 主人勉為其難地撐著書桌站起身。他討厭唐人街，喧鬧且髒亂，但自己對飯館陌生，也無可奈何。 趁著先立撥電話的時間，力行請求用洗手間。 主人如願以償地領著她，穿過通道和臥房，向她指出了早就開門以待的洗手間。 胡叔叔，你房間收拾得多清爽呀！ 力行手倚著門框，返身先讚美主人一句。 家徒四壁，沒有什麼好收拾。 她忽然手指了牆上的畫像問：這是誰畫的？ 一知道是老人的作品，她驚嘆地哦了一聲。 什麼時間畫的？現在還畫嗎？ 主人一高興，就講起作畫的年代，講起貝西。 我洗過手再聽你談下去好嗎？sorry. 老人趕緊住口告退，又回到客廳來。 起風了，老師要穿件厚外套才好。 先立說著，替他關上了窗戶。 不久，力行回到客廳。 老人乃去臥房取了外套，又拿了一頂呢帽，以防此地常有的刺骨寒風。 四人一出大門，果然風聲呼呼，天空雲層灰壓壓的，暮色已降。 這裏氣候變化真快呀！ 力行不勝驚訝地自言自語了一句，伸手按住被風揚起的頭髮。 老人看她一身布料的套裝很單薄，正想借她自己的外套，但先立已搶著脫下他的外套。 楊小姐是不是覺得冷？先披上一件外套吧。 不，謝謝你，我汽車裏有件毛衣。也許愛拉要加件衣服。 先立問女兒，後者搖頭表示不冷。 鈕先生，要不要開我的車？租來的。 老人這才注意到堵住車房出口的檸檬黃轎車，林肯牌，嶄新發亮且氣派十足。 先立看了一眼車子，點點頭：我路熟，讓我來開吧。不過，得先繞到我的車去，把愛拉的外套取出來。 力行即掏出鑰匙給他。 老人和小女孩坐在車後座。 先立忽然慚愧地用手敲打了一下自己的腦袋。 對不起，光顧著說話，竟忘了問老師。聽說早上受了一場虛驚，沒損失什麼嗎？ 老人很詫異：你怎麼知道？ 那姓米的告訴我，還說你不肯報警。為什麼不報呢？ 果然惡事傳千里，老人暗罵老米多嘴。 這種事，大城市多的是，報了也沒用，白浪費精神。 但是，力行卻好奇而且關心地問起來，他不得不輕描淡寫地敘述了一遍。說完，直催先立快開動車子。 舊金山的治安，這兩年是江河日下了，專找外地來的遊客和老年人下手。我常勸胡老師，還是回大陸定居，起碼不必受這種威脅。楊小姐，你覺得有道理吧？ 車子甫開動，先立又彈起老調來。 老人一聽，大感厭煩。原想趁著坐車的時間打個盹養養神，偏司機嚕囌個沒完沒了。他仰靠著車座，張嘴打起哈欠來，給先立來個不理不睬。 對不起，我不清楚大陸上的治安情況呢。 聽到力行顯然不熱心的回答，他反倒興起一種欣逢知己的感激心情。他立刻坐直了身子，強打起精神，準備和先立抬一下槓。 好不到哪裏去吧？他說：從夏天起，大陸上就展開一個打擊罪犯的運動如果沒有犯罪，又何須大張旗鼓地來進行打擊呢？ 唉，搞一個運動正說明，他們有心改善嘛！ 先立笑嘻嘻的，一副辯才無礙的模樣。 車子已經過了兩條街段，在他的汽車旁停了下來。他下去取了女兒的外套，回來時仍捨不得放開這個話題。 八年前，我第一次回濟南給父親掃墓，那裡正發生了一起無頭分屍案。Wow!整個城市動員起來，學校機關、街道、鄰里都在開會排查，努力提供線索。我看那分屍案的膾炙人口，僅次於毛澤東逝世的消息，可見謀殺之類的事件不多。我親戚說，五十年代初治安最好，一度做到夜不閉戶。現在就差了，親戚來信，沒有一次不抱怨治安壞。 他的結論是，犯罪率增高是大陸門戶開放的副產品，今後勢難避免。 這是現代化的代價，力行也有同感，臺灣就是這麼走過來的。社會越開放，便越富裕，但犯罪也更五花八門了。 所以，我有時也很矛盾。現代化，說穿了就是西化。但這樣一來，東方純淨的美德和生活方式，便有崩潰的危險。 他接著以唯恐趕不上巴士的口吻勸老人：胡老師要回國定居的話，還是趁早為妙。 又來發高論啦！ 老人實在厭惡，不客氣地向力行指出： 這是今日左派的特點：專門指點別人回國，自己只做蜻蜓點水的工作。 先立卻不在乎人家挖苦，只笑笑說：時機不成熟嘛！ 中國人敬老，力行為他緩頰，胡叔叔真要住下來，可能安全沒問題。至於鈕先生，我看就不要去冒黃賢那種危險了。 這時汽車向東駛進吉利大道。正是尖峰時刻，來往六條線上全擠滿了車子，一部緊啣著另一部，確實像罐頭沙丁魚。在紅燈亮起前一剎那，個個踩足油門，搶先超過十字路口。一陣風過，帶來刺鼻的汽油味，車窗封閉了也抵擋不住。 東方的純淨。 老人吟味著先立的詞句，忽然記起了以前在西湖的三潭印月聽景漢朗誦哥德的詩，如今猶記得洶湧澎湃的三句： 北方、西方和南方都已崩潰 王座倒塌，國土震動 run away!逃向純淨的東方 那是卅五年夏天，日本人早佔領了東北，中原岌岌不保，自己心目中的淨土卻是美國。 他不喜歡再比較東西方，也懶得管什麼黃賢。趁先立集中精神過十字路口時，有意告訴他：你知道嗎，力行也是你們山東人。 Yeah?楊小姐府上是山東哪裡？ 先立果然轉移了注意力。 曲阜。 好地方！我籍貫是沂源，不過，從來沒見過那個地方。可以肯定的是，老家沒有出過聖人，以前倒出過很多響馬。 他接著報出一個姓名，問力行是否認識。 我爸爸認識她不是國大代表嗎？ 她是我媽媽。 噢，失敬了！ 你大概知道，她又結了婚。 yes. 我爸爸留在濟南，也另外成了家，有了三個孩子。六五年，我和他剛聯絡上不久，他就去世了。我們竟失去了見面的機會，真是遺憾。 hypocrite!老人暗罵一聲。同樣再婚，卻厚此薄彼，十足是個男性沙文主義者。還記得那一次在臺灣，先立自告奮勇陪著乾媽到處逛，卻從來沒介紹自己媽媽和大家認識，顯然是以母親再婚為羞恥的事。 鈕先生，你海峽兩岸都有家，真好！ 沒看到力行說話的表情，但聽口氣，竟是非常羨慕。 噢，我們這一代人，家多是個特點吧。胡師母在時，這裡也是我的家。 家多，責任也多吧，是不是，鈕先生？ 力行不過表示一點同情，先立竟趁機訴起苦來。 一點沒錯，有時簡直令人分身乏術！我媽媽便一直說我不孝，不能經常回臺灣看她。其實，她為了維持綠卡，幾乎每年跑一趟美國。大陸呢，爸爸遺言，要我照顧三個弟妹。這裡女兒也要看管，總不能把