She rode a bicycle and took a shortcut from the back door of the dormitory to the post office on Shanxi Road.There, she sent two telegrams, one to Fang Zheng and the other to the freshmen.Afraid that if he could not go, he stood in the post office and wrote a letter to the freshman, explaining his current situation, asking him to try to go to Wuhan to see his friends no matter what.After submitting the letter, she seemed to have finished a major event, and she was in a happy mood, humming a tune all the way home.
After eating early the next morning, Xin Mei rushed to school.Sure enough, it was a holiday scene. The campus was extremely quiet, and there was no one in sight for a long time.When she turned into the Waterport Building by bicycle, she saw Xiao Mahe walking leisurely with a hoe, and an aluminum teapot was hanging from the handle of the hoe.Xiao Ma is dressed in midsummer clothes today, with a sweat vest, blue cloth shorts, and a head of bushy short hair tied up with a white towel, very much like the Dazhai hero Chen Yonggui.
Xiao Ma, didn't you follow the summer vacation?
Xin Mei waved to him.She parked the car in the shade and locked it.
It's not like your teachers, the students go on vacation as soon as they leave!
There was a mocking smile on the pony's sun-tanned face.
Xin Mei smiled and remained silent.This young man has a reputation for being aggressive, and he is so unreasonable that he has reason in his mouth. I remember that the last time it happened was in spring.He approached Xin Mei for tips on teaching English.
Do you study English?Xin Mei was surprised and thought he was following the trend.
Why, Xiao Ma glared at her at the time, as if blaming her for underestimating me, I have been learning English for two years!
real!How did you learn it yourself?Xin Mei couldn't help admiring her.
The pony rolled his eyes upwards, glanced at the blue sky, and looked around again. Seeing that there was no one else, he whispered: I often listen to the Voice of America broadcast. They have English teaching programs, and now they also teach English 900 Here comes the sentence!
Xin Mei gasped when she heard that, and rolled her eyes upwards.This kid is not afraid of death!she thinks.Two years ago, there was a struggle against a college student in the school because he eavesdropped on the news broadcast of the Voice of America and accused him of being a counter-revolutionary.She peeked at the pony again, but he looked calm, showing no expression of fear or shame.
Shanghai has started to broadcast English teaching programs, and she really kindly advised him that Nanjing will follow soon, so you don’t need to listen to them. Well, if people know about it, it will be terrible!Of course, I will definitely keep it a secret from you!
She thought Xiao Ma was about to express his thanks, but he just smiled and said confidently: I know you won't say that you are not this kind of person.Even if you go to inform, no one will believe you, because I come from a good background, I have never been caught with braids, and I am 100% red, no one will believe you!
Hearing this confident tone, Xin Mei could only stare at him.How could it not surprise her to be so sharp and calm at the age of less than twenty?She couldn't tell whether this was a good thing or a bad thing, but the youths trained during the Cultural Revolution were indeed extraordinary. There was such a precocious coldness and sense of reality in the young and mature, and they were persistent about the future, but they had no illusions.Looking back on myself, at this age, I don't know that the sky is high and the earth is thick!Crawling under the shackles of the school-enhancing doctrine, the thinking is rigid and naive. Apart from books, I don’t know that there are other things in the world.During that time, there seemed to be nothing but a childlike innocence in my heart.
Teacher Xin, Xiao Ma restrained his sarcasm, and asked in a low voice: There is a book that is enough for you to read during the summer vacation, I wonder if you want it
of course yes!Xin Mei's eyes lit up immediately.what book?
Apparently there was no one around, Xiao Ma still looked around vigilantly, and then said: Is Zhu Yuanzhang's biography good?
Of course!Xin Mei also answered in a low voice.
I praise it in my mouth, but I feel ashamed in my heart.Although I graduated from the Department of History, I have rarely read historical treatises during my six years in China.Wu Han's book is full of critical articles, but so far he has not had the chance to see the true face of Lushan Mountain.Of course, this book cannot be seen in Taiwan, and she only heard a few words from the professor.Who knew about the mainland, it was labeled as a poisonous weed again, and the ban was even stricter.
If you say that, I want to see it too.Xiao Ma asked again in a low voice: Do you think Wu Han wrote this book, did he viciously insinuate Chairman Mao as the big critic said?
how could be?Xin Mei pretended not to know.The critical articles I read all said that he was touting Chiang Kai-shek.Zhu Yuanzhang is still the same emperor!
Pony's thick eyebrows tightened, and a pensive expression appeared on his black face.
Gossip less, where is the book?When will you give it to me?
It's still at the bottom of the library!You can't go to Changsha anyway, what's the rush?
Xin Mei briefly told Xiao Ma the whole story of going to Wuhan.
OK, I'll give it to you when you come back.
After finishing speaking, he didn't need to be polite, he just waved his hand and turned away.The small aluminum teapot is dangling on the handle of the hoe, and the sheep's belly scarf on the head is as bright as white fat against the morning sun.
Xin Mei looked at the back view of the sky-high emperor Yuan, and was very envious in her heart.Of the whole school, she believed, the pony was the ideal job as a gardener.He and his father belong to the General Affairs Department, responsible for the management of the greenhouse and the supply of potted plants, and sometimes help arrange flowers and trees.I'm busy in spring, so I can take a break to read books in peacetime.Anyway, after the work is done, no one can say that he is wrong; all he contacts are flowers, plants and trees, and there are few personnel disputes.Many people think that Xiao Ma has a weird personality, reads books in his spare time, does not find girls to press the road, is not as lively as ordinary young workers, and spends his days singing and noisy.Even his old man sometimes shook his head and sighed, suspecting that it was a mistake at all to assign the pony to the school by entrusting the personnel to open the back door.Where there are a lot of intellectuals, the old man said, turn pony into a nerd!
Xin Mei thinks that reading is a good thing, and she doesn't think it's strange, but admires Xiao Ma's way of finding books.It turns out that Xiao Ma used to be a Red Guard, and he stormed many libraries, including our own, and opened up many joints. Until now, he still has a way to get in and out of some libraries' stacks, and occasionally produces a book or two banned by the central government. .This secret was accidentally discovered by Xin Mei.Last summer, she saw Xiao Ma reading a book at the foot of Qingliang Mountain.I glanced curiously, and it turned out to be Ai Qing's poetry anthology North, which was still a pre-liberation version, the paper was yellow and black, and the cover had been torn.Xin Mei, who has loved Ai Qing since she was in middle school, immediately borrowed it from Xiao Ma cheekily.Xiao Ma only let her take it back for two days after agreeing to the condition that it would never be rumored or lent.After that, Xiao Ma successively found some novels and translations published in the early days of liberation for her. Xin Mei also strictly abided by the gentleman's agreement of borrowing and returning, and did not cause Xiao Ma any trouble.In spring, he brought Deng Tuo's Evening Chats at Yanshan, and she read it overnight by lighting the lamp, and wrapped it up in a newspaper the next day and returned it as usual.In this era of book famine, Xiao Ma's channel has really become a spring of sweet spring in the desert.
Thinking that there will be Zhu Yuanzhang's biography to read, Xin Mei was so happy that the soles of her feet smoked, and she went upstairs quickly in three steps at a time.Walking into the faculty lounge, I found Zhao Ping sitting in it.
Teacher Zhao, why are you still in school?
Zhao Ping was also taken aback when she saw Xin Mei.
I have something to do with Lao Liang, what about you?
What a coincidence!Xin Mei said, I am also looking for Lao Liang, and it is still a matter of asking for leave.Is he here?
It's still early.Zhao Ping raised her hand and glanced at her watch.It's only half past eight, wait a minute, after all, during the summer vacation, he won't go to work at eight o'clock.
Xin Mei heard that what she said was reasonable, so she sat down and waited.
She took the opportunity to ask her colleagues about the school of Wuhan China Normal University, have you heard of it, what kind of school is it?
Huashi?Zhao Ping raised her eyebrows, right? Central China Normal University?Know.The newly built Teachers College after liberation is equivalent to our Nanjing Teachers College, which specializes in training middle school teachers, but the teachers, scale, and level are inferior.In Wuhan, it is ranked after the School of Engineering, and of course it is even worse than Wuhan University.
After hearing this introduction, Xin Mei became suspicious.With so many colleges and universities in Wuhan, how could Fang Zheng and the others be assigned to such a third-rate school?
Why do you think of Master Hua?Zhao Ping asked back.
I was about to ask for leave to visit my friends in China Normal University. Xin Mei confessed that I just received a letter saying that two friends from abroad had returned to China and were assigned to China Normal University. She hoped that I would visit them.If I ask for leave like this, do you think there is any hope of being granted leave?
Zhao Pingyin groaned for a while before saying: Should it be accurate?For returned overseas Chinese, the central government has always had preferential treatment regulations to follow.Of course, after the Cultural Revolution, overseas Chinese were not as popular as before.However, I think it is right for them to come back from a long distance to seek refuge in the motherland and take care of them more.
Xin Mei heard that her overseas Chinese were long and short, and it was a bit harsh to her ears, but she kept silent.She has always believed that people from Taiwan should not be called Huaqiao, but people in China, from cadres to the masses, are all used to calling them that way, and she has long since lost the interest to argue.Not only the word "Overseas Chinese" is harsh, but even Zhao Ping's words of refuge made Xin Mei's tongue feel astringent. At first hearing, it seemed that the Fangzheng and his wife returned to China to ask for a bowl of food after they had no other choice.Both of them are PhDs in mathematics from Princeton University and have been teaching at the university since graduation.Fangzheng is still a student of Wei Bulun, specializing in topology. When he was hired to teach in the UK six years ago, he had published half a dozen papers, and he was also well-known in theoretical mathematics.No matter how bad the West is, Xin Mei does not believe that he will have a dead end one day.
They came back purely out of love for their country.All she could do was talk better than nothing.
Many overseas Chinese are patriotic.Zhao Ping flattered her.
Xin Mei didn't want to talk about overseas Chinese and patriotism anymore, and only cared about asking for leave.what time is it?she asked each other.It was hot, and her hands were prone to sweat, so she put the watch in the closet as soon as the class was over.
Zhao Ping didn't look at her watch, she just tilted her head to look at the sun outside the window, and said: Lao Liang must have come to work.you go first.
You come first, or you go talk first!
Don't give up, your business is urgent.Remember, make the plot more urgent.
Xin Mei stopped being polite, picked up the plastic bag, and walked towards Party Secretary Liang's office.It was hot and the office door was wide open.Liang Zhishu was sitting alone at the desk, waving a big plantain fan, and was reading documents.
Good morning old Liang!She greeted with a smile before stepping in the door.
early!
Seeing that it was Xin Mei, Lao Liang was taken aback for a moment, not knowing why she came here so early in the morning, so he had to ask her to sit down.
I still came to ask for leave, this time to Wuhan.
After speaking, Xin Mei found the telegram from her handbag, handed it to Lao Liang cautiously, explained the reasons, and finally asked for a week's leave.
They were classmates of Tao Xinsheng's class at National Taiwan University, and they had very close contacts with us in the past.This time when I returned to China, I had no relatives or friends. I sent a telegram, which shows that I am very anxious.
Xin Mei racked her brains to make the matter more serious and urgent, but she was at a loss for words, so she had to fix her expectant eyes on Lao Liang's face.
Liang Zhishu heard that he was asking for leave, his brows were gradually furrowed, and his eyes almost narrowed into a line.Despite the dilemma, he still said: This is a good thing!Good thing!The socialist motherland wholeheartedly welcomes overseas students who return to China to serve the people.China is stronger than ever!Overseas Chinese are rushing to come back.I read the reference news a few days ago. It said that Chinese students studying in the United States are starting a wave of returning home. It seems that the United States is very fashionable. Now there is a boom in China, and many people are rushing to come back. Great, we welcome it, we always welcome it Overseas scholars returned to China to participate in socialist construction.
Having said that, he straightened his glasses and studied the telegram again.Then, he put down the telegram, took off his glasses, leaned back in the chair, and said to Xin Mei sincerely:
Overseas Chinese should be taken care of when they return home.You are old classmates who haven’t seen each other for many years, so it is reasonable to go to see it, and I personally absolutely support it.However, you also know that it is sometimes difficult for the people above to understand the specific situation of individual comrades, so I will go to the courtyard immediately to reflect your request, if the courtyard thinks that it can wait for other opportunities
Xin Mei was aware of this trick early on, and immediately reached into her bag to find an envelope.She took out three time deposit certificates of the People's Bank of China from the envelope, and carefully handed them to Lao Liang.Lao Liang stared at the deposit slips, all of which were in Fangzheng's name, confused for a moment, and stretched out his hand to scratch the thinning hair on his head vigorously.
Old Liang, I must see them!Xin Mei became excited as she spoke, and felt that the corners of her eyes were wet and hot, and her throat felt like a stone had been added. You see, Fang Zheng and the others were going to come back from England in 1968, and asked me to convey this to the State Science and Technology Commission.Comrades from the Science and Technology Commission did not want them to come back because the Cultural Revolution was at its climax, and told them to wait abroad, saying that as long as they were patriotic, it would be the same anywhere.At that time, they had already vacated the house, sold the furniture, and bought the plane tickets.But since the country wants them to wait outside.They had no choice but to abandon their original plan and continue to live in England.But they were determined to return, so they sent all their savings to Beijing and entrusted us to keep them. They felt that although they could not return, it would be good to support the economic construction of the motherland.I was entrusted by people, and as a matter of loyalty, I deposited the money they remitted back in the bank. The principal plus interest, the total was 10,000 yuan.Such a large number, I have been trembling.Now that they are back, I will hand them over to them as soon as possible.Moreover, they have just returned to China and resettled a new home, maybe they are waiting for money to be used!
When it comes to money, Liang Zhishu has already focused on it.When he heard 10,000 yuan, he immediately spread out the deposit slip, moved his lips, and did a mental calculation, and the amount was indeed not bad.
You are ready to go to Wuhan!He said decisively, such an important matter must be handled personally, and I will definitely fight for you!In the afternoon, I will go to the courtyard to hold an enlarged party committee meeting, and maybe I can get back to you in the evening.Just get ready to hit the road, leave the leave to me!
Seeing Lao Liang's courageous expression, Xin Mei couldn't help sighing inwardly while being grateful.The same is asking for leave, there is such a difference between today and yesterday.Money is omnipotent, this unfortunately came true!No matter which system Brother Kong Fang is in, his status will always remain the same.
Thank you very much, Lao Liang, then I will come to your house to hear back.
OK!Lao Liang slapped the plantain fan on the table, showing the spirit of doing what he said.
Xin Mei thanked her, took back the deposit slip, and then happily ran back to the teachers' lounge.
Ready?Looking at her expression, Zhao Ping guessed that it was good news.
The dean does not know yet.Xin Mei was overjoyed, she walked faster, and was out of breath for a while.But Lao Liang said it was on him!
That's 80% not far off the mark, congratulations!Lao Liang is a veteran cadre.He made a guarantee that there was always a way to cash it.I see you going to buy a boat ticket tomorrow morning.In summer, it is very difficult to buy tickets. They are all pre-sale tickets for the third day. After buying the tickets, there is no time to prepare luggage.
Tomorrow is Sunday!Are you still selling tickets?Xin Mei has never been on a boat, so she doesn't know the market.
Sell as it is!You have to queue up at Xinjiekou before six o'clock to have any hope.
so early?Her eyes widened.
Hey, people who are in a hurry to leave, they usually go to the ticket window of Changhang Airlines in the middle of the night and wait there!Anyway, it was hot, so I took a mat and spread it out on the ground, and simply fell asleep and waited.There is only one passenger ship going up and down the Yangtze River a day.
Xin Mei was amazed and thought, since the traffic is so heavy, why not take an extra boat?But she knows that traffic congestion has always been a common phenomenon in the country, so it is useless to ask.
Go find Lao Liang quickly.She urged Zhao Ping.
It doesn't matter, I'll go to his house when he's gone.I have a big problem, you know, it's still a matter of a lover transferring work.He will come next week, I want to urge Lao Liang again, don't keep hanging around
At this point, Zhao Ping's mature and prudent face suddenly cast a shadow.
You are really patient, Xin Mei said, I am you, and I will send a report every three months to urge you to go!
What's the use of urging, if you haven't been urging for more than ten years?A wry smile appeared on the corner of Zhao Ping's mouth.
Xin Mei had nothing to comfort her, she could only sigh sympathetically.Teacher Zhao's husband used to work as an engineer in a factory in Nanjing. In 1959, the factory was moved to Sichuan because of its national defense mission.At that time Zhao Ping was an effective teacher in the school, and the school was reluctant to let her go, and promised to try to transfer her husband back to Nanjing as soon as possible in the future.When asked for a transfer a few years later, the factory in Sichuan was in a hurry and refused to let the technicians go, repeatedly refusing.After the Cultural Revolution, personnel affairs were frozen for a few years, so naturally nothing was discussed.In the past two years, the country has gradually restored order, and Jiangsu Province has been on track first. She hastened to bring up the old matter again, but Sichuan Province is still fighting non-stop.In this way, labor and swallows are separated, and it is the parties who suffer.Especially the woman, who has to work and do housework, but also has to discipline the children, and she still cares about her day and night.Xinmei has experienced enough separation in the past few years, and she sympathizes with her situation the most.
Is he still coming to Nanjing this year?Xin Mei suddenly remembered that at this time last year, it was also rumored that Zhao Ping's lover was visiting relatives from Sichuan.The school holidays are long, wouldn't it be better for you to go to Sichuan?
Zhao Ping shook her head without saying a word.
In such hot weather, I dragged my two children and ran around Chongqing with big and small bags, so it would be easier for him to come alone.Chongqing and Nanjing are full of braziers, but Nanjing is at least more convenient to eat.Sichuan was out of balance due to violence and factional strife, and money could not buy things.My wife said in his last letter that when someone gave him a catty of pork, he was as happy as picking up gold, and you can imagine the rest!This time when he came, his colleagues asked him to bring things. The noodles alone weighed 80 catties!Sichuan food stamps are useless here, I still have to paste 80 catties of food stamps on him.
Hearing about the food stamps, Xin Mei hurried to get out the plastic bag.
I have a lot of food stamps, and I can give you twenty catties immediately.
You really have a lot to spare, you can send it to me.
Xin Mei took out a wallet, and shook out a lot of tickets, including food stamps, oil tickets, cloth tickets, thread tickets, industrial tickets, etc., all kinds of tickets.She gave all the food stamps to Zhao Ping.
It's rare for your lover to come back, and there's always a dental festival. I'll give you half a catty of gas tickets.
As she spoke, Xin Mei picked out a five tael fuel ticket.
You can keep it for yourself, Zhao Ping kindly said goodbye, and when you go to Wuhan, you'd better take some oil with you. I heard that the meat supply in Wuhan is tight, half a catty of meat per person per month, and lard can't be bought at all.
real?When Xin Mei heard this, she quickly took back the fuel ticket.
I can't lie to you!Wuhan is not much better than Chongqing.Isn't your Tao Xinsheng from Sichuan?He must know something about the current situation in Sichuan.
Xinmei smiled.Tao Xinsheng left Sichuan when he was very young, and he hasn't been back yet.All Sichuan he knew was his childhood memory.According to him, Chongqing is as beautiful as a fairy tale, isn't it?
Chongqing is beautiful, Zhao Ping reaffirmed it, and living in it is very humane.The traffic in the urban area is now better than before. Climbing up and down is not particularly difficult, and it is also very convenient to take the cable car in and out of the city.I actually like Chongqing very much. If my wife wasn’t from Jiangsu and Zhejiang and wanted to go back to Jiangnan, I might have been transferred before the Cultural Revolution.Just because of his homesickness, he was delayed for another six years!
hometown!Xin Mei said understandingly, now that you apply, is there any hope?
That's why I'm looking for Lao Liang.I heard that it is possible to transfer work to take care of the relationship between lovers. Now provinces and provinces are allowed to transfer each other. Units can transfer each other quite a bit. One is released, the other is received, and each other enters and exits without affecting the establishment.It is said that Shanghai and Tianjin have done this, but I don't know how it is in Nanjing.There are also many schools in Chongqing, and it is possible to find someone to transfer to Nanjing.
OK!Hope you get it right away!Xin Mei sincerely wished her well.After the adjustment is completed, there is no need to wait like a Cowherd and a Weaver Girl to meet once a year!
Zhao Ping couldn't help smiling wryly when she heard Cowherd and Weaver Girl.
Tsk, we are an old husband and wife, we have been separated for more than ten years, and we have long since lost the enthusiasm of those days.It is really convenient to tune them together.When the husband and wife are separated, the most distressing thing is the education of the children, which is always a bit incomplete.Now that the children have to wait for graduation to be assigned, there are so many problems in going to the mountains and the countryside. I always hope that there is a man at home so that I can discuss everything.
Exactly!Xin Mei wholeheartedly agrees with her words.Not to mention, Tao Xinsheng has been away for a year, and she has already tasted the taste of being alone, and she really feels sympathetic.Every time the child fell ill, even though there was a nanny to help take care of her, she was still panicked and didn't know what to do.
It's getting late, Xin Mei urged Zhao Ping again, don't let Lao Liang run away, it's all my fault.
Don't be afraid, wherever he goes, I will chase him!
That being said, Zhao Ping immediately picked up her plastic bag and walked out of the lounge with Xin Mei.Before breaking up, she reminded her again: You have gone to Wuhan, if you have any problems at home, please call the nanny to find me!
must.Xin Mei gratefully agreed.
Liang Zhishu really meant what he said, and he came to deliver the letter in person at dusk.
Let's eat!He greeted cordially.
The door of Tao's house was open, and Xin Mei and her family were eating.Seeing that it was Lao Liang, she hurriedly got up to say hello.
Old Liang, please come in and sit down!
Lao Liang saw his family eating at the fork in the road, and the dining table seemed to block the passage, so he couldn't bear to disturb him, so he just stood at the door and didn't go in.
You eat, eat!You're welcome, I'll just turn around and leave!
After finishing speaking, he smiled and nodded to the old lady, then touched Tao Lian's head with his lower body, and said: Hey!so tall!
Tao Lian, call Uncle!Xin Mei reminded the child.
Tao Lian yelled Uncle in response, and buried himself in eating.Skip the first day of kindergarten.He was exhausted from playing in the courtyard, and now he had a big appetite, so he just gobbled it up and ignored the rice grains spilling out of the bowl.
sit down.Xin Mei brought out her own stool and moved it outside the door to invite the guests to sit.It's cooler here because of the draft.
Don't sit, don't sit, I'll leave after a few words.
Seeing Xin Mei standing, Lao Liang felt ashamed to sit down, so he simply gave in to the end.
As soon as the meeting in the courtyard is over, I will lure you here first to report the good news to you!
Ready to leave?
Lao Liang nodded his head as if smashing garlic: Not only is it approved, but there is no time limit, as long as you want to go!It doesn't matter half a month or a month, as long as it's in time for the start of school in September!
Where does it take so long?Xin Mei was overwhelmed by this unexpected generosity.I see a friend, ten days back and forth is enough.
This is a rare opportunity, let's play more.Lao Liang gave her advice with a friendly face.I have been to Wuhan several times, yes, the scenery and scenic spots are no worse than Nanjing.Chairman Mao crossed the Yangtze River there, and praised the turtle and snake lock on the river. The view of the river is majestic!That is, the Yellow Crane Tower has moved.In addition, the Yangtze River Bridge is not as long as our Nanjing, so you can compare it when you go to see it.The East Lake is very beautiful, and you who study literature must know that the ancients said that the East Lake was wrongly compared to the West Lake. I personally think that the East Lake is much more majestic!
How is it better than Kunming Lake in Beijing?Xin Mei was very curious.
Who is Kunming Lake?Lao Liang bluntly left Kunming Lake aside.However, Wuhan is very hot, let me warn you first.One summer, several of our colleagues went on a business trip to Wuhan Institute of Hydropower, and the temperature was almost every day, at least 40 degrees Celsius.It was unbearably hot at night, everyone went to soak in the swimming pool. The swimming pool is on the edge of the East Lake, and there are still people soaking in the water until dawn!
It's so hot!Xin Mei exclaimed.
Whether it’s hot or not, hey, you’ll know if you live there!After talking for a long time, I forgot to give you a letter of introduction. Lao Liang immediately took out a piece of paper folded into squares from his shirt pocket and came to the hospital office to issue a letter of introduction. When it comes to checking your account or something, anyway, it’s not troublesome, so I’ll ask for it for you.
Thank you so much, Lao Liang!
Xin Mei was very moved when she received the letter of introduction.She had long heard that a letter of introduction from her unit was required before she could stay in a hotel when traveling abroad.I didn't expect to live in a hotel, so I couldn't even think of bringing a letter of introduction.Fortunately, Lao Liang was careful and had prepared such a travel document for himself in advance.
Are you taking two kids on the road?Old Liang asked with concern.
No, I just plan to take Tao Lian, Xin Mei said, Tao Ye kept it for grandma to watch.
good!If there is anything at home, ask grandma to find me.You can go to Wuhan without worry and don't have to worry about family affairs.
Lao Liang personally reminded the old lady again.
Okay, Xiao Xin, let’s do this!As he spoke, Lao Liang slapped his hands twice to signify the end of the visit.Is there anything else you want me to do?
No, you did everything for me!Xin Mei said gratefully.I'll buy a boat ticket tomorrow morning
Oh, boat tickets!Lao Liang flicked his bald forehead with his fingers, blaming himself for negligence.Comrade Hu Fei also specially took care of him.How about this, you can buy it yourself tomorrow, if you can’t buy it, let me know, I’ll ask Comrade Hu Fei to call and open the back door.We are opposed to opening the back door, but sometimes there are special needs and we have to treat them differently
Xin Mei understood how difficult it was for him to justify his words, and quickly said: I will go to line up early in the morning, no problem!
Okay, if you have anything to do, feel free to ask me, I can't help you, and you can report it to Hu Fei.
Having said this, he suddenly lowered his voice, but his eyes gleamed with sly complacency, and said to Xin Mei: It is also Hu Fei's intention to approve your leave this time.The chief of staff is very law-abiding. Last time I ran into a wall with him. This time, I avoided the military and industrial propaganda teams and went directly to Hu Fei. Sure enough, I got it right!After all, veteran cadres with 40 years of party experience are better able to grasp intellectual policy.Xin Mei was wondering why this time the fake was so straightforward, when she heard Hu Fei's name, she couldn't help but nodded knowingly and said: That's how it is!
Hu Fei was originally the secretary of the party committee of Nanjing University, and he became famous for his erudition and good at mobilizing talents.During the Cultural Revolution, he was tortured to the brim. He was accused of too many crimes to count, such as advocating professors to govern the school, and surrendering to bourgeois intellectuals. It is determined to be a traitor.After hundreds of thousands of words of self-criticism and more than a year of labor reform, Hu Fei was finally liberated.The provincial government wanted to establish him as a model for emancipated cadres, but he had already been criticized at Nantah University, and he himself was disheartened, so he was transferred to the School of Water Conservancy as a cadre representative of the military-industrial-cadre combination.In terms of real power, he is inferior to the military propaganda team and the workers' propaganda team, but in terms of popularity, he is the best.He is approachable and easy to approach. He always tilts his white-haired head and listens when the teachers and staff ask him for anything. Next, promise to go up to reflect.In this way, in just over half a year, Hu Fei has gradually regained his previous reputation, and became the object of the teachers' grievances under the pressure of the military propaganda team.
The last time I asked for leave, I should go to Lao Hu first!Lao Liang said, quite remorseful.Lao Hu is an open door, even the door of his house is open!The last time I had something to ask him, it was already half past nine in the evening when I came to the door, and I only brought a bowl to eat when I saw him.It turned out that after returning home from work, people came here in an endless stream, making it difficult to even take a bite of the meal!
Speaking of this, he suddenly realized that Xin Mei's family was also eating, and immediately said: Don't disturb, you can eat.If you need anything, just call me!
Xin Mei thanked her frequently and sent her downstairs in person.
At the entrance of the dormitory building, Lao Liang took care of Xin Mei before leaving: Wuhan is a little nervous about food for a while, if you are rich in oil tickets, you can bring a few catties of oil with you.In addition, table sugar is also welcome.You ask your colleagues to borrow a few purchase certificates.It is very easy to buy half a catty of sugar with one card and buy it the next day. It is easy to make up five or six catties.
Xin Mei agreed wholeheartedly, and then went upstairs after sending Lao Liang off respectfully.
Congratulations, Xiaoxin!Wuhan is set!
Dr. He also opened the door at some time, wearing a sweater and shorts, holding a bowl and chopsticks in his hand, smiling and congratulating her at the door.
Now I'm sure, thank God!Xin Mei put her hands together and said.
Was that the leader of your department just now?
Xin Mei told her that the party secretary who had just been elected was very popular.
This person is enthusiastic, and grandma also praised him. He didn't have time to eat, so he ran to tell Teacher Xin the good news.
Now it is about caring for the masses, Dr. He said, because he is afraid that the rabbit's tail will not grow long, and it will be a bureaucratic airs for a long time.
Xin Mei couldn't vouch for Lao Liang, so she had to answer vaguely, and sat down to continue eating.Dr. He used his feet to pull out two small benches from behind the door, and used the door to sit and eat. Maomao quickly came out with a bowl and sat beside his mother to eat.
I heard you say you might go to Wuhan last night. Today, I have obtained four purchase certificates for you from my colleagues, including one for me. I will give it to you to buy sugar later.
You really have a way, Dr. He!Xin Mei said in admiration.
How about a gas ticket?If you want to bring more oil to Wuhan, I can ask the patient to buy a few catties of oil tickets for you.
When Xin Mei heard that there was a need to buy gas tickets, she quickly waved her hand to stop it.
Buy gas tickets?inappropriate!It was repeatedly stated in the document that this was a crime.
Grandma couldn't help laughing out loud when she saw Xin Mei's timid look.
What are you afraid of?She said, there are a lot of people who buy it, so who should meddle in their own business!In our countryside, when it comes to Chinese New Year, food is more important than clothing. Many commune members sell cloth tickets for 180 cents a foot.If not, take it to the town to find someone to exchange for food stamps, and one foot can be exchanged for four catties of food stamps.Food stamps sell for 20 cents a catty, and fuel stamps are much more expensive, at least 40 cents a catty
Just as he was talking vigorously, suddenly there was a shout: "Xin Mei's phone call!"Xinmei called!
Everyone in the dormitory was familiar with this crisp, childlike voice, but it was the first time Xin Mei heard her name being called, she was inexplicable for a while, and was stunned with the bowl in her hand.
phone!Dr. He urged her to answer the phone quickly!
Telephone!As soon as she understood the meaning, she bounced off the little stool.The bowl in my hand slipped with a snap, but luckily it fell on the table without breaking.Since I lived in Nanjing, I haven't answered the phone for several years, and I couldn't connect with myself for a while.
coming!coming!
Shouting in her mouth, fearing that she would be missed and hang up, she immediately struggled to walk past Tao Lian and went straight to the window.Sure enough, it was Mrs. Wan's eldest child in the reception room, standing at the intersection in the dormitory area and shouting.
I'm coming!She yelled loudly, and stretched out another hand to gesture in the air.
At this time, the windows on the first and third floors, like electric toy boxes, continuously burst out faces, all looking towards Xin Mei's window.She ignored these curious gazes, just ran downstairs and rushed to the reception room in one breath.
As soon as she entered the door, she smelled the smell of chopped green onion fried in oil. Mrs. Wan wanted to cook in it, but heard the shovel knocking on the bottom of the pot; two shirtless children rolled on the bed in the brown shed.The telephone was mounted on the wall by the door, and the receiver rested on the window.Xin Mei ran out of breath, and when she picked up the receiver, she was only gasping for breath.
Hello!Hello!She finally said, I am Xinmei!
Hello, which one?
The other party's voice was far away, mixed with noise, but it could be heard as a very mellow female voice.
Hello, did Xinmei find it?
I am!Fearing that the other party might not hear her, Xin Mei raised her voice and shouted.
Ah Mei!Hi!I'm Liu Yanan!
Yanan!Oh
The voice that had been cut off for six years rang in her ears again, and she was so happy that she didn't know what to say, but felt that her eye sockets became warm and moist in an instant.
Why is it all there?The giggles came from the handset, and the heartiness remained undiminished. Why was it so noisy in your place back then? Is it near the vegetable market?
No, where are you calling?
Hankou.Received your telegram in the morning, and went out after lunch today.It turned out that Wuchang couldn't make calls, so I had to cross the river and wait at the telephone exchange until now. It's terrible!
How are you all?Xin Mei asked anxiously.
good?okay!good!Not good, can I still run to make a phone call?How are you?How many children are there?
Two cock heads are two boys and you?
Or those two.How is Tao Chengzhi?Or the big leftist one?
You said Tao Xinsheng
Oh, I forgot about his name change.In fact, what's wrong with Chengzhi, inheriting the revolutionary ambition!
Well, it's better to avoid suspicion
What to avoid?
Um
Xin Mei pondered, and decided not to tell Yanan that the newborn's father was a general of the Kuomintang before his death. This kind of family background is the most taboo in China.She turned around and glanced at the room. The two children were still rolling and joking on the bed. Their mother had entered the room at some point and was quietly fiddling with the dishes.
He changed his name to Xinsheng to return to China to participate in socialist construction, and he was like reborn personally.
Hey!Is it really so magical to change the name?One day, Fang Zheng will be asked to change.So how has his new life been in the past few years?
very good!Tao Xinsheng is currently on a business trip in Changsha. I have already written to tell him that you are in Wuhan, and he will go directly from Changsha.
OK!You decided to come to Wuhan, is it convenient?We can also go to Nanjing.
My vacation to Wuhan has been approved!You can also come to Nanjing. The scenery in the south of the Yangtze River is beautiful!
have to!How can I be in the mood to travel around the mountains and rivers.Tell me about where you live, how many rooms?
Two rooms, each three meters square, with a kitchen and toilet in the middle.What about yours?
Three rooms, two large ones and one small one, you should come to Wuhan, lest we squeeze the floor of your house.
All right, I'll telegraph you the sailing schedule as soon as I get the ticket.I heard that Wuhan is very hot, adults and children can bear it, right?
What can I do if I can't bear it?The second child was covered with prickly heat all over his body, and he was itching so much at night.I got up several times last night to fan him, and my eyelids were so heavy that I could barely open them.
Take your time, Yanan, you will definitely get used to it.Xin Mei immediately cheered her up.After talking for a long time, I haven't figured out when you came back?
I arrived in Beijing at the end of February, and I came to Wuhan in early March.You two are so hard to find!No one seems to know where you are, if I hadn't insisted that you have saved us a large sum of money, Master Hua would not look for it for you!
Well, it's hard to say, let's talk about it when we meet.But why don't you ask that the work be assigned in Beijing?I remember Fangzheng has a big brother in Beijing
This is a long story, let's talk about it when we meet.
okay.So what are you doing now at China Normal University?
You misunderstood my son, what else can I do?We are all in the math department.what about you?
The freshman is in the Department of Mechanics, and I, believe it or not, have switched to teaching ABC!
real?Is the Western History you have studied for several years still useful?
Bah, pay for it early, let it go to hell!If you revise the history of the international communist movement before returning to China, it will be the right one!Let's talk about your affairs, are you on the front line of teaching?
Fangzheng didn't schedule classes. I first tutored the students in arithmetic, and then in elementary algebra.還記得在臺大幹家教的事吧？哈，沒想到我又當起家教來啦！
現在大學生難教，老師也難當，能先在臺下輔導也好。華師可能是先讓你適應一下，亞男。不上課也沒關係，只看大方向，只看是否真心為人民服務，其他就先不管
have to!阿梅，幾時學得這一嘴政治口號！出來半天，我肚子早唱空城計了，趁鋪子打烊前，要趕快去買些吃的帶回去，老小都空著肚子在等呢！
行行！一切見面談！向方正問好！
好，你船期定了來個電報，我們一定來接船。Bye now!
goodbye!
掛了電話後，辛梅才想起沒問亞男想要南京什麼東西。她下意識裏只惦記著長途電話價格昂貴，務必長話短說，可惜太激動了，竟方寸大亂，一時記不起說了什麼來。老朋友好不容易通上話，應該竹筒倒豆子一瀉為快才是。然而幾年來小心慣了，究竟不敢大意隔牆尚且有耳，何況在公用電話室呢？卻是亞男爽快得帶些辛辣的聲音勾起辛梅許多記憶。不但她談笑風生的樣子如在眼前，兩人共處的往事片段也驟然浮上腦海。她像又看到臺大的女生宿舍，日落黃昏時兩人並肩踏著自行車沿新生南路跑去當家教的情景。沒想到亞男幾句話就使她拾回一些過去的自己，這才發現，六年來她把自己埋藏得多深。耳朵裏還響著亞男的聲音，那急躁的語氣竟揮之不去，辛梅開始掛慮他們生活上不順心的可能性。轉念又一想，他們在國外居住十幾年，突然回國，就像移植的花草，一時小有挫折，也是很自然的現象。這一分析，她便把這層顧慮掃到一邊去。自己有多年的實際生活經驗了，她對自己說，見面時好好傳授他們一番。
長途電話吧，辛老師？
聽到萬嫂在背後招呼她，辛梅才發覺自己竟一直對著牆上的電話出神，不禁好笑起來。她轉過身，笑瞇瞇地對萬嫂說：就是，我朋友從武漢打來的！
萬嫂沒再作聲，只拿小眼睛對辛梅巴眨著，似乎一時看不透她。辛梅太興奮了，也不理會她好好打小報告的名聲，還感激地向她揮揮手，道兩聲謝謝，才跨出傳達室來。院子裏的人這時都冒出來了，門前、樹下和臺階上，都坐滿了人，有吃飯的，有納涼的，熱鬧得很；小孩子在木盆裏潑水，老人露出缺牙的笑容，連雞和鵝都舒展了筋翅，悠閒地在牆角啄食。在笑語喧嘩中，辛梅體會到一份純樸和安寧。她仰望上天，灰藍中薄薄抹了幾片雲，襯得藍白分明，十分和諧。大雜院的情景每天司空見慣了，這一刻才感到它特別可愛。辛梅於欣喜中，不禁驚嘆：原來我好久不曾這樣開心過！
然而一想到遠在長沙的丈夫，不知道他能否請准假來相會，心頭又是一沉。
一連兩天，辛梅為船票疲於奔命，不禁後悔當初拒絕梁支書開後門的建議。第一天，她六點正趕到時，一條長龍已經排過四五家鋪面。八點正，長航公司的鐵門拉開，十分鐘不到，票就賣完。售票員建議她等候別人退票，結果在板凳上足足候了一上午，也沒等到一張。
第二天，鬧鐘四點就把她叫醒。擦了把臉，滴水未沾，她就趁著微曙趕來。誰知有心人不止她一個，早有十多個人等在門外，而票正好賣到她前面就光了。她一情急，眼淚不禁滾出來。但失望的何止她一個，無奈，只好去吃了早點再回來挨冷板凳，坐候退票的一線機會。就在她等得眼睛發澀，似睡似醒的迷糊當兒，有人推她一把。睜大眼一看，竟是售票員在跟前。
有人退了一張武漢的票，賣給你吧。是明天的船期。
辛梅喜得跳起來。
real?是臥鋪？我要兩張，我還有個五歲大的男孩
只有一張臥鋪！售票員說著瞪了辛梅一眼，顯然怪她不知足，接著就教訓起來：小孩買什麼臥鋪，浪費！船票這麼緊張，孩子就跟大人擠一擠吧還有一個大人帶三個小孩，只買一張臥鋪的哪！小孩一律半票！
辛梅感激不盡了，哪敢頂嘴，也不敢打聽誰家退的票等候了一個多小時，壓根就沒見誰來退過票。
好，那我就另買一張半票。她立刻掏錢包。
半票哪用得著買，到碼頭或船上補吧，要多少有多少！
就這樣買到一張四等艙臥鋪，回家前她去郵局拍了兩通電報，把船期分別通知了方正和陶新生。
當天夜裏，一家正睡得香，突然大門被敲得震天價響。她以為是查戶口，爬起來先找出戶口簿。等打開門一看，竟是電報局的人。
辛梅加急電報！簽名或蓋章都行！
聽到是加急電報，辛梅先嚇了一跳，慌忙中簽收了電報，合上了門，她就在飯桌旁拆開來看。昏黃的燈光下，乍一眼望去，看不見電報的內容，她懷疑是弄錯了。定睛再細瞧，薄薄一張紙上，第二排是武漢華師，第二排是自己的姓名和地址，第三排上才有寥寥四個字板鴨和肉。
板鴨和肉。
一直到天亮，她也沒睡著，一直念著板鴨和肉這幾個字。記得從北一女到臺大，柳亞男都不是一個貪嘴的人。方正雖然出身官宦人家，母親一向勤儉持家，記憶裏，對飲食也不驕奢。如今兩人想著板鴨和肉，竟不惜打加急電報，不是慕南京板鴨的盛名，便是饞得無以復加。辛梅住南京幾年了，還不曾買過，也不曾吃過板鴨。她生平嚐過一次板鴨，還是在臺大歷史系一位教授家裏，滋味早忘了，只記得很鹹。南京板鴨出了名，奇怪的是，她在本地並不常看見，印象裏總以為是專製了外銷去。
早上，何醫生上班前來告別，順便打聽夜裏敲門出了什麼事。辛梅把電報給她看。
可憐呀！她看後直嘆息。一定是沒肉吃！你好歹買隻去。板鴨在外地是不容易買到。有一年冬天，我姐姐路過南京，我托她捎了一隻回湖南。媽媽喜歡得不得了，每次只捨得切一塊吃，整整吃了半年！
經何醫生這一渲染，辛梅頓覺板鴨的確名貴，一定要帶些去武漢才不虛此行。於是，早飯後，丟下了一堆行李給奶奶料理，她騎了車，一路打著呵欠又上新街口來。
八點多鐘，該是板鴨鋪子開門應市的時候了。辛梅騎著單車，拐進了人民路的慢車道。路兩側的安全島上，法國梧桐高大又茂密，正好攔截了朝陽，灑下一地的綠蔭。板車、三輪車和單車行走在慢車道上莫不好整以暇，不像快車道上的汽車和卡車，沿路按著喇叭，你爭我趕地逞威風。過了長江路，新街口遙遙在望時，她正好趕上一部運木材的板車。車上的木材疊得厚厚實實，有半人來高，重量相當可觀，車行自然緩慢了。前面一個男工低頭弓腰，撐開兩臂在把頭，旁邊一個女工肩上套了繩子，在離他三十度角度的方向拉車，車後另一個女工埋下了頭在推。前面拉的齊聲叫哎呀！，後面推的接著喊：嗨呀！一路唱和著。每見到這種辛苦作業的場面，辛梅便為它的原始和落後而嘆息不已。
到了圓環，蝸行的板車好不容易轉道，她才加把腳力，繞過東方紅廣場。廣場以南這一段人民路，是全市的精華，交通最是擁擠。再神氣的小汽車經過這裏，也要駛駛停停，喇叭失去了效用。交通警察代替了紅綠燈，兩隻手往往忙得揩汗水的空閒都沒有。他吹啞了哨子，有些行人還充耳不聞，仍然安步當車，我行我素。也不知哪來這麼多行人，時而潮湧而來，總是絡繹不絕。這種熱鬧景象，她記憶裏只有臺北的西門町差可比擬。
這一段的馬路安全島全劃做自行車停車場，場地還不夠，連慢車道也佔用了一部分。車輛密密麻麻地排列著，比沙丁魚罐頭還要緊湊。南京百貨大樓和人民商場並排著，與中央商場正好隔街對峙，這是精華中的焦點，也是辛梅的目的地。她停好車，付了兩分錢的保管費，領了個車牌子，就先奔中央商場去。
這是南京最大的國營菜市場，一向供外賓參觀，因此貨品齊全。辛梅進來的時候，最忙的早市剛過，熱鬧中倒顯得忙而不迫。她走到南北的櫃台，見掛了不少火腿，有金華和如皋兩種，也有很多蛋和香腸，就是不見鴨子。
沒有板鴨嗎？she asked.
no more.
售貨員正在剪自己的指甲，頭也沒抬，只冷冷回了一句。
辛梅失望地走開。她想，板鴨果然是味道好，買的人多，竟賣光了。她立刻轉到對面的人民商場。可是趕到一看，也大失所望，仍然是火腿和蛋品，牆上倒是掛滿一串串的鴨肫和香肚，就是沒有板鴨。這時候，櫃台閒得很，只有一個中年婦女在瀏覽玻璃櫃子裏的陳列貨品。辛梅也隨著瞄了一眼，卻看見一隻鴨子，鴨身攤開來，壓成了扁扁一大片。她仔細一看，貨品牌上列著琵琶鴨，好美麗的名字。
板鴨賣光啦？她問售貨員。
售貨員是個年輕的小伙子，像個中學畢業生，正坐著在看一張新華日報。聽到人問板鴨，他抬頭瞄了一眼。
Um.他又低下頭看報。
辛梅想，板鴨沒有，琵琶鴨若味道差不離，何不買隻代替。總不能叫亞男失望到底啊！
請問，她說，這琵琶鴨是哪裏的貨？什麼樣的味道呢？
沒吃過！
售貨員說完倒放下了報紙，沒好氣地瞪了辛梅一眼，那明明是憎厭顧客問得離譜。
辛梅討個沒趣，不禁耳根發熱，嘴像死魚般張開，卻作聲不得。她疑惑是碰上了一個當年的紅衛兵，那只有自認倒楣。
這兩年，南京的一大批中學畢業生，全分配到服務行業來充當八大員，即理髮員、炊事員、售貨員、旅社、澡堂服務員等。小伙子們原指望進工廠，好當工人階級領導一切的。如今進了服務行業，僅比上山下鄉強些，但究竟是侍候人，不是侍候機器，心情都不太舒暢。
旁邊的女客本來低了頭在看一塊鹹肉，聽見服務員僵硬的口氣，便抬起頭，對辛梅同情地搖搖頭。
這哪像是為人民服務！她不平地批評了一句，轉身就走開。
辛梅正想改變主意買塊鹹肉，見那服務員對顧客的批評充耳不聞，管自把個頭臉又埋進報紙裏。她沒空惹閒氣，就跟著女客前後腳離開櫃台。
要不是忙著趕時間，辛梅心裏有些憤然，就同這個女客搭訕起來，真要給他提提意見！
提也不管用。中年婦人仍是搖頭。現在的年輕人做事都沒積極性，兩片嘴可是會講，吵架比誰都行！你要是嘴巴不靈，提意見也說不過他們。
這些小伙子以前都是破四舊的革命闖將，不是嗎？破了半天，自己腦子裏的舊思想都沒有肅清。他們大概以為服務員是低人一等，幹起來不情不願的，倒楣的是我們顧客！
那個自然。我們一個鄰居的小孩當了理髮師傅，一腦袋的想不通。他從前是紅衛兵，嘿，老子天下第一哪！一當起理髮員，想著沒有特殊情況就不能調動工作，豈不一輩子當死了理髮的？可不一肚子彆扭！有一回，客人不客氣，批評了他。他一惱火呀，三剪兩刀，把那客人的頭髮從額頭直剃上去，活像開了條四線大馬路，嚇得人家抱了頭就跑！
There is such a thing!辛梅聽得倒抽了口氣。
騙你不成！
說到這裏，兩人出了人民商場的天井，進了熙來攘往的人行道。辛梅兩手空空，什麼也沒買到，如今又置身在人潮裏，急得手足無措。
你要買板鴨，試試夫子廟或朝天宮吧，城南也許有存貨。中年女客分手前好心地給她出主意。
辛梅依她的建議，取了車逕直騎來朝天宮。遠遠就看見大王府街口有家燒臘店，招牌是有勁食品店。這店名倒不俗，辛梅把車停在它門口，顧不上鎖就一腳跨進去。店裏賣著南北貨，同新街口的不相上下，也沒有板鴨。櫃臺上擺了幾盤剛出鍋的滷肉，熱氣騰騰，散發著香味，一個老師傅正在櫃臺後試廚刀。他拿食指在明晃晃的刀鋒上刮過，看得辛梅心驚肉跳，唯恐他割破了手指頭。
你們的板鴨也賣光了？
賣光？老師傅詫異地反問了一句。現在哪來的板鴨賣？要春節才上市呢！
春節！
辛梅跑得一頭的汗，聽到春節才有，如同澆了一盆冷水，一下清醒過來。折騰了這麼久，原來市上根本無貨！可恨前兩個售貨員竟不說明一下，害她浪費了寶貴的時間。
板鴨這麼出名，我們南京的人反而買不到，眼巴巴還要等到春節！
又氣又急，她大聲抱怨起來。忽然記起，五十年代毛澤東曾誇下海口：搞社會主義，不能使羊肉不好吃，也不能使南京板鴨、雲南火腿不好吃羊肉、鴨子應該更好吃，更進步，這才體現出社會主義比資本主義進步，否則我們在羊肉面前就沒有威信了。她可惜連驗證板鴨好不好吃的機會都沒有。
聽客人抱怨，老師傅先鼻子裏哼了一聲，丟下了刀，抓起身上油漬斑斑的布圍裙來揩手。
文化大革命呀！他心平氣和地解釋著，工廠停工，連鴨子也鬧革命吧，貨源先就少了。郊區鴨子多的是，要上好的才能做板鴨，規格嚴哪！做出來的鴨子先要保證外銷數額，然後供應大首都北京，接著省和省交易，你看自己還能剩多少？南京多的是外地的旅客，有一批板鴨上市，一貶眼搶光！上一回供應市場是五一勞動節，每戶憑證許可買一隻，下一批就該是春節了，也要憑證的，你等著吧。有人上北京出差，不妨托人捎一隻，八成有希望。
辛梅聽他慢吞吞地解說著，偏無補於事，更是焦急萬分。
我下午就要上船去武漢，朋友托我帶板鴨和肉，這可怎麼辦？
買火腿和鹹肉，老師傅告訴她。要是鈔票多，再買些肉罐頭去。三伏天哪，鮮肉哪行！要是冬天就好辦，旅客到下關去買鮮肉，挑上船後就掛在船欄杆上，一路吹著風到武漢，管保壞不了。前兩年武漢武鬥得厲害，那時長航上行的客船，嘿！掛滿了鮮肉和雞鴨挑半隻豬上船的有的是！
辛梅著實感謝他的指點，當下就買了一隻火腿和一大塊鹹肉。回家路經新街口，她又去中央商場挑了四個肉類罐頭。付賬的時候，吃了一驚，原來價格昂貴，可以買隻上好的金華火腿而綽綽有餘。想到方正他們在國外不知吃過多少祖國廉價外銷的罐頭，如今拎了四罐當貴重禮物，千里迢迢捎過去，她不禁苦笑。
回到家，看見奶奶已經理好了一隻旅行袋，把白糖和油瓶都裝進去了。油瓶捆紮得很結實，用母子路上要替換的衣服墊得牢牢的。床上，地板上還推著大包小包的東西，再加上剛買回來的幾包肉食，辛梅相信另一隻旅行袋也要爆滿的。這還不止。她上武漢的消息早傳開了，有些熱心的鄰居紛紛替她張羅東西。到她吃午飯的時候，又臨時送來三斤花生仁，一斤天津小紅棗，和半斤木耳。她也弄不清楚到底武漢缺不缺這些東西，反正在南京是稀物，相信到武漢也該受歡迎，就一股腦兒全收買下來。
囫圇吞下了飯，辛梅立刻給小冶兄弟洗臉換衣服。奶奶連飯桌都不收拾就跑出去。一刻兒，她興沖沖地拎了一根扁擔回來。
你弄根扁擔幹嘛？辛梅楞了眼問她。
這大堆行李，你不用扁擔挑著上下船，拖個孩子，哪有手拎呀？
啊，真虧你想得周到！
辛梅恍然大悟，不禁佩服起老人家的細心。她把扁擔接過來，拿在手裏掂著，倒是根輕巧的扁擔。
她怔怔望著這根扁擔，似曾相識。小的時候，草屯的家裏也有根類似的輕扁擔，是母親用來挑豬食的。因為父母鍾愛，一心要她讀書，從沒讓她扛上肩過。第一次挑擔，還是前兩年在農場勞動的事。在那裏，她分到一根同樣的扁擔歸自己保管，教研組的郭應生就是她的挑擔師傅。據說他本來是個文弱書生，幾番勞動竟把他練出了驚人的耐力，可以挑個百來斤的稻子而不皺眉頭。辛梅拜他為師的時候，他曾鼓勵說：咬牙幹！辛梅，練出鐵肩膀，一根扁擔走天下！
原來扁擔真是個寶，幾千年來生息與共，連出門都離不了。以前出門可以雇人代勞，時代進步了，如今是換成自個兒挑。辛梅慶幸自己在農場鍛鍊過。當初若沒有挑得肩膀發紅腫起過，今日怕要寸步難行了。
她們匆匆忙忙地收拾好，就雇了兩部三
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