Chapter 3 Chapter 2 Wuhan 1

Just after daybreak, some impatient passengers on board got up and walked around.They yawned, blew their noses, and went in and out of the toilet, waking up all the passengers in no time. Wuhan is the terminal point of the river cruise from Shanghai, and all passengers have to disembark.The boat was scheduled to arrive at ten o'clock, which was a leisurely time, but everyone was used to scrambling for the first time, and would rather sacrifice sleep. Xin Meiku sat on the bunk, watching over the sleeping child.Most of the guests in the same cabin got up, as soon as they puffed out a few cigarettes, under the dim light, the cabin was shrouded in thin layers of smoke.She was uncomfortably choked by the smoke, and she didn't sleep well for two nights, her eyes were red and astringent, and she had to barely open them after blinking hard.A corner of the river sky outside the cabin gradually changed from dark to bright, from light gray to egg blue, and finally it suddenly became clear.Tao Lian was still sleeping soundly, with his limbs stretched out in a grand manner; the people on the upper bunk tied up their luggage on the bed, and the bed board creaked, but it didn't wake him up.

The bunk was only enough for an adult to lie flat, and Tao Lian took up half of the space when she fell asleep. She could only lie on her side, with her feet hung out on the folded travel bag, making it difficult to turn over.It just so happened that she was the only female passenger in the entire cabin, and she seemed particularly unaccompanied.It was the first time she traveled by boat in China, and she was still not used to this kind of travel life where men and women share a room, bed next to bed, head to toe.Coupled with the hot weather, even lying down, it is difficult to fall asleep.Only at that moment in the morning, when the breeze from the river brought coolness, did she take a nap in a daze from exhaustion.On the other hand, the children have nothing to worry about, and they sleep when they are full and tired from running, and they are full of energy along the way.

Get up, Tao Lian, we are going to Wuhan! She shook the child awake and took him to wash his face. She was not busy arranging the luggage, and first emptied the thermos bottle and returned it to the guest on the upper berth.Inexperienced, she forgot to bring a water bottle when she boarded the boat.The child kept asking for water, and the person on the upper bunk immediately gave her his own.Thinking that he took Tao Lian to take a bath in the men's bathroom last night, Xin Mei was really grateful for his enthusiasm. Thank you, comrade, for your help along the way. The other party waved his hand and said: You're welcome, everyone is away from home and we need to help each other.

After she packed her luggage firmly, she asked her child to watch over her and went to buy breakfast by herself.Everyone eats early, and the line for buying food has been lined up from the dining room at the stern to the door of the cabin next door. There are people lined up in the corridor, and luggage has been piled up on the other side, which is very crowded.She came late, and there was only porridge left in the restaurant, and all the steamed buns were gone.It turned out that food coupons were not accepted on board, so the passengers seized this last chance and bought some steamed buns to take with them when they were full.She had no choice but to make a big bowl of porridge, holding it in her hand all the way, struggling to come back.

After Tao Lian finished his porridge, Xin Mei found that it was difficult to get out; passengers and luggage had blocked the corridor to death, and the aisle in the room was also full of luggage, making it difficult to move an inch.She looked at her watch, it was only half past eight, she didn't expect that getting off the boat would be such a stressful event.She thought that when she was approaching Wuhan, she could leisurely look at the magnificent scenery of the Guishesuo River, but now she can see nothing but human heads and a line of river and sky. The boat stopped for a quarter of an hour, and it was Xinmei's turn to step out of the cabin and go to the corridor to breathe fresh air.The wind and the sun are beautiful on the river, and you feel comfortable physically and mentally when you are in it.The shore of Wuchang City is full of boats, arranged more neatly than the teeth of a comb.Motorboats are chasing in the river, and the sound of motors can be heard endlessly; only the ferries that are fully loaded passing by occasionally blow their whistles, which can be regarded as echoes.All the people on the ferry looked at Jiang Yalun, some waved and pointed, or opened their mouths to shout.And the people on the Jiangya wheel also waved their hands in return, both excited and kind.

The beauty of Wuchang really deserves its reputation.The streets by the river are wide and the trees are neat.There are so many trees, which are rarely seen along the Yangtze River; except for the city center, where the hills are located, everywhere is lush and green.The old and new houses are mixed and intertwined.The blast furnace of the iron and steel factory is pulled up on the ground, and the distant view is very magnificent.Under the rising sun, the whole city glows with bright colors, and the tigers and tigers are full of vitality.Compared with many old and gray cities seen along the coast, it is indeed refreshing.

Mom, look at the bridge! Tao Lian had sharp eyes and pointed out first. Yes, this is the Yangtze River Bridge in Wuhan. Probably because she is used to seeing the big bridge in Nanjing, Xin Mei can't help but feel that she is insignificant when she looks at the bridge in front of her, flying from north to south.It is also a two-story bridge on the highway and railway. Its body is short and its length is less than half that of Nanjing.Maybe the distance is too close, Guishan and Snake Mountain are not as dangerous and majestic as rumored.After asking the passengers on the same boat, I learned that the Yellow Crane Tower had already been blown up because of the bridge construction, and another one was built on the Snake Mountain Zui.She was feeling regretful when a siren pierced the sky suddenly, and a long train crashed down through the bridge.At this time, the vehicles on the bridge come and go, and the boats under the bridge come and go, and the scene of the thoroughfare of the nine provinces comes alive.The bridge is great after all!

Xin Mei picked up the luggage, supported the pole with one hand, and grabbed the child with the other, and moved along with the team.The bloated human dragon circled and circled in the cabin step by step, descending layer by layer.There were people's heads moving forward, backward, up and down, and she followed in a dizzy way, and she couldn't see the exit even if she stretched her neck.When it suddenly became clear to her eyes that she could walk freely, when she stepped on the springboard, Xin Mei couldn't help but take a big breath.She pulled her son slowly ashore. Ah Mei! There came a thick, deep bass, which sounded urgent and familiar.Xin Mei's heart tightened suddenly, almost jumping out of her chest. Isn't this the voice of her husband Tao Xinsheng?

Forgetting the pain in her shoulders from the heavy burden, she hurriedly quickened her pace while looking towards the exit.The people who picked up the boat built the front gate into a human wall like an arhat, waving and calling, and there was a lot of noise.She was dazzled and did not recognize her husband. Quick, quick, Tao Lian, dad is here! She urged her son, and she became even more anxious.The shoulder pole was not grasped firmly, and it slipped on the shoulders, making the two bags fluctuate up and down, like sitting on a seesaw. Go slowly, Amei! This time it was a high-pitched male voice, full of energy, and it sounded familiar at the same time.She followed the prestige and saw a half body protruding from the ticket gate, waving at her.

Founder! This surprise, I don't know where I came from, and I rushed to the exit of the pier with two feet and three steps.Tao Xinsheng just rushed over, he was carrying a big schoolbag, and a net bag in his hand was also bulging.When the child saw his father, he threw himself into his arms.The new student held the child, but looked at his wife and grinned. You have worked hard all the way, Amei! Fang Zheng's big hand held Xin Mei's tightly. Yo!Fangzheng, you are still the same!Finally back, welcome!welcome! Xin Mei smiled all over her face, even though she was out of breath from exhaustion.She took a look at Fangzheng, and saw that he was still unkempt, with short fluffy hair, unshaven beard, a sweat vest on his upper body, a pair of half-worn Western-style shorts underneath, and plastic sandals on his feet, looking quite comfortable.

After Tao Xinsheng made out with his son, he let him go to see Fangzheng.Come on, call Uncle Fang. Fangzheng bent down to look at Tao Lian. Hey, this is the patriotic crystallization of the two of you who were born in China!May I have your name? Tao Lian.The child replied proudly. What a Tao Lian!Fangzheng raised his head and asked the new students: Hey, is it an adult or a child who wants to be smelted in the furnace of revolution? No one, young or old, can escape!The new student smiled honestly. While Fangzheng was teasing the child, Xinxin took his wife's shoulder pole and asked her gently: Are you tired on the road? Fortunately, I just can't sleep.When did you arrive in Wuhan?I've always been worried that you won't be able to ask for leave. Li Yongzhong spoke for me and granted five days off.I catch the night train and arrive in the morning.The old Fang came to pick you up. He just ate breakfast and then crossed the river to pick up your boat. They were so busy talking that they forgot to give way.It was only when I heard the passengers calling for excuses that I came to my senses.The freshmen were going to pick up their luggage, Fang Zheng had a quick eye and long hands, so he immediately grabbed the shoulder pole. I'll come, I'll come, Fang Zheng said enthusiastically.Back in China, it seems that this ability to shoulder burdens must be learned! He was tall and tall, and when his two travel bags were carried on his shoulders, they swayed back and forth as he walked, like swinging in the air. Lao Fang, you are not used to it yet, let me do it.said the freshmen. Fangzheng is not willing to give in: You haven't picked enough in the past few years? The new student smiled, so he had no choice but to lead the child, and Xin Mei followed behind him. After Fangzheng walked a few steps, he turned to Xinmei and said, "Good guy, your luggage is not light!"How many salted ducks were installed? Xin Mei was very ashamed when she heard about the salted duck. Sorry, none of them.After receiving your telegram, I took to the streets for a whole morning.There is no stock in the market at all, and it will be available until the Spring Festival. I will definitely send it in a package by then. How is this going?Nanjing salted duck is not available in Nanjing!As Fangzheng spoke, he shook his head with a half-smile, and the luggage bag on his shoulders also dangled.In London and Paris, Yanan saw salted duck several times and didn't want to buy it, because he was afraid that it would taste salty.Now, she is so hungry! Ya Nan okay?Are you used to it in life?What about children? Xin Mei managed to catch an opportunity to greet her old friend, and the topic was thrown out like a cannonball. Okay, wait a moment and see for yourself, Fangzheng said.If she saw the way you got off the boat just now, I bet she wouldn't recognize you! What, I'm too old to have any teeth? Xin Mei suddenly became sensitive and glanced at her husband. Take it easy, Amei.Fangzheng hurriedly explained, it's your outfit, I've seen you coming across the springboard, and you look familiar, but the little flowered shirt and black trousers, like a peasant woman who came to the city and picked up a load of bags, If Lao Tao didn't call first, I wouldn't dare to admit it! Xin Mei laughed when she thought about it. You are flattering me by saying that!I really look like a member of a commune, so I passed the thought remolding process, at least I don’t look like a stinky intellectual. I just don't get it! Fangzheng stopped abruptly, turned around, and threw the two luggage out, almost hitting the people beside him. Desperately calling intellectuals to be peasants, and racking their brains to make peasants become intellectuals, is it to be divided into two, or to be merged into one? Xinsheng is a quiet and reticent person who doesn't like to talk too much in public.Seeing that Fangzheng's voice was full of vigor, he was afraid of attracting the attention of passers-by, so he said: Let's go back and talk in detail.The May 7th Cadre School is Chairman Mao's great strategic deployment, and it is a far-reaching pioneering work, and you will gradually understand it. Fangzheng wanted to express his opinion again, so he had no choice but to keep his mouth shut.Without saying a word, I put all my strength into my feet, grabbed the travel bag with both hands, and strode towards the ferry terminal.The freshmen followed quickly, while Tao Lian and Xin Mei had to trot to keep up.These two men used to be athletes on the playground of National Taiwan University. The freshmen played basketball and Fangzheng played football. They both had strong feet.Although it was his first time to take on the burden, Fangzheng was still walking like flying.That is, the person is tall and the shoulder pole is short, and the luggage is dangling in the air, which looks abrupt. Fang Zheng, Xin Mei hurriedly called him to stop, each person should carry one luggage, no need for a shoulder pole.Carrying a burden to China Normal University is a bit ostentatious, right? how?Fangzheng disagreed.I was about to swagger into the gate of Huashi.Chairman Mao has taught: While the hydrogen bomb goes to the sky, the pole is on the shoulder Hey, don't give speeches on the road!Xin Mei begged him softly.There is nothing to bring back to Nanjing. The luggage is light, so why use a shoulder pole to carry it?With the two of you as strong laborers, you don't need the shoulder pole. Fangzheng was the least willing to embarrass others, so he put down the burden immediately. I don’t want a shoulder pole, where should I throw it?He asked Xin Mei. In China, we never lose things.Give it away. Just an old man came across, carrying two pieces of luggage.Xin Mei catches up and grabs him. Comrade, we don't need this pole, do you want it? The old man was stunned at first, but when he figured out what she meant, he was overjoyed and immediately took the pole. At this time, the ferry whistle sounded, and they immediately separated to carry their luggage and took the children to catch the ferry. After getting off the ferry, I changed to a bus in Wuchang City, passed through the bustling and tidy city center, and walked for a long time before arriving at Guizi Mountain where Huashi is located.Fang Zheng saw the weight of his luggage, so he specially got off at the back mountain, so he could take a small road to the dormitory area. This area has the victories of the suburbs, the roads that cars pass by, are lined with woods, dotted with sparse homes and carefully cultivated vegetable fields.The sky was clear, and the air was so fresh that it smelled sweet; except for one or two birdsong, the surrounding area was quiet.After walking a section of the loess road, and soon turned into a narrow path, one was in the tall woods. Take a break. Fangzheng saw that everyone was walking dry, and Xin Mei and Tao Lianyou were blushing, so he proposed to rest.There happened to be a fallen tree nearby, so everyone sat on the trunk, took a breath, and wiped off their sweat. You have the victory of the mountains and forests here.The new student said enviously. It's just that it's inconvenient to climb up and down, Fangzheng said, otherwise, the house is really quiet.It is very similar to the back door of our home in Switzerland, it is also a forest. Along the way, Xin Mei had already choked up a lot of words, unable to speak due to the crowd.Now in the woods, with no one looking around, she couldn't wait to pour the beans out of the bamboo tube, and pour them down to the bottom. Fangzheng, tell me, you were told not to go back to China in 1968, why are you rushing back now? Fangzheng's eyes widened.You said that it was not easy to distribute work because of the Cultural Revolution.Isn't the Cultural Revolution over now?If you don't rush back, when will you wait! I said in the letter that it was not easy to distribute the work, but I implied that: the timing is not right, so don't rush back to China! It's right to go home.The freshmen were afraid of their quarrel, so they hurried to mediate.However, I thought it was a little early.It is still in the late stage of the movement, and the policy for intellectuals is still unclear.After Nixon came, Liumei raised his head slightly, taking a breather.But the old professors who returned from studying abroad in the 1930s and 1940s are either hanging or idle.For example, when you returned to China this time, you were hastily assigned to China Normal University. This is a small normal college for training middle school teachers, and you don’t need any advanced mathematical theories. You should be assigned to the Academy of Sciences, Xin Mei rushed to express her opinion.Although the Institute of Mathematics has always said that theoretical research is a dead end, even Hua Luogeng switched to applied mathematics, but they still do theoretical research. When it came to distribution work, Fangzheng shook his head slightly and didn't answer, but his face was covered with dark clouds, and his thick black eyebrows were slightly frowned.He was known as a handsome man when he was in college. Not only did he have handsome features, but his eyes were especially bright and shrewd, full of wit and humor.But at this moment, his eyes are dim, which is unprecedented; however, Xin Mei feels very familiar with his hesitant expression.After a little thought, it turned out that my husband also had this look in recent years, a disheartened and helpless expression.Colleagues and friends around her also often have this kind of look, and it's natural to get used to it, it wasn't Fangzheng showing it for a moment, and it never caught her attention. I have only recently discovered that socialist China can also boast and flatter horses.Fangzheng's tone was a little sad this time.When we first arrived in Beijing, the National Science and Technology Commission sent two young cadres to visit us and investigate our education background and majors.I actually listed the name of the school and told them that I have taught mathematics for more than ten years, and my main interest is research, and I have been engaged in topology.On the same day, Yanan said: These two young people know nothing about foreign universities, departments and scientific research achievements!I said: It doesn't matter, the two cadres don't understand, the dignified State Science and Technology Commission, there must be someone who understands, right? Those who understand may still stand aside!Xin Mei said regretfully.It has always been emphasized that laymen lead experts. Isn't this irrational?Fangzheng was both surprised and angry.Laymen must lead experts, so why advocate specialization? Both Xin Xin and Xin Mei were at a loss for words. Before leaving, the two cadres asked me what I was going to do before returning to China.Since I was waiting to return home in Switzerland, I was honestly unemployed for half a year.They looked at each other before going out.Two days later, they came to inform that we were assigned to Wuhan.Listening to that tone, it seems that my wife is still wrong, it is the light of my lover, because she is from Hubei, so she took care of us and came to Wuhan.To be assigned according to my origin, we will meet in Yunnan today! The freshmen couldn't help being stunned when they heard about their origin.He knew that the distribution of overseas students has never been related to their origins, and only the overseas Chinese who have been placed back for refuge are sent back to their origins. In the 1970s, it was absurd to assign foreign students to work and return them to their original places! As Fangzheng was talking, his voice couldn't help becoming high-pitched; the words flowed like a floodgate. Mr. Sun Yat-sen advocated making the best use of his talents decades ago, but he did not expect that New China still uses this simple method today.Does it actually work?All those in Beijing and Shanghai today are originally from Beijing and Shanghai?Work is assigned according to their origin, and there is no need to send educated youth from Shanghai and Hangzhou to the Northeast and Xinjiang with great fanfare?Is this contradictory opposition, or unity? Xin Mei was full of complaints after hearing that Fangzheng returned to China for half a year, so how will she live in the future?She thought about how to encourage Fangzheng so that he could adapt quickly. There is obviously a mistake in this allocation, but don't be discouraged, it can be reflected upwards.She deliberately said that the Cultural Revolution has been chaotic for so long, and it has just gotten a little bit on track, and everything will get better in the future.You grew up in Beijing, and if you are really not used to living in Wuhan, you can report in a year or two and ask to be transferred to Beijing. Before Fangzheng could say anything, the freshman suddenly asked a question. Why do you say you were unemployed for half a year? How can you return to your country if you are not unemployed?As Fangzheng said, he couldn't help but smiled wryly.We applied to come back in 1968, and received a letter from Amei, saying that there was still a revolution in the country, and the government wanted us to continue waiting outside.Originally, the rent of the house had been refunded, and the school contract had not been renewed. Fortunately, a letter of employment came from the Institute of Mathematics of the University of Paris, and the family moved to Paris.The more you can't come back, the more you want to come back, you all know Yanan's temper When did she change her mind?Xin Mei interrupted curiously.I remember in the United States, we all laughed at her for being a granite brain, unchanging.Remember, she debated with me red-faced, after all, does patriotism belong to the category of emotion or reason?Patriotism is of course appealing to emotion, so there is no reason to speak of it!It's like falling in love, dreaming of it, and not dying until the Yellow River.Yanan was hesitant at first, but after Amei went to Beijing, we read the first few letters in a blurry way, which was more enjoyable than drinking Moutai!Ah Mei repeatedly mentioned how wise Zhou Enlai was.Yanan originally only admired Zhou Enlai, but now he is fascinated!When people scolded how horrible the Cultural Revolution was, she immediately raised the issue and took out Ah Mui's letter as a testimony.When the CCP enters the United Nations, she will be more left than me! Feng Shui took turns, Xin Mei said with a smile, back then you were the number two leftist, second only to Lao Tao! Believe it or not, Yanan thought I was behind for a while!After I went to Paris, I became more and more interested in research, and published several papers in a row. I felt very comfortable and could not stop.Yanan murmured: "Go back as soon as possible, the child can receive Chinese education. She thinks that the first important thing in the world is to be a Chinese, and she is most afraid that the child will grow up not Chinese or Western." right!For children's education is the early return home.The freshman nodded in agreement. The child is Yanan's life, Fangzheng said, for the sake of the child, she has been arguing all day long to come back. Why don't you just come back from France?Xin Mei asked.Didn't we leave from Paris back then?Why go to Switzerland and get unemployed? Fangzheng let out a long sigh before telling the story.It turned out that Fangzheng's family immediately went to the Chinese embassy to apply to return home when they arrived in Paris.The embassy said that the revolutionary movement is still going on in the country, so it is best to wait.Three years later, they became anxious, so they went to the Swiss embassy to inquire instead. The embassy staff there told them frankly that China currently only accepts helpless overseas Chinese, and that they cannot gain a foothold in the country of residence because they engage in patriotic movements.Fangzheng's working conditions are very good, so the people from the embassy advised him not to rush back.At this time, not to mention the impetuous Yanan was about to jump, even Fangzheng himself couldn't hold his breath anymore.In order to return to China, I have wandered overseas for five or six years, and the return date is far away!He suspected that the embassy misunderstood them for talking, and did not return to China to serve sincerely.So the couple discussed for a while, and then they broke the boat and immediately quit their jobs in the university research institute, and then the whole family moved to Switzerland.The people at the embassy couldn't believe it at first, but after looking at the residence for half a year, it was almost empty, so they issued passports for them to return home. I said unemployment, right?Fangzheng asked the freshman with a smile.This is the first time in my life that I am idle, and the taste is not good! Listening to a friend's narration of the experience of returning to China, the new couple could not find anything to say except for the emotion in their hearts.Although the woods were shady, everyone felt stuffy.Xin Mei especially felt as if she was sitting in a cabin with no ventilation, a little dizzy. Tao Lian couldn't sit still for a long time, and had already turned around in the woods.At this time, he held a dead branch in his hand and beat it all the way back. Mom, I'm hungry!he shouted. When the child yelled, the three adults quickly stood up.Fangzheng raised his hand and glanced at his watch, and couldn't help screaming: move!Only talking, it's no wonder Yanan didn't wait to die at home!The house is empty, and I have to go to the cafeteria to get food.Don't look at me as a burden, I have already practiced the kung fu of queuing up to buy food.If you want to eat some good food, how can you do without the spirit of charging!After finishing speaking, he picked up a travel bag in one hand and strode away first. The Tao family followed quickly for a while before walking out of the woods.Next to the forest is a row of dormitories. Xin Mei recognized the Fang family at a glance, because Yanan was poking his head out to look around. Oh!Wait for me to die!Shouting, Yanan immediately stepped over the threshold and ran towards them. When old friends met, they talked and laughed, and there was a lot of excitement. You must be thirsty, come in and drink water, and go to cook later. With that said, Yanan moved everyone into the room. When she first met Liu Yanan, Xin Mei felt that she had changed a lot.Compared with six years ago, she has gained some weight, and her figure has changed from thin and slender to plump and strong; a pair of small glasses are placed on her round face, which adds to the sense of roundness; the whole structure has a kind of dignity unique to middle-aged women Mature impression.The hair is still with bangs that match the ears.Since Xinmei transferred to Taipei from high school and met her, she has been cutting this hairstyle all the time, but now she is afraid of the heat, so she uses two hair clips to gather the hair on the sideburns behind the ears and clip it.The piercing bridge of the nose is still the same, and the thin lips don't smile like they used to, but are tightly pressed, as if they are thinking deeply.The childish and self-willed look that she used to have when she was a girl was still faintly visible even when she was a mother for the first time, but now it has disappeared without a trace.She was more serious than Fang Zheng, and her nerves were particularly tense. She always thought that the walls had ears, and pressed her index finger to her lips from time to time, asking everyone to speak in a low voice. However, after careful observation, Xin Mei learned that Yanan is still the same in essence.She is still frank and bold, with a masculine style, reminding everyone from time to time; the name Yanan is just a modesty of her parents.His voice is loud and clear, and his speech is still the same as before, with a clanging sound like gold and stone falling to the ground.This point, she and Fangzheng have not changed, they are still quick to talk. In the past few years, Yanan has devoted a lot of effort to his children's education.The two children were indeed well-bred.The summer is not over yet, and the two of them have been tanned by the scorching sun in Wuhan, and they look extremely healthy.Except for the hot weather and a lot of prickly heat on their bodies, the two of them lived happily and carefree.My elder sister just turned nine years old, she has the same round face as her mother, and her nickname is Yuanyuan; the difference is that there are cute dimples on her little face.She has sculpted eyebrows and almond eyes, her hair is combed into two small braids and hung behind her head, and she is dressed in short shirts and shorts, revealing a solemn look unique to little girls in a lively way.The mother's hard work was not in vain. Although it was her first time attending a Chinese school, Yuanyuan not only could keep up with Chinese, but also got very good grades, even getting full marks in arithmetic. Compared with the elder sister, the younger brother is a bit like a newcomer, he doesn't care, he looks like a silly boy.He was the same age as Tao Lian, and both were tall, but he had thick eyebrows and big eyes, round and strong muscles, shiny black, and as strong as a calf, so his nickname was Maverick.Children who grew up in China, like Tao Lian's age, would turn pale when they heard the word counter-revolutionary, and Maverick was still indifferent.It is said that when he first went to the big class of kindergarten, the children asked him where he was born, and he said he was born in England, so people called him British.Maverick thought it was a glorious title, and shouted loudly when he went home: I became a Brit!His mother was so frightened that she repeatedly reprimanded and reprimanded him, so she reprimanded him for his complacency. When Tao Lian first met these two new friends, he was a little strange and restrained.When the sisters and brothers moved out the toys brought from abroad and invited him to play, he immediately played more vigorously than anyone else, forgetting the strangeness and shyness.He has played with all the toys on the market, and this is the first time he has seen a toy exported from China, an oversized kaleidoscope.Among foreign toys, plastic building blocks of various colors can be used to build half-height houses or stations, which fascinates him the most.The vehicle ran along the track, and it was only when I asked that I realized that it was a train I had never seen before.The sisters and brothers were happy to teach him to play, so the three children crawled on the concrete floor of the living room all afternoon, sweating profusely, shouting and screaming, and it was very lively.It was announced that it was dinner, and they were still reluctant to leave the toys.The two mothers had no choice but to urge them in person, and then they were pulled up from the ground and brought to the kitchen to wash their hands. In the small kitchen, there is a large tank under the window faucet, which takes up a lot of space.Yanan made a ninety-degree bend, took a gourd ladle to scoop water, and the ladle hit the bottom of the tank, making a hollow and dull sound.She scooped up a few scoops before filling half a basin of water for the children to wash their hands. Why do you still use a big water tank?Xin Mei asked her.The kitchen is so narrow, the water tank takes up a lot of space. Yanan straightened up and sighed first without speaking. Don't think about living without a water tank!It is said that the industrial development is too fast, without a good plan, when the water level of the Yangtze River is low, there will be a water shortage in Wuhan.We live in the mountains, especially nervous.The water tower in the school supplies water three times a day, morning, noon and evening, for one hour each time.Why not store water in a tank?When I first came here, I didn't know it, but when summer came, I realized that the water tank was a necessity, and it took a lot of effort to carry one up the mountain.It was out of stock, and I bought it through the back door with a favor! The lack of water in summer is really terrible!Xin Mei was very sympathetic. More than just a lack of water?Fortunately, you are still teaching at the School of Water Conservancy!Yanan teases her.If there is no water, there will be no electricity, and if there is no water, there will be no electricity.You see, there will be a power outage at nine o'clock in the evening, and it will be all about flashlights. After the three children washed their hands, half of the basin of water was completely black.Yanan took a towel to dry them, and then sent them to sit in the backyard and wait for dinner.She poured out the water, went to scrape the bottom of the tank again, and finally scooped up a little water, and the adults wiped their face and hands by themselves. I was racing against the running water every day, and she complained to Xinmei.Like now, before the sun goes down, we have dinner.Then wait for the water to come.When the water comes, let it flow towards the tank all the time.We hurried to clean the toilet, wash the dishes, wash the pot, and bathe the children.Then I changed the coal base, opened the stove door to boil water, and kept boiling enough to fill the two dozen soda bottles on the table, so that I would not be nervous when I went to bed at night, otherwise I would always worry about getting up in the middle of the night and running out of water to drink. The two were walking out of the kitchen at this moment.Seeing that most of the water bottles on the dining table in the opposite room were turned upside down, Xin Mei remembered that she drank three or four bottles of cold water in the afternoon alone. Living in Wuhan is much harder and more stressful than in Nanjing!Xin Mei couldn't help being amazed.It's not easy to live this kind of life just after you come back! There is nothing wrong with life.During the eight years of the Anti-Japanese War, it was even more difficult than this, and the present was at most inconvenient.The real scary part is here. After finishing speaking, Yanan pointed to his head before stepping out the back door. Not only Yanan's family had breakfast, but their neighbors did the same.Some are busy washing rice, and some porridge is already on the table.Their brick bungalow facing south has four doors and houses six or seven families.The cooking stoves of every family are placed by the back door, and some families eat breakfast and dinner in the backyard, and the backyard has become a place for people's activities.Fangzheng's house is on the east side, and the east side and the back door are facing the woods. It is blessed with the shade of trees or eaves all day long.They simply bought a big round table and put it in the yard. They used it for three meals, reading books, and doing homework, as long as they moved down the field with the sun. Yanan introduced Xinmei to her neighbors, greeted each other a few words, and then came to his dinner table.In addition to a large plate of stir-fried vegetables, several plates on the table are full of steamed Hunan bacon and sausages, Nanjing tripe and canned braised pork.Yuanyuan was working hard to maintain order, and the two boys stretched their necks so greedy, they just wanted to strike first. Don't panic, Yanan comforted them, Dad and Uncle Tao are going to make porridge, and they will be here soon. Fang's family's rice cooker was too small to cook porridge for seven people, so they had to carry two pots to the cafeteria to make porridge.Xin Mei saw that these restaurants all cook porridge, and the side dishes are only pickles, vegetables, and dried tofu.Looking back at the four plates of meat dishes on my table, they were really extravagant. Dad is coming!Yuanyuan suddenly announced loudly. Sure enough, Fangzheng and Xinxin each held a pot in their hands, and walked over to the west end.Fang Zheng nodded and greeted his neighbors along the road. time to eat?This is our friend Tao Xinsheng from Nanjing. Rare, rare, play for a few more days.The neighbors are very kind and friendly. As soon as the rice cooker was on the table, Yanan first said to the freshman: I'm so sorry!On the first day when the guests come, they are called to have a meal.Eat an extra bowl! The freshmen smiled and said: Walking for about ten minutes to the cafeteria, you can also do some exercise to increase your appetite.What do you do when it rains? Yanan started serving porridge for everyone, and at the same time said with a smile: At that time, try to cook by yourself, what else can I say? Don't listen to her bragging, Fangzheng deliberately exposes her faults, when it rains, her stove goes out very quickly!Seeing her slapping and slapping, her face was full of tears from choking, the room was full of smog, and after tossing for a long time, she still had raw rice!I would rather take an umbrella and run to the cafeteria. He made everyone laugh.The rice in the big pot is already delicious, and it is not too hot when it is brought home. It is just right for the appetite, and it is delicious on the table.Fangzheng and his wife admired the cured meat and were full of praise for the cured meat brought by Tao Xinsheng. I haven’t tasted such authentic Hunan bacon for several years!When Fang Zheng said that, he had already eaten a bowl of porridge. Ah Mei brought several bottles of oil, and Yanan planned to fry something while eating.How can you save these oils!A family of four has a total of two catties of oil every month. I only use it for cooking, and I eat it up in less than 20 days! Buy fatty meat to boil oil.Xin Mei said. Hell, everyone has half a catty of meat a month, and it's too late to eat lean meat, and they still buy fat meat! Oh, I forgot!Xin Mei also thought it was funny: It's a pity that I couldn't get you a salted duck. The exit is gone, right?Yanan put it bluntly: We have been short of meat for several years in Wuhan. In the past, it was destroyed by violence, but now it is said that it is exported.Alas, the export is so cheap, why not keep some for yourself?Do evil! Yanan said the latter sentence in a low voice. Since the freshmen took up their jobs, they have been eating in silence.Hearing Yanan's complaints, he felt compelled to make an excuse, and then said: In order to win foreign exchange, we had to tighten our belts.China itself has not yet reached the point of wealth, but the task of our foreign aid is very heavy.Our slogan is: if each of the 800 million people saves a bite, they can support a large sum of money in Asia, Africa and Latin America. China is a big country, and the cost of maintaining a great power is very high. Xin Mei agreed with her husband's argument, but couldn't help expressing emotion. Didn't the documents criticizing Lin point it out?When there was a flood in Pakistan, the government prepared to donate 50,000 yuan to show support.Chairman Mao commented that it seemed too small, and immediately added two more zeros.When we studied this document, we all secretly complained in our hearts!This is probably the virtue of the government: rather than suffering, we have always been generous to the outside world. More than generous!Fangzheng said unfairly, I think the officials in the embassies abroad are also very particular about ostentation, and their wealth can rival that of a capitalist country. Who would have thought that all these are salted duck and meat taken from the mouths of the Chinese people? Founder! Yanan gave him a warning, then cast a sideways glance at the neighbor next door.Fortunately, the neighbors and the couple were bending over and frying vegetables in front of their house, as if they were listening to the conversation on this side.She was relieved, and then she leaned forward and told the new couple about her experience. You know that we are fortunate to be on the same plane as Ambassador Wang when we return home this time.At the airport in Athens, he spent seven dollars to buy a deck of playing cards, proudly pointed them out, and said, "It's made in America!"I was very surprised at the time. It turns out that Chinese diplomats are really rich, and they spend so much money in US dollars! Xin Mei listened, and at the same time converted RMB in her heart: seven dollars equals about fifteen RMB, which is almost the monthly labor income of a farmer in northern Jiangsu.She sighed for a long time, and glanced at her husband, only to see that he didn't even breathe, just put his head down and drank the porridge. The three children were so hungry that they ate quickly, and they divided up a plate of canned braised pork in a blink of an eye.When their stomachs were full, they fidgeted, and finally Maverick said: Mom, can we take Tao Lian to see the swimming pool? Go ahead, Yuanyuan is in charge, bring the younger brothers back to take a shower earlier. Yuanyuan agreed.Immediately the three children slipped down from the dining table, yelled at each other, ran towards the woods, and disappeared in an instant.Seeing that the food was almost ready, Yanan immediately urged the two men to eat up the leftovers, saying that it would be convenient to wash the dishes after the food was cleared. Xin Mei was about to clean up the dishes when she suddenly looked up and saw two men coming out of the east end of the house.They wore white shirts and shorts, neatly dressed in leather shoes and socks, and carried plastic bags in their hands.The older one had a faint smile on his face, ready to enlarge it at any time.Xin Mei signaled to Fangzheng that someone was coming, and he immediately stood up to greet him. How are you, Lao Ni?Xiao Wu, have you eaten yet? The smiling one really smiled even more, and waved repeatedly to express his apologies. Excuse me, excuse me!You continue to eat!我們剛開完了會，正好路過，就順便來看看。 方正給朋友和來客介紹了一番，硬是請他們坐了下來。兩個全是華師數學系的，年輕的小伍是教員，除了陪著點頭微笑，並不說話；中年的老倪是系支書，說話時眼睛只看到對方的下巴，神情謙虛得像隨時可以修改自己的意見。倪支書很親切地詢問著新生夫婦旅途上的經歷，又把長沙、南京和武漢究竟哪裏最熱，也比較了一番。 有什麼需要學校幫忙的沒有？他終於轉過來問方正。自己人，不要客氣才好。 方正笑嘻嘻地說：哪裏要學校操心！look! 說著，他伸手指向北房的窗口，大家跟著望去。窗口敞開著，裏頭一長串掛著新生他們帶夾的火腿和臘肉。 我們這對朋友是標準的自力更生自己帶夠了吃的來。火腿、臘肉、香腸應有盡有，唯獨缺了板鴨 方正忽然打住。辛梅眼尖，早看見亞男在桌下踢了丈夫一腳。 板鴨？ 支書先是一愣，接著乾笑一聲，並且連連點著腦袋。南京板鴨！yes!yes.有名的，嗯，最近想是出口多了。 說完，他看了一眼身旁的小伍，後者連忙點頭附和。 亞男望了望辛梅，眼珠在鏡片下睜得滾圓。辛梅只當沒看見。 住的地方夠嗎？支書把話題一轉：陶同志可以住到學校的招待所去，現成的，很方便。 不用麻煩學校了，亞男連忙辭謝，我們現在的客廳原來就有兩張床，再擺回去，夠大小三口睡了。 支書並不堅持，而是側頭間小伍：我看，我們沒事就幫他們把床搬回去吧？ 小伍這才開口說：沒事，沒事。 方正哪裏肯勞駕系裏的領導替他搬床，無奈倪支書十分熱情誠懇，已經起身了，別人只好搶著去幹。亞男和辛梅也草草收拾了碗碟，趕到屋裏去幫忙。 方正的住房格局很簡單，北面是一間房和廚廁相對；朝南兩大間，其中一間通向南院，現在做為客廳，佈置著四把靠背藤椅，圍著中央一個配了玻璃的圓形茶几。六個人一起動手，有的挪開鋪攤了一地的玩具，有的搬藤椅，其他人便去隔壁房裏抬床板和支架。人多果然好辦事，很快便搭出兩張床，並排靠在一起，四邊不著牆，據說便於在床下點蚊香。玩具挪到窗口下，四把藤椅連茶几就移到靠門口的地方。這一來，房間顯得充實些；除了牆上空無所有，新刷不久的粉壁看來蒼白空洞外，地上的空間都充分利用上。床一安好，倪支書和小伍就走了。 你們這支書人不錯！客人才走，陶新生就稱讚起來：能深入群眾，真正關心群眾，而且不擺架子，合乎毛主席說的溫良恭儉讓。 人家是多少年老幹部了！方正回答他：聽說出身不好，文革期間被鬥得很厲害，被批判說執行了劉鄧路線，在我們系裏搞什麼白專，總之，沒有突出政治。我們這個系不小，有一百多個教工，先有什麼造反派，以後又糾纏進來工宣隊，各顯神通，彼此對立得很。去年為了準備上課，只好又用了他，還當支書，正好起折衷作用。人家都說他毫無怨氣，我不信他心底真是一點怨氣都沒有。 大家搬家具都出了汗，亞男去找來兩瓶涼開水，辛梅端來半壺冷茶和幾只茶杯，四個人就坐在藤椅裏休息喝水。前門和後門遙遙相對，中間是走道，偶而有南北對流的風吹過，這個角落遂成了全家最涼快的地方。 華師住進了我們這一家，真夠他們頭痛的！亞男忽然帶著歉咎的語氣說。我們住了快半年，最近才搞清楚，像這樣三間房的大單元，平常都是住兩家的。為了讓我們搬進來，學校費盡心思把原來的兩家人遷走。沒有學校特殊照顧，我們這個家根本安不起來。兩部自行車，幾張床，一個高櫥和一個五斗櫃，連一張竹榻，都是學校打了特別介紹信，到不同的單位去接洽，這才買得到。剛開始，我們不好意思麻煩人家，直說我們自己上街買去還以為像在外國一樣，去一兩趟百貨公司就可以買全家具。誰知道這些東西市面上都沒貨呀！你們沒看，衣櫥搬來時，吸引了多少羨慕的眼光；這兩部自行車據說是專門外銷的，還有人家特地來觀摩哪。這樣特殊的車子，每次騎著，我都覺得有些造孽！ 看開吧，亞男，辛梅勸她：又不是你自己要求特殊照顧的。要慢慢習慣，跟大家抱著同樣的哲學：什麼東西，只要買得到便是運氣，手段別去計較。 方正立刻抗議：都這麼想，後門之風永遠不能杜絕，而且越走越兇。將來前後不分，除非另開小門！ 辛梅只有苦笑，想起自己買縫紉機的艱苦情景，便說給他們聽。 原來自從奶奶給辛梅看孩子以來，經常嘮叨著要東家買部縫紉機。她說家中有兩個男孩，加上大人經常要勞動，全家的衣服破得快，最好買部機器，可以補補破衣褲什麼的。南京出熊貓牌，產量低，供不應求。登記購買的名單太長了，這兩年就不接受定單。何醫生很熱心，四出替辛梅設法也沒找到門路，最後找上海的朋友幫忙。在上海，剛結婚的夫婦可以憑購買證登記一部縫紉機。何醫生的朋友終於找到一對夫婦肯幫忙，辛梅立刻匯去了錢，這是一年前的事。半年後，來信通知辛梅買到了。辛梅立刻匯去一筆運費。然而國內的供應協調關係非常複雜微妙，江蘇和上海一向關係搞不好。南京的許世友和上海的張春橋彼此敵對據說是主因。上海卡住工業用品，江蘇就卡住農副產品，互相以牙還牙。正要託運縫紉機時，上海忽然下令，縫紉機一律禁止外運。車站、碼頭派了人搜查行李，多少部縫紉機都擋了駕。上海那邊的人很熱心，決定化整為零，就把縫紉機拆成了一堆零件，等有人來南京時，走私一點來。如今半年了，一共才捎來了一塊面板和縫紉機的機頭，不知道哪一天才能湊出一部機器來。 作孽！亞男聽了直嘆氣：這樣屍分兩地，賣都不能賣，否則下次有誰回國，替你在香港買一部帶進來，省去多少麻煩！ 保證比在國內買便宜！方正加上一句。 辛梅也相信，國內工業品在國外市場上一向是廉價傾銷，提起來人人心痛不已。 談到人民的購買力，亞男忽然問起新生夫婦的工資。 新生是七十四塊，我是六十四塊。據說相差十塊錢是因為他有個博士學位，並非男女不平等。 亞男聽了哈哈大笑。 原來博士在南京只值十塊錢！看來在武漢身價還高些。華師通知我們每人每月工資一百塊。我起先一算，一部自行車一百八十塊，全部家具就用掉了我們兩人半年多的工資，覺得這工資實在不高。等到第一次領工資，才發現這一百塊的數目是僅次於系裏屈指可數的幾個教授和副教授老倪是老講師，才不過八十二塊，其他絕大多數是五、六十塊而已。工資低，工業品貴，這麼貴的家具市面上沒有也好，幾個人買得起呢？ 照買！辛梅說：只要是有用的東西，再貴都有人買走，北京、南京全是這樣，特別是家具，不是貨等人，而是人等貨；來一批，轉眼搶光！ 我看呀，亞男沉吟了一下，終於低聲說出來：這個制度哪裏不對勁！ 大家一時沒作聲。半晌，陶新生才辯解說：中國還是窮。 亞男不同意：窮可以有窮打算呀！高級高價的東西不做，大家一起降低生活水平算了。 也不行，那豈非倒退？辛梅說：而且，拿高工資的高幹、解放軍、教授、工程師之流手上有大把錢呢！他們雖然算是少數人，卻是很特別的一個階層，有能力享受高級高價的東西。 這就是所謂的特權階級吧？亞男語氣含著嘲諷。 要好好研究矛盾論！方正忽然神色認真地宣佈：回來才短短幾個月，我發現矛盾的現象太多了！ 你說話聲音不能小點嗎？亞男瞪他一眼。 方正正想抗議，辛梅連忙打圓場說：華師對你們不錯呀！我們來看你們，學校還派幹部來打個招呼，真是周到得很。 太周到啦！亞男言下有些哭笑不得。我們已經成了華師的大包袱！ 據亞男說，華師並不缺他們兩個數學教員系裏還下放教員呢！但中央派下來，他們只好收下，結果平添一項照顧的任務。方柳是全校唯一喝過洋水的，而且不止一國的水，有美帝、英帝、法國反動派簡直是一灘渾水！學校還來不及改造這一對資產階級知識份子，便忙著接待他們的朋友。放假以來，接二連三來了幾起美國的朋友。這本來是方家的私事，學校卻當做外賓和稀客，如臨大敵，把大家搞得手忙腳亂。 方正舉例說：像前幾天來了搞釣魚臺運動的張山，由兩個外交部的幹部陪著，要找我做錄音談話。我說行呀，我們去他的旅館裏談去 是我的主意，亞男笑著打岔：全家可以乘機洗個澡！ 方正也笑起來：朋友來，除了去觀光旅館吃頓山珍海味，打打牙祭外，痛快地洗個澡才是最實惠的。可惜張山不解寡人之意，偏要登門拜訪！這下不好了，學校先派人來查看我們的房子。這間本來是圓圓和小牛的房間，臨時決定要改成客廳。我說不必了，他們說不行！結果強姦民意，馬上找來人七手八腳把床拆了，又調來這幾把藤椅和茶几，硬擺出個客廳樣子來！ 張山這人怎麼樣？新生好奇地插問一句。 Hey!滿口毛澤東思想和毛主席的革命路線！我心裏想：幸好沒進到我們的房間，裏面橫倒歪豎的是一房間的床板，哪有路線可言！ 說著，方正的嗓門又高起來。亞男不放心地跑去門外張望一番。前院沒有人走動，想是全在後院裏吃晚飯。 她這麼緊張，方正卻毫不在意。他大手一擺，心安理得地說：別怕，我全照毛澤東思想辦事，路線鬥爭要天天講呀！ 亞男這下頓腳了。 你這樣大鳴大放下去，下次運動就該你當右派，包在我身上！ 意猶未足，她抓住新生夫婦訴起苦來：他老是信口開河，怎麼得了？在巴黎，被人家喊做大砲，回中國了，還不曉得要趁早熄火。人家是做錄音談話，怎能大意？你們沒看見，他說到一半的時候，陪張山來的兩個幹部臉都灰掉，礙著外賓在座，不好吭聲罷了。我一直給他遞眼色，這位仁兄只裝看不懂，差點把我乾急死！ 話已經說了，只要大方向正確，也不用害怕。新生安慰她。 你都說了些什麼話呢，方正？辛梅急忙打聽。 nothing!方正毫不在乎。亞男越住越緊張，哪天別把自己搞得精神崩潰才好！我知道錄音談話的厲害，早肚裏有數了。不過，張山老遠跑來訪問，難不成對他講假話？我說，毛澤東思想很偉大，還錯得了嗎？ 亞男狠狠瞪了方正一眼，插進嘴：接著他就說：可惜全國沒有照著辦！ 新生和辛梅跟著一怔。 我舉了很多事實來支持我的論點，方正不慌不忙地說：張山認為毛澤東思想的核心是為人民服務，我一點也沒反駁他。我僅僅指出：修路是為人民服務，種田、教書亦然。若把教書的喊去種田，修路的跑來管理學校，當然也是為人民服務，然而人民是否得到最好的服務呢？ 誰也知道答案，就是沒有勇氣說出。新生微蹙了眉像在思索，亞男盯著喝空的汽水瓶，輕輕搖著頭。辛梅正想開口勸解，忽然聽見對面的宿舍裏有人喊：水來囉！亞男立刻整個人從藤椅上彈起來。 hurry up!水來啦！她馬上發號施令：方正，快去打開水龍頭，我去叫小孩回來洗澡！ 說完，她立刻從前門跨出去。新生和辛梅都站了起來，想幫忙，卻不知從哪裏下手。方正大步跨向廚房去。一眨眼，亞男又折了回來，在門外叫喊：方正，先沖馬桶！ 剛跨進廚房的方正，聞聲又轉回來。 慢著，太太不對，是愛人我只有一雙手，先幹哪個呀？ 亞男早已走掉了。辛梅噗哧笑了出來，連忙拉了陶新生奔過去幫忙。 在水的動員令下，大家有如衝鋒陷陣，飛快地洗碗洗澡。等大人小孩剛剛洗完了澡，電燈忽然熄了，原來已經九點正。 九點熄燈也有好處，順理成章地把孩子們送上了床，大人好空出手來料理自己的事。忙亂了一天，這個時候正是歇息乘涼的時刻。整棟宿舍是漆黑一片，但院子裏月光如水，進出都用不著手電筒。樹林黑幢幢的兩面包圍過來，顯得莫測高深，幸好不時有螢火蟲戲謔地穿進穿出，宛若流星，再加上一兩聲蛙鳴，便減去幾分神祕的感覺。光是熄燈便給大家帶來暑熱消失的心理安慰，人手一把扇子主要是驅趕蚊子，間或給一聲高一聲低的閒談起伴奏的作用。 院子裏人多，又近在咫尺，西頭的人說話，東頭的豎起耳朵也聽得見。亞男的耳朵特別靈敏，自然也特別敏感。坐了一陣，看到有人進屋去睡，她立刻催大家到北屋去坐。方正躺在一把藤椅裏，仰觀星空，涼風習習，正嘆良宵美景可以開懷暢談，實在不願意進蒸籠一般的北房。但是拗不過亞男，他只好唉聲嘆氣地搬了一張凳子，隨大伙進屋來。 亞男點起一盞煤油燈，擱在靠門口的飯桌上。燈光把小房間照得昏昏黃黃，人一走動，黑影搖曳晃動，好像恐怖影片的佈景。這原是做為飯廳的房間，如今多加了書架，靠著窗口又橫放了一張竹榻，空間剩下就不多。兩個男的想坐竹榻，掛在窗口的臘肉火腿等勢必要挪開。亞男找來一段繩子，正好窗角有支線成的鐵釘，就在釘子和書架之間拉出一條線，把肉類攤開掛起來。擺弄著這些肉，她忽然想起一個同事，立刻又取下兩串臘肉來。 乘著天黑，我給黃老師送點肉去。她對辛梅說：她害肝炎好幾年了。在我們系裏，她是唯一跟我說真話的人。 肝炎病人最想要糖。辛梅提醒了一句。 好，再給她兩包糖。書架上有兩包在北京買的酸梅粉，你沖出來大家喝吧。 叮嚀過了，她把糖和臘肉裝進一隻塑料包裏，電筒也不拿，就摸黑從前門出去。 方正聽到酸梅湯，連叫好東西，馬上幫著刷茶壺，看辛梅沖酸梅粉。 可惜沒有冰，辛梅對他說，喝一口冰鎮酸梅湯，可以從嘴裏一路涼到心底！夏天在北京，數酸梅湯和西瓜最是大眾化，價廉物美，一毛錢就買得到。你這次回北京，嚐了很多小吃和零嘴吧？ 我們只住了一個禮拜，忙得團團轉，哪有空閒逛街？剛到的第二天，碰上西伯利亞的寒流，凍得要命，去買棉襖時，在王甫井買了幾串糖葫蘆，味道是不差！你們住兩年多北京，享盡口福吧？有次信上提到在北海吃糖炒栗子，我們在英國讀給朋友聽，大家直流口水！ 辛梅得意地笑起來。她把酸梅湯遞給新生和方正，自己來不及喝，先找了一把扇子坐下來扇涼。 可惜我們也只吃過兩回。新生回憶著，似乎還口舌留香似的。那次在北海公園，有幸給我們撞見，從架上炒鍋，燒上炭火，我們就排起隊來等了。阿梅愛跑街，她嚐了不少小吃。 好吃的真不多，辛梅如實批評。從前我讀林海音的城南舊事，碰到描述北京的小吃就饞得要死！那兩年實地一嚐，多半是雷聲大，雨點小。也許是我十足的臺灣人口味，不會欣賞古城的美味吧。記得有一回，我們專程去吃豆汁和豆腐腦。豆汁還可以，豆腐腦就不高明。售貨員在一隻大木桶裏舀出一杓厚厚重重的豆腐腦，又去另一隻桶裏舀出一杓勾好的芡粉來，灰濛濛黏呼呼的一團，叭嗒蓋在豆腐腦上還沒吃已經覺得飽了！價錢是真便宜，五分錢一大碗，什麼味道就說不上。你記得羅斯福路，臺大傅園外面那一排違章建築的小吃店吧？那裏的任何點心都比北京街上賣的好吃多多！我進了幾次館子，哪次不懷念臺北的圓環來？ Ha ha!你的圓環要成為臺北舊事啦！方正說：圓環要拆掉來改建觀光飯店，現在恐怕已經蓋出來了！臺北的吃是遠東數一數二的，酒席成風，奢侈浪費最是要不得！ 我相信北京吃的藝術還是講究的，新生責無旁貸地為北京辯解著，不過集中在招待外賓和供應高幹上。文化大革命以來，口號是面向工農兵，要求大眾化，標準就降低了。 面對工農兵就降低標準，那不是蔑視工農兵？方正眼睛掄得滾圓，一副要抬槓的神氣。工農兵也會辨別味道的好壞吧？ 新生苦笑了，欲言又止，終於低了頭默默啜飲起酸梅湯。 分別半年