Chapter 15: On the Fields of Hope

"Don't hold a symposium; I can't stand that atmosphere."

Xu Yuexin told the truth.

In the literary world, symposiums are just mutual flattery based on seniority, and a slip can easily offend someone.

Xu Yuexin keeps as far away from that thing as possible.

"As expected of you."

Chen Jiangong raised his glass and laughed, "Come, we've been talking for so long, I haven't had a chance to toast you yet."

"May you stride forward on the literary path, reaching one milestone after another."

"Damn."

Xu Yuexin lifted his glass; a crisp clink of glass rang in the air, and the two drank in one gulp.

……

At sunset, Xu Yuexin and Chen Jiangong waved goodbye in front of the tavern and went each to their own home.

At that moment, the just‑finished‑school Qiao Qiao led her sister Chen Yixue down the bus stop, walking toward the Faculty Building where Xu Yuexin lives, under the eyes of passersby.

The two sisters: one with shoulder‑length hair, a clear‑faced beauty with a rosy complexion, radiating youthful vigor; the other wearing a classic hairpin, her features sculpted perfectly, exuding an elegant, aloof aura.

Anyone who sees them must pause for the sisters' beauty.

"Sister, the Qinghua Faculty Building is just ahead; Xu Yuexin should be home at this hour."

Qiao Qiao pointed at the six‑story building ahead and introduced it to Chen Yixue.

Chen Yixue lifted her pretty eyes and looked in the direction her sister pointed.

"It has a strong scholarly atmosphere."

Seeing the surroundings of the Faculty Building, Chen Yixue gave a brief appraisal.

Before she finished speaking, Qiao Qiao spotted Xu Yuexin walking to the Faculty Building's gate, about to enter.

"That's my target."

Qiao Qiao told Chen Yixue, quickened her pace and moved forward, and Chen Yixue followed.

"Brother Xu, look who I brought."

While still a short distance away, Qiao Qiao greeted Xu Yuexin.

Xu Yuexin heard Qiao Qiao's voice, turned, and saw the Chen sisters walking toward him.

Based on their shared striking looks and some similar facial features, Xu Yuexin correctly identified Chen Yixue: "Qiao Qiao, you brought your sister?"

"That's right, she's my sister, Chen Yixue."

When they drew close face‑to‑face, Qiao Qiao introduced, "He's Xu Yuexin; I met him when we cut in line together."

Chen Yixue wore a dignified, elegant smile and greeted Xu Yuexin: "Hello Yuexin, Qiao Qiao often mentions you at home."

"I've also heard many speak of your great works outside; I've long admired your name."

Upon first meeting, Chen Yixue's impression of Xu Yuexin was quite good.

The young man was tall and handsome; even among the Cultural Troupe his looks stood out, no wonder his sister was smitten.

Moreover, his gaze never wandered, giving a sunny, upright impression.

"You're too kind; I've also heard Qiao Qiao speak of you, a National First-Class Actor, a legend of the literary world."

Xu Yuexin slightly lifted the corner of his mouth and said.

In just a few words, he noticed something interesting.

His beautiful Da Yizi possessed an elegant bearing and a pair of peach‑blossom eyes, appearing noble and dignified when not smiling, yet exuding countless charms when she did.

According to later conventions, that's described as both coldly aloof and desirous.

Chen Yixue quickly replied modestly: "You're flattering me. Today Qiao Qiao brought me to see you; I actually have an uninvited request…"

"Then let's find a quiet place and talk while we sit," Xu Yuexin invited, leading his girlfriend and Da Yizi toward a nearby teahouse.

Beside him, after the brief conversation, Chen Yixue's impression of Xu Yuexin improved further.

His manner was gentle and courteous, and there was no arrogant air typical of a novice; one could see he was capable.

Entering the teahouse, Xu Yuexin ordered Longjing tea and some snacks, while Qiao Qiao and Chen Yixue ordered osmanthus tea and rose tea respectively.

After ordering, Chen Yixue voluntarily paid, and the three sat at a window‑side table.

The air was filled with a faint tea aroma; Chen Yixue made small talk, expressed admiration for Xu Yuexin, and then stated the purpose of her visit.

"Our Cultural Troupe will hold a Tribute Performance in early July. I'm the lead singer, and we still don't have lyrics."

"Yuexin, you're a talented writer; I believe once you take a hand, the lyrics will be effortlessly secured."

"May I ask you to help me?"

Chen Yixue said sincerely, took a prepared fountain pen from her handbag and placed it before Xu Yuexin: "This is a modest gift, not quite proper respect; I hope it amuses you."

How obedient, a Parker Gold Pen—what a generous gift.

Xu Yuexin saw the pen's brand and sighed.

Among fountain pens, gold‑nib pens are the most expensive, and the Parker brand is the most upscale of them.

These days, even wealthy ordinary people can't buy a Parker Gold Pen, as state‑run stores simply have none in stock.

"No need to be so formal."

Xu Yuexin pushed the Parker Gold Pen back to Chen Yixue, shook his head and declined, "You're Qiao Qiao's sister; helping you is helping Qiao Qiao."

"How could I take anything from you?"

"The ancients said a treasure horse matches a hero; you're a great writer, how can you be without a powerful writing tool."

Chen Yixue smiled and persisted, placing the Parker Gold Pen back before Xu Yuexin.

"Let's set that aside. What are your requirements for the lyrics?"

Unable to refuse the generosity, Xu Yuexin didn't return the pen and began asking Chen Yixue about her needs.

Chen Yixue, without a moment's hesitation, told him the superior's requirements for the tribute work and her own thoughts.

The basic style of a tribute work is dignified and grand, and this time the Arts Supervision Department also requires the lyrics to be innovative, reflecting the characteristics of the era.

Therefore I hope the lyrics can both reflect the positive changes in society over the past two years and subtly contain the current top leadership's outlook for our country's future development.

The demands are a bit many, bringing you difficulty; it's truly awkward.

Chen Yixue smiled faintly, her lake‑like clear eyes full of expectation toward Xu Yuexin.

At that moment, the tea was served.

Xu Yuexin lifted the teacup with his hand, taking inventory of Chen Yixue's needs.

Innovative content, era characteristics, positivity, the higher‑ups' blueprint.

Combining these points together, trying to satisfy them all requires careful consideration.

Xu Yuexin fell into contemplation, while sisters Chen Qiaoqiao and Chen Yixue quietly watched him, hoping he would find a direction.

"Would you like some snacks?"

Chen Qiaoqiao thought it was mealtime, and that Xu Yuexin's hungry stomach might affect his thinking.

"No need, I just had a drink with a friend and ate a little."

Xu Yuexin declined, fully immersed in his thoughts.

At that moment, a familiar melody surfaced in his mind.

"Our hometown,

on the hopeful fields…"

(End of chapter)