dognovel Chapter 48 Broadcast
Chapter 48 Broadcast
"It looks like Lin Xi?"
Chen Weidong looked at Su Man with some uncertainty. The electrical noise was so loud, crackling and hissing, that he couldn't really tell what was going on.
"It's Lin Xi. She's been helping the team organize documents lately, and sometimes she also helps with broadcasting."
"The following is a notice from our brigade. Attention all production teams, attention all production teams, this afternoon, the commune's film projection team will be showing the revolutionary film 'The Shining Red Star' in our brigade. The location is the square in front of the brigade headquarters. Please bring your own stools and be there on time."
"Wang Jianshui, the captain of the livestock team, come to the brigade headquarters immediately after hearing the broadcast. Come right away."
"This is the weather forecast. Today, it will be sunny turning cloudy, with a northwest wind of level 3 to 4. The temperature will range from -5 degrees Celsius to 8 degrees Celsius. All teams, please take note and prepare for spring planting."
"Finally, we'll broadcast a cultural program. 'The Herdsman' from the magazine 'October'. This article was written by Comrade Chen Weidong, a young educated youth from our organization who went to the countryside. Now, I will read the story to you."
……
Upon hearing the broadcast, the villagers immediately perked up their ears and listened intently. Even those who had already heard it once couldn't help but put down their work and listen quietly.
"The October magazine has been delivered to the brigade headquarters. Members who wish to read it can borrow it from the brigade headquarters. That concludes today's broadcast."
As soon as Lin Xi finished speaking, a revolutionary song was suddenly inserted into the loudspeaker. It was the prelude to "The East Is Red." It played for a short while and then stopped abruptly.
"This is the story written by author Chen? 'The Horse Herder'? Why is it called that?"
"I can tell you're hearing this for the first time. 'The Horse Herder' is about horse herders, and it was written by Dong Ge based on his own experience herding horses."
Li Fugui said with great pride, even more so than he had written it himself.
"The horse herder's name sounds better. Do you think Writer Chen only remembered this story after he was kicked by a horse?"
"That's quite possible! Look at Writer Chen, ever since he got kicked by the horse, he's completely changed. I saw him a few days ago, he was like a literary genius descended to earth, so refined!"
"Of course, as soon as Writer Chen arrived in Yangjiatun, I knew he must be someone special."
……
Listening to everyone's chatter, Li Fugui couldn't help but mutter to himself.
Besides being a skilled storyteller, Chen Weidong was also incredibly shrewd. He knew everything about Liang Xiao and Widow Li, even though others might not.
Looking back now, Li Fugui still feels that Chen Weidong is somewhat... He thought for a while but couldn't think of a suitable word, only that he was incredibly capable!
……
"Hongxing, why are you back so early today?"
Wang Hong from the supply and marketing cooperative said with some surprise when she saw Ren Hongxing come in.
"Just went to Yangjiatun, here to rest a bit."
Ren Hongxing sat down and took a few big gulps of water, saying with a hint of pride, "You wouldn't believe it, Writer Chen is going to Beijing for a writers' symposium!"
His smug expression made anyone who didn't know better think he was Ren Hongxing attending a meeting.
"Writer Chen? Who's that?"
Wang Hong asked casually, somewhat out of curiosity.
"Sister Wang, don't you know?! It's Chen Weidong, the writer of 'The Herdsman.' He actually sent his manuscript from our post office."
Ren Hongxing looked at Wang Hong with surprise. How could Wang Hong not know that "The Herdsman" was so popular?
"How would I know? I'm so busy at work every day that I stumble and fall, and when I get home I have to do laundry and cook. Where would I find the time to read novels? What? Are you implying that the author of this article is from our county?"
Wang Hong complained that she was busy on the one hand, and on the other hand, she didn't really like studying. She was able to get into the post office thanks to her family's help. Otherwise, she, who hadn't even graduated from elementary school, wouldn't have been able to get in at all.
"Sister Wang, you've met this writer Chen before, haven't you? Don't you remember that young man who sent a manuscript to 'October' magazine a few years ago? You were the one who processed it for him. That was writer Chen."
Another salesperson standing nearby offered a reminder.
Wang Hong then remembered who the other party was, and was filled with disbelief. That young lad had actually succeeded!
Thinking back to how she had confidently told everyone that Chen Weidong was just wasting money and looked down on him, Wang Hong was stunned and remained silent.
Ren Hongxing, who was standing nearby, could tell that Wang Hong didn't want to talk anymore, so he said, "I'm going out to take a look," and left.
When Wang Hong returned home that evening, unusually, she didn't cook. Instead, she took out the copy of "October" that she had bought after get off work, found the title "The Herdsman" by Chen Weidong, and started reading.
"Well written!"
It wasn't until late at night that Wang Hong looked up, her eyes wet with tears. She hadn't noticed the metaphors in "The Herdsman," but she was deeply moved by the love between Xu Lingjun and Li Xiuzhi.
……
"You take Sui Sui with you, I'll stay home and look after An An, so I won't go."
Chen Weidong said to Su Man that she had been staying at home ever since she gave birth to Chen Xiaoan, so it would be a good opportunity to go see a movie and relax.
As for himself, having watched so many high-definition movies in later generations, he really couldn't muster any interest in watching blurry black-and-white versions now.
"You should come too. It's not cold now, so make sure An'an is bundled up properly so she won't get cold."
Su Man persuaded him, saying that Chen Weidong had been exhausted lately, busy turning the soil and sowing seeds during the day and writing when he came back at night. She wanted him to come over and join in the fun, relax, and get a good rest.
"Alright then."
Chen Weidong thought for a moment and nodded. He wrapped Chen Xiaoan up tightly, carried Chen Xiaosui in his arms, and held a stool in his hand. Su Man carried Chen Xiaoan, and they slowly walked to the brigade headquarters.
It wasn't completely dark yet, and there was still some time before the movie started, but the place was already packed with villagers.
People were already sitting side by side with their stools, some even cracking sunflower seeds and beans. There were vendors selling popsicles, sunflower seeds, and peanuts all around, making it a lively scene.
"Wei Dong, over here!"
As Chen Weidong was looking around for a suitable spot, he saw He Yan stand up in the crowd and wave at him.
The surrounding villagers also saw him and immediately greeted him warmly.
"Writer Chen."
"Has Writer Chen eaten yet?"
"Would you like some sunflower seeds?"
"Writer Chen, this must be your son. He's got a strong, chubby face and looks very smart."
……
Chen Weidong and Su Man walked very slowly, and by the time they reached He Yan's side, he felt the muscles in his face were a little sore.
"Please sit down. We've already prepared seats for you. Sui Sui, let me give you a hug."
He Yan extended his hand to Chen Xiaosui and said that he genuinely liked Chen Weidong's daughter.
Chen Xiaosui turned her head and glanced at He Yan. He was an acquaintance, so she generously leaned forward and let He Yan pick her up.
"Grandpa, I'm hungry."
As he spoke, he glanced at the villagers next to him who were eating roasted sweet potatoes.
"Grandpa will take you shopping. What would you like to eat?"
He Yan's heart melted upon hearing this, and he immediately picked up Chen Xiaosui and walked towards the commune members selling goods nearby.