Chapter 54: Parting is Hard After a Difficult Reunion

  "Be careful...... what's wrong, Baochun? You've returned to the city, so why are you crying with a sad face?"

  Ren Qun called out to the students from Pingding Xiang internship site, looking at the last boy getting on the bus, and asked with a smile. The boy scratched his head, his face looked even more bitter, and said: "Mosquito bites, didn't sleep well all night."

  Ren Qun smiled and comforted him, the people sat down, counted the number of people, and when they left the countryside, Teacher Ren was a little disappointed to see that no one from the school came out to see them off. Only the school's teaching director simply said hello, and as soon as the car left, he returned to school. Compared with the past, it was quite different. Generally speaking, schools with slightly better teaching quality did not welcome these interns from the city very much. The typical problem is that they are too big, their level is poor, and the rural middle school is too small to accommodate them, and they can't stay for a few days before leaving.

  Nowadays, students are like this. When the bus started, a student from this internship site handed over a form. After a quick glance, they were all words of praise for the teacher's respect and teaching methods during the internship period, which were stuffed into the folder with their eyes closed, and the whispers began in the back.

  "Miao Li, how's it going over there? The food here is terrible. We only realized that after coming here, the school cafeteria food back then was actually delicious."

  "Almost, where we are, we still have to cook for ourselves, who would do that, after eating instant noodles for two months, now I feel like vomiting whenever I see instant noodles..."

  "Haha... you guys are really stupid, can't even boil an egg?"

  "What's so good about eggs that they're choking people?"

  "Hey, I'm telling you, do you guys have lice there? We've been bitten badly... Shi Xiude is so lucky, he came for less than two weeks and got bitten by a dog, now he's resting for two months."

  "Haha... so you can take a leave of absence even if you're bitten by lice."

  "We have fleas where we are, and they bite us all over until our bodies are covered in red bumps... Our unit has already lost a third of its men..."

  “……”

  These students are not exaggerating, but the conditions are indeed harsh. Under the circumstances of the unfavorable job market in urban and suburban areas, the school has come up with this measure to send some graduates to teach in remote areas, which is intended to send some graduates to the most needed positions. However, it seems that things have turned out contrary to their wishes. After listening for a long time, Ren Qun couldn't help but turn around and ask everyone with a smile: "Fellow students, why haven't I heard you express your feelings towards the remote areas, your attachment to the school and your fellow students, or discuss teaching methods... Why are they all just personal complaints?"

  Huh? There's a problem, the sparrows have stopped chirping. Li Baochun, who was bitten by mosquitoes and looked very disheartened, muttered: "Teacher Ren, we can't even solve our living problems, what's the point of talking about feelings for the old district?"

  A sentence brought laughter, even for those who went to school in the county, most of them had not seen such a backward place before. This time they deeply felt it. A girl named Miao Li said with a pout: "If I knew it was like this, I wouldn't have signed up... Teacher Ren, the backward appearance here is not something we can change. In our rural middle school, there are only over 100 people, and the promotion rate has been zero for two consecutive years. Not to mention teaching, they say that the local dialect is even harder to understand than English. It's difficult to popularize Mandarin."

  It was another burst of laughter, and He Yunxian, the girl who had just chatted with Miao Li, chimed in: "These are secondary, the key is the living problem, we don't even have enough daily necessities."

  "I'll just buy some sausages and instant noodles, then when I get back, they're all expired. I go to return them, only to find that everything there is expired too." A boy said, causing laughter to erupt again.

  The several class teachers who came together all smiled, with a bit of awkwardness in their smiles. As for the old district, apart from the areas that have been developed into red tourism, other places are really not suitable for these students who have been spoiled to stay. Ren Qun listened to a bunch of complaints and tactfully said:

  "Classmates, I didn't want to say much, but looking at you all like this, I couldn't help but speak up. Have you ever thought about it? You've been here for two months and haven't established any emotional connection with the local teachers and students? Why do you all look so downcast and defeated when boarding the bus? This is somewhat contrary to our department's original intention."

  "It's hard to get excited, everyone is like this." Li Baochun complained, and several people next to him had the same feeling. Chen Fuli, who was in the same group, finally opened his eyes and said with a sense of relief: "It's not that I'm completely unhappy, I'm actually quite happy now, I'll go back and sleep well for a week."

  A burst of laughter, and then another boy chimed in: "I've been starving for a week, I'm so hungry. I stuffed my belly with all sorts of grains, not a drop of oil or water. Honestly, I'm not kidding you guys..."

  The atmosphere changed again, and laughter broke out. Several class teachers looked at each other, shaking their heads. Ren Qun was on the phone, contacting the last internship site. At this time, the car had just turned out of the village road. After talking to Wang Huating, he turned his head and said to the students who were whispering: "Everyone take a break for a while. There is still an internship site in Zhuo Ma Township. We will pick them up and return to the city. Tomorrow we will officially return to school. Those who have not submitted their graduation thesis should hurry up and submit it to the department's mailbox. The deadline is tomorrow, and the initial review will begin."

  The car was moving slowly, the air conditioner was on, and many people were drowsy in the comfortable and pleasant atmosphere. But somehow, someone started spreading rumors that the class leader and branch secretary were at a certain point in Shoumao Village, and those three idiots from Dormitory 222 were also there. Yesterday, it seemed like Zhao Hui or someone else saw them on TV, welcoming guests. This gossip topic had just begun when someone asked Zhao Hui to confirm it, and the boy swore that he really did see it. It was reported by Luzhou TV Station's "Charming Luzhou" large-scale special program opening news that several TV stations and film companies from inside and outside the province participated, with a considerable scale... Moreover, he had confirmed with Branch Secretary last night, and it was indeed them.

  At this, Class Director Ren Qun was shocked and turned back to ask: "Zhao Hui, did you really see them... welcoming the bridegroom!?"

  "That's right, Teacher Ren, Lanzhou News gave Danyong a special write-up. I mistakenly recognized someone else, but they can recognize those three. And there's Leidaipeng, playing the cymbals in the wedding procession, and Simu Xian playing the erhu. These three always come out as a trio. Could it be wrong?"

  Zhao Hui said with a smile, and everyone laughed. He brought out many funny stories about Lei Ge and Dan Ge to entertain them. The whole team was like this, wondering what kind of state those three would be in, it's really worth looking forward to. Some people guessed that Lei Ge's personality would make the teacher from their hometown angry, while others speculated that the class monitor would be driven crazy by that pair. Some people whispered to each other, wondering how Lei Ge and Dang Hua's relationship was progressing... All sorts of speculations, but the anticipation index was getting higher and higher.

  "Save it." Ren Qun turned back with a smile and said, "They always exceed your expectations, and this time is no exception. I've been there once, they seem to be living very well, eating phoenix bathed in fire, drinking snowflake beer, and getting along with the locals; not only the school, but also the education committee has given good feedback; not only their life, but also their teaching performance... Who are these three people? Everyone on earth knows that it's not something they can do, but rather something you all can't do?"

  "Hmm! This has stunned everyone, whether it's a horizontal or vertical comparison, it shouldn't be worse than that group. Li Baochun said with a smile: "Teacher Ren, you're biased towards the class monitor and the branch secretary? That's so mysterious, Zhumadian is poorer than Xinquan County and Wuxiang, several internship points are here."

  As soon as this was said, everyone chimed in. With the three of them present, theoretically nothing bad had happened yet, and it was already a rare occurrence. Ren Qun smiled and said: "Alright, let's wait and see... I really want to make a bet with you all. I say that today in Cai Ma Xiang there will definitely be a farewell procession, do you believe me?"

  After whispering for a moment, the students almost unanimously said: "I don't believe it!"

  Ren Qun smiled but didn't speak, the car drove onto the country road leading to Zhuoma Township, and that heavy anticipation became even heavier...

  ……………………

  ……………………

  The village road is very narrow and in disrepair, and the natural conditions are even worse than those of several other towns. At that time, when we chose to go to the old district for practice, it was the class leader and the league branch secretary who picked the worst place to lead everyone into the pit. And if this place really experienced such a miracle as Teacher Ren said, it would be hard to understand.

  A student looking out of the car's rear window shouted: "Look, it's Dahewang Yingxiao."

  "Huh, it's a filming truck... are they shooting some kind of war movie here?" Another student, Zhu Ce, chimed in that this red old district often receives groups of Eighth Route Army and devils.

  Two film and television production vehicles with sunroofs sped by, overtaking us, sparking waves of speculation and discussion about the recently popular anti-war drama. Nothing else, just that the people are very heroic, the devils are very stupid, and the traitors are too brain-dead, not interesting.

  After driving for more than half an hour, when the village came into view, many people looked up with anticipation. As the scene became clearer in everyone's eyes, a car full of students looked at each other in surprise. It seemed that Teacher Ren's vision was accurate after all. The village had indeed gathered a group of over a hundred teachers and students. Surrounded by people in front, it couldn't be anyone else but the class leader leading those few student interns.

  At this time, the difference from other places can also be seen. Wang Huating and Liu Cuizhen, who were waving their hands, had bright smiles on their faces. Dan Yong and Si Muxian, who were carrying things, looked so elegant and casual. As for Lei Dapeng, he was still playing with a group of junior high school students, not at all like the dejected appearance of other internship sites.

  The car screeched to a halt, and Ren Qun got out laughing, while Wang Hua-ting and Shan Chang-gen came up to greet them. The ones in the back were in disarray, as Lei Da-peng was saying goodbye to his brothers, rubbing this one's forehead: "If you can't make it in the village anymore, come find Big Brother Lei in the city."

  "Turn back, and drag another one to say: 'The wheat is ripe, call me, now millet is valuable, tell your mother, don't always hide in the attic, it's a pity if the insects eat and the mice bite.'"

  "And you, come back and find me next time, don't dare to bully Jing Yanyan again." Rubbing Xiaotunbei's head.

  Although reluctant, but also do not know how to express that simple feeling, Lei Dapeng is bad at expressing himself, these half-grown kids surrounding him are also bad at expressing themselves, holding hands, pulling sleeves, and some staring blankly, all sorts of signs show that the brotherly affection is indeed very deep!

  Classmates in the car also rushed down, girls pulling Liu Cuicloud and boys pulling Si Muxian, talking about everything, asking long and short questions, but the focus was pointing at Leiguo and saying: "What's going on? Why does Leiguo look like a team leader?"

  "That's it, the masses have a good foundation, can't help it." Si Mu Xian said with satisfaction.

  "What's so special about that? Lei Dapeng is the head coach of three grades, and he's dragging it along." Liu Cuicui and the girl muttered to themselves.

  Teacher Renqun was savoring this rare joy, and it wasn't a waste of organizing the event after all. The class advisor who came along easily captured a shot of the teacher-student farewell, quickly turning on the DV to record it, but unfortunately, the main character, Lei Dapeng, made him feel uneasy in his heart.

  The surprise had not been digested, and new things came again. The car entered the village and startled the parents. Many parents gathered to join in the excitement, bringing freshly picked corn, newly harvested summer squash, and green apples. Some even carried one or two bags of millet and corn flour, happily stuffing them into the car, emphasizing that they were for Teacher Lei.

  "Hey, I'm telling you, Egg Brother, someone has stolen your thunder!" Classmate Zhao Hui came over and joked with Shan Yong. Shan Yong turned his head and shouted: "Second Lei, hurry up! You've been playing for two months and still haven't had enough, or else just settle down here!"

  "Hurry up, it's still early." Lei Dapeng said to Jing Yanyan and Niu Shuisheng while pulling them along. He let go of the two and waved his hand, shouting loudly: "Brothers, that day when I get hungry, I'll be back, we'll go hunting together. Whoever gets into the city in the future, I'll drive to pick you up."

  As soon as the crowd's emotions were mentioned, it was a big stir. Almost exposed, this title is really shocking, Shanyong quickly gestured to Simu Xian to pull people, Simu Xian stepped forward and pulled him, persuading him, and finally pulled Leiguo into the classmate group, fearing that he would say something inappropriate in public again.

  Single-handedly waving goodbye to the reluctant students, Ren Qun teacher and the parents who came shook hands one by one. In fact, even she was a bit surprised that the class monitor and team leader were all faded out, how come it's all about Lei teacher being good?

  It's easy to persuade them, but before they even got on the bus, new people arrived, as if everyone came to join in the fun today. Two cars with "Dahai Film and Television" and "Charming Luzhou" logos sped over, blocking the way of the large bus. Except for Director Qin from that day, Wang Xiangzhang also brought along a group of people who jumped off the car, their faces filled with joy. From afar, several people came forward, beaming with delight. Wang Xiangzhang stopped the team and the teacher who accompanied them, saying "Wait, wait", we have to give you a banner to express our gratitude for all the good things you've done for us. The teachers and students were surprised at first, but after a few explanations, they understood that it was those three people who came to welcome them back, bringing a large sum of sponsorship money back to the school.

  Qin director's goal was to rush straight to Shan Yong, came up without giving a chance to speak, and grasped Shan Yong's hand heavily, saying: "Young man, I must thank you sincerely."

  "I heard that, on TV, you just say it, how much does this face cost to ask for royalties?" Shanyong joked, taking a look at the director and seeing a beautiful girl behind him. The boys and girls all swarmed up, asking left and right, and the director couldn't say anything about the price. On the other side, the village head and Teacher Ren were talking, only thanking each other, but not knowing where to start. Director Qin waved his hand and pointed in the direction of the approaching road: "One hundred sets of teaching desks and chairs...and four sets of computers, all donated to Zhaima Township Middle School under the name of Dahai Film and Television...Photography, come on, take a picture of this scene."

  This shout, it got even more lively. Two photographers came down and waited at the intersection to take pictures. Lei Dapeng was a bit angry, pointing at Shan Yong and scolding: "Aren't you done yet? If I had known that all you wanted was money, then that would have been fine. What's with the tables, chairs, boards, and stools..."

  He scrunched up his face and glared, and Simu Xiao hurriedly covered his mouth, which was too low-brow. At least it was better than nothing, and the classmates who came along were delighted, asking about the reason. When they heard that it was because of blowing the suona that they got so many donations, everyone was envious. But the director said that it was thanks to this rustic welcoming scene that the entire film's level was raised a notch. The Lu Zhou TV station reported on the grand opening ceremony, and the first selected shot was exactly this one.

  The car drove slowly, and the village chief was still not satisfied with the lively scene, urging them to hurry up with the props. The rural things were readily available, and with a gong and drum, several small items were added, running faster than the car. Shan Changgen was also happy, calling on the students to welcome the car along the way, and even set off firecrackers worth 500 yuan. Qin Daoyan was in the band, holding a suona, shouting "Shan Yong, Shan Yong!" Shan Yong rushed over, followed by Lei Dapeng and Si Moxian, who were also delighted to join in. The whistle was stuffed into his mouth, the cymbals were snatched into his hands, and the huangguoshu was hung around his neck. When the firecracker went off, Shan Yong's neck straightened up, his cheeks puffed out, and with a blow of air, the sound of "Xi Yangyang" overpowered the firecracker noise... The music was lively and joyful, Lei Dapeng beat the gong, waving his hand and shouting to the students: "Brothers, let's move things! They're all ours!"

  The students from the countryside rushed up, making a loud noise, and the Chinese department's interns helped out. Some people got on the car, some received the goods, and a whole truck full of brand new desks, chairs, and computers with donation signs were moved into the school by the delighted teachers and students. The photographer once again aimed his lens at the three men from yesterday. Duan Yong, who was blowing the suona horn, was swaying back and forth, laughing so hard that he was twisting his body. Lei Dapeng, who was banging the cymbals, was laughing so much that his whole body was shaking. The two of them were blowing and banging while also playfully bumping each other's buttocks, intentionally causing a commotion, making the donation scene even more lively than a wedding banquet.

  With all the commotion, the schedule would be delayed. The village head and a group of people from the village government wanted to invite the interns and their teacher for lunch. Shan Changgen, representing the school, also said that not treating them to a meal would be impolite. Director Qin's eyes never left Shan Yong's side, and as soon as the music stopped, he pulled Shan Yong aside and whispered: "Little brother, how about following me to attend the opening of the Yincheng Temple Fair today? We've specially invited you."

  Shan Yong was taken aback and said, "What time is it today? Isn't it too early for the temple fair?"

  The director smiled and said, "Although it's not time yet, we'll start filming early. It's a rare large-scale temple fair in years, with the Eight Corners Tower, Yangge dance, and even the famous Tie Shui Han steel flower performance team from Luoyang will be performing. The excitement is self-evident." Dan Yong's eyes lit up, but when he leaned into the director's ear, he asked, "Is there a reward?"

  "This is all given. Not only has your condition been met, but several computers have also been donated." The director with the big beard pointed to the tables and chairs that had just entered the courtyard.

  "You're such a person, you don't know how to get things done. I just casually said something and you have to make me out to be so noble." Dan Yong whispered complaints, whispering in his ear: "Can't you find me privately? The price is negotiable, right? You have to give me some, can't let me run for nothing?"

  Director Qin was just moved by the strong feelings of teacher-student relationship, but upon hearing this, he rolled his eyes and knew that this guy was a cheap good who still wanted to show off. The two of them were secretly calculating in their sleeves, seemingly haggling over prices. In the blink of an eye, Shan Yong quietly beckoned and whispered something to Si Mu Xian, who nodded after being stunned for a moment. He then turned around to ask for leave from teacher Ren Qun, who naturally agreed with a smile. Just as Shan Yong and Si Mu Xian were about to get on the car, Lei Da Peng squeezed in first, shouting with his eyes wide open: "You guys are having a gay relationship and won't admit it, thinking of dumping me? No way!"

  This guy got on the bus, looking like he was ready to stay put, but first he made the two female comrades in the car laugh. Shan Yong patted him on the shoulder and comforted him: "You think you can fool us with your sneaky eyes?... Come on, the Yincheng Temple Fair is about to open, the director gave us a reward of 3,000 yuan, soon you'll be wearing a ghost mask for the Nuo opera, I'll play the suona horn, and Brother Xian will play the banhu."

  Lei Dapeng just said it casually, and it didn't matter what he did. At this time, he had already set his sights on the two girls from the camera crew in the front row of the business car. They looked very unnatural. Simu Xian pulled Second Brother to shift his attention and said: "And there's Tiehua Team going, that's really worth a look. Nationwide, our Lu Zhou's Tiehua is one of a kind."

  Oh, it seems like this name has a special meaning. As soon as he heard Le Ge's name, he nodded solemnly and said that sounds interesting.

  Two cars carrying these three special guests drove away first...