Chapter 44

Han Dong and Wei Da thought this approach was feasible, but they advised Song Haowen to be careful not to be pulled out of the carriage by the enthusiastic fans.

It took a full half-hour for all the passengers on the train to board. Many people had their hats askew, and shoes were trampled off. Song Haowen was the most miserable, with the sleeves of his military coat torn, and several buttons missing. If it weren’t for his martial arts skills and extraordinary strength, another person might have been pulled out of the window by the fans. Even so, he was covered in sweat and his arms were sore.

Then, the bus slowly moved more than a thousand meters at a snail’s pace, finally getting rid of the fans. At this point, Song Haowen, who had sighed with relief, stood up, bowed to everyone on the bus, and apologized, “I’m sorry, because of me, many people couldn’t have breakfast, and they suffered so much.”

He turned to Han Dong and Wei Da and said, “Two masters, if there’s a suitable place ahead, let’s stop the car and let everyone have a little something to eat. This meal is on me. Consider it my apology to everyone.”

“No need for you to treat.” The crowd refused one after another.

“You are our county’s pride. Riding in the same car with a big star like you makes us feel extremely honored.”

“This journey will be unforgettable for us.”

“Young brother, could you sing a few songs for us? We can all sing your songs.”

“Alright, since there’s nothing else to do right now, I’ll show off a bit.” Song Haowen said, “I’ll sing ‘Morning in the Campus’. If you know it, let’s sing together.”

“Great!” Everyone cheered.

“Along the familiar path in the campus

Arriving under the tree to study in the morning

The rising sun shining on our faces

Also shining on this little tree beside me

…”

Song Haowen had just sung the first line when someone immediately joined in within the carriage.

It started as a soft harmony, but soon everyone was singing loudly, with male voices dominating at times and female voices taking the lead at others.

After one song, they were requested to sing another one, “Grandma’s Penghu Bay,” and the result was a journey filled with joyful singing and laughter, with no one even thinking about having breakfast.

When the bus reached the final destination, Linshan Station, everyone’s interest was still high, reluctant to leave their seats.

It was already noon, and Song Haowen initially thought of getting off the bus immediately and heading home. However, Han Dong and Wei Da insisted on inviting him to lunch.

After some consideration, he thought it would be a rare opportunity to share a simple meal with everyone, a way of giving back to these fans and fellow music lovers.

So, Song Haowen shared his idea with all the passengers. Although they felt it was unnecessary for him to treat them, the chance to have lunch with a celebrity like him was an unexpected delight and considered the highlight of their trip to the capital.

Everyone gathered at a restaurant near the station, and three tables were set with four dishes and a soup each, excluding alcohol and cigarettes.

The meal was hearty and satisfying. As Song Haowen had advised not to mention his identity, the lunch was lively without any unexpected incidents. After the meal, everyone was reluctant to part ways, staying together until Song Haowen boarded the commune bus, and only then did they bid their farewells and head home.

Arriving at Zhao Sheng Commune, Song Haowen finally felt like he was home. To his surprise, there were people offering bicycle services at the station.

The long journey had left him exhausted, and he had been worrying about how to walk the remaining five or six miles home. Now, with just one yuan, someone would use a bicycle to take him and his belongings home.

Sitting on the sturdy backseat of the bicycle, watching the robust cyclist, Song Haowen couldn’t help but feel a sense of novelty.

The cyclist was talkative, sharing the recent happenings in the commune during the journey, and before he knew it, they had arrived at his doorstep.

Although everyone knew that Song Haowen would definitely come home for the New Year, they didn’t know exactly when. As the 28th night approached without any news, the entire family began to feel a bit anxious.

His sudden appearance delighted the whole family, who came out together to welcome him. The youngest brother, Song Haomin, and the youngest sister, Song Huifang, snatched the bag from his hands and began to open the parcels right at the doorstep, earning a scolding from their mother, Li Ying.

The second sister, Song Huihua, took the parcel from her younger siblings and placed it in Song Haowen’s room, not allowing them to peek. The two mischievous siblings made funny faces at the second sister, each grabbing one of Song Haowen’s arms and demanding to know what good things he brought for them.

Song Haowen chuckled. “Don’t worry, there’s something for everyone.” From the bag, he took out a red ski jacket, a pen, a pencil case, and a cloth doll for his youngest sister.

For his youngest brother, he had a pair of canvas shoes, a pen, and a toy car.

 The second sister received a white ski jacket, a set of college entrance exam review materials, and a ladies’ Shanghai watch.

His mother received a ladies’ Shanghai watch, a gold necklace, a pair of gold bracelets, a pair of ladies’ leather shoes, and a wool scarf.

His father got a Shanghai brand watch, a pair of leather shoes, and a fur-lined hat. Additionally, he planned to leave the single cassette recorder at home, along with the bicycle and radio he left during the summer break.

The two items the family was currently lacking were a sewing machine and a television, and he intended to get those for the family during the summer break.