【Chapter Twenty-Eight】
1
Inside the Yu family’s tea-firing room, Lai-chun was feeding firewood into the large stove, while Wen-yen and A-yuan were separately kneeling beside bamboo trays, hand-rolling the tea leaves. Mei-hua sat on a small wooden stool, carefully observing Wen-yen’s movements.
Mei-hua asked, “How long does one batch of tea leaves need to be rolled?”
Wen-yen said, “They have to be rolled until the tea leaves release a fruity aroma.”
Mei-hua asked, “Then you have to roll them for a long time?”
Wen-yen said, “About an hour, I guess? Every ten minutes, we also have to pour the leaves out and spread them flat on the bamboo trays so the tea leaves can come into contact with the air evenly, then put them back into the cloth bags and continue rolling them.”
Mei-hua asked, “That’s really labor-intensive. It must be very hard work.”
Wen-yen smiled and said, “Once you get used to it, it doesn’t feel hard anymore.”
Lai-chun looked at Wen-yen and Mei-hua and thought to himself, “This girl Mei-hua seems very gentle and able to endure hardship too. If Wen-yen likes her, she should become a truly virtuous wife in managing a household in the future…”
2
Near noon, Wen-ying and Mei-hua were at the front yard entrance, turning over and sun-drying the freshly picked tea leaves.
Wen-ying said, “Normally at this time, it drizzles almost every day. It’s strange — these past few days, the weather has cleared up and the sun has even come out.”
Mei-hua said, “If it rains, how do you handle these tea leaves?”
Wen-ying explained, “Then we have to use a large blower to dry them, and afterward spread them flat on bamboo trays so the tea leaves can wither naturally. But without exposure to sunlight, the withering time becomes longer, the degree of fermentation is harder to control, and the flavor is usually a bit poorer.”
Mei-hua said, “So there’s actually a whole field of knowledge involved in this!”
Wen-ying said, “Making tea mostly depends on experience. Over the past ten-plus years, my brother has devoted a great deal of effort to studying every stage of the process. The quality of the tea he makes is highly recognized by the farmers’ association and the wholesale tea dealers.”
Mei-hua exclaimed admiringly, “Your brother is that amazing?”
Wen-ying said, “My brother puts great care into everything he does. Even when growing vegetables or raising pigs, he has his own methods. I’ve learned a lot by staying at his side, but when it comes to tea-making, there are still many steps I haven’t fully mastered yet.”
Mei-hua said, “Last night I watched your brother and your younger uncle rolling the tea leaves. Isn’t that very exhausting? Why not consider introducing automated machinery for production?”
Wen-ying said, “It is very exhausting! But there’s nothing we can do — we can’t afford automated machines. Still, my brother says that although handmade tea has a smaller yield, the quality is better, and the purchase price is also higher, which more or less makes up for the lower production. My brother says handmade tea tastes good because the maker pours emotion into the tea-making process. Every batch of tea is like a work of art; only by putting one’s heart and feelings into it can good quality be achieved.”
Mei-hua nodded and smiled, saying, “That way of thinking feels very fresh, but it also sounds very convincing.”
3
Bao-feng and Ming-dao walked hand in hand along Ximending’s movie street. As they passed the entrance of a movie theater, Bao-feng unexpectedly spotted Hsiao-chiao standing in line, accompanied by a slick-haired, heavily groomed young man.
Bao-feng pulled Ming-dao and said, “Hsiao-chiao is over there. Let’s go say hello to her.”
When Ming-dao saw Hsiao-chiao and that young man, he asked, “Bao-feng, that guy…”
Bao-feng said, “Don’t ask yet. Let’s go over first.”
The two walked behind Hsiao-chiao. Wang Chun asked, “Hsiao-chiao, those two are your friends, right?”
Hsiao-chiao turned around and said in surprise, “Bao-feng, Ming-dao, you came out shopping too?”
Bao-feng said, “Ming-dao came back for winter vacation and invited me out to watch a movie.”
Ming-dao sized Wang Chun up and asked, “Hsiao-chiao, this gentleman is…”
Hsiao-chiao said somewhat awkwardly, “He’s my senior schoolmate, Wang Chun.”
“Let me borrow Hsiao-chiao for a few words.” Bao-feng pulled Hsiao-chiao aside. “Hsiao-chiao, you really broke up with Wen-yen…”
Hsiao-chiao nodded helplessly and said, “Anyway, Wen-yen already has a new girlfriend!”
Bao-feng said, “You mean Chang Mei-hua? I really don’t think they look like boyfriend and girlfriend!”
Hsiao-chiao asked in confusion, “Chang Mei-hua? Isn’t Wen-yen together with Senior Shao Yen-ling?”
Now it was Bao-feng’s turn to become confused. She asked, “Shao Yen-ling? How could it be her?”
Hsiao-chiao said, “Wen-yen’s roommate saw it with his own eyes.”
Bao-feng said, “Is that so? Could it be that Wen-yen has become infatuated with women? But yesterday afternoon, Wen-yen even brought Chang Mei-hua and her father to my house to interview my grandfather! Wen-yen should be staying in Lu-kul these days to help pick and process the winter tea.”
Hsiao-chiao sighed and said, “Who Wen-yen chooses to date is something I neither want to ask about nor have the right to ask about.”
Bao-feng said, “Hsiao-chiao, from my understanding of Wen-yen, he’s not the kind of person who loves the new and tires of the old, or who dates two women at once. There’s probably some hidden reason behind all this.”
Hsiao-chiao said, “Forget it. What’s the use of talking about this now?”
Bao-feng asked, “Is that Wang Chun your new boyfriend?”
Hsiao-chiao said, “In my heart, he has never been one. I’d rather stay single than spend my whole life entangled with him.”
Bao-feng said, “If that’s the case, then you should think of a way to get rid of him sooner.”
Hsiao-chiao said, “I’ll wait until my daddy’s company’s business stabilizes first. Right now our family still needs favors from his father.”
Bao-feng asked, “Do you have anything you want me to pass along to Wen-yen?”
Hsiao-chiao took a card and a gift box out of her handbag and said, “Bao-feng, please give these to Wen-yen for me. His birthday is coming soon.”
Bao-feng said, “Alright.”
Hsiao-chiao turned and walked back to Wang Chun’s side, saying, “Senior, let’s go inside and watch the movie?”
4
Early in the morning, the Yu family and Chang Mei-hua were picking tea leaves in the tea plantation. Bao-feng rode over on her bicycle and waved at Wen-yen and Wen-ying from the mountain road above the tea plantation. Bao-feng parked her bicycle by the roadside and walked down into the tea plantation.
Wen-yen said, “Bao-feng, you’re up this early?”
Bao-feng took out the gift box and card and said, “Hsiao-chiao asked me to bring you this birthday present.”
Wen-yen asked, “Hsiao-chiao? When did you run into her?”
Bao-feng said, “On Ximending movie street. Ming-dao and I ran into her while we were shopping. Hsiao-chiao was together with her senior schoolmate.”
Wen-yen asked, “Oh? Hsiao-chiao was with her senior schoolmate?”
Bao-feng said, “Mm! Ming-dao said that guy looked like a frivolous, slick-haired rich brat!”
Wen-yen said, “Sigh! That’s Hsiao-chiao’s choice too.”
Bao-feng asked, “That Chang Mei-hua has been staying at your house these past two days?”
Wen-yen said, “Yeah! She said she wanted to experience farm life, so she stayed on her own.”
Bao-feng smiled bitterly and said, “Wen-yen, you really don’t understand a girl’s feelings at all!”
Wen-yen asked in puzzlement, “A girl’s feelings? What do you mean?”
Bao-feng said, “Idiot, if Mei-hua didn’t have feelings for you, why would she linger at your house?”
Wen-yen said, “Really? But she promised we would just be good friends.”
Bao-feng asked, “Then let me ask you this — what’s going on between you and Shao Yen-ling?”
Wen-yen said, “Yen-ling? She only occasionally comes to National Taiwan University’s College of Law to see me and chat. I’m not together with her.”
Bao-feng said, “Alright! I believe you’re not lying!”
Wen-yen said, “Why would I lie to you? After breaking up with Hsiao-chiao, I decided to focus all my energy on preparing for the lawyer and judicial officer examinations.”
Bao-feng said, “Hsiao-chiao personally told me that she would rather stay single than marry Wang Chun. You should understand what that means, right?”
Wen-yen nodded and said, “Mm! I understand!”
Bao-feng said, “Don’t let Hsiao-chiao’s feelings for you down. I’m going to chat with Chang Mei-hua for a while.”
Bao-feng walked toward Wen-ying and Mei-hua.
Wen-ying said, “Sister Bao-feng, good morning!”
Bao-feng said, “Wen-ying, since you’re home for winter vacation, help your brother and Uncle A-yuan more, alright?”
Wen-ying said, “I will!”
Mei-hua said, “Bao-feng, I heard from Wen-yen that your family’s tea plantation is huge.”
Bao-feng said, “Yes! My grandfather hired many villagers to help. Mei-hua, picking tea leaves is exhausting, isn’t it?”
Mei-hua said, “It’s not too bad! Picking tea while chatting with Wen-yen and his sister makes the time pass quickly.”
Bao-feng asked, “Mei-hua, are you free this afternoon? I’d like to ask you out for a talk.”
Mei-hua thought for a moment and said, “If I tell Wen-yen first, it should be alright?”
Bao-feng said, “I’ll come to Wen-yen’s house to find you in the afternoon.”
Mei-hua said, “Okay.”
Bao-feng waved to Lai-chun and Chou Tien, then turned around and walked back.
5
After returning to his bedroom, Wen-yen opened the small gift box. Inside was a Seiko men’s mechanical wristwatch. Wen-yen knew this was a weighty birthday gift.
Wen-yen opened the card. Inside, a classical Yuefu poem, “Shang Yeh,” had been copied down:
“Oh Heavens! I wish to know you and be with you forever, never to fade or perish. Only when the mountains lose their peaks, the river waters dry up, winter thunder rumbles, summer snow falls, and heaven and earth unite — only then would I dare part from you!”
Of course Wen-yen had read this Han Dynasty Yuefu poem before. He repeatedly read Hsiao-chiao’s graceful handwriting, as if Hsiao-chiao herself were reciting the poem softly beside his ear. How could Wen-yen not understand Hsiao-chiao’s feelings?
Wen-yen softly cursed, “You little fool! I know your feelings. You want to wait until I pass the national examinations…”
6
Bao-feng and Mei-hua were chatting beneath the shade of the magnolia tree in front of the Yu family’s house.
Mei-hua said, “I really want to put out a lounge chair and take an afternoon nap under this magnolia tree.”
Bao-feng said, “Why not? During the summer, Wen-yen and Wen-ying often take naps here.”
Mei-hua said, “Really? They really know how to enjoy life!”
Bao-feng said, “In summertime, with a whole tree full of cicada sounds, the brother and sister can still sleep soundly.”
Mei-hua smiled and said, “They’re used to it.”
Bao-feng asked, “Mei-hua, do you know why I asked you to come out here?”
Mei-hua said, “I can roughly guess.”
Bao-feng asked, “You know that Wen-yen previously had a girlfriend, Hsia Hsiao-chiao, whom he dated for many years, right?”
Mei-hua said, “I know. Hsiao-chiao and I were classmates for six years. We’re very close friends.”
Bao-feng asked, “Do you like Wen-yen?”
A faint blush appeared on Mei-hua’s face. She nodded and said, “Mm!”
Bao-feng asked, “Has Wen-yen ever taken the initiative to hold your hand?”
Mei-hua shook her head.
Bao-feng said, “Wen-yen and I are practically childhood sweethearts. When getting on and off the ox cart, he would hold me, carry me in his arms, and even carry me on his back into the house. But I know that Wen-yen treats me as his younger sister.”
Mei-hua asked, “Bao-feng, you liked Wen-yen too, didn’t you?”
Bao-feng said, “Mm! Even now, I still like him, but reason reminds me that Wen-yen will not become the person I rely on in the future, because all these years, the only person in his heart has been Hsia Hsiao-chiao.”
Mei-hua said, “I know that.”
Bao-feng said, “I cannot be certain whether Hsiao-chiao will someday change her mind and reconcile with Wen-yen, but I hope there will be a woman who understands how to cherish and care for Wen-yen, someone who can take care of his daily life and stay by his side.”
Mei-hua asked, “Bao-feng, what you mean is…”
Bao-feng said, “It’s unlikely that I will be that fortunate woman, but if that person is you, please make sure to treasure Wen-yen well.”
Mei-hua said, “Mm! I will, if Wen-yen and I are destined to have that fate.”
Bao-feng said, “There’s one thing I want to ask of you, Mei-hua.”
Mei-hua said, “Bao-feng, please tell me.”
Bao-feng said, “Over the next few years, stay by Wen-yen’s side while he studies, and encourage him to pass the lawyer and judicial officer examinations.”
Mei-hua said, “I will. If Wen-yen’s heart belongs only to Hsiao-chiao, then in the end my devotion may simply be self-delusion. But I am willing to gamble once against fate.”
Bao-feng said, “You are very courageous. I have always believed that Wen-yen will become a very accomplished man.”
“Whether I succeed or fail,” Mei-hua said with a bitter smile, “I want to give myself a chance.”
7
Early in the morning, Mei-hua and Wen-ying followed Wen-yen to harvest bamboo shoots. The mountain path under the fine cold rain was slippery and slick. Wen-yen put a pair of straw sandals over Mei-hua’s rain boots. The three climbed up the hillside, and Wen-yen repeatedly reached out to pull Mei-hua along to keep her from falling. The three arrived at a bamboo grove on a slope.
Wen-ying taught Mei-hua how to find bamboo shoots: “Once those bamboo shoots with tips already exposed are晒到陽光, they quickly turn bitter, so most bamboo shoots are harvested before sunrise in the early morning.”
Mei-hua asked in confusion, “But today is a rainy and overcast day?”
Wen-ying said, “Bamboo shoots grow even faster on rainy days. Once more than half of the shoot has emerged from the soil, that bamboo shoot will definitely become bitter and astringent.”
Mei-hua said, “Wen-ying, according to what you’re saying, the tasty bamboo shoots are the ones that haven’t emerged from the soil yet?”
Wen-ying said, “Those with just a tiny tip showing, or those about to break through the soil with cracks appearing around them — bamboo shoots like those are sweet and tender in texture, and they are usually the ones sold at the market.”
Mei-hua said, “Then what about those bitter bamboo shoots?”
Wen-ying said, “We keep those for ourselves to eat!”
Mei-hua asked, “But the bamboo shoots I’ve eaten these past two days weren’t bitter at all?”
Wen-ying said, “You’re a guest. My mother felt embarrassed to let you eat overripe bamboo shoots with a bitter taste.”
Mei-hua said, “So that’s how it is? Come to think of it, it’s rather strange — the older people grow, the wiser they become, but bamboo shoots become more bitter the more mature they are.”
Wen-ying said, “Sweet potatoes and many leafy vegetables are the same — the more mature they become, the worse they taste. But melons and fruits are exactly the opposite; the more mature they become, the sweeter they are. Sister Mei-hua, first I’ll teach you how to look for cracks on the surface of the soil.”
Mei-hua said, “Alright! It really feels like hunting for treasure. How interesting!”
Wen-ying led Mei-hua in treasure hunting beneath the bamboo grove, and indeed they made repeated discoveries.
“Sister Mei-hua, look at the crack here.” Wen-ying held a flat cutting knife in her right hand and pointed at one spot. “This bamboo shoot will poke its tip out within another hour or two.”
“There really is a crack!” Mei-hua crouched down and examined it carefully.
Wen-ying held a small hoe in her left hand and scraped away the soil around the crack. Sure enough, a section of pale yellow bamboo shoot tinged with milky white appeared. “This one is a sweet and tender bamboo shoot. Watch how I harvest it.” Wen-ying inserted the flat cutting knife beneath the lower edge of the bamboo shoot at the proper angle, then reversed the hoe handle and struck it hard. The bamboo shoot immediately separated from the root. “It’s just that simple!”
Mei-hua said, “Mm! I’ll find a bamboo shoot and try it too.”
8
Winter vacation ended, and the university semester began.
Wen-yen was in the library room of the main library searching for materials and writing a paper. Chang Mei-hua found Wen-yen and sat down beside him.
Mei-hua asked, “Wen-yen, what are you busy with?”
Wen-yen said, “Writing a short paper. I plan to submit it to the department journal.”
Mei-hua said, “Oh? The semester has only just started, and you’re already this busy. By the way, the poetry club is going to publish a members’ poetry journal this semester, and the club president says he plans to ask you to write short critiques of the works.”
Wen-yen said, “Ask me to write critiques of the works? I’m not formally trained in the College of Liberal Arts, so why would they ask me to write them?”
Mei-hua said, “I think you’re very suitable for it. When everyone in the club discusses modern poetry together, everyone acknowledges that your analysis is the most insightful. I only know how to write modern poetry; I don’t know how to analyze and critique other people’s works.”
Wen-yen said, “The club president seems to think too highly of me.”
Mei-hua smiled and said, “The capable work harder. You can do it.”
Wen-yen felt that Mei-hua did not seem to have any intention of leaving, so he asked, “Mei-hua, don’t you have classes anymore?”
Mei-hua said, “The last two periods are free periods, so I came over to keep you company while studying.”
Wen-yen asked, “Keep me company while studying? There’s no need! I’m not an elementary school student.”
Mei-hua said seriously, “Your little sister Bao-feng instructed me to.”
Wen-yen asked, “Bao-feng? Why would she do that?”
Mei-hua said, “Bao-feng asked me to stay by your side until you pass the judicial officer and lawyer examinations.”
Wen-yen asked, “You girls shouldn’t act impulsively. What if I still haven’t passed after ten years or eight years? Don’t you need to date and get married?”
Mei-hua said, “I have great confidence in you.”
Wen-yen said, “No, I can’t delay your lifelong happiness.”
Mei-hua said, “I’m not even worrying about myself, so why are you worrying about me?”
9
Just as Wen-yen returned to the entrance of the dormitory, Shao Yen-ling walked toward him.
Yen-ling said, “You’re done with class? Wen-yen, let’s have dinner together?”
Wen-yen said, “Yen-ling, I’m sorry. I came back to take a shower, and afterward I still have to hurry to the department office.”
Yen-ling said, “No matter how busy you are, you can’t leave your stomach empty, can you?”
Wen-yen said, “The department journal is selecting submissions these past two days. I’m one of the editors, so I have to participate the entire time.”
Yen-ling said, “I see! Then how about I buy two boxed meals and bring them over to the department office for you?”
Wen-yen said, “That would feel very strange. There’s really no need!”
Yen-ling said, “I’m not going to embarrass you, so what are you worried about?”
Wen-yen said, “You’re overthinking it. That’s not what I mean.”
Yen-ling said, “Go upstairs and take your shower first. I’ll go buy the boxed meals, and I’ll come find you at your department office.”
Wen-yen could not outargue Yen-ling and had no choice but to go upstairs.
10
Wen-yen, Li Chi-wen, and several senior students were in the department office selecting submissions for the department journal.
Yen-ling quietly walked in carrying two boxed meals and a bag of snacks in her hands, but she still caused a stir.
Chi-wen said, “Wen-yen, your new sister-in-law brought dinner for you!”
Cheng Yi-ying said, “Wen-yen, your girlfriend is so virtuous!”
Wen-yen said, “She’s my senior from high school, not my girlfriend.”
Li Yu-ning said, “So it’s an older-woman-younger-man romance?”
Yen-ling said, “Everyone, would you like to take a break first? I brought stinky tofu and a bag of braised snacks.”
Chi-wen asked, “Seniors, should we take a break first?”
Cheng Yi-ying said, “With delicious food right in front of us, how could we disappoint someone’s heartfelt kindness?”
Ho Shih-tang said, “Yi-ying, if you don’t exercise some restraint, I’m afraid Lin Chueh-min really will die without closing his eyes after writing ‘A Farewell Letter to My Wife’!”
Li Yu-ning said, “Saying that to Yi-ying is useless. With those dozens of gallons of strategic oil reserves on her body, where do you think they came from?”
Cheng Yi-ying said, “Alright, I confess. It’s just really hard for me to resist temptation!”
Ho Shih-tang said, “An English writer once said: ‘I can resist everything except temptation!’ That saying truly makes a lot of sense.”
“Sitting and talking is inferior to getting up and eating. Whoever moves too slowly won’t get anything to eat. Everyone, I’m starting first!” After saying this, Li Chi-wen picked up his chopsticks and was about to begin eating.
Wen-yen said, “Since everything has already been brought here, everyone please enjoy yourselves.”
Li Yu-ning said, “On behalf of the Editorial Committee of the Department of Law Journal, I sincerely welcome Wen-yen’s senior-schoolmate girlfriend to visit our headquarters frequently…”
Wen-yen said, “Senior, stop giving the welcome speech already. Just enjoy the food to your hearts’ content.”
11
Shao Yen-ling followed Wen-yen walking along the street. Wen-yen deliberately quickened his pace, while Yen-ling hurried after him. “Wen-yen, don’t walk so fast. Wait for me!”
Wen-yen slowed down and waited for her.
Yen-ling said, “Why are you angry with me?”
Wen-yen replied irritably, “If you keep being such a loudmouth and going around broadcasting everywhere that you’re my girlfriend, then I really will stop talking to you!”
Yen-ling said, “Alright! Alright!”
Wen-yen said, “You really did that on purpose!”
Yen-ling said, “Alright! Don’t be angry anymore! Let’s go watch a movie?”
Wen-yen said, “No. I should go back to the dormitory to study and organize my notes.”
Yen-ling complained, “You never spend time with me.”
Wen-yen said, “I’m not that kind of college student who only knows how to eat, drink, and have fun. I still have national examinations to prepare for. If all you want is to eat, drink, and play around, you should find some other guy.”
Yen-ling said, “I know you need to prepare for exams. Otherwise, whenever I have a free period, I’ll come keep you company while you study.”
Those words instinctively made Wen-yen think of Chang Mei-hua. “I wouldn’t dare trouble you, miss. I’ll head back first. You should rest early too.”
Yen-ling looked at Wen-yen with sorrowful eyes. “Do you really have to treat me like this?”
Wen-yen began to soften, saying, “We agreed that we would be good friends and not put pressure on each other.”
Yen-ling said, “I only want you to treat me a little better than you do now. Can’t you even do that?”
Thinking of Hsiao-chiao, Wen-yen said, “Yen-ling, I really don’t want to hurt you.”
Yen-ling said, “I don’t like hearing you say things like that…”
The two walked side by side toward the College of Law on Hsuchou Road.
In the dormitory reception room of the College of Law, Chang Mei-hua was waiting for Wen-yen. Li Chi-wen came downstairs. “May I ask who is looking for Yu Wen-yen?”
Chang Mei-hua said, “It’s me. My name is Chang Mei-hua, first-year Chinese Department. I’m Wen-yen’s friend from the modern poetry club.”
Chi-wen said, “Our boss Wen-yen is probably out shopping with his senior schoolmate by now. Are you going to wait here for him to come back?”
Chang Mei-hua asked, “Wen-yen went shopping with his senior schoolmate?”
Chi-wen said, “Not long ago, the two of them left the department office together.”
Chang Mei-hua said, “Then I’ll go find him at the library tomorrow.”
Chi-wen said, “Do you want me to pass a message to Wen-yen for you?”
Mei-hua said, “No need, thank you!”
After saying this, Mei-hua turned and left.
At the school gate, Mei-hua brushed past Wen-yen and Yen-ling. Wen-yen did not notice Mei-hua, but Mei-hua turned around and watched the backs of Wen-yen and Yen-ling as they walked away.
12
Mei-hua came to the library carrying a stack of manuscripts to find Wen-yen. Wen-yen was lying face down asleep on a desk in the corner. Mei-hua sat beside him and waited for a while before Wen-yen woke up.
Mei-hua said, “You look very exhausted. Have you been staying up late studying often?”
Wen-yen said, “It’s alright. I’m used to it.”
Mei-hua said, “That’s not good! Over time it will affect your health. You still need to rest more.”
Wen-yen said, “Alright! I’ll pay attention.”
Mei-hua placed the stack of manuscripts on the table and said, “These are the accepted works for this issue of the poetry journal. The club president asked if you could write two or three hundred words of commentary for each poem.”
Wen-yen asked, “When does the club president need this batch of manuscripts?”
Mei-hua said, “The club president said it’s fine as long as he gets them before the end of the semester. But I can’t bear seeing you this tired. How about I talk to the club president and ask him to find another member to write them?”
Wen-yen said, “I already agreed to the club president. How could I suddenly go back on my word?”
Mei-hua said, “Alright then! The club president also asked me to ask you whether, at next Wednesday’s club gathering, he can nominate you to serve as vice president and activity coordinator.”
Wen-yen said, “Wouldn’t that be inappropriate? I’m still a freshman who just joined the club, and my qualifications are shallow. Our poetry club is full of talented people. Many of the second- and third-year seniors are more outstanding than I am. Besides, the position of poetry club president has always been held by members from the College of Liberal Arts. As a law student, how could I break the tradition?”
Mei-hua said, “I think the club president must have his reasons for favoring you. As for your concern that your law department background and freshman status may cause some seniors to feel unconvinced, I think you may be worrying too much. Over these past few months, everyone has seen your real talent with their own eyes. The club president’s nomination matches everyone’s expectations.”
Wen-yen said, “Let me think about it for a few days, alright? You know that I still have editing work for the law department journal.”
Mei-hua said, “How about this? If you cannot accept the club president’s arrangement, then explain it clearly to the club president and everyone else at Wednesday’s gathering.”
Wen-yen said, “Mm! I will.”
Mei-hua asked, “That poem of yours, ‘Guarding the Sunlight, Guarding You,’ was written for Hsiao-chiao, right?”
Wen-yen smiled bitterly and said, “You saw right through me.”
Mei-hua said, “Sigh! What is love in this world, that it makes people pledge their lives to each other? It’s a pity that Hsiao-chiao doesn’t know how to cherish you.”
Wen-yen said, “No! Hsiao-chiao understands.”
Wen-yen understood that those words were actually meant for himself to hear.
13
In the corridor outside the Law Society office, “Junior Wen-yen, please wait a moment!” President Lin Shan-tian called out to stop Wen-yen.
Wen-yen asked, “President! You were looking for me?”
Lin Shan-tian said, “Mm! I and several of the officers carefully read your short paper for the department journal, ‘On the Restriction of the People’s Freedom Rights under the Martial Law System.’ We unanimously believe that your thinking is clear and your arguments are highly insightful. For a freshman like you to be able to write a paper of such quality truly made us seniors look at you with newfound admiration.”
Wen-yen humbly said, “Thank you, seniors, for your recognition and encouragement.”
Lin Shan-tian continued, “However, because the topic of your paper is rather sensitive, we are worried there may be some repercussions if it is published in the department journal.”
“I see!” Wen-yen felt somewhat surprised. After thinking for a moment, he said, “I truly didn’t know that this kind of topic would bring trouble to the department journal. Since that’s the case, then withdraw my short paper?”
Lin Shan-tian said, “That’s not what we mean! Everyone’s consensus is to let the department chair and several professors read this article first, and let the teachers decide.”
Wen-yen could not hide a trace of disappointment. “Alright! I respect the consensus of the seniors.”
Lin Shan-tian said, “Don’t be discouraged, junior. I and the seniors all know that among the freshmen, you are exceptionally outstanding.”
Wen-yen asked, “President, may I ask you something? Since the national examination acceptance rate is so low, how did you prepare for the national examinations?”
Lin Shan-tian thought for a moment and said, “To prepare for the national examinations, you must be mentally prepared to race against time. University is not four years for you to fool around. You must fully make use of every single day. Every examination subject must be studied as thoroughly and skillfully as possible. Only then can your abilities surpass your peers and allow you to squeeze into the top six percent in the examinations, stand out from the crowd, and achieve success on the honor roll.”
Wen-yen asked, “President, could you explain the preparation methods more concretely?”
Lin Shan-tian said, “Besides diligently taking notes during class, what’s even more important is that you must list out the key points of every chapter and section, refer to previous examination questions, and draft one mock examination question after another. In addition, case precedents, interpretive examples, and the theories and mainstream views of various scholars must all be studied thoroughly. Especially the mainstream interpretations — you absolutely must memorize them firmly.”
Wen-yen said, “I understand now, President. Listening to your words is better than studying for four years.”
Lin Shan-tian said half-jokingly, “I heard from Li Chi-wen that you’re quite popular with girls. First there was a class beauty from the English Department as your girlfriend, then a poetry-writing girlfriend from the Chinese Department appeared, and now even the department beauty from the National Taiwan Normal University Chinese Department has chased after you to our department. I’m afraid this may have a negative impact on your preparation for the national examinations!”
Wen-yen cursed inwardly, “Chi-wen, you loudmouth! You even broadcast this kind of thing around…” Then Wen-yen said, “Don’t listen to Chi-wen’s nonsense. That girl from the NTNU Chinese Department is my senior from high school. The girl from this university’s Chinese Department and I are both companions in the modern poetry club. They and I are merely friends who get along well.”
Lin Shan-tian said, “Matters of romance can easily distract you. I think you should exercise some restraint.”
14
At the Aurora Modern Poetry Club gathering.
Club President Lu Chih-chiang said, “Today’s gathering includes not only our regular sharing and exchange of members’ works, but also an important personnel matter — the nomination vote for vice president and activity coordinator.”
Chu Hsiang-yun said, “President, I think Yu Wen-yen is the best candidate, and Mei-hua is also a suitable candidate.”
Chao Wen-pin echoed, “I agree with Hsiang-yun’s opinion as well.”
Lu Chih-chiang smiled and said, “I haven’t even made the nomination yet! But it seems everyone already has a consensus?”
Chu Hsiang-yun said, “Great minds think alike!”
Mei-hua said, “Seniors, perhaps we should first hear Wen-yen’s opinion.”
Chih-chiang said, “Wen-yen, what do you think?”
Wen-yen said, “President, seniors, thank you all for your recognition and regard for me. But I am still a freshman, and I come from the College of Law. I think many seniors are more outstanding than I am, so perhaps everyone should reconsider.”
Chih-chiang said, “Wen-yen, using your freshman and law student status as reasons to decline feels somewhat forced. If there are other reasons — for example, considerations regarding your law studies — then my companions and I can all understand.”
Mei-hua eased the situation by saying, “Wen-yen told me that he intends to prepare over the next few years for the special judicial officer examination and the lawyer’s national examination. This is his ideal. Please understand him, seniors.”
Hsiang-yun said, “Wen-yen has the lofty ambition of a great bird soaring into the heavens. Although I feel it’s a pity, companions should still respect his decision.”
Wen-pin said, “Otherwise, Junior Mei-hua can step up and take the position! She’s also a strong candidate.”
Chih-chiang said, “Mei-hua, what do you think?”
Mei-hua said, “I would need Wen-yen’s help. I’m not capable when it comes to the work of literary criticism.”
Hsiang-yun said, “Ha! So Mei-hua had already planned to rope Wen-yen into this. Wen-yen, although you can’t take the vice president position, Mei-hua clearly has no intention of letting you stay idle.”
Wen-yen said, “Within the limits of my abilities, I’ll do my best to help Mei-hua with the criticism portion.”
Chih-chiang asked, “Companions, do you all agree with this arrangement?”
The companions said in unison, “Agree!”
Chih-chiang said, “Then it’s passed by vote!”
15
Chang Mei-hua and Wen-yen walked side by side under an umbrella along the shore of Drunken Moon Lake. Cold rain drifted from the sky, and the icy wind cut to the bone.
Wen-yen said, “Mei-hua, I never expected that in the end you would still drag me into this.”
Mei-hua smiled sweetly and said, “Of course I had to drag you into this! Originally, you were the one who should have taken it on. I was being meddlesome and acted as your shield. You can’t ignore the code of honor and throw all the burden onto me alone, can you?”
Wen-yen laughed as well and said, “You know I have a soft heart! You think of me in every possible way, so how could I abandon you and ignore you?”
Mei-hua said, “Remember those words you just said yourself! Even though Hsiao-chiao is still in your heart, I hope you can face the kindness I show you seriously!”
Wen-yen said, “I’ve always kept your kindness toward me in my heart.”
Mei-hua said, “Come eat Taiwanese hot pot with me and nourish ourselves a little?”
Wen-yen readily said, “Sure! On a bleak, cold, rainy March day like this, it’s perfect weather for eating hot pot to warm the body. This time let me pay the bill.”
Mei-hua said, “Good! That finally feels a bit like being boyfriend and girlfriend.”
Wen-yen laughed and said, “Don’t think too much.”
16
The spring tea harvest season arrived. On the weekend, Wen-yen returned to his home in Lu-kul to help out, and Mei-hua also came along as a guest.
Early in the morning, the whole family braved the cold wind and chilly rain to pick tea leaves in the tea plantation.
Lai-chun quietly asked, “Wen-yen, this girl Mei-hua is affectionate and loyal. Have you thought about marrying her in the future?”
Wen-yen said, “Mother, it’s still too early to talk about these things.”
Lai-chun said, “Mother doesn’t want you thinking about that Hsia Hsiao-chiao anymore. They don’t even regard our family seriously, so why should we…”
Wen-yen said, “Mother, Hsiao-chiao isn’t that kind of person. You misunderstand her!”
Lai-chun said, “Alright! I don’t want to keep talking about this either, in case you think your mother is nagging you.”
Wen-yen said, “If Mei-hua and I are destined to be together, then naturally we will end up together in the future.”
Not far away, Mei-hua was picking tea together with Wen-ying. She noticed Lai-chun and Wen-yen whispering to each other and instinctively felt that the topic was related to herself.
Wen-ying suddenly said, “Sister Mei-hua, would you become my sister-in-law?”
Mei-hua was startled. Blushing shyly, she smiled and said, “You’d have to ask your brother…”
Wen-ying said, “My brother must really like you! Otherwise, why would he bring you back home?”
Mei-hua said, “Your brother is actually still thinking about Hsiao-chiao in his heart…”
Wen-ying said, “Sister Mei-hua, give my brother some time. He won’t disappoint you.”
Mei-hua said, “I hope so too!”
