1990: Starting from Baojia Street

Zhou Yan couldn't help but bared his teeth after being hit by him like this.

Brother, your hands are getting stronger and stronger.

Your body is so strong that it can't be broken by a hammer.

Zhou Yu pulled Zhou Yan's chair back again, Come on, sit down.

Zhou Yan gave his eldest brother a thumbs up, Brother, this is called giving both kindness and power.

You are the only one who knows many idioms.

After Zhou Yan sat down, they didn't ask about Green Snake. For the men of the Zhou family, this was nothing to gossip about.

Compared to the movie, they are more concerned about Yanjing’s bid for the Olympics.

Grandpa Zhou Minnong asked, What further plans are there within the Olympic Bid Committee?

Zhou Yan shook his head, The Yanjing Olympic Bid Committee has been dissolved on the spot. It is uncertain whether we will apply again for the next session.

Regardless of whether the Olympic bid is successful or not, the Olympic Bid Committee will be dissolved on the spot. The difference is that if it is successful, the original Olympic Bid Committee will directly become the Olympic Organizing Committee.

Uncle Zhou Yaohua muttered, It's a blessing in disguise. It's not necessarily a good thing that the bid for the Olympics failed this time. The current situation in Yanjing is that the preparations for hosting the Olympics seven years later are still not sufficient. This failure, Yanjing's side Make good preparations and apply again later, and the results may be better.”

The main reason is that it hurts morale. Zhou Yaowen said.

Don't take your success or failure too seriously. Zhou Minnong waved his hand, looked at Zhou Yan, and said, Xiao Yan, your mother's old leader Chen Pengnian called your grandma two days ago and said he wanted to contact you. . Because you are coming back today, I didn’t tell you in advance.”

Chen Penglian? Zhou Yan had no impression of his mother's old leader at all.

He now works at Jinling Art Institute, but he is also the vice president of the Jiangsu Branch of the Chinese Musicians Association. He may be looking for you because he has something to do with the association. His number is in the phone book. You can call him later.

Zhou Yan nodded, I understand, Grandpa.

Zhou Yaowen reminded, If you want to make an appointment with him, remember to be polite. After all, he is your mother's old leader and your elder.

Second brother, why do you still treat Xiaoyan as a child? He has a calm temper. How can he not have such a sense of propriety? Uncle Zhou Yaohua said.

My second brother is also very fond of me. I have met Chen Penglian once. He is now the deputy secretary of Jinling Academy of Arts. He is probably about to retire. Now his main focus is on academic and teaching and research work. Zhou Yaozu said.

Xiao Yan, please go back and contact me yourself. If there is anything you can do to help, please help. If it is inconvenient, don't be embarrassed to refuse. Zhou Minnong said.

Well, I understand.

…

The Mid-Autumn Festival dinner was the last family gathering of the Zhou family a year ago, and the specifications were basically the same as those on New Year's Eve.

During the meal, Grandma and the others only asked a few questions about Zhou Yan's filming of Green Snake and then turned their attention to their eldest brother Zhou Yu.

Zhou Yu's girlfriend has been with him for almost a year, but everyone in the family only knows about this person and has never met her.

Aunt Zhao Lan meant that Zhou Yu should invite the girl to his home before the Chinese New Year and meet the family. It would not be a problem to keep her covered like this.

These days, more than a year is quite a long time for someone to be with you, and most people have already started talking about marriage.

In the eyes of the elders, this matter cannot be left to the whim of young people. If the girl's family knows that their daughter is with a partner, but the man has never expressed anything, it would be disrespectful.

Let's wait until next summer. Zhou Yu said.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Lan's eyes lit up.

Originally, every time they asked Zhou Yu about his girlfriend, Zhou Yu would hesitate and remain silent. This time, he finally got a more positive answer.

This shows that there is something to play.

Why wait until next summer? Zhao Lan asked.

Others also stared at Zhou Yu curiously. As the eldest son and grandson of the Zhou family, his marriage was considered a big event in the Zhou family.

Ahem, because she graduates next year.

Is your girlfriend still a student? Third Aunt Li Guangqin asked in surprise.

Ang. Zhou Yu nodded.

What kind of student is he? Doctor? Master? Ordinary undergraduate... He can't be a middle school student, right?

Zhou Yu said quickly, Undergraduate, undergraduate, she is a senior this year.

Isn't that about the same age as Qianqian?

Zhou Qian is also a senior this year and will graduate with a bachelor's degree next year.

Ahem, that's about right.

Which school are you from? Are you from the same school as you?

You'll find out next year.

Everyone feels strange. They all say that he is a college student. Which school should he hide it from?

Zhou Yan looked at his eldest brother with a smile and said to himself that this sister-in-law was most likely known to her family, and the school must be key information. The key was that once he revealed the school of his future sister-in-law, his identity would be easily guessed.

When the elders asked these things, Zhou Yan and the others didn't say anything. With their elder brother blocking the gun in front of them, they were happy before it was too late, but they didn't want to hit the muzzle of the gun themselves.

Although Zhou Yu did not reveal which school the girl was from, Zhao Lan and the others were very happy to receive Zhou Yu's affirmative reply. In any case, Zhou Yu was serious about the girl, otherwise he would not have thought of getting it home. .

Sometimes, parents are not so anxious and must get their children married immediately, mainly because they are worried about the instability of the children.

Especially Zhou Yu. Although he is not a playboy in nature, it is true that he has had countless blind dates.

Every time Zhou Yu fails in a blind date, his elders will worry even more.

Zhao Lan's performance is pretty good. Some families may wonder if there is something wrong with their child if their child goes on blind dates for thirty or forty times with no results.

…

The next morning, Zhou Yan called Chen Penglian based on the number he copied from his grandparents' house yesterday.

The phone rang for a while before it was picked up, and a strong voice sounded from the other side, Hello, who's there?

Hello, is this Chen Pengnian, Secretary Chen? Zhou Yan asked.

It's me, you?

Hello, Secretary Chen, I'm Zhou Yan. Grandpa said you have something to do with me?

Hearing that it was Zhou Yan, Chen Penglian said happily, It's Zhou Yan. I've been waiting for your call. It's the holidays, have you returned to Jinling?

Well, I came back yesterday. Zhou Yan replied.

If you have time today, would it be convenient for you to come to my house?

Okay, please give me the address.

Jin Yi, do you know where it is?

Of course I know, cucumber garden.

Well, I'm in Jinyi's faculty and staff dormitory. After you enter, go forward. When you reach the door of the first government building, look to your right. The second building on the left is there. I'm in the innermost room on the east side of the second floor. If you can’t find it, you can just ask the doorman.”

Okay, I'll be there in a moment.

…

After hanging up the phone, Zhou Yan drove back to his family's Hutouben. The driver brought him back last night and left the car behind.

Jin Yi is not far from Zhou Yan's house, just a short drive away.

When we arrived at the door, the guard came over with a registration book.

Young man, who are you looking for?

I'm looking for Chen Penglian, Secretary Chen.

The uncle nodded, Register the information. The car cannot be driven in.

no problem.

Zhou Yan took the registration book and filled in his information. The uncle looked at it and said with a smile, Your surname is Zhou, and we are still the same family. Okay, go in. Secretary Chen and his dormitory building, you know, go in and go Look to the right, the roof is red, and that’s the one with a large piece of tile off.”

Okay, thank you.

Zhou Yan parked the car at the door and entered the school.

It has to be said that the description given by the doorman was much simpler and more effective than that given by Secretary Chen. Zhou Yan walked in for about twenty steps before he saw the red roof of the house with a large piece of tiles peeled off.

Today is National Day, and there are relatively few people in the school. A group of children are gathering together to play marbles below the staff dormitory. The flower bed downstairs has long been deflowered and has been transformed into a cookbook and a chicken coop. The sound of chickens crows and marbles are heard. The sound of collisions and the shouts of children formed a rather pyrotechnic picture of life.

After walking up the stairs to the second floor, Zhou Yan walked to the innermost house on the east end, raised his hand and knocked on the door.

Here we come. Chen Penglian's voice came from inside.

After a while, the door opened.

Third uncle Zhou Yaozu said that Chen Penglien was about to retire, so he should be almost sixty years old, but it seemed that Chen Penglien was only in his early fifties and was in very good spirits.

He wears a pair of silver-rimmed glasses, his hair is meticulously combed, and he looks like a typical teacher.

Chen Penglian was very happy to see Zhou Yan, Zhou Yan, come on, come on, please come inside.

Zhou Yan handed over the gift in his hand and said, Secretary Chen, this is our first meeting. Please give me some thoughts.

Come as soon as you come, bring anything else. Chen Penglian handed over the gift, and then said, Really speaking, this is not the first time we have met. You went to the Provincial Opera House at that time, and we have met before, but too much time has passed. After a long time, you may not have any impression.

Zhou Yan scratched his head, I was too young at that time. Everything I saw at the opera house was novel, and my attention was elsewhere.

Sit down. Chen Peng pointed to the sofa in the living room, and then went to pour water for Zhou Yan. While pouring it, he said, I am contacting you this time to talk about something serious. Logically speaking, you should go to the office, but I will tell you Mom is an old colleague and can be considered your elder, so she is not so particular.

Passing the teacup to Zhou Yan, Chen Penglian sat down in front of Zhou Yan, I won't beat around the bush with you. I am contacting you on behalf of the Jiangsu Branch of the Chinese Musicians Association. I hope you can join our Jiangsu Branch.

Chen Penglian looked gentle and gentle, like a slow man, but when he spoke, he was also vigorous and resolute. Before Zhou Yan sat down and said a word, he had already gone straight to Huanglong and stated his purpose.

As for what Chen Penglian said, Zhou Yan had expected it before he came, so it was not surprising. ,

Chen Peng has two identities, one is the vice president of Jinyi, and the other is the vice president of Jiangsu Province of the Chinese Musicians Association. No matter how you look at it, you can only find him for this one thing.

Zhou Yan himself is happy to join the Jiangsu Provincial Musicians Association. He is currently in Yanjing, but the roots of the Zhou family are in Jinling. Joining the Jiangsu Provincial Musicians Association or the Writers Association will also allow him to have more connections with his hometown. connect.

The Yanjing Writers' Association and the Musicians' Association had contacted him before, but Zhou Yan had this in mind and did not agree to the offer.

However, if the Jiangsu Provincial Musicians Association does not contact him, he may join the Yanjing Musicians Association in a while.

Secretary Chen...

Chen Peng waved his hand, It's too offensive to call me Secretary Chen. You can call me Uncle Chen or Teacher Chen. That's fine.

Zhou Yan nodded, Uncle Chen, you should know my situation. I am currently in Yanjing, so even if I join the Suzhou branch, I may not be able to participate in any activities that are usually held here.

Chen Penglian said with a smile, Don't worry about this, you don't need to participate in normal activities.

Since Chen Penglian said so, Zhou Yan said simply, That's no problem. I agree to join the Suzhou branch. Are there any procedures behind it?

Chen Penglian was very happy when he heard Zhou Yan agreed. He shook his head and said, There are no special procedures. I have a ready-made application form here. You can just fill it out in a moment.

OK.

After talking about the business, Chen Penglian looked at Zhou Yan again and sighed, You look very much like your mother. If she were still alive, she would definitely be very happy to see you now.

Chen Peng didn't even want to mention Zhou Yan's mother and make Zhou Yan sad, but when he saw Zhou Yan's appearance, he couldn't help but sigh.

Zhou Yan couldn't respond to this emotion, so he could only pick up the teacup and drink tea.

Then Chen Penglian smiled again and said, How many days do you plan to stay when you return to Jinling this time?

Leave the day after tomorrow.

Are your classes usually heavy?

It's okay. I only have one course. I am mainly studying on the job and have some study tasks.

It's not easy. If you have time, come to Jinyi, give a lecture, and give guidance to the students. There are many students in our school who are your fans. If you can come and give lectures to them, they will definitely be very happy.

Zhou Yan said modestly, I have only been teaching for two years. He Dehe can come to Jinyi to give lectures. If you have time, you can come and study.

Those who are talented come first. With your talents, come to Jinyi to give a lecture and give a lecture to the students. There is no problem at all. Although Jinyi is a comprehensive art school, it also attaches great importance to music. Of course, There is definitely no way to compare with Yangyin.

Among comprehensive art schools, Jinyi's music teaching is already very good.

…

After complimenting each other in business for a while, Chen Penglian stood up and said, Don't leave at noon. Stay and have a casual meal. There is no one else. My wife is not at home today. It's just the two of us. I'll have a drink with you.

Zhou Yan also stood up quickly, Uncle Chen, don't be polite. I made an agreement with my grandparents last night that I would go back for dinner today. As you know, I don't have many chances to come back. In these few days, I still want to go back. Spend more time with the elderly, otherwise, grandma and the others will definitely complain about it.

Chen Peng nodded continuously, Indeed, the elderly need companionship the most. In this case, I will not keep you. When I have time to return to Jinling later, I will treat you to dinner... I will get you the application form. You first Fill out the form and leave.”

okay.

Chen Penglian went to the house to get the application form. Zhou Yan filled it out one by one, and then said goodbye to Chen Penglian.

After coming out of the faculty dormitory, Zhou Yan didn't stay in Jinyi and drove directly back to his grandparents' house.

When he arrived at his grandparents' house, Zhou Yan found that there was a guest in the house, a girl about the same age as him.

Grandma introduced Zhou Yan enthusiastically, Xiao Yan, do you know Xiao Ci? You used to play together when you were kids.

Zhou Yan was a little confused. He had no impression of this girl.

Seeing Zhou Yan's confusion, grandma added, She's your Uncle You's daughter.

Now Zhou Yan remembered, You Xiaoci, this girl did often come to their house to play when she was a child.

Zhou Yan was a little alarmed when he heard it was her. He still remembered that his brother Zhou Hong told him last winter that his family wanted to introduce him to the daughter of the You family, who was the one in front of him.

Although he was alert in his heart, Zhou Yan still said hello to You Xiaoci calmly, Long time no see.

You Xiaoci responded with a smile, Well, long time no see. You are much taller than before.

Boys develop a little later than girls when they are young, so You Xiaoci was about the same height as Zhou Yan before, but now You Xiaoci is about as high as Zhou Yan's chin.

You Xiaoci is actually quite good-looking, and her dress and the demeanor of a high-ranking official give her some points.

Among ordinary people, You Xiaoci's appearance is pretty good, but there are too many beauties around Zhou Yan, so looking at her makes her look average.

After the two struck up a conversation, grandma was extremely happy.

You two chat, I'll go to the kitchen to cook.

After saying that, grandma threw them both in the living room. As for grandpa, he is writing calligraphy in the study at the moment.

Zhou Yan already knew at this time that although grandma didn't say it explicitly, this might be a blind date.

He secretly thought that he was still careless. He had always thought that his eldest brother Zhou Yu was in front of him and would have nothing to do with him for a while, but he didn't expect this to happen.

However, the visitor was a visitor, so Zhou Yan naturally did not let his words fall to the floor, and even took the initiative to find a topic, Are you at work now?

You Xiaoci nodded, I have been working for two years. Now I am in the Municipal Education Bureau. There should be no changes in the short term. Of course, if necessary, I can also be transferred to other cities. You don't have to worry about this.

Zhou Yan's eyes twitched. He originally thought that You Xiaoci came here to complete a task at home, but now it seemed that she had a very strong purpose.

When two people meet for the first time, is it necessary to talk so deeply?

Zhou Yan did not answer the question, So many years have passed. When I first saw you just now, I didn't recognize you at all. How is Uncle You lately? I haven't seen him for a long time.

You didn't recognize me, but I recognized you at a glance. Apart from being taller than you were when you were a child, you haven't changed much. My dad is very good now, but he is quite busy with things in the province. I saw him Not many times.”

What kind of job is Uncle You doing in the province now?

The main thing is to catch up with the work.

Zhou Yan didn't know the specific position of You Xiaoci's father, but from what he heard, he should be the deputy provincial leader in charge of the GA Department.

This level is already very high, basically the same level as his old man’s previous level.

So if you really think about it, if Zhou Yan marries You Xiaoci, it will be considered a high achievement. After all, he himself has no rank at all. He has left Zhou Yaowen out of the system long ago and went into business, and now he is also a businessman without rank.

You Xiaoci was able to come this time mainly because of the old man's face.

However, Zhou Yan didn't care much about these things, so he talked about other things, such as which school You Xiaoci attended before and what major he studied.

Zhou Yan was just chatting casually, but You Xiaoci answered seriously and told Zhou Yan his experience in a precise manner.

She studied law at Jinling University and now works in the Policy and Regulations Department of the Municipal Education Bureau.

It wasn't until the food was served and grandma called for dinner that Zhou Yan breathed a sigh of relief. He still had little experience in dealing with this kind of thing.

The key point is that the two families are family friends, and Zhou Yan can't act too coldly.

There was no one else at lunch today, just grandparents, Zhou Yan and You Xiaoci.

At the dinner table, it was a little awkward because grandma was looking for a topic in the middle.

After dinner, grandma asked Zhou Yan to take You Xiaoci out for a walk, but Zhou Yan used work as an excuse, saying that he still needed to perfect the music he wrote a few days ago.

Grandma wanted to persuade Zhou Yan, but You Xiaoci seemed to sense that Zhou Yan was not in a good mood and took the initiative to say that she had something to do.

Grandma, I still have some work to do in the afternoon. Let's talk about shopping next time.

Hearing what You Xiaoci said, grandma could only nod, Okay, you young people, please contact me more when you have time.

When You Xiaoci left, Zhou Yan went out to give some away.

When they got downstairs, You Xiaoci turned to look at Zhou Yan, Don't take it to heart. Even if we can't be husband and wife, we can still be good friends.

Zhou Yan was stunned for a moment. This girl You Xiaoci is really straightforward, but he was also very happy to hear what You Xiaoci said.

What he fears most is that You Xiaoci takes this matter too seriously.

Of course, we are just having sex. Zhou Yan said with a smile.

You Xiaoci looked into the distance. A group of children were gathered together not far away. She didn't know what they were playing. She stared at the children for a while, then tilted her head and said to Zhou Yan, Next time I have a chance, Let me listen to your concert. I haven't heard you play the flute for many years. When I was a child, you were my favorite in our yard because you were different from other boys. Fighting and messing around, you’re the only one playing the flute every day.”

Although they have not been in contact for a long time, Zhou Yan already has some understanding of You Xiaoci's personality. This girl is really direct. Even after saying we will be friends from now on, she can also say my favorite is You words.

But this kind of frankness makes people feel less embarrassed.

Probably because Zhou Yan has been playing the flute since he was a child and is different from other boys, he has some filters for You Xiaoci.

Sure enough, art students have a different kind of attraction to girls.

Zhou Yan also said openly, Okay, if I have a chance to come to Jinling to hold a concert, I will definitely give you a ticket in the front row.

One is not enough.

Then I'll give you as many pieces as you want, okay.

Okay, I'll leave first.

…

After sending You Xiaoci away, Zhou Yan returned upstairs. Grandma caught him and asked, How is it? Have you fallen in love with her?

Zhou Yan rolled his eyes, Grandma, if you want to arrange a blind date for me, just tell me in advance and don't make a surprise attack like this.

I want to tell you in advance, will you agree?

Then there can't be a sudden attack. I was caught off guard. You see, I didn't dress up in advance. If people don't like me because of my slovenliness, won't you feel that you are at a loss?

My dear grandson is good-looking no matter what. Don't prepare in advance. Xiaoci is a very good girl. She is pretty and down-to-earth. Moreover, her father was raised by me and your grandfather, and her character is reliable.

The older generation is like this. To see if a child is good, they first look at the adults. As long as the adults are good, they think there must be nothing wrong with the child.

From the perspective of marriage, this is certainly true, but Zhou Yan is a sensory animal. If he doesn't feel anything, he doesn't feel anything. Even if You Xiaoci's father goes to the Central Government in the future, Zhou Yan still doesn't feel anything.

Grandma, I still have to focus on my career now and put everything else aside for now.

Grandma curled her lips and said, You kids, you always talk like this, as if your partner can affect your career. I think it's the opposite. How can a man do it without a good lover to support his career? I won't say it. What can Xiaoci’s father’s position bring to your work? Let’s just talk about Xiaoci. He is a stable child and has ideas, which will definitely help your career.”

Grandpa was sitting on the sofa reading the newspaper and said, Xiaoyan is still young. Let's wait for a few years to do this. There is no need for a man to have a wife. He is right. Now is the time to concentrate on his career.

Grandma snorted coldly, Why does a man have to worry about not having a wife? I don't know who it is, but he has been following me since I was a teenager and couldn't get rid of him. Why didn't you say that then, why did a man have to have a wife?

Ahem.

Zhou Minnong turned over a page of the newspaper and did not dare to say anything. He was also afraid that the fire would burn him.

Seeing his grandma looking at him again, Zhou Yan said quickly, Grandma, I do have a song to perfect. I'm going back now.

Okay, you can go back and remember to come for dinner in the evening.

Okay, I'll come over when it's late.

After saying that, Zhou Yan ran away quickly.

…

After staying in Jinling for two days, Zhou Yan set off back to Yanjing.

It was already dark when he arrived at the courtyard. He went out to eat first and took a shower. He was just reading The Brothers Karamazov when he got a call.

After picking up the phone, Huo Siqi's excited voice came from the other side.

Lao San, good news, our company has business.

What business? Zhou Yan asked.

The Bank of China entrusted our company to help them design a CI.

Zhou Yan sat up straight and said, Has it been decided yet?

Basically, it's almost done. Otherwise, is it worth telling you?

ox.

Zhou Yan knew that Huo Siqi would be quick to attract business, but he didn't expect it to be so quick, and he would immediately recruit Bank of China.

He didn't ask the price. Even if the order was free, he would definitely take it. For their company, this business of Bank of China is a signature. As long as this business is done well, the business will continue to come in the future.

I'll call Teacher Dong later, and the three of us will have a meeting together. After all, it's the company's first order, so we have to take it seriously. I've made a promise to them, and I promise to give them a beautiful design.

For design matters, it still depends on Teacher Dong. I am also a layman.

After all, you are also an artist, how can you know better than me? Huo Siqi smiled and said, I almost helped you get some business.

What kind of business can you get me?

I told them that the bank not only wanted icons, but also had an exclusive background music. When the music was played in the future, others would know it was their bank. Secretary Xu was almost convinced by me, but in the end he decided not to do this ci Put music in it.”

Zhou Yan is really convinced. Huo Siqi is really awesome and he can draw inferences about other cases when doing business.

Brother Siqi, let's just focus on the visual design first.

Haha, I just said it casually.

Have you told Teacher Dong about this?

Not yet. You can tell her and ask her if she has time the day after tomorrow. We can go to the studio to find him.

No problem, I'll call her right away.

You call her now, I'll hang up first.

After saying that, Huo Siqi hung up the phone.

After he hung up the phone, Zhou Yan called Dong Wenmiao and told Dong Wenmiao about the Bank of China matter.

After listening, Dong Wenmiao asked, What does this set of ci include?

This question stopped Zhou Yanke, who didn't know much about these things.

Knowing that Zhou Yan didn't understand, Dong Wenmiao explained to him, Each major bank has its own basic logo. The Bank of China's is the copper coin. You must have seen it. If it is a full set of CI, the shape of their logo must not be moved. The font of the name cannot be changed either. We mainly work on the color matching.”

Zhou Yan nodded, Let's talk about this in detail when we meet the day after tomorrow.

Okay, you guys can come over in the afternoon the day after tomorrow. I'll wait for you in the studio.

Two days later in the afternoon, Zhou Yan and Huo Siqi met with Dong Wenmiao and discussed the business in detail.

Dong Wenmiao knew more about these things, and most of the time she was the one doing the talking, while Zhou Yan and the others listened.

This time they wanted to design CI standardization for Bank of China's 15,000 branches. Through Dong Wenmiao's introduction, Zhou Yan and Huo Siqi also understood what CI standardization design meant.

The so-called ci standardized design is the design of the corporate identity system. It is a design plan that conveys corporate image, philosophy, culture and business in a standardized visual language.

Take Bank of China as an example. They have their own logo, which is the copper coin, and their name also has its own fixed font, but they don’t have other things, and these things are not a set.

Now what Dong Wenmiao and the others have to do is to complete an overall visual design for Bank of China based on the original elements.

To put it simply, what color should be used as the base for the Bank of China logo, and what color should be used for the logo itself? This may sound simple, but there is a lot of knowledge involved.

The design work is not that simple. Not only do they have to hold internal meetings, but Huo Siqi also has to wait for Dong Wenmiao to go to the bank to communicate.

Zhou Yan couldn't help him much and could only trust Dong Wenmiao's ability completely.

After Dong Wenmiao contacted the bank once, the other party also recognized her ability. (End of chapter)