The gaze of Chen Xiaomin

Author: Ye Zhaoyan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: Ye Zhaoyan: Actually, the novel depicts those belonging to, which is a significant motivation for me when writing. Although in my memory, those ten years older than me have always been my heroes, in real life, only a few of them have lived well, while most are unlucky. I know such a person, someone who has also experienced what it means to be a "Fourth Elder," and he currently works as a security guard in the community. In my heart, he remains the image of a young man, full of heroic spirit and refusing to yield. But he once said something that left me deeply moved. He spoke in a particularly sorrowful tone, saying, "Do you know, my children look down on me." He expressed himself this way, revealing that he was actually troubled internally. However, in daily interactions with him, you wouldn’t sense his distress over being laid off or unemployed. Yet, he shared this sentiment, his children being ashamed of him. It moved me deeply. On one hand, they haven’t done anything wrong; in my memory, they are good people, and quite strong. But many of them are in dire circumstances. So, in the novel, there’s a segment where a host interviews people of their generation. However, I feel that this generation is older than me, and their lives and youth cannot be regretted. They may not necessarily regret it. Every generation has its own way—the older ones have the experiences of climbing snow mountains and crossing grasslands, while the younger ones have the experience of being red Guards. I don’t judge life as good or bad, but there’s something I want to write about—the experiences of this generation are indeed quite unjust. They were supposed to be learning, but their education was delayed, leaving them perpetually in a state of being held back. Chen Xiaomin stared blankly at the judge, his gaze somber. This was a perfunctory trial, with an solemn court empty of spectators. Earlier, there was a green-headed fly buzzing in the air, tired, it lazily landed on the judge’s head, causing the stern judge to have to wave his hand to shoo it away. Suddenly, the fly flew toward Chen Xiaomin, and the judge stood up abruptly. He signaled the still dazed Chen Xiaomin to stand up with him, delivering a verdict in a very solemn manner. The judge announced Yan Lianjiao’s divorce application, effective immediately.