As all preparations were made, Chen Lan announced the plan for an unprecedented fun sports meet while having lunch with her four daughters in the large kitchen. Those eating in the mess hall immediately started discussing after hearing Chen Lan's words.
Tie Dan, who was learning cooking from Granny Sun in the large kitchen, loudly asked, "Auntie, are this year's competition items the same as two years ago?"
Everyone chimed in, saying, "Yes! Is it the same? If the competition items are the same, there will be no novelty."
Another person said, "Even if the competition items are the same as two years ago, it's still fun. I'm signing up this year."
Another chimed in, "Right, right. The competition items from two years ago were also fun. I think it would be even more fun if there were new items. But even if the competition items are the same as two years ago, I'm participating this year."
At this moment, Dun Zi, who was also learning cooking from Granny Sun in the large kitchen, loudly said, "I'm truly impressed by all of you. Haven't you heard what Auntie said? An unprecedented sports meet. What does unprecedented mean? Haven't you read books? That means it's definitely going to be more fun this time, right? Auntie, count me, Dun Zi, in for the competition."
Chen Lan gestured downwards with her hand and said, "Everyone, please be quiet and let me finish. Dun Zi is right. This year's competition items will be more exciting and more fun."
Before Chen Lan could finish speaking, the crowd below erupted again. Chen Lan, feeling helpless, stood on a stool and shouted, "Everyone, please be quiet and let me finish. There are age restrictions for this year's competition participants."
At this point, the loudest voices from below immediately started asking in a flurry of words, "Ah! There are age restrictions? Everyone, keep your voices down. Let's listen to Auntie finish explaining the age restrictions before we discuss further."
After a long while, everyone finally quieted down. Chen Lan then continued to explain, "For this year's competition participants, male comrades must be twenty-three years old or above to participate, and female comrades must be twenty-one years old or above. Furthermore, male comrades over twenty-five and female comrades over twenty-three must participate. This is a work assignment. Did everyone understand? Female comrades who do not meet the age requirement will be cheerleaders, cheering for the participants. Male comrades will be responsible for maintaining order on the field."
As soon as Chen Lan finished speaking, the group of young boys who had been the most vocal moments ago now started sighing in unison, asking in a babble, "Why? Auntie, why are there age restrictions this year?"
Chen Lan smiled and explained, "Because this year's competition items have a higher difficulty coefficient, are more exciting and fun, and also involve a certain degree of danger. You are all still too young. Don't be anxious. When you grow up in a few years, won't you be able to participate just the same?"
After hearing Chen Lan's explanation, it was truly worse than not explaining at all! Their hearts itched even more, like being scratched by cats. Those who met the age requirements beamed and started discussing animatedly. Everyone was filled with longing and anticipation for this year's fun sports meet.
Seeing that the desired effect had been achieved, Chen Lan continued, "I won't go into detail about the competition rules now. They are the same as in previous years and have not changed. Male and female comrades will form pairs as a team. Did everyone understand? If you understood, hurry up and find your partners after you go down and prepare for the competition."
After the competition matters were settled, Chen Lan, taking advantage of the fact that everyone in the valley was present, continued to stand and took out the program list. She opened her mouth and said, "Everyone, please be quiet again. There is one more matter to announce today, which is that after the autumn harvest ends, our valley will hold a 'celebrate the harvest' concert. Song Wan and Chen Shumin will present six programs on behalf of the school. We adults can't back down, can we?"
Everyone immediately chimed in, "That's right! Our valley is full of talented people. It's just singing, who doesn't know how? Xiao Lan, just give us instructions. What do you want us to sing?"
Chen Lan immediately signaled her four daughters to get ready. Seeing that they were all prepared, Chen Lan looked at the program list and began to read, "The first program is 'Harvest Gongs and Drums.' " As soon as Chen Lan finished speaking, her eldest daughter, Chun Ni, turned on the player and played 'Harvest Gongs and Drums.' The joyful melody instantly transported everyone into a scene of chasing and striving in labor. After the song finished, everyone still felt a sense of lingering enjoyment. Su Dan Fiction Network.
Chen Lan seized the opportunity to announce, "This 'Harvest Gongs and Drums' program will be handled by the elders of the valley." Saying this, Chen Lan reached out and handed the program list to Jia Hui, who was waiting nearby. Jia Hui accepted the program list with both hands, turned around, and handed it to Uncle De with both hands.
Chen Lan immediately announced that Uncle De was responsible for this program, instructing him to select the performers as soon as possible, practice diligently, and prepare for the performance in advance.
Uncle De naturally cooperated enthusiastically, nodding his agreement repeatedly.
Chen Lan then announced the second program—"Sing a Song to the Party." After the song played by the player ended, and the crowd's singing also concluded, Chen Lan announced that this song would be sung by a chorus formed by the young ladies and young wives of the valley. Jia Hui took the program list from Chen Lan's hand and turned to hand it to Lin Mai. Therefore, this program would be handled by Lin Mai.
Next was the tenth sister's Guzheng solo, "Celebrating a Bountiful Year," followed by the joint performance of the old mother, Mama Liu, and Uncle Fu on the flute—"Whistling and Whipping Horses to Transport Grain"; and a crosstalk performance—"The Valley's Harvest Season" was still in the creation stage, so Chen Lan did not introduce it.
The veterans' chorus—"Song of the Guerrillas," Chen Lan assigned to Zheng San Pao. The last program, a chorus of all members—"Harvest Song," Chen Lan handed over to her mother-in-law.
With all tasks assigned, Chen Lan felt light as a feather.
As soon as the spring planting in the valley ended, the valley became lively. Every day was filled with singing and drumming. Everyone woke up early to finish their farm work and then started practicing separately. Uncle De and the elders' "Harvest Gongs and Drums" could be heard day after day at the foot of the mountain; the youngest, the tenth sister Jia Yu, practiced the Guzheng for even longer hours; the old mother, Mama Liu, and Uncle Fu, although they hadn't played the flute for many years, still had the foundation. To support Chen Lan's work, they picked up their flutes again and practiced in the courtyard as soon as they finished their meals.
Amidst everyone's enthusiastic preparations, the valley welcomed this year's fun sports meet. The valley was adorned with red flags and filled with the sound of gongs and drums, while the cheers and applause of encouragement shook the heavens.
Grandma and Grandpa were watching the fun sports meet for the first time this year. Their palms were red from clapping, their voices were hoarse from shouting, and tears of laughter streamed from their eyes.