The inn was located on Xidazhijie Street in the Nangang District of Harbin. This street had originally been called Dazhijie, with its current name only adopted two years prior. As a major thoroughfare traversing Nangang District from east to west, its name aptly reflected its significance.
The mother and her five children walked under the shade of the trees lining the street, feeling no discomfort from the midday sun. One could tell from the lush greenery along the avenue that people in this era placed considerable importance on urban environmental development.
As they strolled, the group spotted a state-run photo studio by the roadside. The four children, driven by curiosity, eagerly stepped inside. Chen Lan followed, also intrigued to see the photography equipment of the time. In her previous life, poverty had prevented her from remembering if she had ever had her picture taken as a child.
Upon entering, before they could even look around, they were unceremoniously ushered out by a middle-aged man working at the studio, who informed them they were only allowed in if they had money or ration coupons.
Chen Lan, having anticipated such a reaction from her past experiences reading novels where service in state-run establishments was often depicted as poor, wasn't overly bothered.
However, the children, unaccustomed to such treatment, prepared to argue. Jia Hui had already clenched her fists, but Chen Lan, remembering her purpose in coming to Harbin and preferring to avoid unnecessary trouble, quickly restrained the children's impulsive actions and led them away from the photo studio.
Once outside, Chen Lan spoke sternly, "Listen to me, all of you. I brought you out not for you to cause trouble. We are in Harbin to see your father. You cannot bring shame upon his name with your impulsive actions. Do you understand?"
The three boys were obedient and sensible, responding in unison, "We understand, Mother. We can endure. We promise not to cause trouble."
Jia Hui, however, was not about to agree. She immediately clung to Chen Lan's arm and pouted, "Mother, they are being too bullying! They won't even let us look. Look at their arrogant faces, my fists just want to hit them."
Chen Lan glanced around, noticing no one nearby. She shot Jia Hui a reproachful look and whispered, "Child, why are you so thoughtless? Do you think this is a valley? If you start a fight, you might attract the attention of the Revolutionary Committee, and we'll all end up in jail."
Seeing Jia Hui still unconcerned, Chen Lan decided it was best to tell the children the truth, especially since they were older now. She led the four children under a large tree, habitually checked her surroundings, and when she saw no one, she began, "The reason I brought you out this time, children, is twofold. Firstly, to let you see the world. Secondly, your father has been falsely accused and arrested. Your aunt's husband and I are here to find a way to rescue him. So, you must not cause trouble here, understand?"
The four children immediately erupted in alarm, drawing the attention of people in the distance. Chen Lan immediately shouted, "All of you, shut up! Didn't you hear what I just said?"
The children had never seen Chen Lan so angry, and seeing their mother's sudden outburst, they were stunned into silence.
Chen Lan observed that they had all quieted down and continued, "If you shout so loudly on the street, do you want to attract the Revolutionary Committee to arrest us?"
The children understood the gravity of the situation and immediately lowered their heads, remaining silent.
Jia Yao asked with concern, "Mother, was Father really arrested? Is Father's situation very serious? We have to find a way to save him! Mother, I brought that..."
Jia Xing, Jia He, and Jia Hui standing nearby all expressed their agreement, saying repeatedly, "Mother, we definitely have to save Father. We must save Father."
Chen Lan felt a pang of sympathy seeing their distress and comforted them, "I brought you here precisely to save your father. Don't worry too much about his situation, as I have a receipt from an important figure. Your father should be fine. Let's continue our sightseeing with peace of mind. Don't worry, by the time we return to the inn, your aunt's husband will surely bring good news."
To divert their attention, Chen Lan led the four children across the road to see the Harbin Institute of Technology on the other side.
The mother and children walked along Xidazhijie, admiring the sights. Chen Lan mused that it was no wonder the Harbin Institute of Technology was known as a "street university," as it wasn't an entirely enclosed campus.
The main building of the university was its most striking structure, reportedly a symbol of the institute. It was designed in imitation of Moscow State University's main building, with a "convex" shape, embodying a typical Russian architectural style. The main building was tall and majestic, exuding an impressive presence.
The top of the main building was adorned with numerous five-pointed stars, and the exterior walls were carved with Russian-style patterns. The overall architecture of the main building appeared incredibly solemn and sacred.
Chen Lan explained to the children as they walked, "This Harbin Institute of Technology is not only the best university in Harbin but also a renowned institution nationwide. It is also a key university that the country prioritizes for cultivating scientific research talent."
Jia Xing suddenly asked, "Mother, is this university truly focused on cultivating scientific research talent?"
Chen Lan nodded affirmatively, "Of course. Moreover, this is a remarkable university. To meet the needs of the country's industrial development, it even sets up relevant specialties according to enterprise job types. For example, the Metal Heat Treatment discipline includes specialties like casting, forging, and welding. The Mechanical Equipment Manufacturing discipline includes subjects like machine tools and cutting tools. Many mechanical equipment that teachers like your Teacher Zhou research are designed by teachers and students of this university and then put into production in factories. Therefore, the Harbin Institute of Technology is hailed as the 'cradle of engineers' in our country."
Upon hearing this, the four children became even more interested, their hearts filled with boundless aspiration for the Harbin Institute of Technology.
The mother and children walked from the main building of the university along Xidazhijie until they reached the school library.
The library was a three-story building in a typical Russian architectural style. The entrance, like traditional Russian-style doorways, was quite narrow. The arch above the door was curved and adorned with carved Russian-style floral patterns. Flanking the door were brick pillars, also decorated with carved patterns.
Su Wen Wen Chinese Network