Both essays were writing about living things. One was written about an animal, while the other was written about a plant. One was a prose poem, while the other was also prose. The common theme was clear; they were using a living thing as an allegory. “The Song of the Stormy Petrel” was using the petrel to express one’s resistance and fearlessness, while “Tribute to the White Poplar” was using the white poplar to express the greatness and simplicity of the ubiquitous people.
They had different themes, but the same feeling!
Hence, there were no doubts about his authenticity after they knew he was Zhang Ye. Zhang Ye was the only literature author in the country who could write such an essay at his age. Of course, there were other young people who wrote well, and they were also about the same age as Zhang Ye, but the problem was they were just not bad. No peer of Zhang Ye could reach his standard! The difference in quality in the works was too great!
The language teacher exclaimed, “You are really Zhang Ye?”
Zhang Ye blinked, “That’s me. Why?”
“Nothing, nothing, I… Nevermind. I’ll talk to you after the class has ended.” The language teacher seemed to have something on her mind.
Director Liu then said, “Right; there’s still class. Come, let’s go behind and continue listening. Let’s not disrupt the children from their lesson.”
The people from the Education Bureau and teachers all sat in the back row. With the appearance of “Tribute to the White Poplar” , they no longer had any intentions of visiting other classes.
Principal Li said after taking his seat, “Teacher, carry on. Don’t bother about us.”
“Alright.” The language teacher calmed her mood and said to everyone, “Students, just now you heard ‘Tribute to the White Poplar’ once. From the looks of everyone, you might not understand why this essay is good, and it can’t be blamed. This prose is not something easily understood at your age, because its essence and excellence is not on its surface, but within. I really wish each one of you will be like the white poplar, and using Chenchen’s uncle’s words… With straight trunks and branches, aim high, stand erect and be unbending in face of a violent wind.”
The children all looked towards Chenchen.
“Actually, I need to be self-critical of myself.” The language teacher said honestly, “Just now when I read the first sentence of ‘Tribute to the White Poplar’, I had some contempt in my heart. Like everyone else, I also find the white poplar mundane. Praising the white poplar? What was there to praise? But after I finished reading it, I knew I was wrong. A rose may be beautiful, but it easily withers. The orchid may be beautiful, but it is easily bent. The white poplar might look ugly, but I think they are much more beautiful than them. It is beautiful in the sense of striving for excellence. It is an unyielding beauty. This is a ubiquitous beauty!”
The language teacher’s evaluation of it was of a certain standard.
After hearing this, everyone applauded!
Director Liu and Principal Li also nodded and gave their applause!
“Just now when I recited ‘Tribute to the White Poplar’, I had some uncertainty and hesitation. So my tone was not right at times. Actually, I also do not have the ability to recite it properly. I wish to invite Teacher Zhang Ye to recite it once. I’m not sure if Teacher Zhang is willing to?” The language teacher suddenly said, “You might not know this, but Teacher Zhang Ye is a professional in this line of work. His profession is a broadcasting host, but he is also an author. His recitation will definitely be better than mine by a hundred times. Hur Hur, students, let us give a round of a applause for Teacher Zhang Ye to recite.”
There was applause once again.
Director Liu also greatly wanted to hear how Zhang Ye recited it. Principal Li might not have heard Zhang Ye’s live performance, but Director Liu had happened to listen to an audio upload of Zhang Ye’s recital of “Dead Water” onstage at the Silver Microphone Awards ceremony. That mocking tone, that sarcasm and that anger, with no scruples about cursing, could be felt throughout the recitation. Back then, Director Liu had even stood up and slammed his table when he heard it. It was too exciting!
Zhang Ye was not willing to incur ridicule on himself. However, Chenchen kept stabbing him with her little elbow, “Zhang Ye! Zhang Ye!”