On the westbound train

　　For work, I travel a lot.

　　 One afternoon in March last year, I squeezed into train 406. This was a through express train from Hangzhou to Xi’an. There were many people on the train. I was caught standing in the middle of the carriage. Jiangnan in March, the climate is supposed to be pleasant, but God does not take care of our people who go out. Everyone in the sultry carriage is wiping sweat from time to time.

　　Beside me standing, there are eight elderly Hui compatriots. Everyone is talking and laughing. From time to time, there are cheerful singing. I pay attention to it: the elderly, 80-something old man with a gray beard, a white hat, a kind face, and a cheerful face, obviously a good image for sketching! Being upset by the sultry train, I want to use a painting to adjust my mood. After getting the uncle's approval, I immediately stood to make a charcoal head sketch for his old man. I watched the old man and searched for the characteristics of the old man: the passage of years has left wrinkles on the old man’s face; in my firm eyes, it seems that I can see the old man’s perseverance in fear of hardship and his longing for a better life in the future. The peaceful demeanor seems to make me feel the expectation and hope of the elderly for the younger generation.

The train advanced on the Xuan-Hang railway line. The shaking of the carriage made the painting more difficult. The enthusiastic Hui aunt got up and let me sit in her seat. The policemen who came to patrol also stopped and watched. The noisy carriage became quiet. Only I heard my pounding heartbeat. I didn't dare to neglect. I moved the pen quickly. The trembling carriage made it impossible for me to paint cautiously. Everything had to go with the flow. For about 20 minutes, the charcoal sketch of the old man's head with light and shade was basically completed. Seeing that his image was left on the paper, the old man was very happy and hoped that I would give him some paintings and he would hang them on the wall at home. I met his request. The old man took out the noodles and said that this was the dry food he brought with him when he went out. He insisted on letting me taste it.

My aunt told me that they were from Linxia, ​​Gansu. This time they gathered together to worship at mosques in Guangzhou, Hangzhou and other places. The journey went smoothly. Now they have embarked on the train to return home. They can meet me on the train and get paintings. , And added joy to travel life. The old man is 87 years old, it is not easy to go out so energetic, let alone how happy he is today. Everyone invites me to sketch in Linxia, ​​where there is a beautiful mosque, and there are folks who love life very much...

　　 Along with the singing and laughter of everyone, I happily sketched life for three Hui women. In the car at dusk, the light is unstable, and the light is sometimes blocked by the woods that move away from the window. The vibrating train makes the pen I hold difficult to control, but the beating pen makes the sketches have lively lines that are hard to come by. A happy laugh came from the onlookers. I was soaked with sweat, and I was relieved at this moment.

　　 The sky is getting darker, and I am tired and I will get off at Wuhu Station. Although I have not yet got a place to stay, even though I am hungry and thirsty, I am satisfied, because my paintings can bring joy to people.

　　 I am very happy.

—— Author: Zhang Zhong 1999 July 18

【Note: The full text was published in the third edition of "Yuyao Daily", Hemudu Supplement on July 20, 1999. Original works cannot be reproduced without permission!】