1978 Synthetic Writers

Chapter 326: The transfer is in sight
As September approaches in Beijing, the remaining warmth of summer can still be felt.

Jiang Xian returned home and stuffed the things into Zhu Lin's hand.

"Why did you buy a smoked chicken?" Zhu Lin picked it up and took a look. It was not just one, but two.

"Eat it. If you can't finish it today, save it for tomorrow. You don't have to cook tomorrow."

As Jiang Xian spoke, he couldn't wait to grab some clean clothes and go to the bathhouse to wash them thoroughly.

Before Jiang Xian even went out, someone knocked on the door.

Zhu Lin opened it and saw that it was Wang Meng, who was wearing a white Dacron. When she looked at Jiang Xian, a look of resentment suddenly appeared on her face.

"You are finally back~"

"Teacher Wang, why are you here?"

Jiang Xian was also surprised.

Wang Meng's tone was just like the old turtle that the four masters and apprentices encountered when they returned from their journey to the West.

"Didn't you say you'd think about what I told you before? How come it's been so long and you still haven't replied to me?"

Wang Meng was talking about taking Jiang Xian to People's Literature.

Jiang Xian didn't give him a reply before, and then he went to Xi'an to attend the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Awards Ceremony, and never came back until now.

"Don't worry."

Jiang Xian smiled and said, "I just came back and I haven't even had a drink of water yet. So, please wait for me to come back from the shower. We can talk after I finish the shower."

"Where are we going to take a shower?"

Wang Meng was very alert. This time, she would not give Jiang Xian any chance to fight guerrilla warfare. Even when he was taking a shower, she would chase after him.

Bathhouses in the capital have existed since the Yuan Dynasty and reached their peak during the Republic of China period.

By this time, there were several hundred bathhouses in the capital, the most famous of which were Qinghuachi, Qinghuayuan, and Shuangxingtang. However, with the changing times, these bathhouses gradually decreased in number.

Jiang Xian went to the bathhouse of a nearby factory. In order to reduce the burden, the canteen and the bathhouse were open to the public, so he often came here.

The bathhouse is always bustling no matter what time of the day. A bunch of big men with big bald heads, towels around their necks, bare bellies, are either sitting on stools or soaking in the pool.

The bathhouses in these units are generally very simple, and there are no lying boxes for people to rest.

But the facilities in the bathing area are very good. The pond in the middle is also very large. The shower area has good water flow on both sides and the water is very hot. There is a large wooden bed in the corner for scrubbing.

Jiang Xian and Wang Meng took off their clothes and entered the bathing area. The temperature inside was so high that it felt like the air they breathed in was hot.

The two of them showered for a while, then jumped in to take a bath, listening to a few old men chatting nearby.

"Why close such a good bathhouse? It's not like the factory can't afford the subsidy."

"What do you know? This is called keeping up with the situation. Everyone else is reducing their burdens, but you're not. What's the matter? You're the only one with money?"

Another engineer, who was probably an educated man in the factory, stretched himself, splashed water on himself, and said, "It should have been shut down long ago. A company should do its business. Why make a bunch of messy parts?"

"Get lost, you old man. I've never seen you come less than once. You're taking advantage of me."

A group of people were arguing, Jiang Xian and Wang Meng listened quietly for a while and then withdrew their attention.

It was already the mid-80s, and just by listening to people around me chatting, I could feel the changes of the times.

"The situation is changing so fast." Jiang Xian sighed softly.

"After the last time, Mr. Guang talked to me twice more."

Wang Meng took the initiative to say, "Mr. Guang is quite concerned. He is considering having Comrade Ge Luo be the editor-in-chief of People's Literature, and then having me be the deputy editor-in-chief."

Ge Luo is a famous writer and has served as deputy editor-in-chief of Poetry Magazine and People's Literature.

"Why did you change your mind?" Jiang Xian asked curiously.

Wang Meng said, "Mr. Guang thought that the conditions were not yet ripe for me to directly coordinate with the Beijing Municipal Government to be the editor-in-chief of People's Literature. He decided to take a step back and let me serve as the first deputy editor-in-chief to participate in the editing work first. In this way, I could have a mutual understanding process with the comrades from the local branches."

"I see."

Jiang Xian expressed his understanding.

This approach is indeed safer, but it is more likely to hurt Wang Meng's feelings.

Wang Meng frowned and said: "Mr. Guang asked for my opinion and asked Comrade Chen Rong to come to me to understand the situation and do my work"

Jiang Xian listened carefully.

Chen Rong is doing Wang Meng's job, which means that Wang Meng is quite resistant to the position of first deputy editor-in-chief.

The situation was indeed as Jiang Xian had guessed.

Wang Meng said: "I told him very frankly that since they wanted me to be the editor-in-chief, I would consider it according to this. If the conditions are not ripe, we can wait and see."

From his interactions with Wang Meng, Jiang Xian could feel that Wang Meng was straightforward, self-respecting, persistent and had individual personality. Facing such a situation that was unfavorable to him, Jiang Xian was not surprised that he gave such an answer.

"Mr. Guang was not angry. After discussing with Comrade Feng Mu, he gave up the idea of ​​transferring Comrade Ge Luo to People's Literature and continued to conduct external coordination on the previous idea."

Wang Meng said, "A few days ago, Comrade Chen Mo told me that he had approved my secondment for one year as the editor-in-chief of People's Literature, and I will still take care of the branch during this period."

"That's great. Congratulations, Mr. Wang." Jiang Xian said with a smile, "You are probably the youngest editor-in-chief of People's Literature."

Although secondment is only for one year, in fact, once you are seconded out, things will become much easier afterwards.

Wang Meng still frowned, "Although my problem has been solved, in fact, things are far from being as simple and optimistic as you think."

To form a new leadership team for People's Literature, Wang Meng certainly needs capable people around him.

He had discussed this with Guang Weiran, and both Guang Weiran and Wang Meng felt that Jiang Zilong was a very suitable candidate.

However, Wang Meng had already gone to negotiate with Tianjin, and Guang Weiran also found the leaders of the Central Propaganda Department and asked the Personnel Bureau to quickly handle the procedures for Jiang Zilong's transfer. However, the feedback they received was that the situation was very difficult and there was basically no hope of Jiang Zilong's transfer being successful.

Of course, there were people who were trying to obstruct Wang Meng's succession, not wanting it to be so smooth.

After all, this is People's Literature, a royal publication in which too many people want to get involved.

"Mr. Guang and I have two goals that we must strive for. One is Comrade Jiang Zilong, and the other is you." Wang Meng said sincerely.

After talking for a long time, Jiang Xian basically understood why Wang Meng was so obsessed with him.

Jiang Zilon is in Tianjin, and it is very difficult to move against him, or there is no hope at all.

It can be said that Jiang Xian is Wang Meng’s only best choice at the moment.

And now all the resistance is concentrated on Jiang Zilong, and Jiang Xian has become a character that the outside world would not expect.

The transfer procedures will also be smoother.

"Alas, People's Literature, the water here is probably too deep, I can't grasp it." Jiang Xian still didn't want to take on this hot potato.

"Jiang Xian."

When Wang Meng heard this, he suddenly became anxious and moved closer to Jiang Xian.

Jiang Xian was startled and reminded: "Teacher Wang, we are taking a bath."

Wang Meng realized his own gaffe, coughed, and quickly said:

“Jiang Xian, I know that People’s Literature is full of challenges, but this is also a kind of experience.”

Wang Meng kept on persuading him for a long time. Jiang Xian couldn't be said to be indifferent, but he basically had no reaction.

He had no choice but to say, "I know you have a lot of thoughts and ideas. Just follow me to People's Literature. As long as it's not a matter of principle, you can go ahead and do the rest."

Jiang Xian finally raised his head and asked, "What will my status be after I am transferred in?"

Wang Meng secretly cursed the boy for being a cunning guy.

He won't react at all unless you give him something practical.

He said, "In my plan, you will be at least a deputy editor-in-chief, but I can't promise you the top-ranked deputy editor-in-chief."

"Deputy Editor"

Jiang Xian was also startled.

He originally thought that at best he could just be an editorial board member of People's Literature, but he didn't expect Wang Meng's plan was to arrange him to the position of deputy editor-in-chief.

This is also normal. If Jiang Zilon was transferred here, he would definitely be the deputy editor-in-chief, which is ranked first.

But if Jiang Zilong cannot come and Jiang Xian takes over, given his qualifications, he cannot be given the first rank and must at least be given the position of deputy editor-in-chief.

Wang Meng waited for Jiang Xian's reaction.

I have already promised him the position of deputy editor-in-chief, and this guy is still not satisfied?

This is the deputy editor-in-chief of People's Literature.

How old is Jiang Xian? He is less than 30 years old.

It is debatable that he is the youngest editor-in-chief in the history of People's Literature, but Jiang Xian must be the youngest deputy editor-in-chief in the history of People's Literature. Damn, Wang Meng thought that when he was Jiang Xian's age, he seemed to have just taken "A Young Man Came to the Organization Department" to revise the manuscript of People's Literature.

Jiang Xian now has the opportunity to take over as deputy editor-in-chief of People's Literature.

The key point is that this kid is still hesitating.

Can you hesitate about this?
If it were him, he would probably agree immediately.

"Teacher Wang"

Under Wang Meng's expectant gaze, Jiang Xian stood up and splashed some water.

"I'm going to take a bath first."

After saying that, Teacher Wang, regardless of his blackened face, jumped out of the pool, lay on the edge of the pool, and waited quietly for the bath scrubber to start.

Wang Meng was waiting anxiously.

Jiang Xian was scrubbing his body while chatting with the bath attendant.

"Your Northern Kung Fu, right?"

"Oh, I don't know either. I just came here not long ago. I came to the factory to live with a distant relative. I came to the bathhouse to learn how to give people a bath. I don't know what the southern and northern styles are. Can you explain it to me?"

"Then let me talk about it?"

"You say."

"In the bathhouses of our capital, there are two schools of bathing, the southern and the northern. The southern school is mainly in Yangzhou, and the technique is delicate, emphasizing light hands and even force, and a massage on the head after the bath."

"What about the Northern School?"

"The northern school is basically made up of people from Dingxing, Yixian, and Laishui counties. They focus on steady hands and even strength. All the skills are based on hand strength."

While Jiang Xian was chatting, Wang Meng was thinking about killing someone.

After finally finishing the job of chatting with Jiang Xian, he waited for him to clean his ears, then said with a grin, "That feels great."

Wang Meng thought that the matter was over, but then this guy said something else.

"Master, please cup it again."

"What the hell?"

Teacher Wang, who is usually gentle and elegant, was so angry that he wanted to curse.

After taking a cold shower and letting it dry for a while, he finally waited for Jiang Xian to finish bathing him.

"You've been waiting for a long time." Jiang Xian grinned.

This matter is enough to brag about if it is made public.

When Wang Meng asked him to be the deputy editor-in-chief of People's Literature, he just left Wang Meng aside for a long time.

No one else has this treatment except him.

no way.

Who makes it necessary for him to be the one?
"Jiang Xian, let me tell you, let's just settle this." Wang Meng was too lazy to argue with Jiang Xian anymore and made the decision directly, "I will immediately arrange for you to have someone help me when I get back. It will probably be done within a month."

"Look, he's in a hurry."

Jiang Xian sighed helplessly.

Whatever.

Since Wang Meng has shown his sincerity so far, he can just go to People's Literature.

This decision is made.

Jiang Xian himself suddenly felt full of energy and vigor.

Tsk tsk.

Such a young deputy editor-in-chief of People's Literature.

I couldn't help swinging the pendulum while walking.

Such a spectacular scene, rarely seen even in a bathhouse, gave a fright to the workers who came to take a bath.

"Youth is an asset."

"What does it have to do with being young? Did you have this scale when you were young?"

"Is this still a human being?"

"Damn it, what wife can handle this?"

Wang Meng was also shocked. He was busy persuading Jiang Xian to go to People's Literature with him, and was soaking in the pool, so he didn't notice it.

Take a look now.
Ouch, that’s scary!

Who would dare to take a shower with you after this?

Jiang Xian didn't know about this. He washed himself inside and out, put a cupping jar on his body, and felt relaxed all over.

After changing into clean clothes, I chatted with Wang Meng for a few more words and said goodbye at the intersection.

When I got home, I ate the smoked chicken he bought in the evening.

The smoked chicken was really good.

The color is golden, the fat is glossy, the meat is soft but not rotten, and it is chewy without much effort.

It is said that in the past, smoked chicken was made in Beijing using "barrel chicken".

What is "barrel chicken"? Some say it means "young chicken", because the chefs in the past had little education and found it troublesome to write, so they simplified the word as much as possible.

Speaking of smoked chicken, there is also a derivative dish: braised shredded chicken.

This dish evolved from the braised shredded chicken in Shandong cuisine restaurants. The meat from the smoked chicken thighs is torn into strips and stewed with raw shredded chicken.

Liang Shiqiu wrote in "Braised Double Crisps" that after returning from studying abroad, he went to Zhimeizhai specifically to eat three fried tripe, a clear oil cake and a bowl of stewed shredded chicken.

Mr. Liang himself commented on this meal: "It was the most enjoyable meal in my life. I still can't forget it after more than 50 years."

"Deputy editor-in-chief of People's Literature?"

At the dinner table, Jiang Xian told Zhu Lin what he had talked about with Wang Meng in the bathhouse.

Zhu Lin was also stunned.

Just the three words "deputy editor-in-chief" are enough to convey enough value.

Previously, Jiang Xian served as the deputy editor-in-chief of "Film Creation", which was a shocking thing to tell others.

This time it jumped directly from "Film Creation" to a higher level, and it's not a single level.

People’s Literature?!

Who in the country who is interested in literature has not heard of the name of this magazine?

"I'm going to call my dad."

Zhu Lin finished her meal in a hurry and went downstairs to make a phone call.

So the smoked chicken was hardly touched, and almost all of it went into Jiang Xian's mouth.

As for Zhu's father, he played a few games of chess outside in the evening. When he came home, he heard Zhu's mother chattering with him as soon as he entered the door:

"I just finished talking to Zhu Lin on the phone. Jiang Xian is going to be transferred to People's Literature."

"Go to People's Literature? What for?"

"Become a deputy editor!"

"Deputy Editor?!"

These three words even shocked Zhu's father, a professor at Beijing Institute of Technology.

Mother Zhu's eyes were full of pride.

"How come Jiang Xian is such a good kid who is so progressive?"

"Look at you again."

Professor Zhu was innocently implicated and tried to defend himself with his neck stiff.

"How old is he? How old am I?"

"At my age, how can I make progress?"

(End of this chapter)