Siheyuan's Journey Through the Ages

Chapter 23 The Author Who Refuses to Cooperate

Ma Qing began to wander around Nanluoguxiang. In May in Beijing, the streets were already very busy. The trees had all sprouted tender green leaves, and the ground was covered with green shade. The baskets selling peony flowers were placed at the crossroads. The acacia trees were blooming with their snow-white flowers, which were clumps on the green leaves. They could be seen everywhere on the streets and in people's courtyards. Citizens were wearing jackets and walking in the warm sunshine. Many people were riding bicycles, pedaling vigorously.

As Ma Qing walked on the streets of this booming era and looked at the bustling construction scenes around him, the sense of detachment that had been growing in his heart since he traveled through time, especially after knowing that this was another universe, gradually disappeared. After all, this was not a game, and the people around him were not NPCs.

Ma Qing looked at the faces passing by him, which were full of vitality, and gave up the idea of ​​running to the construction site at night to collect materials. If he did so, who knows how many people and families would be in an irretrievable situation.

Ma Qing had gained nothing in the whole morning. After having lunch, he returned to the courtyard.

As soon as I entered the yard, I was stopped by the third uncle, "Ma Qing, where have you been? You just came back now. Someone has been waiting for you for a long time."

Ma Qing looked at the three people who walked out of Uncle San's house and said, "Uncle San, I went to the park this morning to relax. Hello, Editor Li, Editor Qian, this is..."

"Student Ma Qing, I'm the editor of China Youth Daily. My last name is He. In addition to giving you the manuscript fee, I also want to discuss the arrangement of your poems with you. Can I go to your house to talk?"

That was of course no problem. After thanking the three uncles, Ma Qing took the three editors back home.

After entering the room, Editor He apologized directly: "I am very sorry, Ma Qing. The incident of stealing manuscripts in China Youth Daily has caused a very bad impact. The editor-in-chief sent me to express my deepest apologies to Ma Qing. Please forgive me."

Ma Qing had no objection. Then the three editors first gave Ma Qing the manuscript fee in a formal manner. The People's Daily gave him 6.7 yuan, the Workers' Daily gave him 6.6 yuan, and the China Youth Daily gave him 6.6 yuan. Editor Li said that the three newspapers all settled the manuscript fee based on the standard of 5 to 10 yuan per thousand words. My Motherland and I did not have many words, but the manuscript fee was a bit low.

"It's okay, Editor Li. I'm already very happy that the article can be published."

"Student Ma Qing, we are here to follow up on the arrangement of "My Motherland and I". I wonder if you have any requirements for the arrangement. We have found many well-known composers in the industry this week. We want to make an appointment to hold a meeting with the composers to communicate your requirements. Then, after the composers have composed the music, we will put the song together, find someone to sing it, and select the best version. As the lyricist of the song "My Motherland and I", we need your full participation in the whole process. You may need to take a lot of time out in the next week. I'm afraid you need to ask for leave from school. If the school has any problems, we can talk to the school."

After hearing what the editor said, Ma Qing's mind raced. This matter was too troublesome, and he had to get out of it. "I'm sorry, three editors, I will take the entrance examination this year. Now my studies are the most important thing for me. I don't have the time or energy to do these things." Editor He said anxiously, "Student Ma Qing, time is very tight now. We must try to perfect the song within a week and put "My Motherland and I" into the "Red May" singing competition at the end of the month. Do you know what this means?"

"I know. As a native of Beijing, how could I not know about the "Red May" singing competition? In 51, the mass singing activities started in Beijing. Factories, rural areas, government departments and schools sang red songs such as "Revolutionary People, Strong Will" and "Socialism is Good". If "My Motherland and I" is put into the "Red May" singing competition at the end of the month, it should get a lot of response."

"No, you underestimate the "Red May" singing competition. Since last year, mass singing activities have been very active, and leaders in many units have taken the lead in learning. Workers not only sing by themselves, but also bring their families to sing together. At the same time, professional art groups and musicians have actively participated and promoted the development of mass singing activities. Now this singing competition has become a political task. "My Motherland and I" was published in the newspaper, which is just a small article of upper-middle level. But if it were to be turned into a song, I firmly believe that it would sweep the country. Starting from the "Red May" singing competition, you will be nationally famous and become the most famous lyricist. Your songs will be printed into books and spread all over the country, and the royalties will be an astronomical figure." Editor He tempted.

"Thank you, Editor He. Although I am young, I understand this principle. However, I, Ma Qing, was born in the working class. My father and mother asked me to be down-to-earth and be a down-to-earth person since I was a child. It is true that I wrote "My Motherland and I", but I have never thought about becoming a writer or a poet. "My Motherland and I" is just an article I got by chance. It came out naturally in my heart. I don't think I have the potential to become a literary worker. I am interested in mechanical manufacturing. This year, I must work hard to get into the agricultural machinery technical secondary school in our city. I want to serve the country through industry."

Ma cleared his throat and continued, "Besides, I know nothing about music, so how can I communicate with the composer? I am even less capable of choosing a better version. If I must make a request, it is that I hope the melody of "My Motherland and I" must be simpler, less technical, more rustic, easier to sing, and easier for ordinary people to sing."

"Student Ma Qing, you are too modest. You have grasped the key point," Editor Li continued to persuade him. Ma Qing interrupted him directly, "Editor Li, please stop talking. Although I am young, I am very determined. Please report my opinions to your superiors. The follow-up matters of the song "My Motherland and I" will be handed over to you. I will not participate. This will be more efficient and better for the song."

The three editors looked at each other helplessly and stopped trying to persuade him. They had to continue communicating with Ma Qing about their requirements for the melody of the song, carefully wrote it down, and then said goodbye and left.

Ma Qing accompanied the three editors to the alley entrance. After returning to the courtyard, he went straight to Yan Bugui and said, "Uncle San, thank you for today. Please help me entertain the guests."

"You're too polite. You're a great writer now. We, your neighbors, are honored. Helping you with this little thing is a big deal? It's just a few cups of tea. But you, kid, have done a great thing quietly and scared us. You have a promising future and are amazing." Yan Bugui gave a thumbs up.

"Uncle, you are slapping me in the face, what's the big deal? I'm here to treat you to a drink, not to show off. I promised to treat you to a drink last week, but something happened last week and I was delayed. Please don't blame me."

Yan Bugui was delighted, but said: "You took the joke I told you last time seriously? If I let a kid buy me a drink, people would laugh at me. No, no."

(End of this chapter)