1979: My fiancée is a goddess

Chapter 395: All three major literary awards are shortlisted!

Somehow, the news that Cheng Kaiyan's works were nominated for three major literary awards spread quickly.

The news quickly spread in the literary and artistic circles in Beijing. Many people knew about Cheng Kaiyan's incident and began to discuss it behind her back.

Someone said: "It's not enough for one person to be nominated for three literary awards. He wants to be nominated for all five works, right? What a foolish dream!"

“Even if it’s the same person’s work, as long as it’s excellent, why can’t it be selected?”

Of course there are writers who hold different opinions.

At the same time, in the inpatient department of Beijing Union Hospital.

A middle-aged man walked into the ward. He had a square face, a haggard look, untidy beard, and bloodshot eyes. It looked like he hadn't taken care of himself for some time.

Wei Tao looked at his father lying on the bed with some sadness, smiled reluctantly and said:

“Dad, I have sorted out the news for you, not much has happened recently.

In addition to national affairs, there is also the selection of three literary awards that has been in full swing these days. "

As he spoke, he handed over a piece of manuscript paper with a simple message written on it.

"Well, let me see it..."

Mr. Mao took it and took a look. It was just a brief text summary of the situation.

Soon he saw a familiar name, then frowned and laughed:

"Xiao Cheng's work is so popular?"

"That's right, I heard that the total number of votes for the work "Fragrant Grass" alone is 60,000.

But now People's Literature and Art Newspaper are both in a dilemma. Logically speaking, these three works can only be nominated for the short story award.

But all three works are so excellent that it would be a pity if any one of them was missing, and even the readers who wrote in would have objections if they saw it.”

Wei Tao patiently explained, going over the details one by one.

“That’s a problem, but wouldn’t it be meaningless if the literary award didn’t select works that were better and more in line with the spirit of the times?

The selection of this year's literary awards was so poor and there were so many problems!"

After listening to this, Mr. Mao shook his head in disappointment. Such an award evaluation had been turned into a mess.

Wei Tao glanced at his father. In his opinion, this was most likely due to his father's serious illness and the fact that there was no one in the Writers Association who could take charge of the overall situation.

After thinking for a while, he still didn't say what was in his mind. He asked softly, "How do you think this matter should be handled? The leader of the Writers Association just came. I hope you..."

"Asking me what to do? Haha..."

Elder Mao was silent for a moment, then smiled and said, "Forget it, forget it, who asked it to be Cheng Kaiyan..."

Hearing this familiar tone, Wei Tao was stunned.

When did my father become familiar with Cheng Kaiyan?

"come here……"

Mr. Mao waved his hand weakly and whispered a few words into his son's ear.

"you!"

Wei Tao hissed softly, feeling a little jealous. The old man had been fair all his life, but just because of him...

"Go."

"understood."

……

the next day.

The leaders of the China Writers Association came with the answer and held talks with People's Literature, Literary Gazette, and Children's Literature.

“That’s fine, Mr. Mao is very dissatisfied with this year’s selection process.

Now that it has come to this, let’s put aside the length and rules for the time being.

Our biggest goal this year is to award our three literary awards safely and securely, without disappointing the writers and readers."

The leader spoke in a low, very serious tone.

"We understand what the leader means. As long as the work meets the requirements of the literary award and is approved by the judges, we will approve it without any hidden rules..."

The editor-in-chief of the Literary Gazette responded immediately.

"But it's still a bit eye-catching that all three of my works have been shortlisted for the Novella Award..."

The leader frowned and sighed.

"Then we give 'Love Letter' to the short story award? After all, it has fewer words."

Zhang Guangnian tentatively said, "Love Letter" was also a work published by their People's Literature, so it is not impossible to bring it back now."

"So be it."

The leader nodded, then changed the subject and said in a very serious and sharp tone: "If such a mistake happens again next year, it will not be a small problem!"

"Yes!"

……

Time flies, and soon it is March 18th.

Today is the day when the three literary awards officially publish the shortlisted works. Many writers and countless literature lovers from all over the country are looking forward to today's newspaper.

I look forward to seeing my name or the name of my favorite work on the nomination list for the award that represents the top level of domestic literature.

Nine in the morning.

The bustling Nanjing Road commercial street in Shanghai is crowded with people.

Wang Anyi was walking on the street wearing a black jacket, light blue jeans, a pair of women's leather shoes, and carrying a cross-body bag.

He walked hurriedly and looked expectantly towards the Xinhua Bookstore not far away.

Under the tree in front of the store, a young man stood in the shade.

That was my good friend Ye Xin.

Wang Anyi and he both work and live in Shanghai. Especially after they participated in the military field trip and the in-depth training in the writers' class last year, they were quickly favored by the organization when they returned to their hometown and were recommended to the Municipal Writers Association as full-time writers.

The two have a good relationship and often have dinner together with friends of the same age from the Writers Association to chat about literary works.

Today, Wang Anyi and Ye Xin made an appointment to watch this year's literary awards selection together.

The stubborn literary works created by the two last year while on military tours were also recommended by the PLA Literature and Art Editorial Department for the Novella Award.

It is said that there is a good chance of being nominated for an award.

"Brother Ye, good morning. Have you eaten?"

Wang Anyi saw a figure not far away, raised her hand and waved, responding with a chuckle.

"Not yet. Let's eat together after we finish reading the award news?"

Ye Xin also walked towards Wang Anyi, followed by a pretty young girl.

This is the blind date he met during the Chinese New Year, and they are getting along pretty well now.

"This is...sister-in-law?"

Wang Anyi was stunned for a moment and asked with a smile.

“This is my partner…”

Ye Xin smiled brightly and gave a brief introduction.

The three of them went towards Xinhua Bookstore, chatting as they went.

"Kaiyan has been making quite a lot of noise lately. I even saw the news about 'Fragrant Grass' in Shanghai. It looks like this book will be a big winner in this year's literary awards!"

Ye Xin sighed.

"That's right. I counted the works Cheng Kaiyan created last year, and there are five that can be included in the selection! "Fragrant Grass", "Love Letter", "Youth", "The Alchemist", and "My Neighbor Totoro". Wow, maybe he has won all three literary awards!"

Wang Anyi counted on her fingers.

"Haha, it's not that easy. The length of his works is not very suitable, and I guess only one work can be nominated for one award. But the novella award and children's literature award should be a sure win."

Ye Xin smiled and shook his head, thinking that Wang Anyi was too optimistic about Cheng Kaiyan.

"Yeah, let's not talk about him anymore, let's go in."

Wang Anyi smiled freely and walked in front, leading everyone to the Xinhua Bookstore.

Before I even entered the store to buy a newspaper, I heard a number of young literature lovers excitedly discussing the newspapers in their hands.

"Hurry up and check the news! The shortlists for the three major literary awards are out!"

"Hiss—what did I see…"

A girl wearing glasses was holding a newspaper in her hand. Her fair face instantly turned red with excitement. She covered her mouth and exclaimed in surprise.

Wang Anyi and the other two outside the store immediately cast curious glances at him, followed by exclamations one after another.

"One, two... five, five works! Isn't Teacher Cheng Kaiyan too amazing? Five works shortlisted for three literary awards?!"

Someone looked at the three lists above and counted out all of Cheng Kaiyan's shortlisted works. Obviously, he was also a fan of Cheng Kaiyan's books.

"Comrades, take a look at the total number of votes for 'Fragrant Grass'. It's over 60,000 votes in total! Do you know what this means?!"

"What concept?"

"Last year, the first place winner of the National Excellent Short Story Award, Mr. Jiang Zilong's "The Record of Director Qiao's Taking Office" only received more than 20,000 votes!"

"hiss--"

"It's three times that of Teacher Jiang Zilong!"

For a moment, everyone in Xinhua Bookstore was shocked by this number. You have to know that this is not the kind of fake thing that can easily get tens or millions of votes on the Internet in later generations.

These are letters and stamps thrown out one by one!

Sixty thousand tickets means sixty thousand letters and sixty thousand stamps. This number is too scary.

It almost made history in the literary world!

"This is all voted for by us one by one! Haha!"

After the shock, many young literary people in the bookstore proudly put their hands on their hips.

At this moment, Wang Anyi and Jiang Zilong, who were outside the door and heard these discussions, felt their hearts tremble slightly!

The two looked at each other and saw the shock in each other's eyes.

As a writer, I naturally understand the true value of these tickets.

The two of them quickly bought a newspaper and read it carefully.

"All five works are nominated? There are still so many votes!"

Wang Anyi stared at the shortlist written in black and white on the newspaper and became more and more surprised the more she read.

Cheng Kaiyan is really as everyone said, almost all of his works created last year were shortlisted.

"Love Letter" was nominated for the National Outstanding Short Story Award.

"Fragrant Grass" and "Youth" were nominated for the National Excellent Novella Award.

Both "The Alchemist" and "My Neighbor Totoro" were nominated for the National Excellent Children's Literature Award!
"It's too... exaggerated. All five works have been shortlisted!"

Ye Xin couldn't help pinching himself, he almost thought it was a dream.

"He is a genius after all, but we are not bad either, and our works have been shortlisted."

When Wang Anyi held the newspaper and pointed at the names on it and spoke, her eyes were shining brightly.

"That's true."

Ye Kun laughed hard and realized that he could not compare himself with people like Cheng Kaiyan. The gap between people was sometimes so big that it was unimaginable.

"Brother Ye, is Cheng Kaiyan the writer you mentioned the one who wrote love letters? I really like this work! Is he amazing?"

The person next to him pulled Ye Xin's arm and asked with curiosity.

"He..."

……

At the same time, all over the world.

"Oh my god, this Cheng Kaiyan is so amazing."

Almost everyone who got the newspaper and saw the list of nominations was shocked.

Cheng Kaiyan’s name is on the nomination list for all three major literary awards, and even two of his works appear in the novella literature award and the children’s literature award.

All five of last year’s works were nominated for the Literature Award.

Even in every list, his votes topped the list!

This big news immediately aroused discussions among many literature lovers, and writers who were concerned about this matter also expressed their opinions.

"Two works were nominated for literary awards at the same time? Cheng Kaiyan actually managed to get the organizer to break the unspoken rules?"

“Is the work too good?!”

"And isn't Love Letter a novella? How did it get shortlisted for the short story prize?"

“That’s fucking outrageous!”

In addition, media workers from all over the country also paid attention to and wrote articles to report this news.

On the evening of the 18th, some newspapers across the country smelled an opportunity and quickly published the incident.

The Yangtze River Daily commented: "Comrade Cheng Kaiyan, a well-known young writer, is about to win three literary awards!"

The Beijing Evening News said: "Comrade Cheng Kaiyan has five works nominated for three literary awards! This is the pride of us old Beijingers!"

China Youth Daily highly praised him: "A talented writer in the golden age of literature! Five works a year, all of which are long novels, all of which are excellent, and all of which are nominated!"

Many people suddenly remembered the name Cheng Kaiyan, and many ordinary people also heard of this name.

While the outside world was bustling with activity, the person involved was huddled at home, writing hard and turning a deaf ear to everything else.

I turn a deaf ear to the world outside and concentrate on writing the books of sages.

……

"Miss has a letter for you, sent by Jiang Mingzheng."

July 18th, Caojia Street next to the Confucian Temple.

A large-scale wooden old house left over from the Ming and Qing dynasties is located here.

A plaque with the words "Cao Mansion" was hung on the vermilion gate with a mottled paint surface.

The mansion with ancient charm occupies a large area, with a quiet and pleasant environment and beautiful scenery.

But there were a lot of flowers and weeds growing in the corners of the house.

The small garden in the backyard was also unattended.

There are many withered, yellow and dying lotus leaves and lotus flowers in the lotus pond. In the middle of the pond sits an exquisite pavilion. Intricate ivy climbs up most of the pavilion roof, blocking out much of the sunlight and leaving behind green shade.

In the hot summer, it seems quiet, pleasant and cool.

When the wind blew in the distance, most of the pond swayed.

Under the cool green shade of the pavilion.

A woman in a light gauze dress was leaning against a wooden pillar, her snow-white arms wrapped around her thin body. She was holding a book in her hands, reading it with a bored look on her face.

A pair of beautiful lotus feet took off their shoes and socks, one of them dangled in the cool water of the pool, the slender toes brought up water droplets, and the other stepped on the wooden board under the buttocks to support the body and maintain the posture.

Cui Liu, a little maid with two braids, ran over shouting and holding a letter in her hand.

The wind caused by running blew the pink and white flowers of the ivy, and the faint and heavy fragrance of the lotus flowed into Cao Yanan's lungs with the wind.

"Oh - put it aside. I'll look at it later when I have time."

Cao Yanan responded calmly without raising her head and continued reading.

"This... But the young lady is not with..."

The maid Cui Liu looked up in surprise, unexpected by the eldest lady's cold attitude.

As the eldest lady's personal maid, although she is young, she can still see the close yet inseparable atmosphere between the two.

"Speak up."

Cao Yanan looked up at her.

The maid Cui Liu was startled and quickly put it on the table in the middle of the pavilion, then lowered her head and left.

The pavilion became quiet again.

"Swish! Crash!"

The snow-white lotus feet rose up from the bottom to the top, throwing out large splashes of water that fell on the surface of the pool.

The young lady, who had been quiet and elegant just now, now moved as fast as a rabbit, and could not wait to reach the table with her bare feet.

Brush brush.

He tore open the envelope and began to read the pages.

But soon, the woman's delicate brows were furrowed, and the letter paper in her hand had already developed wrinkles along her white fingers.

"Japan, clinical medicine... Studying medicine after completing literature? Jiang Mingzheng..."

"Oh... you are so arrogant and unreasonable..."

Cao Yanan lowered her head and sneered. If she remembered correctly, it was his father who paid for Jiang Mingzheng's college education.

This was probably the first plan that Jiang Mingzheng let her know about after returning to China.

Since returning from the West, Jiang Mingzheng has always deliberately kept her distance. She always talks to her father about any big plans or life plans she has, which has always annoyed her.

They had known each other since they were seven, and now the conversation was awkward.

She always felt that it was Jiang Mingzheng's fault.

In short, she had to get these things done before leaving here.

……

It was already half past five in the evening.

The sky darkened and the sky in the distance was burning red.

Cheng Kaiyan put down his pen and felt dry mouth and hungry.

“Gurgle…Hoo…”

He picked up the teapot and took a sip, only then did he feel a little better.

At this time, outside the door, my mother came back pushing her bicycle and looked through the window.

The mother and son looked at each other.

Xu Yuxiu waved the newspaper in her hand, "Kai Yan! There is good news!"