The golden age began in 1977

Chapter 252 Su Mingyuan's New Plan

Qian Jin racked his brains to avoid an awkward silence.

As a result, he didn't need to rack his brains at all.

As a supportive wife, Wei Qinghuan opportunely picked up the conversation: "Mr. Wang Meng's work is over twenty years old, yet it remains as sharp as ever."

"It sharply pointed out the ills of bureaucracy under a rigid system, and its warning remains resounding to this day. However..."

The female teacher naturally changed the subject, her tone calm yet insightful: "Reflecting on history is important, but our literature cannot simply stop at 'revealing the wounds'."

"What comes after the 'scars'? Is it to lick the wounds or to bandage them and move forward? This is probably the direction that creators need to think about more now."

Lin Yuanyuan looked at the female teacher with some surprise, her gaze becoming focused.

Wei Qinghuan continued, "Literature is both a mirror, reflecting the unbearable past; and a lamp, illuminating the chaos ahead."

"Simply indulging in the condemnation of past suffering or piling up bloody scenes may win temporary amazement, but if we lose the call for a constructive future and the deep comfort to humanity, we may be heading down a narrow path."

"Shouldn't our writers also spare some energy to find the hope that still shines in the face of harsh reality and the resilience of humanity? That is the kind of great works that can truly support the backbone of the nation."

Upon hearing this, Su Mingyuan, who was standing next to him, had his eyes light up and nodded repeatedly.

The polite reserve on Lin Yuanyuan's face vanished instantly, replaced by genuine surprise and a look of rapid thought.

Her habitually slightly raised chin seemed to have subtly leveled off, and her gaze was fixed intently on Qian Jin's face.

Unexpectedly, this man's wife was not only beautiful on the outside but also intelligent on the inside.

She had heard similar words from an old professor in the department before, and now hearing them again from a night school teacher from a small city, her attention shifted from Wei Qinghuan's appearance to her soul.

She quickly searched her mind for related discussions among the professors in the department, feeling that although the professors had mentioned the drawbacks of "reflective literature," they had not said it so directly and profoundly.

So she and Su Mingyuan began to have a heated discussion.

Qian Jin was also shocked by Wei Qinghuan's words.

While the two were preoccupied with their own thoughts, he gave Wei Qinghuan a thumbs up and said, "Awesome, wife!"

Wei Qinghuan chuckled softly: "It's your brother-in-law who's awesome. This isn't my opinion, it's what your brother-in-law says when we talk about literature."

"It's a pity I can't remember his exact words; his original words were much more respectable!"

Upon hearing this, Qian Jin realized that it was true.

This is indeed Wei Xiongtu's skill.

The ideological liberation brought about by reform and opening up has made Teacher Wei extremely excited.

In addition, Qian Jin often buys him books from the mall. He reads a lot of books now, and his knowledge and insights are much better than many literary experts.

Because everyone's height is different.

Although Qian Jin no longer keeps Wei Xiongtu by his side to work, he has a very clear role for Wei Xiongtu.

He will be my cultural mentor in my future work.

Therefore, the books he bought from the mall were very diverse, including not only literary books but also a large number of philosophy books.

Wei Xiongtu has come into contact with philosophical thinking from the 21st century, so his perspective and abilities are naturally different.

During their conversation, they walked to the vicinity of the Nine Dragon Wall.

The colorful dragon, made of glazed bricks and tiles, appeared somewhat dim in the hazy light.

A man cautiously tried to sell them old-fashioned Yanjing tea in large bowls.

It's very cheap.

A bowl costs five cents.

Su Mingyuan hurriedly took out two cents, and the hands of the four people warmed up, and soon their stomachs also warmed up a lot.

The man put away his teacup, picked up his load, and left.

Wei Qinghuan asked in a low voice, "So, you're running your own business?"

Lin Yuanyuan thought for a moment, then looked surprised: "Really? Will this work?"

She looked at Qian Jin: "Chief Qian, you work on the front lines of the supply and marketing cooperative, so you should have better access to information in this area than we do, right?"

"I heard from people at school that there seems to be some talk from above about revitalizing the economy? That some small businesses will be allowed to operate independently?"

This made her tone carry a slight hint of doubt and confusion, "My parents' colleagues are all whispering, is this a case of going back to the old ways?"

Qian Jin took a photo in front of the colorful but slightly dilapidated Nine Dragon Wall.

He turned around, looked at Lin Yuanyuan and Su Mingyuan's two young faces, both showing the same confusion and a hint of worry, and laughed, "Going back the way we came? How could we!"

Let's talk about economic topics?
Now I'm not sleepy anymore.

He's finally gotten himself into a bind with the topic.

He gently shook his head, dismissing that superficial concern. "Lin Yuanyuan, this is called going with the flow. When it comes to economics, we must be realistic."

"The country is large but has a weak foundation. If the government shoulders all the burdens, how long will it take? Letting ordinary people take initiative and operate small businesses within certain rules is beneficial to both the country and its people. This is a wise way for the country to loosen its constraints!"

"Let the invisible hand of the market regulate some demand and unleash the vitality of the private sector, so that the government can free up its limited resources and strength to tackle those more important strategic undertakings that concern the national economy and people's livelihood!"

He casually pointed to the frozen lake in the distance and the somewhat dilapidated lakeside promenade awaiting repair, using real objects as examples:
"Take the renovation of Beihai Park as an example. If the government were to raise funds, plan, and carry out the construction alone, it might take ten years to see a significant change."

"But if we allow skilled craftsmen to contract out part of the projects, wouldn't efficiency increase? Wouldn't people be more motivated to make a living through their skills? Can this be called going backwards? This is called using the people's strength to achieve great things!"

Qian Jin's words were absolutely resounding.

He not only clearly analyzed the logic behind the policy, but also made a brilliant analogy using the image of Beihai, elevating Lin Yuanyuan's vague "small business" to the level of national strategic resource allocation.

These are things he has been considering recently, and they are also things he mentioned when discussing economic policies with leaders such as Wei Bin and Yang Shengzhang. They are definitely concise and to the point.

Because after hearing this, people like Wei Bin and Yang Shengzhang had a completely different opinion of him!
"Contract? You can contract out projects?" Lin Yuanyuan couldn't understand the subtext of those words.

But she was completely captivated by Qian Jin's remarks. She forgot her composure and her eyes were filled with shock and a burning thirst for knowledge.

This theory was unheard of on campus!

The female college student subconsciously followed up with the question: "But what about those who run small businesses? Won't they be driven solely by profit and corrupt the social atmosphere?"

This is a concern deeply ingrained in her upbringing.

Qian Jin thought for a moment and said, "It's very simple. This requires guidance and regulation from the state."

"The role of the state is to set the framework, establish the rules, and act as the referee. It is to combat counterfeit and shoddy goods, stabilize prices, and protect legitimate businesses."

"Strict control where necessary, and deregulation where appropriate. Finding the right balance and timing is the true test of governance ability and level of administration."

These are truths that people with a little bit of insight will understand in the future.

It's easy to say.

It's very difficult to do!

But Qian Jin isn't in power, so all he has to do is boast:

"The individual economy is a supplementary channel in the vast ocean, which can make the water surface lively. But the main channel, the direction that 10,000-ton ships should take, still depends on the state to steer."

This theory is quite ingenious, using images such as "vast ocean," "waterway," and "giant ship" to concretize the abstract relationship between the state and the market.

Lin Yuanyuan didn't understand economics, but she understood what Qian Jin was saying.

This made her deeply respect Qian Jin.

In comparison, I am from a small town, and their knowledge and ability are truly visionary!
Qian Jin got carried away with his boasting.

Just then, an even fiercer gust of wind swept across the lake, swirling up the remaining withered leaves and scraps of paper on the ground, which rustled against the railings.

The atmosphere is there!

Qian Jin's gaze fell upon the hazy lake and the distant, silent outline of the capital. Looking out towards Beihai Park, he spoke to the two young men before him:

"Believe me, we are standing at the threshold of a new era, Lin Yuanyuan and Su Mingyuan."

"In ten years, at most another ten years, you will see earth-shaking changes."

"You all know I work at the supply and marketing cooperative, so I can see what the future will be like much earlier than you do."

"Ten years from now, people's clothes will no longer be monotonous blue, gray and green. The trench coat like the one your sister-in-law is wearing will appear on more fashion-conscious people."

Lin Yuanyuan was already interested in Wei Qinghuan's clothes and shoes.

Hearing this, she became interested: "Really?"

Qian Jin said, "Of course it's true. Not to mention clothes, the bicycles on the streets will be lighter, and there may be more motorcycles, and even family cars."

"The shelves in the mall will become more and more full, not only with good products produced by our own factories, but also perhaps imported goods with foreign language labels."

"Going forward, our country's progress will not stop on the land. We will build 100,000-ton giant ships that can travel thousands of miles and cut through the waves, as well as large civilian passenger planes that soar through the clouds."

"Our top leader is currently on a visit abroad. He's not going there for leisure; he's going to explore new avenues. Believe me, in just a few years, the goods produced in our factories will be shipped overseas, displayed in foreign shop windows, and we'll be making money off them!"

College students are easy to fool.

Su Mingyuan already admired Qian Jin, and now he was even more eager to fawn over him.

His eyes sparkled as he looked at Qian Jin, his arms still crossed over his chest...

Lin Yuanyuan's condition wasn't much better than his.

Qian Jin's vision of the future was breathtakingly grand and detailed. Every specific idea struck her heart, as if opening a window she had never imagined before.

Imported goods?
Private car?
Exporting to foreign countries? These words, put together, sounded almost like science fiction to her.

Her clear eyes widened, and the slight haughtiness of a city girl that had lingered between her brows was now completely replaced by a sense of awe and intense curiosity about the unknown.

She subconsciously glanced at Su Mingyuan beside her, who was also holding his breath and his face was slightly flushed with excitement.

"Is...is all of this really possible?"

Lin Yuanyuan's voice trembled slightly, a tremor she herself didn't even notice, and she felt an unprecedented excitement. Her eyes were fixed on Qian Jin, but unlike Su Mingyuan's admiration, her gaze held more curiosity.
"Where did you get this information? From experts in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, or from internal documents?"

Qian Jin did not answer her question directly, but instead faced the cold wind and revealed a calm and profound smile.

Just show off, why say so much?
Anyway, he wasn't talking nonsense.

He took one last look at the spire of the white pagoda, standing silently in the cold wind, weathered by time yet still majestic, and said:

"The wind is getting colder."

Lin Yuanyuan immediately said, "Let's go, let's go up ahead and take a look at the Five Dragon Pavilion, it's more sheltered from the wind there."

She changed her attitude completely and skipped ahead, eagerly leading the way.

Qian Jin took a step forward, and Wei Qinghuan followed in tacit understanding. The two of them leaned against each other, their clothes fluttering in the cold wind by the lake.

Su Mingyuan stood still, not keeping up for a moment, still immersed in the huge shockwave from that conversation.

His gaze followed Qian Jin's retreating figure closely. Against the bleak early spring backdrop of Beihai, that figure appeared so resolute and expansive, as if every step he took was on a broad road leading to a vast world.

If his impression of Qian Jin used to be one of gratitude, now it is one of admiration.

The cold wind blowing from the lake didn't seem so biting anymore; instead, it carried a refreshing and invigorating quality.

He followed silently behind, recalling the effusive praise his good friend Chen Guang had given Qian Jin.

He also recalled his good friend's vision for the future when he sent Chen Guang to university last year:
"The reason I applied to this university is because Chief Qian said that although the school was just rebuilt this year, it has a small reputation and low admission scores, but it is actually very powerful and closely related to the publishing industry."

"After I graduate, I can work for a newspaper. I plan to work for a newspaper in Haibin City and help Chief Qian in this regard."

"Old Su, I envy you. You studied Chinese literature, so you can be a secretary or assistant in the future. If I had your abilities, I would join the supply and marketing cooperative after graduating from university and become a secretary for the money brigade. I would definitely have a bright future!"

He was somewhat dismissive of it at the time.

Su Mingyuan wanted to become a teacher to support the underdeveloped cultural and educational work in the border areas of the motherland, and he also wanted to become a poet and writer to strengthen the people's physique through culture.

He has now changed his mind.

A good brother would never betray you.

Perhaps when I graduate, my job assignment will be to the supply and marketing cooperative, and I'll try to get transferred to Qian Jin's side as his secretary!

This idea was just a budding seed, but after an afternoon of lively discussion, it grew into a towering tree.

After an afternoon of in-depth conversation, he was impressed by Qian Jin's visionary perspective and grand narrative ability.

He admired Qian Jin even more after learning about Qian Jin's current position and his mission in Beijing.

He remembered that when he took the college entrance examination two years ago, Qian Jin was just a captain of the city's supply and marketing cooperative's transport team. Now he has become the youngest department head in the city's supply and marketing cooperative.

They even received a national honor within the supply and marketing system!
What does it mean to rise straight to the top?

What does it mean to "set sail straight to the vast ocean"?
This is!
In the evening, the four of them naturally went out for dinner together.

Qian Jin found a post office and called Yang Shengli, intending to reschedule their dinner.

When the former leader learned that Qian Jin had dinner with the talented college student he had once helped, he immediately booked a private room for him at the Quanjude Peking Duck Restaurant near Hepingmen.
"Just give me your name when you get there."

Qian Jin was shocked: "Boss, are you really that well-connected in the capital now? Or if I mention your name, will people beat me up?"

"Stop talking nonsense." Yang Shengzhang laughed heartily. "I asked someone to book a private room so we could get together."

"Then you can use this opportunity to treat your talented friend to a meal."

"Your friend is also a benefactor to you. His essay was published as a model essay for the college entrance examination in the Guangming Daily. It was about your deeds, and even many leaders of our headquarters have read the report."

That way, the money flows in smoothly.

You can eat Quanjude roast duck without paying.

Besides, these days, having money isn't enough to eat at Quanjude.

Lin Yuanyuan, a native of Beijing and a girl from Beijing University, has never eaten here, not even once.

So she was very excited to be able to eat Peking duck at Quanjude.

It can broaden your horizons.

The restaurant was bustling with activity, filled with the aroma of burning fruitwood and the rich, fatty scent of roast duck.

Qian Jin took out a neatly folded letter of introduction with the words "Supply and Marketing Service Corporation" printed on it and handed it to the foreman, who was wearing a blue cotton jacket. He gave the name Yang Shengzhang, and the foreman indeed led him into a private room.

Su Mingyuan followed shyly behind him, his stomach rumbling.

It smells so good here!

The foreman glanced at the letter of introduction, and his expression immediately warmed up.
"Oh, so you're the outstanding employee of our sister company! Please come in, please come in. Our leader called and arranged a nice little private room for you..."

He quickly jotted down the information in his notebook, "Don't worry, we'll serve you and your friends first!"

The four people were led through the noisy hall and into a relatively quiet private room.

Seeing the clean white plastic sheet spread on the table, and the brand-new bowls, plates, and chopsticks neatly arranged, Su Mingyuan's excitement turned into unease and deep anxiety.

Lin Yuanyuan was much more generous; she had already gone to find the large teapot to pour water.

Qian Jin looked at Su Mingyuan, who was standing and rubbing his hands, and said, "Sit down, let's continue our conversation."

Su Mingyuan realized that the cost of this meal was far beyond what a poor student like him could afford, and his face gradually turned red: "Chief Qian, this is too much of a burden for you, it's not right, actually I..."

I just wanted to treat you to a bowl of hot noodles at this small restaurant...

He was too embarrassed to say it aloud.

"Alright, Brother Su, sit down!" Qian Jin pressed him into a chair and laughed. "What's the big deal? A meal of duck can treat the future gardener of the capital to a meal. It's worth it!"

"Just consider it the supply and marketing system's concern for the new generation of intellectuals!" Wei Qinghuan also gave Su Mingyuan a gentle smile, indicating that he didn't need to be reserved.

Su Mingyuan wanted to say that he no longer intended to be a gardener in the motherland's garden.

But nothing is set in stone yet, and it's no use what he says now.

So he secretly resolved that he must go back and work hard, and after graduating in two years, he would have enough skills to report to Qian Jin.

A short while later, a plump chef wearing a snow-white chef's hat and with a ruddy complexion pushed in a gleaming, dark red roast duck cart.

A rich, mouthwatering aroma of fruit and wood smoke instantly filled the air.

The master held a sharp knife, its blade flashing lightly.

Thin as cicada wings, with a honey-amber sheen, the duck skin was peeled off, and each piece, with its alluring, glossy curve, was neatly arranged on a warm, snow-white plate.

Next up is the pink and white duck meat with its clear marbling.

The steamer next to it was filled with lotus leaf pancakes, and a small dish was piled with white sugar, shredded green onions, cucumber strips, and sweet bean sauce.

There was also a large bowl of duck soup that was specially served. The broth was milky white and rich, with bright green scallions floating on top.

The spectacle, the aroma, the skill—all left Su Mingyuan speechless, his stomach rumbling incessantly.

He had only heard of Peking duck in textbooks and from other people before, and this was the first time in his life that he had been so close to this legendary delicacy served at state banquets.

Qian Jin ladled soup for the three of them: "After being out in the cold wind all afternoon, drink some hot soup to warm your stomachs first."

Su Mingyuan tried taking a sip.

Fragrant and comforting.

Qian Jin skillfully rolled up a thin pancake, wrapped it with crispy duck skin, cucumber strips, and scallion shreds, dipped it in sauce, and then handed it to Wei Qinghuan.

Su Mingyuan copied his actions.

But looking at the glistening, oily appearance of the crepe, he hesitated to take a bite.

"Eat up! It'll get cold and lose its flavor!" Qian Jin urged.

Su Mingyuan swallowed twice before taking a bite of the pancake.

good to eat.

The aroma of oil blends with the salty and savory flavor of sweet bean sauce, the slight spiciness of scallions, the refreshing taste of cucumber strips, and the rich, fatty flavor of duck meat, all bursting in your mouth in layers.

This was a delicious treat he had never tasted before!
His eyes widened, but he couldn't speak; he could only chew desperately.

Wei Qinghuan exclaimed at the opportune moment, "It's delicious!"

Qian Jin nodded thoughtfully: "Then I'll try to buy some roast duck and take it back to the seaside."

“That won’t taste good.” Lin Yuanyuan was very experienced in this matter. “Roast duck is only good when it’s fresh out of the oven. If you steam it or fry it at home, it won’t taste good.”

Qian Jin smiled and remained silent.

Nothing.

I have a solution!

(End of this chapter)