My era, 1979!

Chapter 66 What should you do when your boss criticizes you? (Thanks for the reward, please vote for me!) (Please vote for me and keep reading!)

The professors were probably in a similar state to Li Xiaolin at that moment.

Born with knowledge?
In this era of extraordinary talents, this set of ideas summarizes the core of thought that people have learned through hard work and practice 45 years ago.

He's still incredibly skilled in this day and age.

Xu Chengjun also seemed like a monster.

The room fell silent, even though Xu Chengjun deliberately avoided the topic of comparative literature.

But nobody cared; everyone could tell from his attitude.

In fact, apart from Jia Zhifang, all the professors present were engaged in research on classical literary theory.

It's hard to say that they don't have opinions about comparative literature.

But it was Jia Zhifang.

The principle of majority rule is our glorious tradition, and we must follow it!

Zhu Dongrun's withered hand clapped first, filled with barely suppressed excitement.

The Chinese Literature Department needs young people with vision and a broad perspective like this.

Zhu Dongrun looked at the young man.
It's as if I can see the future of Fudan University's Chinese Department.

Some ideas began to emerge uncontrollably.
Mr. Zhu's applause instantly ignited the atmosphere in the conference room.

Wang Shuizhao abruptly put down his enamel mug, the bottom of which made a crisp sound as it hit the table. His usually somewhat nonchalant eyes were now surprisingly bright.

He wouldn't mind taking in a promising talent ahead of time.

Anyway, Old Zhu is getting old, and Su Liancheng needs to avoid suspicion.

Old Zhang, your biggest competitor, aren't you feeling smug?
He glanced at Zhang Peiheng's expression and couldn't help but purse his lips.

Wei Sheng embracing the pillar, keeping one's word, always keeping one's promises, being consistent in word and deed, and being consistent inside and out.
How the hell do you conduct research in traditional literary theory?

Zhang Peiheng stood up, his broad hands slamming against the table with a resounding thud. His earlier self-deprecation had vanished, replaced by undisguised admiration in his eyes.

In his eyes now, these are not students who need to be tested, but rather a vital force that has entered the field with new ideas.

Good seedling!
What is being slapped in the face?
Zhang Peiheng doesn't understand!
Don't think that he's unreliable or doesn't fit the character.

That was because they had objections to Xu Chengjun's "backdoor admission."

Now,
The situation has changed!

After all, this was a truly unrestrained person who would drink in class and shout, "The emperor calls, but I won't board the boat!"

Su Liancheng had forgotten about what happened earlier, and his tense lips finally relaxed.

The applause had just subsided.

After enduring for a while, Jia Zhifang's face finally darkened, and she tapped her fingers on the table: "Comrade Xiao Xu, your idea is sharp, but too absolute."

Comparative literature is his foundation and the coordinate of his academic research.

If you deny the value of comparative literature, then that is a "moral dispute"!
Even if you are the future "holy son" of the Chinese literature department.

Even I, the "Supreme Elder," have to debate with you!
He pushed up his glasses, his tone serious and unquestionable, “You say comparative literature is based on ‘unfounded logic,’ but weren’t the Buddhist stories in the Dunhuang manuscripts integrated into Chinese literature through cross-cultural communication? How is denying the value of comparison any different from smashing the plaque at the Confucian Temple back then?”

The other professors' excited expressions faded, especially those of Zhang, Wang, and Su, who were in their forties or fifties.

It's not fear. Don't you understand the importance of respecting the elderly and caring for the young?
Xu Chengjun was also stunned. When did I say that comparative literature is "suspended logic"?

Are you being unreasonable?

Just as he was about to answer, he saw Zhang Peiheng nod along with a wicked smile.

He picked up Xu Chengjun's notebook and flipped through a couple of pages: "You say you want to 'find the roots and the soul,' but how do you interpret the two words 'transformation' in 'The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons'? If you only talk about inheritance without learning from others, be careful not to become a termite in the pile of old books. Nowadays, I see young people who haven't even read 'The Zhaoming Anthology,' yet they talk about 'One Hundred Years of Solitude.' That's certainly wrong, but conversely, if you only cling to tradition, can you write good works?"

Why did Zhang Peiheng nod? He wants to be promoted to professor next year and then succeed Zhu Dongrun.

What is Jia Zhifang's position in the field of literary studies?
He said something that made it impossible for others to accept Zhang Peiheng as the director.
Besides, I was interrupted before I could even unleash my ultimate move. How frustrating was that?

Do I, Zhang Peiheng, not care about my reputation?
What bad intentions do I have? I just want to see how capable you are, young comrade!
Su Liancheng was secretly pleased. Old Jia went first, so it wasn't his fault!

Personal grudge against public
It's mainly a personal grudge!
He then said, "I agree with your criticism of applying Western theories to Chinese literature. But your statement that 'scar literature' is not sustainable is too hasty. Literature must first confront the trauma of reality before it can talk about finding its roots. Now that ordinary people can finally speak their minds freely, you're already sentencing them to death?"

Zhu Dongrun coughed lightly twice, trying to smooth things over, but he didn't want to embarrass Old Jia.
Then Zhu Lao's voice softened, carrying a hint of suggestion: "Xiao Xu, passion can't replace evidence. You say traditional culture is a living tree, but how do you water and fertilize it? You can't just shout slogans. Take Fengyang Flower Drum for example, it's not enough to just say it has vitality. You have to explain how to make young people willing to learn and watch it. That's the real issue."

Wang Shuizhao remained silent. What the hell does it have to do with me, a conscripted soldier?
I can't afford to offend Jia Zhifang!
This kid doesn't look like someone who's destined for greatness, so why should I get involved?
I'm still waiting for the right opportunity to "take on apprentices"!

The scene was quiet for a while.

All the pressure was placed on Xu, the educated youth.

Xu Chengjun saw this scene.

Why does this feel so familiar?
Stress interview?
I've been through civil service exams and selection interviews before.

Interview question: What do you do when your boss criticizes you for work-related issues?
A: First, reflect on your actions; second, apologize; third, rectify the situation; fourth, review the situation.

Reflect on your actions and apologize first; you can't go wrong!

Xu Chengjun stood up first and bowed slightly, his tone sincere: "The professors are right to criticize me. I was young and impetuous, and some of my words were too impulsive. I should reflect on that."

The thought process is clear.

He has a quirk: the more pressure he's under, the faster his brain works.

So he first spoke sincerely to Jia Zhifang:
"Professor Jia, I completely agree with your point about the cross-cultural transmission of Buddhist stories in the Dunhuang manuscripts."

First, stabilize the core market.

“What I oppose is not ‘comparison’ itself, but the kind of ‘random comparison’ that uses Western theories as a yardstick to measure Chinese literature.”

I'm not against you!
Those are the ones making baseless comparisons!
They are parasites on comparative literature!
"Just like the Buddhist narrative texts you studied, they are Buddhist stories that have taken root and become our own literature. This is a good comparison, a 'grafting' rather than a 'forced application.' I'm not good with words, and I misspoke 'beware of hegemonic comparisons' as a denial of the entire comparative literature. That was my mistake."

Jia Zhifang's expression remained stern, but the corners of her mouth softened slightly.

You can't hit someone who's smiling!
Upon hearing this, Zhang Peiheng's lips twitched.

You really have the makings of an official.

Xu Chengjun turned to look at him, looking directly into his eyes: "Professor Zhang talked about 'adaptability and change,' which is exactly what I wanted to add. Liu Xie said, 'Change leads to longevity, and adaptability ensures abundance.' I talked about 'finding the roots' precisely to make the 'adaptability' more stable; I talked about not blindly learning from the West because I was afraid of 'changing' without a foundation."

"Just like when we use the theory of 'style and integrity' from 'The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons' to analyze contemporary novels, we must first understand that the core of 'style and integrity' is strength and uprightness, and then look at the spirit and temperament of contemporary works. This is 'adapting to change,' not clinging to old books and not moving forward."

What are the qualities of an awesome person?
They can give you empty promises.

I can also tell you how to actually eat this pancake.

Xu Chengjun is that awesome now.

(End of this chapter)