Writer 1978: I Need to Give the Literary World a Lesson

Chapter 111 Why not him?

Editor-in-Chief Xu Zhuqing was reviewing today's important news when he saw Yu Jiajia come in looking anxious. He then suspiciously took the manuscript and began to read it carefully.

Articles that reach the editor-in-chief usually undergo multiple rounds of review. Cases like Yu Jiajia's are rare, but they do occur occasionally.

These are usually breaking news events that require immediate publication.

Xu Zhuqing glanced at the question, his eyelids twitched, he looked up at Yu Jiajia, saw that Yu Jiajia's expression was normal, and continued to look down at the question.

As he read, Xu Zhuqing rhythmically tapped the table with his right hand, clearly finding the content of the manuscript somewhat difficult.

After reading it, Xu Zhuqing looked up and said, "Jiajia, your article is somewhat biased!"

The title boldly proclaims, "Why Not Him?", and the article almost entirely refutes the content of the Xidan MZ wall poster, analyzing it word by word.

“Editor-in-chief, I think we should clearly state our position. If it’s not appropriate for our organization to express our stance, we can publish it in our newspaper as a reader’s letter, in the name of the reader,” Yu Jiajia suggested.

Seeing that Xu Zhuqing was still hesitating, Yu Jiajia continued, "Editor-in-chief, our newspaper's goal is to be a good teacher and helpful friend to young comrades. We should pay attention to the major events that happen in this group of young people. When faced with contradictory content, we cannot turn a blind eye. Instead, we should bravely face the contradictions and truly stand at the forefront of the times to speak out for young comrades."

Xu Zhuqing looked at Yu Jiajia and hurriedly said, "Comrade Yu Jiajia, you are a reporter, please don't get agitated!"

“Editor-in-Chief Xu, I’m not excited; it’s purely a reporter’s instinct. This news is exactly what our young colleagues want to see.” Yu Jiajia took another step forward.

"You're not excited enough?" Xu Zhuqing thought to himself helplessly. But what Yu Jiajia said was indeed worth considering.

The reason why the Youth Daily has become so popular recently is because it dares to report on issues and does not shy away from contradictions.

Using reader letters as a pretext to say things that the editorial department is reluctant to say is a good method, and they have used it many times before.

Yu Jiajia suddenly said, "Editor-in-Chief Xu, do you know about the Hundred Flowers Awards selection process from before?"

"How could I not know? Popular Cinema magazine issues silver-haired ballots in each issue. Readers fill out their ballots and mail them back. The magazine then collects these ballots to create the final list of winners. What are you trying to say?" Xu Zhuqing asked, looking up.

The Hundred Flowers Awards began its first selection process in 62. Because it was based on public voting, it was also known as the "People's Award".

“We could also hold similar selection events, such as the most popular young writer. The issue of Popular Magazine that prints out the ballots is often one of the best-selling issues. If we want to expand the influence of our China Youth Daily among young people, this is a good way to do so!”

If Liu Yimin heard Yu Jiajia say this, he would definitely give her a thumbs up. Our Comrade Yu Jiajia has already begun to grasp the concept of traffic. Where the traffic is, the newspapers are!

Xu Zhuqing stood up with interest, looked Yu Jiajia up and down, and said meaningfully, "You have a lot of confidence in Comrade Liu Yimin. Didn't you think about what if the person chosen wasn't Liu Yimin, but someone else?"

“I believe it,” Yu Jiajia said with a smile. The moment the editor-in-chief stood up, she knew it would work.

After pacing around the room, Xu Zhuqing shook his head again: "It's still not appropriate. What if he's not the one chosen? Wouldn't that interfere with the work of the Writers' Association members? They would definitely have objections. Our newspaper's mission is not to cause trouble for other departments."

"Why don't you ask the writers' association for their opinions?" Yu Jiajia countered.

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhuqing's eyes lit up. Yes, they should ask the Writers' Association members for their opinions. If they were willing to vote, the newspaper would do them a favor and accept whatever the outcome might be.

Yu Jiajia originally wanted to say that no matter who was chosen, the right to count the votes was in their hands. After hesitating for a moment, she didn't dare to say it, for fear that Xu Zhuqing would get angry.

Xu Zhuqing called the Writers Association, and the people there replied that they needed to report it.

"Your Writers Association should provide your opinion as soon as possible. There's a lot of discussion about this matter right now, and with so much discussion, things can easily go astray. We're doing this for the sake of your Writers Association's work, so please be sure to provide your opinion before 5 p.m. today."

After hanging up the phone, Xu Zhuqing revealed a sly smile and looked at Yu Jiajia, saying, "We're now waiting for the Writers' Association to call us. Also, I'll revise your article, and you should reorganize the manuscript. After you've revised it, we'll convene a meeting with the editorial staff."

Yu Jiajia walked out of the editor-in-chief's office with the manuscript in her hand, letting out a long sigh of relief. The matter was half accomplished. Comrade Liu Yimin, Comrade Liu Yimin, this is all the class friendship I can offer.

At Yenching University, Liu Yimin received a call from the Writers' Association, asking him to collect a fee of 200 yuan. Liu Yimin checked his schedule and found that he had no classes that day, so he rode his bicycle to the Writers' Association.

"Comrade Liu Yimin, when we represent the country abroad, we need to change into a different outfit to represent the image of our country. A blue Zhongshan suit is not appropriate. Those going abroad for the first time will be given a clothing allowance of 200 yuan."

This money is for buying a suit, shirt, belt, shoes, and other clothing. There are still more than twenty days left, enough time to have a suit custom-made; the standard price of 200 yuan will only be high, not low.

Liu Yimin arrived at the Finance Department of the Writers' Association, led by a colleague from the association. The finance staff handed Liu Yimin an envelope containing brand-new banknotes. Liu Yimin counted the banknotes in front of him, and after confirming that everything was correct, he signed his name to receive the money.

After Liu Yimin signed his name, the other party handed him another envelope. This time, the envelope was very thin. Just as he was about to open it, the comrade from the Writers' Association said, "This is proof. Otherwise, we wouldn't have made you a suit. When you get to the store, just show this proof."

Thank you so much!

"You're welcome. Make sure you get a good outfit. If you go abroad again next time, you'll only get a 100 yuan clothing allowance."

Liu Yimin inquired about places where suits could be made, but all the suits sold on the streets were Zhongshan suits. Liu Yimin was unfamiliar with Beijing and didn't know where to find a suit shop.

"Hongdu Clothing Store only makes suits. You'll have to buy the rest of the shirts, shoes, and belts yourself. It's a lot of work, so you'd better find a friend who knows Beijing to help you. Otherwise, you might not be able to gather the items even after a few days."

After saying that, the staff member from the External Liaison Office left.

Liu Yimin pondered for a moment and prepared to leave. Just as he reached the entrance of the Writers' Association, someone ran over and called him back to collect another sum of money. In addition, the leaders of the Writers' Association wanted to see him.

"This is a gift allowance of 200 yuan. When delegations go out, they inevitably have to exchange gifts. All expenses are included in the 200 yuan. If it exceeds this amount, you will have to pay for it yourself."

Liu Yimin nodded. As for what to give as a gift, he really didn't know. According to Zhang Guangnian's plan, a batch of sample books would be taken abroad as gifts.

Liu Yimin was then led into an office, where he was introduced: "Comrade Liu Yimin, this is Comrade Li Ji from the Writers Association, who is in charge of daily work." Zhang Guangnian is the head of the Writers Association, and Li Ji is the second-in-command.

Li Ji, sporting an old-fashioned hairstyle and wearing glasses, sat at his desk, which was piled high with various documents. Upon seeing Liu Yimin, Li Ji smiled, took off his glasses, and stood up, saying with a laugh, "Look who's here! My little fellow villager is here!"

"Old Li," Liu Yimin greeted him.

"Sit down, don't be shy. We're from the same hometown, and speaking the Henan dialect will sound familiar." Li Ji is from Tanghe, Nancheng, Henan Province, and the two are indeed from the same hometown.

"Your joining the delegation carries a heavy responsibility. You must be cautious about everything you do abroad. The Writers' Association and the Federation of Literary and Art Circles have great faith in you and hope that your trip to France will serve as a good opportunity for communication and exchange," Li Ji said, leaning back on the sofa in a thick Henan accent.

After the two chatted for a while, Li Ji told him about the China Youth Daily, saying that the staff at the China Youth Daily wanted to hold a vote and asked Liu Yimin for his opinion.

"Yimin, I talked to Lao Zhang on the phone, and we think it's definitely okay."

"I'll listen to the Writers' Association's opinion!"

"it is good!"

Liu Yimin left the Writers' Association and went straight to the Hongdu Clothing Store. The Hongdu Clothing Store had moved from Shanghai and specialized in making suits for people going abroad and foreign guests. Liu Yimin never expected that he would receive such treatment.

Hongdu Clothing Store was located in Dongjiaomin Lane. After exiting the Writers' Association gate, walk south along Dongsi Street, then west to Yanjing Railway Station. It took Liu Yimin more than half an hour to finally find Hongdu Clothing Store.

The Hongdu Clothing Store is located in a three-story building facing the street, next to the Yanjing People's Clothing Factory. Cars, which are not commonly seen in such places, are parked along the street.

Knowing what's inside, you won't be surprised by the cars parked outside.

Pushing open the door, the interior and exterior of the store seemed like two different worlds. The overhead lights shone on the floor, creating a magnificent atmosphere similar to a shopping mall in later generations. As soon as Liu Yimin entered, he attracted attention.

Seeing the school badge pinned to his chest, and taking another look at him, it's rare to see someone so young in Hongdu.

"Hello comrade, this is my letter of introduction!" Liu Yimin took out his letter of introduction and handed it to the shop assistant.

After verifying the information, the shop assistant said, "Comrade Liu Yimin, please sit here and wait. There are quite a few other comrades waiting ahead of you."

Some of those ahead were athletes going abroad, while others were embassy staff. Some were going abroad, while others were diplomatic personnel stationed in China.

In the 70s, the then head of the Liaison Office in China, Mr. Bush, often came to Hongdu to make clothes. Later, when he visited, he even smiled and showed off the Hongdu label on his clothes.

After a long wait, it was finally Liu Yimin's turn.

"Young comrade, that's impressive. You're going abroad at such a young age. Are you an athlete or something?" The old tailor from Hongdu Clothing Store, speaking in Shanghainese Mandarin, started the conversation with a smile.

“No, I’m a writer. Comrade, what kind of fabric do you usually wear when you go abroad?” Liu Yimin asked.

"Generally speaking, I'll make one Western-style suit and one Zhongshan suit. Oh, the fabric of this Zhongshan suit is different from what you're wearing; it's the same material used for Western-style suits, which is more comfortable and fits better. I'll choose the one that's most suitable for you, and I'm sure you'll be satisfied."

Come on, let me take your measurements first!

The old tailor took a soft measuring tape and kept measuring Liu Yimin. After measuring, he carefully wrote down the data: "Young man, your figure is very standard. It's not difficult to make. It can be done in about a week. If you are in a hurry, it will take about four days. In between, you will need to come back to try on the design and the finished garment. If there are any parts that don't fit, we will make alterations."

Some comrades have body types that are difficult to adjust; they keep trying different methods and adjustments are always needed.

"I'm not in a hurry, thank you for your hard work, Master!"

"Serving the people, we're from Shanghai, specializing in making suits," the old tailor said with a smile. He had worked here for many years and had met many important figures.

"Old comrade, do you know where to buy leather shoes, belts, and shirts?" Liu Yimin asked.

"Shirts are readily available, but leather shoes are easier to find. It's more appropriate to buy shirts after you've got your suit ready; otherwise, you'll just waste money if you buy something that doesn't fit. 200 yuan is a bit tight for clothing expenses."

"Okay, I'll come back in a few days!"

Liu Yimin said goodbye, left the Hongdu Clothing Store, and rode his bicycle back to Yenching University.

Inside the China Youth Daily, after Yu Jiajia's debate at the pre-editing meeting, her manuscript was finally approved and decided to be published tomorrow, in the name of the readers.

Li Ji, a member of the Writers Association, personally called Xu Zhuqing to tell them that they had no objection in principle to printing ballots in the newspaper and would assist the China Youth Daily in this work within the Writers Association.

"Old Xu, young people are the youth of the country, and our Writers Association is also very concerned about the new generation of young writers. Today I met Comrade Liu Yimin, and I am completely confident in Comrade Liu Yimin's influence among the younger generation in the literary world."

However, we hope that after you have tallied the votes, you will communicate with the Writers' Association so that we can prepare accordingly.

"Don't worry, Lao Li, this work won't be completed until at least after Comrade Liu Yimin returns to China. You can rest assured." Xu Zhuqing hung up the phone with a smile.

The next day, Liu Yimin looked at the article in the China Youth Daily, "Liu Yimin in the Eyes of Readers: Why Not Him?" and fell into deep thought. Who wrote it?

"Yimin, have you seen it?" The dormitory door was suddenly pushed open by Liu Zhenyun and his two companions, their voices preceding their arrival.

After entering, he looked at the newspaper in Liu Yimin's hand and said, "You're reading this too? It's well-organized and refutes the point word by word. This article is very powerful and skillful."

Li Xueqin interjected, "The key is that it's very satisfying! Such a good work as 'Wolf Smoke Over Beiping' can be nitpicked and refuted by them. These people are simply preconceived notions and looking for evidence from their own perspective."

(End of this chapter)