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

Chapter 145 Seminar: Flattery
When Zhou Yanru saw Cui Daoyi at the entrance of Yanjing Literature and Art Publishing House, her face immediately darkened.

Smiling, he looked at Liu Yimin and led him into the editorial department of "Yanjing Literature and Art". The narrow corridor with red pillars and green tiles seemed a bit crowded.

The last meeting was held in the office of the editorial department of Yanjing Literature and Art, but the office of Yanjing Literature and Art is small, a low-rise single-story building.

However, their editorial office was located inside the Yenching Cultural Bureau, so they borrowed the Yenching Cultural Bureau's conference room.

This place was originally jointly owned by the Yanjing Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Bureau of Culture. "Yanjing Literature and Art" was the publication of the Yanjing Federation of Literary and Art Circles. Now the Federation of Literary and Art Circles has left, but the editorial office has remained here.

Upon entering the conference room, a sign on the inner wall read "Symposium on 'The Flames of War in Beiping' and the Development of Historical Literature in Yanjing." A number of people were already sparsely seated inside.

Upon entering, one could see Wang Zengqi chatting with someone. As soon as Liu Yimin entered, Wang Zengqi's gaze fell upon Liu Yimin, and he waved to him.

Liu Yimin walked over and asked in a low voice, "Weren't you not going to attend the seminar?"

A sly glint flashed in Wang Zengqi's eyes as he clasped hands and said, "I won't come to other people's, but I must come to yours! Let me introduce you, this is Comrade Wang Meng."

Wang Meng was wearing a thick cotton-padded work coat and a cap, covering himself up completely. At first glance, he looked like an old man.

"Hello Comrade Wang Meng, I really like your article 'The New Young Man in the Organization Department'."

"This novel is unforgettable for me. Comrade Liu Yimin, your works are also very good. As a native of old Beiping who grew up in old Beiping, reading your 'Wolf Smoke Beiping' is like taking me back to the past. 'Yanjing Literature' did not invite me; I actively requested to come."

Wang Meng's rise to fame can be attributed to "The New Young Man in the Organization Department," a novel that brought him instant acclaim and caused a sensation. However, it also brought him considerable hardship, as he was labeled a supporter of the pro-government faction at a young age.

Currently, he is the vice chairman of the Yanjing Writers Association, and his highest position was the head of the Ministry of Culture.

"Bureaucratism is unacceptable. Bravely exposing internal contradictions is the prerequisite for improving our work, and it is also writing for the people," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Wang Meng had worked in the troupe, yet she wrote about the dissatisfaction of the troupe's young people with bureaucracy. Liu Yimin even felt that Wang Meng had written down her own experiences.

At first, Wang Meng was overjoyed by the heated discussion after the article was published, but his laughter soon faded.

"You're right, you're right!" Wang Meng patted Liu Yimin's hand, expressing her gratitude for his understanding.

Besides Wang Meng and Wang Zengqi, Feng Youlan's daughter Zongpu, Ai Qing, and Li Ji also attended the meeting. Including the people from Yenching Literature and Art, there were more than twenty people present.

In addition, some leaders from the Yanjing Cultural Bureau also sat in the audience.

Cui Daoyi said in a low voice, "Zhou Yanru really wasn't exaggerating. The event was indeed quite high-profile. Editor-in-Chief Li Ji and Ai Qing both came. It's equivalent to the National Writers Association holding a seminar."

Seminars are usually about sycophancy, but this time it's Liu Yimin who's being fawned over, which gives it a unique feel.

Liu Yimin even wondered if he should learn from Miss Jia, sit in the middle of the conference room, listen to the chorus of praise coming from all around, and then say with a slightly shy tone, "I don't deserve it, it's not that good."

After finishing my tea, I went to the toilet and urinated in a thin stream.

As Li Qingquan finished speaking, Li Ji spoke first: "Yi Min, my fellow villager!" Li Ji always introduced Liu Yi Min with the phrase "my fellow villager."

"He is a native of Henan Province, and you can see from his works that he is a writer who came from the soil. His descriptions of the lower classes and rural life are very realistic. From the rural commune members in 'College Entrance Examination 1977' to the rickshaw pullers in 'Smoke and Fire in Beiping'."

The words "smoke signals" carry the connotations of war and cruelty, while the name "Beiping" evokes a profound sense of history. "Given sufficient and detailed research, we people from Henan Province can also write authentic works of Yanjing literature."

Li Ji's words were like a starting point, and as soon as he finished speaking, Ai Qing immediately chimed in:

"Yi Min, we met last year. The first time I met this young man, I felt his simplicity and rustic charm. If you listen carefully to him speak, you will find that he speaks very well. On our first meeting, we talked about the current poetry scene. It seems that his predictions about the poetry scene have come true."

This young man not only writes well, but also thinks deeply; he has a broad vision and a grand perspective. I often criticize young people, and some of them can't stand criticism. Although I haven't criticized Yimin, judging from the initial controversy surrounding "The Flames of War in Beiping," he is someone who can withstand criticism.

Ai Qing's prediction refers to the clash between "returning poets" and the younger generation of poets. Ai Qing is indeed Ai Qing; even Liu Yimin was a little embarrassed by his praise.

After Ai Qing finished speaking, Wang Meng took over the conversation:
"Wen San'er is a typical character, a typical little man. He struggles to survive in the tide of the times, and also wants to shout out his heroic dreams, but the bombs of reality ultimately shatter his heroic dreams. He was uneducated, and at first he did not know what a country or a nation was, so he had no national consciousness."

From him, we can see the gradual awakening of national consciousness. The combination of historical changes and the experiences of ordinary people creates many typical characters. It is indeed a rare masterpiece.

We talked about "The Flames of War in Beiping" for over an hour, and the conversation gradually shifted to the development of Yenching literature.

After a break, the seminar continued.

"How can we write authentic works about old Beiping, and create works as good as 'Beijing Smoke and Fire'? What is there to write about in Beiping? After Mr. Lao She's death, how can we continue to develop Yenching literature based on Beiping?"

Li Qingquan, as the host, raised three questions.

Li Ji looked at Liu Yimin and said, "Speaking of Mr. Lao She, Yimin, when will your play 'The Flames of War in Beiping' be performed?"

"Teacher Wan set the premiere date for January 1, 1980."

"Hiss, it seems Dean Wan really thinks highly of this show. I definitely have to go see it. Those of you who want to see it, remember to buy tickets. Yimin even gave you the ticket sales time!"

Li Ji pointed to the crowd, and with a single sentence, he lightened the atmosphere and amused everyone. Everyone was tactful and no one asked Liu Yimin for tickets.

Wang Meng and Zongpu, both natives of Yanjing, recounted many stories about old Beijing and its customs.

"Everyone knows about the major events that have happened in Yanjing, but those who aren't from Yanjing certainly wouldn't understand the minor ones. Besides, the people of Yanjing are very particular about their clothing, food, housing, and transportation. Having lived in the heart of the capital for hundreds of years, they've unconsciously developed that kind of refined taste."

He speaks to you with a certain air, a certain pomp and circumstance, and a high-pitched voice—that's called the Beijing accent. Old Beijingers also carry a certain nonchalance; having lived in the heart of the capital for centuries, they've witnessed all sorts of major events and seem to have a more open-minded perspective than people from other places.

As Wang Meng finished speaking, the genealogy continued, "It's like an old man who has experienced a lot in his life. He has seen a lot and he has become more open-minded."

Liu Yimin thought to himself, "Just by listening to these two, I can tell they are genuine people from Yanjing."

As he spoke, he unconsciously adopted a certain air about him.

Ai Qing said with a smile, "When I, a barbarian from Sichuan, came to Yanjing, I found the way the people of Yanjing spoke very unpleasant. They spoke with arrogance, and it was as if their mouths were stuffed with cotton."

Liu Yimin was amused and clapped his hands gently.

As the seminar drew to a close, Li Qingquan asked Liu Yimin to speak. Ai Qing then remarked, "Compared to the people of Yanjing, Yimin is a native of the old capital. According to the Records of the Grand Historian, Luoyang was the capital city as early as the Xia Dynasty. It's interesting to see an old-timer writing about a newcomer to the capital!"

"Old Ai, are you making fun of me?" Liu Yimin laughed.

"Speaking of hot pot, it's been a while since I've had any!"

"I'll treat you to dinner later!"

"Hahaha"

After laughing, Liu Yimin said, "Every place can produce literary works. Since we're talking about Yanjing today, let's talk about Yanjing. Yanjing has experienced hundreds of years of ups and downs. As the saying goes, 'Four hundred and eighty temples in the Southern Dynasties, how many pavilions are shrouded in mist and rain.' Yanjing has been around for hundreds of years, and so many things have vanished in the wind and rain."

Liu Yimin started by analyzing the lives of ordinary people and then moved on to the lives of princes and nobles, covering various aspects.

"Every century-old brand in Yanjing has a story behind it. How many people's past is buried in the courtyard houses, and how many people's laughter and joy have been heard there. There is a lot to write about in the literature about courtyard houses! I personally love courtyard houses and the cultural stories they represent."

After that, the meeting was drawing to a close. Li Qingquan asked everyone to write more based on works such as "The Flames of War in Beiping" and "Teahouse," combined with what Liu Yimin and the discussions at the seminar had said.

"Courtyard literature, wow, Yimin's explanation is quite novel! For the most authentic works about Yanjing, you have to submit them to 'Yanjing Literature and Art'. Chairman Wan is very concerned about the development of 'Yanjing Literature and Art'."

Cao Yu is now the chairman of the Yanjing Federation of Literary and Art Circles. When the words "Chairman Wan" were mentioned, Li Qingquan specifically looked at Liu Yimin.

Your teacher cares about the development of "Yanjing Literature and Art," so shouldn't you, as a student, do something in return?

Cui Daoyi said in a low voice, dissatisfied, "Hey, after talking for hours, only this last sentence touched on the key point of 'Yanjing Literature and Art'."

As everyone was preparing to leave, Cui Daoyi, a mischievous glint in his eyes, stood up and said:

"Since this is a symposium on 'The Flames of War in Beiping,' everyone should naturally have a copy of the book. Here, this is a gift from my own pocket. People's Literature welcomes your submissions."

Liu Yimin's expression was strange; this was a case of someone trying to cause trouble!

Zhou Yanru and Li Qingquan both had dark faces, but they couldn't show their anger in front of Li Ji, since this literary figure was now in charge of "People's Literature and Art".

Cui Daoyi sent the message to Zhou Yanru with a smile and said, "Comrade Zhou, I'm here to deliver books to the symposium of 'Yanjing Literature and Art'. Isn't that a good friend? I paid for it out of my own pocket, but it cost me half a month's salary."

Zhou Yanru said with a forced smile, "Thank you, Lao Cui. You're so thoughtful. I'll have the finance department give you the money in a bit. I can't let you take it."

"Oh, you're too kind!"

As they walked out of *Yanjing Literature and Art*, Liu Yimin said with a smile, "Senior brother, you've really offended *Yanjing Literature and Art* this time. If you ever get transferred to *Yanjing Literature and Art*, you're in for a rough time."

"Sigh, I'm just doing my duty as an editor, it's all part of the job."

After the meeting, Liu Yimin specially invited Li Ji, Ai Qing, Wang Meng, Wang Zengqi, and Cui Daoyi to Donglaishun for hot pot.

Inside the hotel, Liu Yimin smiled and thanked everyone, saying, "Thank you all for your speeches at the seminar."

“We’re all talking about the work, not praising you specifically.” Li Ji waved his hand, glanced around at everyone, and finally fixed his gaze on Liu Yimin.

“We’re all old, and we like to tell the truth, otherwise none of us would have come today. Flattery? I’m too old for that!” Ai Qing said.

What kind of sycophancy meeting could attract the head of the Writers' Association?

"Yimin, do you like courtyard houses in Yanjing?" Cui Daoyi asked with a smile after taking a bite of hot pot.

"Yes, senior brother, I not only like it, but I also want to live in a courtyard house to experience the culture of Beijing."

"You want to buy a courtyard house?" Wang Meng asked.

Liu Yimin nodded. "Comrades, we've finally gotten to the important part."

Wang Zengqi said, "Why live in a courtyard house? It's not as comfortable as a slab house. I live in a slab house in Ganjiakou, and it's very comfortable. If you want to buy one, I can ask around, but it's definitely not easy to buy one. Everyone is rushing to live in slab houses; nobody wants to live in a courtyard house."

Prefabricated houses, constructed from concrete, steel bars, and precast panels, were quite popular in those days. Although the living facilities were also communal, they were better than traditional courtyard houses.

"The prefab house is a bit noisy, I prefer to be alone for a while," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Cui Daoyi asked if there was a place he wanted to stay, and Liu Yimin told him that as long as he could see the Forbidden City, it would be fine, and it would be best if it was close to the Beijing People's Art Theatre so that it would be convenient to get there.

"We'll keep an eye out for you," Wang Meng said with a smile.

"Is there a problem with your money?" Cui Daoyi asked again.

"A typical two-stage process should be fine, but a three-stage process is a bit difficult."

With the addition of royalties from the movie script, Liu Yimin's current net worth has reached 4,200 yuan, which is more than 4,000 yuan. He should be able to buy two more properties.

As for the first courtyard, he hadn't considered it; could that even be considered a courtyard house?
Cui Daoyi and the others live nearby and can help inquire. It would take Liu Yimin a long time to get there by himself.

After the meal, several people said they would keep an eye on Liu Yimin.

In early December, urged by Zhang Mengzhao, Liu Yimin prepared to go to Mount Lu.

Xu Sangchu told Zhang Mengzhao that Liu Yimin had agreed to go to Lushan. Zhang Mengzhao waited every day, and Zhu Lin was even more anxious than her, but there was still no news.

Just like Old Li in the movie, Zhang Mengzhao said, "Telegram to Liu Yimin again."

After making several phone calls, Liu Yimin bought a sleeper ticket through Cao Yu and informed the crew of his approximate arrival time.

Not only did Liu Yimin not know the exact time, but even the train driver didn't know it.

(End of this chapter)