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

Chapter 554 How can they be the same?

Cui Daoyi and Liu Xinwu had a very good relationship. They had known each other for a long time, and it could even be said that Cui Daoyi had done Liu Xinwu a great favor.

Back then, Liu Xinwu's "The Class Teacher" would never have been published in "People's Literature" if it weren't for Cui Daoyi's strong support. Liu Xinwu himself was disheartened and had no intention of publishing it, but Cui Daoyi persuaded him to revise the article, which ultimately made Liu Xinwu famous.

To be honest, if it weren't for the article "The Class Teacher," Liu Xinwu wouldn't have become so famous, nor would he have become the editor-in-chief of "People's Literature" in just a few years.

However, he was dismissed shortly after becoming editor-in-chief for publishing problematic novels. Later, because his self-criticism was sincere, the Writers Association Secretariat agreed to let him continue to preside over the work.

"Editor-in-Chief Liu, my view has always been very clear: we must adhere to the direction of realistic literary creation. Writers should observe society in depth before writing, rather than sitting in their study and pontificating. Everyone loves to read realistic works. 'Ordinary World' proves this point. It may be a bit rustic, but it touches the hearts of readers."

Cui Daoyi continued, "The second part of 'Ordinary World' has also been written and is ready for publication. The content of the second part delves into the core of the entire work. I heard that many magazines wanted to take the manuscript, but Comrade Lu Yao firmly refused and submitted it to our 'People's Literature and Art' instead."

"This is the author's heart. The relationship between the magazine and the author is not one of superior and subordinate, but one of friends," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Liu Yimin, Liu Xinwu, and Cui Daoyi exchanged many opinions about "People's Literature and Art," mainly regarding whether the layout should be changed, the focus of manuscript submissions, and the proportion of various types of manuscripts.

The significance of Liu Xinwu's talk outweighed its practical implications. Is it possible for him to make such a big move so soon after arriving at People's Literature and Art Publishing House?
After Wang Meng arrived at People's Literature and Art, she spent some time working on things, stabilizing her relationships with superiors and subordinates, and becoming the deputy secretary of the Secretariat before she could start making sweeping changes.

What's the significance? The significance is simply to have a conversation and unite our comrades.

After chatting for an hour, Liu Xinwu noticed that Liu Yimin wasn't very interested, so he quickly ended the conversation.

Liu Yimin invited Cui Daoyi out for dinner, and Cui Daoyi talked about the current changes at People's Literature and Art, saying that the new editor-in-chief had just arrived and people were a little unsettled.

Liu Yimin regretted that Cui Daoyi did not have the opportunity to become the editor-in-chief. Cui Daoyi was very capable, but he just couldn't get rid of the title "deputy editor".

However, Liu Yimin did not say this aloud, as doing so would have been seen as an attempt to sow discord between the editor-in-chief and deputy editor-in-chief of People's Literature and Art.

"Senior brother, eat more. How's People's Literature and Art magazine doing these past few months?" Liu Yimin asked.

Cui Daoyi peeled a clove of garlic and held it in his hand: "Without your manuscript, I feel a bit powerless."

"It's just that I'm at an age where I'm not as capable as I used to be," Liu Yimin chuckled.

Cui Daoyi pondered for a couple of seconds, then put down the garlic clove in his hand and looked at Liu Yimin: "Yimin, look at your senior brother's biceps and physique. Is he at an age where he's losing his strength?"

Liu Yimin laughed and told Cui Daoyi to eat quickly and to tell him if there was anything he wanted to order.

"Based on what you just said, I'll have to pay you another ten yuan." Cui Daoyi curled his lip.

"Perfect timing, I'm not full either. Senior brother, go order some more food. There's this really useful gadget I was going to tell you about, but it seems you don't need it!"

"What is that?" Cui Daoyi's eyes widened.

Seeing the wicked smile on Liu Yimin's face, Cui Daoyi said angrily, "I'll eat your twenty!"

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Liu Yimin took Cui Daoyi to People's Literature and Art Publishing House.

"Don't forget your senior brother if you get a good manuscript," Cui Daoyi instructed as he closed the car door.

"Do not worry!"

In the afternoon, Liu Yimin followed Zhu Lin back to the Overseas Chinese Apartment. Just as they were about to go upstairs, Zhu Lin got out of the Santana and asked, "Teacher Liu, where did you come from?"

“From Yenching University.”

Zhu Lin rolled her eyes at Liu Yimin, walked over and hugged Liu Yimin's arm, saying, "Still lying? You were following me around, weren't you? Thank you, Teacher Liu!"

"No need to thank me, it's nothing. Did you encounter any problems driving on the way?"

"Aside from my heart being a little fast at the beginning, there's nothing wrong." After saying that, Zhu Lin quickly kissed Liu Yimin on tiptoe when no one was around. "Teacher Liu, I'll treat you tonight. I'll do anything you want!"

"Ok?"

"Why don't you want to?"

Liu Yimin chuckled: "Go to bed early tonight!"

Zhu Lin leaned happily on Liu Yimin's shoulder, and they didn't separate even after arriving home. Liu Yu and Liu Lin, seeing the two so affectionate, laughed so hard that drool dripped from the corners of their mouths.

That evening, after the two little ones went back to their room to sleep, Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin exchanged a glance and immediately went back to their room.

“Teacher Liu, tonight I am the Queen of your Women’s Kingdom.” Zhu Lin gently stroked Liu Yimin’s chest muscles: “Teacher Liu, the Queen is coming to capture you!”

The lighting inside grew increasingly dim, and the two were immersed in the world of Journey to the West. The only regret was that they wished they could bring back Zhu Lin's costume from the movie.

Madness reigns in the land of women tonight, where duckweed floats up and sinks in the storm.

After several battles, Liu Yimin was completely exhausted and needed to eat three or four turtles tomorrow to replenish his strength.

The next day, Zhu Lin went to work, and Liu Yimin did not go with him. He needed to pack his luggage, as he would be taking a flight back to Zhengzhou the next morning and arriving in Ruxian that evening.

Liu Yimin handed Ximei a red envelope: "Take this, you've worked hard this year."

"Thank you, Professor Liu!"

"You're welcome. Xiang Dong, could you please deliver this to him for me?"

"it is good."

Xi Mei returned to her room and happily opened the red envelope. This year's amount was double that of previous years, equivalent to two months' salary. She would also receive a "back-to-work" red envelope when she returned after the New Year.

Xi Mei excitedly stuffed the money into her pocket, eager to see how much Liang Xiangdong had, but she held back at the last moment before opening it.

In the afternoon, Liu Yimin finished packing his things and breathed a sigh of relief when Zhu Lin parked his car smoothly downstairs at the Overseas Chinese Apartment building. Zhu Lin not only returned by himself, but also brought his parents over.

Mr. and Mrs. Zhu were beaming. Zhu Lin was even happier when he picked them up today than when Liu Yimin drove his Crown to the family compound.

This joy wasn't just about showing off, but a genuine feeling of happiness for Zhu Lin.

"Yimin, thank you for taking such good care of Linlin." Zhu's mother placed a piece of meat into Liu Yimin's bowl.

Mr. Zhu also said, "When Linlin married you back then, I was very uneasy and had no idea what to do. You know, most people in the arts and entertainment circle are prone to emotional outbursts, especially since you are also... Anyway, Yimin, as your father, I want to thank you."

“Mom and Dad, what are you saying? We’re husband and wife, it’s only right that we support each other. You should just leave Linlin to me with peace of mind,” Liu Yimin said softly.

Mr. and Mrs. Zhu looked at Liu Yu and Liu Lin and said with relief, "We're relieved, we're relieved."

"Mom, why are you crying?" Zhu Lin handed a piece of paper to his mother.

Zhu's mother wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes: "It's okay, Mom is just happy, Linlin, Mom is happy for you."

"Grandpa, Grandma, don't cry, I'll get you some food," Liu Yu said, frowning.

Liu Lin said, "I'll take some too!" Zhu's mother had just felt relieved when their bickering brought her back to reality. The two of them were arguing about who should serve their grandmother food first.

"I go first!"

"I go first!"

"Smelly brother!"

After calming Zhu's parents down, Liu Yimin took them back to their residential compound and also dropped Ximei off at home.

Xi Mei's home is in the factory's staff quarters. The houses were built in the 1940s or 50s, and the streetlights are all broken except for one, which is a flickering "signal light".

The following day, Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin took the two little ones in a yellow minibus taxi and headed straight for the airport. By 6 p.m., the family had arrived in Ru County on time.

The eldest brother, Liu Yiguo, had learned to drive a tractor and drove it to pick them up, taking Liu Fuqing with him. The snow in Ru County had just melted, and the weather was unusually cold.

Liu Fuqing and Liu Yiguo, both wearing military overcoats and thunderbolt hats, waited in the snow for two hours, stamping their feet to keep warm.

Upon seeing Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin, the two excitedly called out, "Yimin, Linlin, over here!"

"My dear grandsons and granddaughters, Grandpa is here! Hey, don't push! Where are my grandsons and granddaughters?" Liu Fuqing shouted at the people in front of him.

Seeing the large crowd gathered ahead, Liu Fuqing's forehead broke out in a sweat. Liu Yiguo laughed and said, "Dad, everyone's back, what's the rush!"

"Oh dear, I wonder if Liu Yu and Liu Lin still recognize me!" Liu Fuqing said nervously.

Upon meeting, the two little ones called out "Grandpa!" Liu Fuqing wiped his eyes and said, "Come on, let Grandpa give you a hug. You still recognize Grandpa?"

"grandfather!"

"Say it again, sweetie, Grandpa brought some good food, let's eat in the car." Liu Fuqing felt warm all over at that moment and wasn't cold at all.

Liu Yiguo said to Liu Yimin, "The train is late. You have no idea how anxious your father was. He wouldn't even let us go to a sheltered place to rest for a while."

"Big brother, thank you for your hard work." Liu Yiguo took Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin's luggage.

"What's the trouble? You're back, how could I not come to pick you up? It's just that you're so capable now, I can't help you anymore, I can only carry your luggage. On the contrary, I have to ask you to help me. Being the older brother is really easy for me," Liu Yiguo said with emotion.

“Brother, have you forgotten the hardships of working in the coal mines to earn money back then? If it weren’t for you, I would have gone hungry every day while I was in school. In junior and senior high school, I could still eat meat from time to time. When the company gave out mooncakes for the Mid-Autumn Festival, you would give them to me. You didn’t wear the liberation shoes that were given to you, but kept them for me. What I did was only what I should do.”

Liu Yiguo remained silent for a while, then smiled憨厚ly and said, "Why are you saying this? This is what an older brother should do."

"So, big brother, this is what we should do," Zhu Lin said with a smile.

On the tractor, Liu Fuqing took off his coat and let Liu Yu and Liu Lin crawl inside to block the wind. It was the first time the two of them had sat like this, and they had a great time.

On the way back, Liu Fuqing told Liu Yimin, "Our county may be about to change."

"Is it going to change?"

"Yes, everyone's saying they want to transfer assets from Luoyang to Pingdingshan, but the county doesn't agree. They keep going up to higher authorities, but it probably won't work. It's not just our county; several neighboring prefectures also want a share of the assets."

There are many examples in China of counties and districts refusing to submit to prefecture-level cities, and prefecture-level cities refusing to submit to provincial capitals. These examples stem from several factors: first, these areas have strong economic development; second, these areas have a long history and a distinguished past; and third, there are conflicts in the distribution of fiscal revenue between the county and city levels.

Ru County is such an example. Pingdingshan was originally a coal-producing area, and later became a city.

But you have coal, and so do I; and I have a longer history. When Luoyang was the capital, Ru County was part of the capital region. Returning to Luoyang is fine, but I won't accept being taken away.

Some retired cadres even went to Beijing. In the end, in order to appease Ru County, Ru County was upgraded to a county-level city and became Ru City.

Two hours later, they finally arrived at Maiji Brigade. With money from selling coal and the road repaired, their backsides were finally much better.

As soon as they arrived at their doorstep, they smelled the aroma of meat and fried dough sticks. Liu Yu and Liu Lin grabbed Liu Fuqing's arm and ran inside, both of them hungry along the way.

"grandmother!"

Upon hearing the tractor, Yang Xiuyun rushed out and ran a few steps: "Aren't you cold? Look, your faces are all red from the cold, and your hands are cold too. Come with Grandma to warm up by the fire."

"Mom, it's alright. Children get stronger from the cold. That's what you used to say when I was little, isn't it?"

“How can that be the same? You are you, and they are them. They are still young and won’t get cold,” Yang Xiuyun muttered.

Sister-in-law Gu Ping, wearing a sweater, came out of the kitchen: "Yimin, Linlin, are you hungry? The food is ready, get ready to eat."

"Sister-in-law, this sweater fits perfectly, you knitted it so beautifully," Zhu Lin praised.

The older sister-in-law looked at the sweater and her face lit up with joy: "I'll be free during winter break, so I'll knit one for you two too. Homemade ones aren't as pretty as store-bought ones, but they're warm."

“Okay, sister-in-law,” Zhu Lin said with a smile.

The group warmed themselves by the fire, and the eldest sister-in-law had already brought the food to the table. The meal was very plentiful, with both cold and hot dishes, as well as a bowl of dumplings.

"Come on, Xiaoyu, have a meat and egg dumpling first. It's from a freshly slaughtered pig, and it smells delicious." After feeding Xiaoyu, Yang Xiuyun didn't forget to put one on Liu Lin's plate as well.

After Liu Fuqing sat down, he took on the responsibility of feeding Liu Lin. Liu Yimin glanced at him and asked, "Brother, where's An'an?"

"An'an?" Liu Yiguo looked at his sister-in-law.

The eldest sister-in-law slapped her thigh: "I forgot, that rascal is still at Auntie's house next door. He always wanders around here when she's cooking. I was afraid of oil splashing on him, so I asked Auntie to keep an eye on him."

After saying that, the eldest sister-in-law stood in the yard and called out, "An'an, Third Aunt, let An'an come back for dinner!"

"Okay!" the neighbor immediately replied.

In rural areas, transportation still largely relies on walking, and communication relies on shouting. The sister-in-law's shout reminded Liu Yimin of his own past.

When Liu An returned, the three of them were a little shy at first, but after a while they became familiar with each other and competed to see who was the most mischievous.

Zhu Lin said to his sister-in-law, "When the children get together, all they do is play. Sister-in-law, I see a scar on An'an's face. What happened to it?"

"Sigh, the other day I took him to school for class, and after a short while he bumped into a table leg and started yelling. Luckily he was okay, but I was heartbroken and felt like my heart was bleeding."

He bumped his head and got a big bump, but unfortunately, he doesn't learn his lesson. A few days ago he was being naughty again, and lo and behold, he really managed to make the bump go in.

The older sister-in-law gently touched the scar, muttered a few curses, and her eyes were full of heartache.

Yang Xiuyun said with a smile, "An'an is too naughty, but it's good that she's naughty. She'll be strong when she grows up. An'an is still very healthy and has never had a serious illness. Your third aunt's grandson, on the other hand, has had several serious illnesses."

In October, my child had a fever and we didn't have any money. They came over in the middle of the night to borrow money to take him to the hospital. I was terrified; my child's face turned purple from crying.

In the end, Yang Xiuyun also looked terrified.

(End of this chapter)