Writer 1979: Writing for the People

The villagers basically knew that Xu Lu had submitted his article, and they also knew that he had submitted it to a very prestigious magazine.

It's been almost a month since this happened, and many people have long forgotten about it. But when Zhang Dameng mentioned it, they remembered it again, and then they all looked at Xu Lu with curious eyes.

Wow, Xu Lu is amazing! She actually got her article published in such a prestigious magazine!

That's amazing!

As for Lin Xiaocong and the other educated youth, their reactions were even more intense!

Xu Lu's submissions to "Yanhe" were approved? And two of them were approved at once?

No, is this true?

How is that possible?

They knew all too well the prestige of having a manuscript published in "Yanhe"—it was the face of Shaanxi Province's pure literature journals, and only famous and renowned writers could have their work published there.

How could Xu Lu, a newcomer who has never even published an article, possibly have his work approved?

Their faces were filled with doubt!

Lin Xiaocong was the one who reacted the most strongly. He was already prepared to mock Xu Lu when his manuscript was rejected.

Upon hearing this news, he was filled with disbelief and blurted it out.

"How is this possible?"

"How can that be impossible?"

Zhang Dameng immediately stood up to refute, saying that he had deliberately spoken so loudly just so that this guy could hear.

He'd been wanting to take advantage of this opportunity to deflate the kid's arrogance.

Of course, he was quite sensible; at least he didn't publicly mention that Yanhe magazine offered Xu Lu 5 yuan per thousand words.

After all, one shouldn't flaunt their wealth!

  

"That's 'Yanhe,' how could Xu Lu possibly have his manuscript accepted by that publication?"

Lin Xiaocong continued, his expression turning somewhat ferocious.

You should know that his greatest sense of superiority over Xu Lu is that he can publish articles in literary journals, especially this time he also published a new work in "Shaanxi Youth".

Although his attempt to impress the villagers a couple of days ago wasn't entirely successful, Lin Xiaocong was still able to justify it.

It's not that his writing is bad; it's just that these uncultured country bumpkins don't know how to appreciate it.

And now, Xu Lu, whom he hates the most, has actually surpassed him in this respect.

No, this is more than just surpassing!

Two articles were published in Yanhe. This is not just surpassing, it's crushing, it's complete crushing!

His biggest wish was to have one of his articles published in Yanhe.

He would never believe it without seeing any evidence.

What do you mean by "How could Xu Lu possibly have his manuscript approved there?"

Just because you can't do it doesn't mean others can't!

Xu Lu is more talented and gifted than you. His stories are better than yours and can be published in Yanhe!

If you don't believe me, just wait until the new issue of "Yanhe" comes out next month and go see for yourself!

Zhang Dameng said with his hands on his hips, looking triumphant.

He has been waiting for this opportunity for a long time!

Seeing Zhang Dameng's confident demeanor, and then glancing at Xu Lu, he noticed that the other party remained calm.

Is it...

Lin Xiaocong had a certain possibility in mind, but quickly dismissed it.

Impossible, absolutely impossible!

The other party is definitely bluffing. How could he possibly submit a manuscript to "Yanhe" so casually and get it approved so easily?

Lin Xiaocong stuck to his own ideas but didn't say anything more. Anyway, everything would be clear after the latest issue of "Yanhe" was published in a few days!

Zhang Dameng, who had successfully suppressed Lin Xiaocong, looked smug. He then turned around and raised an eyebrow at Xu Lu, who smiled helplessly.

That Zhang Dameng has absolutely no sense of propriety!

In the following days, neither the educated youth nor Lin Xiaocong mentioned Xu Lu's manuscript again, but everyone was waiting for the latest issue of "Yanhe" on June 1st.

By this point, they basically believed it was true!

Putting everything else aside, they knew Xu Lu's personality; he wouldn't brag about something like this, and there was no point in doing it anyway.

Because this is a lie that is easily exposed.

What they want to know most right now is what kind of articles Xu Lu wrote that actually won the favor of Yanhe!

Could one of the articles really be about that little monk that Li Xiuzhi mentioned last time?

That's impossible!

Although the story did have a tiny bit of merit, how could the editors of "Yanhe" possibly appreciate such a meaningless plot?

Is there another one?

What did he write in another article?

The truth will only be revealed on June 1st!

……

6 Month 1 Day!

That morning, many young people in Shaanxi Province waited outside the Xinhua Bookstore for it to open early.

As the most influential pure literature publication in China, Yanhe has a large and loyal readership.

This group of people would arrive at the bookstore early on the morning of the 1st of each month to snag a copy of the latest issue of "Yanhe".

Just like today!

As the Xinhua Bookstore opened, staff put the latest issue of "Yanhe" on the shelves, and people flocked to it like a tide.

One young man, who had seized the opportunity, paid 25 cents and then sat down in a clean spot by the door without going anywhere else. Many others did the same afterward.

Soon, this beautiful "scenery" appeared at the entrance of the bookstore.

"This issue features an article by Jia Pingwa. His story 'Full Moon' from last year was absolutely brilliant; it even won the first National Excellent Short Story Award!"

While browsing the catalog, someone shouted excitedly.

Others quickly responded as well.

"Yes, I read that article too!"

"Look, this issue also includes Chen Zhongshi's short story 'The Song of the Jujube Grove'!"

"Who is Chen Zhongshi? His name sounds familiar!"

"You don't even know Chen Zhongshi? He's the author of 'Trust,' the one whose article was published in the Shaanxi Daily at the beginning of the month. Didn't you read it? It's so well-written!"

"Really? Then I'll go back and find it!"

Everyone chimed in with their own comments, and soon someone noticed the "Newcomer Featured" section in the table of contents, where there were two articles this time.

One is titled "Receiving the Precepts," and the other is titled "My Distant Qingping Bay." Surprisingly, both articles were written by the same person.

Xu Lu!

An unfamiliar name!

However, for a "newcomer" to have two of his articles published in Yanhe at once, his skill level is truly not to be underestimated!

Curious readers have already flipped through the magazine to the specific locations of these two articles, ready to see just how good this guy really is!