All Heavens Pension started from the fiery era

Chapter 799 800. Great Honor and Meeting Again
In late October, the "Symposium on the Creation of Medium and Short Stories and the Special Seminar on "No Regrets in Youth"" was officially held at the Far East Hotel near Toraba Road in Kyoto.

Zhang Guangnian, editor-in-chief of People's Literature, presided over the meeting. Most of the writers and critics who accepted the invitation came to the scene as long as their health allowed. Even some writers who could not attend for some reason entrusted their friends to send written speeches.

In his capacity as Chairman of the China Writers Association, Mao Dun delivered a speech entitled "The Hope of an Old Soldier" at the meeting. At that time, the Writers Association had not yet been restored. It was also the first time that Mao attended a literary conference and spoke after the end of the special period.

The meeting was relatively small, and was a small chat among literary and artistic workers. The participants did not make long speeches, but interrupted each other, creating a free and relaxed atmosphere.

The first half of the symposium focused on two important issues.

First, it explores how short story creation can better reflect the real struggle against the "multi-person group". At the same time, it also explores some problems existing in the current creation of short and medium-length novels, such as the relationship between life and creation, the "two-in-one" socialist literary creation method.

The second is to strengthen literary criticism, deeply criticize the literary and artistic viewpoints and harmful works of a certain ideology, strengthen enthusiastic support for excellent works, especially those of young authors, and at the same time encourage a hundred schools of thought in literary criticism.

It is worth mentioning that Ma Feng boldly raised the issue of abolishing the "Minutes" and correctly evaluating the literature and art of the "Seventeen Years" at this meeting.

These two topics were still taboos that no one dared to touch at the time, and Ma Feng's bold remarks left a very deep impression on Yue Wenxuan.

During the first half of the symposium, literary newcomers such as Zou Zhian, Ye Wenling, and Xiao Yuxuan, who were cultivated by People's Literature, made their debut and each gave a wonderful speech.

Yue Wenxuan has known these people for a long time, so this meeting is a good match.

Yue Wenxuan knew that after that, these fledgling literary newcomers published many influential and excellent works in "People's Literature", accumulating young power for the emergence of "New Era Literature".

Because the second half of the meeting was a special seminar on Yue Wenxuan's novel "Youth Without Regrets", Yue Wenxuan was very low-key in the first half. He just listened carefully and did not stand up to speak.

It can be said that this symposium is held at this time and has great significance.

While gathering the literary team of the new era, this symposium focused on some shortcomings in the creation of short and medium-length novels at that time, and put forward many effective guiding suggestions, which had a direct and significant impact on the prosperity of literary creation.

After reaching a consensus at this symposium, the topic selection ideas of People's Literature will be more cutting-edge in the future. It is also from this beginning that a number of excellent short stories reflecting reality and expressing trauma have emerged in the literary world.

After the first half of the meeting, Editor-in-Chief Zhang Guangnian gave everyone some time for free discussion, which was also an opportunity for everyone to relax.

The second half of the meeting was a special seminar on "No Regrets in Youth". Editor-in-Chief Zhang Guangnian first made a professional review of the novel. In particular, his comment "Don't be afraid of being sharp, but be accurate" won warm applause from all participants.
At this time, the novel "No Regrets in Youth" has already earned the reputation of "the first harbinger of spring". For the professional writers and critics present, the special significance of this novel in breaking the shackles of thought is even greater than the literary quality of the novel itself.

After Zhang Guangnian's speech, Mr. Mao immediately expressed his own views. He talked about the novel's ideological and literary qualities and gave it high praise.

For the writers present, this novel is like a guiding light, pointing out the future direction of writing. Everyone was deeply shocked after going through it, and had countless things to say in their hearts. It was a good opportunity to express their feelings and express their own opinions. Therefore, many people spoke enthusiastically afterwards.

After the meeting, People's Literature specially booked a reception lunch at the hotel to entertain everyone.

Because today's symposium is also a special seminar on "Youth Without Regrets", Yue Wenxuan, the youngest participating writer, was called by Editor-in-Chief Zhang to sit at the main table.

For a young writer, this is of course a great honor. After Yue Wenxuan refused, he was still forced to come. But he didn't say much, mainly listening carefully to the conversations of the predecessors.

Mr. Mao had a good impression of him and would bring up the topic of conversation with him from time to time. Yue Wenxuan was no stranger to such occasions and spoke appropriately and profoundly, which made everyone look at him with even greater respect.

Seeing that everyone's attention was shifted to Yue Wenxuan, Editor-in-Chief Zhang Guangnian couldn't help but say:

"Young people are full of creativity. After No Regrets in Youth, Xiao Yue created another short story. I just finished reading it yesterday afternoon. I think it is very good."

At this point, Zhang Guangnian turned his head and looked at Mr. Mao, "Xiao Yue is just 20 years old this year. Young people like him still need our support and protection. I will send you a copy of his novel later. Can you write a special review for him?"

Mao hesitated for a moment, then readily agreed: "I haven't written a serious literary review for many years, so I'll write one."

Editor-in-Chief Yan of the Literary Gazette next to him immediately said, "Then it must be published in our Literary Gazette."

Zhang Guangnian was immediately displeased. "Old Yan, this is a bit unkind of you. I was thinking of publishing Mr. Mao's review in our People's Literature. It's ok for you to eat and drink for free, but you actually started to snatch it. Don't you think this is a bit too much?"

"Good things have to be grabbed. If you are afraid of me as a competitor, you can just not invite me to the next meeting."

After hearing what Chief Editor Yan said, everyone burst into laughter.

Everyone gained something from this symposium, but for Yue Wenxuan, the biggest gain was meeting many literary masters.

Regardless of their feelings towards newcomers in the literary world like Yue Wenxuan, the seniors would always show more concern and care, not to mention that Yue Wenxuan had left a very positive impression on everyone at the main table. This alone was enough for Yue Wenxuan.

What is particularly rare is that at the suggestion of Editor-in-Chief Zhang, Mr. Mao actually agreed to write a review of Yue Wenxuan's new novel. For a young writer, this is a huge honor.

After this meeting, Yue Wenxuan had some inspiration and prepared to write another short story.

In the next few days, he began to stay in the house and concentrate on writing.

One morning, he had just finished arranging his work and sat down in the room when he heard his sister shouting his name outside.

He had just walked out of the house and the first thing he saw was Tan Hongsheng standing next to his sister.

Tan Hongsheng was carrying a lot of luggage in his hands, had a messy hair, and looked exhausted.

"Hongsheng, I finally got you back!"

Yue Wenxuan walked up quickly, punched him on the chest, and then took the luggage from his hand, "You've been so tired on the way, come in and have a drink of water first." "Wenxuan, you've changed a lot in just half a year." Seeing the clean and fair Yue Wenxuan now, Tan Hongsheng felt that the person in front of him was a little strange, "You look like a young cadre now. If I saw you outside, I'm afraid I wouldn't recognize you."

"Back in the city, you won't have to be exposed to the sun or the wind, and you won't have to do any heavy physical work. You'll definitely be a different person after spending half a year there."

Yue Wenxuan made a pot of tea for Tan Hongsheng and asked with concern: "Have you had breakfast? If not, I'll go to the cafeteria to get you two steamed buns to fill your stomach first."

The two of them had slept in the same room for three years. Although they hadn't seen each other for half a year, their friendship hadn't diminished in the slightest. Tan Hongsheng touched his belly and said:
"Tianshui Village is a hell of a place. We can't get enough food and we can't make any money all year round. I've barely made it through this journey and I'm starving. If you have any food here, I'd like to have a bite first."

"Then have a cup of tea first, I'll get it for you now."

Soon, Yue Wenxuan came back with a basket.

He placed the items in the basket on the table one by one and said, "You are lucky. There are still two cakes left from last night. Pour some soy sauce on them, add a few drops of sesame oil, and soak them in boiling water. The taste should be pretty good.

Just make do with what you have and fill your stomach first. I'll treat you to a good meal at the restaurant at noon."

When Tan Hongsheng saw the two pancakes Yue Wenxuan took out, his eyes lit up and his saliva started to flow.

Yue Wenxuan also lived in Tianshui Village, a place where people often did not have enough food to eat. So he could naturally understand how Tan Hongsheng felt now. He knew that he must be starving, so he quickened his movements again.

When Tan Hongsheng came back from washing his hands, Yue Wenxuan had already prepared a large bowl of soy sauce pancakes for him.

Tan Hongsheng couldn't wait to sit down, opened his cheeks and started eating with big mouthfuls.

Yue Wenxuan sat down opposite him and began to introduce him to the Red Star Department Store:

"Looking at your appearance, you must not have gone home yet. After lunch, go home and take a look.

You haven't been home for a few years, so it may be difficult for your family to make room for a bed for you. You might as well leave your luggage at the store and live in our dormitory from now on."

Yue Wenxuan had been with Tan Hongsheng for three years, so he was of course very clear about his family situation.

Tan Hongsheng was born in an ordinary working-class family. His family was large and their life was difficult, especially housing shortage. He had not been home for several years, so it was impossible for his family to keep a bed for him.

"Oh my, our store actually has dormitories, this is really great!"

While eating, Tan Hongsheng said vaguely: "Knowing that you found a job for me, I am not worried about the problem of food after I come back. What I am worried about all the way is where to live.

I never thought our store had a staff dormitory. You should have mentioned it to me in your letter. It was a waste of time for me to worry for so long."

"How could I be so thoughtful? I just wanted to get you back to the city as soon as possible. Anyway, you will know the conditions of the store after you come back."

Tan Hongsheng put down his chopsticks, looked up and said, "I won't say thank you to you, we are best friends after all. I originally thought that I would live in that hellhole of Tianshui Village for the rest of my life, and never dreamed that there would be a day when I would return to the city.

I received the employment documents you sent me. You have no idea how envious those people in our educated youth camp were. They all said I was so lucky that I could return to the city without relying on my parents. Such a good thing, no one has ever heard of it.

Many people's eyes were blue with jealousy, and they said a lot of weird things, but it's a pity that they are not from Kyoto, and even if they think they have a good relationship with you, you can't help them. "

Yue Wenxuan sighed and said, "The few people in our educated youth camp are actually quite good. If I can help, I will definitely do my best to help.

But like you said, they are not from Kyoto. Even if I want to, I don't have the ability.

Now we can only hope that they study hard, and if they can get into university, they will naturally return to the city."

At this point, Yue Wenxuan asked: "Hongsheng, what do you think? Are you ready to take the college entrance examination?"

Tan Hongsheng shook his head like a rattle, "You don't know me yet. Compared to you, I am just a pig-brained person.

Since I was in primary school, I have been a backward student. If it weren't for the fact that people of my age don't care about grades when studying, I would have been lucky to graduate from primary school, and I would definitely not have been able to pass the entrance exam to junior high school or high school.

I know myself well. Even if 90% of the candidates are admitted through the college entrance examination, I am afraid I will not be admitted. I'd better not rush to embarrass myself."

"You are a smart person because you can think things through so clearly and know yourself.

Going to college is not the only option in life, and the majority of people still fail to get into college.

You should work hard in our department store. Although our Red Star Department Store is not big, its performance is still good. Both the salary and benefits are no worse than those of big factories.

When you get home, your family will definitely ask you about your work, so I’ll talk to you first.”

"You tell me, I'll listen."

"First, let's talk about the food ration. You've come at a good time. Because our store's workload is increasing, I've just negotiated a new policy with the neighborhood office. After you start working, your monthly food ration will be 35 kilograms."

Tan Hongsheng had never had enough to eat in the past few years in Tianshui Village, so he paid special attention to the issue of food ration. When he heard that he would have a monthly ration of 35 kilograms, he widened his eyes and said:
"It's so high! The food rations were not so high before I went to the countryside. It seems I don't have to worry about going hungry anymore."

Yue Wenxuan continued, "My salary when I first joined the company was 18 yuan per month. Because I have been working overtime recently, I also get 10 yuan per month in overtime pay."