1980 My literary era

Tanjia Cuisine, one of the most famous official dishes in China, is the family banquet of Tan Zongjun, a bureaucrat in the late Qing Dynasty. Because it was the second-ranked dish in the second year of Tongzhi, it is also called the "second-ranked dish".

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, there were problems with the inheritance of the Tan family. In addition, all the spendthrift and wealthy wealthy people in the past disappeared, and the Tan family cuisine once fell into development difficulties.

It wasn't until 1954 that the beloved great man heard about Tan's cuisine and took the initiative to propose that Tan's cuisine be included in the catering system of Yanjing Hotel to receive foreign guests and showcase the broad and profound Chinese food culture.

In October of that year, the Tan Family Cuisine team moved into the restaurant on the 7th floor of the west building of Yanjing Hotel.

Entering the restaurant, Lin Weimin greeted Ma Guo and the others to pick a table far away from Zheng Guo and the others, for fear of disturbing him and Yao Shuzhi.

Zheng Guo pretended not to see him and handed the menu to Yao Shuzhi with a smile, "Shuzhi, take your order!"

Yao Shuzhi looked at the prices on the menu and said, "Zheng Guo, why don't we eat outside? It's too expensive here!"

Zheng Guo pretended to smile casually, "It's okay. I'm happy to treat you to dinner. I don't care how much it costs."

Lin Weimin handed the menu to Xiao Heiyangzi, "Yangzi, let's order too!"

Xiao Hei Yoko hesitated for a moment. She had been to Yanjing Hotel before and knew that the prices here were a bit expensive for Chinese people at this time.

"It's okay, I'm treating you today."

Zheng Guo, Grandet, can bleed profusely today, and Lin Weimin doesn't mind being arrogant. It just so happens that he hasn't tasted Yanjing's famous Tan's cuisine yet.

Several people ordered dishes. At the suggestion of the waiter, they ordered Bai Zhan Chicken and Dengying Beef for cold dishes, braised shark's fin and clams for hot dishes, Suhe for dim sum, and finally ordered a white fungus soup.

For four people, six dishes are just right.

After ordering the dishes, Lin Weimin told Mark Meng and others about the long history of Tan's cuisine. Mark Meng couldn't help but look surprised when he heard that the history was more than a hundred years old.

"Lin, your Chinese culture has such a long history. How can a family of chefs spread it for such a long time?"

"Old Ma, I am not an ordinary cook. I have been ranked second in the rankings before, and my ancestors have also been rich."

Several people were chatting and laughing, looking forward to the delicious food that was about to be served.

"Keith? Is that you?"

A voice interrupted the communication between Lin Weimin and others.

Mark Meng turned around and looked surprised.

"Uncle Qiaoson, why are you here?"

The middle-aged man has curly brown hair, is tall, and is wearing a suit. Lin Weimin reminds Lin Weimin of the white-collar elites who work in offices in later generations.

"You know, I work at Random House. China has just opened up, and many people in the country are interested in this ancient and mysterious country. The company plans to introduce a number of publications from China. So, I'm here .”

Uncle Qiaosen briefly introduced the reason why he came to China to Mark Meng, and then asked: "What about you? How is your stay in China? I have long heard from your father that you chose to study in China."

Mark Meng smiled and said: "I had a good stay in China and learned a lot of valuable knowledge."

"By the way, these are my friends..." Mark Meng introduced Lin Weimin and others to Uncle Qiaosen.

After the two sides greeted each other, Lin Weimin said to Mark Meng: "It's better to meet by chance than to invite. Lao Ma, we can have this lunch with your uncle."

Mark Meng happily extended an invitation to Uncle Qiaosen, and he readily agreed.

After sitting down, Lin Weimin learned through chatting that it turned out that Qiao Sen and Mark Meng's fathers were what China calls faxiao. They grew up together and still have a good relationship today.

He now works in the public relations department of Random House. He came to China this time because the company wanted to plan a series of books about Chinese culture.

"What a coincidence, Uncle Qiaoson." Mark Meng excitedly picked up the "People's Literature" in his hand and said, "Did you know? Lin is an outstanding writer in China. Not only that, he is also the largest publishing organization in China. staff, I think you will have something in common."

Qiao Sen looked at Lin Weimin in surprise, "What a coincidence..."

At the dinner table, Qiao Sen only knew Mark Meng. He was a little embarrassed at first, but now he and Lin Weimin also had a common topic, and the atmosphere at the dinner table was harmonious.

Dishes were served one after another, and several foreigners on the table had their mouths full of food, including Lin Weimin, a Chinese.

Lin Weimin didn't know how the Tan's cuisine tasted in later generations, but the Tan's cuisine at Yanjing Hotel in 1981 was indeed good.

"Lin, thank you very much for your generous lunch!"

After finishing the meal, Qiao Sen wiped his mouth and said with a smile on his face.

"You're welcome, Mr. Williams."

Uncle Jonson's full name is Jonson Williams.

Because there was something else to do later, Qiao Sen said goodbye after chatting for a few words.

Before leaving, he took out a book from his briefcase and said, "This is "Oliver Twist" published by Random House. It is a classic work that I like very much. Lin, your English is so excellent. , it shouldn’t be difficult to read. Nice to meet you today, thank you for lunch.”

The English version of "Oliver Twist" is one that I read frequently as soon as I read it. It is the owner's favorite.

Lin Weimin accepted the book happily. The price of the gift was not important, but the intention was important. Qiao Sen's gift was delivered to his heart.

"Uncle Qiaoson, wait a minute!"

Mark Meng saw Qiao Sen giving Lin Weimin a book, and happened to think of the "People's Literature" he had just read.

"This is one of the most famous literary publications in China. Lin published a novel on it before. If you have time, you can read it."

Qiao Sen laughed, "Silly boy! Do you think uncle can understand Chinese?"

Mark Meng was stunned for a moment. He had now become accustomed to reading Chinese and made a subconscious reaction. Just as he was about to speak, Qiao Sen took the "People's Literature" from his hand and said with a smile: "But thank you anyway." You, this book will become one of the most treasured works on my bookshelf.”

Mark Meng happily smiled and said: "Uncle Qiaoson, Lin actually wrote an English novel before, which I helped translate, and it was published in the "Ellery Quinn Mystery Magazine"."

"Really?" Qiao Sen looked surprised. He didn't expect that someone in the isolated China had already published his work in an American magazine. "Then I will definitely read it when I get back."

"I believe you won't be disappointed." Mark Meng said proudly.

"Is it because of your translator?"

Mark dreamed: "And Lin's literary talent!"

"I'll see."

Qiao Sen left the restaurant with a smile.

Lin Weimin said to Mark Meng: "Thank you, Lao Ma."

"You are welcome."

Everyone saw just now that Mark Meng was recommending Lin Weimin's "Farewell My Concubine" to Qiao Sen.

It's a pity that Mr. Qiaoson did not take up this topic, but cleverly avoided it.

Favors are favors, work is work, and this Uncle Qiaoson knows the difference very well.

"Lin, I'm not doing it for your sake, but because of the excellence of Farewell My Concubine, I can't help but want American readers to witness its elegance."

"That's right! Mr. Lin, with the outstanding level of "Farewell My Concubine", there will definitely be a large number of publishing houses rushing to publish it in the future. You don't need to worry about this at all." Koguro Yoko said with confidence.

She looked at Lin Weimin with her dark eyes, full of admiration. I was secretly glad in my heart. Fortunately, Mark Meng had not succeeded in recommending him just now, otherwise his plan would have failed.

Lin Weimin noticed Xiao Heiyang's eyes and was instinctively a little scared.

Female donor, please let the poor monk go west.

He showed a charming smile to Xiao Hei Yoko. Yoko was really getting better and better at talking.

Lin Weimin finished his lunch. When he paid the bill, it was Mark Meng's foreign exchange coupon, and Lin Weimin gave him another RMB.

This lunch cost Lin Weimin 42 yuan, which is equivalent to one month's salary of a mature worker in this era. It is indeed very expensive, but it is also worth it.

Putting aside the taste, the most important aspect of the meal is face. If the place is the Yanjing Hotel and the food is Tan's cuisine, it will still be the same even forty years later.

Zheng Guo and Yao Shuzhi also finished their lunch, and they met at the door of the restaurant.

Yao Shuzhi was still a little shy, but Zheng Guo, who was embarrassed at first, now felt quite proud.

"Weimin, thank you so much for today. In the afternoon, Shuzhi and I are going to visit Beihai Park."

Lin Weimin joked: "Understand, understand, we light bulbs will not interrupt your world."

Zheng Guo smiled happily, and Yao Shuzhi stared at Lin Weimin with eyes wide open, "What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking nonsense. But you two have to think about it and don't forget me as the matchmaker."

Zheng Guo laughed and said, "Don't worry, I won't forget it."

Yao Shuzhi glared at Lin Weimin in shame, "Let's go, don't pay attention to him, he's not doing anything right."

Zheng Guo ran closely to keep up with Yao Shuzhi.

Lin Weimin looked at the backs of the two of them. From now on, there is another wife in the world who is strict with his wife!

So, what do love and marriage bring to men?

Ah!

At work the next day, Lin Weimin asked Yao Shuzhi in a humble voice, "Sister Yao, are you in high spirits today?"

"Do you want to take care of it?" Yao Shuzhi gave him a look.

Lin Weimin coughed twice and said seriously: "Seriously. Are you planning to have sex with Zheng Guo?"

Two red clouds flew out of Yao Shuzhi's face. She hesitated for a moment and nodded.

"That's good. I feel relieved. Finally, my efforts as a matchmaker were not in vain."

"Thank you, for the people." Yao Shuzhi whispered.

"You're welcome. If you have anything to say, you can speak." Lin Weimin said in a poor tone.

After getting off work in the evening, Lin Weimin ran to Renyi. He first went to have a meeting with Ouyang Shanzun and Lan Yinhai.

The script of "Farewell My Concubine" is still being polished. Ouyang Shanzun suggested that if it doesn't work, Cheng Dieyi could try using opera actors.

"That's a good idea."

Lin Weimin had no objection to this. During this time, he also thought about it. All his impressions of "Farewell My Concubine" came from movies. Even if Renyi chose a national-level actor to play the role of Cheng Dieyi, it would not matter to him. Even if it still cannot meet the standards in his mind, it would be better to completely give this power to Renyi.

Of course, Lin Weimin had another reason for doing this.

"Teacher Ouyang, has Fourth Master Yuan's role been decided?"

Ouyang Shanzun said: "No, the leading role has not yet been decided. We will not consider the supporting roles for the time being. However, there are many people in our theater who are suitable for the role of Fourth Master Yuan, so it will not delay things."

"That's not what I meant." Lin Weimin said embarrassedly: "That's what happened. I have a good friend who is a film actor at Bayi Film Studio and has always had a dream of playing a drama. When "Farewell My Concubine" was written, I promised to give him the role of Fourth Master Yuan, you see..."

Ouyang Shanzun frowned, "This..."

After pondering for a moment, he said: "Teacher Lin, it's not that I don't want to give you face. It seems that we have no precedent for this in human arts. How about you ask Dean Yu?"

Lin Weimin knew that this matter was not that easy. He nodded, "Sure, I'll go over and ask him later."

After talking about the drama, Lin Weimin came out of the rehearsal venue and turned to Yu Zhi's office.

After a few polite words with Su Zhi, he told Chen Xiaoer what happened.

So he pondered for a long time, and Lin Weimin said: "Can you help me, even if it's a B role?"

So Zhi said: "Let's do this. I'll arrange a secondment for him here, so that he can come to Renyi to act. Over at Bayi Factory, Mr. Lin, you have to let him find a way."

Lin Weimin said happily: "Chengchengcheng, thank you so much, Teacher Yu."

After talking about this matter, Lin Weimin said again: "There is something else I want to ask you about."

"You say."

"Has our Renyi's recruitment time for this year been decided?"

"Not yet. But according to previous years' practice, it is usually early to mid-September. Are you planning to..."

Lin Weimin said: "My nephew is studying acting and is about to graduate from Yanying. I'm thinking of letting him sign up for our art program."

So he rolled his eyes and thought, this is a good thing!

There is no shortage of good actors in the art world right now, but there is a shortage of good scripts.

Over the past year, Lin Weimin's performance has fully proved his talent in drama creation.

He is Mr. Wan's disciple, and currently providing scripts for Renyi is entirely for Mr. Wan's sake.

But the problem is that Mr. Wan is now in his seventies, and he may travel westward at some point. At that time, it’s hard to say whether Renyi can still recruit Lin Weimin.

Now that he wants his nephew to enter the arts industry, doesn't this love have another layer?

Not to mention that his nephew is a graduate of Yanying and has the right major.

So I made up my mind that as long as this nephew could read the script fluently, they would be both talented and talented.

I'm determined to take this back door!

"No problem! No problem! I'll tell you in advance that registration is about to begin. During this period, you can bring your nephew over and have more contact with our teachers in the arts so that he can be prepared."

Lin Weimin was surprised and said: "Isn't this... bad?"

So he waved his hand and said, "What's wrong? Teacher Lin, you are now a member of our Renyi family, and your nephew is also a member of our Renyi family. What's wrong with your family coming to visit the theater?"

Teacher Yu is worthy of being a performing artist. His speech was sonorous, powerful, and upright. Lin Weimin said that he had learned something again.

"Thank you very much."

"Teacher Lin, you are too polite. Your business is our business."

For the sake of the script, Teacher Yu’s integrity was shattered.

"Teacher Lin..." Souzhi said carefully.

"Teacher Yu, please tell me."

"Actually, we have quite a few pretty girls..."

Lin Weimin was shocked, Teacher Yu, when did you change your career?

"Hey, thank you for your kindness, Teacher Yu. I'm not in a hurry at my age."

His words reminded him, and he would have forgotten it if he didn't say it. Teacher Lin is only in his early twenties this year, which is the prime time of his youth!

So I leaned back in the chair and thought of the green years. It was great to be young!

Four thousand words.