1980 My literary era

The round-faced middle-aged man glanced at Lin Weimin unexpectedly, said nothing, and took out the manuscript from his bag.

It looked like it was newly copied. Lin Weimin had been an editor for such a long time, so he could tell the condition of the manuscript at a glance.

He opened the courtyard door, let the round-faced middle-aged man in, and parked the car in the courtyard.

"Go inside and sit for a while, and I'll show you the manuscript."

He led the round-faced middle-aged man into the study and poured him a cup of hot water from a thermos bottle, "Let me read the manuscript first!"

After Lin Weimin finished speaking, he sat at the desk and read the manuscript.

The round-faced middle-aged man who was left hanging there had a calm expression and looked at Lin Weimin's study with a somewhat curious expression.

Seeing Li Keran's "Picture of Cattle Herding in the Autumn Suburbs" hanging on the wall, his eyes flashed with joy.

When he was eight years old, his father was labeled as a Y-sect. He was not qualified to do anything in school and could not participate in any activities. He could only go to Liulichang to read ancient books and read calligraphy and paintings. This kind of fate made him a good person in school. Strong appreciation and creative ability in calligraphy and painting.

While Lin Weimin was reading the manuscript, he got up and walked to the painting and looked at it for a while. When he was satisfied, he ran to the bookshelf.

He found that there were not only many famous works at home and abroad, but also many ancient books.

Such a collection of books should be worthy of Lin Weimin's reputation as a writer, he thought as he flipped through the books.

"If you like it, I'll give you a few copies."

There was a sudden voice behind him. The round-faced middle-aged man turned around and found that Lin Weimin had finished reading the manuscript at some point and was looking at him with interest.

He smiled and said nothing.

Lin Weimin asked again: "How should I call you, Zhong Acheng, or Acheng?"

"My friends all call me Cheng."

The manuscript Ah Cheng brought had his own name written on it.

He was born in the year of the founding of the People's Republic of China. If you look closely, he can be regarded as a person who came from the old society.

His father is Zhong Dianre, the author of the first film review in New China, "Review of Sons and Daughters of China". He is a famous film critic and was in charge of films in the Ministry of Rites after the founding of the People's Republic of China.

With such a father, it stands to reason that Acheng's life should go smoothly. Unfortunately, his happy life was shattered before he graduated from elementary school. After middle school, he lived in confusion and went to the countryside at the age of 19.

This stay lasted for ten years, and he did not return to the city until 1979.

After returning to the city, he was first busy assisting his father in organizing and publishing books, and then went to Yanjing Airport to paint murals, hold art exhibitions, and draw illustrations for novels that the writer wanted to publish.

Later, he got a job at the China Book Import and Export Corporation. He had no academic qualifications and could only work as an art editor for the magazine "World Book".

"This manuscript..." Lin Weimin pointed to the manuscript on the table.

Acheng, who had always been fearless, felt a little uneasy in his heart for no reason, just like a newlywed bride who had her head removed and was waiting for her husband to pick her hair.

“Excellently written!”

Lin Weimin's high praise made Acheng feel relieved.

"Can you talk about the original intention of writing this novel?" Lin Weimin asked.

"For royalties!" Ah Cheng said bluntly.

Lin Weimin nodded. Just now he could say at the door, "I don't have time to go to work and let myself read the manuscript." Now it is not unusual to say that he writes for manuscript fees.

"Then we both have something in common. I also write books for royalties." Lin Weimin said with a smile.

Ah Cheng looked at Lin Weimin in surprise, "I'm a nobody, so it's okay to say that. Now that you're so famous, it's not okay to say that, right?"

"What should I say?"

"For literature?"

Ah Cheng said something, and the two of them laughed involuntarily, like old friends who had known each other for many years.

Being able to close the distance with others with just a few words is not only Lin Weimin's ability, but also Ah Cheng's ability.

He is a chatty person.

Today he is a guest, and he talks a lot about his own experiences.

He jumped in line in Yunnan. There was nothing delicious there. There was a lack of oil and meat, and the vegetables were monotonous. But there was also an advantage: rice was filling.

Ah Cheng joked that his skin and tender flesh were mostly fed by rice from Yunnan.

Cheng said that those years in Yunnan honed his storytelling skills. He has read a lot since he was a child and has a good memory. He can be called a knowledgeable and strong memorizer. When he went to Yunnan to join the team, he even carried a box of books there.

The educated youth worked during the day and gathered in the thatched house where he lived at night. Light a kerosene lamp, there are people in the room, the cigarette butts are shining in the dim light, and the room is filled with smoke.

Relying on his ability to tell stories, Ah Cheng became very popular among the educated youth group, like a fish in water.

Speaking of this, there was a bit of complacency on his face.

Cheng once again talked about the experiences of listening to "Enemy Channel" and watching movies when he was in Yunnan, with a look of reminiscence on his face.

"Memories will be beautified." Lin Weimin said.

Ah Cheng suddenly said, "You are right."

After talking about the life of educated youth, we talked about returning to the city.

Ah Cheng returned to the city in 1979. At that time, a group of educated youths who could not return to the city got together and "made a big fuss" before they returned to the city.

"At that time, everything was really new. Even when I saw the police, I would stare at them for a while. This is a symbol of the city!" Cheng said and started to feel happy.

"You are so disgraceful to the people of Yanjing!" Lin Weimin joked.

Acheng waved his hand, "It was just for a while, and now I'm really annoyed."

"Ha ha!"

Back in Yanjing, Acheng mainly spent his spare time watching movies and doing business for his father.

He was unemployed at that time, and his father happened to need to publish works. With his help, his father Zhong Dianyan published two works in succession, "The Collection of Lu Chen" and "Film Aesthetics".

I work for my father and get no salary, but I can get some profit from the manuscript fee, but not much.

Acheng, who got married as soon as he returned to the city, needed money and wanted to become independent.

He is a man who can do anything. A few years ago, he and a few friends organized the very famous Stars Art Exhibition in Yanjing. At that time, they went to various schools in Yanjing to give lectures to promote the exhibition.

It's a pity that it's useless. The art exhibition thing can't be done without money, and it won't be possible in the second year.

Afterwards, after many twists and turns, Cheng became the art editor of "World Book" magazine.

"I have no money! I really don't have any money. If my son wants to eat popsicles, I can't bear to buy them for him."

When Ah Cheng said this, he felt a bit depressed.

Lin Weimin comforted him: "Your manuscript is very good, and the royalties will definitely be indispensable. From now on, your son can eat as many popsicles as he wants."

Ah Cheng laughed, imagining such a scene with a satisfied smile on his face.

"Do you know why I asked you to read the manuscript?" Acheng asked Lin Weimin.

Lin Weimin shook his head. He was also curious. Although Acheng said he didn't have time at work, he could always write letters and submit articles, or there were so many editors in the editorial department, he could find anyone.

"Hey, I heard someone said that your royalties are worth millions of dollars."

Lin Weimin was surprised, "What does my high royalties have to do with you? Why do you still want to divide your land from rich people?"

Cheng shook his head, "No! I also heard that you are a collector."

Lin Weimin nodded, "That's true."

"Everyone says you are a collector of the Hao Fang sect."

A bold collector?

This name is not bad. It sounds like it is next to Su Shi. Lin Weimin's face showed a bit of contentment.

Ah Cheng, however, pointed to the pen and said, "It's this 'trench'."

Lin Weimin's face fell. Which thief was behind my back?

He asked again: "Then what does this have to do with you?"

"I've been visiting Liulichang since I was a child. If you want to collect, I can be your broker and I'll charge you a fair fee!"

Lin Weimin couldn't help but smile and said, "How dare you wait for me here?"

After joking for a while, Lin Weimin took Acheng to have a meal.

After coming out of the hotel, Lin Weimin said to Acheng: "There is no problem with the manuscript. It will be published for sure. In a few days, you go to the editorial department and I will give you a bill for the manuscript fee."

Ah Cheng returned home happily.

After sending Ah Cheng away, Lin Weimin returned to the study and looked at the manuscript on the desk with an unstoppable smile on his face.

The next day.

In the morning, Tan Chaoyang had just entered the office and was wiping the table.

Suddenly, a stack of manuscripts fell on the desk with a loud bang, frightening the old man.

"If I have a heart attack one day, you kid won't be able to eat the good stuff!" Tan Chaoyang scolded.

Lin Weimin ignored his remark, "Stop talking nonsense! This manuscript has been published, I said so!"

Looking at this arrogant tone, no need to ask, he must have found a great manuscript again.

Comrade Lao Qin was not angry at all. He picked up the manuscript on the table and turned it over.

Lin Weimin poured himself a cup of tea leisurely, sat on the sofa, and waited quietly for Tan Chaoyang.

When I have nothing to do, I also observe the expressions of old comrades.

This expression is so beautiful.

Frowning, he must be worried about what happened to the character.

Smacking your lips? This is a great manuscript.

After a long time, Qin Chaoyang finally finished reading the manuscript and raised his head to look at Lin Weimin again.

"How is it?" Lin Weimin asked.

"Okay!" Tan Chaoyang praised.

"What's a good idea?" Lin Weimin asked with a bit of pride.

The manuscript was written by him. At this time, I must listen to a few good words to feel comfortable.

Comrade Lao Qin despised Lin Weimin's performance as a villain, but who could let him put together such a good manuscript?

A few words of praise, it doesn't matter.

"In today's time when scar literature and root-seeking literature are active, this novel has no bloody accusations, no pretentiousness, and no sensationalism. The language is very interesting, and the writing is sophisticated and restrained. It is a work that can be passed down. Next year's National Award, There must be one.”

Lin Weimin felt very comfortable with Comrade Lao Qin's flattery. He nodded and said: "Not bad, not bad, the leader has a good vision!"

Tan Chaoyang smiled and scolded: "I still need you to praise me?"

After speaking, he handed the manuscript back to Lin Weimin.

The two of them were reviewing the manuscript in private, so they had to go through the necessary procedures and let other colleagues in the editorial department take a look.

Lin Weimin received a few compliments, left Tan Chaoyang's office with satisfaction, returned to the editorial department, and handed the manuscript to He Qizhi.

"You guys should take a look at the new manuscripts first. If there's no problem, I'll join the team next month."

He Qizhi said in surprise: "Jumping in line?"

"Contemporary" now has no worries about manuscripts. It is very common for an unknown newcomer's work to wait for three or four issues unless there are special circumstances. What Lin Weimin said about "jumping the queue" is that the editorial department targets those famous authors or particularly outstanding authors. Special treatment for works.

He Qizhi immediately turned over the manuscript.

The morning is almost over, and about ten minutes before lunch, colleagues in the office are chatting.

A "bang" sound startled everyone.

Xun Sheng looked around and saw He Qizhi's face was rosy, his eyes were shining, and he didn't care about the pain caused by slamming his palms on the table.

He held the manuscript in his hand and asked Lin Weimin excitedly.

"Where did this manuscript, "The King of Chess" come from?"

"The team came here!" Lin Weimin was chatting with everyone. He sat on a chair and looked up at He Qizhi.

He Qizhi was condescending and said in a hurried tone, "Of course I know he came from the group. Where is the author? Did he submit the article? Someone introduced him?"

Lin Weimin's tone was still so casual.

"That's what you're talking about! It's none of this. The manuscript that I came to my house to deliver to me was just last night."

? ? ?

Colleagues were confused.

We are all editors, so why does compiling manuscripts always become weird when we come to your place?