1980 My literary era

Wang Xiaobo has been fond of literature for many years, and he embarked on the path of creation in his youth. However, before he was thirty-six years old, the only work he published was "Eternal Life", which was published in "The Ugly Duckling" Issue 7 in 1982.

During this period, this was not the only piece of work he created, but most of his works were kept at the bottom of the box without a chance to be published.

"The Golden Age" seen by the editorial department of "Contemporary" is Wang Xiaobo's longest novel, which has been six years since it was started in 1982.

Wang Xiaobo was naturally overjoyed when he heard that the novel could be published.

This happiness made me talk a lot more, especially when talking about the creation of "Golden Age".

Therefore, there are very few people who are truly introverted and unwilling to talk. They are just not interested in your topic.

After hearing Wang Xiaobo say that he was not satisfied with this version of "The Golden Age", Lin Weimin said: "It doesn't matter, then just change it slowly until you are satisfied."

Wang Xiaobo was even more grateful for Lin Weimin's thoughtfulness, and he took out the completed "Tangren Stories" and asked Lin Weimin to read it.

Lin Weimin flipped through it for a while and said, "It's well written. It's a fresh attempt to parody, imitate and creatively rewrite it on the basis of legendary stories."

Wang Xiaobo said excitedly: "My inspiration for writing this novel came from Mr. Lu Xun's "New Story"."

Lin Weimin nodded and said: "How about this? You leave these "Tang Dynasty Stories" here for now and let the editorial department review them and publish them first. As for the "Golden Age", you are not very satisfied with it, so just Take it back and change it first, and then send it over after the change is completed. Do you think this is okay?"

Wang Xiaobo nodded hastily, "Okay, that's great!"

The two discussed the manuscript, and Lin Weimin took him to the editorial office.

"Xiao Tong, where is the manuscript of "The Golden Age"?" Lin Weimin asked.

Liu Yin waved, "He's here with me!"

"Return the manuscript to the author first. He plans to take it back and revise it. Take a look at this manuscript."

Lin Weimin handed the manuscript of "Tangren Stories" to Liu Yin. She took it and reluctantly handed back the manuscript of "The Golden Age" and muttered: "I think the writing is already very good, what else needs to be changed?" ?”

Her words made Wang Xiaobo look a little happy, and a trace of hesitation flashed in his heart.

Otherwise, just post it like this?

Lin Weimin said: "It's a good thing for an author to pursue something. As an editor, how can you not support it?"

His words awakened Wang Xiaobo, and after taking the manuscript, Wang Xiaobo strengthened his idea of ​​striving for excellence.

The collection of novels named "Tangren Stories" by Wang Xiaobo includes five stories: "No. 1 Lixin Street and the Kunlun Slave", "Red Line Stealing Box", "Running at Night with Red Flute", "Night Journey" and "Uncle Lover" , is the size of a novella, and it’s just right to put it all together into a book.

A few days later, Wang Xiaobo was called to the editorial department of "Contemporary" again.

"Tangren Stories" has passed the editorial review and is expected to be published in "Contemporary" at the rate of one article per issue starting in November.

Wang Xiaobo's editor-in-chief was Tong Zhonggui, who said to Wang Xiaobo: "You have broken the record of our "Contemporary". No comrade writer has been able to publish novels in "Contemporary" for five consecutive issues."

Wang Xiaobo felt a little embarrassed when he said, "I just chose the subject matter and size by chance."

"Publishing novels in the style of "Tangren Stories" is also a bold attempt for us at Contemporary. We have never tried to publish this style before!"

After chatting casually, the manuscript was confirmed to be published, and both of them were in a good mood.

After chatting for a while, Wang Xiaobo asked about the royalties again.

Wang Xiaobo is now teaching at Yanda, and he is actually borrowing the help of his wife Li Yinhe.

Li Yinhe studied for a Ph.D. in the United States, and returned to China to work as a postdoctoral fellow with Mr. Fei Xiaotong, the man who wrote "Country China" and entered the Institute of Sociology of Yenching University.

Wang Xiaobo was admitted to Yanda as a family member. Strictly speaking, he was eating soft rice.

At Yanda, Wang Xiaobo was a teacher in name, but he basically had no classes.

"I am just a helper at Yanda." Wang Xiaobo said to Tong Zhonggui.

He is proficient in computer programming and spent most of his time at Yanda helping in the computer room.

The monthly salary is 130 yuan, and prices have skyrocketed this year. Such work content and salary level make him feel no sense of belonging at Yanda.

"I'll take you to find Teacher Lin!" Tong Zhonggui pulled Wang Xiaobo to Lin Weimin's office again.

"Mr. Lin is very easy to talk to. If you complain to him later, the manuscript fee will be given to you in advance. Maybe you will get five articles together." Tong Zhonggui gave Wang Xiaobo advice while walking in the corridor.

Wang Xiaobo was doubtful and entered the office. He continued what he had just said.

Working as a handyman in Yanda, there is no bright future, and his monthly salary is not low compared to most working-class people. But after all, he returned to China with rice left behind, and he can still earn 20 meters a day washing dishes in an American restaurant. His current salary is two months.

Of course he didn't return to China for material conditions, but the salary of 130 yuan did make him feel a little underappreciated.

In the process of continuously submitting articles, an editor asked Wang Xiaobo to write some essays about life abroad. Nowadays, Chinese people worship foreigners, and this kind of article has a huge audience.

Wang Xiaobo accepted the invitation and wrote a few articles, but then he felt that it was boring. This money was indeed easy to earn, but it did not stimulate his inner sense of accomplishment at all.

Wang Xiaobo loves to drive. He even discussed with his wife Li Yinhe about buying a taxi to drive. In the end, Li Yinhe decisively rejected the proposal considering his driving skills. Wang Xiaobo drives because he is addicted to food.

He talked nonchalantly for a long time, and Lin Weimin listened patiently, and finally said: "In this case, the royalties will be paid to you in advance."

Wang Xiaobo was overjoyed when he heard this and glanced at Tong Zhonggui.

Editor Tong was indeed right. Teacher Lin was really nice to talk to.

"Tangren Stories" consists of 5 stories with a total of 110,000 words. The standard manuscript fee is 20 yuan per 1,000 words, and the total manuscript fee is 2,200 yuan.

With Lin Weimin's approval, Wang Xiaobo received a one-time contribution of 2,200 yuan.

That evening, with this huge sum of money in his pocket, he walked back to his home near Wanshou Temple with light steps.

The furnishings in the home are simple. The only advantage is that the living room is very large and three walls have been turned into bookcases by Wang Xiaobo.

His wife Li Yinhe was cooking in the kitchen after work. When she saw him coming back, she asked, "You're back? Wash your hands and prepare for dinner later."

Wang Xiaobo did not tell his wife that his novel was sent to "Contemporary". He wanted to give her a surprise.

He sat on the chair for a while and then stood up and came to the dining table. At this time, Li Yinhe was serving food to the dining table.

With a "pop" sound, a thick envelope fell on the dining table.

"What's this?"

Li Yinhe asked, picked up the envelope, glanced at it, and was stunned.

"Where did you get so much money?" she asked in surprise.

"I earned it," Wang Xiaobo said.

"You earn it? What do you earn it from?"

"My novel is about to be published. In "Contemporary", this is the royalties."

Li Yinhe's face became even more surprised, "When did it happen? Why didn't you tell me?"

A smile finally appeared on Wang Xiaobo's ugly face, "I want to give you a surprise!"

He added: "The publication is "Tangren Stories". Five articles are published, one in each issue. The manuscript fee is 20 yuan per thousand words. The total manuscript fee is 2,200 yuan. The editor and I have all advanced it here."

When he said this, the smile on his face turned into pride.

Wang Xiaobo couldn't hide the pride in his heart. He thought, except for marrying Li Yinhe, he had never done anything more awesome than this!

The surprise on Li Yinhe's face turned into joy, and she hugged her husband.

Speaking of which, the two became connected because Li Yinhe accidentally saw the novel "The Green-Haired Water Monster" written by Wang Xiaobo from a friend.

At that time, Wang Xiaobo used to write novels in a large notebook, which could only be read by friends who were close to him. Later, the novel spread to Li Yinhe.

At that time, Li Yinhe was still attending college in Shanxi, and Wang Xiaobo was still working as a factory worker. Later, Li Yinhe went to visit Wang Xiaobo's father, and Wang Fangming, a famous logician in China, secretly met Wang Xiaobo.

She didn't have a very good impression of Wang Xiaobo at the time and thought he was too ugly. However, she never expected that this ugly man would become her husband.

Now, my ugly husband gave me another big surprise.

His novel is about to be published!

She and Wang Xiaobo got married in 1980, and their lives were difficult after marriage. This situation did not improve after studying in the United States. At that time, Wang Xiaobo went out to work to support his family.

It's a pity that he really has no talent in work. He was tired a lot, but he didn't make any money.

Li Yinhe knew Wang Xiaobo well and knew that his talents lay in writing.

She asked him to concentrate on studying and writing at home, while she studied for a Ph.D., worked as a teaching assistant, did housework, and worked part-time.

"Tangren Stories" was written in the United States. Wang Xiaobo even sent it back to China in the hope of publishing it, but unfortunately no one took it seriously.

From before getting married to now, Wang Xiaobo has been writing for more than ten years, but he has not achieved anything famous. Li Yinhe recognizes her husband's talent, and she thinks that what he lacks is just an opportunity.

Now, the opportunity has finally come.

"I met Lin Weimin in "Contemporary" this time, and his "Lover" was really well written!

There is also Tong Zhonggui, he is my editor, his pen name is Su Tong, the writer who wrote "Escape in 1934" and "Wives and Concubines". "

Wang Xiaobo hugged his wife, and the smile on Li Yinhe's face was full of gentle motherhood, and she listened quietly to his words.

"There is also "The Golden Age". They actually want to publish it. But I am still a little dissatisfied and want to take it back for revision, and they agree. After I finish revising it, this novel can also be published in "Contemporary"... "

Wang Xiaobo talked nonchalantly, his narrow eyes shining.