Chapter 204: A Little Conscience, But Not Much

After seven years in the army, Mo Yan is already 27 years old this year, approaching the age of thirty. He knows very well that the opportunities that everyone can encounter in their life are actually very limited, no more than two or three times.

And in these few opportunities, every choice will have a profound impact on his future life.

For example, when he was 20 years old, he was so stubborn that he wanted to leave his poor hometown even if he had to beg his friends shamelessly or endure the gossip of the villagers.

The choice he made back then bore rich fruit several years later, and he became a glorious officer.

The name that he had only seen in publications and type was now beside him.

Mo Yan knew very well that if he seized this opportunity, he would most likely soar to fame.

So, Mo Yan worked very hard.

He worked so hard that even Lin Weimin was a little worried.

"Xiao Mo, if you really can't do it, just take a break. It's not that urgent."

Mo Yan raised his head, his eyes full of bloodshot, "Teacher Lin, it's okay. If you are tired, go back and rest. I just happen to be full of inspiration right now."

After persuading him for a long time, Mo Yan finally put down his pen and went to rest. Lin Weimin was finally able to relax and returned to his room.

But Lin Weimin didn't know that as soon as he left the room, Mo Yan, who was already lying on the bed, stood up again and walked to the desk, his eyes shining.

This situation lasted for three days. When Lin Weimin knocked on the door of Mo Yan's room again this morning, he was greeted by Mo Yan, whose hair was disheveled, whose face was exhausted, but whose spirit was extremely excited. The curtains in the room were still drawn, blocking out the sunlight, and the air was filled with the smell of a tobacco shop.

"Xiao Mo, you didn't sleep all night again?" Lin Weimin asked in surprise.

Mo Yan nodded, "The more I write, the more ideas I have. I can't sleep."

Mo Yan let Lin Weimin into the room and handed him the manuscript on the table, "Teacher Lin, the manuscript is finished."

This efficiency is quite good!

Lin Weimin glanced at the manuscript and saw that the name had already been chosen - "Folk Music".

Having worked as an editor for two years, Lin Weimin was very sensitive to the length of a manuscript. He could tell by just touching it that it was at least 10,000 words.

He flipped through it for a while and found Mo Yan's progress visible to the naked eye. This "Folk Music" was at least much better than his second short story "Ugly Soldier".

It is not shameful to publish this level of music in "Contemporary". Lin Weimin gave a definition to this "Folk Music" in his mind.

Finishing a 10,000-word short story in three days is neither high nor low efficiency, but that is for an experienced person. Mo Yan is now just beginning to get a glimpse of the art of writing, and it is not easy for him to finish this manuscript with high quality and quantity in such a short time.

Lin Weimin's eyes suddenly noticed the messy desk, which seemed to be still writing, "This is..."

Mo Yan smiled sheepishly, "After finishing this novel, I got some inspiration in my mind, and I want to write more."

Lin Weimin stared at Mo Yan. Could this be the legendary "Enlightenment in Longchang"?

“Is this novel long?”

Mo Yan thought for a moment and said, "It should probably be tens of thousands of words. I haven't figured it out yet, so I can't say for sure."

Lin Weimin put the manuscript in his hand back on the table and said, "Then continue writing. Your current creative state is rare. I will wait here for two more days. If you can finish it, I will take both manuscripts away. If you can't finish it, you can wait and mail it to me later."

Mo Yan was deeply moved by the unreserved trust in Lin Weimin's words, and he felt an urge to die for his friend.

"Teacher Lin, don't worry. Give me two days and I will definitely finish it."

Lin Weimin patted his shoulder and said, "Don't force yourself."

Mo Yan looked at Lin Weimin without saying anything, but the fighting spirit in his eyes was evident.

After all, they are young people, so staying up late shouldn’t be a big problem, right?

After being an editor for two years, Teacher Lin has some conscience, but it’s really not much.

"When will you come back?" Qin Chaoyang's distorted voice on the phone was a bit angry.

It was agreed that Lin Weimin would go to collect manuscripts, but he ended up being away for several days. Yanqing is only about 100 miles away from Beijing, and it would take him ten trips back and forth in these few days.

"Leader, you don't know. Mo Yan is a smart guy. Once I give him some inspiration, his inspiration will burst out!

You know me, I value talent!

We can’t let him miss such a good opportunity, so we thought about giving him some guidance. Isn’t this also a way to discover another young writer with potential for our Contemporary Magazine? "

Lin Weimin was using the telephone in the guesthouse to make an external call. He held the receiver between one side of his cheek and shoulder. There was a handful of peanuts at hand. He pinched a peanut with both hands and pressed it lightly, and it turned on.

"Yes! It's not easy for young people to have such an opportunity. I will definitely teach you with all my heart, so don't worry."

"Just these two days, I'll go back when I'm done."

"Okay, don't worry."

Lin Weimin put down the phone, paid the money, threw away the peanut skins in his hand, and was about to go upstairs to find Mo Yan.

Suddenly, a disheveled figure came down the stairs and rushed towards Lin Weimin.

He was shocked. He got punished for telling lies to Lao Tan?

"Teacher Lin!"

After seeing the person's face clearly, Lin Weimin breathed a sigh of relief, "Xiao Mo, it turned out to be you!"

Mo Yan looked a little excited as he handed over a stack of manuscript paper.

"Teacher Lin, the novel is finished."

Finished writing?

Lin Weimin looked surprised and took the manuscript hesitantly.

This thickness... must be about 30,000 words, right?

Lin Weimin recalled that it had only been two days since he finished writing "Folk Music".

The average writing volume is at least 15,000 words per day. Not to mention the era when writing is entirely done by hand, even in the era of computer writing, this amount is terrifying.

Mo Yan's efficiency is enough to make those idiots who earn only 4,000 yuan a day at Qidian feel so ashamed that they hang themselves.

Lin Weimin couldn't help but think of that interview in later years.

This kid Xiaomo is quite something!

Back in the room, Lin Weimin carefully read the two novels that Mo Yan had spent five days writing.

A short story of 12,000 words, "Folk Music", and a novella of 32,000 words, "Transparent Carrot".

The quality of Folk Music has reached the publication standard of Contemporary Music, but perhaps because it has just gained enlightenment, it is not outstanding enough.

"Transparent Carrot" is different. Even Lin Weimin felt amazed after watching it.

Compared with the "Ugly Soldier" by Mo Yan that he had read a few days ago, it was completely different, a qualitative leap.

"Well written!" Lin Weimin put the manuscript down, met Mo Yan's expectant gaze, and said seriously: "Publish both articles together!"

"Send them together?"

Mo Yan was puzzled and a little surprised at the same time. How could he do this?

Lin Weimin explained: "This January issue is all about bringing forth new ideas, and it's not just you. There is a young author in Zhijiang named Yu Hua, and his two novellas will also be published in the January issue."

Hearing this, Mo Yan couldn't help but admire the courage and boldness of "Contemporary".

At the same time, I also became interested in my colleague who was able to publish two works in the same issue.

Lin Weimin put the manuscript away and, like a seasoned prostitute, put on his clothes without even paying.

"You've worked hard these past few days. I'll talk to your leader and let you rest for two more days before going back to work." Lin Weimin instructed Mo Yan.

"Okay, Teacher Lin."

"I'll take the manuscript back with me first. I'll notify you when it's officially confirmed to be published, and I'll mail the manuscript fee invoice to you then."

Mo Yan inexplicably felt a sense of loss in his heart.

These days, thanks to Teacher Lin's guidance, he seemed to be assisted in his creation. After finishing two novels, even he himself felt a little incredible.

Five days, forty-four thousand words.

Not to mention the high quality of the completion, just writing these words was something he had never attempted before.

And all this is due to the help of Teacher Lin.

Moyan was deeply grateful to Lin Weimin.

"Teacher Lin, thank you! Thank you!"

Before leaving, Mo Yan held Lin Weimin's hand tightly, his eyes moist, and he murmured words of thanks.

Lin Weimin was riding a motorcycle and looked back at Mo Yan who was still standing there waving at him.

Xiaomo is a sentimental person!

After another bumpy journey, Lin Weimin returned to Yanjing a few hours later. He didn't even go home, but went back to the Chinese Literature Society first.

I still have two freshly published novels by Mo Yan in my pocket, so I decided to give them back to put me at ease.

After not seeing each other for a few days, Liu Yin said to Lin Weimin as soon as he saw him: "Hey, Weimin has gained weight!"

Lin Weimin said guiltily: "It may be because of staying up late, irregular work and rest, and irregular diet."

"Really?"

"That's right. Sister Liu, please don't stay up late. I'm going to find Lao Tan to cancel my leave."

Lin Weimin went to Qin Chaoyang's office perfunctorily.

"You still remember to come back?"

Qin Chaoyang spoke sarcastically as soon as he saw him.

Lin Weimin had the manuscript in his pocket, not panicking at all. He took out the manuscript and threw it on the table.

"Take a look at the results of our work over the past few days!"

Qin Chaoyang didn't bother to talk to Lin Weimin. He picked up the manuscript and started reading it.

After a while, he raised his head and looked at Lin Weimin with a questioning look.

"What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"You are the one who directed this?"

Lin Weimin held his head high and said, "I can't say it's guidance, I just gave him some pointers. Xiaomo does have talent."

Although I am skeptical about what this kid says, facts speak louder than words.

Qin Chaoyang was considering whether to let Lin Weimin take charge of the editorial department's manuscript compilation work in the future.

Anyway, he is still young and can afford to run.

"Not bad, not bad. Your work is getting better and better."

Qin Chaoyang's compliment made Lin Weimin feel very happy. Our leaders can see our achievements.

"It just so happens that someone recommended an author to me. He is in Shaanxi, why don't you go and visit him on your way?"

It is thousands of kilometers from Yanjing to Shaanxi. Lin Weimin really wants to ask Qin Chaoyang, is the road to your home so smooth?

"Leader, the production team doesn't dare to use the donkeys like this! I just returned to Yanjing..."

"Then take a break for two days before going again."

Qin Chaoyang blocked Lin Weimin's excuses.

"I'm going to take a week off after finishing that group of manuscripts."

"You dare to negotiate conditions?" Qin Chaoyang glared.

"So what? I've been traveling all over the country, and I'm not even allowed to take a holiday?" Lin Weimin argued.

After staring at each other for a moment, Qin Chaoyang said, "One week is impossible!"

"The five days."

"Just three days, love it or not." Qin Chaoyang said impatiently.

Lin Weimin nodded, "Three days is three days, don't regret it!"

After agreeing on the conditions, Lin Weimin walked out of the door mumbling.

Qin Chaoyang shook his head and smiled bitterly.

This Monkey King!

(End of this chapter)