Chapter 377 The Benefits of Following Teacher Lin

After staying at the People's Art Theatre until the evening on the weekend, Lin Weimin got up yawning and went to work early the next morning, missing the weekends in the future.

Unfortunately, there are still 9 years before the two-day weekend policy is introduced.

These two days, the editorial department is reviewing the new novel "Night and Day" submitted by He Yunlu. This novel is considered the sequel to "New Star".

"Rising Star" describes the story of Li Xiangnan, a young county official who has just taken office and is ambitious and ready to make a big splash in the ancient Central Plains county of Guling. However, the young political star encounters resistance and suppression from powerful traditional conservative forces.

The novel "Night and Day" tells the story of what happened within one night and one day after Li Xiangnan's reform in Guling was frustrated and he returned to BJ.

"Night and Day" is no longer as high-spirited as "Rising Star", and the same is true for the protagonist Li Xiangnan. As a character with a split personality, this novel shows his pursuit of power and women.

After reading "Night and Day", Lin Weimin's first feeling was that this was more like a "officialdom literature", which showed the real ecology of the contemporary officialdom through the interweaving of the relationships between Li Xiangnan and the people around him.

The emergence of "Night and Day" fully verified Lin Weimin's original judgment on the future development and changes of reform literature.

Reform literature is gradually transforming into officialdom literature. Of course, it will not only be limited to officialdom literature, but will also evolve further.

There were no doubts about the review of "Night and Day". Everyone agreed to publish it, and it is expected to be published in the sixth issue of this year.

In the afternoon, Yu Hua came to hang out in the editorial office again. He went back to Zhijiang to celebrate the New Year and came back only a few days ago when the National Academy of Literature started.

As soon as I arrived, I learned a piece of news.

"A seminar is being held for "Red Sorghum"?" Yu Hua's first reaction to the news was shock.

Then comes envy, jealousy and hatred, and then separation.

"Mo Yan is so young, why hold a seminar for him?"

Liu Yin joked: "Then you have to tell the leader, this is all arranged by the leader."

Yu Hua was so depressed that he didn't want to talk. It was like there were two dogs at home. They played happily together and were kicked by their owner. But one of them suddenly stood up, sat down, and even fetched his owner's slippers. Not only that, the owner even made a dog tag for the dog and hung it around its neck, praising it to everyone he met.

When Lin Weimin came to the editorial department to deliver a manuscript, he instinctively wanted to scold him when he saw him, but when he saw his lost and frustrated look, he couldn't bear to say anything.

After he left, Liu Yin said, "There's going to be a seminar on Mo Yan's work, which is a big blow to him!"

My colleagues in the office burst into laughter.

Yu Hua is like the poor student in the class. He is always envious and jealous when he sees the good students getting the "Three Good Students" award, but he himself never lives up to his expectations.

Lin Weimin shook his head helplessly. This guy was so idle every day. If he wanted to catch up with Mo Yan’s progress, it would depend on whether he could calm down and write.

The decision to convene the seminar for "Red Sorghum" was made by him and Qin Chaoyang. Mo Yan's novel has received considerable attention, with good responses from readers and critics. After the seminar, they can make plans for the publication of the novel.

After get off work in the evening, Lin Weimin went to the Military Art Academy to tell Mo Yan the news. He was so happy that he danced with joy.

Wednesday morning, in the third-floor conference room of the Guowen Society.

The symposium on the work "Red Sorghum" was officially held, and almost all of Yenching's famous critics attended.

Mo Yan was the undisputed protagonist at the seminar, but unfortunately he could not overshadow the critics. Compared with the criticism of the first part of Ordinary World by critics, the treatment of Red Sorghum Family was much better.

A very interesting issue must be mentioned here.

Different from the earthy flavor of "Ordinary World", Mo Yan's writing techniques and style are deeply influenced by the magical realism genre of Latin American literature. Although he also describes the countryside and hometown, he completely avoids the excessive effort of Lu Yao in his creation.

When Lin Weimin commented on Mo Yan at the seminar, he used the word "smart", referring to his cleverness in creation.

He is the editor-in-chief of "Contemporary" and today, Guowen Publishing House is the host, so he has no choice but to attend.

During the entire seminar, Red Sorghum received positive feedback from critics. They also made some constructive criticisms, but they were not sharp and the scene was harmonious.

But just as it was about to end, critic Zhang Ren suddenly asked Lin Weimin.

“When will the seminar on “Ordinary World” be held?”

Lin Weimin was a little surprised and replied, "The Ordinary World has only just published the first part. The plan is to write three parts. It won't be too late to start after Lu Yao finishes writing."

Zhang Ren added: "The first part is already so bad, there is not much point in writing a third part!"

After Zhang Ren said this, the atmosphere in the conference room became silent and no one spoke.

Apparently Zhang Ren was very dissatisfied with the first part of "The Ordinary World", so much so that he couldn't help but publicly criticize it at the seminar of "Red Sorghum".

Lin Weimin reminded in a gentle voice: "Teacher Zhang, today is the seminar on Red Sorghum Family."

"I know, but who told you not to hold a seminar on "Ordinary World"?"

Lin Weimin was almost choked by the old man's words, "You old...comrade!"

But he also knew that Zhang Ren or most critics' criticism of the first part of "Ordinary World" was different from the criticism when his "Lover" was published two years ago.

People are more concerned about the work, and only focus on the work, but sometimes the criticism is indeed a bit too sharp.

For example, now, "Ordinary World" is being discussed at a seminar on other works. How much do we have to love Lu Yao, and how much do we have to hate "Ordinary World"?

Lin Weimin observed that Mo Yan's face was stiff, and he understood this feeling very well.

After Zhang Ren's opening statement, others also began to speak, some asking Contemporary to hold a seminar earlier, while others directly began to criticize. The scene was once in chaos.

Mo Yan's face turned green. Today was clearly my work seminar, but these people were too... excessive!

It turns out that the harmonious scene throughout the morning was all fake!

Lin Weimin waved his hands helplessly and raised his voice, "Dear teachers! Dear teachers! Everyone, be quiet and listen to me."

Everyone stopped talking after his loud reminder and looked at him.

"We at Contemporary Magazine welcome your criticism and corrections, including from Comrade Lu Yao, the author of Ordinary World. If you have any opinions or questions, you can write to us or write articles in the magazine. But today is a seminar on Comrade Mo Yan's work, so please be restrained."

When Lin Weimin pointed at Mo Yan while speaking, everyone remembered the protagonist of today's seminar.

Mo Yan sat in his seat, staring with his small eyes as big as green beans, which were full of grievance and helplessness.

Several impatient old comrades felt a little embarrassed after being reminded like this.

It was a great work seminar and Mo Yan was very happy the whole day, but in the end he was emoted by these old... comrades!

After the meeting, Lin Weimin had to comfort him with a few words.

"It's okay. Lu Yao is famous, and the first part of Ordinary World was quite controversial. I hope you can write a few works of some weight in a few years!"

It would have been fine if he didn't comfort her, but once he did, Mo Yan wanted to cry even more.

How many more? Wouldn’t my head be bald after writing about them?

The most important thing is, did I write with all my might just to be criticized by these critics who have nothing to do but eat their fill?

After the seminar on the work of "Red Sorghum Family" ended, the publication of the novel was also put on the agenda.

This is even better news for Mo Yan.

In recent years, Guowen Publishing House has promoted many young writers, but relatively few of them have met the publishing standards.

Wang Shuo, Ma Yuan, Yu Hua and their ilk, except for the period when they first debuted and had a good output, are now like teenagers who indulged in excessive sexual activities, and are listless.

It's rare to find someone as honest and hardworking as Mo Yan, Lin Weimin must promote him.

Let those unpromising people see what a “model writer” is! What does “being promoted by a publication” mean?

The first print run of Red Sorghum was 50,000 copies, which was set by the publishing house based on the subscription feedback from bookstores and post offices. Among the younger generation of writers, it is very rare for a work to reach this first print run number for the first time.

Mo Yan was extremely excited when he received more than 3,000 yuan in royalties at one time.

Including the more than 2,000 yuan he received when "Red Sorghum" was published in "Contemporary" last year, this novel actually brought him an income of 6,000 yuan.

It turns out that writing novels is still the way to make money!

No wonder Teacher Lin is so rich.

After getting the money, Mo Yan invited Lin Weimin to dinner first. Of course, he also invited Yu Hua.

"What did you ask me to do?"

Yu Hua's mouth was full, but his tone was quite unhappy.

A seminar was held for Mo Yan's novel, and Mo Yan's novel was published. Mo Yan used the royalties to treat him to a meal...

Mo Yan had done all the pretending by himself, while Yu Hua could only show off with tears in his eyes.

"Eat your meal, eating can't shut your mouth!"

Lin Weimin scolded Yu Hua, but he didn't dare to yell at Lin Weimin. Instead, he stared at Mo Yan with a face full of grief and indignation.

He lowered his head and ate more vigorously.

"Go on!"

"I really want to use this money to buy a courtyard house." Mo Yan repeated what he just said.

It was because of this sentence that Yu Hua raised his head from the table full of delicious food and asked that question.

It's so fucking infuriating. It's fine if he just treated me to a meal, but he actually discussed buying a courtyard house in front of me!

Is it a big deal to get the royalties? When I have money in the future, I will buy two courtyard houses.

No! Buy ten sets!

No one heard Yu Hua's thoughts, and even if they did, no one cared. Teacher Lin was concentrating on listening to Mo Yan's thoughts.

Mo Yan told Lin Weimin about his concerns. Nowadays, when young people enter colleges and universities, their household registration must be transferred to the location of the school.

However, students are all registered under a collective household registration and cannot obtain household registration books. They will have to move out after graduation in the future, so they cannot be considered Yanjing residents and naturally cannot buy a house.

Lin Weimin smiled and said, "That's easy. I have someone who helps me buy and decorate houses. I'll ask him to keep an eye out for suitable courtyard houses for you. When you really want to buy one, you can find a trustworthy person to help transfer the ownership to someone else's name first, and then transfer it to your own name when you have the chance."

Mo Yan said: "Teacher Lin, you are the only one I know in Yanjing..."

Yu Hua couldn't bear to listen any more. Am I not a human being?

He also understood that what Mo Yan meant was certainly not "know" but "trustworthy", but this understanding hurt him even more.

I originally wanted to turn my heart to the bright moon, but the bright moon only shines on the ditch!

Today's dinner has broken Yu Hua's little heart.

After hearing what Mo Yan said, Lin Weimin hesitated for a moment, but finally agreed, "Okay, I'll do it for you."

I have to say that following Teacher Lin has broadened the young man’s horizons.

After receiving the royalties from writing, everyone knows to buy a house.

If you had realized this earlier, would you have waited until you were in your sixties and won the Nobel Prize to run to Yenching to buy a house?

If you are in your early thirties and have fully paid for those courtyard houses within the second ring road of Yanjing, won’t they take off in another twenty years?

This is the benefit of following Teacher Lin!

(End of this chapter)