The red landline on the table suddenly rang.
Gu Changfeng put down his teacup and answered the phone:
"Old Gu, you're still awake?"
A familiar, energetic voice came from the other end of the phone.
It has the distinctive Beijing accent with its retroflex endings.
Gu Changfeng smiled and leaned back:
"Disturbing someone's sleep so late, Brother Wenyuan, this isn't the proper etiquette in the capital."
The person on the other end of the phone was the vice chairman of the Beijing Writers Association.
Zhou Wenyuan is also a pivotal figure in the Chinese literary world.
"Oh dear, it's actually my fault. Shall we talk another day?"
"Looks like you received the goods?"
Gu Changfeng smiled faintly, naturally knowing Zhou's purpose in coming.
"Received it, just finished reading it."
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone before Zhou Wenyuan's slightly hoarse voice came through:
"There aren't many young people these days who can write with such ruthlessness."
"Oh? How ruthless?"
Gu Changfeng asked the question knowingly, and the smile lines at the corners of his eyes deepened even more.
"This kid's writing is tricky."
Zhou Wenyuan seemed to be carefully choosing his words.
“I’ve read so many articles by young people, but this kid is different.”
His writing is extremely precise in its approach, dissecting thoroughly and getting to the heart of the matter.
But then it leaves you a breath of fresh air at the end, so you can feel warm.
“Especially his discussion on ‘ferrying’ at the forum you organized.”
Zhou Wenyuan sighed.
"This kind of insight into human nature, let alone a high school student..."
Even the core members of the Writers' Association, many in their forties, might not possess this level of insight.
Gu Changfeng took a sip of tea, his tone quite smug:
"Of course. Otherwise, would Lao Liang and I have made an exception and given him that honorary membership certificate?"
You have no idea how wild and untamed this kid was when he was at the meeting in Nanjing.
He made Zhenyun's face turn green with embarrassment!
There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone.
"Old Gu, you sent me all this not just to show off that your province has produced a genius, right?"
Zhou Wenyuan changed the subject, his tone becoming serious.
Gu Changfeng's smile faded, and he lightly tapped his fingers on the table:
"Brother Wenyuan, how is the preparation for the 'Blue and Green Project' that was mentioned at the last National Writers Association meeting going?"
"It's still going through the process, so it definitely won't be that quick."
Zhou Wenyuan's voice carried a hint of weariness.
"You wouldn't believe it, but lately, meetings have been filled with arguments about this."
These young people nowadays either write things that nobody reads, or they just write random nonsense.
The government has begun to heavily support the cultural industry, hoping to bring back us old guys to the forefront.
"Produce a few decent new seedlings and throw some live fish into this stagnant pool."
"When will it be able to land?"
"At the current pace, it will probably be October next year."
Zhou Wenyuan paused.
"Old Gu, you wouldn't be thinking of..."
Gu Changfeng remained silent.
"Old Gu, have you thought about this question?"
The original intention of this plan was to target adult writers who already have a certain creative foundation, or young talents in universities.
That kid, he's only seventeen, right? Still in high school.
This... isn't in accordance with the rules either.
Gu Changfeng paused:
"Rules are rigid, but people are flexible."
If our profession also had to be ranked by seniority, then the literary world might as well be turned into a retirement home.
"Besides... if it's next October, he'll already be an adult by then!"
"That makes sense, but it's not easy to do."
Zhou Wenyuan's tone became more serious.
"This plan is a national-level initiative, and countless eyes are eyeing those few spots."
If we just push a high school student up there, it would not only break the rules, but also...
But that's like putting him on a hot plate; he'll be drowned by all the spittle.
Gu Changfeng remained silent for a moment, looking at the swaying shadows of the trees outside the window.
"Then let's rely on his abilities."
The wrinkles around Gu Changfeng's eyes piled up in layers.
The fingertips tapped rhythmically on the mahogany tabletop.
"Although this kid is somewhat famous in our province now..."
However, in the eyes of the mainstream literary circles across the country, it was still considered an unorthodox approach.
He needed a stepping stone, a stepping stone strong enough to shatter all doubts.
"you mean……"
"Before that, wasn't there a nationwide essay contest?"
A glint of light flashed in Gu Changfeng's eyes.
"That 'Fu Zhi Yao' competition, isn't it about to start soon?"
"You mean, let him go to that?"
Zhou Wenyuan was somewhat surprised.
"Although that competition is not as prestigious as the National Youth and National Blue Competition, it is still of great value for the whole country."
"If he can get a place in this competition."
"Then, when I suggest he be included in the 'Blue and Green Program,' who can object?"
On the other end of the phone, Zhou Wenyuan pondered for a long time before finally letting out a hearty laugh.
“Alright, Lao Gu, since you have so much confidence in him, then I’ll wait for him in the capital.”
"As long as he can break through the encirclement, I'll reserve a spot for him in the 'Blue and Green Project'!"
It's a deal.
After hanging up the phone, Gu Changfeng looked at Lin Que's ID photo on the table.
The boy in the photo has clear eyes and a faint smile on his lips.
"Young Lin, I've paved the way for you."
Gu Changfeng muttered to himself.
"Next,
Are you willing to leave? How far can you go...?
It all depends on your own abilities.
...
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