Reborn in 1977

They sat down separately, with a small square coffee table between the single sofas, giving off the air of a leadership meeting.

He Qingsheng didn't stand on ceremony, glancing at the still steaming tea, knowing it had just been made. He picked it up, took a sip, and then smiled at Chen Fan, "When we corresponded by letter, I thought you were a middle-aged man in his thirties. I didn't expect you to be so young. It's a surprise."

Before Chen Fan could speak, he laughed again, "But that's right, ambition knows no age. You can be considered a promising young man."

Chen Fan smiled shyly. Such direct praise made him feel a little embarrassed.

He Qingsheng laughed again, "Although you're young, your writing is very mature. Almost every article can be published without modification. But from your articles, I can also see a lot of innovation.

I used to think it was a summary of experience from grassroots cultural workers, but now it seems that it should be a young person's unconstrained flash of inspiration, and this kind of inspiration is often more outstanding than experience."

After so much praise, Chen Fan felt a little restless and said with slight trepidation, "Compared with the older generation, there is still a lot to learn, especially in the accumulation of vocabulary, which needs to be studied carefully."

This was the truth.

It wasn't that Chen Fan's cultural background was too poor, or that his writing was not as sophisticated as those established masters. It was just that every era had its own unique writing characteristics.

For example, in the first half of this century, most of the literary giants of the Republic of China had sharp writing styles, either scolding with a smile and unrestrained, or subtly revealing their brilliance in a semi-classical style. By the late 1950s, the writing style of the domestic literary scene basically developed in a simple direction, writing stories about ordinary people at the grassroots level.

The only constant was the writing style, with a touch of pedantry between the lines.

Even rural literature was like this, not as straightforward as it would be in later generations.

When Chen Fan wrote books, although he tried his best to lean in this direction, he was influenced by later online writing, and his wording was extremely plain, even with a lot of colloquialisms.

Of course, in his opinion, it was to facilitate readers' reading, not to pad out the word count.

However, in the eyes of most readers, although such articles were very good, their "literary air" was ultimately inferior to those that were more pedantic.

This pedantic writing style even influenced the authors of the 80s and 90s.

It's just that this writing style will gradually fade with the passage of time.

Old bookworms can even judge the approximate time of writing through the wording of an article.

Chen Fan's writing style, it could be said that he had jumped ahead by 20 years.

But in the eyes of professionals, it "exposed" his "lack of literary foundation."

When He Qingsheng heard him say this, he couldn't help but nod slightly, "I've also noticed this problem of yours, but it's not a big deal. On the contrary, it's very close to what we've been advocating for a long time, 'to write articles that ordinary people can understand,' so I never thought of raising this issue with you."

After a pause, he said again, "However, increasing your literary cultivation is still very necessary. I'll write you a reading list later…"

He stopped halfway through his words and waved his hand, "Or I'll just give you a few books. They're all books I read when I was studying. They should be of some use to you."

Chen Fan nodded gratefully, "Thank you, Editor He."

He Qingsheng waved his hand and smiled, "Anyway, I haven't read those books for a long time. Giving them to you can be considered making the most of their remaining value. In addition, you can read more works by literary masters such as Mr. Mao Dun, Mr. Ba Jin, Mr. Zhou Libo, Mr. Guo Xiaochuan… and so on."

Speaking of this, he sighed softly, "In previous years, there were not many literary books in bookstores, and there were few opportunities to learn from our predecessors. However, a new batch of books will be coming out soon. You can go to the bookstore to buy some later."

Chen Fan nodded repeatedly, "Yes, I will."

After a few seconds, He Qingsheng suddenly raised his head and looked at him with a smile that wasn't quite a smile, "I have a question in my mind that I've always wanted to ask you, but I haven't brought it up. It's rare that you're willing to come to the meeting this time, so I'd like to ask you in person."

Chen Fan blinked, unable to figure out what his question was, but he quickly replied, "I wouldn't dare to presume to teach you. Please ask, and I will definitely tell you everything I know."

"Good."

He Qingsheng first responded, then lowered his eyes, seemingly pondering something.

After a long while, he said, "I said just now that your writing style is very special, that is, when you write, you are very close to the language of ordinary people, but it is not purely colloquial, and it still has literary quality. In my professional career of engaging in literary work for so many years, I have never seen anything similar.

But…"

He turned to look at Chen Fan and coughed lightly, "Just this year, I have discovered such articles in more than a dozen provincial literary magazines such as 'BJ Literature,' 'Zhejiang Literature,' and 'Shanghai Literature.'"

Chen Fan's smile gradually froze. He could even see that?

He thought he could manage for a while longer. It's only been half a year, and he's already exposed?

Seeing Chen Fan's expression, He Qingsheng's smile became even brighter, "The authors of these articles, some are called Chendong, some are called Tudou, some are called Fanqie, and some are called Crow, Squid, and Flower Again Bright.

These are all normal, and there are some with strange names that I can't even remember. I just want to ask you, do you know these authors?"

Chen Fan smiled with pursed lips. Were these pen names strange?

Well, although they were a little strange, they were all Children of Destiny!

I just wanted to borrow some luck.

Looking at He Qingsheng's curious eyes, Chen Fan thought for a moment and decided to be honest, "Uh… yes, I do know them all. I'm quite familiar with them."

He Qingsheng smiled, "How familiar?"

Chen Fan shrugged, clasping his hands together, "About the kind of familiarity where we wear the same pair of pants and sleep in the same bed."

He Qingsheng opened his eyes wide in surprise, "Heh, a dozen people squeezing into one bed, that bed must be quite big. By the way, don't you all have royalties? Why are you still wearing the same pair of pants?"

Chen Fan completely gave up, "Okay, actually, it's all me."

In this day and age, which literary person doesn't have a few aliases? For example, Mr. Shen Dehong had more than a dozen pen names, such as Mao Dun, Lang Sun, Xuanzhu, Fang Bi, Zhi Jing, Pu Lao, Wei Ming, Shen Zhongfang, and Shen Mingfu.

The most outrageous one was Lu Xun, who had 190 pen names.

So in the future, when Zhou Shuren has something to do, don't always look for Lu Xun. Go to Zi Shu, Geng Chen, Suo Zi, Suo Shi, Shuren, Ling Fei, Xun Xing, Shu, Huang Ji, Zhou Yucai, Zhou Shu, Tang Si… any of these will do!

He, Chen Fan, only had a mere dozen or so pen names. He was completely learning from his predecessors and it wasn't a big deal at all.

He thought it was a trivial matter, but He Qingsheng almost fainted, looking at him with amazement, "It's really you!"

Chen Fan grinned dryly, but before he could speak, He Qingsheng asked, "These dozen or so magazines, adding up to almost 300,000 words a month, how do you write them?"

So was it because I updated too much?

Chen Fan thought for a moment, "I write diligently, writing a little more every day. Also, I have some previously written drafts that I revise and then send out."

He Qingsheng shook his head and praised, "That's still amazing. Most writers can only write two or three thousand words a day, which is considered highly productive. After all, writing requires conception, and sometimes you have to consult literature. Adding the time spent writing and revising, writing a short story that can be published in a month is considered a qualified author."

Chen Fan calculated the number of words and felt that it was true.

Traditional literature is not like online novels. Anything less than 1 million words is considered a short story. Short stories these days range from a few hundred to 30,000 words.

Reaching the standard of 30,000 words is a novella. And a word count of 100,000 words is a novel.

It was the same as Chen Fan writing with an average update volume of a novel per month in an era when others needed 3 or 5 years to complete a novel, so He Qingsheng couldn't help but be amazed!

The most outrageous thing was that Chen Fan was writing several different novels at the same time. Did he not need to think about the plot?

Thinking of this, He Qingsheng's heart moved, and he raised his head and said to Chen Fan, "Comrade Chen Fan, you're not being fair. You're from Jiangnan anyway, and it's not like our magazine doesn't use your manuscripts. How can you submit articles to other magazines?"

Chen Fan was extremely innocent, spreading his hands, "I write 300,000 words a month. Your requirement for manuscripts is no more than 20,000 words. To speed up the progress of 'On the Field of Hope,' you've already made an exception to publish 30,000 words. How can you accommodate another 270,000 words?"

He Qingsheng was immediately speechless. It was the first time he felt that his magazine's pages were not enough.

Who told you to be such a workhorse, writing so many words in a month?

Back when the team was just starting out, he had to beg everyone to submit manuscripts in order to get more content.

If Chen Fan had been around then… well, maybe not.

Besides being a publishing house, the most important function of the Jiangnan Literary Magazine is to cultivate local literary talent.

Compared to filling the magazine pages, this is the most, most, most important core mission!

But… He Qingsheng looked at the self-righteous Chen Fan, still feeling somewhat unwilling in his heart.

He pondered for two seconds and said, "Although… but, what you did wasn't quite right.

You can't just say that Jiangnan Literature can't accommodate your work, and then send it to a sister organization without even a word, right?

You should have at least given a heads-up beforehand, so everyone could be considerate of each other, right!"

Chen Fan blinked, deciding not to argue with him, "Right, right, right."

He Qingsheng nodded in satisfaction, "Okay, besides 'On the Field of Hope,' give me another new article, and we'll consider this matter closed."

Chen Fan thought for a moment, "Any requirements?"

He Qingsheng's eyes lit up, could he actually assign a topic?

He immediately cleared his throat and said, thinking as he spoke, "Well, the topic definitely needs to be novel.

It's already the new era, we can't cling to the old ways, it's best to write something innovative.

Secondly, the values must be positive, and the article must be educational.

You can't just write whatever you want.

Readers will definitely be influenced by your ideas when they read your articles, so you must pay attention to this aspect.

Of course, I have a lot of confidence in you.

I've read all the articles you've written, including those under the pen names Tomato Potato, Crow, and Squid.

Overall, the core values are very positive, and the outlook on life is also very positive and uplifting, so you must continue to maintain this.

And another thing…"

He thought and thought, feeling that these two were enough.

If there were too many restrictions, it would be detrimental to Chen Fan's performance, so he waved his hand, "That's it, anyway, that's roughly the idea."

Chen Fan frowned slightly, "Innovative, and positive?"

He pondered for two seconds, turned to look at He Qingsheng, and said softly, "Can I write a love story?"

"A love story?"

He Qingsheng was first stunned, then his spirits lifted, and he stared at Chen Fan intently, "Quick, tell me your idea."

How many years has it been since a love story appeared in the literary world?!

Even though things have turned around now, many people are still bound by old rules and don't dare to cross the line even half a step.

If Jiangnan Literary Magazine can publish a love story, it will first convey the determination and strength to break the shackles, which will have extraordinary significance from both a literary and trend perspective.

As for what kind of consequences it will cause, He Qingsheng is not afraid at all.

He survived the days of herding three cows alone, could there be worse consequences?

At worst, he'll quit being the editor-in-chief and go back to herding cows!

Chen Fan was a little surprised that he didn't refuse.

These days, the description of love is still a "taboo."

People do so many dirty things in private, but everyone is ashamed to mention the word "love" on the surface.

He didn't expect that the editor-in-chief of this provincial newspaper wouldn't shy away from it at all.

However, he didn't think too much about it, organized his thoughts, and said, "It was the autumn of '77…"

As soon as he started, He Qingsheng couldn't wait to say, "The first autumn?!"

He saw Chen Fan looking at him expressionlessly, and couldn't help but smile awkwardly, "You continue, I promise not to interrupt."

Chen Fan's mouth twitched slightly, and continued, "In that autumn, Zhou Jun, the daughter of General Zhou Zhenwu of the Blue Army who lived overseas, revisited Lushan."

He Qingsheng frowned slightly, "Lushan is in Jiangxi, why can't it be Jiangnan?"

Chen Fan sighed slightly, "Then let's make it Yunhu, Yunhu area, I'm familiar with it."

He Qingsheng smiled awkwardly, "Yunhu is good, Yunhu is good, you continue, I promise not to interrupt."

Chen Fan was too lazy to pay attention to him and told the story of 'Lushan Love,' which had been changed beyond recognition.

The reason why it was said to be changed beyond recognition was only one: like 'The Herdsman,' he hadn't seen the original drama!

Anyway, it's nothing more than the contradictions of one generation being resolved by the second generation, enemies becoming in-laws, and a grand reunion.

The so-called love story is just a selling point.

The most, most, most important thing is the social background of the story, and the message that "things are different now than before."

And at the time point of '77, such information was almost the most popular thing for everyone from top to bottom.

It could even be said to be earth-shattering.

After listening to Chen Fan's story, He Qingsheng was indeed overjoyed, "Good, this story is good!"

He stared at Chen Fan intently, "When can you write this story?"

Chen Fan thought for a moment, "How many days will this meeting last?"

Meeting? What meeting?

He Qingsheng was stunned for several seconds before he finally remembered the business at hand, "Oh, oh, oh, the meeting? Let me think."

After another two or three seconds, he clapped his hands, "Two days, yes, it will last two days!"

Chen Fan looked at him expressionlessly, suddenly feeling a sense of unease in his heart.

He Qingsheng chuckled dryly twice, "Or, should I first introduce the situation of this meeting to you?"

Chen Fan sat upright, "I'm all ears."

After chatting for nearly an hour, they finally got to the point.

He Qingsheng said seriously, "The reason I came to you is to tell you about the situation of this meeting.

This meeting is jointly organized by the Culture Department, the Propaganda Department, and our magazine, and is the most important meeting of the Jiangnan cultural system in more than a decade, with the province paying full attention to and guiding it."

Hearing this, Chen Fan's expression also became serious.

The cultural system's time is even longer, and it's not just a little longer, but more than half.

He Qingsheng leaned back in his chair, his eyes a little dazed, "Let's not talk about the past, the current situation is that there is an office that supports some of the basic work of the Federation of Literary and Art Circles.

After the Jiangnan Literary Magazine was relaunched last year, this office was also merged into our magazine, mainly responsible for administration and reconstruction work.

Just a few days ago, on January 10th, the higher authorities established a preparatory leading group to restore the Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Writers Association.

One of the things the leading group is doing is to urge the reconstruction of provincial branches.

It is against this background that the province's cultural and propaganda departments actively cooperate, and our magazine also responded at the first time, convening old members of the Provincial Writers Association to rebuild the Jiangnan Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Jiangnan Writers Association."

As he spoke, he turned to look at Chen Fan, "The relationship between the Writers Association and the Federation of Literary and Art Circles is very complicated.

Unlike other institutions, the Writers Association is both a member unit of the Federation of Literary and Art Circles and on the same level as the Federation of Literary and Art Circles.

In many cases, the work of the Writers Association and the Federation of Literary and Art Circles is carried out jointly, so in many places, the Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Writers Association have not been separated and are managed by both sides.

The situation in our Jiangnan Province is similar.

Rebuilding the Writers Association is also rebuilding the Federation of Literary and Art Circles.

After the Writers Association, organizations such as the Dancers Association, the Musicians Association, and the Dramatists Association will be gradually restored.

But those have nothing to do with you, and nothing to do with me.

Let's talk about the meeting these two days.

The main agenda is to rebuild the Writers Association.

You don't need to worry about the administrative aspects.

There are only two things that concern you."

Chen Fan's eyes flickered slightly, and he couldn't help but feel a little puzzled, "Two?"

Shouldn't there be one?

He Qingsheng didn't seem to hear him and continued, "One is to absorb you as a member of the Jiangnan Writers Association."

He suddenly sighed, "The Jiangnan Writers Association used to have more than 230 members, but after more than ten years, only 197 are left."

Where did the others go?

Of course, they're gone.

After a long while, He Qingsheng continued, "This time, to rebuild the Jiangnan Writers Association, on the one hand, we must call back the original old members, and on the other hand, we must absorb a group of new members."

He turned to look at Chen Fan, "You are one of the new members selected, and I am your recommender."