Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 107 was already waiting here.
Lujiawan became famous.

Not only was it famous in Nanhu Commune, but many people in Gufeng County and Yunhu Prefectural Committee also knew the name of Lujiawan Production Brigade.

First, the Gufeng County Radio Station broadcast a report on the "advanced deeds" of the Lujiawan Production Brigade in reinforcing the river embankment during the learning from Dazhai in its county radio news at 8:2 am on February 2.

Chen Fan didn't understand the relationship between learning from Dazhai and reinforcing river embankments. Anyway, all the grassroots reports wrote it that way, so he just followed suit.

After the county radio station broadcast the report that day, Lujiawan became famous throughout Gufeng County.

Although everyone knows that this year's dike breaching is just a minor incident, we deeply despise the behavior of Lujiawan, which is making a mountain out of a molehill.

But I was envious.

Following the county radio station's report, the Yunhu Daily, published by the prefectural committee on February 3, also carried out this news report. This time, it included not only text but also six vivid illustrations, depicting how the members of the Lujiawan production brigade fought tenaciously.

If broadcasting on the county radio might be a sign of special favor from one's own people, then the significance of the prefectural party committee's daily newspaper is entirely different.

Yunhu area is a large special zone, with a total of 3000 production teams in the entire area. It is impossible for such a large area to give special attention to anyone without a reason.

Aside from the dispensable "advanced deeds," it's clear to anyone with eyes that the key to getting this article published in the Yunhu Daily lies in the writer's skill.

……

Captain Zhang, holding the latest issue of the Yunhu Daily, grinned from ear to ear. "Hmph, they say we're making a mountain out of a molehill. So what if we're making a mountain out of a molehill? If they're so capable, they can make a mountain out of a molehill and get it published in the Prefectural Committee Daily."

Secretary Yang puffed on his pipe, his eyes narrowed to slits. "It's not good to say things that are detrimental to unity. We should just focus on our work and not pay attention to gossip."

Ye Shubao crossed his legs and even shook his foot, which was unusual for him. "The secretary is right, but the team leader also makes sense. After the news report written by Xiao Chen was broadcast on the radio yesterday, everyone's enthusiasm has obviously increased a lot. I think we should be able to finish the whole project by noon today, and then wait for the technicians from the water conservancy institute to come and inspect it."

Xiao Liewen, beaming with pride, looked around and said, "It seems we're the first of the five brigades in the entire commune to be inspected, right?"

Zhang Changjiang nodded. "Yes, it's the first one."

Secretary Yang laughed and said, "This is exactly what Mr. Li meant when he said that as long as we can mobilize the enthusiasm of the people, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished."

Although Mr. Li has passed away, it was only a short time ago, and people still habitually quote him when they talk.

At this moment, Ye Shubao suddenly said, "Xiao Chen, do you think you could try again and write a report on 'Preventing Schistosomiasis and Clearing Dredging Silt'?"

Upon hearing this, everyone looked at Chen Fan expectantly.

Chen Fan looked a little troubled. "These two contents are almost the same. If I write them again, I'm afraid they won't pass. Even if they do, they can only be broadcast in the commune or county."

Upon hearing this, everyone looked somewhat disappointed.

If they could launch two consecutive attacks, Lujiawan would truly become famous.

At this point, Chen Fan added, "And after this, I bet other production teams will follow suit, or reporters from the Yunhu Daily will personally go to the rural areas around the prefectural committee to conduct interviews."

The Yunhu Daily reporters aren't so foolish as to not use a story that's offered to them, are they?

If they were disappointed just now, Secretary Yang and his group have now given up hope.

After taking a couple of puffs of his cigarette, Xiao Liewen chuckled. "We can't steal all the limelight; we should at least leave some for others."

Zhang Changjiang also laughed and said, "That makes sense."

He then looked at Chen Fan and laughed, "Besides, they don't have a writer like Chen Fan."

Upon hearing this, Secretary Yang almost burst out laughing. "Not only do they not know, but apart from our Nanhu Commune, no one else knows about Xiao Chen. They probably think it was written by a reporter from the Yunhu Daily. Right now, they're probably racking their brains trying to find a pen to write about him." Everyone laughed out loud.

Chen Fan smiled in accompaniment, but a hint of helplessness was hidden in his eyes.

Who would believe that news reports these days don't even have bylines!

The beginning is usually something like "This is a report from [Organization Name] at [Time]", or "This newspaper reports", "This newspaper's article", or "This newspaper's reporter reports", without even a name.

Only reviews and literary articles will be signed.

So this time Chen Fan didn't even get a nominal title. After such a long article, he only had a note in parentheses: "(Contributed by Nanhu Commune, Gufeng County)".

That explains what Secretary Yang said earlier. Perhaps what he said is true; people in other places are probably still wondering why a reporter from the Prefectural Committee Daily would go to that small place to conduct an interview!

At this time, the main members of the brigade headquarters had all gathered together and finished the celebration meeting. Secretary Yang said, "This time, our Lujiawan Brigade has become famous in the Yunhu area. Xiao Chen has made great contributions. Let's all talk about how to reward him."

Chen Fan's eyes lit up; there was an unexpected surprise?

The reward is great! I love this part the most, especially when I'm the one receiving the award!
But he remained modest, declining apologetically, saying, "No need, no need, it's all what I should do."

Zhang Changjiang immediately waved his hand, "One thing at a time. Those who excel should be commended, and those who lag behind should be criticized. This is a matter of course, what's there to say?"

Xiao Liewen nodded and said, "You've set a precedent for Lujiawan this time, which is indeed commendable. But don't overthink it; this is just the first time, there won't be another one."

He then said to Secretary Yang, "Didn't the commune hold an advanced model worker commendation meeting last time? I think Xiao Chen can be an advanced model worker."

Ye Shubao immediately expressed his support, "I agree. The reward can also be based on that standard."

Secretary Yang immediately made the decision, "Okay, then we'll issue a certificate of merit, a notebook, a pen, and an enamel mug."

Chen Fan blinked. That's it?

Before he could even react, Zhang Wenliang dashed into the next office and then dashed back, handing a stack of things to Secretary Yang and the other three.

Secretary Yang immediately raised his hand, signaling Chen Fan, who was in a daze, to stand up. He then presented him with the certificate and shook hands with him, saying, "Comrade Chen, you have performed excellently. I hope you will continue your efforts and achieve even greater success in your future work."

Zhang Changjiang presented him with a notebook, saying, "Write more good articles about us farmers."

Xiao Liewen presented him with a fountain pen, saying, "Be a good commune member who excels in both literary and martial arts."

Finally, Ye Shubao presented him with an enamel mug, saying, "Keep up the good work, I believe in you!"

Chen Fan held a pile of things and blinked in confusion.

What happened to the agreement to discuss it first? You finished discussing it in one sentence, and the prizes were already handed out?
You've all been waiting here, haven't you?!
Only then did he realize what was happening.

Well, a bunch of seasoned veterans. They're using these things to shut themselves up before they ask for land allocation or political vetting certificates.

This has caused quite a stir.

He looked down and thought, "Well, not bad. It's not a bad deal. This standard is definitely that of a big factory. For a production team, it's usually just a certificate, maybe an enamel mug, but don't even dream about notebooks or pens."

Captain Yang and his team really went all out this time.

I never expected there would be a reward, so why did it have to come to this?

(End of this chapter)