Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 471 Exposed

The two men sat down, with a small square coffee table in the middle of the single sofas, giving the impression of a meeting between leaders.

He Qingsheng didn't stand on ceremony. He looked at the still steaming tea, knowing it had just been brewed, picked it up and took a sip. Then he smiled at Chen Fan and said, "When we used to correspond, I thought you were a middle-aged man in your thirties. I didn't expect you to be so young. It's really unexpected."

Before Chen Fan could speak, he added with a smile, "But that's true, ambition knows no age, and you can be considered a young man of great achievement."

Chen Fan smiled shyly; such direct praise made him feel rather embarrassed.

He Qingsheng smiled again, "Although you are not very old, your writing is very mature. Almost every article is published without any revisions. But I can also see a lot of new ideas in your articles."

I used to think it was a summary of experience by grassroots cultural workers, but now it seems to be a flash of inspiration from a young person's boundless imagination. And this kind of inspiration is often more brilliant than experience.

After receiving such praise, Chen Fan became a little restless and said with a hint of trepidation, "Compared to the senior, there is still much to learn, especially in vocabulary accumulation, which I need to study diligently."

This is a fact.

It's not that Chen Fan lacks cultural knowledge or his writing skills are as refined as those of established masters. Rather, each era has its own unique writing style.

For example, in the first half of this century, most of the great writers of the Republic of China era had sharp and incisive writing styles, either witty and unrestrained, or a blend of classical and vernacular Chinese with a hint of sharpness. However, in the mid-to-late 50s, the writing style of the domestic literary scene basically developed towards simplicity, and the stories written were mostly about ordinary people at the grassroots level.

The only constant is the writing style, which always carries a touch of pedantry between the lines.

Even rural literature is like this, unlike later works which are more straightforward.

Although Chen Fan tried his best to write in this direction, he was influenced by online novel writing in later generations, so his vocabulary was extremely plain and even contained a lot of colloquialisms.

Of course, in his view, it was for the convenience of readers, not for padding.

However, in the eyes of most readers, although such articles are very readable, their "literary flair" is ultimately inferior to those that are meticulous in their word choice.

This meticulous and pedantic writing style even influenced authors in the 8s and 90s.

However, this writing style will gradually fade over time.

Experienced bookworms can even determine the approximate time of composition of an article just by looking at its wording and style.

As for Chen Fan's writing style, it wouldn't be unreasonable to say that he has leaped across 20 years in one go.

However, in the eyes of professionals, this "exposed" his "lack of literary knowledge".

He Qingsheng nodded slightly when he heard him say that. “I have also noticed your question, but it is nothing. On the contrary, it is very close to what we have been advocating for a long time: ‘to write articles that ordinary people can understand.’ So I did not think of raising this question to you.”

He paused for a moment, then added, "However, it's still very necessary to improve one's literary cultivation. I'll write you a reading list later..."

He waved his hand halfway through his sentence, "I'll give you a few books instead. They're books I read when I was studying, and they should be of some use to you."

Chen Fan nodded gratefully, "Thank you, Editor-in-Chief He."

He Qingsheng waved his hand and laughed, "Anyway, I haven't read those books in a long time, so giving them to you is a way to put my remaining energy to good use. In addition, you can read more works by famous literary figures such as Mr. Mao Dun, Mr. Ba Jin, Mr. Zhou Libo, Mr. Guo Xiaochuan, etc."

As he said this, he sighed softly, “In previous years, there weren’t many literary books in bookstores, and there were few opportunities to learn from our predecessors. However, a batch of new books will be released soon, and 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 half-smile. "I have a question in my mind that I've been wanting to ask you, but I haven't brought it up yet. It's rare that you've come to the meeting this time, so I'd like to ask you about it in person."

Chen Fan blinked, not understanding what his question was, but he quickly replied, "I wouldn't dare to ask for your advice. Please tell me, and I will answer to the best of my knowledge."

"it is good."

He Qingsheng responded first, then lowered his eyes, as if he was considering something.

After a long while, he said, "As I just said, your writing style is very special. When you write, it is very close to the language of ordinary people, but it is not purely colloquial. It still has literary qualities. In my many years of professional career in literature, I have never seen anything like it."

but……"

He turned to look at Chen Fan and coughed lightly. "Just this year, I found articles like this in more than a dozen provincial literary magazines, including Beijing Literature, Zhejiang Literature, and Shanghai Literature."

Chen Fan's smile gradually froze. How could you tell?
He thought it would be under control for a longer period of time, but it's only been half a year, and it's already been exposed?
Seeing Chen Fan's expression, He Qingsheng's smile became even brighter. "The authors of these articles are named Chen Dong, Potato, Tomato, and some are even called Crow, Squid, or Hua Youming."

These are all normal; there are some with really strange names that I can't remember. I just wanted to ask you, do you know any of these authors?

Chen Fan smiled, pursing his lips. Were these pen names really that strange?

Well, it's a bit strange, but they're all chosen ones!

I just wanted to borrow some luck.

Seeing He Qingsheng's curious gaze, Chen Fan thought for a moment and decided to be honest, "Uh... I do know them all, and we're quite familiar with each other."

He Qingsheng asked with a smile in his eyes, "How well do we know each other?"

Chen Fan shrugged, his hands clenched tightly. "It's about the kind of relationship where you share a pair of pants and a bed."

He Qingsheng's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, a dozen people crammed into one bed? That bed must be huge. By the way, don't you all get paid for your writing? And you're even sharing a pair of pants?"

Chen Fan completely gave up, "Okay, actually it was all my fault."

These days, which writer doesn't have a few pseudonyms? For example, Mr. Shen Dehong has more than a dozen pen names, including Mao Dun, Lang Sun, Xuan Zhu, Fang Bi, Zhi Jing, Pulao, Wei Ming, Shen Zhongfang, and Shen Mingfu.

The most outrageous one is Lu Xun, who had a staggering 190 pen names.

So if Zhou Shuren needs anything in the future, don't always look for Lu Xun. Look for 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 Fancai, only has a dozen or so pen names; he's just learning from his seniors, and it's nothing special.

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

Chen Fan grinned awkwardly, but before he could speak, He Qingsheng pressed him, "These dozen or so magazines add up to about 30 words a month. How did you manage to write them?"

So it's because I'm updating too much?

Chen Fan thought for a moment, "I will keep writing and write more every day. In addition, I have some drafts I have written before. I will revise them and then send them out."

He Qingsheng shook his head in admiration, "That's still quite remarkable. Most writers are considered productive if they can write two or three thousand words a day. After all, writing requires brainstorming, and sometimes you have to consult literature. Plus, you have to revise as you write. If you can write one short story that can be published in a month, you're considered a qualified author."

Chen Fan counted the word count and realized it really was true.

Traditional literature is different from online literature, where anything under 100 million words is considered a short story. These days, short stories range from a few hundred to 3 words.

A novella is defined as having 3 words. A novella is defined as having 10 words.

In an era when others needed 3 to 5 years to finish a novel, Chen Fan was writing at an average rate of one novel per month. He Qingsheng couldn't help but be amazed!
The most outrageous thing is that Chen Fan was writing several different long novels at the same time. Didn't he need to think about the plot?
Thinking of this, He Qingsheng had an idea and looked up at Chen Fan, saying, "Comrade Chen Fan, that's not fair. You're from Jiangnan, after all. Our magazine doesn't refuse your manuscripts, so how can you submit them to other magazines?"

Chen Fan was completely innocent. He spread his hands and said, "I write 30 words a month. Your requirement for manuscripts is no more than 2 words. In order to speed up the progress of 'On the Fields of Hope,' we have already made an exception and published 3 words. How can we accommodate another 27 words?"

He Qingsheng was speechless. For the first time, he felt that his magazine didn't have enough space.

Who gave you the right to be such a beast, writing so many words in a month?

Back when the team had just started, he had to beg and plead with everyone to invite articles in order to get more submissions. If Chen Fan had been there back then... it seems that wouldn't have worked either.

Besides being a publishing institution, one of the most important functions of Jiangnan Literature and Art Magazine is to cultivate literary talents in the province.

Compared to filling the entire magazine page, this is the most, most, most important core element!
However… He Qingsheng glanced at the self-righteous Chen Fan, still feeling somewhat resentful. He hesitated for two seconds and said, “Although, you really didn’t handle this matter properly. You can’t just say that Jiangnan Literature and Art couldn’t accommodate your work and then send it to a sister organization without even a word, right? You should at least have given us some advance notice so we could all be more understanding, right?”

Chen Fan blinked, deciding not to argue with him, "Yes, yes, yes."

He Qingsheng nodded in satisfaction. "In that case, besides 'On the Fields of Hope,' submit 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. He could even set a topic?
He immediately coughed and said while thinking, "Well, let me think about this requirement. Hmm, first of all, the subject matter must be new. This is already a new era, we can't cling to the old ways. It would be best to write something new."

Secondly, your values ​​must be positive, and your articles must have educational value. You can't just write whatever you want. Readers will definitely be influenced by your thoughts after reading your articles, so you must pay attention to this aspect.

Of course, I trust you completely. I've read all your articles, including those written under the pen names Tomato Potato Crow Squid. Overall, your core values ​​are very positive, and your outlook on life is also very optimistic. You should continue to maintain this.

And another one,..."

He thought it over and over and felt that these two were enough. Too many restrictions would hinder Chen Fan's performance, so he waved his hand and said, "That's fine. Anyway, that's roughly the idea."

Chen Fan frowned slightly. "It's original, but it has to be positive?"

He hesitated for two seconds, then turned to look at He Qingsheng and whispered, "Could you write a love story?"

"A love story?"

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

How many years has it been since the literary world produced an article depicting a love story?!

Even though the situation has been turned around, many people are still hesitant and dare not cross the line, continuing to act and write according to the old rules.

If Jiangnan Literature and Art Magazine were to publish an article depicting a love story, it would first and foremost convey the determination and strength to break free from constraints, which would have extraordinary significance from both the perspective of the literary world and the prevailing trends.

As for what consequences it might cause, He Qingsheng was not afraid at all.

He survived the days when he was herding three cows all by himself, so how could things get any worse?

If all else fails, the editor-in-chief can quit and go back to herding cattle!
Chen Fan was somewhat surprised to see that he did not refuse.

These days, describing love is still a taboo subject. People do all sorts of dirty things in private, but on the surface, everyone is ashamed to mention the word "love." Unexpectedly, the editor-in-chief of this provincial newspaper doesn't shy away from it at all.

However, he didn't think too much about it, and after organizing his thoughts, he said, "That was the autumn of '77."

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

Seeing Chen Fan staring at him expressionlessly, he couldn't help but smile awkwardly, "You continue, I promise I won't interrupt."

Chen Fan's lips twitched slightly as he continued, "That autumn, Zhou Yun, the daughter of Zhou Zhenwu, the Blue Army general who was living overseas, revisited the place and came to Lushan."

He Qingsheng frowned slightly. "Mount Lu is in Jiangxi, so why can't it be in Jiangnan?"

Chen Fan sighed slightly, "Then let's go with Yunhu. I know Yunhu in the Yunhu area well."

He Qingsheng smiled awkwardly, "Yunhu is good, Yunhu is good, you can continue, I promise I won't interrupt."

Chen Fan ignored him and recounted the story of "Romance on Lushan Mountain," which had been completely altered.

The reason why it is said to have been completely changed is that, just like "The Herdsman," he had never even seen the original series!

In short, it's just that the conflicts of the first generation are resolved by the second generation, turning enemies into in-laws and achieving a reunion.

The so-called love story is just a selling point; the most crucial element is the social background of the story and the message it conveys: "Things are different now than before."

At this point in time, such information is something that almost everyone, from top to bottom, would welcome.

It could even be described as earth-shattering.

After hearing Chen Fan's story, He Qingsheng was overjoyed. "Great, this is a great story!"

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

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

A meeting? What kind of meeting?
He Qingsheng was stunned for several seconds before finally remembering the important matter, "Oh, oh, oh, the meeting? Let me think."

After another two or three seconds, he clapped his hands and exclaimed, "Drive it for two days! Yes, drive it for two days!"

Chen Fan stared at him expressionlessly, suddenly feeling uneasy. What was going on?

He Qingsheng chuckled dryly twice. "How about I give you a brief overview of this meeting?"

Chen Fan sat up straight, "I'm all ears."

After chatting for almost an hour, we finally got to the point.

He Qingsheng said seriously, "I came to see you because I wanted to tell you about this meeting. This meeting was jointly organized by the cultural, publicity and our magazine, and was the most important meeting in the Jiangnan cultural system in more than ten years, with the province paying close attention and providing guidance throughout."

Upon hearing this, Chen Fan's expression turned serious.

The cultural system has a much longer history, and by more than half a year.

He Qingsheng leaned back in his chair, his eyes somewhat unfocused. "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 Literature and Art 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 10, the higher authorities established a preparatory leading group to restore the Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Writers Association.

One of the tasks of the leading group was to urge the reconstruction of the provincial branches.

It was against this backdrop that the provincial cultural and publicity departments actively cooperated, and our magazine responded immediately, convening all veteran writers' association members in the province to re-establish 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 organizations, the Writers Association is both a member unit of the Federation of Literary and Art Circles and is at the same level. In many cases, the work of the Writers Association and the Federation of Literary and Art Circles is carried out in conjunction. Therefore, in many places, the Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Writers Association are not separated and are managed by both."

The situation in our Jiangnan Province is similar. The Writers Association is being rebuilt, as is the Federation of Literary and Art Circles. After the Writers Association, other organizations such as the Dance Association, Music Association, and Drama Association will gradually be restored.

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

Returning to the meetings of the past two days, the main agenda was the reconstruction of the Writers' Association. You don't need to worry about the administrative aspects; there are only two matters directly related to you.

Chen Fan's eyes darted around, a hint of confusion in his voice. "Two?"

Shouldn't it be one?

He Qingsheng seemed not to have heard him and continued, "One is to admit 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 now."

Where did the others go? They're gone, of course.

After a long while, He Qingsheng continued, "This time, in rebuilding the Jiangnan Writers Association, we need to bring back all the original members, and on the other hand, we need to recruit a group of new members."

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

(End of this chapter)