Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 476 All members passed
A love story as its theme?

Everyone present looked at Chen Fan, but their expressions varied.

Some had complicated expressions, some were very curious, some remained calm, and some frowned slightly, seemingly indifferent.

Chen Fan put down the sunflower seeds he hadn't finished eating, clapped his hands, picked up his teacup, took a sip, coughed lightly, and then calmly said, "The inspiration for writing this story came from the speech of the leaders at the CPPCC meeting last month."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression changed.

Even those who hadn't paid attention earlier, or who had already voiced their opposition before Chen Fan even spoke, were now watching him intently.

He Qingsheng also looked surprised. We didn't talk about this last night.
Just recently, in November and December of 1977, two meetings were held in the capital. This is a major event that has just occurred in society.

The discussions in those newspapers are still going strong.

What is the inspiration you get from a leader's speech, given the context of a meeting?
They have impeccable political backgrounds!
Next, they wanted to hear how this love story could be connected to the leader's speech.
Chen Fan continued, "In Hua Shuai's speech, he expressed the policy tone of re-emphasizing the united front and uniting overseas Chinese. It was against this backdrop that I thought about whether I could write a story about the relationship between two families, one on the mainland and the other overseas, to express the idea of ​​mending the rift and reconciling."

After establishing the main storyline, I began to conceive the backgrounds of the main characters and the two families. At that point, I thought, one family is based in China, the other overseas, separated by more than a decade, and now they are about to reunite. What kind of background could be more conflicting and dramatic than those of the families of the opposing forces?

Upon hearing this, most people began to nod slightly.

Setting the tone first, then determining the main plot—it all seems fine now. Even the choice of the protagonist's family background is quite normal.

Any writer present would have made the same choice!
Chen Fan continued to speak eloquently, giving a brief overview of the novel's plot. He concluded by saying, "This is my creative idea and background for this novel. Whether it's feasible or whether it will be published smoothly after it's written is still uncertain."

He Qingsheng looked at him and said, "Admittedly, this subject matter is very risky, so I will carefully review your manuscript after you finish writing it."

He paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "In the past, I would usually publish your manuscripts without making any changes, but for this article, I hope you are prepared to revise it repeatedly. However, once it is revised and published, I believe it will definitely cause a sensation in the national literary world."

Chen Fan smiled and said, "I understand. I'll change it exactly as you say."

At this moment, Lao Guo said from the side, "Xiao Chen, even if this article is published smoothly, you should be prepared that there will likely be a lot of people writing articles to criticize you."

Old Xu nodded in deep agreement across from Chen Fan and smiled, "Your idea could actually completely avoid romance and focus on the family feuds and grudges as the main storyline."

He looked at the others and said, “Of course, choosing the topic of love isn’t entirely wrong, but just like Lao Guo said, you have to be prepared to be scolded.”

Another female representative nodded and said softly, "That's earth-shattering!"

They started it, and others began to join the discussion.

Some people agree, saying that the old era has passed and a new era has arrived, and we can no longer impose restrictions as we did in the past.

Of course, some people also expressed their opposition, but since they were all close friends and family, they weren't as outspoken; they simply expressed concern about the subject matter.

Others offered earnest advice, saying, "Even if you're going to write about it, you should focus on the greater love for the Party and the country, and try to write less about personal feelings and love, or better yet, not at all."

After they had all given their opinions, He Qingsheng turned to Chen Fan and asked with a smile, "Little Chen, what do you think?"

Chen Fan smiled and said, "I still want to write according to my own ideas."

He glanced at the others and smiled, "I will keep the opinions and suggestions of all the seniors in mind and try my best to pay attention to them when writing."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Of course, I was prepared to be scolded. However..."

At this point, he turned to look at He Qingsheng, "Although I have published a few articles and gained some fame, I am still just a green newcomer in front of many senior figures."

As soon as these words were spoken, a burst of laughter erupted in the previously tense meeting room.

Even those who disagree with his creative approach are at least not averse to him at this point. This young man has a pretty good character; he shows almost no arrogance or impetuosity that comes with early fame, and he's someone you can get along with.

Chen Fan chuckled and continued, "I've heard that in the past, when newcomers wanted to become famous, they either wrote unconventional articles or criticized a celebrity. I wouldn't dare criticize a famous senior, so I'll just write something unconventional. Who knows, I might just become famous!"

He Qingsheng chuckled, "If you really want to be famous, then..."

Halfway through his sentence, seeing Chen Fan's wry smile, he chuckled and, ignoring the curious looks from the others, continued, "Alright, that's a good attitude. Keep it up. That's how we writers should be. As long as it's good and positive, we should firmly express our thoughts and not be afraid of gossip..."

……

The next morning at 9 a.m., in the same large conference room, the conference table was changed from a rectangle to a school desk style.

The leaders were in the front row, and the others sat below, including the leaders and staff of various organizations of the soon-to-be-established Jiangnan Provincial Branch of the Writers Association. However, most of these people sat in the back row.

Seated in the front row were the other junior leaders from the Writers Association, the Publicity Department, and the Culture Department, excluding those on the dais, as well as representatives of writers from various regions of Yunhu.

Chen Fan sat in the middle row, near the side, listening to one speaker after another.

When the conversation turned to the emotional parts, many people were moved, and some even took out handkerchiefs to wipe their eyes.

However, since Comrade Xiao Chen did not have that experience, he could not empathize with it and could only try to appear solemn and immerse himself in the situation.

When He Qingsheng, in his capacity as the newly appointed chairman of the Jiangnan Provincial Branch of the Chinese Writers Association, announced the official re-establishment of the Jiangnan Provincial Branch of the Chinese Writers Association, the entire audience burst into enthusiastic applause.

After the applause subsided, He Qingsheng sat on the stage and said solemnly, "The old era has passed and the new era has arrived. On this day of bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new, we must not only find our old members again, but also open our doors wide to welcome new members."

He paused for a moment, then said softly, "However, due to the urgency of the situation, coupled with the fact that literary creation has encountered great obstacles for a long time, which has also had a significant negative impact on the emergence of new literary talents, it is difficult to find qualified new members."

He looked at Chen Fan and smiled, "Fortunately, just 77 years ago, a young talent emerged in our Jiangnan literary scene. He is Comrade Chen Fan, who became a columnist for our 'Jiangnan Literature and Art' magazine with just one article." As soon as he finished speaking, everyone from the leaders to the ordinary staff of the Writers' Association in the last row raised their hands and applauded.

Chen Fan truly brought immense prestige to the literary world of Jiangnan.

Although the situation was rectified at the end of the year before last, literature is not so easy to recover.

Some veteran comrades who have returned to their posts have to rebuild their units amidst a myriad of tasks and work tirelessly to help old friends out of trouble, so they naturally don't have much time for creative writing. Meanwhile, the new generation of young writers have significant limitations in terms of life experience, writing skills, and creative thinking.

In this way, every "immature" article will receive special attention from various magazines.

Unfortunately, even such immature articles are very rare; more often than not, they are supported by the older generation of authors with limited writing skills.

Therefore, literary magazines are now "eager for talent," hoping to discover some outstanding talents among newcomers.

Jiangnan Literature was lucky; before it even officially resumed publication, it received a submission from Chen Fan. He Qingsheng strongly recommended it, and after the magazine was published, it became an instant hit.

Originally, Jiangnan Literature and Art Magazine was only distributed in a few surrounding provinces, but now it is gradually opening up the national market. Many Xinhua bookstores in other provinces have taken the initiative to place orders, and countless readers have subscribed to the magazine through their local post offices.

What's even more remarkable is that, in addition to his novel "On the Fields of Hope," Chen Fan has also published several short stories, all of which are very popular with readers, proving that he is not just a "Cheng Yaojin" who relies on one book for a living and only has three tricks up his sleeve.

Chen Fan's presence proves that the literary scene in Jiangnan has a worthy successor. This is the fundamental reason why writers from various regions expressed their goodwill towards him.

Otherwise, given the age-old saying "scholars look down on each other," and the fact that many of them like to rely on their seniority, it's not so easy for them to accept a newcomer.

Unless he can bring honor to the group!
It is for this reason that the writers' representatives were so worried about Chen Fan's choice of a new subject matter.

Even the representatives who opposed his writing at yesterday's discussion are already prepared for a war of words with their counterparts from other provinces. As the saying goes, "Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated." They plan to return from this meeting and begin a thorough study, first compiling all their objections, then refuting them point by point, confident they can utterly crush those outsiders!
In contrast, later literary magazines in other provinces and cities published high-quality articles, but all of them were published under pseudonyms.

The literary circles in Jiangnan say: If you're so capable, try using your real name instead of a pen name!

Other magazines: Those are all pen names of Chen Fan. Only an idiot would reveal his real name!

In light of this, many literature enthusiasts across the country believe that those excellent articles written under pseudonyms must have been written by a veteran writer from their own province, and were promoted to compete with Chen Fan. Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence that more than a dozen new writers with excellent writing skills suddenly appeared?

It's clearly a case of "the big bullying the small."

Therefore, many people like articles published under pseudonyms, but only for the articles themselves; as for the authors, it's best not to mention them!
Bah! You shameless old scoundrel!

Only Chen Fan uses his real name and even publishes his address; he is a true young writer!

It was under these circumstances that almost everyone was applauding and cheering for Chen Fan.

After the applause subsided, He Qingsheng looked around at the leaders and saw that they were all nodding in agreement with smiles on their faces. He smiled as well and continued, "Therefore, taking this opportunity, I suggest that we hold the first new member review meeting since the Writers' Association was re-established, and I will serve as Chen Fan's recommender for membership."

He took a piece of paper out of his briefcase. "This is Chen Fan's membership application. Uh, let me read Chen Fan's basic information: Name: Chen Fan, pen name..., major published works: novel 'On the Field of Hope,' short stories..."

Everyone else listened intently, surprised by Chen Fan's age and profession. It turned out that Chen Fan was a doctor, and that he was the one who invented the first aid method? Under such circumstances, how could he create such an excellent work?
Etc., etc.

Chen Fan himself was also bewildered. Who wrote this membership application? How come I don't know anything about it?
After He Qingsheng finished reading, he put the application aside, coughed twice, looked around, and asked, "What do you two leaders think?"

They agreed, of course, since we had discussed it several days ago.

He Qingsheng then proceeded with the formalities, "Now we will proceed with the vote. The members of this judging panel are..."

After going through the process, Chen Fan was successfully accepted as a member of the Jiangnan Provincial Branch of the China Writers Association with a unanimous vote.

After the enthusiastic applause and congratulations, He Qingsheng glanced at Lao Guo.

Upon receiving the signal, Lao Guo immediately coughed, drawing everyone's attention. He then straightened his back and said seriously, "Is that so? Chairman He just mentioned that the biggest problem in the literary world across the country is the lack of young talent. Fortunately, our Jiangnan Province has the rise of young writers represented by Comrade Chen Fan, which is very rare."

Just in time for the National Writers Association's reconstruction conference to be held in the capital in March, I personally feel that this is the best stage to showcase our Jiangnan literary scene and the new generation of writers from Jiangnan.

My personal suggestion is to recommend Comrade Chen Fan to attend the conference in the capital as a young writer. Furthermore, I am personally willing to recommend him for membership in the China Writers Association.

He Qingsheng nodded with a serious expression, "Vice Chairman Guo's suggestion is excellent, blah blah blah..."

All members of the Writers' Association and leaders of relevant units expressed their approval, applauding repeatedly to show their support for Chairman He and their care for Comrade Chen Fan.

A senior reporter from Jiangnan Daily, who had been taking notes in the corner, quickly reminded his colleague, "Quickly, use the camera to film."

The photographer was displeased and said in a low voice, "We've already shot one tape."

The reporter exclaimed, "I was careless just now. I thought it was just a routine procedure. I didn't expect there to be so many twists and turns. This was the climax! It would be such a shame to miss it! If this scene were broadcast on TV, it would definitely be a hit!"

Although the cameraman was helpless, he still had the important task of collecting footage for Jiangnan TV, and he knew that this segment was indeed more outstanding than the footage he had shot before, so he turned the camera back on and started shooting.

At the same time, he didn't forget to raise the camera hanging around his neck and keep snapping photos.

Especially that young man at the center of the conversation... tui, everyone has two shoulders and one head, so why are you so handsome and smart?

what?
He's the author of "On the Fields of Hope"? That's alright then.

My idol! I have to take more pictures of him!
(End of this chapter)