1979: My fiancée is a goddess

June 21st, 8:00 AM.

The Ministry of Culture building in Beijing.

Late June marks the beginning of summer, and the sun at nine in the morning already possesses some of the scorching heat of midsummer.

Even through the thin curtains, the light still managed to emanate a faint, almost imperceptible, yet pungent, smell of decaying wood from the old, peeling wooden floor.

Inside the office.

"In the past five years, the Foreign Languages ​​Press and its five subordinate units, including the Foreign Languages ​​Press and the Chinese Literature magazine, have a total of 101 staff members. Their average annual expenditure is over 200,000 yuan, while their profit is just over 50,000 yuan, showing a huge gap between expenditure and income..."

After arriving at work in the morning, Tang Minghua sat upright on the wooden sofa in the deputy minister's office to report on her work. She held the organized documents and files in her hands and gave a clear and fluent report.

Opposite Tang Minghua sat a middle-aged man in his fifties with a square face, short hair, and a white shirt with a Chairman Mao badge, making him look clean and neat.

"Expenditure and revenue are indeed a problem, but the Foreign Languages ​​Press shoulders important tasks such as cultural outreach and translating foreign literary works. When the Foreign Languages ​​Press is transferred to the Ministry of Culture next year, its expenditure will be adjusted accordingly, so you don't need to worry about that."

"Your most important task now is to understand the situation clearly and then come up with a practical development plan. This way, you won't run into problems when you take over as manager next year. Then let's talk about the translation and distribution of domestic and foreign literature."

Minister Lin picked up a cup of tea, took a sip, and patiently offered his advice.

"Last year, the Foreign Languages ​​Press published more than ten categories of books on foreign cultural topics, with annual circulation more than double that of the previous year, reaching over 200,000 copies. The translation of Chinese and foreign literary works also reached a record high of over fifty books..."

Tang Minghua smiled and nodded, indicating that she understood, and then reported to her supervisor.

Because of her outstanding work performance throughout last year, the ministry has decided to appoint her as the head of the Bureau of International Cultural Relations at the end of this year.

Moreover, in recent years, during the restructuring, the higher authorities have intended to transfer the Foreign Languages ​​Bureau, which was originally under the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and its five subordinate publishing units to the Ministry of Culture for management.

The department within the Ministry of Culture that best fits this role is naturally the Bureau of International Cultural Relations.

The Bureau for External Cultural Relations also has another name: the Office for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs.

It's clearly a department with little power and a complicated, troublesome nature; achieving political success there is no easy task.

However, Tang Minghua achieved remarkable results in leading and presiding over last year's Sino-US academic exchange conference, which earned her outstanding political achievements.

In retrospect, we really owe a lot to Cheng Kaiyan and Professor Ansel from the University of Pennsylvania.

At the conference at the beginning of this year, it was clarified that after the Foreign Languages ​​Press was transferred to the Ministry of Culture, its administrative status would be on par with other major departments, but it would be under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of International Cultural Relations.

Tang Minghua, the head of the department, was thus promoted from the second-in-command of a peripheral and leisurely department to the head of a core department, which can definitely be considered a promotion.

Moreover, book publishing is a lucrative business.

If it were to be published internationally, it would involve foreign exchange, which is even more valuable than gold.

These days, foreign exchange is extremely tight. The development of the country's heavy industry cannot do without this stuff, and every company is working desperately to export and earn foreign exchange.

Being able to export and generate foreign exchange is a tremendous honor, and its status is the same as that of leading the economy in later generations; it is the most rewarding political achievement.

Many people in the department were green with envy and jealousy, and there were many gossips and some even wanted to take the position.

However, Tang Minghua has a powerful background and is supported by Minister Lin, a family friend, so she is barely able to keep the situation under control.

But she also needs to demonstrate the corresponding abilities and achieve results, otherwise she won't be able to hold onto this position.

Why were the results so good last year?

Upon hearing the data from the past few years, Minister Lin raised his eyebrows and said in surprise.

Promoting Chinese literature abroad is no easy task; Chinese literary works often fail to resonate with overseas audiences and receive very little circulation.

"Well... According to the Chinese literature department, it's because they translated and published two of Comrade Cheng Kaiyan's works, 'The Submarine at Night' and 'The Alchemist,' last year. As a result, the 30,000 copies sold out in that issue, and they later added another 20,000 copies."

Tang Minghua glanced down at the documents, her face calm as she answered in a deep voice, though a complex emotion flashed in her eyes when she mentioned that name.

"Is that the young man who won five major literary awards this year and appeared on the evening news? Heh, Minghua, you've got a real talent!"

Upon hearing this, Minister Lin immediately laughed. With this young and great writer at the Foreign Languages ​​Bureau, Minghua's achievements in the next few years are promising.

He suddenly remembered something his wife had mentioned and joked, "I heard from your Aunt Rong that Jiajia went on a blind date with him? Such an excellent son-in-law, why didn't you settle down with him?"

"Hehe... What kind of blind date was that? We just met once, and nothing came of it."

Tang Minghua gave a wry smile. Was she supposed to say that her own daughter was useless, insisting on going to meet her and putting on airs, only to have Cheng Kaiyan snatched away by a girl who had broken off her engagement with Cheng Kaiyan?
If she had met her third aunt and Cheng Kaiyan formally back then, had a meal together, learned about the situation, and settled things directly, would things be like this now?

"That's a real pity. I guess Jiajia is too arrogant. I've also heard Bing Xin talk about Comrade Cheng Kaiyan. She has a very gentle and easy-going personality and is very filial."

Minister Lin shook his head, muttered a few words under his breath, and then said nothing more. "Alright, I know the general situation of the Foreign Languages ​​Bureau. Go back and write a development plan and bring it up. I have a meeting in a bit, so I won't talk to you any longer. Bring Jiajia to my house for dinner later."

"Okay, Minister."

Tang Minghua's eyes calmed down again. She stood up neatly and took a few steps, then suddenly turned around and said, "By the way, Minister, I heard that Comrade Cheng Kaiyan seems to have recently joined the Children's Literature Research Association under our department."

"Really? There's such a thing? It seems they do know how to get things done after they've learned something. This young man is a talent; he'll be a great help to you when you take charge of the Foreign Languages ​​Bureau at the end of the year. Keep in touch with him."

Minister Lin patiently reminded her, expressing his concern that Tang Minghua might develop a grudge against Cheng Kaiyan over certain matters, which would be a major taboo for any official.

"Do not worry."

Seeing that Minister Lin had taken her words to heart, Tang Minghua said goodbye and turned to leave.

Standing in the corridor, this bright and dignified woman looked down at the bright yellow light shining on her sandals through the corridor railing, and slowly let go of a worry.

"I guess I've accomplished my mission, considering Jiajia's sake and your help..."

Although she couldn't help Cheng Kaiyan with the vice president position, she was willing to say a few words to the leader, intentionally or unintentionally.

Who knows, maybe one day the leaders will find out the truth?

Tang Minghua turned around and went back to her office, then came out to get a cup of hot water before going back to write her plans.

...On the other side, Minister Lin, accompanied by his secretary, went to the People's Hall for a meeting.

The meeting was about the China Children and Teenagers' Foundation.

On the stage were Professor Kang and Professor Bing Xin, who explained and reported on the foundation's development and, most importantly, its funding, hoping to get the various departments to work together to come up with a reasonable solution.

"Heh, the first batch of funds raised is only one million. Which department would be willing to squeeze out such a large sum?"

Minister Lin sat in the audience, looking at the documents in his hands, and smiled wryly.

One million is no small sum; it would take an ordinary person working in a company a thousand years to save it.

However, considering the funds needed for the purpose of establishing the institution to serve the education and welfare of children and teenagers and to expand its work in the fields of learning, physical and mental health across the country, one million yuan is not even enough to cover a small hole.

"We won't let everyone contribute much. We estimate that we will publicly announce the establishment of the company by the end of this month or in July, and at that time we will call on the whole society to raise funds."

If everyone donates one cent, a billion people nationwide would amount to one hundred million! A mere one million can definitely be raised.

Sitting next to Minister Lin was Hu Ji, the president of People's Daily. The promotion of public welfare for children and teenagers cannot do without the help of news media resources, so he was also invited to attend the meeting.

His remarks were quite optimistic.

"Hehe, that makes sense, but Comrade Lao Hu, you're too optimistic."

Minister Lin didn't know whether he was genuinely optimistic or just pretending.

The majority of the population in the country is poor and impoverished rural areas, accounting for 79% of the total population, while the urban population is extremely small.

The development of heavy industry has already depleted rural resources, and now they're asking for charitable donations...

The future urbanization policy is truly aimed at squeezing every last penny out of farmers' pockets.

However, it's all worth it; even if farmers suffer a little more, it's all for the sake of national development.

They will definitely become rich in the future.

The noisy meeting ended, and it was already one o'clock in the afternoon.

Minister Lin and his entourage went to a restaurant for a meal.

"Any big news we don't know about lately? Tell me a few things while we're eating, Comrade Hu."

Minister Lin asked with a smile while eating.

Although those in high positions have access to a lot of information that ordinary people don't know, the most well-informed people, apart from those who work in intelligence, are probably the president of the People's Daily.

"Hehe, let me tell you a few stories."

Hu Ji chuckled lightly; these people were practically treating him like a radio: "Not long ago, Israel bombed Iraq's nuclear facilities; I guess another war has broken out..."

"Israel's wicked intentions haven't given up; it's the Americans pulling the strings behind the scenes again..."

"In the end, it all comes down to oil. These Middle Eastern countries control the energy lifeline and can raise prices whenever they want, and the US still suffers losses..."

"They'll get angry sooner or later!"

The group started chatting casually. "Speaking of which, there's been a strange thing happening in our country lately. Everyone knows about the great talent in our capital, right?"

"People's Daily President Hu Ji said mysteriously."

"Cheng Kaiyan, right? Our Elder Ye's prized student. He mentions her every now and then, and we old subordinates are sick of hearing it."

A leader from the Ministry of Education joked that Ye Lao was a former minister, and that he was promoted by Ye Lao himself.

"This young man is indeed outstanding; he will likely lead the literary world in the future."

Minister Lin of the Ministry of Culture remarked with emotion, "But considering that this young man has joined an academic society under our Ministry of Culture, he can be considered one of our people."

"Stop keeping me in suspense, Lao Hu, tell me quickly! Has this young man done something big again?"

Someone asked immediately.

"Of course! I bet none of you read yesterday's new edition of the New York Daily News, did you?"

President Hu explained with a smile: "This young man's research paper on children's literature theory was published in a top American journal, which caused a stir in the American academic and literary circles."

Countless scholars and writers are discussing this matter, and some even have engaged in heated debates in the newspapers, creating quite a stir!

"Such a thing exists?!"

Minister Lin exclaimed in surprise upon hearing this.

He raised an eyebrow, quickly regaining his composure, but a surge of surprise and pride welled up within him.

Whether now or in the future, Chinese people are still quite enthusiastic and eager to see their compatriots gain fame abroad.

"What kind of paper could excite the Americans so much?"

The leaders of the Ministry of Education asked out of curiosity.

"I don't know, but the children's literature theory has generated a huge response."

Besides, this kid's works published abroad have sold 150,000 copies in just one week. It seems our country will soon have another internationally renowned writer.

President Hu shook his head and continued.

"An internationally renowned writer, that's incredible!"

"150,000 units sold in a week, and that's in the US! Wow, no wonder Old Master Ye keeps talking about him!"

Upon hearing this title, the expressions on everyone's faces quickly changed; they had been surprised and curious just moments before.

Now we must take this seriously; theoretical research is just a niche area.

But the prestige of internationally renowned writers is different; they will be respected in any country they go to.

"Our newspaper has decided to publish this story in the People's Daily as a model of our country's reform and opening up and cultural openness. The impact it will have domestically will probably be no less than that abroad!"

President Hu smiled.

"Ha ha!"

Minister Lin laughed heartily. In addition to being the vice minister, he also served as the director of the secretariat of the Children's Arts Committee.

Having such an outstanding young person under my command is not only a source of pride, but also a great help in carrying out my work!
"Why is Lin Bu smiling so happily?"

Someone asked with great interest.

"Haha, our Ministry of Culture has a Children's Literature Research Association, and Comrade Cheng Kaiyan just recently joined the association!"

This question was exactly what Minister Lin wanted to hear, and he explained with a smile.

"No wonder Lin Bu is smiling so happily; he has a talent at his disposal!"

Everyone joked around.

After lunch.

Minister Lin and his secretary drove back to the Ministry of Culture for their work shifts, and he kept thinking about Cheng Kaiyan's matter the whole way.

3pm.

The weather is getting hotter and hotter, and the ceiling fan in the office is already spinning loudly.

Tang Minghua sat on the director's seat, her eyebrows furrowed, staring at the draft plan in her hand, checking it over and over again. Only when she knew there were no major problems did she put down her pen.

He picked up the draft plan, got up, and went out to the deputy minister's office.

"Minister Lin, I have a plan in mind. Please take a look."

Tang Minghua knocked on the door, entered the room, and handed over the plan.

"Hmm... well done, especially in cultivating high-quality translation talent. Take it back and refine it further."

Lin Bu took it and looked at it for a while, then nodded in satisfaction.

"Yes!"

Tang Minghua smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Did nothing happen at the department this morning?"

Minister Lin asked casually.

"No, everyone is getting along very well."

"That's good."

"By the way, I heard some news at the meeting this morning. Would you like to hear it? It's about Cheng Kaiyan."

Minister Lin suddenly looked up and joked.

"Him? What news?"

Tang Minghua carefully observed the minister's expression and asked curiously.

"This young man made quite a name for himself abroad recently. One of his papers caused a stir in the American academic community, was featured in the New York Times, and his literary works sold 150,000 copies in the United States in just one week. That's really something!"

Minister Lin laughed heartily and sighed.

"What?! He..."

Upon hearing this news, Tang Minghua exclaimed in surprise.

Her bright, large eyes widened in disbelief, her elegant and dignified face filled with astonishment, her heart churning with a raging storm that she could not calm down for a long time.

It's only been a little over ten days, and that kid has already grown so much!
It really is……

"what happened?"

Minister Lin gave her a strange look, assuming she was still regretting that the young man hadn't become her son-in-law, and continued to give instructions:
"Didn't he join the association? I plan to meet this young man in person in a couple of days and give him some guidance on his work!"

"what?!"

Tang Minghua was startled and immediately snapped out of her thoughts of the news she had just received.

Cheng Kaiyan originally wanted to join the association, but someone took her position as vice president and refused to serve as deputy secretary-general.

They have absolutely no connection with the Ministry of Culture now!
Tang Minghua looked at the smiling minister in front of her, feeling both surprised and delighted.

The minister, upon learning the truth, is likely to be furious.

The good news is that Cheng Kaiyan's name has been cleared.

Good fortune will always protect the virtuous; it seems that Hu Fanzhou and his nephew are in for trouble now.

"Uncle Lin, actually, I heard that Comrade Cheng Kaiyan doesn't seem to have joined our association..."

Tang Minghua's shrewd and capable eyes darted around as she tentatively asked in a low voice.

"What?! Didn't you say he joined?"

Minister Lin was taken aback for a moment, then immediately realized the problem.

"He did participate in the election, and he came in first place, but it seems he didn't win. I don't know the specifics..."

Tang Minghua explained in a low voice.

"Go and call Hu Fanzhou and Chen Zijun over right now! I have some questions for you!"

Minister Lin, being a man of great stature, quickly realized the problem, suppressed his anger, and said coldly with a stern face.

"Yes, Minister!" (End of Chapter)